Samajwadi Party’s (SP) MLA, Abu Azmi Mr Azmi must be congratulated for maintaining the honour of the national language by taking oath in Hindi. As Azmi has respected the national language entire nation will and must honour him for taking oath in Hindi. Unfortunately this is an attack on the national language and it is high time for the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) to realize that they were squarely responsible for giving birth to trouble maker elements like MNS, and now the time has come to act tough. In times of appalling terrorism, the political violence for vote-bank politics, is extremely despicable that we have to deal with insane anti-social elements like the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and its founder chief Raj Thackeray. The ‘new’ Sena is an indisputable threat to the integrity of the Union of India with its unconstitutional, undemocratic approach to the promotion of its ideology, which for all intents and purposes, is absolute rubbish. The inaction of the Congress-NCP government has already helped the MNS gain decent political mileage and the cause of the Marathi manoos will only pick up pace unless more rigorous steps are taken – the first being, a complete Centre-enforced ban on the MNS and its activists. The issuance of a gag order on Thackeray was also needed, as is some stringent regulation of the media reporting on him and his malevolent politics. With his devilish charm and wicked intent, such a man can only cause more havoc with his baseless speeches and grandiose misdirection of the Marathi youth. It’s best if he is isolated in terms of his reach within the mainstream media. The MNS are a bunch of hoodlums, whatever you say. They have little concern or respect for the concept of a sovereign India and would be willing to go to any extent to do what they intend to do. With their commitment to such ridiculous acts of violence in the past as the beating up of Railway Recruitment Board exam applicants in Mumbai and Thackeray’s daring rhetoric against the state government and the police, one can only wonder why the rule of law had become a mute spectator in the face of such parochially divisive politics in a state that has produced the likes of B.R Ambedkar, Lata Mangeshkar and Sachin Tendulkar. What should make us more apprehensive is that such anti-India forces have a tremendous impact on the minds of the people, especially the locals. Raj is hated throughout the outline of India, but he has his own support and the concept could produce future leaders who see some logic that the majority of us don’t, in the cause. The coverage offered by the media can also be criticized, to a certain extent. Raj has been portrayed as the moral guardian of the Marathi cause, but what we as Indians should realize is that a regional cause does not exist and our democracy is THE only honorable cause. The impact of Thackeray’s politics will bear heavy on the liberal locals. Marathi intellectuals should come out and shun his words if they have any modern sense of opinion. The loss of face that Marathis will have to face everywhere around the country and the world will be colossal, if the MNS continues to reign supreme. The rule of law should have been implemented in a time-bound frame and not as a show of secession to political pressure from the Centre. Ideally, action should have been taken a long time ago. It’s time Thackeray learnt a thing or two from his fellow ‘local’. When Tendulkar was asked by a TV journalist about how proud he was to be a Marathi in the wake of him becoming the highest run-getter in Test cricket, he fittingly replied: I am an Indian first. Yes, it’s true that I am proud of my state and my roots. But more than anything, I’m proud to have played for India. Thackeray, on the other hand, seems to be telling us only one thing - Me Marathi, You Indian. What is Centre waiting for? To make the worse to happen why not to confine them in starting? Today they opposed Hindi, the language of the nation tomorrow they can stop from flouring the national flag and so on and if not check one day they may ask for creation of a country with the country. This is nothing but Gundagiri. MNS should be banned with immediate effect and all the losses incurred to the public property should be recovered from Raj Thackre. The hooliganism will never and should not be tolerated, what the MNS leaders have done is not at all justified, rather it is condemnable and such political outfits should be banned at once without giving a second thought to it.
Seeking intervention of Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh over the issue of extending “Forest Rights Act 2006” to Jammu and Kashmir, the Gujjars of the State today demanded the identical and similar rights on Forests, constitutionally been made available to other scheduled tribe communities in Indian states. In a detailed ten pages letter addressed to PM, the Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation-a premier organization of Gujjars has stated that in J&K more than 95% of “nomadic Gujjars” are landless, shelter less and deserves dwelling rights on forest lands which they are using as traditional inhabitants since centuries together.Giving details, Dr. Javaid Rahi, national secretary of Tribal Foundation said “we wrote to PM that the equitable growth of country and state can not be achieved without guaranteeing the legitimate rights to hitherto marginalized and isolated sections of our society mainly the Gujjars of the state which constitute more than 85% of the total tribal population J&K”.“Its urgently needed to empower the nomadic community with the means to determine their own destiny, their livelihood, their own security and above all their dignity and self respect and all these can be achieved only by way of giving them the forest rights in J&K, Dr. Javaid Rahi added." To give benefits to Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, the Forest legislationwas passed by Indian Parliament on December 18, 2006 and was subsequently implemented in all the major States of India except Jammu and Kashmir.Due to the presence article 370 this Act can not be extend directly to J&K without a legislation, the letter reads. The letter further urged the Prime Minister to intervene and direct J&K to issue a SRO immediately in this regard so as to provide rights on forests to dwelling communities over the land and other resources, denied to them over decades.The letter further reads that with the extension of Forest Rights Act to Jammu and Kashmir state it will have a multiple , forereaching and positive impact on states economy and will defiantly redress the "historical injustice" committed against Gujjars- the major dwellers and conservators of forests.The letter further said we the Gujjars have been protecting forests against mafias, land grabbers but as per laws available, till date protection of forests by any community is illegal here in Jammu and Kashmir which is unjust ,bizarre and against tribal rights.The letter further reads that “systematic exploitation and social and economic abuse” of the tribal Gujjars must be end and mobilize their energy towards controlling and protecting natural resources of State including forests.The letter reads forests are the home of lakhs of nomadic Gujjars in J&K and they are to be declared as a forest protector by settling them properly and lawfully. The letter further said that Dogra rulers of the State had granted the Gujjars Forest Rights but later with the establishment of Forest department after 50s the same was snatched by the successive governments and we are just demanding the restoration only our rights on Forests.
Tears trickle down from the eyes of Dr. Farooq and emotionally surcharged audience
‘Kashmir Civilization’ written by Kh Farooq Ahmad Renzu, depicting the treasure of human love and concept of brotherhood concealed in the hearts of each Kashmiri released.
CulturalAcademy, Information, DDK Sgr, Toursim Deptt and other important Deptts participated actively
Imams, Mufti Azam distinguished personalities of shrines appreciated spiritual Manqabats and Sufi Natia Kalam
People from 162 countries witnessed the programme live
By Ajmer Alam Wani
JAMMU/SRINAGAR, NOV 7: The paradisaical land of Kashmir has witnessed the rise of many famous saints, sufis, Munis and Sadhus. The rich religious heritage of the region is prominent in its ancient shrines. The Shrines in Kashmir are not only religiously significant but have immense archaeological and historical importance attached to them.
“Kashmir is the name of civilization which has since time immemorial been centre of knowledge,” said Director Information, Khawaja Farooq Ahmad Renzu and added that due to blessing of these Aulia Kirams and one thousands one hundred eleven shrine present in every nook and corner of the valley, the heads of Kashmiris are high.
He added that the history is witness to the fact that when China was being considered as source of knowledge, Kashmir was supreme at that time also from knowledge point of view. Khawaja Farooq Ahmad Renzu was speaking at the inaugural programme of 3-days Sufi Festival at SKICC Srinagar on Saturday. The festival was formally inaugurated by the Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Dr. Farooq Abdullah.
He expressed thanks to Director Doordarshan for ensuring live coverage of the festival in 162 countries of the world and complimented the distinguished audience and people of Kashmir for their full support in organizing such a great event.
Khawaja Farooq Ahmad Renzu also thanked SecretaryCulturalAcademy and Director Tourism for their extra-ordinary support to make this every successful.
Dr. Farooq Abdullah in his inaugural address while lauding the efforts of Director of Information, Khawaja Farooq Ahmad Renzu for organizing such a great event said that the contribution of Doordarshan, Radio and Academy in promoting art and culture is worth mentioning. He said today he feels very happy that Sufi Festival has been exclusively dedicated for Aulia Kirams and Sufi Saints of Kashmir as existence in all Kashmiris are because of blessings of great Sufi Saints. He added that we as Muslims believe that whole universe was created only for our great Prophet (SAW) and any function where respect and tributes are paid in honour of great Prophet (SAW) and Aulia Kirams is really worth appreciation and applause. He was happy to see Mufti Azam and Imams of various Khankhas and Shrines besides a large number of people in this spiritual function. Dr. Farooq Abdullah while comparing recently held Amir Khusroo function and the present festival said that with an active involvement of heads of department of Jammu and Kashmir he found the current 3 days Sufi Festival very impressive which received attention of large public.
On this occasion, Dr. Farooq Abdullah also awarded the little son of Mr. Qaiser Nizami for his performance in such an event.
In a spiritual atmosphere where besides Imams and Mujavirs of important Shrines of Kashmir and a large gathering of people were present, at the inaugural and impressive function. Tears trickled down from the eyes of Union Minister, Dr. Farooq Abdullah and emotionally surcharged audience on the occasion.
At the beginning of the festival, the video cassette entitled “Kashmir Civilization” written by Khawaja Farooq Ahmad Renzu, Director Information and PR was released depicting the treasure of human love and concept of brotherhood concealed in the hearts of each Kashmiri.
The function was organized by the Academy of Art, Culture and Languages in collaboration with Kashmir Sufi Society, Tourism and Information departments and Doordarshan, Srinagar. While welcoming the distinguished personalities who attended the festival Secretary, CulturalAcademy, Mr. Zaffar Iqbal Manhas said keeping in view the facts that majority of the people in Kashmir believe in Sufi saints and Aulia-e-Kiram, this initiative was taken with active support of Departments of Information, Tourism and Doordarshan. On this occasion, Mufti Azam, Mufti Mohammad Bashir-ud-Din, Vice Chairman Wakaf Board, Prof. M.Y Qadiri, former Chairman of Public Service Commission, Mr. Mohammad Shafi Pandit, Educationist Aga Ashraf Ali, Imam of Bulbul Shah mosque, Imam and Mujavir of Khrew Shrine, besides Mujavirs of Dastgeer Sahib, Mukhdoom Sahib, Khanqai Mo-alla, Naqashband Sahib, Syed Sahib Sonwar and others were present in large number.
Mr. Qaiser Nazimi and Mir Muneer enthralled the audience through Manqabats and Sufi Kalam of Amir Khusroo. The Shahi Qawals of Khawaja Gareeb Nawaz Dargah Amjeer Sharief headed by Amjad Hussain Asrar and Aslam Hussain Asrar created emotional atmosphere when they recited Sufi Qawali praising Prophet (SAW), Sufi Saints and Aulia Kirams of Ajmeer and Kashmir.
Reports also came that Kashmiris presently living in USA, London, Middle East etc were watching this Sufi Festival through live telecast and lauded through e-mails, the efforts of projecting real sufi culture globally which has received all round applause.
