Fwd: [bangla-vision] Kashmir: Ashura Procession stopped by Indian Government - Support Women's Project

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From: Labbayk YaMahdi <labbayk_yamahdi@yahoo.ca>
Date: Fri, Dec 17, 2010 at 10:08 PM
Subject: [bangla-vision] Kashmir: Ashura Procession stopped by Indian Government - Support Women's Project
To: Al Mahdi Unite Muslims <mahdiunite@yahoogroups.com>

 

17 December 2010 Last updated at 10:43 ET Govt Clamps Curfew To Stop Main Ashura Procession Srinagar, Dec 16, IRNA- Authorities in Kashmir have announced imposition of curfew in the capital city on the day of Ashura, Friday to scuttle attempts by Muslims to take out a traditional procession to commemorate the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussain and his followers in the battlefield of Karbala. The decision to impose curfew in the areas falling under seven out of ten police stations of the city was taken by the district administration, officials said. The curfew will be strictly enforced on Friday in the areas falling under the jurisdiction of Police stations Kothi Bagh, Maisuma, Kralkhud,  Khanyar, Maharaj Gunj, Nowhatta and Safa Kadal covering major parts of the city, a police officer said. He said authorities will deal strictly with any one trying to violate the ban on mourning procession. Earlier on Wednesday police used force to disperse mourners who had taken out processions in defiance of restrictions in several areas. Major mourning processions are banned in Kashmir since 1990 as authorities fear these may turn into pro-freedom demonstrations. Officials do not admit it publicly but say they fear militant attacks on the processions. However Shia leaders, like Maulana Abbas Ansari and Agha Syed Hassan Al Mosavi have been accusing successive governments of curbing the freedom of religion of the Shia minority on flimsy pretexts. They even charge government of discrimination. "All these turbulent years both government of India and the state government  ensured smooth conduct of the annual Hindu pilgrimage in Kashmir but at the same time has been crushing the peaceful mourners who come out to mourn their beloved Imam, said Maulana Masroor Ansari, moments before he was arrested for leading a procession in defiance of curbs on Wednesday.   Authorities allow small Muharram processions only in select Shia pockets of the city. Meanwhile Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) Chairman, Muhammad Yasin Malik has urged all pro-freedom parties to overlook the curbs imposed by the authorities and ensure the participation in the historic Ashura procession on Friday.  "Ban on Ashura procession since past 20- years is unacceptable to all of us. We need to come forward and ensure that Ashura procession is taken out this year," Malik said while addressing a gathering of mourners here.     This year since Ashura falls on Friday, Kashmiris chief priest Mirwaiz Umer Farooq has decided to defy the restrictions if he was not allowed to join Friday prayers at Srinagar's Grand Mosque. Mirwaiz, who heads the moderate Hurriyat Conference, has been barred from giving Friday sermon at the historic mosque for over one month. Wikileaks: India 'tortured' Kashmir prisoners The Wikileaks revelations come at a time of heightened tension in Kashmir Continue reading the main story The International Committee of the Red Cross sent evidence to US diplomats about widespread torture by Indian security forces in Kashmir, according to cables obtained by Wikileaks. Visits to detention centres in the region in 2002-04 revealed cases of beatings, electric shocks, sexual abuse and other types of ill-treatment. The organisation concluded that India condoned torture in the region. There has been no comment from the US. The ICRC said it was investigating. The chief minister of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, told India's NDTV channel that the allegations related to a period before his government took power and that he did not condone torture. SM Sohai, inspector general of police in Indian-administered Kashmir, said the reports were baseless "propaganda". "I do not how the Red Cross could have accessed that information because, normally they would not have access to these kind of locations, so it's completely unfounded," he told the BBC. The torture allegations come at a time of heightened tensions in Kashmir, with massive public protests and numerous curfews in recent months. The ICRC told diplomats they had made 177 visits to detention centres and met 1,491 detainees, a cable published in the UK Guardian newspaper said. Ill-treatment was reported in 852 cases, the ICRC said. A total of 171 said they were beaten and 681 subjected to one or more of six forms of torture: Hashim Okera's Second Visit of Jammu and Kashmir October 20th Nov 13th 2010 Hashim Okera's Second Successful Visit at Jammu & Kashmir, (INDIA) 20th October - 13th November 2010 (My first and second visit of Jammu and Kashmir was family visit at the same time I take social work at my free time. All travel cost has been beard by my self and my family and not from Kashmir fund or any project money) Hashim Okera + 1 647 349 4673 email: hh.okera@yahoo.com On 22nd October 2010 I and  my daughter arrived at Srinagar Airport. My son in law Imtiyaz came to receive us. While traveling to home all roads were empty only filled with India Army. Imtiyaz has taken inside road from the residential area to avoid blockade. The busiest main road was only empty with India Army and dogs looking for food to eat from waste.   Darul Quran al Zahra, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, (INDIA) As we arrived, I visited Dar ul Qur'an al Zahra, Kashmir that is fully organized by my self and supported by Generous Mo'menin through all over the world. First I had impression that in this such situation of Kashmir these women might be the victim of depression. And the center would be empty. But I was really amazed to see the enthusiast of Women who have been attending Dar ul Quran al Zahra everyday regardless of curfew or protest. Through residential area. All intereted women both teachers and students rented a minibus by their own expenses that take them to the Dar ul Quran al Zahra everyday. I was very much encouraged by the active involvement of these dedicated women. I assured them that we will continue to support you as far as your spirit of teaching and learning is alive. Thanks to the Generous donors who continuously help us financially. During my visit Maulana Syed Abid Rizvi and the dedicated social worker of Kashmir Shabbir Ali known as Shabbir Qaidi the father of my son in law Imtiyaz Ali were with me. We witnessed all financial contribution that we are making has been utilized accordingly. Instead more effort has been put by the women of the communities to run Dar ul Quran al Zahra. Brother Shabbir Qaidi explained them in Kashmiri language the value of education. He encouraged them to take part in this cause to gain knowledge to fight illitracy. Tailoring Class is been participated with interest. Illitrate Girls are taking full advantage of studying Urdu, English and part time Persian. High Students who dropped out from the school because of financial problem. They are home but now they got good opportunity to study at Dar ul Quran al Zahra. Many girl come with full interest and study Computer with language and Islamic Studies. Namaze Jamat held every Zohar and Asar time. It is really interesting to see also the ladies from the neighbourhood join Namaz. After every Namaz 5 minutes Masaaeil is held by Principle Sayyeda Sameena Rizvi. Book Stall was also introduced to sell at reasonable price to the ladies of Neighbourhood. Thanks to Sayyid Mousavi Lari of Qom who send books on time. Women Economic Upliftment Scheme Every body is aware that because of long protest, curfew and band in Kashmir the economic situation of labour and middle class people dropped to below poverty. People who mostly effected are always women who are victim of victims. We decided to establish a Women Economic Upliftment Scheme under Darul Quran al Zahra to support with a Sewing Machine to poor family who have tailoring knowledge and cannot afford to buy a Sewing Machine. During my visit we distributed 10 Sewing Machine to the needy Women. Thanks to the Generous donors who kindheartedly contributed money for the above cause. This is what we do with the support of $80 that you contributed we provide one sewing machine for the needy.           Our first project in Kashmir has shown success with the help of enthusiastic Kashmiri women who are putting their all effort to make this first project successful. Such project is first in its kind in the whole Jammu and Kashmir in the Shia Community. Thanks to Generous donors who support for this cause through Hashim Okera the coordinator of Jammu and Kashmir projects. We are now looking for Generous donors who can contribute monthly $50 to let this project sustain. Our future plan is to start similar project in Shalina, Kargil Ladhak and Jammu. Women Economic Development Scheme Your contribution of $80 will give daily bread to the needy family for months. Send your donation directly to the following address. State Bank of India (CANADA) Scarborough Branch Name: Hashim H. Ali Transit # 07192 - Institution # 294     SWIFT: SBINCATX-A/c # 517 46110500 You can now Donate by PayPal Muslims "must" unite all over the World and pray for the appearance of al Mahdi (r.a.) the Savior of mankind the descendant of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.

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