And three of us were murdered!

Monisa Qadri narrates the story of an unspeakable agony.

“They were not two, I too was with them.” This is a painful story of a child, murdered inside the womb of his mom. An unborn child, yet to know what it meant to be ‘being alive’, was killed. This part of life-the pre-natal phase, normally when unborn babies, in other parts of the world, experience simply physical growth, he had to bear a trauma. It was a dreadful night, when he along with his mother, his teenage aunt, was to meet their end. His sobs don’t let me sleep and he keeps asking me, “why did it happen to me? Why?” I have no answers. Honestly, I don’t!

He was yet to be born, but he heard his mother’s heartbeats and felt her pain. He knew that his mother had been thinking about her coming life and waiting for the day when he would be born to call her ‘moujee’. Her day started praying for his health and she went into the lands of slumber, thanking Allah for him.

He tells me, how his aunt would be scared at night even inside her house and how horrendous would that ugly night have been to her. She was a child, he mocks at her killers. A child! This baby, who is dead now, narrates their story of misery, which sends shivers down my soul. I am told of a death, which came so slow that its pain was so extreme, even the dying, wanted a mercy from lord that it came sooner. Now his smiles reflect in his tears as this angel went back from where he had come-heaven.

He keeps on coming back to me, to us seeking answers for questions, which our brothers and sisters living there with him, want to have. Their sighs patiently wait till their tears ask, “Till when do we die with the sword of cruelty and poison of disgrace? We want it no more.” He keeps on coming back.

He sings his own lullabies and sang one to me:

My angel, my mom, with her ‘wings’, I travelled

Far to the blissful lands of sunshine unraveled 

I saw with her eyes and together we smiled

Now her dreams are frozen and all her hopes shattered 

My aunt was so young, she played with me

She loved to call herself ‘a birdie so free’

And one day the monsters wiped all off,

My mouj and aunt Asiya and with them ‘me’

They ran for their lives, she (mouj) did more for me

The monsters so cruel; little knew we

They took them to thorns in the black of night

Screeching, the moon hid in pain and in fret

I heard their cries. I heard their woes

Vampires kept drinking blood and roaring like foes

For they knew not the lingo of my homeland!

That of honour and that of pride

Though they stole all the fragrance my angels had,

Their wings they burnt. But to paradise we led.

Now my angels sing to me, the hymns of my land

Those of sufferings and sorrow; but all of pride

I ask my aunt the meaning of life.

Surprised, she replies, “I was too young to know

My age too tender, my heart yet to glow.”

This girl, I asked, “Do word my tale of cries”,

Visiting her dreams in her haunted eyes.

She smiles to me in the sleepless nights,

“You were too blessed to fly to paradise.”

Promises me revenge for our hapless story

Ah! She cries, praying for our glory

Only thing that hurts in her elegy 

That my mom dreamt of days with dad and me

Of dawn and the moon forever to be

But the cruel hands of my killers snatched life from ‘we’,

We were going home, which ceased so to be

We are going home. We are coming back to thee,

We are coming back to thee!!

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(Published in GK in 2009 http://www.greaterkashmir.com/news/2009/Jun/11/-and-three-of-us-were-murdered-40.asp

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My beloved Aasiya is still having those tears in her stony eyes... By Koshur Mazloom

Just three years have passed by. It was 29 of May 2009. My body has not yet turned into the dust in the grave. My bones are still aching. Blood on my face has not yet dried up. My beloved Aasiya is still having those tears in her stony eyes. I still remember how beasts tore apart our chaste bodies. I still remember how those savages pounced upon our modesty and trampled upon our honour. They were filled with lust and hate. I still remember how they were enjoying and were deriving sadistic pleasure out of our helplessness. Our weakness was our Womanhood. We struggled till our last bit of energy. Our fatigue from the vainful struggle became their strength. I still remember how frightening it was. I could hear angels screaming in agony, with us. I could hear my voice had gone hoarse and I was only waiting for my end. No one came to our rescue. Aasiya was calling me for help but I myself was helpless. I was crying, “Ha Myanii Khodayoo” (O! My beloved God) and she was screaming, “Katuoo Chukhh Myanii Babboo” (Where are you? my father). But savages were relentlessly obliterating our chaste bodies with their savage lust. I was already pregnant by two months and was so happy for becoming a second time mother. My toddler son Suzanne was waiting for me at home. My husband Shakeel had called me up just few minutes back and was worried for us. I had told him, not to worry as we had already walked halfway towards our home from our orchard where we had gone for the work. I did not know the cruel fate is awaiting us in the shape of some beasts wearing Indian uniform. As we passed by their camp, they stopped us and took us forcibly inside the vehicle which was parked in front of their camp. They pounced upon us like hyenas, tearing apart our flesh. Our helplessness was our only companion. Our faith was our crime and our womanhood was our punishment. Even Satan would have wept at our plight but those beasts did not show any mercy. They were establishing their superemacy over our possessed bodies. They were plundering us like barbarians used to plunder the conquered lands. After they satisfied their wild lust, they delivered some humanity on us. They just killed us and set our souls free. They saved us from living the lives of humiliation and burden. 

Had they left us alive, we would have cursed them for letting us to live.Then they threw our mauled bodies into the pristine waters of a nearby stream only to get rid of their own crime. Waters in that stream were not enough to touch our molested flesh. Stream was too shallow to drown our bodies. We were left there in the stream in dead of the night. That night was too long and too dark. And when the chirping of birds started and skies above us started to become blue for those looking for us, Shakeel along with my brother found us lying dead on those lifeless boulders. Aasiya was lying some distance away from me and she was left there with an uncovered body. Shakeel, covered her body with his shirt and we were lifted from there. That day sky did not look like the way it used to look to me. It had turned red and every human face around looked black. We were placed on a stretcher and taken to a nearby hospital for conducting what they say an 'autopsy'. They wanted to determine whether we were raped or not? How pathetic. We were again subjected to shame. They dissected the un- dissected parts of our bodies, took out samples of our molested flesh and confirmed our rape. But then the henchmen of molesters in the uniform came with an order for those who were doing the autopsy. They told them to change their verdict and call our death, a case of simple drowning in shallow knee deep waters. How shameful. Doctors complied with orders from the above and declared, whatever was dictated to them. This exasperated our shame. Our blood drenched faces were not enough for them, so they stabbed us again in the heart. How can power and lust be so cruel? How can those who have come into the existence from the wombs of women like me, be so unremorseful. And some of them even worship women in temples and consider them goddesses. I wonder after tormenting our souls with misery and dread, those beasts must have visited the temples of Durga or Vaishno Devi with donations and thankfulness for saving them from getting exposed. Some of them even might have taken a holy dip in the waters of river Ganga to purify their sinful souls from the burden of crime. Crime which they had left to drown in another stream which also eventually culminates into the same sea which the waters of Ganges also end up into. I wonder how our blood shall forgive their crime. No wonder why rivers of Kashmir do not pass through their lands.After wrapping the outrage of our chastity in the package of lies, a hell broke loose all around. People were agitated in flash anger and chanted high pitched false slogans of revenge. One shame was that our honour was trampled on with Jackboots of suppression and the other one was that we were raped again after our death. If only dead could speak, I would have yelled at their faces," how dare you molest us again and again". That day they did not molest me only, they also molested my unborn child living in my womb. We were taken in a procession towards our graves after someone from the puppet administration pacified the restive public with a promise of usual 'impartial' probe. We were buried in the soil which gave our bodies a soothing relief. But that was not enough; they exhumed us from our graves after few days again to conduct another 'autopsy' under the supervision of some doctors from Delhi which they claimed were ‘impartial’. They raped us again that day. Result was a usual pack of lies only to shield those vultures who represent the Indian state in our gloomy nation. Our death was again confirmed as a natural case of drowning. Not so strange anymore.This is not a shame for only those who shredded our modesty to smithereens to satisfy their lunatic lust, but this is even a bigger shame for those who shielded the criminals in uniform. This is a shame for those who claim to be the vanguards of Indian democracy and justice. Omar Abdullah, the Indian ruler of this land tried his best to convert our rape and murder into an ordinary case of death. He manipulated with medical findings, bullied those who were speaking the truth, fudged the autopsy reports, and arrested those who were protesting against this rape of justice. These thugs left no stone unturned to shield their henchmen. Indian democracy again raised its ugly head in Kashmir and the person heading that farce in Kashmir revealed his real dreadful identity. He showed his scornful indifference and reminded us that, Slaves should not yearn for justice. He became a compatriot of molesters all willfully only to satiate and safeguard his lust for power.Since this case has been closed down now by those who themselves committed the crime of compliance with the crime, I do not want you to agitate and beg before them to open it again. I know justice cannot be delivered as long as you are dead in the slumber of life. I just want you not to spectate anymore again, when some other Neelofar and Aasiya would become objects of vengeful assertiveness of hegemonic brutality. Oppressors always would want you to be remindful of your inferiority of being possessed by a frenzied army of brutal occupation. Do not become collaborators of their crime by behaving like a herd of sheep in the slaughterhouse of a butcher. Today it was us; tomorrow your turn will also come to experience the sharpness of the butcher’s knife on your throats. If you want to live a life of dignity, then do not forget our pain. I know, you all are too much preoccupied with your lives. You are in slumber of your meaningless lives. You cannot change anything. I wish if dead could come out of their graves to fight for the freedom of their living companions. But dead cannot come alive. But I still wish to see a change as I have left my innocent lad Suzanne there to suffer with you. I hope he will not live a meaningless life of shame.

May 29 the Martyrdom Aniversary of Shaheed Aasiya & Neelofar..

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ARE WE PREPARED?

You, me and everybody is much known to the established fact that the Day of Judgement is not a long period from now. Every passing day takes us closer to the Day Of Judgement- the Hereafter which happens to be our Final destination. But somewhere at the backdrop of some minds may surely be the question of being prepared or Not? Known to the fate of wrongdoers, we still are tracing the track which is ephemeral though sweet and tempting. We carry on with our activities but does a regular PRAYER figure in you daily activities. Allah Subhana Wa Ta'ala says in the Quran:

" Verily Prayer restrains oneself from shameful and unjust deeds" (29:45)

Ask yourself ! DO U PRAY? How much punctual you are towards our Salah? Honestly , we have no time for Namaz. We offer prayers when we are in trouble but we are having a lineant approach towards our Religion. Our negligence makes us to resort to immoral deeds. We are blind to what we are doing and get deeply engrossed in the fantasies of this world and invite our own destruction to destroy us. Our preparation for Doom's Day is not acceptable. We have to repent and seek forgiveness for this negligence towards Salah! ALLAH Subhana Wa Ta'ala mentions in the Holy Quran:

" As to those who have Faith and do good deeds surely theirs shall be a never ending reward" (41:8)

We know we recited the Shahadah but could not control ourselves. We are weak in Faith. Satan is holding our reins and much easily is making us to dance to the Satanic Tunes . Again our destination seems to be the Hell. We are letting ourselves free to embrace a never ending Punishment! Alas! Again we feel much ignorant towards the Doom's Day ! We Are Not Prepared. 

Again in Surah Al-Imran, verse 156, ALLAH Subhana Wa Ta'ala says:

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Understanding Change in Education System

By: Mudasir Tantry

Those who are not educators think that they understand education because they themselves and perhaps their children’s have been students, when they become directly involved through parent-teacher organizations, they quickly gain an appreciation of the nature of education. True holds for the educational reform, the problems of education and the appropriate solutions appear to be easy to identify. The more one knows about the problems and the proposed solutions, the more actually one knows how the complex educational reform is. Information complicates understanding, but at the same time it makes possible the discovery of hidden patterns that can lead to making sense of the complexity that is inherent in all human systems. Educational reforms have a greater potential to gain wide-spread support. Most aspects of educational system remain the same. Educational changes on the other hand have a many fold problem; transformative change is very complex and requires reeducation of the public. Changes require public understanding of something that is new and outside of their personal experience with education. Any discussion of educational change needs an understanding, for a change to succeed, so public support particularly of teacher community is an essential requirement. Educational changes are more clinical and less political in process, in the sense that those who propose change are not concerned about political action for successful implementation. Politics should not be put to challenge the educational, social and cultural practices that are in place and targeted for change. 

The integrated research base implies that professionalism in the field have a common language, an understanding of all of research methodologies employed in their field, and ability to see how the various kinds of research in their field connect with each other. Even though each discipline within the field has its own protocols, a reasoned course of action can be planned and implemented. Any educational graduate student quickly learns that quantitative and qualitative researchers see knowledge in different ways. Some scholars have identified this distinction in research methodology as the key factor that problematizes how and what we know about all aspects of education. It also contributes significantly to the problems associated with educations professional change. The dilemma that is created by this divide is not merely about how to do research but also involves the purpose of research, the origin of knowledge and the subsequent basis for education making. To fully understand this requires a keen look at the current condition of our curriculum. 

My Take 

When we talk of education system in India and that too in our state of J&K, it needs a concrete reform, I might not go into the details here but one may get senseless smell from this aroma, following things need to be done starting from elementary education: 

• Our school exams, (I am referring o 5th, 8th and 10th standards) should not be BOSE prioritized as this provides some sort of hiccups to provide basic education to all. Instead an evaluative unitizations which will take the results score of each unit countable in the final marks sheet should be there. Reason behind that is that this may provide a candidate opportunity to show his talent. 

• At intermediate level English which is compulsory subject, need to be Communicative English only, there is no need to put details of English scholars, dramas etc, these application will provide opportunities students to target on other subjects whom they make a goal, particularly science borrowed students. Communicative English will generate English communication, which seems to be compulsory. 

• Scientific temperament is very important, it should be made compulsory to have science subjects upto 12th standard, as science washes the idle brain. 
• The 12th standard should me more standardized, should be made little bit more comprehensive as this transits school education from the higher one. Evaluation system for this exam should be thorough for this exam. 

• In colleges English as one of the subject should be removed, provide three subject theory to college undergraduates so that the time which they spent on it, will get commutative on other subjects. 

• Masters should made more optional, as the subject becomes optional, your understanding of the subject becomes proliferative and that too helps in research perspectives. 

• Our M.Phil program seems to be devil mans idle time, instead that much time should be put in PhD programme. 

• Our Doctorate (PhD) programme needs a major change, we in our system get little practical training and that is not enough to go into market after PhD. 

• PhD programme be based on American System. PhD programme should of eight semesters, with some comprehensive theory papers and student should have to submit ORP (Original Research Proposal). ORP is an innovative idea (not merely synopsis) where student can think of any research problem and document it, so that it will become idea to get a project, worth to work on. It helps the students about research ideas and how to go after PhD (even after becoming Academician or Researcher). It helps them how to document research done by them through practical’s as manuscripts. Most of manuscripts of our PhD graduates are being written their supervisors, this is not supervisors are reluctant towards their students, this is because, students have not confidence in them how to review and document it properly. So ORP should be mandatory for a PhD graduate, this will cope them how to adjust with USA or European research standards where most the funding comes from ORPs. We have in India funding agencies such as DST, DBT etc, but we lack understanding how to generate innovate ideas, this will be only when we incalculate some sort of ORP at PhD level. Comprehensiveness should too be in teach. 

Suggestions should not be generalized, these are authors personal opinions. Mudasir Tantry is a Research Scientist at University of Mississippi, USA 

Feedback: mudaek@gmail.com

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Feel Our Pain! We Are The Future Of Kashmir.

By: Sajad Mir
I have been a student of prestigious institution of Kashmir. Like thousands of fortunate parents, my parents also felt joyous and proud of my selection in post graduation in prestigious university of Kashmir which  on sequent landed me among the company of "Educated Unemployed Youth" After 2 and a half years of unimagined hard work i earned a degree in science with 70 percent marks but alas! I committed a blunder. I went to every nook and corner of the Kashmir in search of a contractual job but i could not mould the mindset and opinion of people that i am a pass out of Kashmir university although with a less percentage.. They demanded merit and i was rejected. Reason being that my manufacturing factory (Kashmir university) had bidden me farewell with low percentage citing the reasons of dignity and line of control of its Evaluation pattern. 

It hardly cares for the future of its pass outs. It just knows the job of manufacturing Educated, Unemployed, handicapped youth who later on roll down like stones from merit lists. Attaining a degree of post graduation was a dream unseen and goal uncherished few years back, as it meant to get birth in the scholar class people. But now my next door "Moong Fali" vendor is post graduate from some "Baba" or "Maharajah" university. He has finished his M.Ed from Almond university whose offline shop is run by a "Safai Karmachari" in Srinagar. In just 2 years he has finished 3 degrees and myself just 1, although he is yet to see the glimpse of famous Jawahar Tunnel as he has never been to outside Kashmir. His belief is rock solid of his selection being in teacher list.

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Smoking is Dangerous?

Life is a precious gift from Almighty Allah. It is not just like other gifts because you get it only once unlike other gifts. It depends only upon us how we take it? Some people know its value while others throw it away in many ways not knowing their importance in their families and societies. 

One of the deadly forms of throwing this precious gift of almighty God is SMOKING. Smoking may give pleasure for sometime but in real; it is not pleasure it is seizure of life. When a smoker is asked, “Why do you smoke?” The Smoker replies, “It releases me from tension and depression”. I must tell them that there are much better ways of releasing tension and depression without spending a single penny, best among which is worshiping your creator with your full zeal and zest. I assure you it will lead you to a happier smoke free life. 

Coming to the effect of smoking…. 

Tobacco is the single greatest cause of preventable death globally. Tobacco use leads most commonly to diseases affecting the heart and lungs, with smoking being a major risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (including emphysema and chronic bronchitis), and cancer (particularly lung cancer, cancers of the larynx and mouth, and pancreatic cancer). It also causes peripheral vascular disease and hypertension. The effects depend on the number of years that a person smokes and on how much the person smokes. Starting smoking earlier in life and smoking cigarettes higher in tar increases the risk of these diseases. Also, environmental tobacco smoke, or secondhand smoke, has been shown to cause adverse health effects in people of all ages. Cigarettes sold in underdeveloped countries tend to have higher tar content, and are less likely to be filtered, potentially increasing vulnerability to tobacco-related disease in these regions. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that tobacco caused 5.4 million deaths in 2004 and 100 million deaths over the course of the 20th century. Similarly, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes tobacco use as "the single most important preventable risk to human health in developed countries and an important cause of premature death worldwide.” 

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YOUR EXPLOITATION WONT STOP!!!

Its women's day. Seminars and debates are arranged. My rights are talked of. I am discussed. Time runs away and seminars and debates are winded off. A creation 4 a day and a discussion of hrz does no gud to me. My exploitation, oppression, degradation, humiliation and discrimination chuckles sarcastically at me. I am offended. History tells me your exploitation is a trend since ages. It will not stop. It vl progress on and on. Historical references say Cleopatra (69 - 30B.C. ), the Queen of Egypt was exploited by Caesar. Helen was abducted by Trojan Prince. And now, ua exploitatn vl b a hstry in near future but it vl not STOP! Time is helplessly watching atrocities done on me. I sometymz become the victim of Dowry Death. Was i born 4 all this? PEOPLE feel humiliated vn i am born. Ultrasonographic technology is illegaly aborting female foetuses. A murder is carried out ! ! And a girl is crashd and shattrd.

! ! And exploitation, humiliatn, oppression is not STOPPED! ITZ 8th MARCH , I DNT CELEBRATE , I DON'T REJOICE. MY MIND AND MY SOUL Z RESTLESS BY THE VERY UNHEARD CRIES OF THOSE BABY GALZ WHO R YET TO B BORN BUT ALAS THEY DIE BEFORE BIRTH . . . . . . 

A poet Bashir Bas writes : 

"Baeti houn ismai bhala maera kya qasoor hai , maeri wajah sy dahar ko ha'asil suroor hai. Maera bura na soach zamanay k na khuda, jo houroun ko mitata, mitta wh zaroor hai."

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Eve-teasing!

By: Muzaffar Mir

EVE-TEASING is a rampant social evil. It is all pervasive — beaches, roads, cinema halls, buses and sadly even in educational institutions. When eve-teasing persists even inside educational institutions, one can obviously infer that even the educated youth don't necessarily desist from indulging in this uncouth behaviour.time. Public memory happens to be short and soon things return to the usual anarchy and we accept the fact that `nothing much can be done'.

Eve-teasing is not a victim less crime as it appears on paper. It has resulted in deaths, and when it goes unchecked could lead to public humiliation of women even in broad daylight. The rape of a medical student in Delhi in the recent past shocked the whole nation. Eve-teasing also portrays a bad image of the country among tourists.The immeasurable damage to a woman's self-esteem and the subsequent avoidance of public places by single women could hardly take us on the way to achieving gender equality.

Eve-teasing is a typical social crime, where the perpetrators and victims are ordinary people. There is no easy way of rounding up everyone concerned and settling the issue. Schools and colleges could easily discipline students for such activities on campus, but this only induces them to indulge in such acts outside campus. Police prosecution can also never be severe because of the reluctance of victims to depose in court. A behavioral change is the only lasting solution to this problem. This requires an extensive public education

aimed at every section of society at large.

Every action is performed with an intention. The intention behind eve-teasing is: to catch a girl's eye and to arouse attention in some way;and more importantly this harassment is an early manifestation of patriarchal masculinity. Gender segregation and a `boys will be boys' attitude furthers this behavior. Innumerable movies show that eve-teasing eventually `wins' a girl's attention. Changing this behavior is easier said than done. However, if things are left alone, they could hardly get better. Active solutions should be sought. For starters, a massive sustained campaign by women's organisations highlighting this evil must be initiated. Students in colleges must specifically be counselled. Debates on this issue must be organised in colleges, TV shows, etc., with responsible moderators — who would listen and reason an argument instead of sounding outright biased.

Every parent should talk to his son about this. Cinema is a powerful medium to showcase this issue. The majority of the eve-teasing crowds are undoubtedly movie junkies. Maybe when a movie addresses the fear,

hurt and humiliation a girl experiences will people think about this `other side' of eve-teasing. 

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WELL DONE KASHMIR HEADLINES (KH)!

By : Shah Nadiya.

    Every good work done needs to b lauded and appreciated. But criticism has to go side by side because only appreciations cant do wonders. And same appreciations and criticisms are being showered on Kashmir Headlines by its Fans. I (though not known to it for a long time) have experienced a classless and an appreciable job being done by Kashmir Headlines. It is NOT confined to the NEWS HEADLINES only but its Religious posts are equally worth praising. KH has been instrumental in focusing on the issues dat need our prime concern.

     Working amid the showers of praises and at the same time some criticism, KH is passing through that stage where (i feel ) it will surely pave its way towards a destination of everlasting fame ang prosperity. Every time trying to give its best o the members, KH has never let its fans to feel it vile and worthless. Trying to change the mental set up of society towards various evils that are being carried out with out any hesitation it tries to wake up the youth from the deep slumber v are in.

"Galat uthay na Qadam is Jahan Faani mai ,

Buray khayal say har waqt tujhko darna hai .

Tou naaz na kar hayat i duniya par

ki eik din tujhay is dahar say guzarna hai"

     These lines as if are conveyed by KH in its Islamic Posts which at times prove to be thought provoking. These posts tend to calm our passions which at tymz leave us in the trap of a much horrible Phantasma. For the understanding ones , the Islamic posts are very beneficial for making our SELF PREPARED rules and laws to fade away and get replaced by what actually the rule of life according to Islam is!

     The newly introduced KH editorial is a step that ought to be lauded. It is a nice platform for the writers who want to share their ideas and thoughts without any restrictions and which ultimately leads to a better understanding of the issues and their better solutions. 

Everything it is doing is commendable but it would b more better if the menace of social evils be highlighted to a larger extent . It can be even done by having an open discussion on any topic which can lead to a better understanding of the repercussions of these evils. A simple suggestion !!!!!!!

WELL DONE Kashmir Headlines . KEEP ON GOING.......

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Scientific benefits for having a Beard!

Let us look at the benefits of males wearing a beard. Doctor Daniel G. Freeman, of University of Chicago, did research on the reproductive value of male beardedness. To test his theory Doctor Freedman and his graduate students asked a group of undergraduates about their feelings about beardedness by giving them questionnaires and interviewing them. Furthermore, on e of the graduate students interviewed seven women about their feelings towards men with beards. The female students rated a bearded male face as more masculine, independent, sophisticated and mature compared to a clean-shaven male face. They concluded from their studies that beard increases "sexual magnetism" and attractiveness and makes men more appealing to women. The presence of a beard makes a man appear more masculine to women, and she feels more feminine towards him.

This research carried out by Doctor Freedman in the field of social psychology shows that the presence of a beard on man's face makes him more sexually attractive to women.

MAN'S PERSONALITY

In a 1973 issue of psychology , Robert J. Pelligrini, a psychologist from California State University published the results of an experiment on the perception as a function of different state of beardedness or beardlessness. To carry out the experiment, Pelligrini hired eight full-bearded young men from the ages of 22-25 years, who were willing to have their beards completely shaved off. All men were professionally photographed in each of the following states:

Full beard 

Goateed 

Mustached 

Clean shaven 

Upon completion of the photographic sessions, there were a total of thirty two photographs i.e. four photos of each of the eight men. In the experiment, those photos were randomly distributed to subjects who were asked to rate their first impression based on a number of personality traits. The subjects who evaluated the photos compromised 64 male and 64 female psychology students. Hence, each photo was judged by two males and two females.

The result of this study by Pelligrini indicated a generally positive correlation between the amount of hair on the person's face and his being perceived as masculine, good looking, dominant, mature, courageous, liberal, non-confirming, older healthy and attractive.

MEDICAL BENEFITS

According tot he researches of herbalists, allowing the beard to grow prevents a person from contracting diseases of the throat and of the gums.

AN AMERICAN DOCTOR CHARLES HOLMES...

States, "I don't understand why people feel uncomfortable growing a beard. When people have hair on their heads then what is the problem with keeping the hair on the face. If a person is suffering from loss of hair on the head then the person feels shy but it is astonishing that people today shave their beard with pleasure. A long beard saves a person from the cold affects reaching the neck....

We find that the beard is not only a command of the sacred law but beneficial for a person too. The Doctors and Philosophers of many years ago would keep a beard; take for instance, Charles Darwin, Louis Pastar, Abrahim Lincon and many others. It is only recently people have been removing it

THE JOB INTERVIEW

A person went for an interview once and he got the job with the condition that he removed the beard. The person refused and left the interview room. On his way out he saw a picture depicting Jesus on the wall. Taking this off he presented this to the interviewers and said, 'If Jesus came to the interview, would you have told him the same.' The interviewers were dumbfound, the person left leaving the picture with them. This is the attitude Muslims should have, meaning, if you want our expertise then you take us as we are physically and spiritually.

MYTHS

You may hear that some people say that bacteria grows in the beard is unhygienic. The answer tot that is shaving the beard rid natural cells from the face, hence leading to cancer of the face. The question to ask is that how can the beard have bacteria when one washes it five times a day whilst doing ablution.

SAVE YOURSELF

Another benefit of the beard is that it saves a person from a sin. For instance you can change your clothes and become one of the common people, however, the beard differentiates from a believer to a non-believer. So a person will think twice before going to a place which are disallowed.

TIME WASTED IN SHAVING

Doctor Herbert Mescon from Boston University calculated that if a teenager begins shaving at the age of 15, then in his 55 or so years of shaving, he is likely to spend approximately 3350 hours, equivalent to 139 days, at this task in his lifetime.

WHERE DOES THE HAIR GO?

A man should think, how can he possibly place the hair which Allah, The Exalted, has commanded him to keep and practice of the Messenger, May Allah bless him and grant him peace, down the same drain pipe as one urinates, Is this the respect we have for the practice loved by the Prophet? We are so weak in faith that we want to follow the practices of the west rather than the Prophet. We are living in such a time where the women are wearing shirt and pants and trimming their hair, whilst the male are disfiguring themselves with rings on their faces. If a person does not keep a beard then how can he be recognized as a male, may Allah have mercy on us.

Scientific benefits for having a Beard

1 A beard protects the face from harmful chemicals, and pollution in the air, which will cause cell damage, and increase wrinkling and bad skin. So keeping a beard protects your skin from the elements, reduces wrinkles, ageing, and bad skin. 

2 The beard covers the skin, which protects the sebaceous glands from being infected by acne vulgaris bacteria, thus preventing acne/spots/pimples! 

3 Keeping your face warmer and protects your chin from dangers. 

4 It prevents disease of throat and gums. 

5 Most of the respiratory problems are prevented by keeping beard. 

6 It is the identity for a man with respect to woman. 

7 Research says the longer and thicker the beard the wiser the person is supposed to be. 

8 What is the total time spent in shaving by a man in his whole lifetime? Dr. Herbert Mescon from Boston University did research to give an answer to this question. Dr. Mescon calculated that if a teenager begin shaving at the age of 15, then in his 55 or so years of shaving, he is likely to spend about 3350 hours (which are equivalent to about 139 full days) at this task in his lifetime. That is an incredible amount of time which literally goes down the drain. You can add to it thousands of dollars one spends during his lifetime on products for shaving (razors, shaving gels, after-shave lotions etc).

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That Is Why They Attack Our Religion!

Article By: Imtiyaz Ahmad

When I watch news on TV , i feel upset, wars in Muslims countries everywhere, media against Islam , people amuse themselves by writing sarcastic articles about Islam and Muslims in newspapers even in Muslim countries , when a Muslim person do a mistake you will find it shared everywhere, TV programs talking about it, newspapers, magazines, internet, all people will talk about it and give bad attitude against Islam, but when someone else do a mistake nobody will judge him or talk about him sometimes i wonder why this hate against our great peaceful religion until i cry ...

I ask myself : why do they try to tarnish our religion with those ways??!!!

Then i remember when Allah the almighty say :

""...And they will continue to fight you until they turn you back from

your religion if they are able..."" (Quran: 2/217)

""And never will the Jews or the Christians approve of you until you

follow their religion..."" (Quran: 2/120)

""Many of the People of the Scripture wish they could turn you back to disbelief after you have believed, out of envy from themselves [even] after the truth has become clear to them. So pardon and overlook until Allah delivers His command. Indeed, Allah is over all things competent."" (Quran:2/109)

When i read those verses i understand why people try to attack our religion and tarnish it so i remain patient because i know that Our Muslim Ummah falls ill but does not die and it weakens but it does not end, and will not be defeated And Allah the almighty promised us that Islam will the dominating religion :

"It is He who has sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to manifest it over all religion, although they who associate others with Allah dislike it " (Surat At-Tawbah_33)

So Alhamdulillah for everything. 

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Agreements that work (Indus waters, Rann of Kutch)

Indus Waters Treaty, 1960.

Article By: SALFI AZHAR

Despite the many areas of dispute and difference between India and Pakistan, there are also some areas of cooperation. One such area of cooperation has been the Indus Waters Treaty that has stood the test of time between the two countries which was negotiated by the World Bank and signed by India and Pakistan in 1960. The World Bank is a signatory to the treaty as a third party.

Conflicting claims and arguments regarding the use of water from the Indus River system between India and Pakistan after their independence led to third party negotiation by the World Bank which began in 1951. Along with the treaty that was signed, it was also agreed to set up a Permanent Indus Commission, made up of one Commissioner of Indus Waters from each country in order to a) establish and promote cooperative arrangements for the treaty implementation; b) promote cooperation between the Parties in the development of the waters of the Indus system; c) examine and resolve by agreement any question that may arise between the Parties concerning interpretation or implementation of the Treaty; d) submit an annual report to the two governments.

Any future ‘difference’ had to be referred to a neutral expert who would be appointed by the World Bank. However, ‘disputes’ are to be decided upon by a Court of Arbitration and in case there are only ‘questions’ about the treaty, they will have to dealt with by the Permanent Indus Commission. Such a ‘difference’ had recently arisen when Pakistan objected the building of the Baglihar dam on the Chenab River (one of the rivers comprising the Indus river system) in Jammu and Kashmir by India. The World Bank eventually appointed Professor Raymond Lafitte in 2005 when at the request of the government of Pakistan. The expert took a decision in February 2007 which was welcomed by both India and Pakistan.

Despite the fact that the treaty look a long period of negotiations to before it could be signed, the Indus Waters Treaty could be considered as one of the most successful bilateral treaties between the two South Asian neighbors.

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Tips for Adjusting to Your New College Life!

Article By: Muzaffar Mir

Making the transition from high school to college life can be difficult. It is easy to become discouraged, overwhelmed, and homesick. Here are a few tips that will make the transition to college life a little easier.

College Transition Statistics:

1) College student stress levels have been rising steadily since 1985.

2) 30 percent of freshmen report feeling overwhelmed.

3) There has been a 40 percent increase in the number of students who

seek some form of mental health counseling the first year of college.

Many students have expectations of college before they make it to the dorm room. These expectations are often influenced by movies and television or preconceived notions. The chances of college meeting these expectations are unlikely. After all, real life doesn't work like TV or the movies. For this reason, college can sometimes feel like a disappointment. But you shouldn't become discouraged. Not every student immediately adjusts during the first few weeks or even the first semester.

If you find it's difficult to adjust to college life, you'll need to give yourself some time, and keep the following in mind:

You are in Charge of Your Time

For many students, college means more freedom. Along with this new found freedom, responsibility follows. Being responsible involves being able to manage your time, which may seem easy in theory.

However, you may not be used to the amount of work that college professors expect. There are also extracurricular activities to consider.If you take on too much, you may find yourself struggling to balance your commitment to school and your commitment to clubs or other organizations you join. Using a planner to help you stay organized is highly recommended. You may also try to make time for your coursework ahead of time, so you can determine what extracurricular activities you will have time for.

It's Important to Keep an Open Mind

When you first move to college, you're going to be in a new place, handling new situations. You may be living with someone you've never met before. You may be introduced to different types of people who you may not have associated with during high school.

When dealing with these types of situations, you need to keep an open mind. Being open-minded may help you connect with different people and help you deal with situations better. College isn't just about learning facts and theories from textbooks. A large part of college involves learning how to be an adult. By being open minded, you may learn different things about other people or even about yourself, which may help you shape what type of an adult you become. Remember being open minded doesn't mean you have to compromise your beliefs or feelings. It involves being respectful and understanding of others.

Home is Only a Phone Call or Instant Message Away

If going away to college is the first time you've been away from home or your hometown for a long period of time, it's natural to feel homesick.Although you're homesick, you may want to try to give your college campus a chance. Don't be too pessimistic. Yes, your college may be nothing like home. You may not have friends from your high school. Your family may not be nearby. You may not have your favorite pet with you. Your favorite restaurant may not be a few streets away. All these things may be true, but being at college may also provide you with the opportunity to experience new things.

And if things get too bad, home is only a phone call or instant message away. The family and friends you left behind will be just as happy to hear from you as you are to speak to them.

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And it Iz My LAND!!!!!!!!

BY : SHAH NADIYA.

Phantasma is it nw 4 u and 4 me bt still me is living and u surviving. I am a rebel in ma own valley . Threatnd n tortured am I. Stagnant and un noticed pools of blood evry where , askng 4rm us smthng . But Alas ! No solid answer to the queries. Painful tales and woes rent the air . Every home has a painful tale to tell. Alas! My Kashmir is a burning land wantng its flame to subside . On paper kashmiri is liberal , in reality i am in chains. I am afraid to move freely , my evry step is investigatd . Is it ma land? Am I its native? 

Oh! My land has been desertd , the innocent smiles are missing , childhood is lost smvr , pain supplanting peace, the exotic n enchant beauty is bleak . . . I am living but lost , lost in the worries , in the despisng attitude towards me . . Alas! I could nt find ma identity but yeah I am a Kashmiri. .

My heart cries out , speaks out and rents the air with . . . 

" Maeray chaman ki kaliyaan roati hain khoun k aansoun ,

za'alim ny roand da'ala louta shehar sunehra. 

Madham padhi hai lehrain , pheeki padhi nigahain ,

har soo hai gilay shkway rahain hain khaali khaali. 

Har aahat hai eik khouf , har nigah hai yeh keh rahi ,

bae bas kat rahay hain baesahara roa rahay hain . 

Kya hoa raha hai shehar main kiun mar rahay hain hum ,

kiun mazloum hain hm , kiun laachaar hain hm. 

Kya ghazab ho raha hai hm pai , kiun koi na pehchaany ,

Ya Allah yaeh kaisi ghadi hai , yaeh kaisa hai mausam":( 

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A Description of Hell fire: An Introduction

Article By: Muzaffar Mir

Islam teaches that Hell is a real place prepared by God for those who do not believe in Him, rebel against His laws, and reject His messengers. Hell is an actual place, not a mere state of mind or a spiritual entity. The horrors, pain, anguish, and punishment are all real, but different in nature than their earthly counterparts. Hell is

the ultimate humiliation and loss, and nothing is worse than it. “Our Lord! Surely, whom You admit to the Fire, indeed You have disgraced him, and never will the wrongdoers find any helpers.” (Quran 3:192)

“Know they not that whoever opposes God and His Messenger (Muhammad), certainly for him willbe the Fire of Hell to abide therein? That is the extreme disgrace.” (Quran 9:63) The Names of Hell Hell Fire has different names in Islamic texts. Each name gives a separate description. Some of its names are: Jaheem – fire - because of its blazing fire. 

Jahannam - Hell - because of the depth of its pit. Ladthaa - blazing fire - because of its flames. Sa’eer - blazing flame - because it is kindled and ignited. Saqar - because of the intensity of its heat. Hatamah - broken pieces or debris - because it breaks and crushes everything that is thrown into it. Haawiyah - chasm or abyss - because the one who is thrown into it is thrown from top to bottom Paradise and Hell Presently Exist and are Eternal, Hell exists at the present time and will continue to exist forever. It will never pass away and its inhabitants will remain in it forever. Traditional Muslim belief is that no one will come out of Hell except sinful believers who believed in the Oneness of God in this life and believed in the specific prophet sent to them. The polytheists and unbelievers will reside in it forever. This belief has been held from classical times and is based on clear verses of the Quran and confirmedreports from the Prophet of Islam. The Quran speaks of Hell in the past tense and states that it has already been created: “And fear the Fire which is prepared for the disbelievers.” (Quran 3:131)

The Prophet of Islam said:

“When any of you dies, he is shown his position (in the Hereafter) morning and evening. If he is one of the people of Paradise, he is shown the place of the people of Paradise. If he is one of the people of Hell, he is shown the place of people of Hell. He is told, ‘this is your position, until God resurrects you on the Day of Resurrection.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari, Saheeh Muslim)

In another report, the Prophet said:

“Surely, the soul of a believer is a bird hanging onthe trees of Paradise, until God returns it to his body on the Day of Resurrection.” (Muwatta of Malik) These texts make it clear that Hell and Paradise exist, and that souls may enter them before the Day of Resurrection. Speaking of Hell’s eternity, God says:

“They will long to leave the Fire, but never will they leave there from; and theirs will be a lasting torment.” (Quran 5:37)

“And they will never leave of the Fire.” (Quran 2:167)

“Surely, those who disbelieve and did wrong; God will not forgive them, nor will He guide them to any way except the way of Hell, to dwell therein forever.” (Quran 4:168-169)

“Surely, God has cursed the disbelievers, and has prepared for them a flaming Fire wherein they will abide for ever.” (Quran 33:64)

“And whosoever disobeys God and His Messenger, then surely, for him is the fire of Hell, he shall dwell therein forever.” (Quran 72:23)

The Keepers of Hell, Mighty and stern angels stand over Hell who never disobey God. They do precisely as ordered. God says:

“O you who believe, save yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is men and stonesover which are (appointed) angels, stern and severe, who flinch not (from executing) the commands they receive from God, but do (precisely what) they are commanded.” (Quran 66:6)

They are nineteen keepers of Hell as God says:

“Soon I will cast him into Hell Fire. And what will explain to you what is Hellfire? Nothing does it allow to endure, and nothing does it leave alone! Darkening and changing the color of man! Over it are nineteen (angels as keepers of Hell).” (Quran 74:26:30)

One should not think that the inhabitants of Hell will be able to overcome the keepers of Hell because there are just nineteen of them. Everyone of them has the strength to subdue all humanity by himself. These angels are called the Guards of Hell by God in the Quran:

“And those in the Fire will say to the Guards of Hell, “Call upon your Lord to lighten for us the torment for a day!” (Quran 40:49) 

The name of the chief angel guarding over Hell is Malik, as mentioned in the Quran:

“Surely, the disbelievers will be in the torment of Hell to abide therein forever. (The torment) will not be lightened for them, and they will be plunged into destruction with deep regrets, sorrows and in despair therein. We wronged them not, but they were the wrongdoers.

And they will cry: ‘O Malik! Let your Lord make an end of us’ He will say: ‘Surely, you shall abide forever.’Indeed We have brought the truth to you, but most of you have a hatred for the truth” (Quran 43:74-78) Its Location There is no exact mention from the Quran or the sayings of Prophet Muhammad which pinpoint the location of Hell. No one knows its exact place except God. Due to some linguistic evidence and context of certain hadeeth, some scholars have stated that Hell is in the heavens, yet others say itis in the lower earth.

Its Size, Hell is huge and immensely deep. We know this through several ways. First, innumerable people will enter Hell, each, as described in a hadeeth, with the molar teeth as large as a small mountain.

[1] The distance between the shoulders of its inhabitants has alsobeen described as being equivalent to three days of walking.

[2] Hell will house all the unbelievers and sinners from the beginning of time and there will still be room for more. God says: “On the Day when We will say to Hell: ‘Are you filled?’ It will say, ‘Are there any more (to come)?’” (Quran 50:30)

The Fire of Hell is likened to a mill that grinds thousands and thousands of tons of grain and then waits for more to come. Second, a stone thrown from the top of Hell will take a very long time to reach the bottom. One ofthe companions of the Prophet, may God praise him, describes how they were sitting with the Prophet and heard the sound of something falling. The Prophet inquired if they knew what it was. When they expressed their lack of knowledge, he said:

“That was a stone thrown into Hell seventy yearsago and it is yet in the way (the other side) of Hell until now.”

[3] Another report states: “If a stone as big as seven pregnant camels was thrown from the edge of Hell, it would fly through it for seventy years, and yet it would not reach the bottom.”

[4] Third, a great many angels will bring Hell on the Day of Resurrection. God speaks of it:

“And Hell will be brought near that Day.” (Quran 89:23)

The Prophet said:

“Hell will be brought forth that Day by means of seventy thousand ropes, each of which will be held by seventy thousand angels.”

[5] Fourth, another report that indicates the vast sizeof Hell is that the sun and moon will be rolled up in Hell on the Day of Resurrection.

[6] Its Levels Hell has various levels of heat and punishment, each is reserved according to the extent of their disbelief and sins of those being punished. God says:

“Surely, the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths (grade) of the Fire.” (Quran 4:145) The lower the level of Hell, the greater is the intensity of heat. Since the hypocrites will suffer the worst punishment, so will they be in the lowest part of Hell.

God refers to the levels of Hell in the Quran:

“For all will be (ranked) by degrees according to what they did.” (Quran 6:132)

“Is one who seeks the good pleasure of God thenlike the one who draws on himself the wrath of God? His abode is Hell – and worst, indeed, is thatdestination! They are in varying grades with God, and God is All-Seer of what they do.” (Quran 3:162-163)

The Gates of Hell God speaks of seven Gates of Hell in the Quran: “And surely, Hell is the promised place for them all. It has seven gates, for each of these gates is a class of sinners assigned.” (Quran 15:43-44)

Each gate has an allotted share of the damned who will enter through it. Each will enter according to his deeds and assigned a level of Hell accordingly. When the unbelievers are brought toHell, its gates will open, they will enter it, and stay in it forever: “And those who disbelieved will be driven to Hell in groups until, when they reach it, its gates are opened and its keepers will say, ‘Did there not come to you messengers from yourselves, reciting to you the verses of your Lord and warning you of the meeting of this Day of yours?’They will say, ‘Yes, but the word (meaning the decree) of punishment has come into effect upon the disbelievers.’” (Quran 35:71)

They will be told after admission: “Enter the gates of Hell to abide eternally therein,and wretched is the residence of the arrogant.” (Quran 39:72) The gates will be shut and there will be no hope of escape as God says: 

“But those who reject Our signs, they are the companions of the left hand. On them will be Fire vaulted over (meaning the gates will be locked).

[7]” (Quran 90:19-20)

Furthermore, God says in the Quran: “Woe to every scorner and mocker, who collects wealth and (continuously) counts it. He thinks that his wealth will make him immortal. No! He will surely be thrown into the Crusher. And what can make you know what is the Crushers? It is the fire of God, (eternally) fueled, Which mounts directed at the hearts. Indeed, it (Hellfire) will be closed down upon them in extended columns.” (Quran 104:1-9)

The gates of Hell are also closed before the Day ofJudgment. The Prophet of Islam spoke of them closing in the month of Ramadan.

[8] Its Fuel Stones and stubborn unbelievers make the fuel of Hell as God says:

“O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones.” (Quran 66:6)

“then fear the Fire, whose fuel is men and stones,prepared for the disbelievers.” (Quran 2:24)

Another source of fuel for Hell will be the pagan gods that were worshipped besides God:

“Indeed, you (disbelievers) and what you worship other than God are the firewood of Hell. You will be coming to (enter) it. Had these (false deities) been (actual) gods, they would not have come to it, but all are eternal therein.” (Quran 21:98-99)

The Clothing of its Inhabitants God tells us that the dress of the people of Hell will be garments of fire tailored for them:

“But those who disbelieved will have cut out for them garments of fire. Poured upon their heads will be scalding water.” (Quran 22:19)

“And you will see the criminals that Day bound together in shackles, their garments of liquid pitch (melted copper) and their faces covered by the Fire.” (Quran 14:49-50)

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Siachen Glaciers!

Article By: Salafi Izhar

Sometimes referred to as the third pole, the world’s second largest non- polar glacier known, as the Siachen Glacier has been yet another troublesome spot in a series of conflicts between India and Pakistan. Since 1984, both sides are trying to establish their supremacy over the Siachen glacier, which demarcates Central Asia from the Indian Subcontinent and separates Pakistan from China. Located in Ladakh (J&K) along the eastern Karakoram Range in the Himalaya Mountains, this inhospitable terrain where the cost of a single loaf of bread is Rs. 10000, stretches to 78Kms and situated at an altitude of 5,472 metres above sea level has taken heavy toll of men and resources on both India and Pakistan. 

The Status Quo Conflict 

Alarmed by the reports of some news magazines about the Pakistani presence in the hitherto unclaimed glaciers, the Indian army in April 1984 carried out an operation code-named "Meghdoot" and established permanent posts at the Siachen Glacier. The Indian army controls Siachen heights, holding on to the tactical advantage of high ground. Interestingly, the Pakistani soldiers cannot go up to the Glacier and the Indian forces cannot come down. Originally known as Saicher Gharni, the Siachen means the place of roses (Sia-rose, chen-place of). The fight for the Siachen Glacier involves territory claimed by both states but not controlled by either until the mid-1980s. India controls about two-thirds of the Glacier, which includes all the three passes including the Gyong La Pass that overlooks Shyok and Nubra river valleys and India's access to the Glacier from the Leh district in Ladakh. The other two passes being Sia La pass and Bilfond La pass. The glacier’s melting waters are the main source of the Nubra River, which falls into the Shyok River. The Shyok in turn joins the Indus River, crucial to both India and Pakistan. 

The roots of the conflict over Siachen lie in the non-demarcations on the western side of the map beyond a grid point known as NJ 9842. Hostilities between India and Pakistan over ownership of the Glacier date back to the first Indo-Pak war of 1948, over the territorial dispute of Jammu & Kashmir. A Cease-Fire Line (CFL) was established because of the 1949 Indo-Pak agreement that concluded the war in Jammu & Kashmir. The CFL ran along the international Indo-Pak border and then north and northeast until map grid-point NJ 9842, located near the Shyok River at the base of the Saltoro mountain range. Because no Indian or Pakistani troops were present in the geographically inhospitable northeastern areas beyond NJ 9842, the CFL was not delineated as far as the Chinese border. Both sides agreed, in vague language, that the CFL extends to the terminal point, NJ 9842, and "thence north to the Glaciers". 

After the 1965 India-Pakistan war, the Tashkent agreement resulted in troop withdrawals to positions along the 1949 CFL. No attempt was made to extend the CFL further. Following Pakistan's defeat in the 1971 war with India, the Simla Agreement of 1972 established a new Line of Control (LoC) because of the December 1971 cease-fire. The Siachen Glacier region, where no fighting had taken place, was left un-delineated, and no attempt was made to clarify the position of the LoC beyond NJ 9842. The LoC was merely described as moving from Nerlin (inclusive to India), Brilman (inclusive to Pakistan), up to Chorbat La in the Turtok sector. 

During her tenure as Prime Minister of Pakistan, Ms Benazir Bhutto, visited the area west of Gyong La, making her the first premier from either side to get to the Siachen region. On June 12, 2005, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the area, calling for a peaceful resolution of the problem. In the previous year, the President of India, Abdul Kalam became the first head of state to visit the area. India based Jet Airways plans to open a chartered service to the glacier's nearest air link, the Thoise airbase, mainly for military purposes. Pakistan's PIA flies tourists and trekkers daily to Skardu, which is the jumping off point for K2, the world's second highest point just 33 kilometers (20.5 miles) northwest of the Siachen area. 

The present scenario 

The Indian army holds a tactical advantage over the Pakistanis because of the high ground Indians are occupying. The Pakistanis control the glacial valley just five kilometers southwest of Gyong La. The line where Indian and Pakistani troops are presently holding onto their respective posts is being increasingly referred to as the Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL). 

The Pakistanis have been unable get up to the crest of the Saltoro Ridge (lying west of the glacier), while the Indians cannot come down and abandon their strategic high posts. A ceasefire went into effect in 2003. Even before then, every year more soldiers were killed because of severe weather than enemy firing. The two sides have lost an estimated 2,000 personnel primarily due to frostbite, avalanches and other complications. Both nations have 150 manned outposts along the glacier, with some 3,000 troops each. Official figures for maintaining these outposts are put at ~$300 and ~$200 million for India and Pakistan respectively. India has built the world's highest helipad on this glacier at a place called Sonam, which is at 21,000 feet (6,400 m) above the sea level, to serve the area. India also installed the world's highest telephone booth on the glacier. Both sides have been wishing to disengage from the costly military outposts but after the Kargil War in 1999 where Pakistan sent infiltrators to occupy vacated Indian posts across the Line of Control, India has backed off from withdrawing in Siachen. India may feel that the same thing may happen if they vacate their Siachen Glacier posts without any official confirmation of their positions. 

With recent parleys between India and Pakistan, the conflict is actually shaping into a protracted one. The talks have ended without reaching any major breakthrough, although both sides have reaffirmed their commitment to abide by 2003 ceasefire. While India has refused to withdraw its troops from the glacier until Pakistan officially authenticates the positions held by the two sides before withdrawal. "Pakistan will have to demarcate the AGPL - both on the ground as well as on the map -- before any headway is made on the Siachen issue,” says Defense Minister AK Anthony while briefing the reporters on his maiden trip to the area on 5 May 2007. Pakistan responded to this statement by saying that Islamabad has all along maintained that it would authenticate the AGPL, as it existed in 1984. Pakistani officials have now been quoted as saying Islamabad would agree to verify the present troop positions only if India promised not to legally enforce the boundary.

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How to make a Successful Blog!

An article by: Areeb Majeed

I'm blogging since 5 months. Blogging is not much difficult but it will take you about 1 months in learning. I suggest you to host your blog yourself not on wordpress.com or blogger.com.

The First Impression

Connect with your readers through an about page and welcome message. One of the best ways to make a lasting impact is to connect on a personal level with your readers. That means letting them know who you are and what your background is. Darren from ProBlogger does this well by including an image of his ugly mug and an ‘about page’ link above the fold. You don’t necessarily need an author pic to relate to your readers, but you should find some way to allow readers to connect with you on a personal as well as a professional level to develop some rapport.

Don’t get seen naked: Never launch a blog with fewer than 5 posts. In the blogosphere you typically get just one shot at impressing a visitor or fellow blogger. Too many new bloggers throw up two posts and then start working on promotion. In the world of blogging, you are selling yourself and your writing. If you can’t give people a fully dressed picture of what your blog is all about and what type of writing will be on it, then why should they throw a link your way, or subscribe to your RSS feed? When someone links to you or subscribes they’re giving a vote of confidence that your site is worthwhile, so give them something to grab on to, and let them know your space won’t be “just another abandoned blog.”

Claiming your blog in Technorati

It's very important to claim your blog on Technorati.

What's Technorati

It will drive traffic traffic to your website. Also it calculates your website posts and gives your website a rank. My gaming blog is on 133 rank out of 3000 blogs. It takes about 1-2 weeks to review your blog by Technorati's employees. 

Social Bookmarking

It's very very important. It allows your visitors to share your post between their friends or with the whole world. 

Facebook + Twitter

Also FB and Twitter plays a role in your blog. Many big blogs like Mashable, TechCrunch etc share their posts on their FB page and Twitter account. 

Finishing touches

Ask friends for feedback on your site.

Ask some of your webmaster friends to review/critique your site a few days before its official launch. The blogging world is largely comprised people who consider themselves somewhat entrepreneurial, and as a result, bloggers tend to respect (and want to help) people who are out there trying to start up their own site. By asking other bloggers to give you feedback, you put them in the role of expert and create in them a sense of ownership in your site (which means they will be more likely to give you a hand when you need it). Not surprisingly, this technique usually does provide some valuable feedback from people who have experience, if not expertise, in running a blog. But in addition, by putting your peers in the position of expert, you dramatically increase the chance that they will follow your launch and drop you a link once you get off the ground.

Go ‘Real-World’ with other bloggers.

If you live in a major city (or visit one occasionally), invite other bloggers to join you for a drink or dinner. While friendships can be developed in cyberspace, the most fruitful business relationships, even in the world of blogging, tend to flourish only after face-to-face interaction. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just send a few individualized emails to some specific bloggers in your city asking them to meet up. You can frame it as an opportunity to learn from their wisdom (bloggers love to consider themselves experts), or simply a meeting of the minds. Either way, having a relationship bolstered by face-to-face contact can provide countless benefits over one maintained entirely online.

Dress up your comments.

Even if you don’t have any readers, you can be assured that comment spammers will find you. Comment spammers are the guys dropping off-topic advertisements for Viagra and weight loss pills in the comments of your blog. Nothing kills the ability of a blog to attract new links like a spammy site. And nothing says ‘spammy site’ like a comments page full of irrelevant comments and links. So monitor and delete spammy comments on a regular basis. In addition to deleting the garbage comments, you need to foster a positive community. People want to participate in and link to a vibrant site. So create one by encouraging your friends to comment on your blog. The key is that you want to create the impression of an energetic and participatory group of readers. Nobody wants to be the first guy to comment on a post, but everyone wants to chime in on a hot debate.

The bottom line: if you follow the preceding tips, you’re not guaranteed to have a successful blog, but you are guaranteed to have a strong launch, and a fighting chance to make it big in the blogosphere.

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