Srinagar, Oct 18: The speakers at a seminar have appealed to the separatists and the government to allow free movement of school buses and opening of schools.
 “We appeal to all the stake holders to declare education as an essential service. Those who are issuing protest calendars and the government should without any delay allow the free movement of school buses and opening of schools,” they said while addressing a seminar “Freedom to Education” organised by Jammu and Kashmir Youth Development Forum here on Sunday. The event was attended by lawyers, doctors, journalists, students and other members of the civil society.
 The speakers while debating over the importance of education, said, “We are pushing our children towards illiteracy for petty political interests. When world is moving ahead, we keep our children away from schools, colleges and universities.”
 Dr Nawab Aman, who runs his chain of polyclinics in Middle East said, “Kashmir has remained far behind on developmental front. Unless we won’t give attention to education development would elude.”
 “Kashmir youth are talented, but they lack exposure,” he said.
 Abdul Jabar Chaker, a former bureaucrat stressed the need for making a movement which would help revival of education in Kashmir.
 Former Deputy Commissioner G N Bodha said, “Youth of Kashmir is being exploited by the leadership. Time has come when we should stand on our feet. No nation can prosper if they are illiterate.”
 Shabir Ahmad Dar, a Kashmir University student said, “Education standard had started to improve in Kashmir. Our boys were performing well in competitive exams. Dr Shah Faisal, the IAS topper made Kashmiris proud.
 Another speaker Abdul Majeed Khan, a former Superintendent Engineer said, “Kashmiri nation needs self introspection. We can be free only when our younger generation is educated.”
 Besides JKYDF activists more than 80 people including G N Wani former joint commissioner SMC, Abdul Rehman Shah, a contractor, G A Gojri, ex Union President HMT and Dr Bashir Ahmad attended the seminar.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 18 Oct 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
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