Traders across the divide to hold ‘Telephonic Meeting’ ahead of Indo-Pak talks.

“ Without Banking and Communication, Trade cant prosper.” Traders.

Srinagar, April 29 (VOS)    Ahead of next months Home secretary level talks, Pressure has been mounting on India and Pakistan to establish communication links and banking facilities for Cross LOC trade. Chamber of industries and commerce across the divided line have decided to hold a telephonic meeting on Tuesday in order to press their demands for what they say smooth conduct of trade across Line of Control. “ The only purpose of holding the governing body’s telephonic meeting is to make both the govts. Realize the importance of telephone links and banking facility for Cross Loc trade.” President of Jammu and Kashmir Joint Chamber of Industries and Commerce Dr. Mubeen Shah told VOS On Sunday. He added that the meeting would be attended by the representatives of various trade organizations across the control line. “ I have raised the difficulties our traders come across with state govt. and Chief Minster Omar Abdullah, who himself is of the view that the import and export of goods shouldn’t be limited.”  Claimed   Mubeen.

Maintaining that without communication links and banking facilities available, the trade between the two regions of the divided line was not only difficult but an ‘impossible’ affair. “ I hope this issue is given a thought in the forthcoming Indo-Pak home secretary level talks.” Asserted  shah.

 Meanwhile traders in the state have cautioned New Delhi and Islamabad that without the communications and banking facilities the fate of Cross LOC Trade would not be different from what they said that of ‘ Cross Loc Bus Service.’

“ Bus service across Line of Control has been a failure affair and we warn India and Pakistan that without telephone link, trade across Line of Control would be not successful.” Traders of both sides across the divide are understood to have told the officers of both the countries during a meeting at zero point near line of control at Ponch rawalakot.

Pertinently traders of both the sides met at zero point along with the officers on Saturday at Ponch crossing to sort out the difficulties for the smooth conduct of trade.  Sources told VOS that traders expressed their concern over the losses due to insufficient infrastructure available to them. “We expressed our dismay over the non availability of proper space and infrastructure for the storage of goods at Salamabd and Rawlakot.’’ A trader present in the meeting told VOS.

Army Post removed from Gulmarg.

“ Moral of trouble creators at all time low.” Mir. ‘Situation Improving’: Nasir.

Army cautions of Infiltration bids after post removal.

Srinagar, April 29 (VOS)    With Tourist season at full glom and Govt already having initiated the process of making Srinagar a ‘bunker’ free zone, State govt. on Sunday in yet another important development removed an army camp at ‘Tangan  Bota Pathri’  in Tourist resort of Gulamrg, throwing the beautiful peak in the  meadow, open for Tourists after  22 years. This is the second place after the summer Capital Srinagr, where govt. has initiated the process of removal of security bunkers and posts.  The dismantling process of the post took place on Sunday  at a function in presence of Minster for Agriculture  and Local MLA G.Hassan Mir,  Tourism Minster Nawang Rigzan Jora, MOS Home and Tourism Nasir Aslam Wani , Brigade Commander 19^th Brigade Bipin Rawat and director Tourism Farooq Ahmad Shah.

‘Tangan Bota Pathri’ is one of the premier slopes in Gulmarg and was taken over by army in early 90’s . the place was thereafter closed for tourists. “ Botapathri is a very attractive places for trackers and we intend to develop it under an ambitious Gulmar development programme which is exclusively funded by Union Govt. to the tune of 202.61 lakhs.” Director Tourism Farooq Ahmad Shah informed in his welcome address. Claiming that the moral of the ‘trouble creators’ was at all time low, Minster for Agriculture Gh. Hassan Mir said, “  We feel happy that Botapathri has been put on Tourist Map and Tourists will have now something new to experience.” According to VOS, Mir added that people of Jammu and Kashmir wanted peace and normalcy.

Meanwhile addressing the function, MOS Home and Tourism Nasir Aslam Wani said, “ There has been a considerable improvement in the situation in valley and this has enabled us to remove the bunkers and posts from certain areas.” However he cautioned, “ We should not allow the return of situation where we would be forced to hand over such areas to army or security forces again.” However contrary to Nasir’s Statement, 19^th infantry brigade commander, brigadier Bipin Rawat cautioned that there could be attempts of infiltration through Botapathri, but he maintained that army will take every possible step to foil such attempts. “ No tourist will be allowed to have a night stay here for now. “ announced Rawat. The function was also addressed by Tourism Minster Nawang Rigzan Jora nad other officers.

Pakistan has understood the ramifications of Terror: Soz.

Asks India and Pakistan to move forward for better.

 Srinagar, April 29 (VOS)    Stating that Pakistan has understood the ramification of ‘terrorism’ Predesh Congress President Prof. Saif ud din Soz has said that Islamabad is now willing to bridge the gaps with New Delhi . Soz while talking to VOS said, “Not only have the govt. of Pakistan but also the civil society in that country understood the disastrous impact of terrorism.” He added that now both the countries should move forward and solve all the pending issues between them.

Earlier addressed a very  largely attended public meeting at Lar Ganderbal Today. He was accompanied by R.S. Chib Minister of YSS & Medical Education, Shri. Raman Bhalla Minister of Revenue & Rehabilitation, Mohd Muzaffar Parray Senior Vice President, Gulam Nabi Monga, Bashir Ahmad Magrey Vice Presidents, Mohd Anwar Bhat General Secretary Shiekh Ishfaq Jabbar, Mohd Amin Khan, Master Mohd Maqbool District Presidents,  Haji Farooq Mir, Jawahira, Naseema, Amina and others. These leaders also addressed the meeting.

 Prof. Soz assured the gathering that  he would give  full support  to the demands presented to him by Shiekh Ishfaq Jabbar  such as  1. Declaration of far flung area of Ganderbal as Backward, 2. Full fledged Tehsil Complex at Ganderbal, 3. Reopening of ISM  dispensaries, 4.Promotion of Hinter  land of Ganderbal as  a place of tourist attraction, 5. Setting up of Fruit and Vegetable Mandi and 6.  Development of Tulip Buds Nursery. Prof. Soz sanctioned Rs. 20.00 (Twenty) Lakhs out of his MP LAD funds for developmental projects.

Speaking on this occasion Prof. Soz told the people  that  certain  heart warming situations were in the offing in the sub continent  of India and Pakistan as Pakistan had finally realized that terrorism is some  detestable. He ( Prof.Soz) said that Pakistan has also realized that it was to the advantage of Pakistan to live  in an atmosphere of understanding and friendliness with India. Prof. Soz also said that a series of  CBMs including relaxation  in Visa-Regime were in the pipeline. He hoped  that adoption of these CBMs would  bring  lot of relief to the lives of people. He further hoped that travel and trade at Srinagar – Rawalpindi Road would  become brisk and facilities like telecommunication and banking would also be available, in due course of time. Prof. Soz also took this occasion to thank Smt. Sonia Gandhi UPA Chair Person and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh for liberal funding  they have been providing  for the development of J&K State. While addressing the gathering  R. S. Chib & Shri. Raman Bhalla paid rich tributes to the memory of Late.Shiekh Jabbar and urged the people  to remain wedded to the programmes and policies of Congress Party.

New Tourist reception will be competed in a record time :Shah

Srinagar, April 29 (VOS)    "The new tourist reception center will be one of the best and will be completed in a record time of only eleven months with the state of art facilities and blend of heritage and modern architecture " This was stated by Minister of tourism shree Nawang rigzin Jora in a high level official meeting in Srinagar today  in presence of Director tourism Farooq A shah and other tourism officials  He said that the new tourist reception centre will be constructed on the ground where the previous T.R.C building was which was gutted in a fire incident  The director tourism Farooq a shah while giving the details said that the work is going on in speed and the said T.R.C building will be one of the architectural marvels with all kind of facilitation services for the visiting tourists and will have airline offices   railway reservation . hotel information and all other facilitation services required by the tourists from the domestic and international markets , He further said that the new building will also accommodate the directorate office so that it will be easy an  accessible for any tourist to get these faculties  smoothly . The Director Tourism said that the T.R.C will be completed at the cost of Rs 10 crores and it will be completed in a record time and will be the one of the best in the country as we kept the latest trends in mind while designing it and have considered the heritage factor of Kashmir also so that no compromise can be done on that front.

Organizations must work professionally with division of labour welfare & rehabilitation of orphans

Srinagar, April 29 (VOS)    ‘SOCIAL SERVICE---OUR RESPONSIBILITIES’ at Bait-ul-Hilal, Jawahar Nagar Srinagar on Sunday called for creating partnerships among credible non governmental voluntary organizations   with the focus on self introspection, transparency and sincerity of purpose. Justice (Retd) Bashir A Kirmani in his presidential address said these organizations must work professionally with division of labour in different sectors of welfare & rehabilitation of orphans, widows & destitute in J&K state. He said these organizations are beacon of hope in our turbulent times whose contribution to provide succor to the poor & needy, is incredible. Former Chairman Jammu Kashmir Yateem Khana, Bemina Syed Attiqullah Bukhari said that solution to all our social and other problems lies in following the golden commandments of Islam and the great lifestyle of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in letter & spirit. Dr Bashir A Nehvi in his speech said that we must unite to do our bit in social service. Executive Member JKYF Mohammad Rafiq Lone presented annual report 2011-12. He said the receipts to JKYF upto March end 2012 were over Rs 04 Crore, 65 Lakh and 76 thousand while the expenditure has been over Rs 03 Crore 73 Lakh and 64 thousand.

A documentary on JKYF initiative in educational sector titled “SANG-E-MEEL—An Educational Concern”, was also screened on the occasion.On the occasion, the Chief Guest & Guests of Honour presented mementos & certificates to Bait-ul-Hilal students and others for their outstanding performance in various curricular & extra curricular activities. Earlier, the Chief Guest & Guests of Honor inaugurated photo exhibition on ‘Programmes, Achievements & Future Plans of JKYF’. Students of Bait-ul-Hilal presented BAITUL HILAL ANTHEM in Kashmiri while other students recited verses from Holy Qur’an & Na’at.

Renowned poet & writer Zarief Ahmad Zarief, HPVT patron Maulana Sanaullah, President HPVT Farooq Ahmad Bhat, HPVT Executive Member Ashok Jain, Dr Mir Mohammad Maqbool, President Shafqat School Bemina, Mohammad Yasin Imdad Foundation, Bashir Ahmad Mir, Chairman Human Aid Society Baramulla, Ghulam Nabi Shaida SHAMA Foundation, Qazi Ahadullah Chairman J&K Yateem Khana Bemina, President FCIK Er Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, former President FCIK Syed Shakeel Qalandar, Zahoor Ahmad Mir, Prop KBD, Principal Sainik School Manasbal Ajaz Ahmad Kakroo, Mir Ashiq Hussain, Chairman R.P. School, Lal Bazar, Ashiq Hussain Massodi, Chairman Oasis Group of Schools, Mubashir Aslam Wafai, MD ALOHA J&K and ASPIR Group of Schools, participated in the function. Besides, MERC students, faculty members Nasir Mirza & Muslim Jan, Syed Shujaat Bukhari, senior journalist & Editor Rising Kashmir,  eminent columnists Dr Javid Iqbal and S.A. Peerzada,  Associate Editor weekly MOOMIN & former Patron Moomin Mir Assadullah also attended the programme. Dr Manzoor Ahmad, CAO & Financial Advisor Irrigation & Flood Control Department & Qazi Irfan, KAS officer from Social Welfare department also attended the programme. A galaxy of guests from Kishtwar, Doda, Bhaderwah & various districts in Kashmir attended the function. Earlier, JKYF Chairman Mohammad Ahsan Rather in his welcome address highlighted the programmes, achievements & future plans of JKYF. Patron JKYF Er Syed Abdul Hamid presented vote of thanks. The proceedings were conducted by JKYF volunteer from Bhaderwah Master Sajjad Hussain.

KEA will reach out to every stakeholder across the Valley to inculcate the importance of unification among the business community

Srinagar, April 29 (VOS)  Underscoring the need of unification of trade community across the Valley as need of the hour, Chairman, Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA), Mohammad Yaseen Khan Sunday urged all the business-people to unite for economic prosperity and fighting for the business community rights in the state.

“We have suffered enough for the last 70 years. It is time to unite and ask the government that where have thousands of crores of money, we pay through taxes, gone to as the signs of economic development are hardly visible here,” Khan told thousands of business persons during a trade seminar in South Kashmir’s district of Shopain today.

Notably, to put the trade people across the Valley on a single platform, KEA is conducting seminars across the Valley. After Handwara, Islamabad and now Shopain, KEA will reach out to every stakeholder across the Valley to inculcate the importance of unification among the business community. Today’s seminar was organized by KEA in coordination with Traders and Manufacturers, Shopain, Central Contractors Coordination, Shopain Fruit and Vegetable and other associations and federations from the south Kashmir district. “Unification among the business community is the key if we want to bail out the economic scenario in Kashmir from its present mess,” Khan emphasized on the occasion. However, what added spice to the criticism of government deplorable approach towards the business sector was the discussion on the incompletion of the historic Moghul road. The seminar, at once,   lived up government’s failure in completing the historic Moghul road on its prescribed time.

“Government is working on the road for the last 7 years and we were told that it will be ready by 2010, but two years have passed thence. It seems it (government) doesn’t bother too much on it’s completion. But, lets us assert them that its completion will act as a bridge between Kashmir, Jammu and other regions to turn this part of the world into an economic hub,” Khan said. He informed on the occasion that a business delegation of KEA will soon visit the other part and ascertain and assess the potential as well as the lacunae’s on the route. “We will pin point both the potential and areas of concern that has so far remained confined and devoid the route from benefiting us. We want that it should be tapped to the hilt as it will catapult Kashmir into a region of buzzing economic activities Informing that business community in J&K owe rupees 40,000 crores to the banks here, Khan, while continuing to criticize the government  said 80 percent of the business people out of it are from Kashmir. “I urge the central government for exempting us from taxes for the next five years as disturbed conditions   have wreaked havoc on our sector for the last more than 20 years,” Khan lamented. “And the rampant corruption and red tapism in government offices has made our lives more miserable. Moreover, after outsourcing our power resources to the central government, the 20 percent hike in power tariffs  has added to our woes,” Khan added.

Continuing his tirade, Khan said that some missionary schools in Valley have turned into a business hub, but, still the state government is charging peanuts on their land rents.

“These schools are earning crores of rupees, but, paying mere thousands as land rent to the government. We don’t understand that when government is not allowing us to construct schools why this undue favor to the missionary schools? Khan said. He also criticized the government for failing to live up to the expectations of transporters, agriculture, horticulture, tourism and other sectors. “The condition of transporters is so pathetic that if not addressed forthwith, they might switch over to other means of sustenance,” Khan said.  

 

High time to accelerate Indo-Pak Peace process: Mufti

Srinagar, April 29 (VOS) Reiterating that dialogue is the only mean to solve all vexed problems, patron of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that India and Pakistan should take the peace and reconciliation process to its logical end for restoring lasting and sustainable peace in this region. Addressing public meetings at Simbal Camp area of  R S Pura assembly segment, and Dogra Hall in Jammu city, Mr Sayeed said that situation in Pakistan has changed and the Pakistan was also giving encouraging response to the dialogue and reconciliation process so it was high time for the taking some bold steps to solve all bilateral issues including Kashmir. “Atmosphere is conducive for initiating some concrete steps for resolution of this problem”, he argued and said that it was also desire of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to solve the Kashmir problem. He, however, emphasizes on the need of evolve consensus on Kashmir because peaceful relations between India and Pakistan were in the interests of the people of both the countries.

While pointing towards some bold initiatives taken to ease trade on Wagha border, he said that Indo Pak was dialogue again on the track and it needed to be complemented with action from both sides. He said that foundation for restoring peace between India and Pakistan was laid when the then Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee had extended hands of friendship towards Pakistan on April 18, 2003. Highlighting the historical role played by the PDP in normalizing relations between India and Pakistani, he said that opening of cross LoC routes was the biggest ever Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) between two countries.

Taking a dig at ruling National Conference for trying to undermine the historic role played by PDP in opening of cross LoC routes, Mr Sayeed reminded that for decades together National Conference leadership had exploited people in the name of opening Uri-Muzaffrabad road. “In the name of opening traditional routes National Conference leadership has only exploited sentiments of the people. Except securing votes by raking up emotions of the people, National Conference leadership has done nothing in this regard.”, he observed and added that people also have no hope that National Conference leadership would take any step for normalizing relations between India and Pakistan because leaders of this party (National Conference) have, a number of times, favoured bombardment on Pakistan. PDP patron that people of the State had voted National  Conference only for the governance and development but this party has failed to even carry forward the agenda of governance of the previous PDP led regime. “Situation has been returned back to pre-2002 because chaos and administrative anarchy has gripped the state once again”, he observed.

He said his party’s Self Rule proposal being anchored in Indo- Pak amity could become a reality with progress on trade front and take the state out of the siege that had severely restricted our economic, political and social growth ever since partition. He further said that PDP was committed to restore old glory of Kashmir when this region was a biggest trade centre. “In its Self-Rule proposal PDP has promised to make Jammu and Kashmir a free economic zone to get maximum investment by opening the traditional trade routes”, he said.” The process of the State's political and economic transformation started by the PDP has to be taken to the logical conclusion with the peaceful and amicable settlement of the Kashmir issue," he said and added that the party would aggressively pursue its agenda of ensuring dignified peace and sustainable economic prosperity for the people in all the regions and sub-regions of the State. Responding to the demands raised by the local people at Simbal camp, problems of refugees from Muzafarabad, Poonch and Haveli would be discussed when even any meeting for the resolution of Kashmir problems would be held. He assured that PDP would incorporate this issue in its agenda. “Problems of these refugees would be part of negotiation on Kashmir”, he assured and demanded one time settlement of the issue of these refugees.

Speaking in the meeting at Dogra Hall, former Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Beig regretted that Safai Karmacharies who were brought to State in 1957 have been struggling to get basic rights. He said that the then Government had promised to give these poor people all constitutional rights but it was unfortunate that these people were still struggling to get basic rights. He  assured the gathering that PDP would take up their issues vociferously because their problem was human.

Sardar Rangil Singh, Trilok Singh Bajwa, Thakur Balbir Singh, Choudhary Zulfikar, MLA Darhal, Hussain Ali Bafa, Jagjeet Singh Jagga, Chatter Singh Saini, Falail Singh, Avtar Singh Khalsa, Parmeet Singh, Bhushan Dogra, R K Bali, Ashok Jogi, Rajinder Singh Manhas, H S Reen, Santokh Singh, Shakti Kumar, Choudhary Chuni Lal, K K Sharma, Advocate Majid, Narinder Singh Raina, R Mirza, Puneet Jamwal, Raj Kumar Lalotra, Chaman Angral, Vijay Anand and others also spoke on the occasion.

 

 

Water Resources Act led to enhanced central allocation in PHE, Irrigation sectors: Taj

Srinagar, April 29 (VOS)  Maintaining that Government was responsible and committed to the development of far flung and backward areas, Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Mr. Taj Mohi-ud-Din today said every effort would be made to upgrade these areas in terms of facilities available in cities and towns. He disclosed that the reforms undertaken in PHE sector including Water Resources Act-2010 and subsequent levying of water usage charges has enabled the state for enhanced allocations from the centre in these sectors.

Addressing a series of public meetings at Rakki Ban, Peeri, Choudhary Nar, Palma, Muradpur, Dalogra and other areas in the district, the Minister reiterated the commitment of the present coalition government for equitable development of all regions of the State. He said Government has the responsibility of and is committed to the development of these backward areas which till now were eclipsed from the development scenario of Jammu and Kashmir. He said Government, with active support of the centre, has embarked on an ambitious programme of infrastructural development in these backward areas to make the inhabitants equal partners of growth and development.

Mr. Taj disclosed that the reforms initiated in his Departments in terms of enactment of J&K Water Resources Act-2010 and subsequent levying of water usage charges from those using the water resources of the state has qualified J&K for enhanced allocations in the sector. He said the successful implementation of the Act has led to doubling the central allocation in schemes like National Rural Drinking Water Programme from Rs.200 crore to Rs.400 crore and Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme from Rs.300 to Rs.560 crore.

The Minister said during his three years tenure many big and successful steps were taken by the state government including the decision of demanding return of power projects from NHPC, reclaiming State’s share of power and water from Ranjit Sagar Dam in Punjab and re-evaluating the irrigated command area of the state which got depleted due to urbanization. He said the water usage charges from NHPC would constitute 30% of the State’s own revenue and would also go up every year and would be used to improve the energy scenario of the state.

Minister of State for Power and MLA Rajouri, Mr. Shabir Ahmad Khan who accompanied Mr. Taj during the tour, complimented the Minister for bold initiatives taken by him. He said the development needs of Rajouri district are being addressed in phased manner. He said recently the state government has submitted a Rs.80 crore project under RGGVY for the district to the centre for funding.

          During the tour, Mr. Taj made several announcements at these places. He said the water supply scheme at Dalogra would be augmented and soon the people would get potable drinking water. At Muradpur, Mr. Taj said a Rs. 2 crore Batoni and Rs.74 lakh Muradpur water supply schemes have been approved by the government. Similarly, he said Rs.2 crore Krad and Rs.5 crore Palma-Dhana water supply schemes have also been approved and work on them would start shortly.

Srinagar has to lead the change in J&K: Mehbooba

‘NC benefits from political disempowerment of Srinagar’

Srinagar, April 29 (VOS)  Calling for a change in the political and economic fortunes of J&K Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) today asserted it could not happen without the active participation of Srinagar in the effort. Addressing a meeting of party sympathizers and workers at Saraibala of Amirakadal constituency here today the party president Mehbooba Mufti said Srinagar has to be in the vanguard of the struggle to bring the state out of its troubles on political and developmental fronts. Among those who were present on the occasion were the district president Mohammad Ashraf Mir, coordination secretary Abdul Hamid Kohsheen, Aadil Jan, Abdr Rauf, zone president Rafiq Khan and district youth president Jehangir. Mehbooba said Srinagar represents the soul and spirit of Kashmir and it had historically been the moral, political and cultural nerve center of Kashmir. But unfortunately the city had fallen on bad times as a result of political exploitation for decades that had resulted in the disempowerment of its people and economic degeneration of a once vibrant city that was known world over for its creativity and entrepreneurship skills, she said. “Unfortunately national conference only used it as a vote bank in the past and benefited from the boycott politics in the last many elections to claim power without peoples mandate” Mehbooba added and stressed the need for restoration of the political centrality of Srinagar. The PDP president said the ruling National conference is accusing the opposition for all its ills as if “PDP was the only problem the state faced”. “While we point out the gaps in governance with all sincerity for the benefit of the people, the government becomes uncomfortable owing to its arrogance and intolerance” she said while it results in punishment for the people. “Srinagar is getting punished as if for electing eight MLAS from the city and an MP, though it is by now acknowledged universally as to how tactical rigging was resorted to for NC’s benefit on account of a low turnout in previous elections” she maintained. She said the NC was hoping to repeat the same tricks in future and was therefore least bothered about the fate of the city but advised people to see through this game that has allowed the party to rule them without a mandate.

Referring to the delay in holding civic elections Mehbooba said the government was concocting alibis to continue to rule the urban areas through their blue eyed officials who help them perpetuate unauthorized constructions and backdoor recruitments. She pointed out that the civic elections were due in2010 and since then three winters and lean tourist seasons have passed but even now it is in no mood to conduct these elections. “However, they can only delay and not deny the right of the people to have an elected civic body that is empowered sufficiently and is accountable to people” she said. Mehbooba said the NC was raising dead issues like the 1975 accord only to divert attention from its disastrous performance in government. She said the accord between Sheikh Sahib and Mrs Indira Gandhi was only a power sharing arrangement after the late Sheikh Sahib sold out the sacrifices of his colleagues and followers. “That arrangement is carrying on between their descendants while the interests of the state, one after the other, in the shape of water and power resources or institutions like the J&K Bank are being sold out brazenly”. She said now the autonomy under the NC has been diluted to such an extent that the state has to go by central diktats even on the level of dog population to be maintained in Srinagar. “I wonder how Omar Abdullah can live comfortably in his luxury while more than 50 human beings are bitten by dogs just in Srinagar in what has rightly been called a blood bath” she said and wondered whether the rulers were taking a vicarious pleasure out of the death dance on streets of Srinagar.

100 Hectares of land brought under organic farming in Tanghdar.

Bio-nutrients and Bio-pesticides worth Rs 3 lakhs distributed among farmers.

Srinagar, April 29 (VOS        Department of Agriculture gives a systemic push under acute

focus towards Organic Farming, in first phase 200 hectres of land under Paddy, Maize and

vegetables has been brought under organic farming at three Subdivisions of Kupwara.  In this connection department of agriculture in collaboration with International Panacea  Ltd.Organized ‘Farmers Awareness Camp Cum Input Distribution on Organic Farming’ for  sustainable agriculture at Dakbungalow Tangdar /Karnah Kupwara. On this occasion Sub District Magistrate Karnah M Yousuf Mir said that organic farming has been adopted globally and farmers will get more incomes as organic food products

are in great demand in the present day health conscious world . Sub Divisional Agricultural

Officer Karnah Wahid-u-Rehman said that department of agriculture has started Centrally

Sponsored Scheme on Adoption and Certification of Organic Farming in Kashmir with the

aim for sustainable agriculture ,better productivity ,less hazardous, eco friendly and reduces

input costs, through use of natural bio inputs .He said that during ensuing kharief season

one hundred hectares of land of Tanghdar will be brought under organic farming.In this

Camp M. Shafi from International Panacea Ltd highlighted the apparatus of organic farming ,

which includes soil fertility, crop management and pest/disease management. He said that

marketting facility will also be provided to the farmers to ensure high returns. He stressed

farmers to use of Bio- nutrients and Bio-pesticides for sustainable agriculture . Large number of farmers includind panch and sarpanches , besides officers and officials of  Agriculture department participated in the awareness camp. On the conclusion SDM Karnah and Project Executive International Panacea Ltd distributed Bio-nutrients and Bio pesticides

Worth Rs 3 lakhs to the farmers who will adopt organic farming in their fields.

Lecture on Global Financial Crisis at KU

Srinagar, April 29 (VOS) The Centre of Central Asian Studies Saturday organized an extension lecture  with Prof. Naseer Ahmad Khan, an eminent economist from the School of Economics, Central University Hyderabad, on the theme Global Financial Crisis and its Impact on Indian Economy.

The session was chaired by Prof. G. M. Bhat, Head, Department of Economics, University of Kashmir. Dr. G. N. Khaki welcomed the guest and introduced the theme to the audience.

Prof. Khan explained the implications of global financial crisis on Indian economy. He emphatically said that the global financial crisis led to recession, as a result of which millions lost their jobs and GDP’s simultaneously started to shrink. He said  that it  was due to globalization that the crisis affected almost all countries of world and  of its strong micro fundamentals and effective regulation in financial sector, India managed to withstand the impact on its economy. In the presentation economic system has been thought up of as an alternative to the age old financial structure in the contemporary world. Prof. Khan responded to the queries and questions to the satisfaction of faculty and the scholars.

Prof. G. M. Bhat introduced the speaker to the audience. In his concluding remarks he appreciated both Prof. Khan for his scholarly presentation and the Centre of Central Asian Studies for initiating discussions on the topics of contemporary significance. The extension lecture was attended by all the faculty members of CCAS and research scholars of different departments of the University. Director, CCAS, Prof. G. R. Jan at the end thanked the learned speaker and the audience for their active participation.

Sarpanches going for hunger strike on May 1^st Panchayati Raj a joke PMR

Srinagar, April 29 (VOS) Sarpanches & Panches belonging to ruling National Conference, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who already have joined hands to fight for the empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institution in J&K at a meeting of its coordination committee working under the banner of J&K Panchayati Raj Movement (JK PRM)  met at Chadoora on Saturday  and decided to go for one day hunger strike on May 1^st(Labour Day). It was decided that future course of action would be chalked out on that day only.

We the Sarpanches & Panches of most of the districts of valley are already working  in close coordination with each other so that issues related to 73^rd amendment of J&K Panchayati Raj Act are taken up with the authorities more rigorously. A joint coordination committee of NC , PDP and few congress Sarpanches has already been formed and we held a Conference in Srinagar few weeks back regarding empowering of panchayats in J&K , but the Govt seems to be doing nothing said Shahnawaz Sultan Convener of J&K Panchayati Raj Movement. A group of Sarpanches & Panches from Jammu region under the leadership of Shafiq Mir will also join us in the one day fast which will be held at Lal Chowk Srinagar Shahnawaz added.

If our demands are not fulfilled then we may be forced to go for indefinite strike also said another member of PRM Ghulam Mohammad Raina. “Why is article 370 impediment for extending 73^rd amendment? Why our Govt has extended MG NREGA in toto  into J&K ? NREGA is also a central law ? Why has J&K Govt extended AFSPA, Disturbed Area Act and POTA into J&K ? Shahnawaz Sultan Convener of PRM further added 

22-year’s Boy missing in Srinagar

Srinagar, April 29 (VOS) A boy, Manzoor Ahmad Gari son of Habibulla resident of tengpora bye pass ages-22 years color whitish clean shaved height 5ft 7 inch wearing sky blue jeans and grey upper with stripes has gone missing. General public is requested if any body have any information regarding the boy, kindly contact us on Phone numbers 

Leader urges consuming domestic products

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has urged all Iranians to vigorously confront enemy economic plots by consuming indigenous products.

Ayatollah Khamenei, who was speaking at a pharmaceutical factory near Tehran on the occasion of Worker’s Week in Iran on Sunday, said the same strong will that has helped the Iranian nation overcome other enemy plots over the years will also see them through the economic conspiracies. 

“The true realization of the country’s various objectives such as political independence requires self-sufficiency and economic independence; economic independence is [in turn] contingent upon the formation of national production; and national production will be generated through ‘true, collective and practical’ respect for Iranian labor and Iranian investment,” the Leader added. 

Elsewhere, Ayatollah Khamenei said fighting economic corruption is necessary for boosting domestic production. 

“Smuggling and abusing the nation’s financial assets and resources in banks are instances of the economic disruptions,” the Leader said. 

Ayatollah Khamenei has designated the new Iranian calendar year (started March 20) as that of National Production and Supporting Iranian Investment and Labor. 

Iran Army, IRGC to hold joint military drill: Cmdr.

A top commander says the joint military drill between the Iranian Army and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) will probably be held in the country’s southeastern parts.

“Our objective is to stage drills in different parts of the country to enhance the capabilities of our units and forces,” Commander of Iran's Ground Forces Brigadier General Ahmad-Reza Pourdastan said Sunday. 

In this way our forces can prepare in the shortest time possible in the time of crises, the Iranian commander said. 

Pourdastan added that other Iranian military forces, including Iran’s Air Force, may also participate in the upcoming maneuver. 

This is the first joint military drill between the Army and the IRGC since the victory of the Islamic Revolution in 1979. 

In February, the IRGC conducted a military maneuver codenamed Val Fajr in Markazi Desert days after the Army’s air forces wrapped up a four-day exercise codenamed Tharallah near the strategic Persian Gulf region. 

In another drill codenamed Hamiyan-e Velayat also in February, IRGC forces practiced tactical commando raid and aerial combat, launched air offensive and defensive operations and carried out heliborne as well as anti-heliborne operations. 

In January, IRGC Ground Forces held the Shohaday-e Vahdat military drills in the eastern province of Khorasan Razavi. 

Iran maintains that the maneuvers are defensive in nature and meant to convey a message of peace and friendship to regional countries. 

‘Iran sanctions negatively impacted world economy’

Permanent Costa Rican representative to the UN Eduardo Ulibarri says sanctions against Iran, particularly on its oil sector, have had many adverse consequences on the global economy.

“The adverse consequences of anti-Iran sanctions on the global economy are a fact that cannot be overlooked,” Ulibarri told IRNA on Sunday. 

He added that sanctions had more negative impacts on the global economy than on the Iranian economy and nation, emphasizing that this reality is not one that can be hidden. 

The Costa Rican envoy pointed out that everyone is aware that imposing sanctions against Iran's oil industry have driven up the global prices of crude. 

“Our ideal [situation] is based on lifting all sanctions (against Iran),” Ulibarri said. 

In response to a question about constructive talks between Iran and the six major world powers (P5+1) held in the Turkish city of Istanbul on April 14, he stated that if the negotiating sides have come to the conclusion that Tehran will continue cooperation, the West should reduce sanctions against the country. 

Iran has cut crude exports to some European countries as part of its countersanctions. 

The decision was made after EU foreign ministers agreed on January 23 to ban oil imports from Iran and freeze the assets of the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) across the EU.