Traffic Signals to be installed in Srinagar before Monday.

Police to seek Suggestions from Public through Face book.

Srinagar, May 02 (VOS) :  With Darbar (Seat of Power) all set to open in Srinagar On Monday for next six months, and Traffic Jamming already  having become a major worry for public owing to huge tourist and public rush in the summer capital, traffic police in an attempt to streamline the  traffic in city is raising the electronic Signals in next three days. The signals will be placed in first instance at Jehangir Chowk, Karan Nagar Chowk, Lal chowk and TRC Crossing on trial basis..  “In next three days, you will see traffic signals functioning in Srinagar on trial basis.” DIG tafic Shafkat Ahmad Watali told VOS. Watali who joined as DIG traffic on Monday vowed to overhaul the traffic department in the days to come. “ People will observe a visible improvement in traffic regulation in next 10 days.” Asserted Watali, adding that the traffic jamming at Shaltang, Panthachowk, TRC, Lal Chowk, Jehangeer Chowk, Rambagh and other crossings is being looked into seriously and the matter was  already taken up with Municipal Commission, District police and the district administration Srinagar to get all the allied departments on board. “We are requesting Local Police to help us regulate the traffic at the junctions where traffic jamming is immense.” Told DIG Traffic, adding that Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Baser Ahmad Khan was keen to remove the encroachments on the roads to enable smooth traffic regulation. “ I have planed a meeting with Municipal Commissioner also to seek his support in this connection.” Watali said, adding that Traffic police had the only responsibility of regulation and the traffic management was the baby of other allied departments who should come forward to do their bit of job.

Meanwhile traffic police is also contemplating to launch a public campaign through social media and circulate the personal numbers of its all higher officers through Media  with an aim to redress the public grievances. “ We are launching our campaign through Face book and our own website to seek suggestions and advice from general public for better traffic regulation.” Vowed Wtali. He added that the personal cell numbers of IG, DIG, SSP and Dy.Sps of traffic police  will be circulated through media so that people can call directly to these officers at the time of need. “ If you are stuck in a traffic jam, call us, our team will be there in next few minutes,” DIG promised, requesting Public to cooperate with  the department in identifying the ‘loopholes’. Admitting that there was shortage of manpower in traffic police DIG said that the matter is being taken up with the higher authorities very soon.

Finally Dog Sterilization to get underway.

Professionals being hired by SMC to do the Job.

Srinagar, May 02 (VOS) :  Amid controversy over the worst type of man-animal conflict in Srinagar city, Srinagar Municipal Corporation is launching a sterilization drive for dogs in city from thursday. Official sources in SMC told VOS that all arrangements have been made to sterilize the nearly one lakh dogs.. However sources added that there were still fears of some NGO’s becoming obstacle at the eleventh hour. “We don’t know whether we will be allowed to carry ion with the sterilization process.” An official pleading anonymity told VOS. He added that the SMC was caught in between the public who are the victims and the animal rights activists who have approached court to keep us abay from poisoning them. “ We have to take even Supreme court ruling into consideration also.” the official said. He said that last year SMC had identified the place near Harwan for dog Pounds however the plan had been abandoned due to stiff resistance from the locals. “ The then Commissioner SMC, Sheikh Mushtaq had several rounds of talks with the locals, but that too didn’t lead us anywhere.” Said another official of  SMC.

Meanwhile reports suggest that even tourists have expressed their dismay over the issue. “Some tourists have approached the local officers and expressed their anguish over the free movement of stray dogs along Dal and other parks.” Sources told VOS, adding that various tourists were scared of the dogs and preferred to stray indoors late evening. “ We may start the drive by tomorrow or by latest from Saturday.” Commissioner Municipal Corporation Dr. G. N. Qasba told VOS on Wednesday. He said that it is a mutual programme  with SKAUST (Vertinery department) and National Animal Welfare board cooperating with SMC in the drive.

. Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation Dr. G.N Qasba  had told VOS  last week that there were as per official statistics around 91,110 stray dogs  on the streets of summer capital. “We will be starting the sterilization drive from first week of may and 20-40dogs would be sterilized every day. Qasaba had told, adding that  the  pilot project of birth control was being implemented to check the increasing menace in the city.

Earlier the issue of stray dogs threatening the life of people especially children had rocked the assembly during the recently concluded budget session also forcing junior minster for Urban and Development Nasir Aslam Wani announcing on the floor of the house about the pilot project. Pertinently the poising of dogs by state government was halted in 2008 after the activists led by BJP leader Monika Ghandi approached Supreme Court. since then the number of stray dogs has increased many fold  unleashing a new kind of animal- man conflict in the already troubled valley.

But now when the animal-man conflict has turned lethal for people, especially children, people seem up in arms against the government on the issue, demanding an immediate solution to the ‘crises’. “We can not afford  our children falling pray to stray dogs any more.” a visibly agitated parent told VOS. He said that the conflict has turned now violent and govt. is unable to take any action.

Meanwhile govt. had to arrest the human rights activist on Monday after they took to streets against the in action of the concerned authorities to deal with the crises.

‘SC ruling on Pathribal Case, a Judicial Impunity’. Civil Society,

Claims that judgment would reaffirm distrust of ppl on State institutions.

 Srinagar, May 02 (VOS) : Terming the Supreme court ruling on Pathribal “Fake encounter” as ‘disappointing’, Jammu Kashmir Coalition for Civil Society has alleged that the forces now enjoyed the ‘Judicial Impunity’. 

‘’Fake encounters, along with various other human rights violations, have been a reality for the people of Jammu and Kashmir over the last twenty two years. In 2008, according to media reports, Supreme Court Justices Aftab Alam and G.S. Singhvi made observations in court in relation to the practice of fake encounters for rewards in Jammu and Kashmir. With about 8000 persons disappeared, 70,000 persons killed, numerous cases of torture, rape and other human rights violations, Jammu and Kashmir has seen institutional denial of justice.” Claimed Civil Society in its statement to VOS, adding

‘The Supreme Court judgment in the Pathribal case was keenly awaited by the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The Supreme Court judgment states that cognizance may not be taken by a court without prior sanction. This would suggest that crimes like fake encounters, rape, custodial deaths, enforced disappearances would continue to be subject to seeking prior sanctions under AFSPA from the Government of India.’ It further said,

‘This impunity has to be understood within the context of unabated human rights abuses in Jammu and Kashmir over the last twenty two years.’

  Cliaming that Jammu and Kashmir government did not sanction a single case for prosecution since two decades, Civil society said,

“On 23^rd February 2012, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, in response to a RTI application on AFSPA sanctions, stated that no sanction for prosecutions had ever been granted in Jammu and Kashmir since 1990 till date.”

‘On 18^th April 2012, the Ministry of Defence, in response to a RTI application, stated that out of a total of forty four cases received for the purpose of grant of sanction from the Jammu and Kashmir Government, thirty five have been denied, and nine are under consideration. Further, that of these cases only one case was processed by the army court-martial. Therefore, the reality of Jammu and Kashmir has been an absolute impunity.”adding,

“The Pathribal case was an opportunity for the Supreme Court to earn the respect of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in light of the history of the Supreme Court vis-à-vis Jammu and Kashmir. Unfortunately the judgment further emboldens the armed forces, which may result in further human rights violations by the armed forces and strengthen a process that has appeared to always favour the perpetrators.”

 The civil Society claimed that the fall out of this judgment on the people of Jammu and Kashmir would be a reaffirmation of their suspicion and distrust of the Indian state institutions.

Work on Jehangir Chowk-Natipora Flyover starts

Srinagar, May 02 (VOS):  The Minister for Rural Development, Panchayat Raj, Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar yesterday convened a high level officers meeting to review the ongoing development works in Srinagar city and interacted with the concerned officers and engineers.

            The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Mr. Baseer Ahmad Khan, Chief Engineer R&B, Mr. Mushtaq Ahmad Lone, UEED, LAWDA Architecture and others department participated.

            The Minister stressed upon the officers and engineers to complete all the ongoing projects in Srinagar city within the stipulated time already committed with the people of Srinagar city by the Chief Minister for which he has already issued necessary instructions during his meeting with them.

            The Chief Minister has already directed the concerned executing agencies for restoration of the old glory of the Srinagar city especially the religious places like Jamia Masjid, Naqashband Sahib, Bulbul Shah Sahib, Khankhai Moula and Dastigeer Sahib. He asked the concerned officers that Chief Minister is very much keen to percolate the benefits of these ongoing projects to the common people especially completion of Community Halls at various places, widening of roads for smooth playing of traffic, providing parking facilities, adequate water supply facilities and solve the drainage problems faced by the people living in Shehr-i-Khas. He also reminded the officers of the instructions of Chief Minister for ensuring the street lights properly functional besides providing playing facilities to the budding youth in the Srinagar city.

            The Minister also reviewed post Darbar Move traffic scenario and get feedback of the steps taken for reducing the traffic pressure on the city and removing the bottlenecks and hurdles in traffic movement. He stressed upon the officers to double their efforts to complete all these projects taken in have for reducing the traffic pressure on Srinagar city so that the common people especially employees and student community can get relief to reach their destinations in time. He said for this purpose, the traffic signal lights are being installed at main junctions in a phased manner.

            Mr. Sagar on the occasion disclosed that work on the Jehangir Chowk-Natipora flyover has been started on the special instructions from the State Chief Minister, Mr. Omar Abdullah and hoped for timely completion of this project.

            Meanwhile the Minister expressed his satisfaction over the progress of some ongoing projects in connection with the beautification and restoration of prestigious historical buildings and bridges including preservation of old Zaina Kadal on which Rs. 50 lakhs is being spent and historical Jamia Masjid.

            On the occasion, the officer and engineers assured the Minister that all the development projects would be completed within stipulated time as desired by the Chief Minister.

Foundation stone for Zojila Tunnel to be laid in August: SOZ,

Says, Rahul Gandhi vary keen to see the project through.

Srinagar, May 02 (VOS) :  State Congress president Prof. Saif ud din soz has expressed gratitude to Union Minster for Road Transport and Highways C.P Joshi for what soz called his‘ vigorous efforts’ with regard to construction of Zojila tunnel . Soz claimed that the foundation stone for the project would be laid in the coming august.

“ I conveyed my thanks to Shri. C. P. Joshi Hon’ble Minister of Road Transport and Highways Government of India for sending  me  the minutes of the meeting that was held  in Delhi on 28^th  of March 2012 on my initiative, in connection with the proposed construction of Zojila Tunnel.” Soz said in a statement to VOS on Wednesday. Adding,

“The Minister  and his Colleagues had responded very favourably to  my strong plea that work on the Tunnel at Zojila must be started  at the earliest, so that  a strong message is given to the concerned quarters  that this matter was being pursued vigorously. They had also responded positively that apart from bringing relief to the people of the entire Ladakh region,  especially the people of Kargil, the  construction  of  Zojila Tunnel is a project of  National  strategic importance.”told Congress state president. He claimed that the Ministry  was now vigorously  firming up enormous funding for constructing of Zojila Tunnel.

Meanwhile BRO have intimated that  the cost of civil works  for Z-Moreh Tunnel alone have been estimated to be Rs.2100 Crores.

 Soz informed that the foundation  laying ceremony of Z-Morh Tunnel would be performed  in August 2012,while  inauguration  for Zojila Tunnel would be performed anytime next year. The Ministery has, however charted out action points and  importance is being  attached to this prestigious project.

“On my part I have kept Shri. Rahul Gandhi  fully informed on the developments, who had taken  keen interest in the matter of construction of Tunnel at Zojila.” Claimed Soz, adding that he had taken up this issue  construction of  Zojila Tunnel  twice through a special mention in the Rajya Sabha, earlier.

Self Rule already implemented on ground: Mehbooba.

“NC Failed to respond to developmental needs of Srinagar”

Srinagar, May 02 (VOS) :  Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has said the self rule vision presented by her party was already being implemented on ground in certain ways. Addressing party sympathizers and workers at Makhdoom Sahib Khanyar, Brarinambal  Habakadal and Chandpora Harwan here today. She said self rule had emerged the only viable and feasible solution to the problem of Jammu & Kashmir. “Whether it is trade and travel across the LOC or opening of traditional routes with out side world that connect the state to regions as far as central Asia are already on the table between India and Pakistan”, she said.

Chief Spkesman Naeem Akhtar, District president & MLC Mohd Ashraf Mir, Secretary Coordination Ab Hameed Kosheen, Aadil Jan, Mudasir Khan, Nisar Ahmad Mandoo, Firdous Ahmed also spoke on this occasion.

Mehbooba said important principles had been settled in allowing travel across the LOC without passport and visa and trade without formalities of import , export and custom duty. These principles were now being built upon by the two countries in their bit to find a lasting solution that brings relief and satisfaction to the people of Jammu & Kashmir. She said when this vision is fully implemented it would liberate the state from an artificial siege that had suffered in the wake of partition while all other proposals for resolution had only been used for political exploitation and power bargaining.

Similarly, Mehbooba said the issue of the exploitation of water and power resources of the state represented a major economic concern for the people of the state. She said the state had been reduced to a begging bowl by handing over its immense water resources to NHPC without even as much as a formality of an MOU.She said unless the state is duly compensated for the huge loss it is suffering on this account , it can never become economically self reliant which is fundamental for the self respect of its people. “How can we generate dignified and gainfull employment for the six lakh unemployed youth who have  been reduced to menial jobs in absence of resources unless we settle this issue with centre judiciously”, She wondered.

Mehbooba said even though Srinagar city had politically been exploited by the ruling NC for more than six decades and  the party  had  failed to respond to its growing needs of development. She said most of the city has been degenerated into a slum, traffic problem have assumed dimensions of a crisis and if the government is not able to manage the streets how can it address larger issues. She said the dog mannace is threatening lives of the people and scores of them are getting bitten every day and it seems the government is enjoying the plight of the people with whose eight representatives in the assembly and one in the parliament, the NC is enjoying luxuries of power.

Mehbooba said the present government has subverted all the projects and schemes started for Srinagar by the preceeding PDP- Congress coalition. She said the beutification of Jehlum, rehabilitation of slum dewellers, development of Eidgah, construction of seven fly overs and creation of more tourism facilities had all been shelved. On the one hand urbanization is expanding with transfer of population from villages where they don’t find enough amenities and on the other hand the city is getting choked because of a lack of vision for its present and future needs.She said the present govt had failed to benefit the people from such revolutionary programmes as Asian Development Bank (ADB) funded shemes and JNNURM which have completely transformed other cities.

Mehbooba said that her party would take up effectively the rehabilitation issues of the weaker sections of the people of Tujgari Mohalla and Sheikh Mohalla in Khanyar constituency. Similarly the issue of discrimination in payment of compensation for acquisition of land and properties in Brari Nambal area would also be taken up.She endorsed the need for the widening of Harwan road and alos removing bottle necks on the Beualevard that leads to huge traffic congestion putting the tourists and large local population to discomfort.

Zone Presidents Muneeb Ah Bhat, showkat Hafiz, Mohd Shafi Mir, Youth general secretary  Showkat Gayoor, youth Organising secretary Syed Irfan and district youth president Jahangir Wani were also present and spoke on this occasion.

Hurriyat (M) not against development in Valley: Mirwaiz,

Asks govt. to desist from discriminating people on party basis.

Srinagar, May 02 (VOS) :  Stating that Hurriyat Conference was not averse to development in the valley, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has asked govt. to desist from discriminating people on party and sectarian basis. Talking to VOS , Mirwaiz said, the Govt. was indulging in discrimination in providing compensation to people who have given away their land and houses for the widening of Syed Mirakh Shah road from Dalgate to Zakura. “ People from a particular political party have been given due compensation but others are suffering and have been forced to  run pillar to post for the same.” Mirwaiz alleged on Wednesday. He said that a group of people from the area had approached him on Wednesday seeking his intervention into the matter. “They told me that on 22^nd of march 2012, Aditional district development commissioner Srinagar arrived in the area with a contingent of  force and started bulldozing the structures forcibly.” Claimed Mirwaiz, adding that his faction of hurriyat Conference was not against any development, but urged that govt. should compensate properly to the people whose land and property was needed for it.

Meanwhile people of the area told VOS that they had appealed Governor N.N. Vohra, Chief Minster Omar Abdullah and former Chief Minster Gh. Nabi Azad to intervene, but alleged that their appeals had dropped into ‘deaf ears’.

“We urge govt. to call us for negotiation and give us 50% of compensation at the time of signing the agreement, so that we would be able to buy new houses or raise the new structures.” Locals demanded.

Intra-Kashmir Conference: ANC to send delegation to Pak

Srinagar, May 02 (VOS) :  Chief of Task Force to highlight Kashmir issue by Pakistan Tehreek Insaaf and former Pakistan Foreign Minister, Congress Senior leader and Member Parliament Mani Shanker Aiyar, senior vice president of Awami National Conference Muzaffar Shah addressed a meeting at Kolkata recently while O P Shah was the convener of the meeting. Referring to Kashmir issue, Muzaffar Shah said that it is clear Kashmir is the main reason of tension between India and Pakistan. He said that Awami National Conference is trying hard to conduct an Intra-Kashmir conference for India and Pakistan can move forward only after wishes of people of all five regions—Kashmir, Jammu, Ladakh, Muzaffarabad and Gilgit are taken into consideration. To hold intra-Kashmir Conference is very imperative in this regard, he said. He called upon the leadership of both countries to facilitate the intra-Kashmir conference. The former Pakistan foreign Secretary assured Muzaffar Shah that he will always respect the proposal with regard to resolution of Kashmir issue. Muzaffar Shah also hailed the efforts with regard to Kashmir by Pakistan Tehreek Insaaf. He said that first meeting of Intra-Kashmir conference will be held wither in Jammu or Srinagar and in this regard, Awami National Conference will soon send a delegation to Pakistan.

JK Bank launches skill development training in Kupwara.

Srinagar, May 02 (VOS) :  J&K Bank RSETI Kupwara Tuesday commenced a ten-day long ‘Skill Development Programme on Knitting’ where in 30 participants shall receive trainings. Sponsored by DRDA Kupwara the trainees are from three Self-help Groups belonging to Block Wavoora, Kupwara.

Cluster Head, Kupwara Mohammad Younis Pattoo inaugurated the programme in presence of DRDA officials and other guests. He impressed upon the trainees that they should take the trainings seriously to enhance their skills.“Our focus is to have productive youth force. So these training programmes are tailored to enable youth to earn for themselves and provide employment to others, “he added. Director RSETI Mohammad Afzal Shah assured the participants of every possible help in providing them credit-linkage with banks so that their ventures are properly financed to generate both profit and employment. During the training programme the participants shall have interactive sessions with bankers, representatives of sponsoring agencies and officials from the concerned government departments.

KU Business School, launches Special Lecture Series

Srinagar, May 02 (VOS) :  As a part of Special Lecture Series- 2012, the Business School, University of Kashmir  today organised a lecture on, “The Spatial Dispersion of Populations: The Underpinnings of Product and Service Delivery Infrastructure” by Prof. Iqbal Agha,  Chairman, Finance and Operations & Information Management Department, Isenberg School of Management, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, USA.

 Prof. Aga Iqbal is a world renowned academician, with PhD in Operations Research, MA Computer Science, MS Statistics, MS Operations Research. The session was chaired by Prof. A. M. Shah, Dean, Academic Affairs, University of Kashmir.

Prof. Iqbal Agha gave a wonderful presentation on “The Spatial Dispersion of Populations: The Underpinnings of Product and Service Delivery Infrastructure”. The spatial dispersion of the population of a country is a function of its geography, history, and economic development. Enabling access to services and products for spatially dispersed populations is ever more pertinent in today's fiscally constrained socio-political landscape and relevant to both the public and private sectors he said.” The lecture also examined infrastructure development with respect to the quality of access to services that is provided to a population. Prof. Iqbal related his lecture to the common infrastructure needs of the state of Jammu & Kashmir and provided some valuable inputs for long term infrastructural development and highlighted the areas that have the potential to drive the economic growth of the state.

Prof. A. M. Shah, Dean, Academic Affairs, University of Kashmir lauded the role of Business School in providing a platform to the students wherein they can interact with globally renowned academicians and corporate leaders. Prof. Shah further stressed that such interactions enrich the experiences of the students and prepare them for the challenges of the future.

Prof. Shabir A. Bhat, Director and Dean, FCMS, University of Kashmir welcomed Prof. Aga Iqbal,  and thanked him for interacting with the students.  In his interaction with the students Prof. Shabir  said that creating a sustainable linkage with renowned institutions and personalities is vital for making education more vibrant and result oriented.  He further added that lack of quality academic interface among institutions of higher learning results in poor quality of education and output.  So such interactions go in long way to open up the horizons of the youth. Prof. Shabir assured the students that the special lecture series-2012 will provide them an opportunity to interact with various eminent personalities. After conclusion of the lecture the session was thrown upon for questions to the faculty and students.. The students enthusiastically participated in this session and asked some thought provoking and insightful questions. Prof. Iqbal answered these questions with deep insight and knowledge and also appreciated the competence and caliber of the faculty and students of Business School.

PDP has personal vendetta against people of Srinagar: NC

“Wachi people are on a lookout for their representative”

Srinagar, May 02 (VOS) :  Terming Srinagar as the heart and soul the National Conference(NC) today said that Srinagar doesn’t need a deserter representative from Wachi to certify the number of development works the Eight elected members and leaders of the party have done.  Trouncing at the PDP National Conference spokesman, Tanvir Sadiq, today while addressing a gathering of prominent citizens, doctors, social workers in downtown Srinagar termed the lies of PDP as “frustration”. Reacting to the speech of the PDP president the spokesman said, it’s an irony that she now has no issue left and has been literally begging for issues.

Tanvir said, “the party started with “Self Rule” as soon as their balloon burst they started talking about governance, their Ministers in the garb of good governance looted not only forests but engulfed the whole Kashmir into flames. They shifted their base to Jammu and tactically started the sectarian divide. Then again the 2010 unrest in Kashmir was their brain child”, Tanvir added that had it not been for Chief Minister Omar Abdullah who saved the state from the clutches of destruction, the PDP had already decided to divide people on rural-urban and region - religion basis.

Terming PDP as a party of opportunists the spokesman told the gathering that facing failures from all quarters they have now started dividing the people of Srinagar.

Talking about the people of Wachi and how they are on a look out for their representative. Tanvir Said “People of Wachi don’t even remember the face of their MLA as she has never been seen in or around that area, leave apart helping the voters who voted for her”, adding that people of Wachi constituency term it as the ‘Dark day’ when they voted her to the assembly”, said Tanvir addressing respected citizens of the city.

While suggesting her to first fulfill her duties as an elected MLA first and then harp on lies and disinformation campaign. Tanvir said “PDP president finds it difficult to even find a place to address a handful of people and their outdated press releases harp on false claims by terming it as huge gathering.

While reminding the gathering about the step motherly treatment by the PDP Tanvir Sadiq said,“ People have not forgotten how PDP had almost shifted the secretariat from Srinagar to Parhasora just to teach people of Srinagar a lesson, adding, that was the amount of hatred PDP had for people of Srinagar”.

Tanvir while lashing out at the double standards of PDP told the gathering that because of PDP the Urban Reforms Bill was not passed and with the result the GOI stopped the funds meant for developing the twin cities of Srinagar and Jammu under JNNURM.

“The PDP stalled the urban reform bill and now the GOI will not release the funds with the result the city will suffer” said Tanvir adding that PDP are hell bent against any development in Srinagar and have shown that even when they were in power.

Terming Srinagar city as the heart of NC the spokesman added that Srinagar is under the process of being developed into a city of International standards adding that the Chief Minster has given clear instruction for early completion of various works which are under progress. Tanvir added that Law Minister Ali Mohd Sagar has been personally looking after the development works and has been time and again taking feedback about the numerous works that are undergoing including widening of Syed Mirak Shah road, Zadibal to Pandach, preservation and reconstruction of centuries old bridges like Zaina kadal Bridge, Zero Bridge, Habba Kadal Bridge, regulation of traffic system, construction of Makhdoom Sahib Community Hall, , Rangil Water Supply Scheme, smooth function of street lights, lighting of public parks, construction of flyover from Jahangir Chowk to Natipora and rehabilitation of affected shopkeepers, construction of the Radhpora stadium, Zindashah stadium,  drainage system, decongestion of traffic jams, especially on some vulnerable places like Pantha Chowk, Dalgate, Rambagh, Jahangir Chowk, Karan Nagar, completion of the construction work of Bulbul Shah Shrine, Zaiyrat Peer Dastageer Sahib, Maqdom Sahib and Hazrat Naqshband Sahib, removing of garbage from the different places and its dumping at a proper place including providing better transport facilities to the common people.

“The list of works is never ending and it will take hours for me to explain how committed we are towards the development of the City” said Tanvir 

Talking about the works, the spokesman said that Dalgate Bridge is coming up at a cost of Rs.1338 lakh and would be completed by July-August and Rs.1050 lakh have already been spent on this bridge so far. The commercial complex near Exhibition ground-Jahangir Chowk is coming at a cost of Rs. 48.93 crore and Rs. 410 crore have been spent on this project so far. The road from Qamarwari to Narbal is being made at the cost of 16 cr. The Tagore Hall is coming at a cost of Rs. 216 lakh and will be completed by the end of May. The construction of wholesale market, household industry and institutional facilities is coming up at the cost of 140 c for which 1,491 kanals has been identified.

The party spokesman said that the CM has personally projected Rs. 243.6 cr for the four lane expressway from Dalgate to Rambagh integrating the existing flyover with this expressway so that anyone can right from Dalgate reach airport without any stop. He added that money has been already approved for macdemisation of Srinagar roads and the work is going on. He said because of the personal intervention of the CM the 161 crore super speciality hospital is nearing completion.

While talking about how keen the Chief Minister is to develop the city into any other world class capital, Tanvir told the gathering that the government is also considering starting metro rail services in the state’s twin capitals.

“To ensure we provide employment to the locals, to meet the growing population and considering the fact that people want better services Omar Sahib has moved a proposal to start metro services in the twin capitals,” Tanvir said. Adding the government plans to conduct a traffic analysis by RITES, a government infrastructure development enterprise, and then approach the Delhi Metro Railway Corporation (DMRC) for a detailed project report that will include the feasibility and financial requirements.

“The Metro service  will be a reality very soon, have faith in the leadership of Omar Abdullah and National conference, we will strive to bring Srinagar on the world map in terms of development and progress” adding that it will generate a lot of employment as well”, said Tanvir

COURAGE distributes free books, stationery among poor children

Srinagar, May 02 (VOS):  The Courage (Creative Organization Urging Real Awareness and Guidance on Education & Environment), a Registered Charity organized "Reaching the Outreach" Camp at  Khargam and Bahrampora, the remote villages of Baramulla district. After distributing free books, notebooks, writing material, etc among 150 children, the COURAGE team headed by its president Syed Nabil  interacted with the children and emphasized the need of obtaining formal and informal qualifications for better future. " With the high urgency of education among all people, the COURAGE has come up with ideas in maximizing the literacy among all," he said. 

 This is the Second programme in the month of April 2012. On April 10, two villages, Waripora and Tilagam were covered and study material and note books were distributed among 200 students.  President COURAGE (Syed Nabil) accompanied by other members (Ms. Shabina. Ms Paleez Jan, Mr. Amir Shafi,  Syed Ehtesham, Fauzia) interacted with the children and emphasized the need of obtaining formal and informal qualifications for better future. NGO members distributed books, notebooks, writing material, etc among 150 children. The members of the team said that It’s the education which transforms a person to live a better life and more importantly in a socially well being. It educates us with all the needed attributes in leading our life in a proper lifestyle. President COURAGE on the occasion said that Education helps a person to draw the best out of their mind and spirit. It imparts us with all the power and necessities in making a noticeable mark in any of the field. With the high urgency of education among all people, the COURAGE has come up with ideas in maximizing the literacy among all.  The COURAGE is determined to provide all possible help to those who need it most particularly underprivileged and downtrodden but brilliant children to achieve the objective of obtaining elementary education and support them realise their potential.

MPL board organizes extraordinary and historical meet

Religious scholars of high learning participated

       In one of the historical and extraordinary meeting of Muslim Personal Law (MPL) Board, the Muftis and Ulemas of high learning and members of Muslim Personal Law Board under the chairmanship of Mufti Azam Maulana Bashir-u-Din met here today.

            In his keynote address, Mufti Bashir-u-Din emphasized on mutual brotherhood love and amity, and said that our Aulia Kirams have taught us tolerance and have shaped our spirits in such a manner that we reciprocate hate with love. He said that all schools of thought have to co-exist in the atmosphere of love and amity and should always be embodiment of love.

            He said that some of the ignorant persons and two or three media persons are trying to rename Ahl-e-Hanfia as Barelivi’s which is totally wrong projection by such elements. They were advised to correct themselves and understand that 85 % of people of Kashmir are Ahl-e-Hanfia and show respect for Aala Hazreth of Bareli as well. Therefore, those persons who are writing Barelvi to Ahl-e-Hanfia are wittingly or unwittingly denigrating 85 % population of Kashmir

            The conference expressed great anguish on use of drugs and wine by a section of youth. He said that time has come to play a positive role for eradication of menace of drug abuse otherwise we will fail in our duties to reform the society.

            On the issue of increasing activities of believers of Mirza’iat and Qadiyani’iat, the Islamic Sharia Council has made it clear that in all parts of the world Qadiyanis have been declared non Muslims. Mufti Azam, Maulana Bashir-u-din appealed all legislators of J&K state to pass the bill in coming assembly session to declare them non Muslims in J&K State as well so that grievance of all the people of state is addressed.

            The conference urged the administrators of Shrines and Khankahs to propagate the beliefs of Ahl-e-Sunnat wal Jamaat in right perspective.

            It was said that the religious scholars and preachers of Islam are duty bound to work for eradication of waywardness, drug abuse and other social evils and help in making this an ideal society.

 Barack Obama signals end of war in Afghanistan with warning to Pakista

WASHINGTON: Air Force One turned into midnight express as US president Barack Obama swept unannounced into Afghanistanon the first anniversary of the raid that killedOsama bin Laden to signal an end to war there ahead of a strenuous election season at home. 

Obama flew to into Bagram air base outsideKabul late on Tuesday, signed a pact in the dead of the night with Afghan president Hamid Karzai outlining future advisory US role, spoke to American troops in the wee hours of the morning, and made a primetime TV address to an US audience at the crack of dawn Kabul time, before flying back, symbolically shutting down in ten hours a war that has lasted more than a decade. 

Soon after he left, Kabul erupted in violence even as Taliban announced what it called a spring offensive starting May 3, wire reports said. Terrorists armed with guns, suicide vests and a bomb-laden car attacked a heavily fortified compound used by Westerners in Kabul, killing seven people and wounding more than a dozen. 

On a militant website, Taliban declared that the new offensive, code-named al Farouq, would target "foreign invaders, their advisors, their contractors, all those who help them militarily and in intelligence." 

The so-called "invaders," who by Obama's account came to Afghanistan only because Osama bin Laden and his al-Qaida set up base here, would have largely left under a transition the president outlined. But the withdrawal, while more than just symbolic, will also involve continued US role in Afghanistan over the next decade under the strategic accord, including American advisors and trainers, targets Taliban threatened it will aim for. 

In his ten-minute address to Americans back home gearing up for elections in November, Obama promised that the goal he set to defeat al-Qaida and deny it a chance to rebuild "is now within our reach," enabling a transition that "will complete our mission and end the war in Afghanistan." At the same time, he signalled that the US would not abandon Afghanistan and will remain invested in the country's security and development for the next decade. 

The US president also had sharp and peremptory words for Afghanistan's neighbour Pakistan, whose "strategic depth" policy involving interference in Afghanistan is the cause of much grief to Washington. "I have made it clear to Pakistan," Obama warned grimly, "that it can and should be an equal partner in this process in a way that respects Afghanistan's sovereignty, interests and democratic institutions." He also added: "In pursuit of a durable peace, America has no designs beyond an end to al-Qaida safe havens and respect for Afghan sovereignty." 

Implicit in those remarks is advice to Pakistan that it should not seek overlordship of Afghanistan or manipulate who will rule Kabul, while at the same time assuring Islamabad that US is not interested in dismantling Pakistan or its nuclear weapons. Some analysts have suggested Obama is more than just annoyed with Pakistan for being the spoiler in the region. 

In a review of the Obama visit, former CIA analyst and Heritage Foundation senior fellow Lisa Curtis said the President's frustration with Pakistan and its lack of cooperation in Afghanistan came through in his remarks. "Islamabad's practice of relying on violent Islamist proxies in Afghanistan (and India) has backfired badly on Pakistan," she wrote Tuesday, advising US officials to "build on this sentiment by convincing Pakistani leaders that unless they ... force the Taliban to compromise in Afghanistan, Pakistan will suffer from an emboldened Taliban leadership that will project its power back into Pakistan." 

"Moreover, Pakistan will face increasing isolation and lose credibility with the international community for continuing policies that encourage terrorism and endanger the safety of civilized nations," she added. From Islamabad though, there was little sign of any policy change even as Pakistani analysts gloated at the prospect of US difficulties in drawing down from Afghanistan in the face of continued blockade of Nato supply route.

Hillary Clinton in Beijing for 'most complicated' talks with China

BEIJING: US secretary of state Hillary Clintonarrived in Beijing today for annual strategic and economic talks, made complicated and difficult due to a row over a blind Chinese human rights activist who sought protection at the US embassy. 

Clinton's visit also comes at a time when there is renewed tension in the South China Sea over China's dispute with US-ally Philippines over an island claimed by both countries. 

Significantly, Clinton arrived a day in advance before the two-day talks, scheduled to commence tomorrow, as the two countries grapple to resolve tensions over the entry of Chen Guangcheng into US embassy premises here few days ago. 

The week-long drama over the dissident, who claimed to have escaped 20 months of house arrest at his village in Shandong province before seeking US protection, ended hours after Clinton reached Beijing. 

Chen left the US embassy where he had taken refuge for the past six days, and the state-run Xinhua news agency said he had left on his volition. 

"This round of strategic and economic dialogue (SED) is the most complicated and difficult one since it was started in 2009 due to thorny issues," Shi Yinhong, director of Centre of American Studies at the Renmin University of China said. 

Before leaving for Beijing, Clinton told the media that she will raise human rights issues. 

"I can certainly guarantee that we will be discussing every matter including human rights that is pending between us," Clinton said. 

She, however, did not directly refer to Chen's issue. US president Barack Obama too declined to comment on the issue. "Obviously, I am aware of the press reports on the situation in China, but I am not going to make a statement on the issue," he said on Monday.

High voter turnout in Majlis election shows Iranian insight: Leader

The leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says the Iranian nation will once again demonstrate its vigilance and insightfulness by participating in the second round of the parliamentary elections.

“The Iranian nation will once again demonstrate its exemplary vigilance, insight and astuteness by being present at the scene,” the Leader said Wednesday, referring to the second round of Majlis elections that will be held Friday. 

Ayatollah Khamenei made the remarks in his address to thousands of Iranian educators on the occasion of the Teachers' Day. 

Ayatollah Khamenei said the Iranian nation is “insightful and incisive, knows its enemy very well and is not deceived by enemy hypocrisy and its pretense of friendship.” 

“In the struggle between earthly powers, the Iranian nation must always be on the scene and maintain its vigilance to defend its rights as well as that of the future generations,” the Leader added. 

Majlis runoff elections will begin on Friday with 130 candidates vying for the remaining 65 seats of the 290-seat legislative body. 

Principlists have already secured a majority in the Majlis by wining at least 180 of the 290 seats of the legislative body in the first round. 

The Leader praised the high voter turnout in the first round of the elections held on March 2.