THE DAILY  

VOICE OF SRINAGAR

SRINAGAR, SATURDAY, 02 SHABAN 1433 AH ;23 JUNE 2012

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NEWS

Chib reviews functioning of GMC, AHs

Directs for timely completion of various projects

            SRINAGAR, JUNE 22: In order to improve the functioning of Government Medical College and its Associated Hospitals at Srinagar, the Minister for Medical Education, Mr. R.S.Chib convened a meeting of senior officers, here today.

            The meeting reviewed the progress of execution of new block and STP at LD Hospital and issued directions to the concerned agencies to complete the work within a stipulated time frame. Taking serious note of the slow progress of the work the Minister directed the UEED engineers to work in double shift and accomplish the works on fast track basis.

            The meeting was informed that the Theatre Block at Bone and Joint Hospital is almost complete except lift and Laundry Block. It was informed that the lift be installed within a period of one month whileas the OTs will be operationalized within a couple of months. The progress of the OTs will be reported by the concerned officers to the Principal Government Medical College on weekly basis. As regard commissioning of Attendants Sarai at Govt. Medical College, the MD, JKPCC informed that the building is near completion and final touches are being given.

            Regarding sanitation outside the hospital premises, the Minister directed SMC authorities to ensure proper cleanliness of the area every day. He directed the SMC authorities to furnish the list of sanitation staff deployed in the area to the Medical Superintendent of the hospital to ensure accountability.

            Principal, Govt. Medical College was directed to coordinate with the district administration and Cantonment Board for streamlining the arrangements of sanitation /security in the G.B. Pant Hospital.  The Deputy Commissioner was asked to personally monitor these arrangements.

            The Minister also directed for further strengthening the security arrangements in the GMC and Associated hospitals to avoid any untoward situation. He stressed the need for ensuring close coordination between the hospital authorities and Police department which oversees the arrangements. 

Among those present in the meeting included, Secretary Health, Mr. M.K. Dwivedi, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Mr Baseer Khan, Additional Commissioner, Kashmir, Mr Abdul Majeed, MD, JKPCC, Mr. M.M.Gupta, Chief Engineer, R&B, Mr. Mushtaq Ahmad Lone, Principal, Govt. Medical College, Srinagar, Dr. R.A. Pampori and Medical Superintendents of Associated Hospitals.(VOS)

Bridge developmental gaps and complete remaining projects: CS

          SRINAGAR, JUNE 22: The State Level Screening Committee on BADP headed by the Chief Secretary Madhav Lal, Thursday, reviewed the entire development scenario taking place under the programme in 11 border districts covering the remotest belts of the state.

Under the scheme, out of the 2749 ongoing developmental works, 800 have already been completed with strict directions from the committee to complete remaining projects on top priority without over committing to take-up new works.

Chief Secretary while reviewing the financial and physical progress achieved under BADP Annual Plan 2011-12, for each identified district under the programme, emphasised on locating developmental gaps within areas right at the border and to address needs of immediate and critical nature by devising the best possible plan of action and convergence model for their welfare in the proposed outlay for Year 2012-13.

“People residing in these remote areas should feel wanted and not deprived of their share in the states developmental progress currently underway” he said adding that all Deputy Commissioners should strike a chord through convergence to include them in the overall socio- economic welfare package and resource allocation in addition to the allocation set for them under BADP.

The committee held detailed deliberations with the concerned implementing agencies in each of the 11 border districts and recommended early completion of all ongoing road projects and other important sectors covered under the programme. It also called for consulting the newly established Panchayat institutions hailing from these remote belts for evolving a broader consensus regarding Programme implementation and addressing special problems faced by the people living close to border line.

The districts identified under BADP include Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, Poonch, Budgam, Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, Kargil and Leh. Besides the works being executed by District Administration, Army and other Paramilitary Units and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) also take part in executing various schemes under the programme.

            The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Planning and Development B.B Vyas, Principal Secretary Home B.R.Sharma, Various Administrative Secretaries, District Development Commissioners and other senior officers from Army, BRO and Civil administration.(VOS)

Akoon for strict measures for checking road accidents

            BANIHAL, JUNE 22- Minister for CA&PD and Transport, Mr. Qamar Ali Akhoon has advocated for strict measures to minimize the road accidents and stressed upon police, transport and other concerned departments to synergize efforts in this direction.

            The Minister was speaking after launching “Road Safety Campaign”, a joint initiative by 12 grenadiers of RR stationed at Banihal and Jammu Kashmir Traffic Police here today.

            The Minister said that loss of precious human lives is a big concern of the government, adding that strategies adopted to reduce vehicular accidents need to be implemented strictly. He said every efforts are being taken to check such kind of tragedies and directed the concerned officers to ensure smooth and safe plying of transport on the roads especially on Banihal-Ramban stretch of the National Highway.

            Mr. Akhoon said that Transport Department has also been brought under the purview of J&K Public Service Guarantee Act in order to ensure timely delivery of services to the general public. He said the J&K Motor Vehicle Rules have also been amended to make the penalty provisions stringent in order to deter the offenders.

MLA, Banihal, Mr. Vikar Rasool while addressing suggested that such awareness camps need also be organized at Ramban, Doda, Kishtwar and Thatri. He suggested measures for bringing down the graph of accidents in Banihal-Batote and Batote-Doda sector.

            Transport Commissioner, Mr. Mehraj Ahmed Kakroo in his speech said that “action speaks lauder than the words”, on impressing launching a beautiful skit presented by the volunteers of Red Cross Society of Ramban which shows the consequences how a driver is facing when after drunk he drives a vehicle rashly without caring the passengers. He said the skit presented is best way to educate the people on road safety.

            Among others Deputy Commissioner, Ramban, Mr. Shabir Ahmed Bhat, Director CA&PD, Jammu, Mr. Parvez Ahmed Malik, SSP Ramban, SSP Traffic, RTO Jammu, Mr. S. S. Slathia, Brig. A. K. Singh, Commanding Officer of 12 RR, Mr. Ameet Sinha, and district officers of Ramban were present on the occasion.

            Earlier, the students of various institutions took part in a road show in Ramban market with plying cards in their hands and shouting slogans about the road safety.

            Later, the Minister took stock of essential commodities with the district officers. He directed the District Development Commissioner and the authorities of CA&PD to prepare ration cards for those people who have not provides such faculties so far.(VOS)

World Health Day organized at DIET Ganderbal

            GANDERBAL, JUNE 22: A rally on “World Health Day” was organized by Curriculum Material Development and Evaluation (CMDE) Wing of District Institute of Education & Training (DIET), Ganderbal, which started from DIET Ganderbal to Beehama Park. Students’ and teachers from all four zones of Ganderbal district participated in the rally.

            Principal of DIET, Mr. Ram Pal graced the occasion with valuable tips. Head of Department CMDE Wing, Mtr. Nusrat Amin co-ordinated the programme and all the staff members of the DIET Ganderbal assisted the co-ordinator to make the rally successful.

            On this occasion, doctors delivered lecture and shed light on the on the topic of “Health and Hygiene”.(VOS)

J&K Panchayat Conference presents demands to Governor

SRINAGAR, JUNE 22 – A delegation of the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference called on Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, at Raj Bhavan here this evening.

The demands presented by the 6-member delegation led by Mr. Fazal Hussain Khan, Chairman of the Conference, included, interalia, incorporation of the 73^rd Constitutional Amendment in the State for the strengthening and empowerment of Panchayati Raj institutions; election of the Chairman of the Block Development Council only from among the Sarpanchs and Panchs; and larger and systematic involvement of Panchayat representatives in the formulation and implementation of development schemes at the grass roots level. Other demands projected by the deputation included provision of security and grant of honoraria to the Sarpanchs and Panchs.

The office bearers of the Conference thanked the Governor for taking keen interest in the functioning of Panchayati Raj institutions and in the over all progress and prosperity of the State.

  Giving a patient hearing to the delegation, the Governor urged them to devote themselves wholeheartedly to hastening the development process in their respective areas and assured them of following up on their demands by discussing the same with Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj and, if necessary, also with the Chief Minister.(VOS)

Govt. committed to promote adventure tourism in State: Nasir

Launches unique Aero Baloon facility at Zabarwan Park

SRINAGAR, JUNE 22: Moving another step forward to promote adventure tourism in the State, Minister of State for Tourism, Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani dedicated the unique facility of Aero Ballooning to the people at Zabarwan Park, here today.

The Aero Ballooning, which has been launched for the people in the Zabarwan Park, is first of its kind in the country and tourists from across the globe, besides locals will be able to experience a new and unique adventure. This is another step in the direction of promoting adventure tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.

Elaborating the details about the features of the Balloon, Mr. Wani apprised the gathering that the cable controlled Aero Balloon will prove a center of attraction for the tourists as Zabarwan Park is located along the Dal Lake and would provide full aerial view of the Dal while undertaking the Balloon ride. He said this is an attempt to attract tourists from across the globe as well as to provide opportunities of employment to the local entrepreneurs. He said it is endeavor of the Government to promote tourism in all its forms in the Jammu and Kashmir which is backbone of the State’s economy.

While interacting with the media persons on the occasion, the Minister said that Government has taken several measures to upgrade the tourism infrastructure in the Valley in view of the heavy rush of tourists this year. He said Government was making alternate arrangements for the security forces which have occupied hotels at the Dal to add capacity of accommodation for the tourists. He maintained that Government has received some complaints of cheating and overcharging from the tourists which will be examined appropriately and necessary action would be taken against the concerned whosoever found guilty. He warned all those indulging in wrong practices and misleading the tourists, adding that Kashmir is a famous for its age old hospitality and “we must uphold our centuries old rich traditions of Kashmiriat and treat our guests with high degree of honor so that they return to their destinations with sweet memories and experience”, said Mr. Nasir.

Giving details about the Balloon, the Managing Director of the venture M/S Highland Excursion Pvt. Ltd and River and Raft, Mr. Mehraj Din said that at a time 4 to 5 persons can enjoy the ride. The one trip of ride arranging 10 to 15 minutes duration will cost Rs. 500 for the adult whileas Rs. 300 for the child. The facility is a kind of amusement as well as adventure, especially for the young ones. Mr. Mehraj further informed that some more adventure activities are in the pipeline and will be introduced in a phased manner.

Director Tourism, Mr. Talat Parvez and prominent tourist promoters were present on the occasion.(VOS)

Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2012- Additional quota for on-line registration released

           SRINAGAR, JUNE 22 -  Shri N. N. Vohra, Governor who is also Chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board reviewed the to-date status of the registration process and the ongoing arrangements for the forthcoming Shri Amarnathji Yatra  in a meeting at Raj Bhavan today. Recognizing that on-line registration through the website of J&K Bank Ltd. has been most favoured and found convenient by the pilgrims, it was decided to release additional quota for registration through the J&K Bank website for the convenience of the pilgrims who had not so far secured Registration.

          Giving details, Mr. Navin K. Choudhary, CEO, explained that the additional on-line Registration quota has been released in order to ensure that all intending pilgrims reach the Base Camp only after having registered themselves. The CEO further said that more than 3.5 lakh pilgrims have already registered till date through the branches of J&K Bank, YES Bank and 102 Post Offices in addition to on-line registration through the website of J&K Bank. He clarified that the registration process through Bank branches and Post Offices is still going on at several  places.

         The CEO reiterated the Board’s appeal to the Yatris not to reach the Base Camps without registration as, unlike in previous years, it will not be possible for them to be able to cross the Entry-cum-Security Gates at Baltal and Nunwan Base Camps without the Registration in their hand. He further appealed to the Yatris to reach these Base Camps only on the date and for the route for which they have registered themselves. He also reminded the Yatris that the compulsory Health Certificate introduced this year has to be produced by all those Yatris who have registered themselves on-line or are traveling by helicopter. The Yatris who have bought helicopter tickets, their heli ticket will be considered as registration but they would not be allowed to board if they do not produce the required health certificate, duly signed and stamped by registered Medical Practitioner.(VOS)

Hurriyat leaders stopped from visiting Hazratbal, house arrested

Srinagar, June 22 (VOS): Police of Friday stopped senior Hurriyat leaders Shabir Ahmad Shah, Nayeem Ahmad Khan, Zafar Akbar Bhat and Javed Ahmad Mir from visiting the Hazratbla shrine and put them under house arrest.

Spokesmen and leaders of various separatist parties have condemned the house arrest and called it an invasion on individual freedom of these leaders.

Spokesman of Salvation Movement condemned the arrest of senior Hurriyat leader and Chairman Salvation Movement Zaffar Akber Bhat at Chanapora bye passes here.

“Zaffar Akber Bhat was on his way to Dargah Hazratbal srinagar to address the people. Sr. Hurriat Leader Shabir Ahmed Shah and Nayeem Khan has also been put under house arrest to restrict them from going to Dargah Hazratbal Srinagar”, said the spokesman. Arrests, harassment and pressure tactics from the government and their forces cannot suppress the ongoing freedom movement nor under pressure freedom leader, added the spokesman.

Democratic Freedom Party spokesperson also condemned the house arrest of the Hurriyat leaders. “These arrests are against the basic character of democracy apart from being dictatorial”, said the spokesperson. (VOS)

NC playing with the sentiments, sacrifices of Kashmiris: Er. Rashid

‘Moderate separatists blackmailing Pakistan’

Srinagar, June 22 (VOS): Accusing the National Conference of playing with sentiments and sacrifices of Kashmiri people MLA Langate Er. Rashid has blamed national conference leadership of letting down the people of the state and failing to come true to their expectations in moving forward over the resolution of Kashmir issue.

While addressing his supporters at Handwara he said NC had a major moral role and responsibility in finding an everlasting just based solution to the problem as the long pending dispute is the outcome of confusing and self centered politics played by this party since 1947.

Er. Rashid alleged that three generations of few dynasties have been ruling and enjoying because of this tragic conflict and unfortunately an equal no. of generations of common Kashmiris are the worst sufferers of the same conflict.

MLA Langate said that few politicians claiming to be moderate separatists are black mailing Pakistan and others are engaged in misleading New Delhi to ensure that they continue to enjoy power. He said that no political party or leader can deliver even a bit unless they stop working under command, control, guidance and patronage of agencies of two countries. He said that politicians of all shades of opinions should stop acting like ‘B’ teams of India and Pakistan and should rather realize significance of sacrifices given by Kashmiri people for their genuine rights. MLA Langate said that it is unfortunate enough that those who are living a luxurious life and have procured valuables assets and properties at the cost of sacrifices and sentiments of Kashmiri people claim that their every act of entertainment and exploitation is for the restoration of honour and dignity of Kashmiri people.

Commenting upon the death of Major Avtar Singh, Rashid said that the incident is an eye opener and Kashmiris should not expect a human face from security forces

Others who spoke on the occasion included president Handwara Traders Association Sofi Ajaz, Prominent social activist Adv. Majid Banday, Adv. Gh Nabi Khan and Adv. Tahir Majeed Lone.(VOS)

Focus on power scenario to bring state out of energy crisis: Tarigami to govt

SRINAGAR, JUNE 22 (VOS): CPI (M) State Secretary Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami has asked the government to focus on improvement of power scenario in view of growing dependence on the energy sector and rising public discontent against the erratic power supply across the state.

In a statement issued here today, he said that the overall power system in the state has become too faulty to cater to the genuine energy needs of the consumers, adding that even metered areas are facing long and unscheduled power cuts much to the annoyance of public.

The transmission and distribution system has also deteriorated and most of the transformers damaged thereby depriving the consumers of vital electricity facility. The dilapidated LT network especially in rural areas is posing a grave threat to the life and property of the common man.

“No sensible government can afford to deprive its citizens of energy facility despite receiving fatty tariff bills monthly”, he said and cautioned that continuous negligence of the issue will have serious repercussions. “The people have a legitimate right to agitate against the denial of their basic rights. The people are being forced to come to streets”, he said.

There is a great hue and cry in Jammu also during these days due to poor and inconsistent power supply as the mercury has soared to 45 degree in the winter capital, putting the people to severe inconvenience.(VOS)

Mecca Medina ulema pay obeisance at Hazrat Bul Bul Shah and Hazrat Sultan Sadradeen (RA) shrines

People in large number greet them in Shahr-e-Khas

Srinagar, June 22 (VOS): World renowned ullema including scholars from Mecca and Madina who are on visit to Srinagar today attended the shrine of Hazrat Bul Bul Shah and adjacent shrine of Hazrat Sultan Sadredeen (RA). The ulema include renowned religious scholars of Mecca Mouzama, Alam Syed Alvi Ibne Syed Sheikh of Mecca Mouzama, Syed Mohammad Sheikh, Syed Ahmad Al Wasabi of Medina Sharief, Syed Ali Abdullah Al-Rayees of Dubai Arab Emirates, Syed Hashim Baroon of Syria, Alam Syed Khalid of Libya, Alam Syed Haji Al Yemini, Syed Mohammad Naji Al Yemini, Dr Abdul Wahid, Imam from Europe and Showkat Bukhari of Kerala

They offered mankabats at the shrines and were joined by people who assembles to greet the visiting guests

The visiting guests were greeted by the people and particularly by the chairman Hazrat Bul Bul Shah Trust, Kh Renzushah, general secretary, Kh Ali Mohammad and organising secretary, Kh Showkat sahib, the respeactables of the area were present on the occasion and expressed their gratitude to the visiting guests for showing great obeisance towards the shrine.

Speaking on the occasion, the ulema highlighted contribution of Hazrat Bul Bul Shah and Hazrat AMir-e-Kabir (RA) in shaping the society of Kashmir as one of the ideal and most civilised society of the world.

They said that they have found people of Kashmir loveable hospitable.

“These shrines and spiritual abodes will further strengthen the people to people contact between people of Kashmir and Arabian Peninsula,” they said.

“The people of Arab always receive visiting Hajis of Kashmir in Mecca as well as Medina with same love which has been showered to them in Kashmir”, added the ulema.(VOS)

Two die, 5 injured in road mishaps

Srinagar, June 22 (VOS): Two persons died and five others were injured in different road accidents across the Kashmir Valley.

A  Bus bearing registration number JK01K/7360 hit and injured a girl Pathani age 12 years daughter of Gangoo Ram resident of Dansar Rajasthan at Sadderbal near Sir Syed Gate University of Kashmir, Srinagar falling under the jurisdiction of Police Station Nigeen. The injured succumbed to injuries while on way to hospital.

In another accident a Tipper bearing registration number JKo1K/4413 hit and injured a pedestrian Mst. Fazi wife of Ghulam Ahmad Dandroo resident of Bemina Srinagar at present Panzinara Hajan near Sarai Dangerpora, Bandipora. The injured has been shifted to SKIMS Soura, Srinagar where she succumbed to her injuries.

In another accident a State Road Transport Cooperation Bus bearing registration number JKo14/545, hit and injured a pedestrian lady Taja age 55 years wife of Ghulam Nabi Sheikh resident of Kulan on National Highway near Kulan, Ganderbal falling under the jurisdiction of Police station Kangan. The injured has been shifted to Primary Health Centre, Kulan where from he has been referred to SKIMS Soura, Srinagar for further treatment.

In another road accident a Load Carrier 407 bearing registration number JKo5/4524 and Tata Sumo bearing registration number JK05A/0564 collided on National Highway near Choora, Sopore falling under the jurisdiction of Police Station Puthkah . However, no loss of life or injury was reported in this incident. Police has registered a case in this regard.

A Tata Sumo bearing registration number JK09/8169 and Maruti car bearing registration number DL-3C/423 collided near Hiri, Kupwara falling under the jurisdiction of Police Station Kupwara, resulting in injuries to three persons including the driver of the Maruti car Nazir Ahmad son of Ghulam Mohammad resident of Awoora, Manwan, Mohammad Afsar Khan son of Mohammad Abdullah and Habibullah Wani son of Samad resident of Zurhama. The injured where shifted to Sub District Hospital, Kupwara where from Mohammad Abdullah Wani has been referred to SKIMS Soura Srinagar. Police registered case in this regard.

In another accident a Motorcycle bearing registration number JK05/5145 and Maruti car without a number plate collided near Delina, Baramulla on National High way falling under the jurisdiction of Police Station Baramulla, resulting in injuries to the Motocyclelist  Riyaz Ahmad Mir son of Wali Mohammad Mir resident of Daripora, Delina. The injured has been shifted to District Hospital, Baramulla where from he has been referred to SMHS Srinagar for further treatment. (VOS)

Civil society aghast over CM’s remarks

Srinagar, June 22 (VOS): Different civil society organizations have expressed their displeasure over the recent remarks of the Chief Minister where he had asked valley consumers to pay for electricity on market rates.

Noted civil society activist Shakeel Qalander expressed surprise over the Chief Minister’s statement. “Why is the Chief Minister worried about poor and small time consumers when it surrendered before the NHPC and failed in getting the power projects back from it”, Qalander told VOS.

The civil society activists said they are not in favour of electricity theft and want people to pay their dues. “We also want that people should pay their dues but that does not mean we will let the bigger thieves go Scott free”, he added.

He also rejected the Chief Ministers’ assertions that the people of the state should buy electricity on market rates, “We have huge water resources which belong to the people of the state, the cost of electricity in our state cannot be at par with that of Punjab and Rajasthan”, the former President of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry said.

Chairman Kashmir Economic Alliance Mohammad Yaseen Khan has said the statement of the Chief Minister is beyond their understanding. “All the benefits of the state’s water resources have been reaped by the NHPC and how can we let them go and catch hold of poor people of the state”, Khan told VOS.

The civil society activists also expressed their desire to help the government in setting up power projects. “Many entrepreneurs and businessmen are ready to invest in power generation. The state should take their help rather than passing on remarks against the people of the state”, he added. (VOS)

Five shops gutted in Poonch, army comes to rescue

Srinagar, June 22 (VOS): Five shops were gutted when a fire broke out at Totagali  in  Mendhar  Tehsil of  Poonch  District.  Troops of Territorial Army located near Totagali under Counter Insurgency Force (Romeo) immediately rushed to the site when the shops were engulfed in fire.

The army personnel assisted in retrieving the stores from the burning shops and continued its rescue and operations unabated, till the challenging and arduous task of dousing the fire was completed, by approx 0500 hours this morning, said a defence spokesperson.

 The blaze had started in a shop at approx 0300 hours on 22 Jun 12 and the fire spread to adjoining shops of the locals, including the Govt ration shop at Totagali. Stores worth approximately 35 lacs have been charred in the fire, however due to timely assistance by the army troops; there was no casualty in the incident, added the statement. 

The Villagers, according to the statement, expressed their gratitude to the army and were thankful for the prompt assistance, in containing of the fire, thereby.(VOS) 

‘All Post Offices to book Speed Post from July’

J&K Postal Service goes high tech with computerization of all Post Offices by 1st July 2012. This was announced by Shri John Samuel, Chief Post Master General, J&K Circle while reviewing the technology implementation in J&K Postal Circle. Chief Post Master General reviewed the functioning of Post Offices across the valley and the difficulties faced by them in a meeting held at Srinagar. The meeting was attended by Divisional Superintendents, system managers and system administrators with a view to develop Post Offices in terms of technology so as to serve customers in a better way.Shri John Samuel, Chief Post Master General, J&K Circle announced that from 2nd July,2012 all Departmental Post Offices in the J&K Circle will book Speed Post. Currently Speed Post service is available in select Post Offices. With computerization, all the departmental Post Offices in J&K will provide Speed Post services. This will be a major boost to the public. ChiefPost Master General said that all Speed Post consignments will be tracked online and the tracking information will be available at www.indiapost.gov.in . Speed Post services were introduced in 1986 and it is the market leader in domestic express industry Speed Post articles booked in the valley will be delivered on the next working day within the Kashmir valley. Similarly, Speed Post articles booked in Jammu will be delivered on the next day in Jammu area. This will be a major improvement in the delivery system in J&K. with Speed Post booking at all Post Offices in J&K, Speed Post provides the largest courier network in the state, covering urban and rural areas. Post Office is also providing ‘Home Collection’ of Speed Post in all Post Offices. This will be helpful for Banks, PSU’s, Government Departments and all institutions.

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