THEDAILY

VOICE OF SRINAGAR

SRINAGAR, SUNDAY, 09 RAMDHAN 1433 AH ; 29 JULY 2012

Email:-editorvosgr@gmail.com

NEWS

SC appointed high-power committee visits Yatra base camps

Srinagar, July 28 (VOS): The high-power committee appointed by Supreme Court of India to look into the issue of growing number of deaths of Amarnath pilgrims today visited the Yatra base camps at Baltal and Pahalgam to take first hand stock of the facilities available to the pilgrims.

The committee headed by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Madhav Lal had earlier been asked by the Apex court to find out the cause for growing number of casualties of Amarnath pilgrims apart from finding ways to sort out the issue.

A team comprising the state Chief Secretary, Director General of Police J&K, Additional Director General BSF, Additional Director General CRPF, Principal Secretary Home and Secretary Environment Govt of India today visited Baltal base camp and carried out extensive review of the facilities especially medical care facilities available to the Amarnath Pilgrims.

The team later visited the Pahalgam base camp to continue its inspection of the facilities available to yatris there. Members of the teams also interacted with local officials and vendors apart from yatris during the visit, official sources told VOS.

Respective Deputy Commissioners of Ganderbal and Anantnag along with senior officers of police and administration also accompanied the team.

The Supreme Court had appointed the high-power committee headed by the Jammu & Kashmir government to look into the issue of growing number of casualties of Amarnath pilgrims. The committee which includes secretaries of Home, Health, Environment and Forest, Chief Secretary of J&K, and also various security agencies is expected to suggest ways in which the deaths can be avoided.
The Supreme Court had taken up the matter based on media reports that many deaths were caused due to lack of poor medical facilities.
The panel after visiting the Amarnath yatra route will submit its suggestions to the Chairman of the panel. This will then be examined and submitted to the apex court before August 13.  VOS

3 tourists killed, 5 injured in cylinder blast

Srinagar, Jul 28 (VOS): Three women tourists from Maharashtra were killed and five others were injured in Anantnag (Islamabad) today when a gas cylinder on their vehicle exploded, police sources said.

"Today, a cylinder exploded in a vehicle, bearing registration number JK02AP/0676 and which was on way from Srinagar to Pahalgam, at Zuripora (Anantnag), falling under the jurisdiction of police station Bijbehara, in which six passengers were injured, of whom two have died. Police has started forensic investigations," a police statement said.
Police had earlier said that militants hurled a grenade at the Tempo Traveller vehicle, resulting in the death of the two women and injuries to six others. However, police later clarified later that the deaths had occurred when a gas cylinder on the vehicle exploded.

Police has identified the deceased as Neesha Jeetwah wife of Anil Jeetwah, Nirmala Rathore wife of Jai Raj and Indu Bhae.

Bharti wife of Ashwini Kumar, Neeta Jeetwah wife of Bharat Jeetwah , Preetama Jeetwah wife of Vinod Jeetwah, Jayshri Desai wife of Arun Kumar and Jaswanti Thakur wife of Vasant Thakur were injured in the incident.

JKLF to launch ‘torch of peace’ at London Olympics

Srinagar, Jul 28 (VOS): Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) will launch an awareness campaign “Torch of Peace” during the London Olympics 2012 to highlight the Human Rights violations committed in Kashmir.

“The campaigners will drive large advertising vehicles across London mainly near the Olympic event sites with large banners highlighting gross human rights violations taking place in Kashmir.”, said a JKLF press release.

The campaign is being launched from Leytonstone Road London on August 1, the statement added.

People want action, not rhetoric: CPI (M)

Srinagar, Jul 28 (VOS): Jammu and Kashmir State Committee CPI (M) has expressed anguish over the alleged killing of youth by Army in Bandipore.

Terming the incident as unfortunate the party spokesperson said that such incidents have occurred in the past as well, inquiries were ordered but no concrete action followed thereafter. “Enough is enough; such inhuman acts cannot be tolerated in a civilized society”, he added.

“J&K State continues to witness sporadic unfortunate incidents of human rights violations; it was necessary that the government must act and act firmly against those responsible for such heinous crimes. No rhetoric but concrete measures to stop such unfortunate incidents, is what the people demand”, the spokesperson added.

KCSDS condemns reporting on Bijbehara incident

Expresses solidarity with families of deceased

Srinagar, July 28 (VOS): While expressing regret over the deaths of two Amarnath pilgrims in an accidental gas cylinder blast in Bijbehara today, Srinagar based civil society advocacy group Kashmir Centre for Social and Development Studies (KCSDS) has condemned the action of sections of the media in India for reporting the blast as a grenade blast.

“KCSDS members while expressing solidarity with the families of the deceased have noted with deep anguish reportage of this incident as a grenade blast and is considering taking legal action against a news channel which has wrongly been reporting the incident as a grenade blast, thereby sowing discord among the people”, a press release from KCSDS said today.

This kind of irresponsible and highly impulsive sound-bite journalism, while causing tremendous damage to the reputation of Kashmir, serves to damage the valley’s economy by creating a fear psychosis among potential tourists and pilgrims to the Amarnath, KCSDS said.

The influential civil society group has also decided to write to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India to lodge a formal complaint against the news channel which has a reputation of reporting on Kashmir with a line that promotes disharmony among various communities. Such reporting is often without credible research and verification of facts, the press release adds.

Members of the group have appealed to all the tourists in Kashmir to continue their holidaying without any fear or discomfort.   

         

Kashmir Center London launches signature campaigan

Srinagar, July 28 (VOS): Kashmir Center London launched the signature campaign for seeking a debate on Kashmir human right situation and need to address this outstanding International dispute in the House of Commons. The appeal that was signed by thousands of people read as " We appeal to you as being a member of parliament that you will take the initiative for a debate on the human right situation in Jammu and Kashmir so as to progress the right of self determination for all the Kashmiris and prevent daily human right abuses."

The launching ceremony was supervised by professor Nazir Ahmed shawl chairman Kashmir center London and Mohammed Ayub president Advisory Council, said a press release from KCL.

The Diaspora leadership who attended the launch ceremony included Barrister Abdul Majid Tramboo chairman Kashmir Centre Brussels, Mohammed Riaz Bhat secretary general Muslim conference UK, Mumtaz Rathore president JKLFR UK and Europe, Mr. Rab Nawaz president Muslim league N slough, Mr. Ayub Rathore JKLFR, Ms Fakhrun Nissa Secretary general women’s wing Muslim Conference, Dr. M Arif president Jamait-e-Islami slough, Mr. Mohammed Latif Khan former Mayor of Slough and representing Tehreek-e- Kashmir, Chaudry Mohammed Yaqub former advisor to Prime Minster of Pakistan and Mahmood Riaz former AJK cabinet minister also  attended the launch ceremony, the press release added.

India should accept realities: Bhat

Srinagar, Jul 28 (VOS): Jammu and Kashmir Salvation Movement Chairman Zafar Akbar Bhat has said if Kashmir problem was solved as per the wishes of Kashmiris, all other issues in the subcontinent will get solved automatically.

“India should give up rigidity and accept reality of Kashmir dispute and allow Kashmiris to vote for self determination, this would draw line of bright future for all three parties of Kashmir dispute "said Bhat in a statement issued to press. “People of sub continent are still waiting peace and settlement of burning Kashmir issue”, he added.
“Aggression of Indian Army and use of brute force by Govt armed forces cannot suppress the on going Kashmir liberation movement .Indian Govt and its agencies continue this exercise for last more than six decades in Kashmir through custodial killings, arrests, harassments and assault on women and respected elders of Kashmir, but till date India could not yield result according to their own designs. Despite of all these in human acts through the hands of Indian and state Govt Kashmiris have not accept India’s accession nor are their slaves ", said Bhat who has been put under house arrest for last three days.
Zaffar said that no body is safe in Kashmir up to demilitarization and repeal of black laws including AFSPA from Kashmir which is the demand of people. Keeping in view the killing of Hilal ahmed Dar at Bandipora and firing on protestors is result of laws like AFSPA.  It seems that Black laws are license for Indian army to kill and arrest any innocent Kashmiris, he added.

NSUI president calls upon Soz

Srinagar, Jul 28 (VOS): President National Students Union of India (NSUI) Kashmir University, Junaid Javed today had a one to one meeting with Prof Saifuddin Soz at the latter’s Humhama residence.

Junaid appraised Prof Soz of some important issues related to student community and sought his patronage in resolving the problems faced by them at various levels of education particularly at higher levels, said a press statement issued by the President NSUI.

Prof Soz appreciated the role of students for the welfare of society and nation building and assured the President NSUI about full cooperation from his die and exhorted that the students being future of the nation should play their role positively and in a constructive manner towards better tomorrow, it added.

He also asserted that students of the valley should be able to compete at National and International levels, as according to him the student of the state  are highly talented. Therefore they need to unfold the hidden talent and come forward to earn name and fame at global level, the statement quoted Prof Soz.

Prof Soz assured full support to the student community in the redressal of their problems at any stage, so that they get a conducive atmosphere to prove their mettle.

He also advised the students to come forward and organize seminars workshops and other extracurricular activities so that they are able to compete and face the challenges in a better manner.

Prof Soz was pleased to know that there is an elected NSUI working in various institutes of the valley including the Kashmir University Presided by Junaid Javed.

Khan condemns misreporting by media

Srinagar, Jul 28 (VOS): Terming a particular section of Indian Media as biased, senior resistance Leader and National Front Chairman Nayeem Ahmad Khan said, “while reporting today’s incident of Bijbihara were unfortunately some Yatris lost their lives in a Gas Cylinder blast, a section of Indian Media once again exhibited it’s anti Kashmiri policy and non- professionalism”.

Khan said that a section on India media is hell bent to injure the image of Kashmiri people since more than two decades and the journalists who are associated with these media organizations are shamelessly reporting rubbish and non sense things about Kashmir.

Nayeem Ahmad Khan said that such media organizations and the persons associated with them have never bothered to report the real situation of Kashmir and in this way they are continuously deceiving their countrymen. Khan said, “Today’s incident of Bijbehara and the biased reporting about it by a particular section of Indian Media, both are tragic”.    

Sagar welcomes FM’s Statement

Says dialogue best medium for solving vexed issues

                SRINAGAR, JULY 28: -Welcoming the recent offer of talks with Pakistan, the Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Law and Parliamentary affairs Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar has said that we have always advocated the medium of dialogue for resolution of all vexed issues.

            The Minister was addressing a huge public gathering at Rathsona, Budgam here today. Additional District Development Commissioner, Budgam Mr. M. A. Ganaie, other senior officers and prominent political activists were present.

            Mr. Sagar said that the government headed by Omar Abdullah has from the first day advocated the medium of talks between India and Pakistan so that lasting solutions can be found to all the issues. “History is replete with the instances where in several complex issues have been resorted by talking to each other through the medium of the dialogue and we are hopeful that the recent statement of the Foreign Minister would yield  positive results as both the countries would resort to the process of dialogues” he added.

            Asking people to be cautious about the forces trying to create division in the society, the Minister said that these vested interests have got frustrated by the peaceful environs in the state and now are trying their best to disturb the same. He said that people should understand that peace is imperative for overall and sustained development and they should not pay heed to disruptive propaganda of certain elements.

            Reiterating government’s commitment for overall development of the rural and far flung areas of the state, Mr. Sagar said that it is the endeavour of the government to provide quality infrastructure as well as the basic amenities of  water, electric supply, road connectivity as well as educational and medicare facilities. He said that various welfare schemes have been launched which have been instrumental in changing the socio- economic profile of these areas and people should come forward and avail maximum benefit of the same.

             The Minister also visited the recently gutted shrine of Peer Hanif-ud-Din Reshi (RA) while interacting with people there; he assured them that the government has already initiated a probe into the same. He announced that a Sarai would be constructed there for the convenience of the devotees coming there to pay obeisance.

To boast the organic production system in Kashmir

A five day’s workshop on organic farming inaugurated

SRINAGAR, JULY 28: A five day’s orientation workshop on Organic Management and Production/Quality Control of Organic inputs in collaboration with Regional Centre of Organic Farming Hissar is being conducted at Agriculture Complex Lal Mandi Srinagar, wherein Additional Director RCOF, Dr. R.P Singh and Scientist RCOF Dr. Jagat Singh and various Agricultural officers are participating.

The workshop was inaugurated by Director Agriculture Kashmir Dr. Farooq A. Lone.

In the inaugural address, he explained the main objective of the workshop to establishment of sustainable credibly certifiable, profitable and to boast the organic production system in Kashmir which will be eco-friendly, less hazardous and shall uplift the socio economic condition of the farming community.

On this occasion Additional Director, RCOF, Dr. R.P. Singh and Scientist RCOF, Dr Jagat Singh highlighted the component of organic farming in workshop advised the officers to use of farm yard manure and compost as a substitute of chemical fertilizers, the basic objective of the programme is to maintain the fertility and health status of the soil.

Director Law enforcement J&K, M.S. Katoo disclosed that 600 hectares of land have already been brought under Organic farming in Bandipora, Kupwara, Baramulla and Kulgam districts of Valley. He said that regarding the adoption of organic farming various farmers training camps have been organized, wherein farmers were given technical know-how about the benefits of organic farming.

Govt to provide quality foodgrains to people: Akhoon

Adequate stock of essentials available in Baramulla district

SRINAGAR, JULY 28:- Minister for Consumers Affairs and Public Distribution (CA&PD) and Transport  Mr. Qamar Ali Akhoon today chaired a high level meeting of officers  convened to review the stock and supply position of essentials and transport facilities to the commuters in Baramulla district.

The Minister was apprised that adequate stock of essentials is available in the CA&PD stores of Baramulla district which include 14613 quintals of rice, 782 quintals atta and 126 quintals of sugar.  While as, 41740 quintals of rice, 3340 quintals foodgrains and 3500 quintals of sugar is made available in the Food Corporation of India godown at Kralabar, the meeting added.

Addressing the meeting the Minister said that the government is committed to provide quality foodgrains and other essentials for ensuring this various initiatives have been taken by the government. He stressed upon the officers of CA&PD for conducting frequent market checking and takes strict action against the hoarders and profiteers.

The Minister announced that one Kilograms of sugar would be provided to the consumers per ration card in view of holy month of Ramadan.

Mr. Akhoon also took stock of the problems being faced by the transporters of the district. He said that a chunk of 80 kanals of land has been identified for the   construction of Bus Stand at Baramulla, adding that the concerned authorities have also been asked to expedite  the process in this rehards.

Among others, Commissioner Secretary, CA&PD, District Development Commissioner, Baramulla, Director, CA&PD and representatives of Gas Agencies and Beopar Mandal attended the meeting.

Over 6.05 lakh pilgrims perform Shri Amarnathji Yatra

Yatris yet again advised to follow Do’s & Don’ts of pilgrimage

                     SRINAGAR, JULY 28 – Mr. Navin K. Choudhary, Chief Executive Officer, SASB, Mr. Preet Pal Singh, Additional CEO, SASB, and other concerned Shrine Board officers reviewed the ongoing Yatra in a meeting held here today.

          Consequent to the review, the CEO informed the Governor, Mr. N. N. Vohra, who is Chairman of the Board, that 6,05,665 Yatris had performed Darshan at the Holy Cave Shrine by last evening as compared to 6,09,674 Yatris who had paid obeisance at the Sanctum Sanctorum during the corresponding period of Yatra 2011. The CEO stated that this year 5,08, 464 pilgrims had secured Registration uptil 27^th July 2012, as against 2, 59, 897 Yatris during the entire Yatra 2011 in which 6.35 lakh pilgrims had paid obeisance at the Shrine. This year’s registration includes 99, 536 pilgrims who had secured On-Spot registration, till last evening, against 99,315 pilgrims who had secured On-Spot Registration during Yatra 2011.   

          The CEO informed the Governor that of the 93 pilgrims who had lost their lives during the ongoing Yatra due to accidents and medical reasons, 47 casualties had taken place on the Pahalgam-Chandanwari-Sheshnag route, 34 on the Baltal route and 12 pilgrims had passed away after admission to hospitals in Srinagar. Of them, 71 were males and 22 females of varying age groups. It was noted that of the 93 casualties, 51 pilgrims belonged to Punjab, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The CEO disclosed that of the total number of pilgrims who had lost their lives, 86 had died due to medical reasons and 7 had been killed in accidents in the Yatra area.  

          The Governor while expressing serious concern over the unfortunate deaths of 86 pilgrims due to medical reasons during the first 33 days of the pilgrimage, in the Yatra area, reiterated his directions to the CEO to yet again publicize the Do’s and Don’ts and the Health Advisory issued to the Yatris by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board and also, side by side, ask the Police personnel, particularly those manning the Control Gates, not to allow any one to cross the barrier who appeared to be sick or unwell or did not possess a valid Health Certificate.

          The CEO was also asked to move the State Health Department to issue fresh directions to the Doctors in-charge of Medical Aid Centres to detain any pilgrim who was unfit to move on the tracks and arrange for his being moved to the Base Camps or to the District Hospitals.  

          The CEO once again appealed to all those already in the Base Camps and to those intending to undertake the Yatra to take every prescribed precaution and no person who has any medical or orthopaedic ailment, or any breathing, chest or heart problem should even think of undertaking this arduous Yatra, which involves climbing upto nearly 14,000 feet. Trekking in the high altitude route to the Holy Cave is difficult and, besides, inclement weather also poses challenges for the pilgrims.

          The State Health Department has deployed doctors and paramedical staff along both the two routes, via Pahalgam and Baltal, for providing emergency medicare and treatment to the pilgrims. Any Yatri feeling uneasy must immediately seek medical assistance. Every Yatri, even those in good physical condition, must carry the medicine which he or she is required to take daily and, besides, some general preparations like Glucose, Disprin, Iodex, etc.

Nasir tees-off golf Paradise Cup

SRINAGAR, JULY 28:- Minister of State for Tourism Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani today tees-off golf Paradise Cup tournament at picturesque Royal Spring Golf Course, Srinagar.

The tournament is only meant for female players.

Speaking on the occasion, after inaugurating the tournament, the Minister said the conducting of golf tournaments after regular interval is aimed to promote this game among the sports lovers of the State in a big way. He hoped that the such tournaments would prove beneficial for the promotion of golf tourism in the state. He said that the government has developed various golf tourist circuits in the state which include at Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Jammu.

Mr. Nasir said that the spots having golf potential would be identified and developed for the promotion of golf in the state.

DM prohibits transportation of bovine animals

REASI, JULY, 28:- District Magistrate (DM), Reasi, Mrs Nirmal Sharma under section 144 Cr.PC has imposed prohibition on transportation of bovine animals such as cows, ox, buffaloes etc. from Reasi district jurisdiction to other places outside the district. The prohibitory orders would have immediate effect and shall remain in force for a period of two months.

The bovine animals could however be transported from Reasi to outside the district after obtaining prior permission of Additional District Magistrate, Reasi which would be issued on production of a certificate issued by the Chief Animal Husbandry Officer. This order would not be applicable in case of government agencies carrying the animals for departmental purposes.          

DM prohibits sale, consumption of meat, liquor in Katra

REASI, JULY, 28:- District Magistrate (DM), Reasi, Mrs Nirmal Sharma by virtue of powers conferred in her under section 144 Cr. PC has prohibited the sale, possession and consumption of alcohol and meat in the track from Holy Cave to Katra and both sides of villages having aerial distance upto 2 km rom track, Katra Town, village Arli, Hansali, Mutail up to railway Station and village Parthal and Danna.

These restrictions have also been imposed on Tikri road including villages Chamba, Serli and Bhagata, Jammu road including villages Kundorian, Kotli Bajalana, Nomian and up to Magaal and Reasi road including village Parthal, Serward to Aghar Jitto and Garn to Pangal( Nau Deviana).       

The order shall remain in force for two months from the date of its issuance.

Omar, Antony discuss prevailing security situation in J&K at a high level meeting

            SRINAGAR, JULY 28:-Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah and Union Defence Minister, A. K. Antony Saturday discussed prevailing security scenario and law and order situation in Jammu and Kashmir at a high level meeting here.

            Matters relating to improving synergy between various security agencies were also discussed in the meeting.

            The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand, Minister of State for Home, Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief of Indian Army, Gen. Bikram Singh and other senior officers from Army, Police and Civil Administration. 

            The meeting expressed satisfaction at the level of cooperation existing between various security agencies.

Governor, Defence Minister review security situation

SRINAGAR, JULY 28 – Mr. A. K. Antony, Defence Minister, had a wide ranging consultations with Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor Jammu and Kashmir, on the several important matters at a meeting held at Raj Bhavan here this evening.

          During their hour long meeting, the Governor and the Defence Minister discussed various issues relating to internal and external security management, overall security situation in the State, and certain matters relating to the ongoing Shri Amarnathji Yatra. 

          General Bikram Singh, Chief of the Army Staff; Mr. Shashi Kant Sharma, Defence Secretary; Lt. Gen. K. T. Parnaik, Northern Army Commander; and Mr. Subash Chandra, Joint Secretary (Army), Ministry of Defence, were present during the meeting.

Governor releases Gen. J. J. Singh’s Autobiography 

Hopes approaches mentioned in the Book would help in further strengthening Civil-Military relations   

          SRINAGAR, JULY 28 – Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor Jammu and Kashmir, released “A Soldier’s General”, an Autobiography by General (Retd) J. J. Singh, Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, at a function held at Raj Bhavan, here this evening.

          Mrs. Usha Vohra, First Lady; Mrs. Anupama Singh, First Lady, Arunal Pradesh; Mr. Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister; Mr. R. S. Chib, Minister for Medical Education; Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani, Minister of State for Home and Tourism and Culture; Mr. M. Y. Taing, Deputy Chairman, Legislative Council; Mr. Madhav Lal, Chief Secretary; Mr. G. R. Sufi, State Chief Information Commissioner; Mr. Ashok Prasad, Director General of Police; Lt. Gen. K. T. Parnaik, Northern Army Commander; Lt. Gen. Om Prakash, Corps Commander, 15 Corps; Lt. Gen. Rajan Bakshi, Corps Commander, 14 Corps; Mr. B. R. Sharma, Principal Secretary, Home; Mr. B. B. Vyas, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister; Mr. Navin K. Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor; Prof. Abdul Wahid, Vice Chancellor, Central University of Kashmir; Dr. Tej Partap, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST, Kashmir; Prof. Talat Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir; Dr. A. R. Trag, Vice Chancellor, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipore; Air Commodore D. Choudhary, AOC, Srinagar; senior Civil, Police and Army officers, media persons, a galaxy of intellectuals, writers and other prominent civil society members were present at the book release function.

          Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said that he would read the book with great interest and expressed the hope that the approaches mentioned in “A Soldier’s General” would help in further strengthening Civil-Military relations and enhancing the confidence and respect which the serving and retired personnel of our Army and Security Forces have enjoyed with people living in all parts of the country. He observed that our Army and the Security Forces have been performing an invaluable role in guarding the frontiers and we need to thank them.

          The Governor said that Gen. (Retd) J. J. Singh has been doing an excellent job as Governor of Arunachal Pradesh and congratulated him for writing about his service to the nation. He hoped that this book would do very well and be read by many. He wished Gen. (Retd) J. J. Singh and Mrs. Anupama Singh a good health and happiness in the coming years.

          Earlier, in his observations, General (Retd) J. J. Singh, gave a brief resume of “A Soldier’s General”, and dwelt on the aims and objects of writing his autobiography. He said that it took him almost 5 years to complete the book, adding that he has tried to make it a simple and attractive story. He observed that India is a great country, with a great democracy and great future. He thanked the Governor for releasing his book.

          The Governor and the Chief Minister were felicitated on this occasion by being presented mementos on behalf of the Arunachal Pradesh Governor.

          Mrs. Anupama Singh; Col Ajit Deole, CO, 9 Maratha, and Miss Shivangi, a 12^th class student of the Army Public School, B. B. Cantt., read out some of the portions of this Book. Sqn Ldr Punia, ADC to the Governor Arunachal Pradesh, made a power point presentation throwing light on the family, life and military career of Gen (Retd) J. J. Singh.