THEDAILY

VOICE OF SRINAGAR

SRINAGAR, SATURDAY, 29 RAMDHAN 1433 AH ; 18 AUGUST 2012

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NEWS

JK Bank will retain monopoly in state: Chairman

‘We are aware about entry of private banks‘

‘Fool proof system in place to check flow of fake currency notes’

‘Bank celebrating platinum jubilee next year’

Srinagar, Aug 17 (VOS): Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Bank, Mushtaq Ahmad has said the bank will retain its monopoly in the state, on the back of sound business strategy and dedicated customer base.

“We are aware about the entry of new private banks into the state, however, we perceive competition as a positive trend for the State’s economy”, said the Chairman in an interaction with VOS.  “With sound business strategy in place and a dedicated customer base, we are in a position to retain our monopoly in the State.” he added.

Regarding the bank success on the Dalal Street, he said, “It is all because of the Bank’s proactive business strategy, efficient management, robust organizational structure, dedication of the staff and unwavering support from all stakeholders”

In order to stem the menace of fake currency notes in the state, the bank has installed 220 high tech note sorting machines at different branches across its network, with commissioning of another 60 such machines in the pipeline for installation in the near future.

“Our Bank has a foolproof system in place to identify and check the flow of counterfeit notes. The main functions of these sorting machines are to sort out the counterfeit currency notes of all denominations”, said Mushtaq Ahmad.

The Chairman said the bank is planning to open 100 new branches during the current financial year.

Regarding viability of branches in every nook and corner of the state, he said, “Basically, our branch expansion plan for un-banked and under-banked areas in the state is a part of the financial inclusion initiative, under which the bank wants to empower the people of our State financially and economically. We are doing it as a part of our corporate social responsibility”. However, he said the establishment of Business Units is based on a well thought out Viability plan adding majority of the branches opened during the previous years had turned into profit making centres.

The Chairman said the bank has set itself a business target of rupees one lac crore and a profit target of rupees one thousand crore during the current financial year. He said the bank is all set to celebrate its Platinum Jubilee in 2013.

He said the Jammu and Kashmir bank has issued Kisan Credit Cards to 43472 farmers with total credit outlay of 225.46 crore rupees. “Bank has already adopted interest subvention scheme of Govt. of India and is providing crop loans to farmers for production limit up to maximum of rupees 3.00 lacs per borrower at an interest rate of 7 percent per annum” he added.

The Chairman said the bank’s Apple Project endeavors to provide comprehensive financial assistance to enhance apple production. “This includes the necessary logistics support with respect to modern cultivation and farming techniques during development of orchards. It also takes care in respect of the post harvest requirements, such as storage and marketing of the produce”, he said adding the bank will cover all districts of Kashmir division under this scheme during its implementation period of five years.

“The project has been initially launched in Shopian, Baramulla, Kulgam and Pulwama districts of Kashmir Division. During the current crop season the Bank envisages to tap 12150 apple growers in the targeted districts with loan outflow of Rs. 324.00 crores”, he said adding the Bank has targetted to tap 25000 apple growers in the next crop season covering four districts with additional loan outflow of Rs. 700 crores.

The Chairman said the bank has tied up with Enterprise Solution to Poverty (ESP), a US based organization working for microfinance and production community in developing countries of the world. “ESP recommends for providing finance, technology upgradation and markets to apple growers for development of apple industry in Kashmir”, he added.

He said, “Employment generation in the state is one the major policy intitiatives of the Jammu and Kashmir Bank.

As of now our expansion plan is unfolding fast and so are the employment opportunities for the youth of the State”, adding employment generation initiatives are in line with the Bank’s mission of economic empowerment besides contribution towards employment generation in the State.

He said the credit deposit ratio in J & K State was 37% as on 31st March, 2012 with a projection of 40% for the current financial year.

Responding to a question on apprehensions among state’s people that the bank advances more loans to outsiders compared to locals, he said “Our strategy is aimed at increasing and expanding credit dispensation in the State of J&K. We have taken a number of measures and initiatives to increase the credit flow within J&K State and we expect that the Credit Deposit Ratio in the State will significantly increase over the next two to three years.

He said at the end of June 2012 the total loans and advances of the Bank in J&K State were more than rupees 13500 crore.  “The Gross and Net NPA ratio as on 30th June 2012 was 1.60% and 0.14% respectively which is one of the best in the banking industry. The Provision Coverage Ratio (PCR) stood at 94.09%”, the Chairman added. (Kashmir News Service (VOS))

Converting Yatra track into permanent road can be disastrous: Mirwaiz

‘Those claiming to be representatives of people, actually their kiIlers’

Srinagar, Aug. 17 (VOS) : Cautioning the government against converting the track leading to the holy Amarnath Cave into a permanent road, the Hurriyat Confernce (M) Chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Friday said such a step would not only lead to felling of lakhs of lush green forest trees, but could also lead to  environmental imbalance in the area.

 “It is unfortunate that when the government senses any public resentment on certain issues, they use courts to get them through”, the Mirwaiz said during his address to the Friday congregation at the historic Jamia Masjid. He, however, appealed the Supreme Court of India to keep the ecological balance of the area in mind while arriving to any decision.

He said Kashmiris were never averse to providing better facilities to the Amarnath Pilgrims. “When people from all over India come here for pilgrimage, Kashmiris not only facilitate them but also display their traditional hospitality which is exemplary. But now some people want the ‘temporary’ track leading to the shrine cave to be developed as a full fledged road and have approached supreme court,” added the Mirwiaz.

While talking to VOS later in the day, he said that Hurriyat was, however, not against any religion or belief.

According to VOS, Mirwaiz also lashed out at mainstream politicians and said those people who claim to enjoy public support were basically their (People’s) murderers. “When we talk of revocation of AFSPA and other draconian laws, we are being told that the situation in the state does not favor it”, said the Hurriyat Chairman, adding that the Government of India must keep it in mind that unless ‘suppression’ and ‘oppression’ was stopped, there couldn’t be any improvement in the situation on ground.

Reiterating that the on going ‘freedom struggle’ was not against any religion or belief, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said, “ Kashmiris are for their right to self determination for last 65 years and are busy in peaceful struggle particularly for last 25 years, and we have lost lakhs of people for the just cause”. He, however, alleged that efforts were on to project the movement as a ‘sectarian and ethnic fight’ which according to Mirwaiz was not tolerable.

“We have been time and again making it clear that the current movement in not against any religion, sect or belief, and I appeal people to not fall prey to those elements who want to project it like that at international forums ”, Mirwaiz told the congregation.

He said that the last Friday of the holly month of Ramdan (Jumat ul Vida) has been celebrated as Youm I Qudas and Youm i Kashmir over so many years in order to express solidarity with the Palestinian people and also highlight the Kashmir issue at international platforms.

A resolution was also passed on the occasion at different mosques and Shrines across the state urging international community to take notice of the situation in Kashmir and force India to stop human rights violations in the state.

“People of the state also expressed their solidarity with the Palestinian people and urged world powers through the resolution to help solving the problem”, he added. (VOS)

Mufti, Mehbooba greet people on Eid ul fitr

Srinagar, Aug. 17 (VOS) : Peoples Democratic party Patron Mufti Mohammed Sayeed and President  Mehbooba Mufti have greeted the people of state  on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.
Wishing 'Eid Mubarak' to all citizens of Jammu and Kashmir state, Mufti said “the festival brings joy and happiness on the conclusion of the month of Holy Ramadan, a period of fasting, prayer and charity."
"May this festival strengthen mutual goodwill and inspire each one of us to follow the path of love, friendship, harmony and peace" he added.

Party President Mehbooba Mufti said, "The celebrations marking the end of the Ramadan fasting foster peace and harmony and reflect the true spirit of our composite culture."
"May the festival spread peace, tolerance and harmony among all," she prayed.
She said, "The fasting observed during Ramadan reaffirms the spirit of charity and generosity and highlights the feelings of empathy." 

Among other leaders who extended their greetings to the people of the state include Senior Party leader Muzaffar Hussain Beig, General Secretary Mohammed Dilawar Mir, Tariq Hameed Karra, Mohammed Sartaj Madni, Ab Rehman Veeri, Party Spokesperson Naeem Akhter, Mohd Khalil Bandh, Mohd Ashraf Mir MLC, Peerzada Mansoor Hussain and Mohd rafi Mir .

World community’s silence amounts to criminal negligence: Yasin

‘Kashmir issue can cause nuclear catastrophe’

‘OIC has failed its mission’

Srinagar, Aug. 17 (VOS) :  “Silence of world community on Kashmir equals to criminal negligence .If world community continues with the same behavior of negligence, it would put world into a more dangerous situation like that of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, said Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front Chairman Mohammed Yasin Malik while addressing a mammoth gathering at Chrar-e-Shareef today.

While speaking on the occasion Malik said the world community has been in recent past showing a cold shoulder towards various problems of the world especially on the issue of Kashmir ‘which happens to be one of the most dangerous issues related to the peace and prosperity of the world’.

Yasin said the silence amounts to criminal negligence.

Yasin said that world today is more concerned about economy and issues related to its growth etc, but according to him, economy stands on peace, the progress and survival of which is directly connected with stability and peace. Yasin said world will progress enormously if it is provided a fair, long lasting peace and stability.

Yasin said that Wisdom, intellect, morals and humanity require the global community to rise above their petty considerations and instead of putting Kashmir on the back burner, address it and solve it in accordance with the wishes, aspirations and sacrifices of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Yasin said that the issue of Kashmir is incendiary than a nuclear catastrophe and if it is not solved on priority basis is would endanger the peace of the whole world. Referring to 15^th August address from Red Fort by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Yasin said  by ignoring Kashmir and only referring towards so called Panchayat elections and saying all is well in Kashmir, a leader of high stature has done unlike of his status.

“We want to recall Mr. Singh about his own commitments about Kashmir. We want to recall him about 2010, when all their parliament and civil society were crying to resolve the issue of Kashmir”.

Referring to the defense minister A K Antony’s statement, he said “It is unfortunate that today Indian leaders, like conquerors, tell us there is no issue in Kashmir”.

While criticizing the silence of OIC on Kashmir and other issues relating Muslim Ummah, Yasin said “Muslims in Burma are being wiped off but no one cares. OIC has failed in its mission”. Yasin hoped that the steps taken by OIC in its recent meeting about the welfare of Muslim Ummah especially its unity will be taken to its logical end. Yasin Malik also talked about the people languishing in jails and said that all those in jails need it be released immediately. “This will create a good will gesture and make hundreds and thousands of families happy on the eve of Eid ul Fiter”, he added

Separatists a bunch of ignorant people: NC 

“Their non-seriousness, hypocrisy endangering the state's survival” 

“Are the real puppets; everyone knows about their dual loyalties”

Srinagar, Aug. 17 (VOS) :  Lambasting separatist leaders for their self-indulgent and juvenile statements, National Conference (NC) today asked them to reread the speech of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah clearly otherwise they will be considered as ignorant people, oblivious of the things happening around.

The National Conference statement quoted the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah as saying that “Let us achieve through dialogue what you could not achieve with guns - a peaceful, prosperous Jammu and Kashmir. Let you come forward and talk for achieving a breakthrough on table which gun could not deliver in 20 years”

“The Chief Minister Omar Abdullah never invited them but advised them that for the prosperity and progress of the state they( separatists) should come forward and talk as it is the only way forward for a peaceful solution to the Kashmir issue”, “ By issuing irrelevant statement proves that they probably have not read the statement clearly” it added

“By their non-seriousness and childish remarks they have again proved that they only want to score points over the sufferings of the people” it added

“This not only proves that they are scared to come on the negotiating table but also proves that they have no love left for the people and want the pot boiling, forgetting that  it might endanger the state’s survival ” added the statement

“With such statements they are proving beyond doubt that they don’t want a solution and their non-seriousness, hypocrisy is endangering the state's survival” the statement added

“It is surprising to hear sermons from Ex-Lawmakers who swore by the constitution of India, preferred all the luxuries then, got their families suitably accommodated, made riches, and are now doing the same in a new avatar”, these people now have the audacity to call anyone puppet”,

“They are the real puppets; everyone knows about their dual loyalties” the statement read.

The National Conference Statement read “It’s still time for them (Separatists) to come forward and help the state to prosper; otherwise these self assumed Messiahs of Kashmir will be rendered irrelevant soon”

Reiterating the stand of the party the statement read " Dialogue is the only way out and anyone who wants the people of Kashmir to live in peace with dignity, they should enter into talks with the centre, nothing can be achieved by resorting to violence, stone pelting, killing people or by burning our assets”

 “When these people can talk to the representatives of India’s largest communal party the BJP and even discuss and plot how to get their yes man to hold the seat of power, I fail to understand what stops them from talking to people who can and will find out a solution to this issue, It only proves their non-seriousness and their hypocrisy” the statement concluded 

PDP dissolves Pulwama district committee

Srinagar, Aug. 17 (VOS) :  Peoples Democrtaic Party (PDP)  has dissolved the District Committee Pulwama.

In a statement the party spokesman said that pending its reorganization, the district committee of the party for Pulwama has been dissolved today.

“This decision was taken by the party president on the recommendation of the General Secretary Mohammed Dilawar Mir”, he said adding the affairs regarding district will be looked after directly by the party General Secretary till its reorganization.

Kashmir dispute can result in nuclear catastrophe: Malik

“Ignoring Kashmir issue would force people to think against peace.”

 Srinagar, Aug. 17 (VOS) : Terming  the settlement of Kashmir issue,  key to world peace, Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front Chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik on Friday said that ‘ ignoring’ such a sensitive issue by International Community can lead to a situation more dangerous than Hero sheema and Naga Saki Nuclear bombings. Addressing a public gathering at Chrar e Shareef on Friday, Malik said, “World is nowadays after the economic prosperity, but they must know that such kind of prosperity has always been subservient to peace and tranquility. If you don’t have peace on ground, how come will you aspire for better economic growth?” He added that the Kashmir struggle had consumed four generations and if the international community did not rise to the occasion, people would cease to believe in the peaceful settlement of the dispute. “God knows how many more generations would find the hatred and enmity the only way for a solution to the dispute”, added the JKLF Chief.

According to VOS, Malik while referring to Prime Minster’s I-day speech said that talking of panchayat elections did not suit to a reputed and tall leader like Singh. “ We want to remind Manmohan singh Ji that five years ago, he stressed for the settlement of the issue and during 2010 uprising, the whole Indian parliament poured in valley and acknowledged the need to solve the issue, but now GOI is issuing statements as if they were ‘warriors’. Calimed Malik. He castigated Defence Minster A.K Antony for his recent statement and asked that was it necessary for New Delhi and Indian Civil societies to talk of settlement when there s a blood shed on the roads and the houses of the people out here are on fire. Malik said that it was evident from the uprisings of 1990, 2008 and 2010 that kashmiris can not be silences on gun point too long.

Malik also castigated OIC (organization of Islamic countries) for ‘failing’ to safeguard the life and property of Muslims across the globe. “Every body is aware of the atrocities Burma Muslims are subjected to and OIC doesn’t care. They have failed to highlight even Kashmir problem at international forum. They have disappointed the Muslims” claimed Malik.

 Shah prevented from offering Friday prayers at Hazaratbal

Srinagar, Aug. 17 (VOS): Senior separatist leader and president democratic freedom Party Shabir Ahmad Shah was prevented from offering Friday prayers. “ Shah sahib had a program to offer the prayers of Jamat ul Vida at  Hazratbal Shrine, but soon after he stepped out of his main gate, police men stopped him to proceed.” a spokesman of the party said in a statement to VOS. He added that Shah was told that he can’t offer prayers outside his house. Later Shah in his statement said that international community was turning a blind eye towards New Delhi ‘atrocities’ on kashmiri people. He said though Palestinian people were also being subjected to atrocities but world powers are taking note of it, however they do not utter a ‘word’ on Kashmir. He however made it clear that Kashmir issue can’t be pushed to backburner and kashmiris can’t be silenced on gun point. “We want to make it clear that the dispute should be settled through a meaningful dialogue between India, Pakistan and kashmiri leadership in the light of UN resolutions”, asserted Shah.

Meanwhile party spokesman condemned govt. action of placing Shah under house arrest and said that preventing the leader from offering the Friday prayers was a direct interference in religious affairs of the separatist leader. (VOS)

Peace will return only with solution of Kashmir : Bhat

Srinagar, Aug. 17 (VOS): APHC leader and Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Salvation Movement, Zaffar Akbar Bhat has said that the resolution of Kashmir dispute is vital to peace and stability in the South Asian region.

 Zaffar Akbar Bhat addressing a public gathering at Bagat Kanipora in Chadoora said, unresolved Kashmir is the major stumbling block in establishing cordial relationship between the two neighbours, adding   that both the countries need to take concrete steps for resolving the longstanding dispute..

He paid glowing tributes to the Kashmiri martyrs who laid their lives for the freedom movement. “Our children are being killed and put behind bars by the occupation authorities because we are demanding our inalienable right to self-determination,” he added.

APHC leader also urged the international human rights organisations and the Indian civil society of India to put pressure on India to unconditionally immediate release all the illegally detained Kashmiri Hurriyet leaders and activists including Mushtaq ul islam, Dr. Qasim Faktoo, Mohammad. Ayoub Dar, Mohammad Ayoub Mir, Ghulam. Qadir Bhat, Yasin Yatoo, Muzaffar Dar, Misbah Nisar, Ghulam Mohiudin Dar and  Javed Ahmad Najar before Eid ul fitter.

The APHC leader, Zaffar Akbar Bhat said that the blood of martyrs would bring positive results and the day was not away when the Kashmiri people would get freedom from Indian occupation. He also thanked Pakistan for providing its continued moral, political and diplomatic support to the Kashmir cause.

3 Die, 5 Injured in road mishaps

Srinagar, Aug. 17 (VOS): Three persons died while five others were injured in different road accidents across the Kashmir Valley.

 A Maruti Car bearing registration number JK13/1512 driven by Tariq Ahmad Lone son of Abdul Gani resident of Kakapora on way from Pinglina to Kakapora rammed in to a tree at Pinglina, Pulwama, falling under the jurisdiction of Police Station Kakapora, resulting in on spot death of child Faizan Tariq, age 4 years, son of Tariq Ahmad and injuries to another child Arsalan, age 6 years, son of Fayaz Ahmad residents of Kakapora boarding in the vehicle. The injured has been hospitalized for treatment. A case has been registered in this regard.

In another accident an unknown Motorcycle hit and injured another Motorcyclist Ghulam Mohammad Qadri, age 45 years, son-in-law of Ghulam Ahmad Shah resident of Pathpora Narbal at Pathpora Narbal, Budgam, falling under the jurisdiction of Police Station Magam. The injured succumbed to his injuries at SKIMS Soura Srinagar. A case has been registered in this regard.

In another accident  a Tata Sumo bearing registration number JK02T/7446 hit and injured a child Faheem Ahmad Wani, age 7 years, son of Ghulam Mohammad Mir resident of Gandwani near Gandwani, Kulgam, falling under the jurisdiction of Police Station D.H Pora. The injured has been shifted to District Hospital Kulgam for treatment where he succumbed to his injuries. A case has been registered in this regard.

In another accident a Maruti Car bearing registration number JK013A/3760 hit and injured a pedestrian Ghulam Hassan Gojree, age 55 years, son of Abdul Razaq resident of Patten at Main Bazar Patten, Baramulla, falling under the jurisdiction of Police Station Patten and later the vehicle rammed into an electric pole, resulting in injuries to vehicle driver Fayez Ahmad Wani, 32 years, son of Abdul Salaam resident of Tukker Shopian. Both the injured have been shifted to hospital for treatment.  A case has been registered in this regard.

In another accident a Scorpio bearing registration number MH02JA/5043 and Sumo bearing registration number JK05B/1332 collided at Ussan Crossing, Baramulla, falling under the jurisdiction of Police Station Kunzer, resulting in injuries to Bilal Ahmad Bhat son of Abdul Gani Bhat resident of Saria Dangerpora and Mudasir Ahmad Kumar son of Abdul Rehman resident of Kralwath. Both the injured were shifted to Sub District Hospital Magam for treatment. A case has been registered in this regard.

SDA opens mega parking facility near Sangarmaal City Centre

2000 light vehicles to be accommodated at a time

Srinagar, Aug. 17 (VOS): Keeping in view the Eid rush, the Srinagar Development Authority (SDA) has made parking arrangements for around 2000 vehicles near its state-of-the-art shopping mall Sangarmaal City Centre, Moulana Azad Road. The Authority is also organizing Sangarmaal Eid Festival at the modern shopping mall.

According to SDA authorities the mega parking facility has been created on a vacant plot of land to accommodate light vehicles of the shoppers who visit Lal Chowk, MA Road, Residency Road, Polo View, Regal Chowk, Munawarabad and other adjoining areas for Eid shopping.  

 “The parking facility will be available at a discounted rate of Rs 5 per vehicle from 16th August 2012 to 31st August 2012 and the entry to the parking lot would be from the Bund side of the MA Link road,” SDA authorities said and added that the parking arrangements are being made in coordination with the Divisional Administration and the Traffic Police.

It is for the first time that SDA has offered such a huge space for parking of vehicles. Sources said the decision to club the parking facility bonanza with the Sangarmaal Eid festival was taken during a meeting chaired by the SDA VC, Khawaja Farooq RenzuShah wherein it was resolved that shortage of space to park vehicles was big inconvenience people confront during the festive shopping.

Shopkeepers at not only at Sangarmaal but in the adjoining markets as well have welcomed the SDA initiative.

APSCC organized Ethnic Sikh Conference

Srinagar, Aug. 17 (VOS): the All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee today organized the first ever ethnic Sikh Conference at national level which was held at Sir Dr. Mini Convention Centre, Srinagar.

“Thousand of Sikhs from all over India, including J&K state participated and expressed their anguish over the pessimistic behavior of the State and Central government for not resolving the Sikhs issues pending for 6 decades now”, said a press statement from the APSCC.

Speaking on the occasion, APSCC Chairman Jagmohan Singh Raina welcomed the delegates. He said, “Time and again we have put forward our genuine demands in front of the State and at the Centre. But both governments have turned a blind eye towards the Sikh community. Now we are left with no other option but to have peaceful demonstration and seminar to make the World and deaf-ears aware about our issues.”

They demanded: Issuance of State Subject Certificates, Granting of Minority Status to Sikhs, Compensation for the losses incurred in rural areas over the past two decades (Agriculture/ horticulture) which was the main source of income for the Sikh families, Employment package for educated Sikh youth on top most priority, and Scholarship and Admission to Sikh youth in technical and non technical colleges at par with the migrants.

Speaking on the Conference, Karnail Singh President Sikh Student Federation said, “The cases of mistaken-identity killings in which many Sikhs have lost their lives and which were aimed for Muslim community cannot be tolerated as pre-arranged killings are nothing but genocide of minority community living there.”

Dilmag Singh, Secretary Shromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, assured that colleges run by SGPC will provide free admission to the meritorious students of J&K.

Er. Niramal Singh in his speech provided statistical analysis which revealed how the Sikhs of J&K are deliberately ignored and deprived of their minority category, with regards to employment and education at all levels.

Gurdev Singh, a Sikh leader from Jammu, said “Since 1947, fifty thousand Sikhs have laid their lives for the country but the Government of India has forgotten all these sacrifices at the cost of other favorite minorities.”

Joginder Singh Shaan also said, “We have even faced and are still facing many hardships due to the ongoing turmoil. But still we Sikhs chose to stay in Kashmir Valley. The state and central government have failed to resolve any of our legitimate demands.”

Harcharan Singh Khalsa,  a prominent Sikh Leader from Jammu region also said, “It is a matter of concern that migrants of Kashmir are given more benefits than the Refugees of 1947. We are facing immense problems for almost 6 decades but the govt of state and central are paying no attention at all towards our grievances.”

Stone pelting in Nowhatta, 12 people including 4 policemen Injured

Srinagar, Aug 17 (VOS): Twelve people including four policemen were injured during stone pelting incidents in Nowhatta on Friday.

Reports said immediately after the Friday prayers some boys started pelting stones on police and CRPF. Police fired tear smoke canisters and used batons in which some people were injured including inspector Rasheed.

A police spokesman said that miscreants started pelting stones on the police deployment at Nowhatta Chowk after the culmination of Friday prayers. “Police exercised maximum restraint and ed away the pelters. Some policemen were injured in the stone pelting which was sporadically going on till the reports last came in,” he added.

Saroori flag off educational tour of school children.

Srinagar, August 17 (VOS):  Former Minister and MLA Inderwal Ghulam Mohammad Saroori today flag off the education tour of school children from outside Deputy Commissioner Office Kishtwar. Over all 34 students from different High/Higher Secondary Schools of Kishtwar are the part of this 7 days tour named as “Bharat Darshan” organized by Education department Kishtwar funded by HRD Ministry government of India. During 7 days tour, the students will travel to Amritsar-Delhi-Agra-Jaipur.

While addressing the students, Mr. Saroori said that the aim and objective of organizing such tour is to aware the school children’s about the waste culture and development of Union of India. He said that such type of tours will help the children’s to know more about his country. He hoped that all the children’s besides enjoying the tour will gain knowledge about the historical heritage places like Golden Temple, Red fort, Parliament House, Taj Mahal, Fatepur Sikrie and famous shrine of sofi saint Khuwja Mohudin Chisti (RTA). All the students feels over joeys when Mr. Saroori assured the touring children’s that he with the help of MP Lal Singh will arrange their visit to Parliament House to witness the ongoing preceding of Monsoon session. He stress on the education department to organize more such tours in future as well so that more children’s will get opportunity to visit various cities across India.

Chief Education Officer Kishtwar Lok Nath Butt brief the children’s about the tour itinerary and advice the children’s to follow the directions of 5 staff members who were accompanied them during this tour. He also distribute notebooks and pens among the children’s for penning down of some important points during the visit. Both Saroori and CEO Kishtwar give best of luck to the touring children’s.

Haj pilgrims -2012 can deposit their dues with J&K Bank

          SRINAGAR, AUGUST 17:-According to Executive Officer, J&K State Haj Committee Srinagar, all the selected pilgrims for Haj-2012 have been asked to deposit dues of the State Haj Committee as per schedule in any branch of Jammu and Kashmir Bank Ltd through pay-in-slip of the said Bank. According to Committee, the Haj pilgrims of  Kashmir Division have to pay  an amount of Rs. 850, while pilgrims belonging to Jammu District, Rs 1848, Rajouri,Rs.3076, Udhampur Rs.1966, Ramban Rs.1848, Doda 2090, Samba  RS.2150, Reasi Rs.2098, Kishtwar Rs.2242, Poonch Rs.3428, Mendhar Rs.3314, Basoli Rs.2950, Kathua Rs.2386, Banihal Rs.1804, Bhaderwah Rs.2196, Leh Rs.1250 and Pilgrims of Kargil Rs.1250 only.

            Meanwhile, those pilgrims who have already deposited their said dues with J&K Bank do not require remit it again.

SDA opens mega parking facility near Sangarmaal City Centre for Eid shoppers

2000 light vehicles to be accommodated at a time

            SRINAGAR, AUGUST 17: Keeping in view the Eid rush, the Srinagar Development Authority (SDA) has made parking arrangements for around 2000 vehicles near its state-of-the-art shopping mall Sangarmaal City Centre, Moulana Azad Road. The Authority is also organizing Sangarmaal Eid Festival at the modern shopping mall.

            According to SDA authorities the mega parking facility has been created on a vacant plot of land to accommodate light vehicles of the shoppers who visit Lal Chowk, MA Road, Residency Road, Polo View, Regal Chowk, Munawarabad and other adjoining areas for Eid shopping.  

             “The parking facility will be available at a discounted rate of Rs 5 per vehicle from 16th August 2012 to 31st August 2012 and the entry to the parking lot would be from the Bund side of the MA Link road,” SDA authorities said and added that the parking arrangements are being made in coordination with the Divisional Administration and the Traffic Police.

            It is for the first time that SDA has offered such a huge space for parking of vehicles. The decision to club the parking facility bonanza with the Sangarmaal Eid festival was taken during a meeting chaired by the SDA VC, Khawaja Farooq RenzuShah wherein it was resolved that shortage of space to park vehicles was big inconvenience people confront during the festive shopping.

            Shopkeepers at not only at Sangarmaal but in the adjoining markets as well have welcomed the SDA initiative.

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