SRINAGAR, FRIDAY, 26 SHAWAAL 1433 AH ; 14 SEPTEMBER 2012

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Soz addresses gathering, calls upon party workers to strengthen party

Srinagar, Sep 13:  President of J&K Pradesh Congress Committee Prof Saifuddin Soz today addressed a large gathering of Congress Workers at Waniyar, Safakadal(Srinagar)  and urged upon party workers to strengthen the Congress Party.

Soz was accompanied by  Ch. Bashir Naaz, Vice Chairman Gujjar Bakerwal Board, Gulam Nabi Monga, Master Mohd Maqbool , Jawahira Vice President J&K PCC, Farooq Andrabi, Dr. Sayeed, Habibullah Hamdani, , and others, they also addressed  the gathering.

“On this occasion a prominent public figure Mr. Imitiyaz Ahmad Khan and two  hundred political workers supporting him joined the Congress Party. A contingent  of eighty young boys from Poonch and Mandi areas led by  Mr. Owais Qureshi and Zaheer Abbass Mir also joined the Congress.  Sajjad Banday,Wajid Banday & Ashfaq Chowdhary were among those who joined Congress on this occasion”, said a statement issued by the press secretary.

Prof. Soz responded to the local demands and assured the meeting that he would take personal interest in solving these problems.

Prof. Soz told the workers meeting that while it is a matter of satisfaction that such a number of prominent political workers joined the Congress Party, it was also an occasion to feel concerned about the difficulties faced by the people.

Taking this opportunity Prof .Soz urged the gathering that they must strengthen the Congress party. He assured them that Congress party would come to their rescue and solve their difficulties.

Prof. Soz further urged the people to work with determination   for obtaining civic amenities, so that their life becomes fuller and richer.

State government doubles freedom fighters’ pension

Not enough, say pensioners

Srinagar, Sept 13 (VOS): The Jammu and Kashmir Government has issued orders for enhancement in the rates of pension for the state’s freedom Fighters and their dependents.

Orders to this effect have been issued by the state government vide its order number 922-GAD of 2012, a copy of which lies with VOS.
As per the order, pension in case of living freedom fighters has been enhanced to rupees 3000 per month from rupees 1500 per month.
New rates of pension for widows have been increased to Rs 1800 per month, who were being paid at the rate of rupees 900 per month, previously.
Similarly, the new pension rate for un-married daughters of freedom fighters has been enhanced to rupees 1200 per month. Earlier, they were being paid rupees 600 per month.

Previous enhancement in pension was made in October 2006 when the rates were enhanced to rupees 1500 per month for living freedom fighter from Rs 750 per month, for widows from Rs 450 to 900 per month  and for unmarried daughters of the freedom fighters it had been enhanced to Rs 600 from Rs 300.

Meanwhile, a group of beneficiaries while talking to VOS, expressed dissatisfaction over the increase in pension, demanding a major increase in the pension rates to bring it at par with such pension rates in other states.

“This is a joke with us and with our elders who have sacrificed everything for the state’s freedom. An elderly person would require much more for just his medicine these days. What would a girl do with 1200 rupees? It wont even suffice for her pocket money”, the beneficiaries said.

Pertinently, other States have much higher pension atesthan the State of J&K.

The Punjab government recently enhanced monthly pension of freedom fighters and their widows from Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 with effect from August 2012, while as government of Tamil Nadu hiked monthly pension of freedom fighters from Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,000. (VOS)

People will judge us on performance: Omar

Openly challenges PDP leadership to prove mettle

Pulwama, Sept 13 (VOS): Rejecting the claims of the Peoples Democratic Party leadership of forming the next government in the State, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Thursday described it as yet another jingle of PDP. He said that the people will judge parties and leaderships on the basis of their performance.

 “Politics of deceit is a handiwork of PDP leadership in order to mislead the people .From this rostrum in Pulwama before the mammoth public gathering I challenge PDP leadership on this count. Their falsehood has got unveiled before masses and they have lost their ground everywhere”, Omar said while addressing a public meeting at Pulwama adding the people would judge the governments and parties on the basis of work done and not on mere slogan raising.

The Chief Minister said that the performance report of PDP during its tenure of government is nothing but a card of failures and shortcomings on all the fronts. He said that the slogans of healing touch, peace with dignity, one government job to every household, etc fell flat on ground as PDP forgot all these and other promises made to people when it was in power.

“History is witness to the opportunism and selfishness exhibited by the PDP leadership time and again to relish power for their personal interest”, he said adding that every resident of the State is aware of the mis-governance that ruled the roast during the tenure when PDP was in power in the State.

“By pointing fingers towards opponents and indulging in misinformation and disinformation campaign, suppressing facts and misreporting events may have helped PDP to deceive people in the past but this tactics cannot work now as the public especially youth force have understood PDP’s this characteristic and double-speak”, he said and added that the hidden pact and closeness between PDP and BJP was revealed when the then Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee requested Dr. Farooq Abdullah not to dislodge Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s government when a good number of PDP MLAs had then lost faith in Mufti’s leadership and wanted to de-throne him.

“They talk of healing touch, peace with dignity and what not but do nothing on ground. They instead hamper the return of youth from PoK and bring laws like AFSPA”, he said adding that his government is continuously working for revocation of AFSPA. “We have not only reduced the footprints of armed forces, removed bunkers but also brought in rehabilitation policy for return of youth from PoK”.

Reiterating that people will judge the leaderships and the parties on their work done, Omar Abdullah said that it was his government who initiated the process of delinking political issues from economic affairs. “It was me who categorically told the Prime Minister, the UPA Chairperson and other Central leadership at a huge public meeting in South Kashmir that ‘Kashmir issue’ cannot be resolved by economic measures”, he said adding that he made it clear that Kashmir issue is of political nature needing political addressing.

The Chief Minister said that he told the Centre Government that Jammu and Kashmir is thankful for the economic support it receives from the Centre for development programmes but there is need to address internal and external dimensions of Kashmir issue politically and through sustained dialogue process

The Chief Minister said that in order to curb the corruption and ensure time line delivery of public services to the people, his government has enacted and implemented Public Service Guarantee Act which empowers common people to obtain public services from the government departments within the prescribed time frame adding that any laxity or failure on the part of government functionaries in delivery the service within the prescribed time limit makes him liable for fine which will be paid to the affected consumer. “This has brought topsy-turvy in the scenario and now consumer is master of the situation. He is empowered to get compensation out of the fine imposed on the official for not providing service within the fixed time limit”, he explained.

The Chief Minister also referred to the implementation of Right to Information Act, reconciliation of Accountability Commission, Panchayat Election and other initiatives initiated for public empowerment by his government.

Saying that District Pulwama used to be the fortress of support to National Conference, Omar Abdullah asked the party rank and file to redress the grievances of people and rekindle their faith and trust in National Conference.

The public meeting was also addressed by Minister for Social Welfare, Sakina Itoo, Minister of State for R&B, Javid Ahmad Dar, Members of Parliament, Sharief-ud-Din Shariq, Dr. Mehboob Baig, Ghulam Nabi Ratanpuri, Provincial President NC, Ali Mohammad Dar and MLC, Bashir Ahmad Veeri.

Blasphemour video evokes widespread condemnation

Srinagar, Sept 13 (VOS): Various Ullema, Muslim organizations and militant outfits today condemned the blasphemous film released by an American filmmaker, calling it a handiwork of the Zionist lobby.

Shutting the doors of Kashmir for Americans and strongly reacting against the recent controversial blasphemous video, the Grand Mufti of Kashmir, Mufti Bashir ud Din has said that these activities of the vested interests can not harm faith of the Muslims. “Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was sent for the whole world as a mercy from the Almighty. Such blasphemous videos will not affect the Prophet’s (PBUH) noble personality” he said.

“We will not allow any American citizen to enter the valley and I appeal to people to protest in a peaceful manner,” he added.

He said such steps show the mental insanity of the Zionists and such acts hurt religious sentiment of Muslims across the globe.

Meanwhile, Jamiat e Ahlehadees has strongly condemned the blasphemous video and said that a programme would be framed in coming days to demonstrate our strong protest against the Zionists.

It warned that such acts could turn the world into flames and make war inevitable. Addressing the hurriedly called press conference the Jamiat’s president Moulana Ghulam Rasool Malik said that the Muslims couldn’t tolerate such blasphemous acts. “I appeal all Movlanas to educate the people about the issue on Friday congregations. I also appeal people to remain calm and wait for the pre-planned programme by Jamaat Alhadees to follow to demonstrate against the unpardonable act of Zionists” he said.    

Meanwhile, militant organization Jamiat ul Mujahideen, while condemning the blasphemous video has called it a handiwork of Zionists, aimed at hurting sentiments of Muslims. The organizations has also appealed Ullema and Mubaligs to ccondemn the film maker during Friday congregation.

The Jamiat spokesperson while ridiculing the film maker has called the act akin to spitting on the sky. He also appealed people to express their resentment and displeasure openly.

Surfacing when the 11th anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks was being held, the video attracted media attention when pastor Terry Jones of Florida promoted 9/11 as “International Judge Muhammad Day.”

Meanwhile, the representative of World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought, Haji Abdul Hussain Kashmiri while condemning the act, has said: “It has not happened for the first time, they do it with an agenda. These acts are carried out to provoke the Muslim Ummah, we need to be united to defeat the bad intentions of the anti Islam elements”.  “We should desist from uncivilized approach.” hee added. (VOS)

SMC demolition drive:

2 under-construction buildings demolished, encroachment cleared

Srinagar, Sept 13 (VOS): The Enforcement Wing of Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) today brought down a building coming up illegally at Tengpora Byepass in the city outskirts.

“Construction on the building was its initial stages and the shuttering was being prepared for it”, the Medial Relations Officer of the SMC told VOS.

Meanwhile, while demolishing another under constructions building at Alochibagh,  the squad of the corporation had to face strong resistance, some of whom got wounded while demolishing its ground floor and plinth.

“Some miscreants had tried to grab and encroach upon the government land by resorting to earth filling in a water body at Achan Sayedpora, which was removed by the concerned squad with the assistance of trucks and earthmovers”, the officer added.

Mean while the enforcement wing of the Corporation has appealed to not take up construction works without obtaining proper permission from the authorities. (VOS)

Dr Mehrajuddin bereaved

Srinagar, Sept 13 (VOS): Gulam Fatima, Mother of former Director of Sher e Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences Soura, Dr Mehrajuddin, passed away Thursday in Srinagar.

Family sources said the Rasme Chaharum of the deceased will be held on Sunday at 10:30 am at their ancestral graveyard.

People from different walks of life have expressed grief over the demise, offering condolences to the relatives and family members of the deceases.

Director SKIMS, Showkat Zargar and Renowned Nephrologist Saleem Wani have expressed grief over demise of Dr Mehrajuddin’s mother. They prayed for eternal peace for the soul of the deceases.

Meanwhile, Editor-in-Chief of Kashmir News Service (VOS), Muhammd Aslam Bhat has also conveyed deep sympathies to Dr Mehrajuddin and his family over the sad demise of his mother. (VOS)

Governor inaugurates FICCI-CASCADE Seminar

Calls for launching sustained public campaign against organized crime

Srinagar, Sept 13 (VOS): N. N. Vohra, Governor Jammu and Kashmir, today called for launching a multi-pronged and sustained public campaign to enlarge awareness among the people of J&K about the criminal offences involved in counterfeiting, smuggling and other organized crime which adversely affect the rights and interests of individuals, damage the interests of growers, producers, manufacturers and traders, cause loss of revenue to the public exchequer, and pose a serious threat to the security of the State and the country.

The Governor, as Chief Guest, was inaugurating a Seminar on “Curbing Counterfeiting and Smuggling – An Imperative for Indian Economy”, organized by the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)-CASCADE (Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy), here today.

The Governor observed that the huge unlawful funds which accrue from smuggling, fake currency, black money and hawala transactions are utilized by organized crime groups and mafia networks to foster illegal trade in arms and drugs and fund terrorist activities, all of which generate serious security related problems worldwide. He added that Jammu and Kashmir is already faced with serious problems of terrorist networks being funded through the circulation of fake Indian currency.

  The Governor congratulated the FICCI-CASCADE and the Kashmir Chambers of Commerce for joining hands to deliberate on such an extremely important problem. He observed that the over 12 million tourists and pilgrims who arrive in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh regions every year make significant purchases during their visits to the State. And even if a small percentage of the visitors are cheated and sold spurious goods there would be damage to the reputation of the State as the most attractive tourist destination. In this context, he stressed that the producers, manufacturers, traders, shopkeepers and all other stakeholders have to play an important role to ensure that they buy and sell only genuine and not counterfeit goods. He added that, side by side, it is equally important to ensure that all the relevant laws are most strictly enforced against those involved in the manufacture and trade of counterfeit drugs, food items, soft drinks, software, carpets, handicrafts and various other items in violation of Intellectual Property and Trade Mark rights, causing loss of revenue to the exchequer and bringing a bad name to the people and the State. He reiterated that the entire civil society must launch a campaign against spurious drugs and such a movement must be fully supported by the media.

The Governor expressed the hope that the Seminar will culminate with a set of recommendations which would go a long way in curbing counterfeiting, smuggling and other organized crime. He wished successful deliberations to the participants of the Seminar.

Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, Minister for Science and Technology and Information Technology, complimented FICCI for organizing in the State a Seminar on a very relevant subject to enlarge awareness among the people against counterfeiting and smuggling. He observed that the counterfeit products not only cause loss to the State exchequer but the consumers also do not get the genuine products. He emphasized the need for trade, industry, commerce, media fraternity, law enforcing agencies and the society at large joining hands to deal with this issue. He thanked the Governor for inaugurating this Seminar.

Deep Chand, Advisor, FICCI-CASCADE, giving global and the country-specific facts and figures vis-à-vis counterfeiting, said that the magnitude of the problem is very serious. While throwing light on the level of counterfeits floating in the market, he said that Asia has emerged as a leading place for manufacturing counterfeit goods. He put forth several suggestions to deal with this problem, which include bringing down to a reasonable level the prices of branded products.

In his welcome address, Hamid Punjabi, President, Kashmir Chambers of Commerce, said that this Seminar is of immense importance as it would help in enlarging awareness among all the stakeholders as how to curb the production and use of counterfeit products. He said that Kashmir handicrafts products have become worst victims of counterfeiting and sought the support of FICCI-CASCADE in this regard.  

1 dies another injured in road mishaps  

Srinagar, Sept 13: One person died and another one was injured in  two different road accidents across the Kashmir Valley.

Police said a Van without a number plate hit and seriously injured Mohammad Akbar Lone, age 40 years, son of Abdul Rahim resident of Rehmatabad at Rehmatabad, Sopore,. The injured succumbed to his injuries on way to the hospital.

In another accident, an Auto Rickshaw bearing registration number JK05C/4552 hit and injured a pedestrian Bilal Ahmad Shah son of Mushtaq Ahmad Shah resident of Takiya Gonipora, Baramulla. The injuried has been shifted to Sub District Hospital, Kunzar for treatment, the police sources added.

Case registered against LD doctors for woman’s death

Srinagar, Sept 13: Police today registered a case against some doctors of Lal Ded Hospital after the relatives of a woman alleged that she had died due to medical negligence.

“A lady Mst Mehbooba wife of Abdul Hamid Bhat resident of Lelahar Kakapora, Pulwama was admitted in maternity hospital, Lal Ded Hospital Srinagar. She was shifted to SMHS Hospital in critical condition where she expired”, said a police spokesperson.

In this regard, a criminal case of negligence has been registered against L.D.Hospital doctors in Police Station Rajbagh, the spokesperson added.

Meanwhile, body of the deceased has been handed over to her relatives for last rites.

Mufti visits Rather’s Kokernag residence to offer condolence

Srinagar, Sept 13:  Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Patron Mufti Mohammed Sayeed today visited the Kokernag residence of Ab Rahim Rather to condole the death of his father Khawaja Mohd Ahsan Rather.

Mufti was accompanied by  Senior Leaders Peerzada Mansoor Hussain MLA, Mohd Rafi Mir MLA, District President Peer Mohd Hussain Zone President Adv Javaid Ah, leader Minority cell Nanajee Wattal and other party workers.

Conveying his deep condolences with the bereaved family Mufti termed the late Ratheras   a kind and noble person who has done a lot for upliftment of the needy persons in the area..

Expressing sympathies with the bereaved family Mufti also prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul.  

J&K Bank to accelerate credit dispensation in Leh, Kargil

CSR initiative in the region a priority for bank: Chairman

Srinagar, Sep 13: J&K Bank will reshape the economy of Ladakh region by redefining the Credit Deposit Ratio (CD Ratio) while targeting to achieve an incremental CD Ratio growth of 10% in the region. Special training camps have been going on there for the J&K Bank staff so that speedy credit dispensation in the region is ensured to revolutionise the local economies.

This was stated by Chairman and CEO J&K Bank Mushtaq Ahmad, who visited Leh to take stock of business situation in the Ladakh Zone. The chairman was accompanied by the Executive President, Parvez Ahmad.

“We have already zeroed in on various sectors of the local economy that offer a definite scope and scale for expansion. The zone would extend hassle free and liberal finances for the genuine and viable local initiatives aiming at the individual and collective welfare, development of the people of Ladakh zone,” said Mushtaq Ahmad.

The chairman said, “People’s financial empowerment is our core mission. Education is the first step towards such empowerment and we will help generously the needy children taking this step forward with confidence.”

While elaborating bank’s CSR initiatives planned in the moonland, he promised the Bank promised would develop and maintain a sprawling park in Leh which would be completed during next financial year. “The intention is to provide an opportunity to the tourists to prolong their stay. The proposed park would turn out to be a picnic spot for the locals in the region”, he said.

Notably, the Bank has developed a chain of such parks across the state for cultural and social interaction besides developing these as sites of ecological preservation.

It’s worth mentioning that the Bank has 22 Business Units and 12 ATMs currently operating in Leh and Kargil.

DPN’s motive is to harness potential of J&K youth in right direction: Mir

Srinagar, Sep 13: Reiterating that the youth is the most valuable resource of the nation, President Democratic Party of Nationalist (DPN) and Minister for Agriculture, Ghulam Hassan Mir, on Thursday urged upon the youth to contribute in nation building   to make a way for  economic prosperity of the state.

DPN President said this while addressing a party convention of Rafiabad constituency at party Headquarter here this afternoon. He said that the philosophy of DPN is to provide a platform to the youth and channelize this resource in right direction. He said that directives have been passed to party workers to work for the betterment of youth in their respective areas.

State Secretary, Nazir Dailigami, Spokesperson of the party Shazadi Simon, Youth President, Muzffar Reshi, and senior leaders of DPN, Masararat Qadri, Bashrat Maqsood, Ashiq Hussain Malik, Distt. Secretary, Javid Ahmad Wani,  Distt Organizer, Maqsood   Ahmad Zonal President Rafi Abbad ,Gulzar ,Hilal and number of workers also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the party policies and programmes.

Mir asked the people particularly the youth of the state to reject the emotive, impracticable and sensational slogans of different parties and work collectively for economic empowerment of common masses.DPN president said that special status of JK lies in economic empowerment of common masses. “JK’s special status lies in cent percent literacy, healthy road connectivity, better medicate facilities, safe drinking water and adequate power supply,” he said.

 DPN president said that people of the state want peace, prosperity and development.

 He said there is no substance in emotive slogans to ameliorate socio-economic conditions of the people of the state.

Mir again cautioned the people to beware of political parties and politicians who always skirted the real issues affecting the people and used emotional slogans to hoodwink them. He said these politicians never respect the interests of the common masses and that is why after independence from autocratic rule we still gain votes from the people on basic issues. “Our election manifesto should have higher status than stressing on basic issues,” he said.

Sr.Vice-President G M Bhawan asked the workers to reach out the people and make them aware about their basic rights adding that their involvement is must for good governance. He said that this is the basic concept of our party to make the government answerable before the people.

Hakim calls for Kashmir centric Indo–Pak dialogue

Lays foundation of School buildings

Srinagar, Sep 13: M. L. A. Khansahib and President Peoples Democratic Front Hakim Mohammad Yasin today Yaseen while welcoming the ongoing dialogue between India and Pakistan said that better relations between the two neighboring countries shall have positive impact on Jammu and Kashmir.

He said dialogue and development is a welcome step but Kashmir issue also needs to be discussed in the talks between India and Pakistan. He said both internal and external dimensions of the Kashmir Issue need to be addressed for amicable and peaceful solution of the issue.

He laid foundation stones for the new buildings for Government Higher School Hariwanian and Arizal.

Speaking to a public gathering, on the occasion, Hakeem Yasin enjoined upon the government to start work on 12 MGW Mini-Hydle project, Sukhnag, for which tenders have already floated. He said construction of this power house will boost socio- economic activities in this tourist area including Tossa Maidan.

Sacrifices are making us strong, determined

‘Pays tributes to 2010 martyrs’

Srinagar, Sep 13:  Democratic Freedom Party Chairman Shabir Ahmad Shah Thursday ‘paid glowing tributes to martyrs who fell to the bullets of police and CRPF while they were protesting against the desecration of the Holy Quran’.

“17 people were killed on 13 September 2010 by a joint patrol of police and CRPF who were protesting peacefully against the desecration of the holy Quran.”, he said in a statement issued to press.

“Police and the CRPF fired indiscriminately on the people that resulted in the loss of 17 lives. That was one of the worst human rights violations,” Shah said.

He said that the martyrs who have left behind the legacy of freedom struggle and that will be reached to its logical conclusion and on this front there will be no lackadaisical approach.

He said that these kinds of sacrifices are helping us in making our efforts more determined and strong. “The Indian rule will in the near future will succumb to the freedom struggle of Kashmiris and Azadi will see the light of the day in Kashmir. We will not succumb to nay kind of pressures,” he said.

He said that the sacrifices of the people will not go waste and one day the sacrifices will bear fruit and Kashmiri nation will be freed from the occupation of the Indian rule.

Paying tributes to the Martyrs he said that it is because of these sacrifices that the kahmir issue has been highlighted at the world level. He said that the people of Kashmir have remained firm on their stand and have not given up from the last 64 years despite facing lots of problems.

The others who were accompanying the Freedom Party leader include Naeem Khan, Zaffar Akbar Bhat Javaid ahmad Mir, Mohd Yousuf Naqash, Shabir Ahmad Dar

NC Strongly denounces anti-Islamic film, calls it a desecrating act

Srinagar Sept 13 : The National Conference today strongly condemned the anti-Islam film that insults the Prophet Muhammad( PBUH).

“With deep unhappiness, we found out that a producer made a film in the United States which allegedly insults the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) while Terry Jones, an American pastor released a video clip promoting the offensive film on the Youtube” said NC Spokesman Tanvir Sadiq .

“We strongly believe such people along with the pastor and his supporters represent a radical mindset who are hell bent to vitiate peaceful atmosphere across the world” said the Spokesman.

“We strongly and resolutely denounce this desecrating act . This offensive act has add fuel to inter-faith enmity and conflict and badly impacted the peaceful coexistence between human beings" said Sadiq.

“Such offensive actions, provoke hatred, discord within societies and between peoples of various faiths.” said Tanvir adding “our party believes that “all manifestations of extremist tendencies must be opposed.”

The spokesman said that posting of video clips in Arabic and English on the YouTube website is unacceptable and such people who do this are enemies of peace and humanity.

 “We condemn the repeated insults to the noble Prophet (PBUH) and are outraged at the making of this video” said Tanvir.

Meanwhile the National Conference appreciated the immediate steps taken by the Omar Abdullah led government to prevent the release and access of this insulting film and its video-clip on the Youtube, and demanded that such videos should be totally banned in the state.

The Spokesman on behalf of the party appealed for calm and asked the people not to heed to any rumors. He said the party is and will always defeat all such people who inflame passion and try to divide people on religious lines.  

LA panel seeks report about pending sanctioned road projects

Committee stresses for early completion of ongoing schemes

            SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 13: The Committee on Estimates (EC) of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly headed by its Chairman Ch. Mohammad Ramzan Thursday took serious note of delay in the settlement of forest clearances cases for the sanctioned road projects and directed the Public Works Department (PWD) authorities to come up with the reply about all the pending schemes, causes of their pendency which may be   due to forest clearance or other reasons before the Committee within a week’s time for its scrutiny. The Committee also stressed for early clearance of compensation to the land owners so that the projects will be complete well in time.

            The legislators, Mr. Naresh Kumar Gupta, Mr. Mohammad Ashraf Mir,  Dr. Mustafa Kamal, Hakeem Mohammad Yasin, Mr. Harsh Dev Singh, Mr. G. M. Saroori, Mr. A. R. Veeri, Mr. Abdul Gaffar Sofi and Mr. Mohammad Yasin stressed upon the concerned officers to work with utmost zeal and gear up their field functionaries and pursue the cases vigorously pending in forest department and fix responsibility. The panel stressed for early completion of all under execution woks within a stipulated time frame. It also asked them to start construction work on sanctioned road projects immediately.

            Threadbare discussion was held on PMGSY and NABARD schemes and the Committee suggested for utilization of unused steel bridge material for the construction of   other bridges.

            The panel suggested for establishment of legal cell within the department so that the minor cases could be solved. It also stressed for filling up of vacant posts of different categories including Junior Engineers.

            Among others, Commissioner/Secretary, PWD Mrs. Tanveer Jehan, Chief Engineer R & B Kashmir Mr. Mushtaq Ahmad Lone, Chief Engineer R & B Jammu, Mr. Tahseen Mustafa, Chief Engineer PMGSY Jammu Mr. D. L. Sharma, Chief Engineer PMGSY Kashmir Mr. A. H. Sheikh, Managing Director JK PCC Mr. M. M. Gupta and other officers and engineers of PWD besides senior officers from Assembly Secretariat attended the meeting.

Deputy CM reviews progress of projects

        SRINAGAR SEPTEMBER 13:- Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Tara Chand has asked the officers of the concerned departments to expedite land identification and acquisition process required for establishment of Gujjar Bhawan and Gujjar Bakerwal Cultural Center at Jammu besides Gujjar Bakerwal Girls Hostel at Srinagar.

            Deputy Chief Minister was reviewing the status of the land acquisition required for the purpose at an officers meeting held here today.

            Vice Chairman, Gujjar Bakerwal Advisory Board, Chaudhry Bashir Ahmad Naz, Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare, Mr. Jeetlal Gupta, Vice Chairman, SDA, Farooq Ahmad Renzu, besides officers from Revenue, Housing and Urban Development were present on the occasion.

            Stressing for identifying alternate sites for construction of Gujjar Bhawan, cultural center and girls hostel, the Deputy Chief Minister asked the officers to explore all possible options avenues so that work on these projects is started early. He asked officers to follow the guidelines of the Centre while implementing these projects.

            The meeting was told that Rs. 13 crore are available with government for implementing the project but could not be taken up in view of the non availability of requisite land in Jammu and Srinagar cities. The meeting was told that land in available at Jammu but it is quite insufficient and not fulfilling the norms fixed by the Centre.

            Members of the Board put forth several suggestions with regard to allotment of the land and pleaded for establishment of such institutions within the city limits. It was told that 20 kanals of land have already been identified at Aaluchibagh, Srinagar for establishment of girl’s hostel and VC, SDA was asked to look into the matter so that land can be transferred to concerned for implementation of the plan.  

Tara Chand asks ERA, NBCC to speed up under execution projects at Srinagar, Jammu

        SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 13:- Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Tara Chand has asked the authorities of Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA) and National Building Construction Corporation (NBCC) to prioritise the under execution works before taking up new projects at Srinagar and Jammu cities so that people’s difficulties are eased out in a time bound manner.

            Deputy Chief Minister was reviewing the progress of the under construction development projects taken up by ERA and NBCC in two capital cities at an officers meeting here today.

            Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Additional Commissioner, Jammu, Director ERA, Commissioners of SMC and JMC, Executive Director, NBCC besides officers of other departments were present on the occasion.

            Deputy Chief Minister said that Government cannot ignore the difficulties being faced by people due to delay caused in completion of works at different places in Jammu and Srinagar and instructed concerned agencies to speed up on all ongoing works to ensure their early completion. He instructed the officers of UEED to monitor the projects and point out the discrepancy if any to the higher authorities.

            Emphasizing for close inter departmental coordination, the Deputy Chief Minister asked the officers to make sure that utilities are shifted in time bound manner where it becomes necessary.  He asked officers to seek the service of the consultant, who has formulated detailed project reports for their proper execution.

            Underlining need for third party monitoring, Mr. Tara Chand asked the concerned officers to point out the deficiency, if any, to get it timely rectified by the executing agency.  He asked officers to formulae projects on long term basis which can fulfil the future needs of the people.

            Construction of flyovers at Srinagar and Jammu also came up for the discussion in the meeting and the Deputy CM asked officers to accelerate the implementation of these projects.

Provincial level Mehfil-e-Mushaira organized at S. P Higher Secondary School

SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 13: In order to explore the hidden talent of students a provincial level Mehfil-e-Mushaira organized by the Culture wing of School Education, Kashmir, at the auditorium of S. P. Higher Secondary School here today

These Musahairas were earlier organized at zonal and district levels and the best performers drawn from the all districts participated in this provincial level competition.

            The teachers and students representing their respective districts participated in the Mushaira which was presided over by Chief Education Officer Srinagar Mr. Nazir Ahmad Kanth.

            The Participants recited poetry which touched different aspects of the life and society.            In the students category Ist and 2^nd position was bagged by Adil Ahmad Tantray of Boys High School, Handwara, and Saima Shamma of Girls Higher Secondary School Amira Kadal respectively.

            In teacher’s category Ist, and 2^nd position was bagged by Mr. Ajaz Azad of Govt. Middle School, Kangroosa Baramulla and Mr. Ghulam Rasool Athar of Boys Higher Secondary School Hariganwan, Ganderbal.

 On this occasion students of Girls Higher Secondary School Sonwar presented a heart touching poetry item which highlighted the women folk ignoring their rich and traditional culture which has led to moral degradation and needed efforts for its revival was highly praised by the audience.

Cultural officer Education Department, Mr Zahoor Ahmad Banday, Prof Dr Jowahr Qudusi, Prof. Dr Nazir Ahmad, Lecturers, Teachers and Students from various schools were also present on the occasion.

Div Com reviews arrangements for Hajj pilgrims-2012

            SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 13: The Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon today convened a high level meeting in which the arrangements made for providing of various kinds of facilities to Hajj pilgrims- 2012.

            The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Mr. Baseer Ahmad Khan, Deputy Commissioner, Budgam, Mr. Khursheed Ahmad, DIG Traffic, Mr. Showkat Ahmad Watali, Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Dr. G.N. Qasba, Director, Airport Authority, Mr. V.K. Jain, Executive Officer, J&K Hajj Committee, Srinagar, Mr. Abdul Salam and other officers were also present.

            Dr. Samoon said that the first flight with 260 Hajj pilgrims will leave September 17, 2012 to Madina. He said that necessary arrangements will be made for boarding, lodging, carrying Hajjis and their luggage from Hajj House, Bemina to International Airport. He also said that necessary medical facilities will also be kept available for Hajj pilgrims. He also said that SIM Cards will be provided to Hajj pilgrims.

            Divisional Commissioner said that the services of Doordarshan Kendra and Radio Kashmir Organizations will also be rendered for providing every kind of information to Hajj pilgrims for performing Hajj.

            Dr. Samoon also stressed on Municipal Officials for sanitation in and around the Hajj House, Bemina.

             Divisional Commissioner said that every possible necessary step will be taken for providing every kind of facility to the Hajj pilgrims-2012 for making their journey comfortable, convenient and successful.

International Literacy Day celebrated at Women’s Degree College, Anantnag

            ANANTNAG, SEPTEMBER 13: Zilla Lok Shiksha Samiti, Anantnag today organized one day seminar on International Literacy Day on the topic “Importance of Women’s Education” at Degree College for Women’s, Anantnag.

            The District Development Commissioner, Anantnag, who is also the Chairman, Zilla Lok Shiksha Samiti, Anantnag, Mr. Farooq Ahmad Shah addressed the gathering on the occasion. He said that with cordial efforts of Committee and the launch of national mission for literacy of women’s has increased and is accepted to become a force multiplier for all social development programmes under Bharat Saakshar Mission in district Anantnag.

            Under SBM, all the functionaries has been directed for speedily steps for the arrangements of coordinators at District, Block and Panchayat levels which is in the final stage.

            In order to important, the scheme in the mission mode for eradication of illiteracy in 15 to 35 age group and equality and empowerment.

            The Director, State Resources, Central University of Kashmir and Principal, Government College for Women’s, Prof. Nusrat Javidani and District Coordinator and famous journalist Maqbool Veeray also spoke on the occasion.

            The best speakers in the seminar were awarded with trophies by the District Development Commissioner.     

Power shut down on Sept 15

            SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 13: According to Power Controller, Power Development Department, Kashmir, in order to restore earth wire tower location No. 35 and 38 and replacement of jumpers at location No. 31, 35, 37, 41 and 42, power supply to the areas fed from 132 KV Mir Bazar-Kulgam Transmission Line shall be affected on September 15, 2012 from 09 a.m. to 6 p.m. During the shutdown period a load of about 35 MWs shall remain off.

Civil Defence organizes disaster preparedness training for students

            SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 13: Civil Defence organized two disaster preparedness trainings one at Government Middle School, Jawahar Nagar and another for NCC cadets at Rangret today.

            The students were trained by a team of CD trainers comprising of Aijaz Hussain, Mohammed Hussain and Ghulam Nabi. The headmaster of the school Ms. Shaista Akhter provided logistic support.

            The valedictory function was held today, which was attended by Deputy Controller Civil Defence Srinagar, Mohammed Rafiq and OSD with Div Com Kashmir &Dy. Chief Warden CD, Aamir Ali. Others present on the occasion were Imtiyaz Ahmed Bhat, Divisional Warden, Ghulam Rasool HC, Shabir Ahmed Khan, ASI (M). 90students from Jawahar Nagar School and around 100 NCC Cadets were trained in First Aid, Search and Rescue and Fire Fighting.

Attention Hajj pilgrims of Bandipora

            BANDIPORA, SEPTEMBER 13: As per Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora, all selected Hajj pilgrims of Bandipora district shall be vaccinated on September 14, 2012 at District Hospital, Bandipora.

            Hajjies are informed to be present at 10 a.m. in the Hospital

Attention people of Kulgam

            KULGAM, SEPTEMBER 13: According to District Magistrate, Kulgam, the continuous rains and the predictions of Metrological department, the water flow in nallahs and streams may cause flash floods and excessive water flow.

            In view of this the general public is cautioned to remain careful and advised not to move nearer to nallahs and streams, neither any kind of floating raw material, sand, fish during the rainy period.

            Any kind of violation, the concerned shall be dealt with very seriously under law. The Police authorities and the Tehsildars of the district Kulgam have been advised to take all necessary measures in this regard to restrain the public from during these acts to save life and property of people and take necessary action under law against the individuals found violating the advisory.

Chib for encouraging shooters, creating logistics

            JAMMU, SEPTEMBER 13-Lauding Indian Shooters for making their presence globally felt, Sports Minister, Mr R S Chib today stressed the need for requisitioning best available coaches for promoting this sport in Jammu and Kashmir as well.

         Addressing valedictory function of 3-day Open District Level Shooting Championship at Delhi Public School, Mr Chib expressed happiness over youngsters taking up this sport in a big way.

“We will provide all assistance to promising sportsperson”, he said amid applause from over 40 students from various parts of the country, who participated in the activity at Shooting Range Jammu.

                  IGP Jammu, Mr Dilbagh Singh, who is also working president of J&K Rifle Association, Vice President JKRA, Kuldeep Singh Jamwal, Principal DPS, Sudershan Sohanwar, senior officers and members of JKRA, shooters and school management was present on the occasion.

            Mr Chib lauded the efforts of Mr Ajat Shatru Singh for facilitating laying of shooting range in DPS Jammu.

            Spelling out the measures of government in boosting sports activities, especially potential games like shooting in the State, the Minister said that the shooting range being raised at Nagrota will greatly help the budding shooters to exhibit their expertise, optimally. Besides, efforts are also afoot to add other sports facilities in this complex, he added.

“Physical education is equally important as academics for overall growth of students and needs to be encouraged vigorously”, the Minister maintained.

            Chib also expressed gratitude to Union Sports Minister and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for their deep interest and support in helping new dimensions to State’s sports profile. He appealed the youth especially students to participate in their respective games and they will be ensured every support from the sports department.

“Student is the perfect age to enter into sports activities when these can be groomed to the fullest”, he added.

            The Minister also appreciated the J&K Police for supporting promotion of sports in the State through holding of several sports events at different levels.

            Speaking on the occasion, Dilbagh Singh lauded DPS for being a pioneer in launching shooting range in the school. He informed that soon a State level Shooting Championship will be organised in Kathua. He also had words of praise for the sports Minister for his support to JKRA in boosting sports in the State.

            The Minister distributed medals among the winners and runner-up.

            The Minister appreciated Dilbagh Singh and his team for taking keen interest in encouraging the budding shooters of the State through such competitions. He also appreciated DPS for creating shooting range in the school premises and throwing it open for students of other schools besides the DPS students.    

            In the senior category, Vinod Gupta bagged gold medal, Parveen Kumar silver while Ajay Kumar got bronze medal.

            In girls’ category, Ms Palak was honoured with gold medal while silver medal was won by Ms Roshni.

            In junior category, Munish Kumar was presented gold medal, Harshdeep Singh silver while Vibas Gupta got the bronze medal. Besides, under youth category Tejasvi Singh won the gold medal while Shanker Gupta and Sangram Singh shared the silver medal and bronze medal given to Abhay Gupta.

            In sub junior boys, Kalan Bhatt, Harvinder Pal Singh and Ananya Sahani won the gold, silver and bronze medal respectively.

Attention Rajouri Hajj pilgrims of Rajouri

                        JAMMU SEPTEMBER 13- The vaccination and medical check up of the Hajj plgrims of Rajouri district will be carried out on September 15 from 9 am onward here at Dak Bungalow

  All concerned are requested to reach the venue on the scheduled day alongwith vaccination cards.

Chib felicitates Mohun Bagan, J&K Football XI teams

JAMMU, SEPTEMBER 13- To felicitate and honour  the players and officials of Mohun Bagan Calcutta and Jammu and Kashmir Football Team, a grand function was hoisted by Minister for Medical Education, Technical Education, Youth Services and Sports Mr. R. S. Chib, here the other day.

The function was attended by President Jammu & Kashmir Olympic Association S. Rangil Singh, DIG Jammu J. P. Singh, Joint Director Information Jammu Mr. Soujanya Sharma, President Sports Board/ Zonal Head J&K Bank Ltd Mr. O. P. Sharma, President J&K Football Association Mr. Zameel Thakur, Secretary J&K State Sports Council Mr. Dilip Thusoo, Director Youth, Services and Sports J P Singh, General Secretary, J&K Olympic Association Mr. Ashutosh, Joint Secretary J&K State Sports Council Mr Siddharth Sharma, Joint Secretary J&K Sports Council Kashmir, Bashir Ahmed Shah, General Secretary J&K Football Association S A Hamid, other officers and officials of concerned departments attended the felicitation function.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister congratulated the wining team players for their outstanding performance and said that the aim of organizing the match was to promote the sports culture in the State, especially Football, besides boosting the morale of the local players. He said many football players from the State have earned fame at national and international level in the Football game. He said such events are being organized in the state with the efforts of Union Sports Ministry and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

Earlier, the Minister presented mementoes and Shawls to the players of Mohun Bagan and J&K Football teams.

The Govt denounces the anti-islamic video clips

            SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 13:- The state Govt strongly denounces this desecrating act, as such acts are aimed at causing discord among the people of different faiths. The official spokesman said that Such video clips cause great anguish among the peace loving citizens and  Posting of such video clips on the Social Media and Networking sites is not acceptable in any society and the Govt is making every effort to ensure that such video clips carrying blasphemous content are blocked and removed from the cyberspace. The spokesman ,further, appealed people to maintain calm and peace.

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