SRINAGAR, WEDNESDAY, 02 ZUL QAADAH 1433 AH ; 19 SEPTEMBER 2012

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Complete strike, protests held across valley, pitched battles fought

Stone pelting near Dy. CM’s residence, vehicle torched

No major untoward incidents reported: DGP

Situation under Control: IGP

Srinagar, Sept 18 (VOS): The strike call given by various religious, political and separatist organisations today received a massive response as complete shutdown was observed across the valley.

Protests were reported from different areas of Srinagar city and district headquarters across the state.

Pitched battles between police and protestors were also reported from different parts of the city and other district headquarters.

Police and security forces had erected barricades on different roads leading to Srinagar. Different lanes and bylanes in the old city and Lal Chowk area had also been blocked by barricades and loops of concertina wires.

A vehicle under registration No JK018- 0070, belonging to Chief Executive Officer Kulgam Local Bodies department, was intercepted by agitated mob near Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand’s residence and torched it on the spot, sources said.

Protests, stone pelting incidents and pitched battles were reported from Hawal, Rangar Stop, Nowpora, Chanpora, Galwanpora Hyderpora, Rambagh and Kak Sarai areas of the city

Protests, clashes and tear gas shelling incidents were also reported from Sopore, Baramulla and Anantnag areas.

According to sources, 9 policemen have also got injured in clashes with agitated protestors.

Meanwhile Director General of Police (DGP),Ashok Prasad, while talking to VOS, said whole valley remained peaceful baring some minor incidents. “No major untoward incidents occurred anywhere in the valley and the situation remained peaceful by and large”, he said adding that some miscreants burnt down a vehicle near the residence of the Dy Chief Minister in Srinagar.

Echoing similar views, IGP Kashmir S M Sahai said situation across the valley remained under control. “Minor sporadic incidents did happen and one vehicle was burnt down, however no major incident was reported”, he said.

Meanwhile, Mutaheda Ulma Ahalie Sunnat (MUAS) held a peaceful protest at Sonwar and presented a memorandum to the United Nations office here. Various Ulemas including Ghulam Rasool Haami, Ghulam Mohidin Nakeeb, Riayz ul Haq, syed Hameedullah Kakani, Molvi Abdur Rehman, Molvi sajad Ahmad, Mufti Javeed Ahmad and Movlana Mubarak Hussain also participated in the protest march.

According to MUAS sources, the memorandum was submitted to the UN office at Sonwar seeking a ban on the blasphemous video.

Police Adds:

Peaceful Marches were taken out at many places across the valley against the blasphemous movie clips. Groups of people staged peaceful marches at Nowpora, Khanyar , Ziyarat Dastgeer Sahib, Habba Kadal, Kawdara, Noor Bagh, Kral Khud, Safa Kadal in Srinagar city.

However, during a march, near Sangarmal Shopping Complex, Srinagar few miscreants set ablaze a Gypsy bearing registration number JK18/0070 of Kulgam Municipality. Some miscreants also appeared at Tengpora Bypass and resorted to stone pelting who were chased away by police.

Peaceful protests were also held in Pampore, Nunar Gandarbal, Kangan, Langate Handwara, Chadoora, Sheeri, Uri, Mir Gund, Pattan, Lal Chowk Anantnag, Pulwama.

Meanwhile, members of Muttahida Ulema Ahli Sunnat wal Jamaat headed by Abdul Hamid Haqani staged a peaceful protest near Sonawar.

State Cabinet meeting on Wednesday

Srinagar, Sept 18 (VOS): The Jammu and Kashmir state cabinet is all set to meet here on Wednesday morning, official sources told VOS.

“The meeting is scheduled to take a detailed review of arrangements for the upcoming local bodies elections apart from discussing specifics with regard to conduciting of polls”, the sources added.

“Delimitation of wards, issuance of voter lists, status of Voter ID cards and other necessary aspects related to the elections will also come up for discussion”, they said.

The present situation in the valley in the backdrop of the blasphemous video release and the resultant protests and violence may also be discussed.

Some transfers in the middle and lower rung bureaucracy are also expected to be approved, the sources added. (VOS)

Bhan demands cabinet berth for KPs

Srinagar, Sept 18 (VOS): Senior Congress leader and legal eagle Ashok Bhan has urged AICC President Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi to give a cabinet birth to a Kashmiri Pandit leader of Congress party in J & K State in the ensuing expansion/reshuffle. This religious minority has been living in exile & has been denied a representation ever since Congress party was leading the government with the PDP.

“KPs had always adequate representation in Cabinet & in the Legislature since independence. The continued linkages of this Community with the Party & Nehru-Gandhi family requires to be respected more in view of its exclusion/eviction from the Valley through violent means forcing its members to live a life of refugees in our own Country”, he said in a statement.
Bhan said , “the political narration in the Valley has changed, gun is rejected, the old tolerant ethos are reviving , peace & development agenda is picking up fast at the societal level & democratic temperament is taking roots in youth. As such the Country can not countenance Valley to be only one community affair alone, therefore the Kashmiri Pandit Community which is the largest hindu religious minority of the Valley cannot be excluded. The congress high command & the State leadership has to be sensitive to give at least one cabinet birth to a party leader belonging to this exiled community.
The State Govt is called upon to create conducive economic & political/security environment for the dignified return of this exiled community which is longing to return to its Homeland. Bhan was interacting with various NGOs , representatives of KP forums of NCR in Delhi today.

VC inaugurates first ever KU North Zone Inter University women’s
cricket Tournament 2012
22 north Indian University teams participating in the mega event
Srinagar  Sept 18 :  Vice chancellor Kashmir University  Prof  Talat Ahmad today inaugurated  North zone  Inter University women’s cricket Tournament at the  main playing fields  in the university campus.
22 women cricket teams from all the major North Indian Universities are participating in the mega event .Organised by the Directorate  of Physical Education and Sports  Kashmir University  the event will conclude on 30th of this September. The event is being  supported by Association of Indian Universities (AIU) New Delhi.
In his address Vice Chancellor Kashmir University  Prof  Talat Ahmad lauded the efforts of the KU physical directorate in organising the first ever event of this nature and said   that KU is committed to encourage  the  culture of sports  at the campus . Sports are an important part of  our  curriculum said VC and announced that this year KU will hold many  winter sports events at Gulmarg and other places  of the valley to give a boost to winter sports . Expressing happiness over the participation of 22 universities from north India in the event VC interacted with the participating sports women  and said that  this exchange will  help sports persons to consolidate and share their experiences. Another purpose of conducting  this mega event  is  to inculcate spirit of sports among women in this part of the state so as to prepare  them to compete at the national level.
In his address director Physical Education and Sports Prof B A  Khan said that directorate believes that organising such events of national  importance will not only promote and develop culture of sports amongst youth but can also be channelized to develop peace  harmony and cooperation while transcending barriers. 
Prof A M Shah , Dean Academic Affairs, Registrar Kashmir University, Prof Syed  Fayaz, DSW Prof Mrs Nilofar Khan , Dean Faculty of Education Prof Nighat  Basu,  Director Directorate  Staff Academic College  prof FaroOQ Fayaz were present at the inaugural event. Among the prominent  Universities of north India participating in the mega event are Aligarah Muslim University ,Delhi University, JNU,GND Amritsar, Punjab University  Chandigarah, and Jammu University  J&K.
Dr Ashok Singh  observer  from Association of India  Universities (AIU)  will be personally monitoring the event for another 13 days from today.
Today  two matches will be played in two different cricket grounds  at KU. The first match will be played between AMU v/s Korukshetra University in ground A and the Second match will be played between HNB Gadwaal v/s MJP Rohil Khand UP.

SMC intensifies campaign against illegal constructions

Commissioner directs officers to keep vigil, submit weekly reports

Srinagar, Sept 18 (VOS): Continuing with its drive against illegal constructions in the city, the Srinagar Municipal today demolished structures and stopped constructions on buildings in different city areas.

According to SMC sources, the enforcement wing of the corporation, demolished a building coming up illegally in the HMT area. “The owners of the building, which was in initial phases of construction, were directed to get permission from authorities before taking up the construction”, the SMC Media Relations Officer told VOS.

A team of the enforcement wing of the corporation also stopped work on structures coming up at Chanapora housing colony today, the officer said. The owners too have been asked to apply for permission from concerned authorities.

Meanwhile, according to official sources, Commissioner SMC Dr G N Qasba convened a meeting of officers on Monday to take stock of demolition drives.

“The commissioner has directed ward officers from different areas of Srinagar to ensure that no illegal constructions take place in any city area. He told officers that in case of any illegal constructions are allowed, the concerned officers of the ward will be held accountable”, the sources added.

The Commissioner has also directed officers to file a report to his office every Monday at 12 Noon, regarding permissions given for constructions and demolitions that would have taken place during the week, the sources added. (VOS)

SMHS doctors call off strike after assurances from Minister

Srinagar, Sept 18 (VOS): After an assurance from the Minister of Medical Education R.S Chib that necessary measures will be taken to ensure security of doctors, the resident doctors at city’s SMHS hospital called off their strike today.

The minister met with representatives of the doctors today and assured them that the honour and lives of doctors will not be exposed to danger and that no one will be allowed to abuse of exploit the, sources privy to the meeting told VOS.

The Minister appealed people in general and attendants of patients in particular to not over react in hospitals which results in the doctors feeling insecure.

During the marathon meeting the resident doctors informed the minister about their day to day problems.

The Minister chaired a joint meeting of officers of hospital management and district administration and discussed measures in bringing improvement in the functioning of the hospital.

During the meeting, issues relating to enhancement of security personnel, acquisition of material like trolleys were discussed threadbare.

It was decided in the meeting that number of Special Police Officers (SPOs) would be enhanced to further strengthen the security system in the prime patient care hospital of the valley. The class-IV employees would also be engaged for the convenience of patients and hospital management, the meeting decided.

The meeting decided that besides introduction of entry pass system, some entry points of the hospital would also be closed to regulate the rush of attendants and contain the free flow of visitors in the hospital.

A 5-member Committee was constituted under the chairmanship of Principal GMC, Srinagar, which will identify the suitable areas with the help of Specialists and faculty so that improvement is brought in the patient care of the hospital.

The Minister appealed people to restraint with the number of attendants visiting the hospital so that doctors could discharge their duties effectively. 

Interacting with the striking doctors, the Minister said that a joint meeting of hospital council with the Administration, HoDs, Registrars and students of the Medical Colleges would be convened monthly, adding that their suggestions and opinions would be looked into for bringing improvement in the functioning of the hospital. The striking junior doctors put forth the demand for registering FIRs against persons who had manhandled doctors and medical staff. They hailed the positive response of the Minister and called off strike assuring that they shall commit their services for best possible patient care.

Talking to media person at the sidelines of meeting at medical Collage he said that media has to play a vital role to educate people to pay honor to the doctors. In replying to a query he said “Doctors and patients both are our own people. No doctor wants his patient to die but sometime attendants misbehave with doctor which makes situation worse. Asked rare case of beating or insulting doctor put his ministry at toe, what about the daily medical negligence cases “Very few allegations were true if we look at the record. People at the death of their kith and kin make these allegations out of sentiments” he replied.

He appealed media to play positive part in bringing change in the minds of common people towards to doctors’ profession. 

Mufti visits residence of Ab Qayoom, offers condolences

PDP pays tributes to Bilal Najar

 Srinagar, Sept, 18:  Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Mohammed Sayeed today visited the residence of Ab Qayoom Bhat district secretary PDP Srinagar  at Shalteng Batmaloo to condole the death of his father who breathed his last on Monday after a brief illness.

Expressing deep sympathies with the family Mufti prayed for eternal peace of the late soul.

Mufti was accompanied by Senior leader and Vice President Molvi Iftikhar Ansari, former finance Minister Tariq Hameed Karra, Raja Muzaffar, and others.

Meawhile, paying rich tributes to those innocents including Bilal Najar killed by police firing in 2010 in Anantnag PDP today expressed dismay over the government’s failure in bringing the culprits to justice. Bilal Ah Najar who was the district president of youth wing of the party was killed in police firing during a peaceful Nimazi Jinazah procession of another youth drowned in River Jehlum after chased by the police in Anantnag.

Recalling late Bilal’s tireless contribution in social and political field and work for the party in Anantnag PDP General Secretary Mohd Dilawar Mir said that Late Bilal has done a lot in strengthening the party’s youth cadre in the area and his demise has created a big gap which is too difficult to be filled. He said that late Bilal would remain in our mindes and his contribution would be remembered for long.

Mir said that Govt has totally failed in bringing  the culprits involved in brutal killings of the innocent youth of Anantnag even huge promises of bringing the culprits to justice within 24 hours by the Chief Minister has been proved hollow itself.

Mir said for its face saving the govt has tried to invoke fabricated and false stories against these innocents to shield the accused which has been even nullified by the SHRC and CJM Anantnag even by the local people. 

Leaving the culprits to roam freely has left the whole society and the victims families in total insecurity and fear psychosis and even has raised the apprehensions for further chance of destrying the evidence, Mir added.

Demanding concrete action against the culprits involved in the brutal killings of innocent people and perticulalry in Anantnag during 2010 Mir said that implementation of Law would strengthen the confidence and would create sense of security among general masses besides making the security agencies more accountable in public dealings.

J&K Bank organizes customer meet, KCC mela in Ganderbal

Education Awareness programme evokes good response

Srinagar, Sep. 18: To ensure enhanced levels of customer satisfaction and to help farming community meet their immediate credit requirement with ease and at meagre rate of interest, J&K Bank organized a customer meet and a KCC mela in Ganderbal on Saturday. Besides, a Credit Counselling programme with focus on education finance was organized in Anantnag.

Showkat Ahmad, DDC Ganderbal while hailing the contribution of J&K Bank in uplifting the state’s economy, laid emphasis on the “fact that it is the only bank that served the people at the peak of turmoil even as other banks downed their shutters”.

He described the KCC as a pupose-oriented financial facility that can go a long way in helping the farmers to do away with the exploitation they face at the hands of money lenders. He also handed over 180 KCCs to the locals on the occcasion in presence of Mohammed Amin Khan, Bank’s Cluster Head.

Earlier Khan presided over the well-attended customer meet that was organized to “provide the customers a platform to speak about the bank – its performance, shortcomings and suggestions to improve customer service.

“We have adopted a multi-pronged strategy to deliver the best. While we continue to lay emphasis on improved customer convenience, we are making productive interventions to help people understand various products and services of the bank so that they avail them to transform their lives”, he said, adding, “establishment of chain of Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs) and Financial Literacy & Credit Counselling Centres (FLCC) across different districts is aimed at preparing, training and counselling youth for self employment ventures”.

Merajudin, head business unit Duderhama thanked the customers for their feedback. “Your feedback is what drives and guides us to provide you the best of services”.

Meanwhile, FLCC Anantnag organized an awareness programme regarding Education Finance for the students of 10+2 of Govt. Higher Secondary School Saalia. G R Kumar, Incharge FLCC, G M Mufti, LDM and Nisar Ahmad, head b/u Saalia in their respective speeaches gave a detailed overview of the Education Finance and urged the youth to avail the fascility to ensure a better tomorrow for themselves.

The Principal of the School thanked the bank authorities for conducting such enlightening awareness programmes.

Mirwaiz inaugurates ‘UN Week on Kashmir’ at Geneva

Srinagar, September 18: All parties Hurriyat Conference (M) Chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who is currently in Geneva to attend the 21st International Human Rights Conference on Tuesday, inaugurated “UN Week on Kashmir” at United Nations headquarters to discuss the subject ‘Kashmir seeks self determination’.

On the occasion a military camp has been erected outside the UN office to represent the army occupation in Jammu and Kashmir. Mirwaiz also visited a photo exhibition depicting torture, human rights violation due to black laws, suppression and harassment, arbitrary arrests and imprisonment of Kashmiris and use of tyrannical force on peaceful pro-freedom protests and curbs laid on religious freedom.

Its pertinent to mention that during the UN week, symposiums, seminars, and photo exhibition is held to divert the attention of international community towards the Kashmir issue and its fallout on the common kashmiris.

VOS organising function to promote Shaangas tourist resort

Srinagar, Sept 18 (VOS): A local news Agency Kashmir News Service (VOS) is organizing a function in North Kashmir on 19th September 2012. The aim and objective of this function is to highlight the importance of tourist resort Valley Shaangas situated near line of control at Reshi Vaadi.

Officers of forest department, tourism and journalists of the north Kashmir would be present on the occasion. Specail invitations have been extended to DFO Langate Tawheed Ahmad Dewa, ADC Handwara Dr. Mir Hussain and S.P Handwara Choudry Mohamad Aslam. Deputy Commissioner Kupwara Sarmad Hafeez would be the chief guest on the occasion and bureau chief VOS north Javid Zargar would perform the duties of host. 

Media persons held peaceful protests against blasphemy

Srinagar, Sept 18 (VOS): Journalists working for organizations in print and electronic media today held a peaceful protests against the blasphemous video, which has lately evoked widespread condemnation and protests.

The Journalists marched from Press Enclave Srinagar to Ghanta Ghar at Lal Chowk to register their protest and resentment over the video.

The journalist fraternity has strongly condemned the act and demanded immediate removal of video from internet and arrest of the culprits.

Shehjaar realeased

Srinagar, Sept 18 (VOS): Government Boys Middle School Humhama released its annual magazine “Shehjaar” today. On this occasion joint director education Suraya Jabeen, Chief Education Officer Budgam Nazir Ahmad and Zonal Education Officer Fareed Ahmad were present.

Authorities and civil society appreciated the efforts of teachers in general and headmaster Tariq Ahamd in particular for publishing it. Host on the event Razia Mehmood paid regards to the guests for their encouragement. Students of school talking to VOS on the sidelines of the function expressed their delight and hoped that it would expose their potential qualities.

KPs integral part of Kashmiri society: Omar

‘Government will do whatever possible for their return, rehabilitation’

Bhalla highlights measures adopted to benefit migrants

            SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 18 – Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Tuesday said that his government would do whatever possible to facilitate return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri migrants describing them integral part of the society in the Valley. He said that there is a need to create conducive and palatable atmosphere for large scale return of the migrants adding that the appointed of Kashmiri migrant youth under Prime Minister’s Package in the Valley and their stay here has paved the way in this direction.

            “Till the time return of migrants takes place smoothly all facilities need to be provided to them at the migrant township and other places in Jammu”, Omar said maintaining that his government has already recommended enhancement of cash assistance to the migrant families from present ceiling of Rs. 5000 to Rs. 10000 per family per month to the Union Government.

            “I will myself take up the issue with the Union Home Minister for early action on this issue so that migrant families are benefitted”, he said adding that there are some migrant families who are wholly dependent on this relief as such early decision by the Centre Government on this issue is of urgent public importance.

            Chairing the Apex Advisory Committee meeting of Kashmir migrants here this afternoon, the Chief Minister approved conversion of 588 one room tenements at Purkhoo in two-room dwelling units to accommodate equal number of most deserving and needy migrant families. A proposal to this effect put forth by the Relief and Rehabilitation Department in the meeting involves an expenditure of about Rs. 8.43 crores.

            The Chief Minister directed for taking immediate action for transfer of recently completed Jagti Water Supply Scheme at a cost of Rs. 15.19 crores to the PHE Department for its operation to ensure regular and up to the mark water supply to a population of about 25000 in Jagti Township. He asked the Chief Secretary to take appropriate action in this regard.

            Omar Abdullah asked the Relief and Rehabilitation Department to take up the issue of providing permanent drivers for the four ambulances earmarked for meeting primary healthcare requirements at the migrant township and other places.

            The Chief Minister gave nod to the construction of 160 shops on the pattern of self-financing for the shopkeepers who have shifted to Jagti from Purkhoo and other locations and as such, lost livelihood means. “Need for construction of such shops at other places where migrants are residing in two room tenements should also be ascertained and proposal formulated accordingly”, he added.

            Speaking in the meeting Minister for Revenue and Rehabilitation Raman Bhalla gave resume of the measures government has taken to ensure better living conditions at Jagti and other places where Kashmiri migrants are residing.

            The Minister said that under the directions of the Chief Minister, the government has accorded sanction to the relaxation of upper age limit prescribed for entry into government service by 3 years as one time exception in favour of Kashmiri migrants to facilitate recruitment of eligible candidates against available vacancies caused due to de-reservation of posts and also due to non-joining of selected candidates under Prime Minister’s package.

            Mr. Bhalla said that process for making online cash payment to the migrant families as advised by the Chief Minister in the last Apex Advisory Committee meeting has been initiated and the migrants presently having accounts in non-nationalized banks are being persuaded to open their accounts in the nearest nationalized banks so as to facilitate making online payments to them.

            He said that under the directions of the Chief Minister the Kashmir Darshan for school going migrant children born after 1990 have been conducted recently from 1^st to 8^th September adding that 41 boys and girls belonging to migrant families who had not visited the Valley so far availed the opportunity to tour various parts of Kashmir.

           Chairperson State Social Welfare Advisory Board, Mrs. Khem Lata Wakhoo, Legislators, Vijay Bakaya and Dharam Veer Singh Oberoi, Chief Secretary Madhav Lal, Principal Secretary  Finance, M. I. Khandey, Principal Secretary Planning and Development B. B. Vyas, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Asgar Samoon, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Pradeep Gupta, Commissioner Secretary Relief and Rehabilitation B. A. Runiyal, Secretary General Administration Department Mushtaq Ahmad, other senior officers and Members of the Apex Advisory Committee participated in the meeting.

            At the start of the meeting the Revenue Minister mentioned about the sad demise of Apex Advisory Committee Member Mr. Amar Nath Vashnavi and the participants of the meeting expressed sympathy with the bereaved family and prayed for peace to the departed soul.

Governor receives Marshal of the Indian Air Force who is visiting Srinagar

          SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 18 – Mr. Arjan Singh, Marshal of the Indian Air Force, was received with honour when he arrived at the Raj Bhavan to meet Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, here today.

          During their meeting, the Governor and Marshal of the Air Force discussed the obtaining and emerging security scenario in the region.

State Chief Information Commissioner calls on Governor 

            SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 18 - Mr. G. R. Sufi, State Chief Information Commissioner, called on Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, at Raj Bhavan here today. 

During the meeting, the State Chief Information Commissioner briefed the Governor about the functioning of the State Information Commission for enhancing accountability and furthering the interests of good governance.

On being informed about certain constraints in the enforcement of the State Right to Information Act 2009, the Governor hoped that these shall be resolved very soon.

Hakeem Mohammad Yasin meets Governor

            SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 18 - Mr. Hakeem Mohammad Yasin, Member of the Legislative Assembly, called on Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, at Raj Bhavan here today.

During his meeting with the Governor, Mr. Yasin discussed his concerns about the implementation of socio-economic development schemes and programmes, issues relating to the establishment of decentralized rural and urban self-governance institutions and other matters relating to the rapid growth of the State.

Taj inaugurates PHE’s Online Monitoring Lab

SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 18: Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Mr. Taj Mohi ud Din inaugurated the Online Monitoring Lab at PHE headquarters here today.

The lab will help in online reporting of schematic data of all the PHE works to State and Central government for effective monitoring.

Besides, the lab will also facilitate regular transfer and consolidation of data of tests conducted at divisional testing laboratories of the Department.

Interacting with engineers and officers on the occasion, the Minister said the objective of setting up the lab has been to monitor the works in a transparent manner. He asked the engineers to continuously update their datas and comply with the deadlines already set.   

On the occasion, a brief presentation regarding the data entered was made. It was revealed that out of 2287 PHE schemes in 10 districts of the Kashmir valley, 989 schemes have been completed while as 1302 schemes are in various stages of completion. It was also given out that the mapping of all the villages where project reports of PHE schemes have been prepared has been done and its ratio to all census villages stands at 70%.

The presentation also revealed that water testing laboratories at all the 25 PHE divisions are functioning properly and so far they have conducted 2050 tests on 411 water samples collected from different sources.    

Chief Engineer, PHE, Kashmir, Mr. G. R. Zargar, Chief Engineer, Irrigation & Flood Control, Kashmir, Mr. A. M. Lanker, senior engineers and officers were present on the occasion.

Hakim Yasin condemns blasphemous film

Seeks ban on its release

        SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER18:- MLA Khansahib and president PDF, Hakim Mohammad Yasin has strongly condemned the blasphemous film produced in the United States (US), terming it an attempt to hurt the religious sentiments of Muslims.

            In a statement, Hakeem Yasin has demanded ban on the controversial film as it has hurt the religions sentiments of entire Muslim Ummah and enraged Muslims around the world.

            He said some Anti-Muslims elements are hell bent to resort to anti- Islam and Anti-Muslim activities and show disrespect to prophet Mohammed (SAW).

            Hakim Yasin said Muslims cannot tolerate anything against prophet Mohammad (PBUH).

            Hakim Yasin said that the ‘’Hateful” film appears to be a deliberate attempt of Anti-Muslim forces to cause bloodshed. He said this act is totally against the tenants of humanity.  

DDC Baramulla flagged off 20 farmers for exposure visit outside the State

            BARAMULLA, SEPTEMBER 18: Under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) Programme, a group of 20 progressive farmers from variousconstituencies of district Baramulla were flagged of by District Development Commissioner, Baramulla, Khawaja Ghulam Ahmad. The farmers are scheduled to visit various Agriculture Institutes of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.

            On this occasion, District Development Commissioner said that the visit of farmers shall not only boost their moral but also provide them opportunity to interact with fellow farmers. He said that Agriculture scientists aware about latest research in Agriculture and allied sectors and also apply technology in their fields & also educate same to other farmers.

            Chief Agriculture Officer Baramulla said that the Department is going to  organize more and more educational tours for the farmers of the district, within State and outside State as well in ATMA and RKVY Schemes, so that farmers could get updated about latest technology.

Choudhary reviews arrangements, stresses for coordination

            SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 18: Arrangements for 21^st Police Public Mela, being held at Bakshi Stadium on September 30^th, 2012, were reviewed at a meeting of senior police officers at Police Headquarters (PHQ) here today. The meeting was chaired by Inspector General of Police (IGP) (Headquarters), Mr. Arun Kumar Choudhary.

            The meeting decided that in all 35 stalls would be established in the Mela. These stalls would be established by different police units and different items, representing all the regions of the State would be put on sale for the public. It was also decided that the boarding and lodging for the stall holders would be arranged at the convenient places and suitable space would be allotted to them to establish the stalls. To check the quality and rates of the items a committee would keep surveillance on the stalls during the day long Mela so that people get products of their choice at reasonable rates.

            For the entertainment of the public, particularly the children various amusement events would be included in the Mela. Painting competition for the children and some attractive games would be part of the Mela. Sale of raffle draw tickets and security for the venue was also reviewed by the meeting. It was informed that the sale of tickets is going on at different location across the State and sale counters have been established at major public places in the two regions.

            Addressing the meeting, Mr. Arun Kumar stressed for coordination among the different committees already constituted for making necessary arrangements for the Mela. He said that Police Public Mela is one of the grand event organized by Jammu and Kashmir Police in twin capital cities after regular intervals. The Mela has assumed much importance and public in large participate in these Melas. People from all shades of life anxiously wait for the Melas to get different items of different regions of the State under one roof.

            He said that the Melas have also helped in strengthening police public relations and the raffle draw has become the most awaited occasion of the event. Transparency in the conduct of raffle draw has strengthened the image of the Organization among the masses, he added.

Mukul Wasnik reviews rehab measures for manual scavengers, SC, disabled

Sakina requests for more central funding

        SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 18:- A high level meeting  of officers was today held under the Chairmanship of Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Mr. Mukul Wasnik and discussed various issues including rehabilitation  of Manual scavengers, Scheduled Castes and disabled persons.

            Minister for Social Welfare Department, Ms Sakina Itoo was also present on the occasion.

            The meeting discussed threadbare the status of rehabilitation of manual scavengers, reviewed the progress of the  schemes for disabled persons launched by the Central Government and implemented by the State Government  on the ground level.

            On the occasion, Ms. Itoo requested the union Minister for funding liberally for the proposed welfare schemes taken for the rehabilitation of these people.. She said that from the last three years a number of measures have  already been taken for  upliftment of these communities as well as for eradicating manual scavenging  and letting them stand up on their feet and live  with dignity and honour.

            The meeting was further told that all the District Magistrates and Municipal bodies have been directed to conduct a detailed survey regarding the presence of dry/insanitary latrines and also identify the individuals involved in manual scavenging and preparing of action plans for converting these insanitary latrines into sanitary ones as per guidelines of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

            The meeting was also informed that under Integrated Low Cost Sanitation scheme(ILCS) 5900 Units have been sanctioned during 2009-10 in 56 Municipal Institutions at an approved cost of Rs.7.39 crore, against which an amount of Rs. 6.65 crore have been released in favour of the concerned Municipal institutions. Out of these 5900 ILCS units 3592 Units have been completed and 2258 Units are in process of completion.

            Mr. Wasnik assured the meeting that there would be liberal funding for all the proposed welfare schemes launched by the State Government for upliftment and rehabilitation of this neglected lot and added there is no shortage of funds for the welfare of these communities. He asked the State authorities to survey afresh and see if there is still any such case of manual scavenging going as it is banned now and in the near future there will be strict law and the action would be taken against those who still are involved in this inhuman act.

            Later, the Minister in another meeting reviewed the schemes launched for the development of Scheduled Castes. The meeting was informed that Housing and Urban Development Department and SC/ST and BC Development Corporation are running some schemes for the benefit of this community. It was said in the meeting that under Social Welfare sector, monthly pension is being provided to more than 5 lakhs people who belong to downtrodden and BPL families. It was further told that for the advancement of children belonging to poor families including SC and other pahari speaking people, scholarship facility has been given to near about 3 lakh students from pre-metric to Ph. D level. It was told in the meeting that BPL, SC and BC category people are being benefited under Bank Tie up scheme, direct financing schemes, educational loan scheme and skill development/training programmes.

            It was also told in the meeting that for the benefit of disabled persons, the State Government is running various schemes through CRC and Directorate of Social Welfare schemes. Under present schemes facilities like artificial limbs, trycycles and hearing aids are given to them, besides, monthly financial assistance is also being given to them.

            Union Joint Secretary, Ministry for Social Justice and Empowerment, Pankaj Joshi, Commissioner-Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Jeet Lal Gupta, Director Social Welfare Kashmir, Bashir Ahmad Bhat and Managing Director, SC/ST & BC Development Corporation were present in these meeting.

Agri Deptt distributes saffron seeds

 UDHAMPUR, SEPTEMBER 18 - The Agriculture Department under the supervision of Agriculture Extension Officer, Latti, Mr. Gopal Sharma distributed saffron seeds for 8 plots for demonstration in each Panchayat including Latti, Chapper, Jakhed, Dudu, Panchod no. 1 and Panchod no. 2 of Sub Division Ramnagar.

 The demonstration was done at Panchayat Latti and Jakhed where 37.5 Kg of saffron seed was used per demonstration with the seed treatment of 75g of Bevestain in 37.5 litres of water before sowing.

The AEO Latti also distributed 5 Maize Sheller (motorized) to the farmers of the Latti zone on 50 percent subsidy.

Legal Metrology fines defaulter Rs 40,000 for misleading advertisement

                JAMMU, SEPTEMBER 18-As a sequel to drive against misleading advertisement, the department of Legal Metrology booked M/S Hindustan Unilever Ltd for airing advertisement of one of their product on various electronic channels at national level to lure the consumers on the price factor. The said advertisement displayed the price of brand Fair & Lovely under eye serum for Rs 60, but the net contents of the product were not shown in the said advertisement for the information of the consumers which was mandatory as per law so that consumer can co-relate the price and net contents of the commodity and thereby assess actual benefit to him.

           The   inspector Legal Metrology Jammu (Upper)   issued notice to the management which pleaded guilty and accordingly the said advertisement was immediately rectified and a sum of Rs 40000 imposed and recovered from the defaulters as a composition money.

Science Exhibition under INSPIRE Awards concludes

            JAMMU, SEPTEMBER 18 – The State Institute of Education, Jammu conducted its 2^nd level science exhibition under INSPIRE Award Scheme at Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Shastri Nagar Jammu.

            Director School Education, Jammu, Mr. G. A. Qureshi inaugurated the valedictory function in presence of judges from University of Jammu, Jr. Director (trgs), Mr. A. C. Aima alongwith SIE faculty, Chief Education Officers, Principals of DIETs, State Nodel Officer INSPIRE, Principals of Higher Secondary Schools, teachers fraternity escort officers accompanying the children, mentor teachers.

            Mr. Qureshi said that such exhibitions play vital role in preparing the students to exhibit their talent through their models.

            In the exhibition 200 models were displayed by the students of various schools of the state. A team of three judges, Prof Manoj Dhar, Bio Technology Department, Prof. Rajni Kant Physics Department, Prof. K. K. Kapoor, Chemistry Department, University of Jammu keenly examined all the models and announced first three ranks on the merit basis who shall later participate in the National Level Exhibition and Project Competitions (NLEPC) being held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi on 21^st to 23^rd October, 2012.

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             The first position was bagged by Shivani Kumar, GMS Shikli Giran Kullian, Jammu whereas Satvinder Singh GMS Rajpura, Rajouri and Ridham Jamwal, GGHSS Bakshi Nagar Jammu got the second and third ranks respectively.   

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