SRINAGAR, MONDAY, 29 SHAWAAL 1433 AH ; 17 SEPTEMBER 2012

Email:-editorvosgr@gmail.com

Vice President visits Dachigam; briefed about Hangul conservation measures

       SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 16 – Mr. Mohammad Hamid Ansari, Vice President of India, was briefed about the measures being taken by the Government for the conservation of Hangul and other fauna, during his visit to the Dachigam National Park today.

          Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor; Mrs. Salma Ansari; Mrs. Usha Vohra, First Lady; Mr. Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister; Mian Altaf Ahmad, Minister for Forests; Mr. Vinod Ranjan, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests; Mr. A. K. Singh, Chief Wildlife Warden; Mr. M. A. Tak, Conservator of Forests, Wildlife Protection Department, and other senior Forest and Wildlife Department officers witnessed the presentation made on the occasion.

          Through a power point presentation, Mr. Rashid Naqash, Divisional Forest Officer/Wildlife Warden, briefed the Vice President about the rich biodiversity of the Dachigam National Park, with particular reference to the measures being taken by the Government for the conservation and propagation of Hangul. He was also briefed about other flora and fauna of this famous Park which spreads over 141 square kilometers. It was stated that there are over 50 species of trees, 20 species of shrubs and 500 species of herbs found in this Park. As far as fauna is concerned, besides Hangul, the dominant species of the Dachigam National Park are Himalayan black bear, common leopard, Himalayan langur, red fox, Himalayan marmot, leopard cat, jungle cat, Himalayan mouse hare and musk deer. This Park also has over 150 species of birds.

          The Vice President was briefed that as per the last census of 2011 the number of Hangul recorded in the Park was 218. It was stated that presently a long term Hangul conservation plan is being implemented with the support of the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests. The Central Zoo Authority is also supporting the conservation programme of this critically endangered species and, under the Species Recovery Programme, a captive breeding centre will be commissioned at Shikargah, Tral, for the captive breeding of Hangul and thereafter releasing them in the wild.

          Similarly, a Habitat Research Study has been initiated in collaboration with SKUAST-Kashmir for satellite collaring of Hangul in order to understand the movement patterns and the habitat, both in and outside the Dachigam National Park. In addition, a massive improvement in conducting census programme of Hangul has been undertaken whereby satellite telemetry and field cameras of high definition are being placed in the Park. Besides, an important research programme has been launched to study the relic population of Hangul outside Dachigam National Park in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India.

          The Vice President took keen interest in the presentation and observed that it was very informative.

CM hosts lunch in honour of Vice President

            SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 16 – Chief Minister Omar Abdullah hosted lunch in honour of Vice President of India, Mr. Mohammad Hamid Ansari here on Sunday.

            Governor, N. N. Vohra, Members of the Council of Ministers, Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir High Court, Legislators, top ranking civil, police and army officers and prominent citizens participated in the lunch.

            The Chief Minister exchanged wishes with the Vice President and prayed for his good health and success.

            The Vice President reciprocated wishes of the Chief Minister and prayed for peace and prosperity of the State and well being of the people.

Omar gives prizes

            SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 16 – Chief Minister Omar Abdullah this evening gave prizes on the conclusion of finale of CRPF Football Cup played between Burn Hall School and Polo View Football Club.

            The Burn Hall School Team won the trophy by beating Polo view Football Club by a solidarity goal. 

Panchayats to run local self government: CM

            SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 16 – Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Sunday reiterated his endeavour to make panchayats and urban local bodies run the affairs of local self government in the State in accordance with the aspirations of the people.

            Talking to a deputation of Sarpanches and Panches from Mendhar who called on the Chief Minister here this morning, Omar Abdullah said that involvement of grass root level public representatives in the governance and implementation of development schemes has attained global significance and revival of Panchayat Raj in the State after the long period of over 30 years is an historic step of his government. He said that panchayat members should exercise the powers entrusted to them and get completely involved in the development process in their respective areas.

            Omar Abdullah said that powerful 3-tier Panchayat Raj system is his government’s commitment and all decks have been cleared to put in place block councils and district panchayat councils so that Panchayat Raj gets fully established at all levels.

            The Chief Minister said that capacity building programmes for sarpanches and panches is already going on and panchayat members are receiving training to get acquainted with the exercise of powers entrusted to them.

            Omar Abdullah asked the sarpanches and panches to rise to the expectations of the people and face the challenges with courage and determination. “Your mission is development of common people and your this cause is a pious cause. You should stand firm on ground and fulfill the commitment made to people”, he said adding that government would ensure all help to panchayat members in this regard.

Road communication is key for development: Mir

Lauded the role of youth in political process of J&K

GUND DALWASH (Tangmarg), SEPTEMBER 16:-Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Ghulam Hassan Mir today said road communication is lifeline for development progress of the state. He said that government has already launched   construction of ambitious  big road projects across the J&K to connect  people of inaccessible areas with different regions of the state to give boost inter regional business.

 The Minister said this while addresses a public meeting here this afternoon. He said that the main thrust of the coalition government is to provide equitable development across the state particularly in rural and far off areas so that every citizen of the J&K shall be benefited.

The Minister said that the mindset of the people have changed a lot and the people of the state now wants only peace , progress and development . He said that “wherever we visit, the  people only asks about development and put forth the long list of developmental works and launching of other social programmes’ in their vicinity”.   Saying this as positive trend in our society and asked the people that during last three and half years government has launched ambitious projects and schemes in different sectors across the state and people are reaping their benefits at the grass root level.

Lauding the role youth in political process of the state, Mr Mir said that over whelming response in last year’s panchyiat election have bring the governance at their doorstep of people and said that they are now playing an important role in developmental progress of the state. He said “we have to collectively work to strengthening these gross root institutions and  as it is the befitting reply to those elements who are still inimical  to peace and prosperity of the J&K”.

Underlining that unemployment is biggest challenge for the society; the Minister said that this issue can be address only when   investors houses are being motivated to invest in prime sectors of the state. He said that there is positive trend in last one year that the local investors are now investing tourism, handicrafts, and other sectors and assured that government would provide them all facilities for increasing profibility of their business ventures. He cited the example of Narbal- Tangmarg road where dozens of business ventures have been established and it’s a continuing process.

Referring the demands of the people of the area, The Minister announced up gradation of middle school to High School, development sports field and augmentation of transmission lines of the area.

PAC asks PWD for formulation of DPR for maintenance of Mughal road

         SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 16 – The Committee on Public Accounts (PAC) of Legislative Assembly today called upon the Public Works Department (PWD) Authorities to formulate a comprehensive Detailed Project Report (DPR) for long term and short term management of drainage system, maintenance and protection bunds on prestigious Mughal Road. The Panel also asked the concerned authorities to survey the area and identify the most vulnerable landslides prone areas and also seeks technical expertise from Geogicial survey of India regarding feasibility durability and strength of heavy loaded vehicles on these slide prone areas.

            The Committee, on a 2 day visit to Rajouri and Poonch under the chairmanship of Mr. Rafi Ahmed Mir directed the Forest Authorities to identify the areas on the Mughal Road and start work immediately for aforestation, for which funds have already been placed at their disposal.

            The Committee members Mr. Vikar Rasool Wani, Mrs. Bimla Luthra, Syed Basharat Bhukhari, Mrs. Indu Pawar, Peerzada Mansoor Hussain and Chowdhary Zulfikar Ali gave their valuable suggestions for further improvement of the project.

            The panel directed the forest department to go for afforestation of plants which will prove eco- friendly and will help in maintaining its beauty and save the erosion.

            During the visit the Committee  also convened a District level officers meeting at Rajouri and reviewed the physical and financial achievements of district Rajouri and Poonch besides, detailed discussion was held on GAG Audit Para pertaining to R&B department.

            The Committee asked the PMGSY Authorities to float tenders for second phase of the works in Rajouri and Poonch districts.

            Earlier, District Development Commissioner, Rajouri Mr. Saughat Biswas, DDC Poonch Mr. A.K. Sahu, and DDC Shopian, Mr. Javiad Khan briefed the Committee about the physical and financial achievements of the respective districts.

            Addressing the meeting the Chairman directed the DDC’s to monitor periodically by taking surprise checks as to whether the execution work is being done as per the standards and specifications. He also asked them to gear up their field functionaries and speed up the pace of work on all developmental works and complete them in a stipulated time frame.

            Chief Engineers of PMGSY, R&B, Mughal Road, and other senior officers of various departments besides Assembly Secretariat attended the meeting.

            Later, the Sarpanches of District Poonch and Rajouri met the PAC and apprised them about their problems. The Panel heard them patiently and assured them that their grievances will be brought to the notice of the concerned Officers.

Kashmir Gymkhana Cricket Club lifts Shaheed Aga Syed Mehadi Memorial T-20 trophy

            BUDGAM, SEPTEMBER 16:  In a grand signification function, the Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, and Chief Guest Mr. R.S.Chib today gave away the prizes and trophies among the winning and runner up teams of Shaheed Aga Syed Mehadi Memorial T-20 final Cricket Tournament 2012 played at Sports Stadium Budgam.         Earlier, the Kashmir Gymkhana Cricket Club defeated RCC, Budgam by 42 runs in a tough final match played between the two strong teams. The Winning team gets a trophy and cash reward of Rs. 15,000 while Runner up team was awarded a trophy and cash reward of Rs. 10,000, besides Rs. 5,000/- for Man of the Series and Rs 3,700/- for Man of the Match.

            Minster for Animal Husbandry and Information Technology Mr. Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi was guest of honour on the occasion. 

            The Tournament was organized by Sheikh-ul-Alam Organization Budgam in collaboration with District Police Budgam.

             Appreciating organizers for conducting of such kind of tournaments, Mr. Chib said that these events will provide chances to the players to learn more techniques of the game and it also teaches discipline and spirit of unity. He said Chief Minister Omar led Government has taken several initiatives in boosting the sports activities in the State for sports liking youths.

            Later, Mr. Ruhullah thanked to all those players who played the tournament with utmost zeal and dedication to make this a successful and historical event.

            Earlier, RCC Budgam won the toss and elected to field first. Kashmir Gymkhana scored a huge total of 183 runs in the stipulated 20 over but RCC Budgam was bundled at 141 runs in 18^th over.

            Meanwhile, 64 teams across the valley participated in this tournament.

             Addressing the gathering, the Ministers said that the government has put in place the requisite infrastructure for the proper upliftment of various sports activities.

            Additional Deputy Commissioner Budgam, SSP Budgam besides other senior officers and officials of the district and Youth services and sports departments and a huge gathering of spectators were present in the Stadium.

Jammu farmer conferred with Progressive Mushroom Grower Award-2012

JAMMU, SEPTEMBER 16: A progressive farmer and a Mushroom grower from Jammu Mr Kulbhushan Singh of Purkhoo, Jammu has been conferred the Progressive Mushroom Grower Award-2012 at the just concluded National Mushroom Mela  organized by Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) at Directorate of Mushroom Research , Chambaghat, Solan.

He was one among the group of 35 farmers sent by the Department of Agriculture to participate in the Mela under ATMA scheme. The award was presented to him by District Development Commissioner Solan Mrs. Meera Mohanty & Director DMR Dr Manjeet Singh in   presence of about 2500 farmers from different states participating in the Mela.  Besides being presented a trophy, and a citation, the awardee was also honoured with a Shawl and a traditional Himachali l cap.

                This was disclosed by Director Agriculture Jammu Mr Ajay Khajuria while interacting with farmers at Jammu. It was informed that Mr Kulbhushan Singh was one of the Five Progressive Mushroom Growers of India selected for this prestigious award. He said that the department has been making concerted efforts to promote mushroom cultivation through various awareness activities and this was for the first time that mushroom growers were sent to participate in the National Mushroom Mela organized by the Directorate of Mushroom Research (ICAR) at Chambaghat Solan every year. The selection of the mushroom growers for the award was made by a screening committee of ICAR.

 Narrating his long Journey of 21 years since a Student to a Progressive Mushroom Grower, Mr. Kulbhushan said that he got training in Mushroom cultivation from the Department of Agriculture when he was a student of 10^thclass in the year 1991. Starting with a Mushroom unit of 50 trays provided by the Department, he never looked back and increased the number of trays year after year in close coordination with the department of Agriculture  and his profits keep on increasing every year. He added that the department of Agriculture  helped him at step of Mushroom Cultivation, from supplying of spawn, management at different stages and in marketing through its different schemes. At present he has 5000 trays of Mushrooms and produces 25-30 tonnes and gains a profit of Rs. 4.5-5 Lakhs per year. He stated   that he owes his success to the Department of Agriculture for supporting him at every step.

Describing his experience at the National Mushroom Mela, Mr Kulbhushan Singh said that the farmers practically saw the demonstration of spawn making in an innovative manner and also came to know about new varieties of Mushroom. In the Exhibition, they also got acquainted with different techniques about value addition in Mushroom and also witnessed processed items of the mushroom which were displayed, such as pickle of Mushroom which is several times costlier than the fresh mushroom and has great export potential; packaging of Dhingri -which is dried and then packed in Packets which can be used for six  months as it becomes fresh after soaking in water; Curries and Salads of Mushroom etc. The method of cultivation of Mushroom in paddy straw as is being done in Tamil Nadu and Orissa was also demonstrated

Through the Kissan Goshthi held during the Mela, the Mushroom Growers of different states shared their experiences in Mushroom growing resulting in mutual learning. They also highlighted various related issues and problems and discussed them with the Scientists and Experts from ICAR and DMR who provided the possible solutions and also acquainted them with the latest developments and innovations in Mushroom cultivation.

On the occasion, giving his message to the youth of J&K State, Mr Kulbhushan Singh asserted that the youth of the State are second to none and that they should adopt the agro-based activities like mushroom cultivation, apiculture, vermin-composting  etc. as a profession as these activities are highly profitable. They should further avail the help of the Department of Agriculture of the State which is always proactive in encouraging the youth for adopting such activities.

Agriculture, allied sectors tagged as thrust areas: Sham

Directs officers to adopt pro-active approach to boost horticulture

JAMMU, SEPTEMBER 16- Asserting that the government has tagged agriculture and allied activities as thrust sector, Minister for Health and Floriculture, Sham Lal Sharma today asked the concerned functionaries to adopt proactive approach to tap the huge potential of this vital sector.  

The Minister was addressing the participants after inaugurating one day farmers’ awareness camp held here at Akhnoor to educate them about the benefits of Kissan Credit Cards.

   Mr Sham said that attention was required to be focused both on the production of quality agriculture and horticulture produce and its safe export to the terminal markets to ensure substantial returns to the farmers and fruit growers.

Mr Sham said that state economy was primarily rural and agriculture and its allied activities, including horticulture   are major areas providing livelihood to the people. He said and highlighted the significance of these sectors in the overall development of the state.

Elaborating on the scope of these sectors, the Minister said that agro-based small industries promise substantial and viable avenues for budding entrepreneurs of the state to venture upon and earn handsome livelihood not only for them self but for others also. He said central and state governments have introduced various schemes to encourage investment in this sector. He asked the farmers, particularly youth to take best advantage of these schemes and create a healthy and growing temperament in agriculture and allied sectors. 

He said that agriculture activities are being encouraged in the Akhnoor Tehsil under various centrally and state sponsored schemes including micro management, technology mission, seed village programme, poly green houses development programme, water harvesting drip irrigation and irrigation facilities etc. The Minister exhorted farmer community to come forward and take the benefits of the schemes launched by the government for boosting agriculture production.

 The sarpanchs, panchs and farmers regarding the benefits of Kissan Credit Cards scheme and problem putforth by different farmers was discussed in detail by the NABARD and local bank officers.

The meeting informed that the J&K Bank and other allied banks also offer benefits to the farmers who get the KCC. The   Bank Managers of various banks like J&K Bank, Grameen Bank, PNB Bank and JCC Bank also threw light on the salient futures of the loan schemes and educated the participants      about the eligibility and formalities.

 In order to improve services at the grass root level, Mr Sham said that the panchayat functionaries have been made responsible to monitor the progress of all service providing department in these areas. The Minister also fixed the target of September 30 2012 for all concerned department for issuing the KCCs.

   Among others Director Floriculture, K K Sharma, Director Horticulture, J N Sharma, Cluster Head NABARD, B D Gupta, Lead District Manager, R C Sharma, Manager, PNB Akhnoor, Manager, JCC Bank, Chief Agriculture Officer Jammu, Chief Medical Officer Jammu, Dr Javed, SDM Akhnoor, all Managers Grameen Banks of Akhnoor, sarpanchs and panchs and all sectoral officers were also present on the occasion.

Congress factions furious over cabinet non-expansion

Azad delays JK Visit, Soz pleads ignorance about ‘rage’.

Srinagar, Sep. 16 (VOS): With the voices of dissent growing louder and stronger within the party for not conceding to the leaders and workers’ demands of asking its ally National Conference to return the Education and R&B portfolios, Congress high command in Delhi has reportedly swung into damage control mode with Union Health Minster and Former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad reportedly putting- off his scheduled visit to state on Monday.

Azad was to arrive on Monday in Srinagar, however he will be now visiting 10 days later on 27^th of this month. Sources in the state Congress Party told VOS, that Azad did not want to be caught in a catch 22, situation as various senior party workers and leaders known to be loyal to him were planning to express their rage against him during his visit. “We have been loyal to him since day one, but he has not done enough for pressing hard on party high command to yield to our demands and requests”, a senior congress leader told VOS, adding that Congress was drooping and losing ground in various strongholds, including Azad’s own home district.

“How could you expect people to vote for us when they know we are helpless before National Conference?” lamented the leader. He added that Azad’s period as president of the state congress and then as Chief Minster was the ‘best’ period for the party and it was during this period that it actually not only reorganized but also surfaced as a strong and decisive force in the government formation in a state that actually saw a drift from single party system to a coalition era post 2002.

Pertinently Congress has two vacancies available in the Omar Abdullah Cabinet in addition to R&B and Education which are lying with Chief Minster for last more than a year.

As National Conference has been maintain that it has nothing to do with the cabinet expansion involving the inclusion of congress MLA’s, congress sources said that it was the growing factionalism and rift within the party that was making the selection for the high command a challenging job. But now when certain influential MLA’s and workers have openly come out against the party leaders, sources suggest, Party High Command has began to at least think about it.

Meanwhile sources close to 10, Janpath told VOS, that the Chief Minister Omar Abdulllah  may be landing in  the national Capital very soon to hold deliberations with Congress top brass on the issue, and it is likely that the return of education and R&B portfolios at least may take place after the forthcoming assembly session.

The Congress high command though has preferred to remain tight lipped over the developments, its state Chief Prof. Saif ud din Soz outrightly refused to have any knowledge about the developments. “I have no information, whatsoever regarding this,” Soz told VOS from New Delhi on Sunday evening. However Senior Congress leader and in charge Kashmir affairs Mohan Prakash had some other thing to offer, “I am in Gujrat, will let you know about the developments tomorrow”,  Prakash told VOS over phone.

Deputy Chief Minster and senior Congress leader Tara Chand said that it was the high command that has to take a call on the issue and their (High command’s) decision was binding on all in the party. (VOS)

Indo-Pak can't afford to push K-Issue to back-burner: Prof. Bhat
Hurriyat active in sensitising world community about the issue
Srinagar, Sept 16 (VOS): Cautioning against pushing the K-Issue to the back burner, Muslim Conference Chairman and Hurriyat (M) leader Prof. Abdul Gani Bhat has said that Kashmiris have never and will never accept defeat. Adressing a party convention at his ancestral home Butengo, Prof. said that in absence of any solution to Kashmir problem according to the wishes of Kashmiris, India and Pakistan can't have a peaceful relationship. “A trend of economic prosperity has set off in the entire world, and India and Pakistan are no exception, but both the neighbouring countries can't move forward unless Kashmir issue is solved as per the wishes of Kashmiris", Prof. said. He added that Hurriyat Conference was active in sensitising the international community about the issue, and Mirwaiz Umer Farooq is undertaking the US visist to acquaint the international forums about the issue. (VOS)

ReT elections in Kupwara

Administration provides security

 Srinagar, Sep. 16 (VOS): Khazer Mohammad Lone was on Sunday elected as the new Zonal President of Rehbar e Taleem teacher’s forum for zone Trehgam in district Kupwara. Lone secured 119 votes out of the total 287 votes, which were polled on Sunday.

Mirwaiz to attend Int. Conf on human rights at Geneva

Srinagar, Sep. 16 (VOS) :APHC Chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq who on Sunday left for Delhi would be flying to Geneva to attend the 21st International Human Rights conference .
“Mirwaiz would particularly present the serious case of the discovery of unmarked graves in Kashmir before the International human rights defenders. He would talk about how the government has been callous to dig deeper into it to find whether the thousands of disappeared people who were subjected to enforced disappearance might be buried in those graves. He would also present a detailed account about the gross human rights violations committed by troops, about the prisoners who are living under sub human conditions in Indian and state jails”, the Mirwaiz’s secretary said in a statement here.
Mirwaiz would appeal international community to address the issue of human rights violations and of prisoners in Kashmir, he aaded
He said, “Apart from that, Mirwaiz would participate in symposium, seminars on torture and human rights violations in Geneva during the scheduled programme. He would also present a documentary on torture and other issues related to it.”

Restoration of Srinagar’s glory my aim: Mufti

Baig urges Srinagar to lead the change in state

Molvi, Qarra lash out at NC for its exploitative politics

Srinagar Sept 16: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said Srinagar must get its share of development commensurate with its historical importance, economic significance and tourism potential. The top brass of the party including its patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, former deputy chief minister Muzaffar Hussein Baig, senior leaders Molvi Iftikhar Hussein Ansari and Tariq Hameed Qarra today reiterated their commitment to carry forward the implementation of its vision for a holistic development of the summer capital at a party workers convention in Batmaloo constituency.

Mufti said Srinagar was central to the development roadmap of the party forKashmir. “During the brief tenure from 2002 we initiated a holistic development ofSrinagar city which unfortunately was subverted by our successors out of sheer political vengeance and small mindedness” he said. He said Srinagar is the political, social and cultural nerve center of Kashmir and its infrastructure has to cater to the needs of entire valley and an ever increasing floating population including the tourists. “But unfortunately the city fell on bad times as a result of instability and lack of development vision among those who ruled the state for more than three decades, he regretted.

Referring to the major economic and development initiatives introduced by the previous government Mufti said for the first time external funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) was secured for the core infrastructure like roads, drainage and drinking water. While places like Srinagar were the supposed to be major beneficiaries of this program for which a special organization Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA) in view of the damage it had suffered during the strife, its objectives could not be achieved fully as a result of inefficiency and corruption that marks the present dispensation. He said still a large number of residents could get access to clean drinking water, drainage and better roads but the present government failed to fully harness this program that envisaged a rapid transport system for the city. Not even a single fly over has been taken in hand in four years and government is only making hollow announcements. He said in view of the touristic importance of Srinagar the development should have been taken to a higher level by now but we are still fighting for very basic amenities. “We should by now have qualified for World Bank investment in infrastructure development but instead even the ADB seems to have developed cold feet in view of inefficiency in the government” he said. Mufti said it was a matter of shame that the city faced a virtual siege at its two major entry points, Parimpora and Pantchhokh and as a result all high profile visitors to Kashmir are to be ferried in helicopters to places like Gulmarg and Pahalgam. “With chaos on the roads reaching such levels travel for ordinary commuters has become a nightmare and funds for development are either lapsed or diverted” he said.

Mufti said his government had during its brief tenure started major projects forSrinagar that if continued would have made this city one of the best in the country to live in. “Our people deserve the best and funds are no constraint but it needs a government that has a political direction, vision and a commitment to people which are absent in the present dispensation” he said.

Mufti said he has a strong belief in the abilities of the people of Srinagar who have given Kashmir a distinct identity through their art, craft and immense contribution in the fields of literature, poetry and fine arts. He said the our youth are an asset that can be molded into the best human resource and PDP has a definite plan to make it happen.   “My vision for Srinagar is to restore its glory and the pre eminence of its people who have to play the most crucial role in the transformation of the state into a social and economic model” he said.

Addressing the convention Muzaffar Hussein Baig said the state as a whole andSrinagar in particular had suffered as a result of the devious policies of National Conference. He said the ruling party perceived the PDP as a threat to its decades long domination and instead of improving its performance to stay afloat as a party it had developed a paranoia and spent most of its energies in demonizing the opposition party. Baig said the people of the state had seen through the misdeeds of National Conference and it would be before long that the party would be consigned to the dustbin of history. “They continue to exploit Srinagar only as a result of the boycott of elections and the day people here decide to use their vote a fundamental change would take place in the destiny of Jammu and Kashmir. The self respecting residents of Srinagar owe it to themselves and rest of the state to bring in an element of political accountability so that they get a government of their choice and a government that unlike successive NC dispensations does not sell out their interests” Baig said. He said even the scope for a tactical rigging like 2008 would be eliminated if the people came out to vote in overwhelming numbers and “you would not be ruled by leaders who get elected with 500 votes and claim to be arbiters of our fate”.

Baig said PDP had achieved in its 36 months what NC had not been able to do for the people in 36 years of its exploitative rule. He said it was funny that the NC accused PDP of being close to BJP after the party slept in the lap of RSS for six years. “What compulsion drove the Abdullahs to align with BJP except a job of MS for Omar Abdullah even as it had two thirds majority in the state legislature? The fact is that NC does not feel itself accountable to people and they feel they can come to power as a result of poll boycott and unprincipled tie ups” Baig said appealing people to use their strong sense of discretion in political decision making. “How many times are we going to be deceived by the National Conference?” he wondered.

Molvi Iftikhar Hussein Ansari said the NC was trying to divide the people on different pretexts to safeguard its own interests. He said this party had historically benefitted from discords in the society and always promoted friction but now people had become aware of their machinations. Molvi said NC was once again trying to create dissensions in the society to divert attention from its huge failures in governance.

Recounting the initiatives taken by the PDP led coalition in Srinagar Tariq Hameed Qarra  said their completion would have transformed the city. He said major achievements of PDP led coalition included the securing of over Rs 300 crore project for Dal conservation, beautification of Jhelum river front, widening of bye pass, up gradation of north south corridor (nammath), Dr Ali Jan road, construction of fly over, beautification of Eidgah. For development of handicrafts and tourism, the mainstay of Srinagar economy the party ensures special relief package for stakeholders, reconstruction of exhibition (numaish), establishment of Institute of carpet technology (IICT) and Design Dev Center at Bagh e Ali Mardan Khan, reconstruction of Nigeen Club, construction of Zabarwan park and Badamwari, new TRC at Railway station and a number of other facilities. He said the restoration of Aali Masjid is considered a trend setting effort in the state.

Others who were present on this occasion include District President Mohd Ashraf Mir MLC, Coordination secretary Ab Hameed Kosheen, Vice District president Nisar Ahmad Mandoo, Ab Qayoom,  Ab Rouf, Zone President Noor Mohd, Syed Irfan, Arshid Ahmad and Jahangir Wani.

Protests held in Shopian against blasphemy

Srinagar, Sep. 16 (VOS) :Protests were held today in main town Shopian over the Blasphemous movie on Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Peaceful Protesters marched through the streets of main town chanting pro Islamic and pro-freedom slogans .The protests were led by Hurriyat Conference (G) District President Shopian, Shakeel Ahmad and Majlis-e-Masharawat Spokesperson M. Shafi Khan.

An effigy of US President Barack Obama was also burnt at Gol Chowk Shopian. After the protest Shakeel Ahmad addressed people. In his speech he called America as an enemy of Islam and Muslims. He said that anti Islamic elements are active every where and Muslims has to be united to make their ill and evil intentions unsuccessful.  He also extended his support to the strike call of Mutthida Ullmae
Ahl-e-Sunnat (MUAS) on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, students of the educational institutions of the district Shopain have decided to assemble in the premises of Government Degree Collage Shopain on Monday to demonstrate peaceful protest against the blasphemous movie.

Shama foundation organises medical camp

Srinagar, Sep. 16 (VOS) :Non-Governmental Organisation, Shama Foundation today organized free medical camp for cancer patients at Tral in Pulwama disrict.

In the day long free medical camp, Dr. Sheikh Aijaz treated many patients and advised the prescription and precautions. 
Talking to VOS on this occasion, renowned social worker and journalist Ghulam Nabi Shaida said that the aim and objective of Shama Foundation is to reach out to the rural areas where people are not able to meet the requirements of the treatment due to poverty or by other reasons.
“This organization also provides financial assistance to those who want to pursue Islamic literature. We are also making efforts for awareness among people about different social issues and for the eradication of social evils from the society. Currently, the organization is providing complete financial assistance to 5 people who are going under treatment of cancer including three girls and 2 boys” he informed.
Besides Shaeda, former president of chambers of commerce Kashmir Ghalum Mohd. Dug and Dean Academics of Islamyat Naseem Hameed Rafi Aabadi were also present on the occasion.

KU Convocation: Students Cry foul

‘Pick and Choose policy adopted while nominating gold medallists’

Srinagar, Sep. 16 (VOS): The University of Kashmir has allegedly made the selection of students for receiving gold medals on arbitrary basis, without following the set procedures.

 In violation of the statutes authorities at the university have selected first class first position holders of some courses by exercising their discretionary powers arbitrarily without assigning any reason thereof, a group of students told VOS.

 Moreover, the students claimed that in some courses, the authorities have recommended awarding of the gold medal to second position holders after bypassing first class first position holders without giving any reason under the provision of the statutes.

Students who have qualified the first class first position in courses B.A Fazil, Music and Fine Arts and MEMP  in first attempt, have been exempted from receiving a gold medal in the upcoming convocation. “Question is not about the gold medal but about the honour which we deserve. Our parents have also supported us and are eagerly waiting for us to receive the awards”, said a student requesting anonymity. “How can they (authorities) justify their ill motives, they want to award the students of their choice in clear disregard to the merit”, he added.

Pertinently, in the notification published in various local news papers, Kashmir University had invited all first class first position holders to apply for receiving the honours. “Students had registered themselves after paying the required fee. All deserving students name was forwarded but some of them were unaware that their happiness would be short lived”, said another student.

“Despite a Kashmir University notification nominating Sabira as gold medallist asking to fulfil formalities, she was not even intimated by the department about the new nomination. She was given the reason that she had cleared one of her subject in backlog. But the truth is that she qualified that very subject as a ‘later on’ case due to illness”, said one of the students.

A student of BSc IT is also being denied the deserving award on discriminatory basis. “Kashmir University is governed by rule of arbitrariness not by the rule of law. They (Authorities) can change and amend rules for their own interest without following any procedure” said the aggrieved group of students.

Aggrieved students have requested the Governor of state and Chancellor of the University to intervene in the matter in the interest of justice. These students have also decided to make representation before other higher authorities against the discrimination by university authorities in and outside the state.

VOS made repeated attempts to have comments from university authorities for comments. But they didn’t receive the call even after repeated attempts. However, one of the senior official requesting anonymity said “This all is apparent injustice to the aggrieved students and this all is done by the vested interests”.  Asked who these vested interests were, he hung up the phone. (VOS)

GMS Humhama publishes Shehjaar

Srinagar, Sep. 16 (VOS): Government Middle School Humhama has published its annual magazine “Shehjaar” which would be released on 18th September.

The Magazine comprises both Urdu and English essays poetry apart from other relevant contributions by teachers and students.

Ironically the school with around 200 students on its rolls doesn’t even have its own school building.

According to locals, children from poor and economically weak section are availing education from this institution and the idea of publishing annual magazine like colleges and universities first struck the mind of headmaster of the school Syed Tariq who communicated it with the other staff members and experts.
The aim and object of the magazine is to provide an opportunity to the students to express their ideas on different issues in their own way and thinking (understanding).  Headmaster syed Tariq is its publisher while Razia Mehmood and Shaista Koote are its editors.
The civil society and the higher officials of the education department has highly appreciated the effort of school and promised every kind of help and assistance.

____________________________________________________

 For Advertisement:- editorvoiceofsrinagar@gmail.com

Advertisement Manager:-Ishfaq Dar(9797761777)