SRINAGAR, SATURDAY, 17 ZUL HIJJAH 1433 AH ; 03 NOVEMBER  2012

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Omar receives first batch of Haj pilgrims

Congratulates Hajis for performing Haj

          SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 02: Chief Minister, Mr. Omar Abdullah Friday morning received first batch of Haj pilgrims here who returned from Saudi Arabia to Srinagar after performing the Haj Bait-ul-Ullah.

            The Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Minister of State for Haj and Auqaf, Mr. Aijaz Ahmad Khan were also present on the occasion.

            Omar Abdullah congratulated the Haj pilgrims and enquired about the status of arrangement made by the concerned State department at Saudi Arabia and enroute.

            The Hajis expressed satisfaction over the arrangements and said that during the Haj days, they prayed for peace, prosperity and development of the State and well-being of the mankind.

            As many as 270 Hajis returned from Saudi Arabia today, of these 105 were women pilgrims.

Govt committed for three tier Panchayati system: Sagar

            SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 02: Dispelling the doubts being created by certain vested interests regarding the empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Law Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar has said that the Government is committed to put in place a three tier system of Panchayati Raj to ensure democratic decentralization of power.

            The Minister was addressing one day convention of Panchs and Sarpanchs of Rajouri district during his extensive tour to the district.

            Minister of State for Power, Mr. Shabir Ahmad Khan, Director, Rural Development, Jammu, Mr. Shafiq Ahmad Raina, Additional District Development Commissioner, Rajouri, Mr. Manzoor Khan, other senior officers of district administration and different departments besides Panchs/Sarpanchs of the district were present on the occasion.

            Terming the holding of Panchayati elections and putting in place empowered PRIs as a milestone in the political history of the State, the Minister said that the Government has ensured its implementation by empowering Panchs and Sarpanchs with powers of 14 vital departments and nominating Additional District Development Commissioner as Nodal Officer for ensuring the same and the officers as well as officials  have been asked to adhere strictly to this iniative.

            ‘’The Panchs and Sarpanchs should be taken on board while formulating and implementing various welfare programmes of their respective areas to ensure proper and sustained development of these areas’’, he said and maintained that the Panchayati Raj representatives are part of governance and they should utilize their powers in a proper manner and work in synergy with officers of different departments.

            Referring to the Government’s initiative of creating infrastructural assets of Panchayats, Mr. Sagar said that an amount of Rs. 20 lakh has been earmarked for the construction of Panchayat Ghars in every Panchayat and orders have already been passed down the line to ensure that the cpmstrictopm pf {amcjauat Ghars within the shortest span of time for the day to day functioning of PRIs.         

            Mr. Sagar said that certain parties are trying to mislead the people for their petty political interests and people are well aware of the facts that the Government led by Mr. Omar Abdullah believes in sustained action and has ensured overall development of the State by initiating several landmark developmental programmes and schemes. He said in order to make the administration accountable to the people at all levels Acts like Right to Information, Public Services Guarantee Act have been legislated by which accountability and transparency has been ensured.

            While enroute the Mughal road, the Minister met several deputations of Panchs and Sarpanchs at Dera Ki Gali and assured them that the Government is committed to put in place three tier system of Panchayati Raj. At Bufliaz, the Minister while responding to the local demands directed officers to construct a sanitation mart under Nirmal Bharat Programme (TSC) within two months for the convenience of the people.

            Mr. Sagar also inspected the pace of work being undertaken on the Model Village at an estimated cost of Rs. 3 crore at Sharda Sharief, Rajouri and asked the concerned to complete it within the stipulated time frame. Responding to the public demand regarding the construction of a Guest House at Sharda Sharief for the convenience of the devotees, the Minister directed the officers to identify the land for taking up the construction of the same.

Sharik donates vehicle for GDC, Sumbal

Lone expresses gratitude to MP

SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 02: Member Parliament Mr. Sharief-ud-Din Sharik today donated Swaraj Mazda vehicle to Government Degree College (GDC), Sumbal. Speaker, Jammu &Kashmir Legislative Assembly Mr. Mohammad Akbar Lone was also present on the occasion.

            Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sharik said that the students of the State have been bestowed with natural intellect and need proper guidance and counseling to explore their talent in the field of their choice. He said that the State on the whole comprising of three regions has a composite culture with different languages and religions with a strong faith in communal harmony and brotherhood. He impressed upon all to strengthen the bonds of humanity and moral values so that peace and prosperity is assured at all levels.

            Asking the students to strive for excellence, Mr. Sharik said that hard work and dedication never go waste and the enthusiasm for higher learning needs to be inculcated at school as well as college level. He said education is pivotal for personality development and for successful living every individual should be provided both academic and extra-curricular education including sports so that a healthy and sound generation comes up for assuring the prosperity of State.

            Speaker Assembly on this occasion said that the people across the State have to put in their efforts to get their children acquainted with modern trends in education, however it is the parent as well as teacher who have to join hands in molding the students in such a way to make the conversant with modern challenges in education.

            Expressing his gratitude to Member Parliament Mr. Sharik for providing transport facility to the students of the college, Mr. Lone hoped that Mr. Sharik shall facilitate the students of the college to make them better citizens.

            Responding to the demands including sports facility put forth by the college management, Mr. Lone directed the Principal, GDC, Sumbal, Mrs. Anjili Razdan to put up the requisite facilities be taken up with the concerned quarters for early redressal. He assured them that sports coach will be provided to the college soon.

            Earlier, the Speaker inspected the on-going construction work of building of GDC, Sumbal costing Rs.18 crore and directed the JKPCC authorities to expedite the pace of work and complete it in a stipulated time frame.

‘Chuna Hai Aasman’ talent hunt programme organized by J&K Police Anantnag

ANANTNAG, NOVEMBER 02: Under its Civic Action Programme, Jammu and Kashmir Police today organized its talent hunt programme, session third ‘’Chuna Hai Aasman’’ at District Police Headquarters, Anantnag.

            The talent hunt programme was inaugurated by the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Anantnag, who was also the chief guest on the occasion. The programme was organized to explore the talent of young generation of the State.

            The youth upto the age of 16 years from every nook and corner of the district participated in the programme. Among which, 12 most talented youth have been selected for their best performance by the panel of experienced judges and were presented trophies on the occasion.

            Besides, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Anantnag, District Youth Services and Sports officer, District Prosecuting Officer and District Information Officer, Anantnag were also present on the occasion.

Taj visits Churanda village, distributes ex gratia relief

URI, NOVEMBER 02: Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Mr. Taj Mohi-ud-Din today visited the frontline village of Churanda and consoled the kin and families of those killed during the shelling on October 16 from across the border.

The Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences with the families who lost their dear ones during the said incident. He said in this hour of grief not only the State government but the entire people of Jammu & Kashmir are with them.

On the occasion, Mr. Taj disbursed ex gratia relief of Rs. One lakh to each of the next of kin of those killed in the incident.

Responding to the demands put forth by the people, the Minister said government would look into the possibility of setting up a high school in the locality and also provide an ambulance to the village for using it at the time of emergency.

Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla, Mr. G. A. Khawaja, SSP, Baramulla, Mr. Anand Jain, other senior officers of district administration, besides Mir Mushtaq Nowshehri accompanied the Minister during the visit.

VAT exemption on cooking gas to continue: Rather

Calls for stringent action against tax defaulters

C.T Deptt realizes Rs 739 Cr in Kashmir upto October this fiscal

            SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 02: The Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs, Mr. Abdul Rahim Rather today announced that exemption of Value Added Tax (VAT) on domestic cooking gas from the month of April this year will continue in future also to provide respite to the people, even though the State exchequer had to bear the burden of Rs. 17 crore on this account during first seven months of the current fiscal.

            Speaking at the quarterly review meeting of the Commercial Tax department, Kashmir Division held at Banquet Hall, Srinagar today, Mr. Rather said that the state’s development is subservient to the tax collection adding that the Commercial Tax department should launch a vigorous campaign against tax defaulters and their abettors irrespective of their status and position. He said there are stringent laws to deal with defaulters with iron hand but they are provided one more opportunity to clear their arrears as early as possible before any action is initiated against them.

            Mr. Rather also called for greater coordination between the J&K Bank, Accounts & Treasuries and Commercial Taxes departments to streamline tax realization system adding that strict action would be taken against the defaulting officers for any lapses and negligence in the tax collection process.

            The Commissioner Commercial Taxes Department, Mr. Kifayat Hussain Rizvi, Joint Director, Accounts & Treasuries, Mr. Altaf Hussain, Joint Director, C.T Department, Kashmir, Mr. Rafiq Ahmad, Deputy Commissioner, Commercial Taxes department (HQ), Mr. Showkat Aijaz, President J&K Bank and concerned Commercial Taxes Officers of the Kashmir Division were present in the meeting.

            Mr. Rather urged for making the tax collection system more people friendly so that tax payers do not feel any kind of inconvenience.

            The Minister instructed the Commercial Taxes Officers to ascertain that money collected from tax payers is immediately deposited adding that there should be no unnecessary retention in this regard. He also called for pursuing the court cases vigorously to vacated stays on them.

            Mr. Kifayat on the occasion assured the Minister that the CT department would work dedicatedly for, not only realizing the tax target of Rs 1000 for the current fiscal but also to surpass the assigned target.

            The meeting was informed that an amount of Rs 739.23 crore has been realized during the first two quarters of the current fiscal against Rs 681.88 crore realized during the corresponding period last financial year. The department has realized Rs 20.29 crore as penalty from the defaulters upto October this fiscal during whereas more than 32,000 new registrations were granted to the traders during the same period. In addition, about 1200 inspection of various establishments were also conducted upto October 2012 wherefrom Rs 26.84 crore was realized from the defaulters as penalty.

Faster dev. of backward pockets fulcrum of State’s planning : Rather

Lays foundation stone of Rs 1.82 cr PHC building, Tilsara

            Srinagar, November 02: Reiterating Government’s commitment for balanced development of all the regions of the State, the Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs, Mr. Abdul Rahim Rather today said faster development of remote and backward pockets of the state is fulcrum of the plan process.

            Addressing a public gathering at Tilsara in in Tehsil Chadoora, after laying foundation of Rs 1.82 crore Primary Health Centre Building, Tilsara today, Mr. Rather said massive road connectivity projects have been undertaken in nook and corner of the state to ensure faster Socio-economic transformation of the backward pockets.         

            Mr. Rather said the proposed PHC building at Tilsara will be double storied with labour room, a separate Gynae ward, emergency, USG/ECG rooms, X-Ray room, Dental Section and medical OPD.

            Responding to the demands, Mr. Rather directed the Executive Engineer, Irrigation to explore all possibilities for a comprehensive Irrigation Project for irrigating orchards in Tilsara and adjoining areas. He also announced to revive Arzan Garzan and Malapora dams for providing irrigation facilities to the Karewas in the area, adding that projects for both the dams have already been sanctioned by the concerned authorities. He also announced that Bachitar-Rohmoo-Tilsara-Chrari-Sharief road will be opened for traffic shortly which will provide short-cut to the pilgrims of Pulwama and Anantnag to reach to the shrine of reverred Sufi saint Hazrat Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali (R.A).

            Earlier, the Minister inspected the upcoming Rs 33 lakhs Service Reservoir at Zagipora which has a capacity of 45000 gallons of water and will provide portable drinking water facilities to about 5100 souls in the area. The concerned Engineers assured the Minister that the Reservoir will be completed within a fortnight.   

            The Minister reiterated that service to the people was the mission of his life and will throughout his life endeavor to mitigate their sufferings as per their expectations.

            The Minister was accompanied by a team of senior engineers and officers of district administration, Budgam including Assistant Commissioner Development, Qazi Sarwar Hussain, Chief Medical Officer, Budgam, S. Gurcharan Singh, Executive Engineer R&B, Mr. Showkat Hussain, Executive Engineer Irrigation and Flood Control, Mr. Sahani, Executive Engineer PHE Chadoora, Mr. V.K. Gupta, Tehsildar Chrar-i-Sharief Mr. Ali Mohammad and concerned field agencies.

Sports inculcate discipline, leadership: Mir

            SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 02: Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Ghulam Hassan Mir, today said that sports imbibe discipline and sportsmanship among the athletes.

            This he said at concluding function of All India North Zone Kayaking and Canoeing championship at Dal Lake Srinagar.

            The minister said that the coalition government has taken number of steps to facilitate the youth of the State for channelizing their talent in a positive direction. He said 23 years long turmoil has disabled our youth as in these years no one dared to organize sports events in the valley. He said that with the help of the people the coalition government has given the first priority for organizing sports event at block level across the State particularly in the valley to nourish the sports talent among the youth.

            In this direction the Minister said adequate funds have been made available to the Youth Services and Sports department for up gradation of sports infrastructure in the State.

            At the concluding ceremony of Kayaking and Canoeing championship, the Minister assured the organizers every assistance for the quality infrastructure and better facilities in organizing such events in future. Athletes from 11 states across the country participated in the event among whom the Minister distributed the prizes on the occasion.

            Among others, Chief Postmaster Kashmir, Director Tourism, Secretary General IKCA, Commandant JKP 12^th Bn, Deputy Director Youth Services and Sports, President IKCA, officers and officials of the concerned department and civilians were present.

3 Supervisors placed under suspension

            ANANTNAG, NOVEMBER 02:  To ensure regular attendance in government offices, the Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag today made a surprise visit to Assistant Registrar Cooperatives, Kokernag. During the inspection, four employees including Assistant Registrar Cooperatives, Kokernag, Abdul Salam Mir were placed under suspension who were found unauthorizedly absent from duty.

            The Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag had asked the Deputy Registrar Cooperatives, Anantnag to take disciplinary action against the absentees.

e-deliverance of SW schemes launched in Ganderbal

DC Ganderbal, DSWK jointly kick started pilot project

            SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 02: As an e-Governance Initiative, the Department of Social Welfare today test launched the e-deliverance of Social Welfare Schemes on pilot basis in district Ganderbal.

            The project was launched by District Development Commissioner Ganderbal, Mr. Showkat Ahmed Mir and Director Social Welfare Kashmir, Mr. Bashir Ahmed Bhat in Wussan Kangan and Beehama, Ganderbal respectively in presence of Senior Scientist CDAC, K. Selva Kumar and District Social Welfare Officer Ganderbal, Qazi Irfan.

            The project is jointly funded by Department of Information Technology, Government of India and is part of National e-Governance Plan (NeGP). Interacting with media on the occasion, Mr. Bashir Ahmad said that the e-Governance initiative will cover Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS) and National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) being implemented by Social Welfare Department in the first instance. He said the software for the project has been developed by Bangalore based Organization, Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC).

            As the Motto of NeGP "Public Service closer home" suggests, the project aims at mitigating the difficulties faced by the citizens in travelling large distances to apply for different services, by making the services available at the nearest common service center (Khidmat Centre) that the state has opened in the rural areas across the State and 24 in Ganderbal. The applicant doesn't need to visit any office for the submission of his application form now. Citizens desiring to avail benefit under the two schemes need to approach the nearest Khidmat Centre and submit their application online through the Khidmat Centre operator. The e-Receipt generated after the submission will be handed over to the applicant who can track the progress of the case from any Khidmat Centre, without any need to travel to the Tehsil headquarters, thus saving him from unnecessary hardships both in terms of money and time. Besides, it will also bring in further transparency in the Department as the status of the application can be monitored at various levels and there is no scope for any insertion or modification in the process.

            Pertinently during the last financial year, 4872 old age persons were provided pension under IGNOAPS amounting 2.05 Crores. Similarly 4272 widows, 6922 old aged persons and 6920 Disabled persons were provided monthly pension amounting to Rs. 4.70 Crores. Further 3896 and 328 students were provided scholarships with financial implication of 57.14 lakh under pre Matric and post Matric minority scholarships.

            On this occasion, Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal expressed hope that the system will prove a success in the district and will be formally implemented in other Districts after evaluating its performance in the pilot district. He further emphasized that a comprehensive awareness programme should be launched in district Ganderbal to make people aware about the functioning and merits of the system.

Div Com reviewed modalities regarding flights during inclement weather from Sgr to Kargil and Gurez

            SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 02: Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon today reviewed the modalities regarding operationalization of flights AN-32 Kargil Courier Service between Srinagar/Jammu and Kargil besides M-17 Helicopter Service between Kargil-Zanskar and Bandipora-Gurez. The commencement of these flights will be made only after closure of Srinagar-Leh road and Bandipora-Gurez road depending on weather conditions, the meeting was told.

            Air Force authorities stressed about the security check of passengers and baggages etc. on the pattern of the passengers travelling in civil flights in order to ensure safety of passengers.

            Div Com Kashmir asked the Liaison Officers to ensure minimum loggage with the passengers, their proper security check at the Airport before boarding besides, Registration of passengers in advance and also ensure availability of critical care ambulance at the airports so that the patients travelling through these aircrafts/helicopters would be facilitated and taken care of. Registration of passengers should be done on first come first serve basis and no tourist/foreigner should be registered for these sorties without a valid reason.

            The meeting was attended by AOC J&K Udhampur, Director Srinagar Airport, AOC Srinagar, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora, Joint Director Information Kashmir, representatives of SRTC, Health, CEC Kargil and Dy. SP AHJ Srinagar International Airport. 

Farm Machinery Mela held at Naraspora Budgam

Rs. 17.33 Lakh Incentive for Purchase of Machinery to farmers

BUDGAM, NOVEMBER 02: In its continuous drive to organize “Farm Machinery Melas” through-out Valley Director Agriculture Kashmir Dr. Farooq Ahmad Lone in presence of District Development Commissioner Mohammad Akbar Ganaie inaugurated “Farm Machinery Mela” at Naraspora Budgam today.

            Director Agriculture impressed upon the farmers to adopt latest technology in Agriculture to increase production, productivity and thereby their economic status. He said that the development of Agriculture and welfare of farming community is top priority of the Department. He further said that the objective of organizing Farm Machinery Melas throughout valley is to acquaint the farmers with Modern Agriculture Machinery, Tools & Equipments and also help them to avail benefits of various schemes at their doorsteps.

            On this occasion District Development Commissioner stressed upon the farmers to make judicious use of available land. He advised farmers to protect cultivable land for future generation and also emphasized the need for protection from large scale conversion of cultivable land for non-agriculture use. He appreciated the efforts of department for organizing of such Melas.

On this occasion Director Law Enforcement M.S. Katoo said that the main aim of Farm Machinery Melas is to make farmers aware about various Schemes launched by Agriculture Department and facilitate farmers to select the Agriculture machinery and equipments to their own choice at negotiated rates from authorized dealers. Stalls of various authorized dealers were setup in the Mela.

             In the Mela the farmers of Sub Division Budgam purchased 50 Irrigation Pump sets, 10 Power tiller, 3 tractors, 30 foot sprayers & 70 Green Houses, for which a subsidy of Rs. 17.33 Lakhs will be provided by the Agriculture Department.

NC fountainhead of corruption: Mehbooba

‘Present coalition is mutual benefit arrangement’

Srinagar Nov 2: Reacting sharply to repeated claims of the chief minister Omar Abdullah that corruption could not be tackled because of ‘coalition compulsion’ Peoples Democratic Party today said National Conference was the fountainhead of corruption in Jammu and Kashmir irrespective of whether it was in coalition or enjoyed 2 thirds majority in the assembly.

In a statement issued here today party president Mehbooba Mufti said NC was responsible for according social respectability to corruption after their two decade long hunger in wilderness between 1953 and 1975. “Until the tallest leader of the NC began his second innings in power in 1975 with allocation of prime state lands to his family, corruption was still viewed with contempt in the state” she said. Given the unholy haste with which the post accord cabinet in its first meeting allotted Gupkar land to Abdullah family it seems the 1975 accord was signed only to rehabilitate them in the nature of the latter day Indira Awas Yojana (IAY) she added. “One wonders how a family in which no member ever did a proper job or business except politics is now among the richest in the state if one goes only by their declared assets” Mehbooba said. She said J&K needed a commission to probe all politicians for their assets post 1975, and she offered her own as the first.

Mehbooba said Omar Abdullah was using coalition as an alibi to cover up his failure in tackling corruption as he lacked moral credibility following allegations against him in the Yousuf Haji death case. She said otherwise he has been a beneficiary of congress indulgence which stood by him more vocally than even his own party when he faced the serious charges. “Similarly Dr Farooq Abdullah continues to be a party of the UPA cabinet when he should have been in the company of A Raja and Suresh Kalmadi for his role in the swindling of money meant for promoting cricket in the state”. She said the coalition under Omar Abdullah is functioning as a mutual benefit arrangement and the chief minister who should have led by example by offering himself for probe is now trying to philosophize the loot promoted by him. “But he must understand there are no takers for such misleading claims now, Mehbooba said.

Mehbooba said some of the ruling politicians could not afford an autorickshaw before becoming ministers but now owned sprawling estates, thriving businesses, luxuries and costliest cars. Some persons close to the chief minister wielding extra constitutional authority have experienced windfall gains over the past four years adding phenomenally to their fortunes in every conceivable way and it is unimaginable that Omar Abdullah would be unaware of this. 

Referring to the collapse of transparency institutions like the State Information Commission (SIC) or anti corruption bodies like the State Accountability Commission (SAC) and State Vigilance Commission (SVC) under the present regime Mehbooba said this had been done deliberately to provide space for unchecked plunder of state resources by the ruling politicians. She said Omar Abdullah by going against the SAC to high court challenging its jurisdiction on technical reasons had shown way to his colleagues in the cabinet many of whom have also secured stay orders on same grounds. “For a well meaning chief minister it would have been preferable to subject his conduct to scrutiny and if there was a technical hurdle it should have been removed by the government rather than use it as a fig leaf and decapacitate an institution” she said.

Mehbooba said it seems Omar is talking to people of another planet by complaining of corruption resulting from coalition compulsions as everybody remembers how the Farooq Abdullah government before his had converted government jobs into a commodity even though he enjoyed a brute majority in the legislature. The same practice has been revived now and about 1 lac jobs are vacant with apprehensions that the ruling party agents may be collecting money from the gullible unemployed youth. She said similarly the government money is distributed like favor for political or pecuniary considerations.

The government Mehbooba said, has promoted black marketing of even cooking gas causing an unprecedented crisis. She said at least the unsubsidized cylinders should have been available without hassles pointing out that J&K was the only state where scarcity in spite of price rise was experienced. She said this was never possible if the government and its agents were not direct beneficiaries of this brazen loot which has literally broken the back of common man.

All routes to tourism destinations to be opened as per need: Mir

LPG crisis issue of concern, have taken up with GoI

Srinagar Nov 2 (VOS): Promising that different roads leading to tourism destinations in the state currently under restriction for security reasons would be opened to tourists as per need with the passage of time, Minister for Agriculture, Ghulam Hassan Mir said that for the development and progress in tourism sector ‘every option is open to the government.’

“Government is putting its efforts for the development of tourism and whenever there is need for opening the routes leading to various health resorts we’ll definitely open them”, said Mir during the inaugural function of Himalyan Mounteering and Adventure Tourism meet at SKICC here on Friday organized by Department of Tourism.
“Tourism is a natural gift of Allah to the valley and it has its own history”, said Mir. He said that during his tenure as inchharge Minister for Tourism in 2001, the objectives were to invite more tourists and ensure their protection, adding “Now the situation has improved, large number of tourists is visiting the state”.

“Government is putting its efforts for the development of tourism and its growth is our priority”, said Mir.

Expressing satisfaction over progress in adventure tourism in the state, he said “Skiing and other adventure tourism has its own history. Some outsiders don’t have actual knowledge about the beauty of the valley and they get surprised when they come here”.

Admitting that the LPG issue is a matter of concern and the registration process is a cause of inconvenience to the general public, he said that the government has already simplified the process of registration.

 He said that the requirement of LPG in Kashmir is more in winter and the State Government has taken up the issue with the central government. “LPG cap is not the decision that can be taken by the state Government. We’ve taken up the issue with it in keeping view the climatic conditions of the valley”, said Mir.

Director Tourism Talat Parvaiz said that the department is putting its best efforts to improve the tourism infrastructure and to put every facility available to the tourists.

In this inaugural function, various delegations from the various states and other officers of the various departments and other dignitaries were present. It’ll be organized from 1st to 5th November. (VOS)

HC decision on divorce, interference in religious matter: JAH

To convene a meeting on Sunday to decide future course

Srinagar Nov 2 (VOS): Terming the recent State High Court ruling on divorce as an intervention in the religious affairs of Muslims, the Jamiat E Alhlihadees has said the decision could have serious consequences.

According to a statement issued here, the Jamiat held a meeting at Jamaat Manzil Barbar Shah on Friday to discuss the decision of the High Court.

“During the meeting, it was held that Islam is governed by the rule of Quran and Ahadees and the decision of the court is interference in the religious matters of Muslims which would have an adverse impact”, read the statement.

In the meeting, it was held that Islam is a perfect religion and Qur’an and Ahadees are complete guidance to govern the life of Muslims. “Thus, to bring any Islamic matter into the court and to hold any decision thereupon is not a wise step’, reads the statement.

“It will pave way for other religious matters to be brought into the courts. Muslims have never accepted such decisions neither will they do so in the future”, reads the statement. “Muslims have the right to be governed by the Muslim Personal Law and the court decision is itself contrary to it (Muslim Personal Law)”, reads the statement.

The Jamiat has decided that an important meeting would be held on Sunday at 11 in morning at Jamaat Manzil Barbar Shah in which various religious, social, intellectuals and law experts would be invited. “In this meeting the censuses will be framed on the court decision and under unity the final decision would be taken to contest court decision. 

(VOS)

Decorating house to welcome parents, Shalimar youth falls to death

Srinagar Nov 2 (VOS): Decorating house to welcome his parents on their arrival from holy Hajj pilgrimage, a youth from Shalimar in the city outskirts died after he fell from the roof of his house.

Mohammad Aslam Dhobi S/o Abdur Rehamn Dhobi R/o Shalimaar was decorating his home to welcome his parents who were scheduled to arrive on Friday after performing Hajj, family sources told VOS.

Aslam, 35, was employee in the state’s education department.

“While tying some decoration items on the roof of the house, the youth’s foot slipped resulting in his fall to the ground. Other family members and the neighbors immediately came for his help and shifted him to SKIMS institute where doctors declared him brought dead”, said his relatives. (VOS)

Govt directly responsible for people’s sufferings: Mirwaiz

“Detention, force won’t deter Hurriyat from raising political, economic issues”

Srinagar, Nov 02: Hurriyat (M) Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has said that government and administration are directly responsible for increasing the problems and the sufferings of Kashmiris.
Asserting that government and administration have failed at each level, he made it clear that house detentions, banning activities using force,  and spreading fear won’t stop APHC from highlighting the political and economic issues plaguing Kashmir.
While addressing a mammoth gathering at Jamia Masjid, Mirwaiz said that while fighting for the right to self determination for Kashmiris,
APHC can’t ignore the daily problems and issues faced by the common masses and anything which would hurt the Kashmiri interests.  He said that government and administration have failed to play even its basic role towards the people. He said instead of solving the daily problems of Kashmiris, the government is busy in usurping the religious,
political and economical rights of the people.  He further said that in Kashmiri, particularly in Srinagar the roads were in wretched conditions, there was shortage of water, power, and LPG and inflation of essential commodities was such that it has become impossible for
the common man to live even a simple life. He said historic city of Srinagar was being kept devoid of basic fascilities following a well orchestrated conspiracy.  Ignoring the historic centrality of Srinagar, Mirwaiz said was a cause of concern.
APHC Chairman said that the winter season has already set in and the government instead of decreasing the prices of LPG has increased it manifold. He said that besides there is complete shortage of LPG which clearly reflects the anti-people policies of the administration.
He further appealed the business fraternity to provide relief to the common masses by putting embargo on black marketing and over storing of essenatial commodities.
On the occasion Mirwaiz announced that a Tabligh session would be organized at Jamia masjid Arampora Chadoora on 9 novemeber Friday to discuss the ongoing situation in Kashmir.

Shah, ors arrested on way to Safapora

Srinagar, Nov 02: Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) delegation led by its Chairman Shabir Ahmnad Shah that was on its way to Safapora was stopped by police in the midway, said a DFP spokesperson here in a statement.
Liberation Front Chairman Javaid Ahmad Mir, Islamic Political Party Chairman Muhammad Yousf Naqash, Wasim Lone and other party workers were accompanying Shah while they were arrested by the police and lodged in Sadder police station.
Shah was to address the people at the main Chowk Safapora after the Friday congregational prayers and make them aware about the problems confronting the people.
“It is not the first time that the DFP chairman was arrested and prevented from meting the people. During the last two years Shah has been put under house arrest or under detention for eight months,” the party said adding that these are the rights violations.
The party has strongly condemned the arrest of their leader and said that the political rights of the party workers are being trampled upon. This is highly unjustified, the party said.

Taj visits Churanda, distributes ex gratia relief

Srinagar, Nov 02:  Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Mr. Taj Mohi-ud-Din today visited the frontline village of Churanda and consoled the kin and families of those killed during the shelling on October 16 from across the border.

The Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences with the families who lost their dear ones during the said incident. He said in this hour of grief not only the State government but the entire people of Jammu & Kashmir are with them.

On the occasion, Mr. Taj disbursed ex gratia relief of Rs. One lakh to each of the next of kin of those killed in the incident.

Responding to the demands put forth by the people, the Minister said government would look into the possibility of setting up a high school in the locality and also provide an ambulance to the village for using it at the time of emergency.

Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla, G. A. Khawaja, SSP Baramulla, Anand Jain and other senior officers of district administration, besides Mir Mushtaq Nowshehri accompanied the Minister during the visit.

MLA, Chief Engineer PMGSY tour Langate

Srinagar, Nov 02: MLA Langate along with Chief Engineer PMGSY and other top officials of the department today had a detailed tour of his constituency and took stock of the progress of ongoing roads and bridges under execution in the area. Interacting with Sarpanchs, Panchs and other citizens Chief Engineer informed during the visit that work on Shiltra bridge and Shatgund Bala Bridge will start within a weeks time at a cost of Rs. 3 crore and 1.11 Crore respectively. The said prestigious bridges will be completed by April 2013. Besides work on Haril Shiltra and Yahama Mankal road will also start within ten days. Er Rashid asked PMGSY officers to complete work on Qalamabad Shatgund road, Qalamabad Jahama road, Kokroosa Waisa road, Hangnikot Taratpora road, Taratpora Sochalyari road and Naugam Bangar road at an earliest to ensure that people enjoy basic amenities of life. Chief Engineer assured people of the area that his deptt. will complete ongoing and new approved works within the stipulated time in the said constituency. 

Demilitarize Kashmir, repeal black laws and release detainees: Waza

Peoples League to continue efforts for Kashmir Settlement

Srinagar, Nov 02: Jammu Kashmir Peoples League Chairman and Executive Member of APHC, Mukhtar Ahmad Waza today said that instead of spending money on defense, govermnet of India should repeal all black laws that would pave way for the resolution of Kashmir issue.

While addressing Friday congregation in Masjid Shahi Hamdan, Dalipora  Pulwama, Mukhtar Ahmad Waza said that both the nuclear countries are spending a huge amount of money on defense while as on the other side people residing in both of the countries are lacking basic amenities of life.

He appealed both the countries to start a result oriented dialogue process with the inclusion of Kashmiri people and resolve the Kashmir issue. However he maintained that government of India should firstly demilitarize Kashmir, revoke black laws, release all political detainees detained in different jails that would pave a way towards the resolution of Kashmir issue.  He said that before the dialogue process.

He said that its party will continue liberation struggle while bear out all odds and inhuman tact’s by which government if India is trying to muzzle the voice of innocent Kashmiri people.

He condemned the desecration of Quran Sharief in Chenab valley and communal tension in zanskar and said that such acts were being done with an aim to divert the attention of people from Kashmir issue. He said that such spineless, un-Islamic and inhuman acts could not muzzle the voice of people nor could divert the attention of people from Kashmir issue.

He said that Jammu Kashmir Peoples League and Kashmiri leadership will continue its liberation struggle with much intensity and will continue efforts to settle the Kashmir dispute amicably through talks, for which we have given unparallel scarifies.

 Waza reiterated that the Kashmir dispute could only be settled through talks among Pakistan, India and the Kashmiri leadership. Waza maintained that pro-liberation leadership and the people of Kashmir with their unity and political vision would defeat the conspiracies of anti-Kashmir, anti-movement and anti-people elements.

Expressing satisfaction over the realization of the international community that the Kashmir dispute needs to be resolved , Waza said “The settlement of the Kashmir dispute is imperative not only for South Asia but also for the world peace,” Mukhtar said, adding that the international human rights organizations are urged to send their representatives to Kashmir in order to take cognizance of the miserable plight of Kashmiri detainees languishing in different jails and interrogation centers, unmarked graves, extra-judicial killings, tortures, rapes and thefts and demanded them to pressurize India for the release of detainees. 

Release detenues languishing in jails: Zafar

Srinagar, Nov 02: Senior resistance leader and Chairman Jammu and Kashmir Salvation Movement Zafar Akbar Bhat, Friday while addressing a Juma congregation at Lajora in Pulwama District, reiterated his demand to release all the detenues languishing in different jails.

He paid rich tributes to martyrs at local Mazar E Shuhada and prayed for those who laid their lives for the sacred cause.

Expressing anguish over the blasphemous material uploaded in Kishtwar and Doda by some miscreants, he demanded a stern action against them. They are bent upon to create a sectarian difference between the different communities, he said. Sharing his sympathy with the Doda and Kashtward, he hailed the timely response of the Muslim community against the nefarious designs of sectarian elements.

While interacting the people at various placeless in district Pulwama , Salvation  Movement chief Zafar Akbar Bhat stressed the gathering to take care of those who laid their lives during on going strugle.Addressing the party workers and the people in Lajora Pulwama Zafar Akbar hailed the contribution of affected families and stressed the need for establishing the Bait ul Mal at local level so that the people in need are assisted. During his visit he expressed his sympathy and extended his greetings to families of martyrs.. Zafar Akbar Bhat paid heart felt tribute to Muslim Scholar Maryam Jameela.She was a noted writer and a torch bearer for all the Muslims especially for the people living in West.

LPG issue yet again dominates day-4 of youth festival Sonzal ‘2012’

Besides debate, ‘Collage making’ and ‘Rangoli’ events held at KU campus

Srinagar, Nov02: With great excitement and enthusiasm amongst the participants, the 5th intra-University Youth festival-Sonzal ‘2012’ received an overwhelming response on the fourth day during which three events were held at various venues of the Kashmir University campus.

The ardent participants from different colleges and universities of the valley were excited to showcase their talent for which they received an overwhelming response from the audience. On the fourth day of the festival, three competitions including Debate, Collage Making and Rangoli were held.

In debate competition, 16 participants discussed on the topic “Should government continue to give subsidy on essential commodities,” in which Syed Rameem Zehra of North Campus, KU emerged as the winner while as Afshan Mir of Business School, KU and Osmania Malik of Govt. Collage for Women, M.A Road Srinagar shared the 2nd position. Junaid Reshi of North campus, KU and Sabahat Nazir of KU shared 3rd position.

Tariq Banday from J&K Bank, Syed Suhaib Hassan from IT&SS department KU and Dr S. Iqbal, Head International Centre for Spiritual Studies, IUST were the jury members for the debate competition.

The debate competition was followed by two events which includes Collage making and Rangoli

In the Collage competition that was held at varsity`s naseem bagh, 40 participants competed in the event. The participants displayed a great talent of patchwork and random collection in collage making for which theme was ‘Festival’ which was followed by Rangoli competition, hosted by Department of Home Science Kashmir University in which 25 participants showcased their talent. The theme for the Rangoli competition was again ‘Festival’.

In Collage making event Raheel Janbaz secured first position whereas Saqib Mohammad and Zahoor-ud-din secured second and third positions respectively.

In Rangoli competition Fiza Shabir of Business School was declared as the first prize winner whereas Nowsheen Nazir of FMFA and Syed Shafqat of sociology dept KU secured the second the third positions. 

 In Rangoli competition, hosted by Department of Home science Kashmir University, 25 participants showcased their talent.

 Earlier on day three of the festival the participants showcased the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir in folk dance. Four teams from various colleges of valley participated in the folk dance competition which was judged by renowned artists. 

On the same day five teams from different colleges exhibited their acting skills in one act play which were well appreciated by both the audiences and the esteemed judges.

There was an on-spot painting competition on day three that was held at Naseembagh in which around 42 participants participated. The participants showcased enormous talent and used colours to depict their ideas. The theme of the event was ‘hunger’.

Another competitive event of the third day was spot photography. The event had 29 participants who captured some fascinating images and put forth there remarkable talent. The theme of the photography competition was ‘autumn in university’.

A cultural evening was also held on the third day of the festival in the Convocation Complex of the University where eminent singer of the valley Waheed Jeelani entertained the audience.

The 5th edition of the Intra-University youth festival will conclude on Saturday which also features a valedictory ceremony during which the winners of the various competitions would be felicitated.

Special drive against erring school buses/ vanes: SP Traffic City

Srinagar, Nov 02: Traffic Police, City Srinagar will launch a special drive against school buses/vans using LPG and overloading from 05.11.2012 within the municipal limits of city Srinagar. A large number of complaints have been received in this regard. This was stated by SP Traffic City Srinagar in a press communiqué, which further added that to reduce this menace, school authorities are requested to advice the drivers of their buses to adhere to the traffic police directions issued from time to time.

SP Traffic City also requested the parents of the boys using bikes to rein in their children and ensure that they wear helmets and do not resort to stunt biking. The traffic police city Srinagar has identified the areas where stunt biking is taking place and strict action will soon follow at all such locations.

DC Kupwara reviews availability of essentials

Lays stress on market checking

Srinagar, Nov 02: The Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara, Mr. Sarmad Hafeez today convened a meeting of officers and representatives of LPG, K. oil dealers and reviewed stock and supply position of essential commodities which include Rice, LPG, K. oil and petroleum products in the district.

It was given out that the processes for updating of LPG connection is in progress and at present 55800 connections are registered with Dost Gas Agency and Abshar Gas Agency operating in the district.

The Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned agencies to make available buffer stock of K. oil and LPG cylinders and ensure winter stocking in the district keeping in view the topography and location of the district.

The Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara has been directed to monitor the distribution of LPG and K. oil in the district and intensify market checking in the district.

The dealers were directed to maintain sale register duly attested by the Tehsildar concerned and Sarpanch of the area to ensure transparency in the distribution of essential commodities.

It was given out in the meeting that 4.85 lakh liters of K. oil has been lifted and issued for distribution @ 7 Kiloliters per ration card among the consumers of the district.

The Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara, Tehsildars of Handwara and Kupwara besides other district officers attended the meeting.

BJP misleading people: Waqar Rasool

Srinagar, Nov 2: Terming BJP communal party senior Congress leader and MLA Banihal Waqar Rasool accused BJP leader Dr Niraml Singh of misleading people in the name of region and religion.

In a statement Waqar said, “The communal BJP leaders remember people only in the season of elections and issue statements to save their credibility. However, now that time is over when they used to divide people in the name of religion.”

“BJP can’t mislead people anymore and by its selfish politics they can not divide people of Chenab Valley,” he added.

Reacting to Nirmal Singh’s recent press conference in which he had criticised Congress MP Lal Singh and him, the Congress MLA said, “BJP has lost its credibility in Jammu region and statements of Nirmal Singh is manifestation of it. By linking the function of reconstruction of a gutted school in Senabati Banihal with closing of the school, Nirmal Singh is trying to mislead the people.”

“Lal Singh sanctioned Rs 20 lakh for the reconstruction of the school from his MPLAD and I sanctioned Rs 5 lakh from my CDF and inaugurated the building. However, the BJP leader is trying to mislead the people. BJP leaders issue statements from Jammu without knowing the reality,” he added.

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