SRINAGAR, SATURDAY, 17 ZUL HIJJAH
1433 AH ; 03 NOVEMBER 2012
Email:-editorvosgr@gmail.com
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 12th 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”.
“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.
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.
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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