In a first:BJP legislators garlanded statues of Prem Nath Dogra and Maharaja Hari Singh
Nowshera legislator swears in by Mata Vishno Devi
5 Dariya News
Jammu
After the objection from Opposition legislators, Protem Speaker Tuesday castigated a Bhartiya Janata Party lawmaker from Nowshera Constituency Ravinder Raina when the later instead of swearing in by God swore in the name of Mata Vishno Devi.Newly elected legislators were sworn in by the Protem Speaker Mohammad Shafi Uri at Jammu ahead of the budget session of the state legislative assembly that starts from March 18 (Wednesday). The Dogra turban clad legislators of ruling BJP members in a first, garlanded the statues of late Maharaja Hari Singh, the last Dogra ruler of Jammu Kashmir and Prem Nath Dogra. Pertinently, Maharaja Hari Singh was the last Dogra ruler of Kashmir while Prem Nath Dogra Prem Nath Dogra was a Hindu zealot from Jammu and Kashmir who worked for total integration of the state with India. He formed Praja Parishad party in 1947 along with Balraj Madhok and opposed Kashmiri leaders pursuing anti-India policies.
According to CNS reporter as BJP MLA from Nowshera, said “I do swear in the name of Mata Vaishnodevi”, member on the opposition benches objected to his taking oath not in the prescribed format. The Opposition members said that legislator can swear in the name of Ishwar and not Mata Vishno Devi, while the member tried to convince the House that he treats Mata Vishno Devi as Ishwar that is why he swore by her name.
The Opposition members did not stop and when they kept on insisting and drew the attention of Protem Speaker Muhammad Shafi Uri, the later castigated at the BJP MLA and directed him to use the word ‘Ishwar’ to which he readily obliged. However, the people in visitors gallery supported the move of BJP legislator and calpped for him for swearing in by Mata Vishno Devi. All the legislators including the Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah were (CNS)
Snowfall aftermath:13 residential houses collapsed, 12 suffered partial damage
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
The continuous downpour and snowfall all across Kashmir have resulted in collapsing of 13 residential houses on Tuesday morning. Nine houses collapsed in North Kashmir while in Central Kashmir’s Chadora town four houses were damaged resulted in the injuries of two persons.Eyewitnesses told CNS that at least 8 houses were completely collapsed after a huge portion of land caved in due to heavy downpour and snowfall in Laridora hamlet of North Kashmir’s Baramulla district. Fifteen families residing in these houses have become homeless while district administration officials who rushed to spot to assess the damage assured all possible help to the affected families.Reports said that besides the complete collapse of these 8 houses, around 12 houses suffered partial damage in the locality.“We have provided blankets and other necessary items to the affected families. We will rehabilitate them all while Deputy Commissioner Baramulla has directed the officials to help them in every possible way,” an official told CNS.
Meanwhile, two persons were injured when at least four houses were collapsed in Dharmbagh Kralapora area of Central Kashmir’s Chadoora town in District Budgam. Confirming the incident, a police official said that residential houses of Abdul Ahad Rather, Bashir Ahmed, Bashir Lawdori and Ali Muhammad Ganaie were collapsed due to snowfall,” he said but added no one was hurt during the mishap. At Shah Gund Sonawari in District Bandipora the house of Abdul Rahim Dar collapsed leaving the 8 member family homeless. (CNS)
Army organizes medical camp in Sopore
5 Dariya News
Sopore
Army organized a medical camp at Ningli Amarpora area of North Kashmir’s Baramulla district.An Army official from 52 Rashtriya Rifles informed CNS that: “The medical camp was conducted with the aim to make available essential medical services to the economically weaker section of the local populace.” The camp, he said, stressed on the need for infant and maternal care, hygiene, veterinary cover, Dental checkup and treatment, facilities like ECG and vaccination, free counseling on eye checkup and issues like water born disease and injuries.
The medical camp received an overwhelming response by the people and was attended by hundreds of locals of all age groups, who were immensely benefited from the medical aid provided by team of Army and civil doctors,” he added.“The camp was attended by the locals of Ningli, Amarpora, Haritar, Tarzoo as well as locals from remote villages of Sopore town. A large number of ladies mostly old were also examined who were in great need of medical help and infant care,” the spokesman said. (CNS)
Tarigami urges Govt to reach out to snow affected Valley
Calls for restoration of essential services, adequate supplies of ration and fuel
5 Dariya News
Jammu
Expressing serious concern over disruption and damages caused by the snowfall across the valley especially in South Kashmir, CPI (M) State Secretary and MLA Kulgam Mohammad Yousuf TarigamiTuesday urged the government to expedite restoration of essential services and assess the damages caused to farmers and orchardists in districts like Kulgam, Pulwama, Anantnag and Shopian.In a statement issued here, Tarigami stressed the administration to restore power supplies in the areas which remained cut off due to snow and ensure adequate supplies of ration, fuel and other edible commodities in such areas without any delay.
He said people in the valley had been already bearing the brunt of hard winter supplemented by the scarcity of essential commodities and other daily needs. He urged for sensitizing the administrative machinery to come to the rescue of the affected people and make immediate efforts to restore the essential services.Referring to losses caused to horticulture Tarigami demanded immediate compensation to the affected farmers and orchardists. “Thousands of fruit and other trees are reported to have been uprooted due to latest snowfall. There should be immediate assessment of losses suffered by the farmers on account of this snowfall,” he demanded.
He observed that the government must depute an expert team to assess the losses especially in South Kashmir which has been the worst hit due to latest snowfall and demanded an early relief to the affected orchardists and farmers. “The government must address the problem of frequent power breakdowns in Kashmir Valley. Efforts should made to restore power supply as soon as possible in areas which are still reeling under darkness,” Tarigami stressed.
On water-logging in various parts of Srinagar and other areas of Kashmir, Tarigami urged the government to expedite dewatering in the inundated areas at an earliest. He said despite passing of several days, the situation continues to be grim in many rural areas. “The ongoing board and university examinations demand improvement in the power scenario. The electricity has to be restored on war footing to save the future of the student community,” Tarigami said, adding with the rise in water discharge of rivers, the government must revise the power curtailment schedule. (CNS)
CM releases Rs. 10 cr to fast-track widening of Pantha Chowk-Zewan road
5 Dariya News
Jammu
In order to find a permanent solution to the frequent traffic congestion at Pantha Chowk, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has released Rs. 10 crore as compensation for acquisition of 13 kanals of land and structures on the main National Highway from Pantha Chowk to Zewan Junction.The Planning & Development Department, which is under the charge of the Chief Minister, released the funds under the Special Area Development Programme (SADP) to fast-track the acquisition so that the work on widening of the road stretch is taken up on priority to avoid huge traffic jams that usually occur from Pantha Chowk to Zewan, causing great inconvenience to the people and commuters.The total cost of the project is Rs. 23.18 crore, out of which only Rs. 4.00 crore had been released so far. The funds released by the Government will help acquisition of land and structures as well as shifting of the essential utilities. (CNS)
Flood victims accuse Patwari of providing fake cheques
Appeals Revenue Minister for action
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
The residents of Ibrahim Colony Bemina Tuesday alleged that concerned Revenue official issued fake cheques in favour of flood victims. The residents added that they were puzzled and returned home red-faced after Bank officials did not entertain their cheques while some residents were informed that amount they supposed to withdraw have already been withdrawn from their account. The residents compalined that only Rs 12600 were given to those whose houses were fully damaged during September floods.“I received a cheque vide number (386497) from Mohalla Committee who informed that it has been given to them by Patwari Bemina Arshid Ahmed Baba. When I went to Bank to cash it, I was shocked to learn that the cheque was fake that the amount from the said cheque was already withdrawn,” Ghulam Muhammad Bhat, a Bemina resident said adding that neither Tehsidar Shalteng nor Patwari answered about the fraud committed by them.
Another resident said that concerned Patwari never bothered to assess the damage himself instead prepared a list of the affected people on the behest of some influential people in the area. “We appeal to Revenue Minister to look into the matter. We are sure that it is a big scam and the officials related to the distribution of cheques have surely looted the exchequer in the name of flood victims,” the residents told CNS adding that from past five months the Revenue official is avoid them on the pretext that he will check the records.
Despite repeated attempts, Tehsildar Shalteng Ghulam Ahmed Khan did not pick up the phone while the Patwari Arshid Ahmed Baba refuted the allegations saying that a cheque had gone missing and the matter has been resolved now. (CNS)
Two drug peddlers arrested in KulgamKulgam, March 17, CNS: Two drug peddlers were arrested by Kulgam police at two different nakas in Kulgam and recovered 02 Kg of poppy straw and 12 bottles of Codeine Phosphate from them.
Kulgam Police headed by Dy.SP Hqr Kulgam Sh. Irshad Rather laid a naka near Behibagh and arrested Showkat Ahmad Padder son of Abdul Ahad Padder resident of Hangir Yaripora and recovered 02 kg of poppy straw from his possession. A case FIR No. 20/2015 under section 15/18 NDPS was registered in Police Station Yaripora and investigation has been taken up.Meanwhile at another naka established near Demidalla another peddler Jahangir Ahmad Dhobi son of Ghulam Ahmad Dhobi resident of Budroo, Yaripora was arrested while transporting 12 bottles of Codeine phosphate. A case FIR No. 22/2015 under section 8/21 NDPS was registered against the peddler in this regard and investigation has been started. (CNS)
Girl found dead in Budgam
5 Dariya News
Budgam
Budgam police started investigation into the death of a girl who was found hanged in her cowshed in Budgam.
A 19-year old girl (name withheld) resident of Kanidajan was found hanging in her cowshed in the jurisdiction of Police Station jurisdiction of Police Station Char-i-Sharif, Budgam.Police has started investigation under section 174 CrPC to ascertain the cause of her death. After completion of medico-legal formalities, the body of the girl was handed to her relatives for last rites. (CNS)
2010 killings:Hurriyat G moves to court agains Omar and Bukhari
Court directs police to file report
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
A local Court Tuesday directed SSP Srinagar to conduct a detailed inquiry to ascertain the truthfulness or falsehood of the allegations leveled by applicant against former Chief Minister and retired top cop for their alleged role in random killings of youth during street protests in 2010.Syed Ali Geelani led Hurriyat Conference Tuesday filed a petition before Chief Judicial Magistrate Srinagar seeking registration of FIR against former chief minister, Omar Abdullah and former SSP Srinagar Ashiq Bukhari with regard to the 2010 civilian killings.Pertinently, more than 100 youth were killed during Summer Agitation in 2010 in police and government forces actions while scores of people were injured some of them critically. Reports said the application before the CJM Srinagar V.S.Bohu was filed by Hurriyat G General Secretary Ghulam Nabi Sumji through their counsil Advocate Muhammad Shafi Reshi.Advocate Muhammad Shafi Reshi informed CNS that CJM Srinagar directed SSP Srinagar to file a detailed report before his court by or before April 6 next month. (CNS)
Rule of law will be enforced strictly: IGP Kashmir
Says police will make sure congenial atmosphere with public
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
Stating that adequate attention will be paid to law and order situation in the Kashmir valley, the newly posted Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Syed Javaid Mujtaba Gilani Tuesday said that rule of law will be enforced strictly. He said that the law abiding citizens should not face any trouble by the police force.Talking to Kashmir News Service (KNS) Gilani said, “Police will not allow anybody to disturb the law and order situation in Kashmir. Rule of law will be enforced strictly to ensure peace. The police will respect law abiding citizens and I will make sure that masses should not come across any trouble from police.”“Police is for the service of public. I will make sure that the best relationship between police and the public is maintained. Police is a service and will try to give best service to the people. We will try to create congenial atmosphere so that public feels comfortable,” he said.
Asked how the police will deal with the stone pelters, the IGP said, “We have started counseling programs for those youth who indulge in stone pelting. We will try to make these youth understand their role towards the betterment of the society.”
Gilani said that the police will pursue every information they receive regarding criminal activities. “I will ask all the police heads to tighten the noose around criminals who are involved in different crimes with the sole aim to secure the lives and properties of the people and to establish peace in the society,” he said.The IGP stressed upon all ranks for adopting all positive steps for restoring public confidence in police besides ensuring early implementation on various police-public friendly policies and proposals. (KNS)
Shia community proved decisive role in PDP’s win: Abid Ansari
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
PDP MLA and brother of late Molvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari Tuesday said the Shia community deserves at least two ministries in the new government as it played ‘decisive’ role in PDP’s victory in several constituencies in Kashmir valley.“It was the Shia community that voted en-masse and extended all its support to the PDP during the assembly elections,” Abid, who won from Srinagar’s Zadibal assembly segment, told KNS in a telephonic statement.“In more than 10 assembly segments of Kashmi, the Shia community voted in huge numbers for the PDP with the hope that their grievances would be addressed if the PDP forms the new government. After the new government was formed with PDP, the community was pinning hopes that their representation in the cabinet will be ensured but they again were left disappointed,” Ansari lamented.He said several seas which the PDP won in Srinagar and other areas were due to the efforts of the Shia community which ensured maximum participation in polls to ensure PDP’s win.
“You can confirm it from Ashraf Mir who won from Somawar and defeated Omar Abdullah. It was our community which played a vital role in his win. Again in Hazartabal, the candidate won because Shias voted in large numbers. In Batamaloo and Tangmarg, it was because of our support due to which the PDP witnessed victory,” Ansari said.He added that if at the last movement the Shias would not have voted for Syed Basharat Bukhari, Sangrama would have been gone. Ansari claimed that in Chadoora, Budgam, Khansahib and Sonawari, people who voted for the PDP candidates were in large numbers the Shias. “We got our two seats from Pattan and Zadibal. If the PDD candidates at other places would have worked a little harder in their constituencies, they would have won.”
“Now when it is an established fact that the Shia community played a major role in the success of PDP during elections, it was oblivious to hope that the party would give due share to them,” he said.Ansari said that he wasn’t even called when the issue of portfolios were discussed by the government and what has disheartened his community is party’s step in undermining the role the Shias played for PDP during the elections. Meanwhile, the PDP leader hailed the measure taken by the chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed over imposing ban on the re-employment of the retired officials in the state dispensation. “The retired officials had occupied a major chunk of the key posts in the state and the step is a welcome one and his long pending demand. Not few, there were in hundreds of retired officials who were accorded the key posts in the administration. Now removing dead wood is a major step taken by the PDP government,” he said.
Omar not responsible for 2010 killings: NC
‘CoI can only unveil truth about the summer unrest’
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
Over the reports of Syed Ali Geelani led Hurriyat Conference filing a petition before court seeking registration of FIR against former chief minister, Omar Abdullah, National Conference came out in Omar’s defense on Tuesday saying he in no way in involved in the killings of 2010.Talking to KNS, the senior NC leader and party’s provincial president Nasir Aslam Wani said that Omar, the former JK chief minister is not involved in the killing that took place during summer unrest of 2010.
Substantiating his claims, Omar’s close aid and former Minister of State (MoS) Home, Nasir said that the allegations being leveled against Omar are malicious and incorrect.
He added that the chief minister cannot be held responsible for any violence taking place in the state. “There is proper machinery in the state and a rule of law. You cannot be a jury yourself and pass the judgment without ascertaining the facts,” Nasir said.Training guns against the chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Nasir said, “If Omar is accused of being responsible for 2010 killings then how could Mufti Mohammad Sayeed be given the clean chit who was the home minister when massacres like Gaw Kadal and Islamia College took place.”
“There is a commission of Inquiry that has been set up to probe 2010 killings. Let the report of the commission come and truth will be brought to fore. In my opinion, it is the court which only can decide whether anyone is responsible or not,” the NC leader opined. He also rubbished the reports that the BJP president Amit Shah was trying to woo Omar to strike a deal for the government formation in the state after assembly polls. “No, we never talked to BJP for government. Why we should have been in talks with the BJP. We are not the ones who barter principles for power.”
BJP MLA creates controversy
Wants to take oath in Mata Vaishno Devi’s name
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
As the 12th Assembly came in form Tuesday, BJP MLA Ravinder Raina triggered a fresh controversy when he wanted to take oath in name of Mata Vaishno Devi, drawing objections from the opposition.According to the KNS correspondent, it was the CPI (M) MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami who intervened terming the move by the BJP MLA ‘unconstitutional and uncalled for’. Tarigami said that the constitution doesn’t allow any person in the state of Jammu and Kashmir to go for such an action.Raina, who is an MLA from Noushera Assembly segment, came upto the Speaker's chair and took oath in the name of Mata Vaishnodevi and said "I do swear in the name of Mata Vaishnodevi.”
Tarigami objected to him first and said there is a prescribed format for taking oath in the name of God (Ishwar). "It was not provided to swear in the name of Vaishnodevi. The member can swear in the name of Ishwar," Tarigami argued.
Others from opposition, including National Conference and Congress, supported Tarigami over objection.However, Protem Speaker Mohammad Shafi intervened asking Raina to take oath in the name of God. Raina tried to convince opposition members and said "I am a worshipper of Ma Vaishnodevi and consider her as my Ishwar".He told the House that some people take oath in the names of Jesus and Allah, why can't he take the oath in the name of Mata Vaishnodevi.
People fume over erratic BSNL services
Snowfall paralyzed broadband internet, mobile in valley
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
Recent snowfall in Kashmir valley has again led to the major disruption in the BSNL networks with the subscribers left in lurch.In Srinagar alone, a daylong snowfall has punctured the claims of the BSNL of providing hassle free services to the subscribers.Reports informed KNS that the broadband services in the summer capital remained erratic throughout the day on Tuesday with the mobile users against over the continuous call drops and ‘not reachable’ mantra.Subscribers said that the BSNL authorities have once again proved how much care they have in providing what they claim the undisrupted supplies to masses. They said that the landlines, mobiles and broadband services of the BSNL remain affected throughout the day and that the authorities, like always, care a little about betterment of the services.Subscribers have appealed the state government to resolve the issue so that they could receive services as much as they pay for them.
Mufti revokes all re-employment orders
5 Dariya News
Jammu
In a bid to rid the State from the scourge of nepotism and rejuvenate administration, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today ordered with immediate effect the termination of all those employees granted re-employment by various Government departments.The Chief Minister also ordered that engagements/arrangements made by the different Departments/Public Sector Undertakings/ Boards/Autonomous Bodies under any scheme against any sanctioned posts without any selection procedure, even on contractual basis, shall also cease to exist with immediate effect.The Chief Minister issued these directions to restore the credibility of the administration, so that it works in a fair and transparent manner.The Chief Minister also ordered that any other engagements/arrangements made by the Departments, PSUs/Boards/Autonomous Bodies at their own level shall also be governed by the above instructions of the Government.
Mufti’s politics extremely dangerous: Geelani
‘Whatever he is doing is only in the interests of India’
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
Terming the politics of Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayed “extremely dangerous” for the Kashmir cause and its people, Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman Syed Ali Geelani Tuesday said “he (Mufti) is a staunch Indian and whatever he is doing is only in the interests of India.”In a statement to KNS he said, “The PDP is playing political games and the only difference between the PDP and the BJP is in their approach. BJP has an aggressive approach with regarding to the Kashmir and they forcibly want to impose its policies on Kashmir. BJP is openly expressing their stand and we also resist them but Mufti sahib is doing the same in a new way and he wants to express himself as a friend of the people. He is showing sympathy but his intention is exactly the same as of the BJP’s.”
Geelani cited the example of the Mufti’s first comments after taking over as CM in which he had said that “the Hurriyat, militants and Pakistan helped in the conduct of elections.” “It was a clear political game and the hard reality is that those who called for an election boycott were not even allowed to step out and they were either jailed or house arrested. The statement was aimed at creating confusion. Mufti sahib is holding a powerful chair and why doesn’t he make public the record of the mass crackdown before the election dramas which was launched against the entire pro-freedom leadership and the common youths,” he asked.
“Everybody knows that Pakistan had no interest in the election drama of the state and as far as the Mujahideen are concerned, how could they help in this military operation. Firstly they aren’t many, and those active are everyday fighting and sacrificing their lives and they have nothing to do with the election drama. BJP doesn’t want any pro-freedom person to live and Mufti’s aim is exactly the same but he sugarcoats it,” Geelani alleged.While citing the example of Masarat Alam’s release, the Hurriyat (G) chairman said, “He was released because there were no further grounds available for his detention. The court had regularly quashed his detention and termed his imprisonment unjustified. If he was now released after so much injustice, how can anybody take credit for it?”
While terming the reaction of BJP and the Centre to the Masarat Alam’s release as an eye-opener, he said, “This hue and cry in the Indian parliament on this issue exposed the truth behind tall claims of Indian democracy and rule of law in J&K. India has no faith in decisions taken by their own courts. We don’t run the courts that ordered Masarat Alam’s release. If you don’t respect the decisions of your own judges and courts and if you don’t want to acknowledge injustice, how can you claim of being a big democracy?”Geelani said that the change of government will have no bearing on the status of the Kashmir issue. “These governments have changed so many times in the past but the reality of Kashmir dispute is still a Himalayan truth. Until and unless the people of this region are not given the right to self determination, they will continue their struggle at any cost and in any way,” he said.
Hurriyat (G) files complaint against Omar, Bukhari in 2010 killings
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
Hurriyat Conference (G) general secretary Ghulam Nabi Sumji today filed a complaint in the court of chief judicial magistrate Srinagar against former Chief Minister Omer Abdullah and the former police officer Ashiq Hussain Bukhari “who are main accused of the 2010 killings.”“The court directed the S.S.P Srinagar to conduct inquiry in detail in this matter and submit the said report before it till the April 6. The complaint was filed by the senior high court lawyer advocate Mohammad Shafi Reshi on behalf of Sumji and the public relation secretary of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat Altaf Ahmad Shah supported it,” a Hurriyat (G) spokesman said in a statement to KNS.
He said Hurriyat Conference (G) in a meeting had decided to register a criminal case against Omer Abdullah and Ashiq Bukhari “for the innocent killings of 2010 and will try to bring the murderers of the innocent students to justice.”
“In this regard a complaint was today filed in the court of CJM Srinagar in which the Judge V.S. Bhou directed the S.S.P Srinagar to enquire into this matter and report back to the said court till April 6. We will pursue this case till the justice is done and if need arises we can take this to the state high court. All the youths of 2010 were killed in target firing and it wasn’t any case of accident. During the so-called election campaign of 2014, Omer Abdullah had many times said that the former S.S.P Srinagar Ashiq Hussain Bukhari is responsible for the killings of 2010 and then the same police officer confessed in the media that whatever he did, it was on the directions of Omer Abdullah and for doing this he (Ashiq Hussain Bukhari) had also received rewards from him,” the spokesman claimed.
Mirwaiz condemns Swamy’s remarks on mosques
‘Such communal statements can have grave consequences’
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
Strongly condemning the recent remarks made by BJP leader Subrmanyam Swamy, Ameer Muttahada Majlis-e-Ulema Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Tuesday expressed disgust over the BJP leader’s remarks where he said that mosques are not religious places but merely buildings which can be demolished anytime. In a statement to KNS he said, “A mosque is not merely a building but a sacred space for worship and a place once declared a mosque remains holy to Muslims for eternity. No one, not even Muslims can demolish mosques.”Mirwaiz said that those playing the politics of religion and following the Hindutva agenda, from time to time make derogatory remarks against Islam and the Prophet Muhammad P.B.U.H, with the aim to incite Muslims and polarise people in order to appease their constituency and gain political mileage out of such remarks. Reminding the government that it is their duty to stop these miscreants from making such utterances he warned that such communal statements can have grave consequences.
Other members of the Majlis -e -Ulema who also strongly condemned the statement made by Subramanyam Swamy include Majlis-E-Tahfuz Imaan’s President and Dar-ul –aloom Rahemiyaa’s Parton Maulana Rehmat-Ullah Mir alongwith Jammiyate- Ahle-hadees J&K, Jamat-e-Islami J&K, Anjuman Shariah Shayaan J&K, Dar-ul-Uloom Bilaliya, Dar-ul-Qasmiyaa, Ittehad-ul-Muslameen J&K, Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam, Anjuman Tableeg-ul-Islam, Anjuman Himayat-ul-Islam, Karavan Islami J&K, Jammiyat-e- Hamdaniya, Muslim Personal Board, Anjuman Nadvah-Tul-Ullama, Anjuman Mazhar-ul-Haq, Anjuman-i-Auqaf-Jama Masjid, International Khatem-i-Nabuwwat and Anjuman-e- Aima Masajid.
Mirwaiz appealed to all the Imaams to deliver khutbah’s on the coming Friday highlighting the significance of Mosques in the light of Quran and Hadith.Mirwaiz also expressed grief on the demise of Maulana Pir Muhammad Yahya, brother of Maulana Shafi Qureshi of Dangi Wacha Rafiabad and advocate Akbar Rafi-ud-din, brother of Professor Muhammad Yaseen Kirmani. Expressing his solidarity and sympathy with the families of the deceased he prayed for the souls of the departed.
Azad for early completion of Udhampur- Baramulla Railway project
Says it will spur trade, tourism, integration
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad, underlined the need of early completion of Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway line saying this will lead to tourism, trade and social/ national integration.
Azad was speaking on the Railway Budget today as the Railway Minister was to wrap up the discussion before moving the motion to seek approval of Rajya Sabha to the proposals.Underscoring the importance of this vital railway project which will connect Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country, he said that upon completion, the benefits of trade, tourism and national integration will flow profuse out of it.Azad especially mentioned about handicrafts and fruits of Kashmir valley saying these sectors will receive tremendous fillip due to rail connectivity and unleash the economic potential of the State to the full.“Job opportunities for the youth of the State will increase and economic activity will ignite”, said Azad. He also said that there will be quantum jump in tourist inflow as the journey by train will be cheap, safe and interesting for the travelers.
Drawing attention of Railway Minister towards the Sreedharan Committee which has reportedly recommended changes in the alignment, Azad said that this would cause further delay in the actualization of railway connectivity with Kashmir valley of the rest of the country.
Citing statistics, Azad said “delays lead to massive cost escalation and this strains the finances of the Railway Ministry”.
Expressing serious concern over the reported plans to shelve Kauri- Bakkal Railway Bridge on river Chenab, Azad said that this will inordinately delay the project and may take decades to connect J&K State with the rest of the country.Azad said Kauri- Bakkal Rail Bridge is a prestigious and unique engineering marvel that will come up as world’s highest railway bridge and leaving it halfway will be a big disappointment for the people of Jammu & Kashmir.Referring to Millau Viaduct bridgein Southern France, Azad wondered if a 323 meter high bridge can sustain for decades, why the bridge of 359 meters from river-bed can be a challenge.He said, frequent change of alignments, has caused huge losses in terms of time and cost overruns and that the reported proposal to abandon the Kauri- Bakkal railway bridge will neither be good economically nor otherwise.
Urging the Railway Minister to lay new railway lines in J&K State, Azad emphasized that Jammu-Poonch, Doda-Kishtwar and Baramulla-Kupwara-Tangdhar may be sanctioned for extending railway connectivity to all the parts of the State.
Azad also suggested to the Railway Minister to rent out the exterior walls of the trains for advertising and promotional activities, as this will fetch revenues to the Railways besides making them colourful, attractive and clean.He also called for profitable use of idle railway lands around the railway stations by devising appropriate policies in Public-Private Partnership mode and in consultation with other Ministries. Azad also recalled the MOU signed between Railway Ministry & Health Ministry to set up Hospitals and Medical Colleges on idle Railway lands.
Reach out to snow affected Valley: Tarigami to govt
Calls for restoration of essential services, adequate supplies of ration, fuel
5 Dariya News
Jammu
Expressing serious concern over disruption and damages caused by the snowfall across the valley especially in South Kashmir, CPI (M) State Secretary and MLA Kulgam Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami Tuesday urged the government to expedite restoration of essential services and assess the damages caused to farmers and orchardists in districts like Kulgam, Pulwama, Anantnag and Shopian.In a statement to KNS, Tarigami stressed the administration to restore power supplies in the areas which remained cut off due to snow and ensure adequate supplies of ration, fuel and other edible commodities in such areas without any delay. He said people in the valley had been already bearing the brunt of hard winter supplemented by the scarcity of essential commodities and other daily needs. He urged for sensitizing the administrative machinery to come to the rescue of the affected people and make immediate efforts to restore the essential services.Referring to losses caused to horticulture Tarigami demanded immediate compensation to the affected farmers and orchardists. “Thousands of fruit and other trees are reported to have been uprooted due to latest snowfall. There should be immediate assessment of losses suffered by the farmers on account of this snowfall,” he demanded.
He observed that the government must depute an expert team to assess the losses especially in South Kashmir which has been the worst hit due to latest snowfall and demanded an early relief to the affected orchardists and farmers. “The government must address the problem of frequent power breakdowns in Kashmir Valley. Efforts should be made to restore power supply as soon as possible in areas which are still reeling under darkness,” Tarigami stressed.On water-logging in various parts of Srinagar and other areas of Kashmir, Tarigami urged the government to expedite dewatering in the inundated areas at an earliest. He said despite passing of several days, the situation continues to be grim in many rural areas. “The ongoing board and university examinations demand improvement in the power scenario. The electricity has to be restored on war footing to save the future of the student community,” Tarigami said, adding with the rise in water discharge of rivers, the government must revise the power curtailment schedule.
Rashid brings bill in Assembly to curb dog menace
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
In the upcoming Assembly session, MLA Langate Engineer Rashid has brought a bill to curb severe dog menace in the State.
In a statement to KNS he said, “The bill to curb the menace of street dogs covers holistic paradigms of this burning issue. It entails empowering respective Municipal Corporations, municipal committees in urban areas and Village Panchayats in rural areas to kill stray dogs with the permission of concerned Tehsildars. The bill also includes a provision of providing ten lakhs to the family of deceased humans as a result of dog bite and five lakhs to injured.”“In the wake of heart rending death of two minors at Lachipora Handwara bringing this bill to curb menace of dogs has become all more important. We had brought street dogs in Secretariat as a reaction to unabated dog menace few years back as a result Government at that time took measures but which were more cosmetic than concrete in nature. We need to frame such laws and find a middle ground that does not collide with Supreme Court directions on this important issue as curbing dog menace is a humanitarian issue,” he said.Engineer Rashid appealed all the parties to rise above petty politics and support this important bill having direct bearing on life and safety of common masses.
Jamiat Ahlihadees ex officer bearer lodges complaint against Swami
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
Former secretary general of Jamiat Ahlihadees Jammu Kashmir Abdul Rehman Bhat has lodged a complaint against BJP leader Subramanyam Swami for his recent remarks about masjids.Swami while addressing a gathering in Assam had said that “the Masjids are not religious place but a building for offering prayer and hence there is no fault in demolishing Masjids’’Bhat in his complaint addressed to Jammu Kashmir government through chief secretary, DC Srinagar and SSP Srinagar has asked them to lodge an FIR against Swami under RPC sections 153-A, 295-A, and 120-B.In is his complaint Bhat said, “It is obvious that the organization organizing that public meeting in collaboration with Dr. Swamy hatched criminal conspiracy with the deliberated and malicious intention of outraging the religious felling of Muslim Ummah and has thus insulted the religion of Islam and the religious beliefs of Muslim.”
“The aforesaid statement has also been made by the said Dr Swamy so that the participants in the meeting could use criminal force to demolish the masques wherever they find an occasion to do so. The statements made by the said Dr Swamy has been condemned by a large number of political and religious organizations and even by Krishak Mukti Sangram Samti a peasant body in the state of Assam has lodged an fir against him at Latasil police station, Assam,” he said.“Since by making the aforesaid statements in the public meeting the said Dr. Swamy has maliciously outraged the feelings of Muslims of Kashmir including myself, therefore, I want a complaint under section 153-A, 295-A read with 120-B of RPC be filed against him in court of law so that he is prosecuted and punished for his deliberate and malicious intention of outraging the religious felling of Muslims of Kashmir also promote enmity among people on the ground of religion,” Bhat said.“The matter being of utmost importance, it shall be appreciated if necessary action is taken without any delay, as the subject can generate any unpleasant development if correction measures are not taken,” he added.
CM releases Rs. 10 cr to fast-track widening of Pantha Chowk-Zewan road
Acquisition of land, structures will ease traffic congestion
5 Dariya News
Jammu
In order to find a permanent solution to the frequent traffic congestion at Pantha Chowk, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has released Rs. 10 crore as compensation for acquisition of 13 kanals of land and structures on the main National Highway from Pantha Chowk to Zewan Junction.The Planning and Development Department, which is under the charge of the Chief Minister, released the funds under the Special Area Development Programme (SADP) to fast-track the acquisition so that the work on widening of the road stretch is taken up on priority to avoid huge traffic jams that usually occur from Pantha Chowk to Zewan, causing great inconvenience to the people and commuters.The total cost of the project is Rs. 23.18 crore, out of which only Rs. 4.00 crore had been released so far. The funds released by the Government will help acquisition of land and structures as well as shifting of the essential utilities.
Bukhari takes stock of NH clearance, reviews relief measures
5 Dariya News
Udhampur
Minister for R&B, Floriculture, Garden and Parks, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari today convened a meeting at Udhampur to take stock of restoration work of Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH) at Kheri.He also reviewed the relief measures being put in place for the stranded passengers by the district administration.The Minister directed the district administration to maintain close coordination with army and 35 BRTF for early restoration of National Highway and emphasized on providing requisite assistance to the stranded passengers. During the meeting, the Minister also reviewed the various developmental projects and achievements of various departments. He directed the concerned officers to redouble their efforts to achieve the targets in stipulated time frame.
Bukhari said that the administration would be made more accountable to provide better services to the people and ensure visible change on ground.District Development Commissioner, Yasha Mudgal apprised about the measures taken by the district administration to provide relief to the passengers stranded in Udhampur due to landslide.Among others, Chief Engineers PWD, Secretary Technical, R&B, Joint Director Planning, Senior Superintendent of Police, senior officers of civil, Police, BRTF and Army were also present in the meeting.
Naeem reviews RUSA
Calls for creating proper academic atmosphere on campus
5 Dariya News
Jammu
Stressing on creation of a proper academic atmosphere on campus in all higher educational institutions across the State, Minister for Education, Naeem Akhtar today said that the Principals of the Degree Colleges need to lead by example so that the students are inspired and consider them as their role models.The Minister was speaking on the occasion of one day Conference of Principals of Government Degree Colleges of the State organized by the Higher Education Department. The Minister said there is need to generate proper academic atmosphere in educational institutions in the State which can happen only through teacher skill development. “Refresher courses and skill development programmes should be made mandatory for academicians across the State” Akhtar said.
Minister for Public Works, Floriculture, Gardens and Parks, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari and Minister of State for Education, Information and Culture, Priya Sethi were also present on the occasion.Emphasizing on developing students with skills, the Minister said that it is important that Colleges offer latest courses that equip students to meet the demands of the Private sector. He said students should be imparted applied knowledge, rather than bookish in subjects like Tourism, Sericulture etc so that they are equipped for the job market.
The Minister directed Principals of Government Degree College for Women, Nawakadal and Anantnag, where subjects like Tourism and Sericulture are being taught to develop a mechanism through which students with these subjects can be tracked. This tracking system will help determine career growth of students with these subjects. The Principals were asked to submit a feedback in this regard within one month.On the occasion, Commissioner Secretary Higher Education gave a brief on issues pertaining to various ongoing construction works being carried out by different executing agencies in colleges across the State. The Minister for Public Works assured to follow up these issues on priority so that the said projects are completed on time and academics do not suffer.
Urging the concerned officers for timely completion of construction works, Education Minister directed Chief Engineer R&B, Jammu to be the nodal officer for monitoring the status of such works under execution by different agencies in both the divisions of the State. The Minister also took review of Rastriya Uchchtar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) a centrally sponsored scheme for improving access, equity and quality in the State’s Higher Education System. The Minister said that to improve the standard of higher education in the State it is important to bring in academic reforms such as introduction of semester system, Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) in Government Degree Colleges of the State. He said that though the CBCS has been introduce at the PG level in the State Universities, the process to introduce this system in Government Degree Colleges should be hastened. “Giving choice to students in selection of allied elective subjects besides the core ones will add value to their degrees”, the Minister said, adding that student should be made aware about such programmes through developing a counselling system in the colleges.
On vocationalization, the Minister said well-designed job oriented courses/subjects viz food processing, craft management, etc should be introduced in the Government Degree Colleges.Minister of State for Education, Priya Sethi also spoke on the importance of introducing reforms in the State higher education system, so that overall quality of State institutions is improved and learning outcomes given an impetus. She added that there is need to have adequate availability of quality faculty in all higher educational institutions across the State to impart quality education.
Zulfkar inaugurates 2-day Gojri Literature and Cultural meet
Stresses on preservation of regional dialect
5 Dariya News
Jammu
Minister for CAPD & Tribal Affairs, Chowdhary Zulfkar inaugurated two day state level Gojri Literature and cultural meet organized by JKAACL at K. L. Saigal Hall here today.Appreciating the organizers of the meet, the Minister said that such events provide an appropriate forum to hold deliberations on novel initiatives for preserving and promoting the regional dialect and literature. He said that the government is focusing on development of all sections of the society for which a number of reformative measures are being initiated at all level. “The focus of the coalition government is to bring forward the people who have been, so far, neglected in their share of progress and prosperity”, the Minister maintained.The Minister called upon the writers and intellectuals to strive for promotion of Gojri languages and work for the Gujjar and Bakerwal community. He further stressed upon the need promoting the regional languages.
Reaffirming Government’s endeavor to ensure equitable growth opportunities to all the sections of the society the Minister said that the government has created a separate ministry for tribal to ensure their overall development with special emphasis on their education. He also assured that the demand for inclusion of Gojri language in the 8th schedule would also be projected at the concerned forum.Describing Radio as an effective medium of information dissemination especially in the hilly areas, the Minister said the matter of enhancing frequency of Gojri programme and bulletin on radio and Doordarshan on daily basis would be discussed with Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.Referring to the loss of important Gojri literature of JKAACL in floods, the Minister assured that all possibility would be explored to arrange funds from tribal ministry for the recollection and reprinting of the material.
The Minister said that efforts would also be initiated to work out a strategy for inclusion of Gojri language as a subject in schools and colleges.Dr. Javaid Rahi Chief Editor JKAACL highlighted the activities of the Academy, and informed that this year 20 books in Gojri, English and Urdu on different aspects of Gujjar Culture and heritage are being published.
Among others, Secretary JKAACL, Additional Secretary JKAACL besides prominent personalities of Gujjar and Bakerwal communities were present on the occasion.
Veeri reviews progress on renovation works at Shahdara Sharief
5 Dariya News
Jammu
Minister for Haj, Auqaf and Horticulture, A.R. Veeri today reviewed the progress on renovation works at Ziarat Shahdara Sharief at a meeting of officers held here under his chairmanship.It was informed in the meeting that works to the tune of Rs. 1.28 core, including the construction of Kitchen block were taken up during the previous year and Rs. 24 lakh were spent till date. The work has been stopped by the executing agency due to lack of funds, the meeting was informed.The Minister directed the concerned to re-examine the existing project report and formulate a revised DPR so that the funds are arranged. He directed for submission of fresh DPR expeditiously for approval of funds by the government so that the unfinished works could be completed well in time at the Shrine.Secretary Revenue, Mohammad Afzal Bhat, Special Officer, Auqaf, Abdul Sattar, Administrator Auqaf Rajouri, Members of Waqaf Council, Executive Engineer, R&B, Executive Engineer, Auqaf, besides other senior officers of concerned departments attended the meeting.
Expert team channelizes water flow at Phuktal river blockade
NCMC reviews latest situation
5 Dariya News
Jammu
The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), headed by the Union Cabinet Secretary, Ajit Seth, Tuesday reviewed the progress made by the expert team in creating a passage for the flow of water at the Phuktal river blockade site.The expert team, it was told, has been able to dig a channel using explosives in a controlled blasting operation over 3 day period from March 13th to 16th. The flow of water through the channel which is 100 m long, 2 m wide and 2 m deep has started and it is expected that the breach will gradually deepen and widen on its own as the days progress.Chief Secretary, Iqbal Khandey, Principal Secretary Planning and Development, B R Sharma, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir/ Jammu, Secretary Revenue, Secretary PHE & I&FC and Deputy Commissioner Kargil participated in the meeting via video conferencing.It was informed that an Automatic Water Level Sensor has been installed at Pukhtal Gompa from which flow (water level) data is being relayed after every 15 minutes. Water level has seen steady increase and for the next 72 hours daily aerial video surveillance on the flow of water shall be carried out. Two Camerapersons from the State Information Department have also been embedded with the team for facilitating video streaming of the operation.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary asked Deputy Commissioner Kargil, to ensure that the shifted civilian population comprising 257 persons is provided all the essential stuff including Ration, Kerosene, Water, firewood and other items at their present location. “There safety should be ensured at all costs and it must be ensured that nobody goes close to the river banks. They should be provided all essential stuff”, Chief Secretary stressed.Khandey said there is an apprehension that with gradual increase in temperature, the danger of sudden flow of large volume of water will also rise, as such; people need to be kept at safer places and water levels monitored round the clock.
BJP leader thanks center for holding employment fair
5 Dariya News
Baramulla
The senior Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Muhammad Anwar Khan on Tuesday thanked the Central Government for conducting two-day employment-cum-recruitment drive camp at Government College Baramulla here in north Kashmir.
Khan, who today visited, the fair said he had requested Union Government and Udaan Corporate to conduct the fair which the government accepted. He said under Project Udaan nearly 40 thousand youth from Jammu and Kashmir would get employed in next 5 years. The youth from various parts of the Valley attended the fair while many of them were interviewed.The BJP leader said that he requested Centre to employ more schemes for the people particularly the youths of Jammu and Kashmir. He said he is hopeful that other requests regarding schemes would be accepted by the Central government.Meanwhile, many youth have thanked Khan for taking up the initiative with the government.
‘Sonth’, Literary Fest, to begin on March 28
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
Eminent writers, scholars and poets will participate in Sonth, the Jammu and Kashmir Literary Festival. The three-day fest will be organized at at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC).Minister for Finance, Labour Employment and Culture Dr Haseeb Drabu will inaugurate Sonth on March 28.The event is spread over five business sessions. Sonth will focus on the changing life and times of Jammu and Kashmir as reflected in art, literature, media, cinema and other creative works.The panel of each business session shall comprise litterateurs, opinion makers and artistes of high merit.After the inaugural session at 11 am, the first business session of Sonth will be organized at 2 pm the same day, on the theme of ‘Women and Youth in Literature, Art and Alternate Media’ of Jammu and Kashmir.
The session will begin with a beautiful cultural presentation. After this, the panelists will lead the discussion, moderated by the anchor. After the initial phase of discussion, session will be open for audience interaction. Each session will be structured in the same way.On the second day, viz. March 29, the second business session of Sonth will be organized at 11 am on the theme, ‘Adab, Siyasat aur Sahafat (Literature, Politics and Journalism)’. On the same day, the third business session will be organized at 3 pm on the theme, ‘Islam in Kashmiri Ethos’.On the third and final day, the theme of the morning session at 11 am is ‘Contemporary art movement in J&K and its challenges’. The theme for the afternoon session at 3 pm will be ‘Protest expression in Literature, Art and Alternate Media of J&K’.Sonth is being organized by Lehar, an NGO, in collaboration with the J&K Tourism Department.
Srinagar-Jammu highway remains closed for second day, 2000 vehicles stranded
Air traffic resumes, train service remains suspended
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
The Jammu-Srinagar highway, the only surface link connectivity Valley with the outside world remained closed for the second day today, while the airlines resumed operations, even as fresh snowfall and rains were reported from many area of the Valley.Officials told GNS that 300-km long Srinagar-Jammu highway remained closed for vehicular traffic for the second day today due to landslides at several places in Ramban and Udhampur districts including Nasri, Hangni, Gaoo and Kheri. Though Beacon pressed into service their men and machinery to clear the landslides, the fresh rain and snowfall around Jawahar Tunnel hampered their operations.“More than 2000 Jammu bound light and heavy vehicles are stranded at several places in the twin districts of Ramban and Udhampur,” an official at the traffic control room told GNS.
“No vehicle was allowed to ply on the highway because of the inclement weather. Efforts are on to make the highway through. If weather remains pleasant, the highway will reopen tomorrow and stranded traffic will be allowed first to move,” the official added.Besides the highway, the train service also remained closed for the second running day due to the accumulation of snow on the tracks in south Kashmir. However, late night reports said that the tracks were cleared and that the service might be resumed on Wednesday morning.The air traffic, which remained affected for a day due to poor visibility, also resumed. All the flights operated at the Sheikh ul Alam international airport.Meanwhile, the MeT department has predicted that snow/rain will occur at isolated places across Jammu and Kashmir in next 24-hours. (GNS)
Six house among 12 structures collapse in Baramulla
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
At least eleven structures, including six residential houses collapsed on Tuesday after heavy snowfall and incessant rains caused link sinking in Kandi area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.Officials told GNS that heavy downpour led to the collapse of eleven structures, including seven residential houses in Laridoora village of Kandi, Baramulla early this morning. While six residential houses were completely damaged, five cowsheds also collapsed causing death of over 35 cattle. The structures, officials said collapsed after the land sank in the village.“No loss of life has been reported from the affected area,” officials said, adding that the area is landslide prone. (GNS)
JCO among 21 army men injured in Rajouri mishap
5 Dariya News
Rajouri
At least twenty one army soldiers including a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) were injured after a vehicle in which they were travelling in skidded off the road and fell into a george near Line of Control (LoC) in Nowshera sector of Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir.Official sources told GNS said that an army vehicle of 54 RR overturned near Kalsain in Nowshera sector resulting in injuries to 21 soldiers including a JCO.All the injured were rushed to nearby hospital where from five airlifted to military hospital Udhampur in serious conditions, they said.
Meanwhile, police has registered a case and started further investigations in this regard.A senior army official while confirming the incident said that the army vehicle skidded off the road near Jhangar in Rajauri resulting in injuries to 21persons traveling in the vehicle.“The vehicle was carrying army persons for practice firing when the incident happened. Five injured have been evacuated to Command Hospital at Udhampur and their condition is stable. The others with minor injuries were treated at a local Army hospital”, he said. (GNS)
Burglar arrested stolen goods recovered
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
Police on Tuesday claimed to have arrested a burglar and recovered large quantity of stolen goods from his possession from Kangan area of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.SDPO, Kangan, Mushtaq Choudhary while talking to reporters said that a police team headed by SHO Kangan Rayees Hassan during a routine naka stopped an auto rickshaw. After being stopped the vehicle, the driver was seen in a suspicious position who was later detained by the police party.“During checking, large quantity of goods was found inside the load carrier. The load carried was stolen from Kotibagh area of Srinagar,” the officer said.During sustained questioning, the driver disclosed that he had stolen the load carried and later used the same to commit burglary of a shop in Kangan during the intervening night of 16/17 March.
“The gang has many members. Their modus operandi was to steal a vehicle, mostly from Srinagar city, and use the same for burglaries in far flung areas of Valley,” the officer said, adding “Later the gang would dispose of the stolen goods at another places,”The officer identified the accused as Sher Jaan of Arigam, Bandipora at present Nishat here. He said manhunt is on to nab other members of the gang.The officer said that the police had received several complaints about burglary in the area. He said with the arrest of Sheraz, police was hopeful to solve many burglary cases.“A case under FIR no. 15/2015 under section 457, 380 was registered and further investigations taken up”, he said. (GNS)
9 more test positive for Swine Flu; toll 387
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
Three more persons were tested positive for deadly virus Swine Flu in Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Soura on Tuesday, an official said here.PRO SKIMS, Kulsoom Bhat in a statement issued to GNS said the toll of infected persons have climbed to 387 in Kashmir Valley. However, the spokesperson said, no death was reported in last 24 hours.“Also 41 patients were seen today and 8 fresh samples including four from army were taken .One patients is admitted in isolation ward,” she said. (GNS)
CM releases Rs. 10 cr to fast-track widening of Pantha Chowk-Zewan road
Acquisition of land, structures will ease traffic congestion
5 Dariya News
Jammu
In order to find a permanent solution to the frequent traffic congestion at Pantha Chowk, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has released Rs. 10 crore as compensation for acquisition of 13 kanals of land and structures on the main National Highway from Pantha Chowk to Zewan Junction, an official in a statement issued to GNS said.
CM takes oath as elected Member of 12th Legislative Assembly
5 Dariya News
Jammu
Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed was today administered oath as elected Member of the 12th J&K Legislative Assembly by the Pro-tem Speaker Mohammad Shafi, an official in a statement issued to GNS said.The Chief Minister was the first to take oath, followed by the other Members who have been elected to the Legislative Assembly of Jammu & Kashmir State, the official said. (GNS)
Pro-tem Speaker administers oath to elected members of 12th LA
5 Dariya News
Jammu
Pro-tem Speaker Mohammad Shafi today administered oath to the elected Members of the 12th Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly here.The Members who took oath were Abdul Rehman Bhat (Veeri), Chander Parkash, Javaid Mustafa Mir, Ch Lal Singh, Abdul Haq Khan, Syed Basharat Ahmed Bukhari, Sukhnandan Kumar, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali, Sajad Gani Lone, Haseeb A Drabu, Ghulam Nabi Lone, Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen Shah, Nawang Ringzin Jora, Mubarak Gul, Omar Abdullah, Dr. Nirmal Kumar Singh, Mian Altaf Ahmad, Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, Bali Bhagat, Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, Abdul Majid Padder, Mohammad Ashraf Mir, Abdul Ghani Kohli, Priya Sethi, Pawan Kumar Gupta, Zahoor Ahmad Mir, Sham Lal Choudhary, Mushtaq Ahmad Shah, Kavinder Gupta, Raja Manzoor Ahmed Khan, Shah Mohd Tantray, Abdul Rashid Dar, Usman Abdul Majid, Ajaz Ahmed Khan, Devender Singh Rana, Javed Ahmed Rana, Nazir Ahmad Khan, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, Syed Farooq Ahmad Andrabi, Abid Hussain Ansari, Javid Hassan Baig, Mohd Yousuf Bhat, Qamar Hussain, Abdul Rahim Rather, Yawar Ahmad Mir, Sat Paul Sharma (CA), Rajesh Gupta, Ajay Nanda, Dina Nath, Ranbir Singh Pathania, Dr Devinder Kumar Manyal, Dr. Kirshan Lal, Ravinder Raina, Syed Mohammad Baqir Rizvi, Deldan Namgail, Mumtaz Ahmed, Asgar Ali Karbalaie, Ch Mohd Akram, Gulzar Ahmad Wani, Ishfaq Ahmad Sheikh, Altaf Ahmad Wani, Mohammad Amin Bhat, Mohd. Abass Wani, Syed Noor Mohd Sheikh, Aijaz Ahmad Mir, Anjum Fazili, Jewan Lal, Rajiv Jasrotia, Kuldeep Raj, Kamal Verma, Dr. Gagan Bhagat, Rajeev Sharma, Bashir Ahmad Dar, Mohd. Khalil Band, Daleep Singh, Shakti Raj, Ab. Majeed, Sunil Kumar Sharma, Neelam Kumar Langeh, Ghulam Mohd Saroori, Ali Mohd Sagar, Ian Raza Ansari, Mohammad Akbar Lone, Asiea Naqash, Abdul Rashid Sheikh, Shamim Firdous and Vikar Rasool Wani.(GNS)
9 members take oath as MLCs
5 Dariya News
Jammu
Chairman, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council Ait Malhotra today administered oath to 9 newly elected Members of the upper House.The members who took oath were Yasir Reashi, Anayat Ali, Chering Dorjay, Javid Ahmad, Qasir Jamshid Lone, Sajad Ahmad Kichloo, Charnajit Singh, Surender Kumar Choudhry and Vibod Gupta. (GNS)
8 candidates notified as MLCs
5 Dariya News
Jammu
According to Bulletin issued by the Secretary, Legislative Council, 8 candidates have been notified as Members of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council to fill the vacancies caused in the J&K Legislative Council on 09-03-2015 and 16-03-2015 respectively.The included, Anayat Ali, Chering Dorjay, Javid Ahmad, Qasir Jamshid Lone, Sajad Ahmad Kichloo, Charnajit Singh, Surender Kumar Choudhry and Vibod Gupta.The term of these Members will start from 17-03-2015 and expire on16-03-2021.(GNS)
Naeem nominated leader in LC
5 Dariya News
Jammu
According to Bulletin issued by the Secretary, Legislative Council, Chief Minister, Jammu and Kashmir has nominated Naeem Akhter, Minister for Education as the Leader of the Council in pursuance of section 2 (g) of the rules of procedure and Conduct of Business in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council.(GNS)
Altaf Bukhari takes stock of NH clearance, reviews relief measures
5 Dariya News
Udhampur
Minister for R&B, Floriculture, Garden and Parks, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari today convened a meeting at Udhampur to take stock of restoration work of Jammu- Srinagar National Highway(NH) at Kheri .He also reviewed the relief measures being put in place for the stranded passengers by the district administration.The Minister directed the district administration to maintain close coordination with army and 35 BRTF for early restoration of National Highway and emphasized on providing requisite assistance to the stranded passengers.During the meeting, the Minister also reviewed the various developmental projects and achievements of various departments. He directed the concerned officers to redouble their efforts to achieve the targets in stipulated time frame.
Bukhari said that the administration would be made more accountable to provide better services to the people and ensure visible change on ground.District Development Commissioner, s. Yasha Mudgal apprised about the measures taken by the district administration to provide relief to the passengers stranded in Udhampur due to landslide .Among others, Chief Engineers PWD, Secretary Technical, R&B, Joint Director Planning, Senior Superintendent of Police, senior officers of civil, Police, BRTF and Army were also present in the meeting.(GNS)
One day conference of Principals of Govt Degree Colleges
Naeem reviews RUSA
5 Dariya News
Jammu
Stressing on creation of a proper academic atmosphere on campus in all higher educational institutions across the State, Minister for Education, Naeem Akhtar today said that the Principals of the Degree Colleges need to lead by example so that the students are inspired and consider them as their role models.The Minister was speaking on the occasion of one day Conference of Principals of Government Degree Colleges of the State organized by the Higher Education Department. The Minister said there is need to generate proper academic atmosphere in educational institutions in the State which can happen only through teacher skill development. “Refresher courses and skill development programmes should be made mandatory for academicians across the State” Akhtar said.
Minister for Public Works, Floriculture, Gardens and Parks, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari and Minister of State for Education, Information and Culture, Priya Sethi were also present on the occasion.Emphasizing on developing students with skills, the Minister said that it is important that Colleges offer latest courses that equip students to meet the demands of the Private sector. He said students should be imparted applied knowledge, rather than bookish in subjects like Tourism, Sericulture etc so that they are equipped for the job market.The Minister directed Principals of Government Degree College for Women, Nawakadal and Anantnag, where subjects like Tourism and Sericulture are being taught to develop a mechanism through which students with these subjects can be tracked.
This tracking system will help determine career growth of students with these subjects. The Principals were asked to submit a feedback in this regard within one month.On the occasion, Commissioner Secretary Higher Education gave a brief on issues pertaining to various ongoing construction works being carried out by different executing agencies in colleges across the State. The Minister for Public Works assured to follow up these issues on priority so that the said projects are completed on time and academics do not suffer.Urging the concerned officers for timely completion of construction works, Education Minister directed Chief Engineer R&B, Jammu to be the nodal officer for monitoring the status of such works under execution by different agencies in both the divisions of the State.
The Minister also took review of Rastriya Uchchtar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) a centrally sponsored scheme for improving access, equity and quality in the State’s Higher Education System. The Minister said that to improve the standard of higher education in the State it is important to bring in academic reforms such as introduction of semester system, Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) in Government Degree Colleges of the State. He said that though the CBCS has been introduce at the PG level in the State Universities, the process to introduce this system in Government Degree Colleges should be hastened. “Giving choice to students in selection of allied elective subjects besides the core ones will add value to their degrees”, the Minister said, adding that student should be made aware about such programmes through developing a counselling system in the colleges.On vocationalization, the Minister said well-designed job oriented courses/subjects viz food processing, craft management, etc should be introduced in the Government Degree Colleges.
Minister of State for Education, Priya Sethi also spoke on the importance of introducing reforms in the State higher education system, so that overall quality of State institutions is improved and learning outcomes given an impetus. She added that there is need to have adequate availability of quality faculty in all higher educational institutions across the State to impart quality education. (GNS)