Structures damage in fire

 Fire broke out in the residential house of Abdul Majeed Ganie and Ghulam Mohammad
Ganie, sons of Abdul Gaffar at Tehsil Chowk, Baramulla, falling under the jurisdiction of police station Baramulla, resulting
in complete damage to the residential house and seven shops. The cause of the fire is being ascertained.
Fire broke out at village Akipora Behibag, Kulgam falling under the jurisdiction
of police station Yaripora,
resulting in partial damage to the house of Mohammad Ramzan Rather, son of Abdul Rashid, resident of Akkipora,
Kulgam. The cause of the fire is being ascertained.
Fire broke out in Gujjar Basti, Gulshanpora, Tral falling under the jurisdiction
of police station, Awantipora,
resulting in damage to the residential houses and cowshed of Abdullah Gujjar, son of Dina, Nazir Ahmad Gujjar,
son of Abdullah and Rashid Gujjar son-in-law of Abdullah, residents of Gujjar Basti, Gulshanpora, Tral. However, no loss of life or injury was reported in this incident. The cause of the fire is being ascertained.
During the intervening night of 29/30.12.2011, fire broke out in the residential house of Ghulam Hassan Ahanger, son of Ghulam Mohammad, resident of Gulshan colony, Khonmoh, Srinagar, falling under the jurisdiction of police station Panthachowk, resulting in damage
to the house. However, no loss of life or injury was reported
in this incident. The cause of the fire is being ascertained.

Army Chief opposes AFSPA withdrawal

Warning that partial revocation of AFSPA from Jammu and Kashmir will create terrorist 'sanctuaries', Army Chief General V K Singh has said dilution of the controversial Act will be 'detrimental' to national interest.
The Army Chief said, "Just one summer of peace does not mean normalcy... Diluting of AFSPA in any form will be detrimental to national interest."
He said though the Army has not operated in some parts of Kashmir, if AFSPA is revoked, "Army will not have legal protection to operate even if situation goes bad."
The Army Chief was asked why the force was opposing partial withdrawal of AFSPA from the state.
Noting that the Army would be constrained in operations against terrorists, he said, "Partial revocation of AFSPA will result in emergence of sanctuaries and safe havens for terrorists."
General Singh said though the degree of violence has decreased in the state,terror infrastructure in PoK was still intact.
"The operational flexibility of troops will be severely restricted and efforts to stabilize and consolidate the situation in the state will receive a setback," he said.
Mentioning that there were issues related to safety of Army personnel located in non-AFSPA areas, General Singh said, "One should not view security situation of reduced violence in one summer, but allow consolidation of gains made before taking a call on revocation of AFSPA."
Maintaining that the withdrawal of the Act from Jammu and Kashmir willhamper the security forces' operations against terrorist groups and will bring terror attacks back to the state, Army has been opposing the moves for partial revocation of the controversial Act.
It may be recalled that withdrawal of AFSPA issues has snowballed into a major controversy after its unilateral announcement by the J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah a few months back. The defence ministry has also
been opposing the move on the plea that all the stakeholders on this issue should be taken into confidence before any decision is taken on AFSPA issue.
The union home minister P Chidambaram had supported the move on the plea that there was improvement in the situation and things could move forward on this issue but discussions should be held with all the parties involved in it. He had also supported the move for para-military forces
shouldering the responsibility in the counter-insurgency operations.

Sahitya Akademi Award for 2 J&K writers

Two prominent writers from Jammu and Kashmir, Prof. Lalit Magotra and Naseem Shafaie, were among the several litterateurs conferred with the coveted Sahitya Akademi Award for the year 2011. While Magotra has bagged the award for his collection of Dogri essays titled ‘Cheten Diyan Galiyan’, Kashmir’s well known poetess, Shafaie has got it for her poetic collection “Na Thsay Na Aks”.

This prestigious award ceremony will be held in Delhi on February 14, 2012 and they will also be rewarded with prize money of Rs.1 lakh.

While talking to News Agency Jammu, an elated Prof Magotra said that the content in the book depicts different shades and facets of life in Dogra culture as well as human relations. “I have tried to analyze about the changing time in this book, whether we have progressed or not,” he added.

Born in November 1944 in Jammu, Prof. Lalit Magotra is also a Physicist holding degrees of M. Sc. and Ph.D. in Physics (High Energy Physics) and retired as professor of Physics from University of Jammu. He has more than 200 scientific publications (Physics) in international journals of highest repute and has spent about five years in European countries.

He wrote his first short story in Dogri in the year 1972 and his first play in 1976. Since then Prof. Magotra has written prolifically in various genres of Dogri including short story, one-act play, stage-play, essays, travelogue, literary criticism etc.  He has four books to his credit in Dogri. Prof. Magotra remained general secretary of Dogri Sanstha for seven years and is now the president of this prestigious organization since 1996.

The awarded book of Prof. Magotra “Cheten Diyan Ga’liyan” is a collection of 65 short personal essays which show Prof. Magotra as a cosmopolitan author rooted to the soil of his birth. The content of the essays is absorbing, informative and instructive.  Of the 65 essays, 30 are a commentary on the state of affairs around us.  Of special interest are his autobiographical pieces.

Naseem Shafaie, become the first Kashmiri woman to get the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award.This is the second award for 'Na Thsaay Na Aks'. In 2009, it was chosen for the first ever Tagore Award, jointly sponsored by the Sahitya Akademi and Samsung Electronics in collaboration with the South Korean government. 'Na Thsay Na Aks', which represents modern sensibility on the poetic scene in Kashmir, was released in 2008 and is second poetic collection of the poet.

Naseem Shafaie’s earlier poetic collection 'Derche Machrith (Open windows)' was released in 1999. Many of her poems, including the ones that depict the suppressed atmosphere of turbulent Kashmir, have been translated into different languages including English, Urdu, Kannada, Tamil, Marathi and Telugu.

The other poets getting the award are  Kabin Phukan (Assamese), Manindra Gupta (Bengali), Premananda Mosahari (Bodo), Melvyn Rodrigues  (Konkani), Harekrishna Satapathy (Sanskrit), Aditya Kumar Mandi  (Santali) and Khaleel Mamoon (Urdu).

Eight books of poetry, seven of novels, three of essays, one each of short stories, narrative history, biography and a play have won the Sahitya Akademi Award this year.

The recommendation for the awards was made by jury members representing 23 Indian languages and approved by the executive board of the Sahitya Akademi. The jury met in New Delhi yesterday and announced the awards. The award function will be held in New Delhi on February 14 next year.

267th Jayanti of Swami Mirzakak

267th Jayanti of Swami Mirzakak celebrated with religious fervour

 The 267th Jayanti of Swami Mirzakak was celebrated with full religious fervour and enthusiasm at Swami Ji’s Nagrota Ashram today.

A large number of devotees drawn from different parts of Jammu thronged the Ashram from early morning to participate in the celebrations and pay their obeisance to this mystic saint of medieval period.

On the occasion a Maha Yagya was also solemnized in the Ashram, which culminated with Puranahuti in the afternoon. This was followed by serving of prashad to devotees.

The day long Bhajan Kirtan also continued.

The President of Swami Mirzakak Trust Hangalgund, D N Hangloo and other disciples of the saint threw light on the Vaakhs of Swami Ji and termed them high in spiritual philosophy. They said Swami Ji was a great saint whose prophecy against the tyrant Afghan Governor, who was ruling Kashmir at that time came true as the same was liberated by Mahraja Ranjit Singh of Punjab from the Afghanis within days.

Swami Kumar Ji of Geeta Satsangh Ashram also delivered sermons on the occasion and threw light on Guru Shishia Parampara and its significance in Hindu mythology.

Christmas 2011 Celebrated in Jammu

Like other parts of the globe, Merry Christmas the birthday of Jesus Christ was celebrated with full religious fervour and gaiety across the Jammu region today.

Special prayers were offered across the Winter Capital of the State and other churches of Jammu region.

All the churches were specially decorated befitting the occasion by the members of Christian community.

Thousands of people thronged the churches, especially the St Garrison Church, Gandhi Nagar, where the main function was organised.

The Minister for Medical Education, Youth Services and Sports R S Chib also visited the St Marry’s Garrison Church and joined the Christmas celebrations there. He also congratulated the people on the auspicious day and prayed for peace and prosperity of the State.

The churches witnessed a huge rush of people and children attired colourfully wished "Merry Christmas" to their friends.

The Santa Claus was the central of attraction of the people on the occasion. People of other communities were seen greeting their Christian brethren and hugging and exchanging gifts with each other.

Special prayers were held in the churches for peace and prosperity in the State.

Tight security arrangements were also made for incident-free celebrations.

Lowest ever night temp 2011 in Jammu

Jammu is in the grip of severe cold wave as the temperature plummeted considerably since last evening.

According to Dr M K Khushu, Chief Scientist and Head Agronomy Division of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, the night temperature in the outskirts of Jammu district was recorded at 0.5 degree Celsius, about six degrees below the normal temperature.

"This is the lowest ever night temperature recorded in the outskirts of Jammu district during the last 30 years", he said, adding the night temperature in the Samba district was recorded at 0.2 degree Celsius while as the minimum temperature in Udhampur was 1.2 degree Celsius.

In response to a question, Dr Khushu said that as there is no indication of immediate rainfall, the temperature is likely to plummet further.

Coldest night of 2011 in Valley

As the temperatures across Kashmir continued to plummet, the State's summer capital, Srinagar, witnessed coldest night of the season with minimum temperature recorded at minus 4.8 degrees Celsius last night.

The Meteorological Department has forecast that dry and cold weather conditions will continue for next one week and the temperatures will plummet further in the region.

With the dipping temperatures, the cold wave in Kashmir intensified resulting in the freezing of the parts of Srinagar's world famous Dal lake.

Early in the morning the water near the banks of the Dal lake was frozen as a thin lawyer of ice formation had taken place. However, in the interior areas, where water mostly remains stagnant and sunlight does not reach due to tree line, thick ice layer had formed. However, with the Sun coming out, the ice layer near peripheries vanished.

The Dal lake froze completely in 1960s and it again froze in 1986 attracting large number of tourists to the lake to see it frozen. Recently, the lake froze in 2006 and children played cricket on the surface of the frozen lake. Last year, parts of Dal lake particularly near the peripheries were frozen due to subzero temperatures.

Meanwhile, majority of the Kashmiris woke up to the frozen water tapes leading to the water crisis in the morning. It was only in the afternoon when Sun came out that the frozen tapes started melting giving relief to the people from the temporary water crisis.

There was some relief from the intense cold wave conditions during the day as Sun was out with maximum temperature settling at 8 degrees Celsius.

While Srinagar recorded the lowest night temperature of the season at minus 4.8 degree Celsius, the mercury in tourist resort of Gulmarg in North Kashmir recorded a marginal increase over the last two days as the minimum temperature there settled at minus 9.8 degrees Celsius, said an official of the MeT department.

It may be mentioned here that the Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 12 degrees Celsius for two consecutive nights two days ago.

The tourist resort of Pahalgam in South Kashmir recorded a minus 8.8 degrees Celsius. Previous night the temperature settled at minus 7.4 degrees Celsius.

In North Kashmir district of Kupwara, the minimum temperature was recorded at minus 4.7 degrees Celsius and in Qazigund South Kashmir it was recorded at minus 5.6 degree Celsius.

The MeT official said that in Leh, the minimum temperature dropped by nearly one degree compared to yesterday to settle at minus 16.2 degree Celsius. Kargil recorded a low of minus 12 degrees Celsius.

In the State's winter capital, Jammu, the impact of dipping temperature was felt with night temperature dipping to a low of 4.3 degrees Celsius. However, the day temperature settled at 20 degrees Celsius.

Horticulture Expo 2011

Expo-2011 empty after inauguration

The scene at the Horticulture Expo-2011 was amusing after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and other ministers left the venue. Within few minutes there were hardly one dozen people at the venue and most of the stall owners were either seen chatting with others or had left their stalls.

The Horticulture Expo-2011 was of three days and was scheduled to be started on November 18, but the stall owners informed that they got stalls on November 18 evening and on the morning of November 19 they had put their items on display. They further said that the gathering was witnessed only for two hours, only till the ministers were present at the venue.

“There were hardly any fruit growers in the Mela and the people gathered there were not actually fruit growers but had come for the lunch to be served there. The department has asked us to close stalls at 12:00 on Sunday” stall owners informed and added that the Mela was actually a show off by the department to gain publicity.

Horticulture Director JL Sharma informed that all the arrangements were made on November 18 and this morning at 8 AM, the stalls were ready for display. He further added that they were inviting farmers of Marh area tomorrow.

SaMaPa Awards 2011

SaMaPa (Sopori Academy of Music And Performing Arts) has announced the names of the recipients of this year’s SaMaPa awards.According to a statement, the prestigious ‘SaMaPa Vitasta Award’ carries cash honour of Rs 50,000 each. The award is being conferred upon Vidushi Zarin Sharma and Begum Parween Sultana.

The prestigious ‘SaMaPa Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Award’ which carries cash honour of Rs 25,000 is being conferred upon the veteran Kashmiri folk musician Ghulam Nabi Bulbul. Prof. C.L. Das is being honoured with the ‘SaMaPaAcharya Abhinavgupt Samman’ which carries honour of Rs. 5,000. While Vidushi Zarin Sharma is being honoured for her lifetime contribution in the field of Indian Classical Instrumental Music - Sarod (Mumbai) and Begum Parween Sultana is being honoured for her lifetime contribution in the field of Indian Classical Music – Vocal (Mumbai) with the prestigious ‘SaMaPa Vitasta Award’, Ghulam Nabi Bulbul (Kashmir) is being awarded the ‘SaMaPa Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Award’ for his lifetime dedication and contribution in the field of Kashmiri folk music as a singer and Sarangi player.

Prof. C.L. Das (Patna) receives the ‘SaMaPa Acharya Abhinavgupt Samman’ for his lifetime contribution to Indian music as a musicologist and critic. This year SaMaPa has introduced another award for those individuals who go beyond the conventional areas of working promoting the art and culture of the country. The first ‘’SaMaPa Kala Vardhan Samman’ is being conferred upon Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister for Tourism and Culture, for promoting the art and culture of Jammu and Kashmir State.

The award announcement was made by the internationally acclaimed Santoor maestro and composer Abhay Rustum Sopori in New Delhi declaring that the name was selected by the great music legend Pandit Bhajan Sopori, Chairman SaMaPa, and the award selection committee headed by Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Minister for New and Renewable Energy and Padmashri Shameem Azad, Pt. Vijay Shankar Mishra, VP SaMaPa and senior musicologist and critic, and other committee members.

The award will be presented on the occasion of 7th Annual ‘SaMaPa Sangeet Sammelan 2011’ in New Delhi at Kamani Auditorium on the November 19. The two day festival, acclaimed as the top most music festival of Delhi and one of the most prestigious festivals of the country, SaMaPa Sangeet Sammelan will be held on the 19th and 20th of November 2011 featuring Begum Parween Sultana and Vidushi Shubha Mudgal (vocal), Vidushi Zarin Sharma (Sarod), Ragini Rainu (Sufi), Abhay Rustum Sopori (Santoor), amongst others.

National Education Day 2011

National Education Day celebrated in 

various educational institutions with gaiety

To pay tributes to first Education Minister of India Moulana Abul Kalam Azad on his birth anniversary being celebrated as "National Education Day", various educational institutions organised rallies, symposium, quiz contest, seminars, etc. and spread the message of relevance of education in present scenario.

A mega function was organised by Directorate of School Education, Jammu at General Zorawar Singh Auditorium, University of Jammu, where Minister for School Education Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed was the chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Peerzada said that Government is endeavoring a lot to eradicate illiteracy from every nook and corner of the State by opening and upgrading scores of schools besides equipping the Government educational institutions with better infrastructure and qualified staff.

Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Raman Bhalla, MLAs Chaman Lal Gupta and Mohammad Sharief Niaz, Director School Education, Gulzar Ahmed Qureshi, Personnel Officer Nirupa Rai, Chief Education Officer Natha Ram Dingra and besides Principals, Zonal Education Officers, teaching, non-teaching staff members and students of various schools were present on the occasion.

Paying rich tributes to the great leader, Mr Sayeed said Moulana Abul Kalam Azad played a pivotal role in taking education to every part of the country by introducing several educational policies. He said Maulana's contribution had brought revolution in education sector for achieving 100% literacy.

The Minister said Central Government headed by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh is providing liberal funding to the state under education for further improving the education standards. He said Central Government has introduced RAMSA scheme for upgradating infrastructural facilities in High and Higher secondary schools.

He said 69 schools would be upgraded under RAMSA across the State, adding that ` 58 lakh would be spent on construction of additional rooms and 15 lakh for science laboratories in each newly upgraded high and higher secondary school. He said Government has earmarked ` 25000 each for renovation of High School infrastructure and ` 50000 for Higher Secondary School infrastructure under RAMSA.

Speaking on the occasion, Raman Bhalla said for facilitating the teachers and students, Government has approved Rs. 14 crore for construction of 50-room teacher bhawan and 500-seating capacity auditorium in Government Girls High School, Gandhi Nagar

Highlighting the role of teachers and parents in the life of children, he said a child is nourished by parents, while the teacher shapes his personality and gives his life a direction.

On the occasion, a scintillating cultural programme was organized by various.

A quiz contest was also held in the auditorium in which six schools of Jammu city participated and Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Talab Tillo won the contest.

The Ministers distributed mementos among the meritorious students of the Jammu region who excelled in 10th and 12th exams during 2010-11 session.

Earlier, Mr Sayeed and Mr Bhalla flagged off a students rally from Government High School, Gandhi Nagar which culminated at Zorawar Singh Auditorium in Jammu University.

To celebrate the National Education Day, the Department of Students Welfare, University of Jammu, organised organised rally in the campus and paid rich tributes to First Union Minister for Education Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. Prof Jasbir Singh, Chairman, Campus Cultural Committee and Co-ordinator, NSS, JU, flagged off the rally in which faculty members, officers, staff, research scholars and students took part.

Prof N K Tripathi, Dean Students Welfare, Prof J S Tara, Director, Poonch and Surankote Campus, Prof D S Jamwal, president, JUTA, Dr Anupama Vohra, Dr Vishva Raksha, Dr Surinder Pal Sharma, NSS volunteers also participated in the rally.

The IQAC of Government MAM College, Jammu, organised Symposium to mark the National Education Day on the topic "Maulana Abul Azad's Vision of an Educated India". Anshul Gupta and Sanchit Verma bagged the first and second positions respectively while Karan Singh clinched the third prize. Principal Prof Ajeet Angral was the chief guest, who also delivered on the contribution of Maulana Azad to the education foundation in India and said that he was not only enlightened and wise scholar but truthful and fearless freedom fighter. Dr Twinkle Suri, Coordinator IQAC, Prof Banpreet Kour, Prof Harpreet Kour, Prof Kailash Mehra, Prof Rama Badyal and Prof Shalini Sharma were also present on the occasion.

To mark the occasion of National Education Day, NSS Unit of Government Degree College, Kathua organised rally from College Gate to Ram Lila Ground, Kathua. Principal Dr Nater Singh flagged off the rally and highlighted the achievements of First Union Minister for Education in the field of education. Large number of NSS volunteers led by their POs Dr Suram Singh, Prof Naresh Sharma and Prof Kiran Bala participated in the rally.

On the occasion of National Education Day, Eliezer Joldan Memorial College, Leh organised symposium and on the spot Essay Writing Contests on the topic "Contribution of Maulana Azad in the Field of Education". Sonam Ladol got the first prize in symposium while Stanzin Tamchos adjudged as best in essay writing contest. The Deputy Commissioner Leh Tserin Angchuk was the chief guest, who distributed the prizes among winners. Principal Dr Youdhvir Singh, Prof Sonam Yangzes, Prof Rinchen Angmo also spoke on the occasion.

The Government Degree College Paloura celebrated the National Education Day to mark the birth anniversary of Moulana Abul Kalam Azad by organising essay writing and slogan writing contests. Students also delivered on "Role and Place of M A Kalam Azad in the Freedom Struggle". Principal Hemla Aggarwal and Prof B B Anand also exhorted upon the students to follow the foot steps of great leader, who revolutionized the education system in India. Prof Devinder Kour also spoke on the occasion.

The Government Degree College, Poonch celebrated the National Education Day by paying rich tributed to first Education Minister of India Moulana Abul Kalam Azad. Students and staff members highlighted the achievements and contribution of the legendary leader as an educationist, thinker and social reformer.

The NSS Unit of Government G L Dogra Memorial Degree College celebrated the National Education Day with gaiety and fervour while paying rich tributes to Dr Abul Kalam Azad. Student took part in symposium on "Role of Teachers in 21st Century" and patriotic group song competition. Monika Sharma, Kuldeep Verma and Deepika bagged the first, second and third positions in symposium. Principal Dr Ram Krishan gave trophies to winners and threw light on the role of teachers in shaping the young minds.

The GDC Mendhar also celebrated the National Education Day with gaiety and enthusiasm. Speeches were delivered on the importance of Day and contribution of great leader in the field of education.

To celebrated the Birth Anniversary of Bharat Rattan awardee Moulana Abul Kalam Azad as National Education Day, The students and staff of Shivalik College of Education and Happy Model School, Udhampur, organised educational rally and participated in slogan writing, group songs, skits, symposium and multimedia show on the life, works and achievements of India's First Education Minister. The students holding placards participated in the rally to educate the masses about social evils and their eradication through education. Dr Mineesh Gulati, Chairman, Happy Model Foundation, Udhampur, Dr Vikram Gulati, Principal Shivalik College, Prof Sunita Koul, Nirmal and others were also present on the occasion.

Government Sri Ranbir Higher Secondary School, Parade, organised a series of programmes on the occasion of "National Education Day" to mark the birth anniversary of First Education Minister of India. Students participated in rally by holding banners and placards and later in the seminar and highlighted the life and contribution of eminent educationist. I D Soni was the chief guest and elaborated the various aspects of the life of Moulana Abul Kalam Azad particularly during the India's freedom struggle. Principal H D Qureshi also paid rich tributes to great saint in the field of education.

National Education Day was also celebrated in Government Higher Secondary School, Nowabad with gaiety and fervor. Students carrying banners and placards took part in rally from school premises to Talab Tillo Chowk while raising slogans.

Principal and staff members also accompanied the students during the rally.

To mark the occasion of National Education Day, Government Higher Secondary School, Rahya, Samba, organised function with great enthusiasm. Students expressed their views on the contribution of great educationist and performed cultural items on the occasion. Principal Vijay Rakwal, Sarpanch Khajoor Singh, Balbir Singh, Thakur Gian Singh, Blawant Singh and Abhay Singh also highlighted the importance of Day in the field of education.

The Government Higher Secondary School, Paloura organised function to mark the occasion of National Education Day. Students threw light on the life and workd of First Education Minister of free India and took pledge to work hard and to follow the path show by the great educationist.

On the occasion of National Education Day, Government Higher Secondary School, Sarwal, organised debate competition in which large number of student took part. The speakers threw light on the contribution of First Education Minister and later took part in the rally along with staff members. Principal Bishan Singh Jaral also delivered and asked the students and teachers to follow the teachings of great educationist.

The National Education Day was also celebrated at Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Udhampur to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr Abul Kalam Azad. Students took part in quiz contest and symposium on the occasion. Principa Rashpal Singh highlighted the importance of Day and advised the students to work for the development of the country.

The Government Higher Secondary School, Pallan, organised symposium to mark the occasion of National Education Day. Students actively participated in the rally and awared the people of Village Pallan about the importance of education. Principal Rakesh Jasrotia distributed prizes among meritorious students on the occasion.

On the occasion of birth anniversary of First Education Minister of India, Government Higher Secondary School, Billawar, organsied function with great pomp and show. Shanti Saroop Basotra was the chief guest while Mohan Lal Veram was the guest of honour. The students delivered lecturers and highlighted the achievements of Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad. Principal Rajesh Sharma also expressed his views on the contribution of great leader. The guests also distributed sweets, notebooks and pens among students.

On the occasion of National Education Day, the Government Higher Secondary School, Lassana, Surankote, organised seminar and paid rich tributes to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. Students delivered on the contribution of great educationist. Principal Sudarshan Sharma also spoke on the occasion.

National Education Day was also celebrated at Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Rehari, organised function with zeal and enthusiasm. Students and staff members also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the importance of the Day. Principal Rajni Kotwal in her address stressed upon the students to work hard for making the nation great and strong.

The Government Higher Secondary School, Rajouri, also celebrated the "National Education Day" to commemorate the birth anniversary of first Education Minister of India, by organising grand function. The students from 13 schools took part on the occasion. DDC Rajouri G A Khajwaja was the chief guest while CEO M L Sharma was the guest of honour. While speaking, DDC highlighted the role and contribution of Moulana Azad in the promotion of education and asked the students to strictly follow the principles of Moulana Azad. He also exhorted upon the teachers to impart quality education to the students besides imbibing in them high moral ethos. Principal Razia Qureshi, Kuldeep Raj Gupta, Abdul Qyoom Dar, Julafqar Mirza, Savarkar Singh besides others were also present on the occasion.

The Government Higher Secondary School Smailpur also organised function to mark the occasion of National Education Day. Students and staff members paid rich tributes to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and highlighted the importance of education in one's life. Principal Anita Zutshi also spoke on the occasion. Later students organised rally to educate the masses about the need of education.

The National Education Day was celebrated with pomp and show at Shakti Niketan Higher Secondary School. Students took part in seminar and expressed their views on the life of great leader and educationist. Principal also spoke about the value of education and contribution of First Education Minister of India.

The Government Higher Secondary School, Gurah Slathian organised seminar to mark the National Education Day. Speeches were delivered by the students on the contribution of Moulana Abul Kalam Azad in the field of education. Komal Sharma, Preety Slathia, Sharan Slathia were adjudged as first, second and third respectively on the occasion. Sweets were also distributed among students.

On the birth anniversary of Moulana Abul Kalam Azad as National Education Day, the Government Higher Secondary School, Bhalwal organised programme with pomp and show. Speeches were delivered by the students and highlighted the achievements of great educationist. Principal also spoke on the occasion.

To mark the occasion of National Education Day, The Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Akhnoor, organised debate competition. Students threw light on the life of First Education Minister of India. Kalpana Sahrma, Pooja Sharma and Nity Verma were adjudged as top best speakers on the occasion. Principal N P Singh also spoke on the occasion.

To mark the occasion of National Education Day, The Government Higher Secondary School, Ghagwal, Samba organised function with great fervour and enthusiasm. Students delivered on the contribution of great freedom fighter and educationist in the field of education. Principal Ravi Koul also spoke on the occasion.

National Education Day was also celebrated at Government Middle School, Majheen (zone Gandhi Nagar) to recall the contribution and services of India's first Education Minister, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.

On the occasion, Head Master of the school, R K Uppal and staff members apprised the students about the contribution of Maulana Abul Kamal Azad. He laid emphasis particularly on the education of rural poor girl students.

A rally was organized which passed through the lanes of village Majheen.

At Ramban, all the educational institutions of the district celebrated the Education Day.

At district headquarter Ramban, students of various educational institutions participated and a district level debate competition was held at Higher Secondary School, Ramban under the chairmanship of Chief Education Officer, Ramban. Thirteen students of various educational institutions of district Ramban threw light on the life of the renowned personality and educationist Moulana Abdul Kalam.

As part of National Education Day to mark the birth anniversary of first Education Minister of India Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Government Girls High School, Katra, organised education awarness rally. The rally was flagged off by SDPO Katra P N Tikoo, who also threw light on the working and contribution of great educationist in the field of education.

National Education Day was celebrated at Government High School, Aghar Jitto by paying rich homage to first Education Minister of India. Headmaster Shanti Sharma also threw light on the life and contribution of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and stressed upon the students to imbibe the teachings of great leaders.

The Government Girls High School, Sattani, Udhampur organised programme to pay floral tributes to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. The speakers highlighted the importance of education for the overall development of wards. Headmaster Romesh Kumar also delivered and appealed the students to spread message of great educationist for mass education.

The National Education Day was also celebrated at Government High School Sunetar, Ramnagar. Students actively participated in quiz contest on the occasion. Guests honoured the meritorious students.

The students and staff of Government Girls High School, Tarore, Samba organised grand function in its premises. Students participated in debate, seminar, painting contests and later organised rally to aware the common masses about the relevance of education in present scenario.

On the occasion of birth anniversary of Moulana Abul Kalam Azad, first Education Minister of India as National Education Day, The Government High School, Upper Thanoa, Jib, Udhampur, organsied function with great gaiety and fervour. Students took part in symposium and quiz contest on the occasion. Headmistress Kamlesh Kumari also delivered on the contribution of great leader in the field of education.

Justice Masoodi Additional Judge of HC

Chief Justice of State High Court, Justice F M Ibrahim Kalifulla today administered oath to Gh Hasnain Masoodi as Additional Judge of State High Court for further one year.

In a ceremony held at High Court Complex here, Registrar General J R Kotwal read out the warrants of elevation issued by the President of India for elevation of Gh Hasnain Masoodi and also read out the letter of Governor authorizing Chief Justice for administering the oath. Justice Masoodi has already been working as Judge of the High Court for the last two years.

Born on January 2, 1954 at Khrew in district Pulwama, Gh Hasnain Masoodi did his LLB from Kashmir University and joined the Bar and practiced as an Advocate from April 22, 1977 to April 1980.

He was appointed as Munsiff on November 10, 1982 and promoted as Sub-Judge on January 3, 1987. Mr Masoodi was promoted as District and Sessions Judge on March 5, 1998. He remained posted at different places as District and Sessions Judge besides Registrar Vigilance High Court, Principal Secretary to the Chief Justice and Registrar General High Court.

He was granted selection grade in April, 2002 and placed in super-time scale in April 2008. He was also selected for Kashmir Administrative Services in 1984 but he decided to continue as a judicial officer.

Mr Masoodi proceeded for Higher Education to the United States in 1992 and did his Master’s in Laws from Harvard University Massachusetts with constitutional, administrative, environmental and planning law as subject areas.

Move offices open in Jammu

The civil secretariat today opened in the winter capital, but unusually on a lacklustre note, with very thin presence of employees in the secretariat.

The chief minister, who arrived in the civil secretariat at 9:30 am in the morning, was given guard of honour by the J&K police contingent. The ministers, administrative secretaries, officers and employees warmly received the chief minister who later went round various departments in the secretariat and enquired about the welfare of employees besides taking stock of the functioning.

After taking guard of honour, chief minister, Omar Abdullah, chaired the meeting of council of ministers and reviewed sector-wise progress and took a brief on various flagship programmes.

The chief minister while appreciating the endeavours of ministers and their contribution in effective and successful implementation of the development agenda of coalition government, underlined the need for maintaining the pace of progress on development works. He said that holistic development of Jammu and Kashmir and justice to all is a stupendous task fixed by the coalition government to achieve during its tenure. “We have to redouble our efforts and sensitise administration at all levels to achieve this goal”, he said.

The chief minister, while reviewing the health and educational sectors, said that consolidation as well as expansion programmes during the last about three years have catapulted the delivery and progress in these sectors conspicuously.

Omar Abdullah said that new initiatives taken to enhance employability of youth by upgrading their skills through a network of Polytechnics and ITIs besides making them more accessible to higher education through newly established degree colleges would yield positive results in the coming years. He said that universalisation of health-care facilities across the state and upgrading secondary and tertiary health-care service which remained in focus during this period are also likely to expand the orbit of health-care coverage in the state.

Omar Abdullah also spoke about the development of agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry and allied sectors and highlighted their importance in socio-economic development of the state. He said that these sectors provide greater opportunities for youth to venture upon in wide-ranging economic activities. The tourism, industry, forest, PHE, R&B, power and other sectors were also discussed in the meeting.

The chief minister directed for the preparation of special Girdawaries for flood and drought affected areas so that necessary relief could be provided to the affected people. He also discussed matters relating to the food grain procurement, development of Kandi areas and extension and improvement in civic amenities in the urban and rural areas. The issues regarding further streamlining and upgrading Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution system in the state were also discussed in the meeting. Describing farmers as the backbone of state’s economic development, the chief minister emphasized on evolving a comprehensive policy for the welfare of farming community and giving considerable fillip to the farm production in the state.

The chief minister also laid stress on the successful implementation of Public Service Guarantee Act (PSGA) in the state to make public service delivery prompt and time bound. He asked the ministers to monitor the implementation of the Act at the highest level and make the concerned departments fully aware about their responsibilities under the Act.

The chief minister also inaugurated the newly constructed pre-fabricated 4th floor of the mini secretariat and the corridor linking it with the main secretariat building. The newly constructed 4th floor has 16 rooms to house various offices. The engineering wing of the Estates Department has completed the construction before the targeted timeframe.

Dussehra celebrations 2011

Dussehra marking victory of good over evil was celebrated with full religious fervour and enthusiasm across Jammu region today with people torching the effigies of demon King Ravan, his son Meghnath and brother Kumbkaran.

The main function was organized by Sanatan Dharam Sabha (SDS) at Parade Ground, Jammu and thousands of devotees were witness to torching of the effigies of Ravan, Kumbkaran and Megnath.

As the effigies were put to flames the slogans Jai Sri Ram rented the air. Earlier pooja of Lord Rama, Laxman and Sita Mata was performed in a traditional way by the dignitaries. The procession was taken out from historical Raghunath Temple in Lord Rama's silver chariot by the devotees to the venue of Dussehra function at Parade ground.

The Raghunath Rath proceeded via City Chowk, Shalamar and Ranbireshwar Chowk to Parade and as the tradition goes the effigies are not torched unless and until holy Rath carrying the idols of Lord Ram reached the venue of the function.

At Raghunath Mandir pooja of Lord Rama, Laxman and Sita and the holy chariot was performed by president of Dharmarth Trust, Thakur Diwakar Singh. He was accompanied by his secretary Shashi Khajuria and other members.

Minister of Health Sham Lal Sharma was the chief guest. The function was also attended by Minister of Medical Education and Sports, R S Chib.

Addressing the function the ministers highlighted the significance of Dussehra. They said the day inspired us to fight against evil so that the world is made a better place to live in. The Lord Rama has set an example for people to follow.

The Ministers while greeting the people on the occasion stressed on maintaining peace, unity and brotherhood. They said that this is the only tool through which the State can overcome all challenges and fight the terrorism, which has given a jolt to its progress and economy during the last 22 years.

Others who were present on the occasion included MLA Jammu West and former Union Minister, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta, BJP MLA Jammu East, Ashok Khajuria, MLC and NC leader Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, Divisional Commissioner Dr Pawan Kotwal, Mahant Rameshwar Dass of Purani Mandi, Mahant Jagpuran Dass, SDS president, Jagdish Dogra and its other office bearers including Ramesh Pahalwan.

The authorities had made elaborate security arrangements and a big posse of police was deployed in Parade Ground and outside to deal with any eventuality. The traffic on Parade route was diverted to other sides and no vehicle was allowed to enter the Parade via Ranbireshwar Chowk and Kacchi Chawni Chowk.

Scores of stalls were installed on Parade and the hawkers were selling the bows, arrows and crackers with children and their parents busy in purchasing the same.

There was such a huge rush of public to witness the Dussehra celebrations in Parade ground that after the function was over it took half an hour to the people to come out from the ground.

However, later the traffic jams were witnessed on Secretariat road, Kachhi Chawni road, Brig Rajinder Singh Chowk and Shalamar Chowk and the people faced a tough time in reaching their destinations.

Dussehra was also celebrated by Shri Amar Kshatriya Rajput Sabha in its premises today. A hawan was performed in the Sabha premises on the occasion which was followed by Shaster Poojan (arms). The Dussehra besides being celebrated for victory of truth over evil is also celebrated as preservation of weapons. A large number of people participated in the function. In his address president of the Sabha Kr Narayan Singh highlighted the significance of the day.

Dussehra was also celebrated with pomp and show and as per Vedic traditions at Sainik Colony today. The people from all walks of life including Lt Col (retd) S D Sharma and others participated. Thousands of people from Sainik Colony and other areas participated in the function which was organized by Sainik Colony Dusshera Celebration Committee.

Reports coming from other parts of the region said that Dussehra was celebrated with full religious fervour and gaiety at Poonch today where thousands of people from all walks of life participated in the celebrations. The function was organized by SDS Poonch led by its president Manjit Kumar.

Dussehra was also celebrated at Bishnah with full enthusiasm and MLA Bishnah Ashwani Kumar Sharma was the chief guest on the occasion. Mr Sharma highlighted importance of the day and called upon the people to follow teachings of Lord Rama. Several prominent persons were present on the occasion.

Another function was held at Mendhar Poonch in which also a large number of people from all faiths participated. A shoba yatra was taken from Hanuman Mandir Mendhar and after passing through entire Bazar it culminated back at the Mandir where the effigies of Ravan, Kumbkaran and Meghnath were torched. The function was organized by Hindu Maha Sabha led by Satish Sharma.

The reports of Dussehra celebrations have also come from Rajouri, Udhampur, Reasi and other districts of the region. At Udhampur MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia was the chief guest while at Reasi Deputy Commissioner P K Pole was the chief guest on Dushera function.

Reports coming from Srinagar said that Dusshera was also celebrated with traditional fervour at gaiety in the Summer Capital today. A large number of people attended the function.

On the occasion of Dusshera which is also called Vijay Dashami, 117 BN CRPF organized a function at Wazir Bagh Srinagar in which Hawan was also performed by N Kumawat Commandant. The weapon pooja was also performed on the occasion. The officers and jawans of the Battalion prayed for peace and prosperity.

Navratra Festival at Katra 2011

Div Com inaugurates Navratra Festival at Katra

The 8-day Navrata Festival-2011 took to a colorful start with Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Dr. Pawan Kotwal inaugurating the mega event at the base camp of the holy cave shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji, by lighting the sacred Jyoti.

The Navratra Festival, 16th in the series, is being organized by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) and Tourism Department in collaboration with the District Administration, Reasi and local organizations.

As a part of the inaugural ceremony, a colourful Shobha Yatra depicting rich cultural heritage of the State was taken out from Asia Crossing to bus stand.

Extending greetings to the people in general and pilgrims in particular on holy Navratras, the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, who is also the chairman of Navratra Festival Celebration Committee, said that the Navratra Festival Katra is gaining new heights with every passing year. The Festival provides an opportunity to the visiting yatris from various corners of the country and abroad to have a glimpse of our rich cultural heritage and peaceful co-existence of people of different faiths.

Dr Kotwal said the Navratras have a special significance as the sacred Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji attracts a huge number of pilgrims within and outside the country. With the increasing influx of yatris, efforts are being made to upgrade the basic facilities for visiting pilgrims and local populace of Katra, he said and added that recently sanctioned water supply scheme for the Katra town is a step forward in this direction.

Additional Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB, Katra, Dr. M.K. Bhandari while speaking on the occasion hoped that the number of devotees would cross last year's record mark and expected to reach one crore this year, adding that the yatra has shown an increase of 11 lakh till date. He said that Navratra Festival would go a long way in attracting the pilgrims from different locations of the country and abroad to the holy cave shrine and further help in boosting pilgrim tourism in the State.

Deputy Commissioner Reasi, P.K. Pole also spoke on the occasion and complimented the people on the occasion of holy Navratras.

As part of the Festival, cultural procession will be taken out from Asia Chowk at 7 p.m., All India Devotional Song Competition will be held at Shri Yog Ashram Air Strip, Katra at 8 p.m. and cultural programme will be arranged by the Song and Drama Division at GHSS, Katra at 8.30 p.m. daily.

Similarly religious discourses on the Ramayana and Bhagwat Gita will be held at Raghunath Mandir from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and International wrestling competition will be held at Multipurpose Sports Stadium, Katra on October, 2 from 2 pm to 6 p.m.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Udhampur-Reasi Range, Jagjit Kumar, Director Tourism, Jammu, R.S. Mehta, SSP Reasi, K. R. Chourisa, Additional SP Katra, Mohan Lal, Joint Director Information, Jammu, Soujanya Sharma, Dy. CEO SMVDSB Katra, Rash Paul Singh, Deputy Director Tourism, Arvind Kotwal, senior officers of district administration, Ex- Minister, Jagjeevan Lal, members of Navratra Celebration Committee, Katra including Shyam Kesar, Rakesh Wazir Shiv Kumar Sharma, Surinder Khajuria, Sardari Lal Dubey, Ambrish Magotra, Verinder Kesar, R.S. Manhas, other members and prominent persons were present on the occasion.

Meanwhile, a heritage walk was flagged off from Ambaran Monastery to Jeo Pota Ghat in which a large number of school children including NCC cadets took part.

The heritage walk jointly organized by the Department of Tourism and district administration Jammu was flagged off by Sub Divisional Magistrate Akhnoor Sushma Chauhan.

The school children drawn from Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Akhnoor, and Government Boys Higher Secondary School Akhnoor took part in the walk.

6.36 lakh Piligrims Visit Amarnath Yatra 2011

Forty-six days long annual pilgrimage to holy cave shrine of Shri Amarnath ji, located at a height of 13,500 feet from the sea level in South Kashmir Himalayas, concluded today with Mahant Deependera Giri carrying holy mace (Chhari Mubarak) of Lord Shiva, joined by about 500 devotees, performing darshan in the shrine.

On the occasion of Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan, the final day of annual yatra, about 1,000 pilgrims today paid obeisance inside the holy cave shrine of Lord Shiva. Governor NN Vohra, who happened to be the chairman of Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) and SASB CEO R K Goyal also performed prayers in the shrine today.

A record number of 6.36 lakh yatris had darshan of Lord Shiva’s holy Ice Lingam during about one and a half month yatra this year. The pilgrimage had started on June 29. There was heavy rush of pilgrims during first 20 days when number of the yatris having darshan daily ranged between 25,000 to 30,000. The holy Ice Lingam remained in full bloom during about a month after which it started melting.

However, with the rise in number of pilgrims, the yatra also witnessed number of 107 deaths this year with 68 of them breathing their last due to cardiac and pulmonary failures. Five porters and two security personnel were among those killed during the yatra period.

During 2010, 68 pilgrims had died while the number was 45 in 2009.

Official sources attributed increase in number of deaths during the yatra to massive rise in rush of the pilgrims during initial period when a large number of unregistered pilgrims visited the shrine.

While hardly 3 lakh yatris had registered themselves for the yatra through Jammu and Kashmir Bank, Yes Bank and some Co-operative Banks for the pilgrimage, 6.36 lakh pilgrims performed darshan. Nearly 3.36 lakh unregistered yatris undertook the pilgrimage. The SASB had covered registered yatris as well as porters for Rs 1 lakh insurance cover.

While 3.50 lakh pilgrims reached holy cave shrine of Shri Amarnath ji from tougher but shortest 14 kilometers Baltal track, 2.84 lakh yatris opted for traditional 34 kilometers Pahalgam-Chandanwari route.

As against 6.36 lakh yatris performing darshan during this year’s annual pilgrimage, the previous best figure of 5.33 lakh of 2008 was surpassed. In 2010, 4.55 lakh yatris had visited the holy cave shrine while the number was 3.81 lakh in 2009.

In 2001 when the SASB had taken over affairs of the shrine, 1.19 lakh yatris had paid obeisance to Lord Shiva’s cave shrine while the number came down to 1.10 lakh in 2002 but went up to 1.70 lakh in 2003. The number of yatris recorded a sudden jump to 4 lakh in 2004 but it again came down to 3.88 lakh in 2005, 3.47 lakh in 2006 and 2.96 lakh in 2007.

During Amarnath land row agitation in 2008, the highest number of 5,33,368 yatris had visited the holy cave shrine in South Kashmir Himalayas. This year, the number went up by 1.03 lakh.

Sources said security forces, para-military personnel and police had made impressive tight security arrangements for the pilgrimage right from Lakhanpur to the cave shrine at a height of 13,500 feet from the sea level and performed the task of providing security cover to a large number of pilgrims under extreme tough terrain and weather conditions.

Army personnel, who had been assigned the security of peaks including the cave shrine, did an extra ordinary job braving chilly weather and other difficult tasks. Not even a single militancy-related incident was reported on either of the two tracks or any other place connected to the yatra during 46 days period, sources said.

Governor NN Vohra, the chairman of the SASB and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah constantly monitored yatra arrangements and security.

However, the number of 107 deaths during the pilgrimage remained a matter of concern for the Shrine Board as well as the pilgrims. There was a strong opinion among the pilgrims as well as the local people that the Board should upgrade medical facilities on the tracks and the cave shrine to prevent, or at least, minimize the number of deaths.

Meanwhile, the ‘Chhari Mubarak’ of Lord Shiva reached the Amarnath ji shrine from Panchtarni halting station this morning after a night halt.

Led by Mahant Deependera Giri, custodian of holy mace, hundreds of devotees and Sadhus accompanied it.

A special prayer was offered on the occasion of ‘Shravan Purnima’ to pay obeisance to ice-lingam of Lord Shiva – coinciding with Raksha Bandhan – to mark the conclusion of the annual yatra.

Governor N N Vohra, Mrs Usha Vohra and Chief Executive Officer of Shrine Board R K Goyal also took part in the prayers at the cave shrine.

After the traditional prayers, the ‘Chhari Mubarak’ was taken back to Panchtarni for a night halt.

The holy mace is scheduled to reach Chandanwari tomorrow and Pahalgam on Monday on its return journey.

‘Pujan’ and ‘Visarjan’ ceremonies would be performed on the banks of river Lidder in Pahalgam on Monday while the Chhari would return to its abode at Dashnami Akhara in Srinagar on the same day.

The Governor, expressing satisfaction over the smooth conduct of this year’s yatra, complimented all the concerned Departments of the State Government, Army, CRPF, BSF, State police, BSNL, J&K Bank, and all other concerned organisations, and particularly the people of the State, for making the pilgrimage a satisfying experience for thousands of pilgrims who visited the holy shrine this year from various parts of the country, over the past 45 days.

He had a word of appreciation for the close coordination, which had been maintained among security forces, civil and police administration, all the stakeholders, local population and the Shrine Board in ensuring a smooth and peaceful Yatra.

As Chairman of the Shrine Board, the Governor had been monitoring all important aspects of the yatra management on daily basis and personally reviewing the arrangements for the pilgrimage by visiting the base camps, camps enroute and the holy cave.

He had earlier issued strict instructions for launching a time-bound post-yatra cleanliness drive at the base camps, camps enroute and in the holy cave area for ensuring absolute purity of the entire yatra area.

In this context, the Governor particularly visited Panchtarni and Sheshnag camps today to personally review the results of the cleanliness drive launched in the yatra area.

Expressing satisfaction over the implementation of the sanitation measures, the Governor asked the CEO of the Shrine Board to ensure the disposal of all garbage by August 20, so that the entire yatra area is free from all solid wastes well before the onset of ensuing winter season.

Mr Goyal said that 6.36 lakh yatris paid their obeisance at the holy cave Shrine during this year’s pilgrimage, which had commenced on June 29, simultaneously from Baltal and Nunwan base camps, ensuring equitable economic benefits to the local stakeholders residing in Sonamarg-Baltal and Pahalgam-Chandanwari areas.

Referring to various new initiatives taken during the Yatra-2011, Mr Goyal said that the Shrine Board has been according very high priority to the implementation of sanitation and related measures for the preservation of the environment at the base camps and at all the locations enroute the cave shrine and both the yatra routes.

He said that the two Sewerage Treatment Plants (STPs), based on Eco-friendly technology/Biological treatment, at the Baltal and Nunwan base camps, yielded very encouraging outcomes.

Mr Goyal added that the toilet/bath facilities were significantly augmented at Sheshnag, Panchtarni and holy cave camps, with over 250 additional toilets.

He further said that all the toilets were dosed with eco-friendly bacteria on daily basis, for decomposition of the faecal matter.

The CEO disclosed that like last year, all the registered pilgrims were provided free of cost Accident Insurance Cover of Rs one lakh this year as well.

He said that the accidental insurance cover was also provided, with the support from the State Government, to all the registered labourers deployed during the yatra, as well as for the pony owners, in case their horse/pony was involved in an accidental death.

This scheme was aimed at benefiting about 20,000 labourers and 7,000 pony owners, almost all of whom belonged to the economically weaker sections of the society.

Mr Goyal disclosed that insurance claims of pony owners are being processed expeditiously and hoped that beneficiary pony owners would receive the insurance claim in the coming weeks, after completion of all procedural formalities.

Dwelling on other activities this year, the CEO stated that the helicopter services were made available on both Baltal-Panchtarni and Pahalgam-Panchtarni routes, at reasonable fares.

The CEO added that, at the instance of the Governor, several steps were taken for the promotion of tourism industry in the J&K State, through enhanced and equitable distribution of helicopter seats among the registered Tour and Travel Agents and their Associations (based at Srinagar and Jammu), Hotel Associations of Kashmir and Jammu Divisions, House Boat Owners Association and Pahalgam Hotel Association.

These collaborative arrangements were widely appreciated by all the stakeholders.

Mr Goyal added that mobile phone connectivity had been made operational by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) on both Pahalgam and Baltal routes of the entire yatra area up to the holy cave shrine of Shri Amarnath ji this year 10 days ahead of the commencement of the yatra, which not only enabled the yatris to contact their families back home while undertaking the pilgrimage through mountainous tracks but helped a great deal in day to day management of the Yatra.

The Board had also installed Digital Satellite Phones at the crucial camps at Sheshnag, Panchtarni and the holy cave, which proved to be extremely useful for real time monitoring of the Yatra arrangements as also the movement of Yatris.

He informed that round the clock Control Room was established in the CEO’s office to monitor all movements and to particularly watch the weather reports.

Despite repeated Advisories and issue of Do’s and Don’ts to the Yatris, the CEO regretted that as many as 107 Yatris lost their lives due to medical reasons, the prime among them being cardiac arrests and pulmonary failures.

Mr Goyal stated that the Shrine Board had provided all required financial help and logistical support for the medical treatment of those injured, for the transportation of dead bodies to various parts of the country, and in arranging evacuation, wherever required.

Land Scam in Kashmir

200 acres of land encroached near Srinagar: BJP

Alleging that biggest defense land grabbing scam has taken place in Kashmir Valley in which 200 acres of land has been transferred near IAF station, Srinagar in Budgam district by private parties in connivance with Government officials, the BJP today demanded the CAG and the Ministry of Defence probe into the matter.

"It is the biggest defence land scam by the private persons in connivance with defence and State Government officials in grabbing of 200 acres of land near IAF station in Budgam district," BJP national secretary Kiriti Somaiya told reporters here.

Somaiya, who released an eight-page document regarding alleged land scam, said two private players connived with defence and revenue officials in transferring the plots to 61 people. This is a serious issue as there is every apprehension that this land might have been transferred to the anti nationals and terrorists. And the land being near IAF station can put the national security to a grave risk, he added.

He also accused the State Government of not cooperating on the issue in investigating the matter and alleged that the revenue officials would have never transferred the land with out the backing of higher ups in the Government. There should be a proper investigation that whose hand in Government is behind this land mafia, he added.

Besides Budgam the defence land grabbing scams have surfaced in two other districts of Valley, Somiya said.

The land grabbing and its illegal transfer had taken place between 2006 and 2010, he said, adding that No Objection Certificates (NOCs) were "silently" issued for the purpose by revenue officials.

He demanded CAG and MoD should setup high-level probe teams, depute them to Srinagar and conduct investigation.

The BJP leader demanded Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to direct the Deputy Commissioners in all the districts to help armed forces in the land grabbing matter.

He said that State Government should immediately scrap the revenue records, "illegally prepared by the land grabbers" and also order a high level probe to punish the guilty.

A high-level BJP team will visit the spot and would hold talks with the officials of defence forces and the district administration in this regard, he said.

Earlier Mr Somaiya addressed a party rally organised by BJP’s Akhnoor district at Nagbani against corruption, black money and price rise. He said while BJP has intensified its campaign against corruption, price hike and black money inside and outside the Parliament, the party will now take up the issue of corruption and scams in J&K.

The rally among others was addressed by BJP state president Shamsher Singh Manhas, Party national Executive Member, Dr Nirmal Singh, BJP national executive member and chief spokesperson, Dr Jitendra Singh, general secretary Sat Sharma (CA) MLA Jugal Kishore Sharma, Col (retd) Uttam Singh, Suraj Parkash Padha, Karan Singh, Capt (retd) Kasturi Lal, Mukesh Sharma, Sheela Handoo, Joginder Singh, Rajinder Singh and Kuldeep Sharma. 

Food festival in Jk

11-day food festival begins 

The 11-day long food festival has started at Orchid Restaurant, Fortune Inn Riviera with preparation of flavours of Kashmiri cuisines.

The festival, which has been organized in connection with celebration of 65th Independence Day of India will culminate on August 15, with Dawat-e-Khas (best cuisine), Rakesh Dogra General Manager of the Hotel and Naresh Dabral executive chef told reporters during the launch of food festival.

During the festival flavours of India’-cuisines from Kashmir to Kanyakumari will be served to the customers from 7-30 pm to 11 pm, said Mr Dogra.

He said in connection with celebration of the rich cultural diversity of the country Fortune Inn Riviera offers guests an opportunity to indulge in myriad flavours of the nation. Savour delicacies from the Dogri, Kashmiri and Punjabi in the North to the Rajasthani and Maharashtrian in the West, from the Hyderbadi and Malabari in the South to the delicious Bengali desserts.

He said tomorrow the delicious Dogri dishes will be served to guests which will be followed by the delicious Punjabi cuisine on offer including Bhatti ka Murg, Makki Di Roti Te Sarsoon Da Saag, Kadi Pakoda and Saag Murg, while Laal Maas, Maas Ke Sule and Dal Punchmel of Rajasthan. The Lucknawi Ghosht Ki Nehari, Galouti Kebab and Ulte Tawe ka Parantha will further enhance the Northern Indian excursion, he added.

Dogra said a culinary ride to South India will include Hyderabadi Pathar ka Gosht, Mirch Ka Salan and Haleem while the Malwani delicacies of Maharashtra will add to the variety that is sure to satisfy the taste bunds of all those who visit the fortune Inn Riviera this Independence week.

Attention Haj Pilgrims

According State Haj Committee, the selected pilgrims from State are advised to remit their balance amount of Rs 90,342.00 in green category, Rs 80,588.00 in white category and Rs 73,515.00 in Azizia category. Pilgrims throughout the Country from green to Azizia as only 52,000 units were available in green category against 60,000 applications. All selected pilgrims are informed to check the accommodation status on Haj Committee website www.hajcommittee.com before depositing the balance amount. The last date of remittance of balance amount is September 3, 2011.

Chhari Pooja performed

 Chhari Poojan’ performed, 5000 more offer prayers at shrine

Over 5,000 pilgrims performed darshan in holy cave of Shri Amarnath Ji in South Kashmir district of Anantnag on 32nd day of yatra today.

With this, the total number of pilgrims performing darshan during this season till today has touched 6,17,090 mark. It may be recalled that 6,12,090 pilgrims had performed darshan in the cave shrine by late last night, a Yatra Officer said.

He said out of them six lakh pilgrims have returned to their home States while the rest were on their way. The pilgrims who performed darshan in holy cave yesterday were on their way to Baltal and Nunwan-Pahalgam base camps, he added.

He said the pilgrimage was progressing smoothly despite the cloudy weather on yatra routes.

The Yatra Officer said 4,882 pilgrims left for holy cave from twin base camps of Baltal and Nunwan-Pahalgam. Out of them 3,017 pilgrims left via traditional Nunwan Chandanwari track while 1,865 left via shortest Baltal route. Besides hundreds of pilgrims, who had a night halt at Sheshnag and Panjtarni yesterday, also left for their onwards sojourn this morning, he added.

He said while the pilgrims who left from Panjtarni and Baltal this morning performed darshan in cave shrine by late tonight, those who left from Sheshnag and Chandanwari were on their way to next camps.

Meanwhile on the occasion of Shrawan Amawasya today, holy Chhari Poojan was performed at historical Shankaracharya temple in a traditional way by Mahant Deepender Giri Ji, the Mahant of holy mace amidst chanting of Vedic hymns. A large number of saints and devotees participated in the function.

The holy mace was taken to Shankaracharya temple from Dashnami Akhara early this morning by Mahant Ji. After performing the traditional Chhari pooja, the holy mace was brought back to Dashnami Akhara.

It will be taken to Sharika temple at Chakreshwar, Srinagar tomorrow by Mahant Ji where the Chhari Poojan will also be performed in a traditional way.

Besides a fresh batch of 793 pilgrims left Bhagwati Nagar, Jammu Yatri Niwas for holy cave early this morning under tight security arrangements.

Comprising 378 males, 84 females, six children and 325 Sadhus, they left in a cavalcade of 23 vehicles. These pilgrims had reached Nunwan-Pahalgam and Baltal base camps till last reports came in where from they will leave for their onwards sojourn tomorrow morning.

The 46 day long yatra which started on June 29 will culminate on Shrawan Purnima coinciding with Raksha Bandhan falling on August 13.

2.88 lakh perform darshan

An unprecedented number of 2,88 376 pilgrims performed darshan in holy cave of Shri Amarnath Ji situated at an altitude of 13,500 feet in deep Himalyas in South Kashmir district of Anantnag during first 13 days of Yatra which started on June 29.

According to a Yatra Officer, 2,58,000 pilgrims had performed darshan in holy cave till midnight yesterday and with additional 30,000 pilgrims paying obeisance in the cave shrine till late tonight this number has crossed 2.88 lakh. This is the highest number of pilgrims performing darshan of the holy Ice Lingam in a single day.

He said the unabated rush of pilgrims is continuing with thousands of yatris from other parts of country reaching the base camps of Nunwan –Pahalgam in Anantnag district and Baltal base camp in Ganderbal district of Central Kashmir daily.

He said there is total festivity and hustle and bustle at Nunwan and Baltal base camps with Yatris busy in purchasing the sticks, rain coats and other needy items for trekking.

The Yatra Officer said that the weather was pleasant on both the tracks to holy cave and the yatris were also in good spirits.

He said 11,685 pilgrims left Baltal base camp for holy cave early this morning while 10,769 left Nunwan-Chandanwari base camp. Besides thousands of yatris who were camping at Sheshnag and Panchtarni also left for their onwards sojourn this morning.

He said if this rush will continue till last day of darshan i.e. on Shrawan Purnima coinciding with Raksha Bandhan falling on August 13, the yatra will cross a record mark of nine lakh this year.

As per the available weather forecast for the next five days from July 12 to July 16, the sky is likely to remain cloudy in the Kashmir division.

According to the weather forecast provided by the Meteorological Department, the sky will remain generally cloudy on July 12 while it will remain partly cloudy on July 13 and 14. However, on July 15 and 16 light rain is expected at isolated places in Kashmir division.

R K Goyal, Chief Executive Officer of Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) has once again advised the yatris to ascertain the up-to-date weather conditions in the yatra area before embarking on the pilgrimage. He said the details of weather forecast are also available on the website of the Indian Meteorological Department.

Meanwhile, a fresh batch of 3,280 pilgrims left Yatri Niwas at Bhagwati Nagar Jammu for holy cave early this morning under tight security arrangements. Comprising 2124 males, 808 females, 76 children and 272 Sadhus, the yatris left in a cavalcade of 131 vehicles. They had reached their destinations till last reports came in.