Grenade Attack in Anantnag

At least seven persons including two policemen were injured when suspected militants hurled a grenade towards army vehicle in south Kashmir’s Anantnag township.

Eyewitnesses and police officials said the suspected militants threw a powerful grenade towards army vehicle near Super Bazar in Lal chowk area. “The grenade exploded on the road near the parked army vehicle resulting into the injuries to at least seven pedestrians including two cops. The tyres and the oil tank of the army vehicle also suffered damage,” eyewitnesses said.

The injured were immediately taken to district hospital Anantnag where they are being treated. “We received seven persons with splinter injuries. Six of them were discharged after being provided treatment while a cop is still under observation,” said medical superintendent, DH, Anantnag, Dr Fazil Kochak.

The injured have been identified as Mohammad Ashraf Wani son of Ghulam Rasool Wani of Daksum, Firdos Ahmad Deka son of Mohammad Ramzan Deka of Daksum, Imtiyaz Ahmad Mir son of Abdul Gani of Munghal Anantnag, Dr Mohammad Ibrahim Chicken of Sarnal Anantnag, Mubarak Ahmad Shiek son of Gulzar Ahmad of Dandi Pora Kokernag, Imtiyaz Ahmad Malik son of Ghulam Rasool of Khriwan Anantnag and a police man Mohmmad Abdullah.

Talking to media men, senior Superintendent of police, Anantnag, R K Jala, said that seven persons including two cops who were on routine duty in the market suffered injuries in the grenade explosion.

He also claimed to have solved the case of grenade attack on police station on Sunday evening.
“We have arrested four persons involved in grenade throwing on police station. Two more people involved in the attack are still on run and hunt is on to nab them too. We are hopeful of their arrest very soon,” SSP told media men.

He identified the involved persons as Mukhtar Ahmad of Dangar pora Anantnag, Irshad Ahmad Dar of Malaknag, Amir Salati of Reshi Bazar and Muzaffar Ahmad of Pulwama.

He also said that today’s grenade attack on army vehicle was in retaliation to the arrest of the four persons involved in grenade attack on police station a day before.

“From last two days it seems that militants are trying to revive their activities in the town but we will not allow them to succeed in their designs,” the top cop of the district said.

Martand Tirath Trust holds GBM

General Body Meeting (GBM) of Martand Tirath Improvement and Charitable Trust was held here today under the chairmanship of R N Koul its chairman.

The meeting in an appeal urged the authorities to ensure full protection of the Martand Shrine at Mattan in South Kashmir district of Anantnag which is providing free langer and other facilities to yatris of Swami Amarnath Ji.

The GBM also approved some important decisions for future planning in the interest of the Trust.

Veer Ji Pandita gave brief of the two years working of the Trust and highlighted various steps taken by it for providing facilities to pilgrims.

President of the Trust, M K Yogi appealed the Government to fulfill the commitments made with the Trust for the development of the shrine and renovation of Bhargishekha temple. He demanded that Government should take necessary steps to mitigate the sufferings of the community and enhance the monthly relief before the Shivratri.

On the occasion Vaid Prakash Kichloo presented balance sheet before the GBM.

Others present in the meeting included Baskar Nath Bawani, Badri Nath Khar, Baderi Nath Tickloo, Soom Nath Tickoo and Maharaj Krishan Tickoo.

JandK celebrates Eid I Milad with fervour

Eid-I-Milad, the birthday of the revered Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), was today observed with religious fervour across places Kashmir valley.

Despite the cold weather, devotees from across the Valley thronged Aasar-e-Sharif Hazratbal, housing holy relic of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and joined the congregational prayers throughout the day.  The holy relic was displayed after all five prayers amidst recitation of Daroods and Naats, and the practice would continue tomorrow also.

A large gathering of men and women offered nightlong prayers at Hazratbal while many more joined them during the early morning prayers, Fajar.

The traffic department had made arrangements for smooth arrival of devotees at Hazratbal. Apart from the private and public transport, the State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) had made special arrangements for devotees. Around 90 of its buses were deployed for ferrying devotees to shrine.

Elsewhere in the summer capital, congregational prayers were held throughout the day.The important places included Jenab Sahib Soura, Asar-i-Sharif Shahri Kalashpora, Lal Bazar, Khanqah-i-Maulla, Ziarat Hazrat Dastgeer Sahib (RA), Syed Yaqoob Sahab (RA) Sonwar, Khawaja Naqashband Sahab and Ziarat Makhdoom Sahib (RA).The clerics highlighted the importance of the day in Islam and urged the Muslims to follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

South Kashmir

Seeking blessings from Almighty on the day, a large gathering of people offered prayers at Masjids and shrines in Anantnag. The rush of devotees was seen mostly at Jamia Masjid Reshi Sahab, Khiram Sirhama, Kaba Marg, Dooru and Seer Hamdan.

Apart from Masjids and shrines, people had also decorated the marketplaces in the main town Ananatnag.

Prayers were held throughout the day at Ziayarat of Hazrat Syed Husain Simnani (RA), Asar-i-Sharif Pinjura in Shopian district, and Charar-e-Sharief, Budgam.

North Kashmir

Hundreds of people offered night and daylong prayers in different Masjids and shrines across north Kashmir. Biggest congregation was held at Dargah-i-Aaliya at Khawaja Sahib Mohalla here.

Prayers were held at Jamia Masjid, Ganderbal, Bandipore, Sopur, Kupwara, Handwara and other places. People took out processions reciting Naats and Manqabats after prayers.

In the morning, Milad procession was staged from shrine Janbaz Wali at Khanpora to Asar-e-Sahrief Baramulla. Thousands of people participated in the procession.

Snow paralyses normal life in Valley

The incessant snowfall for the second consecutive day today continued to paralyse normal life across the Kashmir valley, snapping all road and air links. About 6.8 inch fresh snow was recorded here in the past 24 hours, leaving the summer capital covered in nearly 10 inch blanket of snow in last two days. The maximum snowfall, however, has been recorded at famous tourist destination, Gulmarg, in the north with 3 feet snow, and above one feet snow has been recorded at Banihal, Batote and Bhaderwah areas. Kupwara received 9.6 inch snow. In South Kashmir, Qazigund received most snow, 11.6 inch, since last evening while Pahalgam and Kokernag received 10 and 7.2 inch snow respectively. Snowfall was continuing at many places when the last reports came in.

Despite the precipitation, the sub-zero temperatures persist. The night temperature recorded in Srinagar was minus 2.2 degree Celsius while at noon, it was only minus 0.3 degree Celsius. The challenging weather has paralysed normal life here and elsewhere in the valley. With snow covering most roads, the public movement is largely affected.While the authorities partially cleared the major intra-district and intra-district roads, the vehicular movement remained reduced to inconvenient levels besides the snow-covered link roads limited the utility of the private cars. Consequently, the people were forced to stay indoors.Thin attendance was seen in the government and semi-government offices. The markets wore a cold look throughout the day, and most shops could be seen with shutters down. The Srinagar-Jammu highway is continuously closed for traffic with hundreds of vehicles stranded. “The road is closed. Around 300 trucks are stranded on this side of the highway while some trucks are also stranded near Batote area,” the officials in the traffic control unit here told Jk News. The snow has also snapped the air links to the valley. All flights schedule to operate from Srinagar International airport were cancelled due to poor visibility and continuous snowfall. 

“We have around 25 snow clearance vehicles working round the clock to clear the runway. Although it is cleared, but due to poor visibility and continuous snowfall, flights are not able to operate from here,” the PRO airport said.The snow has created a visible dearth of essential supplies. The mutton, chicken, eggs, vegetables and milk are not readily available to people. “The packed milk is not available in the market since yesterday. I went looking for it for nearly two kilometers, but all in vain. I am now forced to get the powdered milk,” Shakeel Ahmad of Hyderpora said.The government has already called for remedial measures to deal with the acute shortage of the cooking gas. However, the consumers are yet to feel the relief. “For four days I have been looking for the HP gas, but it is no where available. Now we are forced to use the traditional means like firewood for cooking,” Mudasir Ahmad of Anantnag said.

No major let off The meteorological department has predicted snow or rains in the next 24 hours, but the precipitation is likely to decrease. “Moderate rain/snowfall will occur at many places across the state,” the Met department said in the mid-day weather report. It, however, sounded the warning that moderate rain/snow would occur at a few places in Jammu as well as Kashmir regions. Govt constitutes control roomThe government has set up control room for complaints regarding the non-clearance of snow. People have been asked to complaints on telephone numbers: 0194-2470465 (SMC); 0194-2310482 (R&B).

Met forecasts snow on Sunday

Cold wave to intensify further

With day temperature dipping further, Kashmir continues to freeze in what is seen as one of the harshest winters, presenting the people with lot of difficulties.The valley has been devoid of clear sun shine since the major snowfall on Saturday while the day temperatures have consistently stayed below zero.The maximum temperature recorded at 11 this morning was minus 1.4 degree Celsius, which increased only slightly to minus 0.4 degree Celsius by 2:30 PM. It is far less than the normal temperature of 5 degree Celsius at this time of the year.

The nights are even colder. The minimum temperature recorded during Wednesday night was minus 3.8 degree Celsius, which is less than the 3.3 degree Celsius of the previous night.Round-the-clock minus temperature has frozen the snow on the roads, the water taps, water bodies and almost everything. And, the icicles hanging from the rooftops amidst overcast sky have brought back the memories of the past.“This kind of a winter was common in 1970s and 1980s. That time, snowfall in December or January was usually followed by long freezing temperatures that would prevent the snow from melting till March. And the long and thick icicles hanging from rooftops were symbolizing the winter. Now, it seems the era has returned,” 60-year-old, Habibulah Roshanghar, of Fateh Kadal said.

The hostile conditions are presenting a tough challenge to the people. The movement on slippery roads has become difficult and dangerous especially in the wee hours.Reportedly, the bone and joints hospitals—the valley’s only specialised orthopedic hospital—received more than 160 patients, majority of them with major fractures, in just two days after the snowfall.Fearing injuries, many, mostly elderly, prefer to stay home.“I have honestly not stepped out of the house since Saturday. Outside the room I cannot afford to take my hand out of the pocket for even a moment, and the frozen snow on the roads feels like shiny glass, difficult to walk on,” said Gulzar Ahmad of Batmaloo.The traffic movement on the city roads has also been both scarce and sluggish. This morning, a mini-bus, no JKOID 7966, overturned at Rangerstop near Khanyar in old city while negotiating a slippery curve. The driver and three others received minor injuries in the mishap.The police, however, could not confirm the incident.

HIGHWAY CLOSED

After remaining open yesterday, the Srinagar-Jammu highway has been closed again for the passenger vehicles.The officials in the traffic control unit said only vehicles carrying essential goods were allowed to move from Jammu towards Srinagar.“There are repairs going on at Battery Cheshma and some other place, so the passenger vehicles were not allowed,” an official said.

BANIHAL: Reports from Banihal said that today 400 vehicles including, 250 trucks carrying essential commodities, 121 Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) and 28 load carrier were allowed to roll from Jammu towards Srinagar. These vehilces crossed the Jawahar tunnel while at-least 1000 trucks were stranded on the other side of tunnel towards Verinag.

The truckers stranded on the other side of Jawahar Tunnel alleged that they were stranded there since last six days and were not allowed to proceed towards Jammu despite clearance of highway.The highway was blockade on Saturday last, due to inclement weather conditions. The traffic problem is getting compounded due to slippery road and avalanche threats at many places.No fresh vehicles carrying passengers or goods were allowed to move both from Jammu & Srinagar and only the stranded vehilces heading towards valley were cleared by the traffic authorities on priority. Meanwhile, power supply in the Upper Banihal area was restored today after seven days of interruption. However, Lower Banihal including town was without power since Friday. 

:As the Kashmir valley is reeling under cold wave conditions for past six days, the Meteorological Department has forecast that the cold and dry weather conditions will intensify for next two days.However, the Director MeT office in Srinagar, Sonam Lotus, said here that another western disturbance on Saturday will result in light to moderate snowfall on Sunday in Kashmir valley.

The snow is expected to give relief to the people who are facing water shortage due to freezing temperatures. The water pipes and taps are frozen for past five days and people in most localities are without water.

The freezing temperatures have frozen the stagnant water bodies and today more parts of the Dal lake were frozen with continuous freezing temperatures.

The minimum temperature recorded in Srinagar was minus 3.8 degrees Celsius while the maximum temperature was recorded at minus 0.5 degree Celsius.

The minimum temperature in Pahalgam was minus 12.1 degrees and the maximum was recorded at minus 1.0 degree Celsius.

The gateway to Kashmir, the South Kashmir town of Qazigund recorded minimum temperature of minus 7.2 degrees Celsius and maximum temperature of minus 0.9 degree Celsius.

The tourist resort of Kokernag recorded a minimum temperature of minus 9.0 degree Celsius and maximum temperature of minus 2.4 degree Celsius.

The North Kashmir township of Kupwara recorded a maximum temperature of 0.6 degree Celsius and minimum temperature of minus 3.9 degrees Celsius.

Gulmarg recorded minus 16.4 degree Celsius while Leh minus 10.4 degree Celsius. Kargil was the coldest in the State at minus 18 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remained opened for one way traffic today. The trucks with essential commodities were allowed to ply on the highway from Jammu to Srinagar. Over 100 trucks had crossed the tunnel upto this evening.

The Border Roads Organization (BRO) conducted repairs of the highway today at several places and sprinkled salt at several places to tackle with the slippery road.

Meanwhile, a meeting was held at Qazigund in which Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Kifayat Hussain Rizvi and SP Kulgam Masoodul Hassan besides other officers participated. The meeting reviewed the regulation of the traffic on the highway. The representatives from various agencies participated in the meeting. 

Veeri takes stock of peoples problems in Anantnag

 Member Legislative Council (MLC) Dr. Bashir Ahmad Shah (Veeri) today conducted extensive tour to various villages of Anantnag district and took stock of ongoing developmental projects being executed for facilitating people of the district at earliest. The legislator impressed upon concerned executing agencies to ensure timely completion of ongoing projects with use of quality material so that a concrete infrastructure would be created once for all in the area.

During his tour the legislator met several deputations and assured them that all their genuine developmental needs would be mitigated on priority.

Interacting with the people at different places, Dr. Bashir asserted that all round development of Anantnag district like other districts is prime duty of government. He said the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is paying focussed attention for all round development of rurali ties, adding that crores of rupees are being expended on upgradation of basic infrastructure facilities in the district.

Referring to the developmental scenario of Bijbehera Constituency, Dr. Veeri said that government has already released a huge funds for carrying out developmental projects including upgradation of road connectivity, water and power supply besides thrust is also being given to improve health care and educational infrastructure in the constituency. Dr. Veeri said that an amount of Rs. 79.82 lakh have been released under Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for improving basic amenities in the villages of Bijbehara constituency. Giving details of the allocation of funds, the legislator said that Rs. 4 lakh each released for villages Khiram Parray Mohalla, Thokarpra Kanalwon, Hatigam, Darigund, Khushrowkalan, Joibal Veeri, Hanjipora Sattar and Ratherpora Panjpora, Rs. 4.5 lakh each for village Dangar Sirhama, Hajipora Veeri, Bijbehara, Rs. 4.75 lakh for Check Panjpora, Rs. 3.5 lakh each for Sofi Mohalla Kanlwon, and Nowbugh.

He said Rs. 2 lakh have also been released for village of Danjipora Sirhama, Rs. 4.25 lakh for caravan Industrial Estate Bijbehara, Rs.3.47 lakh for Jaffarpora Marhama, Rs. 3.73 lakh for Lonepora Marhama ,Rs. 2.65 lakh for Thokerpora Veeri, Rs 3.47 lakh for Ganaie Mohalla Beerwa and Rs 3. Lakh for Kud Angan Marhama for improvement of basic amenities.

Earlier, the Legislator visited the residence of Peer Bilal of Darbagh Harwan for consoling the death of his father Peer Mohammad Yasin Shah Sahib who passed away couple of days before.Dr. Veeri said that the Late Peer Yasin was a spiritual, religious scholar and was inheriting all moral values. He said the contribution made by the late saint for the welfare of the society would be remembered for ever

Train Derailment in Kashmir Valley

In the first train derailment since the rail services were launched in the valley, at least 30 passengers were injured some of them critically.The train was on its way from Qazigund to Srinagar and derailed near Sadoora village in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district today. While the passengers allege that the accident took place due to the negligence of railway authorities the latter preferred to remain tight lipped.

Officials said that the Srinagar bound train carrying 70 passengers derailed after it developed some technical snag near Sadoora railway station this afternoon. The engine and two bogies of the train derailed as the driver overshot the intended station stop by nearly 200 meters.In the mishap, at least 30 passengers were injured and were shifted immediately to the Emergency hospital Qazigund for treatment.

“Two of the seriously injured passengers were referred to Srinagar hospital in a critical condition,” officials said.The passengers hold the railway authorities responsible for the accident.  “As the train reached near Lewdoora village the smoke started emanating from the engine and many of its compartments. As we complained to the driver he instead of paying any heed  kept moving on. On reaching Sadoora railway station the driver even failed to stop the train and barely 100 feet ahead of the railway station it suddenly got derailed from the track,” said a group of passengers.

They said that had the driver and the other railway staff listened to Them, the mishap could have been averted.Mohammad Shafi of Qazigund, an injured, said the train was having some problem. As it could not stop at Sadoora railway station, the rail officials announced that the train will not stop at any station except the last stop at Ompora-Budgam. But suddenly the mishap occurred.While the railway authorities chose not to comment, the district administration seconded the version of the passengers saying that the accident has occurred out of the negligence of the railway officials.

“The preliminary enquiry and the statements of the passengers   suggest that it was the negligence of railway authorities that resulted into the tragedy. It has also been learnt that there was break failure in the train already,” Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Kifayat Hussain Rizvi told News Agency.He said that he has directed many agencies to enquire into the incident. “I am waiting for the enquiry report and once it comes, action will be taken accordingly,” DC added.However when contacted SP railways, Baker Samoon chose to remain tightlipped saying he cannot comment over the incident.“I was not on spot and cannot comment over what actually led to the mishap. Its better to talk to concerned DC or DIG,” SP said.

Anantnag Prabandhak Committee holds meet

A meeting of Anantnag Prabandhak Committee was held here today under the chairmanship of PN Goja its president.

The meeting informed the gathering about the steps taken by the Committee for the development of the ancient and historical Nagbal Shrine at Anantnag and other shrines of the town.

It lauded the role of the youth of the community in development of the Nagbal shrine. It said the youth serving in Valley will be honest and sincere while discharging their duties so that they can prove as ambassadors of honorable and dignified return. It also lauded the role of Muslim brethren who extended lot of cooperation during the religious function held at Anant Chuterdashi at Nagbal by the Committee.

The meeting was informed that the Committee had informed the DC that the building of the shrine has been utilized by security forces since 1990 without payment of any rent. It also demanded restoration of water supply and drainage system around the shrine. The DC assured necessary action in this regard.

The meeting among others was attended by J K Bhat, C J Dhar and R K Koul. 

Army organises Konser Naag Yatra

Pir Panjal Range and the mountainous area falling within the Jurisdiction of Rajouri and Poonch districts is dotted with several exotic lakes of which Konser Naag is one. Konser Naag lake is considered to be holy by many people. With the beginning of the month of 'Shravan' Konser Naag Yatra for the current year commenced from July 19 and the Yatra culminated with the return of pilgrims on July 21. Indian Army for the welfare of the locals of insurgency affected areas of J&K arranged a pilgrimage to Konsar Naag lake in the higher reaches of Pir Panjal belt.

A total of 155 civilians including 137 males, 16 females and 2 children participated in the Yatra. The Yatra by road passed through Chasana, Mamankote and Ichni. The responsibility of security of the devotees was given to Rashtriya Rifle battalion at Samote under aegis of Counter Insurgency Force (Uniform). The battalion deployed more than 100 Army personnel. Besides Army, Police was also involved in the security of the Yatra. DySP Reasi inspected the site to inspect the security arrangements. Protection parties were deployed at various locations of Lungatung, Mamankote, Ichni, Malikot and Katgali by the Army.

A medical team was also provided for medical cover to the pilgrims. The pilgrims expressed their gratitude towards Army for providing them the medical facility and security arrangements enroute. 

Murti Sathapana performed at Maha Ganesh Temple

On the occasion of Ganesh Chaturdashi today the Murti Sathapana was performed at newly constructed Shri Mahaganesh Temple at Ganesh Vihar, Muthi, here this afternoon. This unique type of Ganesh Temple has been constructed by the displaced Hindus from village Hanand -Chawalgam in Kulgam distrct of South Kashmir and it took them three years to built the temple.

Besides the Hindu biradari members from Hanand -Chawalgam village hundreds of devotees drawn from various parts of Jammu attended the function. Soon after the idol of Mahaganesh was installed on sanctum -sanctorum the slogans of Maha Ganesh Ki Jai rented the air. This was followed by samohik Arti and serving of prashad to devotees.

The temple is the replica of the original Ganesh Temple of Hanand Chawalgam and it has been constructed on two canals of land at an estimated cost of Rs 15 lakh.

The Murti of Lord Ganesh has been bought from Mahabalipuram under the supervision of Shankaracharya Ji of Kanchi Mutt. The Murti of Lord Ganesh was placed on Sanctum-Sanctorum by renowned saints and sages, amidst chanting of religious hymns.

The entire area gave a festive look as the temple premises was fully decorated by the devotees and biradari members.

In connection with the Murti Sathapana a Maha Yagya was also soliminized in temple premises. The hawan will conclude tomorrow afternoon with Puranahuti. The devotees also participated in Bhajan and Kirtan. Having total faith in their Isht Dev (presiding God) the villagers of Hanand Chawalgam believe that this Ganesh Temple will be a uniting force for them in exile also.

The Bhoomi -Poojan of the temple was performed on Ganesh Chaturdashi in 2008.