Nirmal Singh reviews Kheer Bhawani Mela arrangements

Deputy Chief Minister, Dr. Nirmal Singh today directed the administration to ensure that appropriate arrangements are put in place for the smooth conduct of upcoming Kheer Bhawani Mela, so that the devotees do not face any inconvenience.

The Deputy Chief Minister was interacting with the officers during his visit to Kheer Bhawani Shrine in district Ganderbal to oversee the arrangements for the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela being celebrated on 26th May. Thousands of devotees from within and outside the State are expected to join the festival.

MLC Ajatshatru Singh, DDC Ganderbal, Showkat Aijaz, SSP Ganderbal Imtiyaz Ismail, SSP Traffic Rural Kashmir, Javaid Koul, SSP Security Kashmir, Maqsood-ul-Zaman, ACR Ganderbal, Chairman Dharmarath Trust and district officers were present on the occasion.

The Deputy CM said such festive occasions exhibit brotherhood and communal harmony among the people of Kashmir and provide an opportunity to bridge the gap among different geographic regions of J&K. He said the state is known for its pluralistic character and mutual brotherhood among different sections of the society.

Dr. Singh discussed department-wise facilities to be provided for the devotees and particularly reviewed the position with regard to power, water supply, sanitation, traffic management, security arrangements, availability of essentials and medical facilities.

The Deputy Chief Minister was given brief about the preparedness of the district administration for the upcoming Mela and was told that a foolproof mechanism was put in place to ensure that the devotees get the requisite necessary facilities for performing religious rituals.

Kashmiri Saffron by Post

The Department of Posts these days launched 'Saffron Post' theme that may deliver the famous Kashmiri saffron at the doorsteps of the purchasers anywhere within the world.

The Saffron Post was launched by Agriculture Minister Ghulam Hassan Mir at Saffron city of Pampore, in Pulwama district of Kashmir valley.

Saffron Post is on the market in packets of zero.5 grams, one gram and 5 grams at choose post offices in Kashmir, a political candidate of the Department of Posts said.

He said customers should purchase the product face to face at India Post shops in Jammu and Kashmir.

"They may also place orders of Saffron through the Post Master (Saffron Post division), GPO, Srinagar and therefore the product are going to be packed and delivered through Speed Post across India and round the world," he added.

Addressing the perform on the occasion Mr Mir appreciated the involvement of the Post workplace in promoting saffron.

At the inaugural perform the Chief Post Master General of J&K, John Samuel declared that whereas this new service are going to be a significant boost to the Saffron growers and dealers, it'll conjointly facilitate them across India to urge top quality Saffron through the postal network in convenient and economical manner.

He said this new initiative of the Department of Post brings Kashmir into the lime light-weight, as Kashmiri Saffron is sold and delivered the postal network.

Dalai Lama in Valley

His Holiness Dalai Lama arrived in Srinagar for a week-long visit to Kashmir valley once a niche of twenty four years.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Tourism Minister Ngawang Rigzin Jora received him at Srinagar International Airport this morning. The Chief Minister welcomed the non secular leader and conveyed his sensible desires to him. He conjointly enquired regarding the health of Dalai Lama. Dalai Lama prayed for peace, prosperity and development of the State.

After his arrival, Dalai Lama straightway visited Nehru Guest house where he's staying as a State guest.

Members of the Tibetan Muslim community, members of the Ladakhi community in Srinagar additionally as Tibetans received him on his arrival at the Nehru guest house.

The management committee of the Tibetan public college and heads of the Ladakhi community expressed their greetings to him within the guest house.

Dalia Lama can visit the Tibetan public college in Srinagar's down city space and address the Tibetan Muslim community of Srinagar on July fourteen.

Dalia Lama initial met with the Tibetan Muslim community in 1975 at the recent Tibetan Muslim settlement at Idgah, Srinagar. He met the Tibetan Muslim community once more in 1988 and through militancy he did not return to Kashmir. this can be his initial visit to Kashmir valley since 1988.

Bakaya assures all facilities to migrant staff in Valley

Former Chief Secretary and MLC Vijay Bakaya has assured the Kashmiri Pandits that each one steps are going to be taken for the event of Shaiva Devi Shrine at Akingam in South Kashmir district of Anantnag. The MLC who visited the shrine gave this assurance to the members of the KP community there.

Mr Bakaya later visited the migrant quarters at Vessu and guaranteed all facilities to displaced staff putting up at the transit camp. Besides the gap of ATM he said the dashing of construction work on additional quarters at Vessu and alternative places are going to be taken up by him with involved authorities.

The parents of the staff who met Mr Bakaya demanded that the every employee be allotted a separate quarter in Valley as they face problem in accommodating their families.

Meanwhile the Relief Commissioner R K Pandita assured the migrant staff that their issues are going to be redressed and every one steps are going to be taken to enhance the drinking water provide in migrant quarters.

The parents' delegation who met Mr Bakaya included Sham Lal, Shiban Ji, Inder Krishan and others.

Work on Jehangir Chowk Natipora flyover begins

Minister for Rural Development, Panchayat Raj, Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Ali Mohammad Sagar convened a high level officers meeting to review the continuing development works in Srinagar town and interacted with the involved officers and engineers.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Baseer Ahmad Khan, Chief Engineer R&B, Mushtaq Ahmad Lone, UEED, LAWDA design and others department participated.

The Minister stressed upon the officers and engineers to finish all the continuing comes in Srinagar town among the stipulated time already committed with the folks of Srinagar town by the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister has already directed the involved executing agencies for restoration of the previous glory of the Srinagar town particularly the non secular places like Jamia Masjid, Naqashband Sahib, Bulbul Shah Sahib, Khankhai Moula and Dastigeer Sahib.

He asked the involved officers that Chief Minister is incredibly a lot of keen to percolate the advantages of those ongoing comes to the common folks particularly completion of Community Halls at varied places, widening of roads for swish plying of traffic, providing parking facilities, adequate water provide facilities and solve the drainage issues faced by the folks living in Shehr-i-Khas. He additionally reminded the officers of the directions of Chief Minister for making certain the road lights properly useful besides providing enjoying facilities to the budding youth within the Srinagar town.

The Minister additionally reviewed post Darbar Move traffic state of affairs and acquire feedback of the steps taken for reducing the traffic pressure on the town and removing the bottlenecks and hurdles in traffic movement. He stressed upon the officers to double their efforts to finish of these comes for reducing the traffic pressure on Srinagar town. He said traffic signal lights are being put in at main junctions during a phased manner.

Mr. Sagar disclosed that employment on the Jehangir Chowk-Natipora flyover has been started on the special directions of the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah and hoped for timely completion of the project.

Work on Rambagh Bikram Chowk flyover in Sept

Jora inaugurates Jashn e Kashmir

Jashn-e-Kashmir, a chain of cultural youth workshop coordinated by the Ministry of Home Affairs with Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India was inaugurated by Minister of Tourism and Culture, Nawang Rigzin Jora, at Kumbha Auditorium of Indo Tibetan Border Police, Leh.

"India being a diverse nation has vibrant forms of culture deep rooted in its origin. With the passage of time culture too evolve in its shape and style but it is of utmost importance to keep its originality intact in the basic form and such workshops are great step in keeping the values and importance of culture alive by exposing it to the youths, the future of a nation that will help and guide each individual to become a responsible, civilized and educated citizen", said Jora.

He asserted on making every child aware of the art and culture of his region and to respect its values and follow its norms. He said that culture is not just confined to clothes and food but it projects through our civilized mannerism, truthfulness, patriotism and respect for others.

Appreciating the initiatives of Ministry of Culture, he said that holding of mega workshops like Jashn-e-Kashmir in sparsely populated region like Ladakh exhibit Centre Govt.'s care and concern for us.

Presiding over the function, CEC Leh Rigzin Spalbar the children of Leh would get benefited by this workshop. "Children from this remote hamlet may even get the opportunity to reach on international platform carrying his cultural baggage through this workshop," asserted Spalbar.

Highlighting the programme of the workshop, Anand Vardan Shukla, Director North Culture Zone, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India said that the participating children would be given the training by experts for 20 to 30 days in 18 schools and towards the end a district level competition will be held that would be followed by State and National level competitions.

Hideout busted in Kupwara

Security forces today busted a militant hideout in Lolab area of the frontier district of Kupwara near the Line of Control (LoC) and recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition.

The recoveries comes after the security forces tightened vigil along the LoC following reports that the militants across in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) are desperate to infiltrate following the killing of their top commanders and their depleting numbers in Kashmir valley.

A Police spokesman said here that acting on a tip-off, a joint party of 28 Rashtriya Rifles of the Army and police busted the hideout at Chirdoori village in Lolab area.

The spokesman said that one AK rifle, four AK magazines, one pistol with magazine, one hand grenade and one Improvised Explosive Device (IED) switch were also recovered from hideout.

The other recoveries include two anti-personnel mines, two fuse mines, 12 detonators, two IEDs, 1.5 kg of explosives, 23 kg of urea and 1 m of cordex wire, said the spokesman.

It may be mentioned here that security forces achieved major success against Lashkar-e-Toiba militants in North Kashmir district of Kupwara during past two weeks.

Ten militants of the LeT were killed by the security forces in two major operations that were launched by the security forces in North Kashmir's Rajawar forests. Ten AK rifles and huge quantity of arms and ammunition was recovered from the dead militants.

The security forces have apprehensions of infiltration from across the LoC after the successful operations eliminated top militant commanders over the past several months in Kashmir valley.

The vigil along the LoC has resulted in the killing of militants and recovery of the arms and ammunition during past two weeks.

Seminar on Lifelong Learning and Higher Education

JKCA scam

Militants hurl grenade at Srinagar airport road

Suspected militants carried out a grenade attack at the Srinagar airport road but there was no damage done in the explosion, officials said today.

A blast was reported from Humhama area on the outskirts of the city—on way to airport—at 10 PM last night, they said.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that it was a grenade blast but there were no reports of any damage in the incident, they added.

The blast took place close to the area housing the police headquarters, State vigilance organisation headquarters and ITI complex, the officials said. 

J&K gets Rs 6600 cr plan

Zero Bridge being upgraded

In compliance of the directions of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah for preservation of old and heritage bridges, the JKPCC has launched protection and conservation of Zero Bridge in Srinagar to upgrade it to a motorable bridge.

The Managing Director, Jammu and Kashmir Project Construction Corporation (JKPCC), Madan Gupta said today that the Zero Bridge which was declared unsafe for plying of vehicles is being strengthened and upgraded to a motorable bridge. He said that the protection and upgradation work of the bridge has been started and it is likely to be completed within the shortest possible time. He said the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah has given directions to the JKPCC to take all measures to protect and safeguard old and heritage bridges.

Gupta said that a new Zero Bridge will be constructed on Jehlum River at an alternate feasible site in the area for which necessary preparation is in progress. He said a scheme for the same has been approved involving ` 9 crore.

4th Tawi Bridge

Sonia lays foundation stone of bridge

Revamping of Old Zero Bridge underway

After lying defunct for years, Old Zero Bridge is finally getting renovated. The work on the bridge, which is a heritage construction, has been started.

 Officials say that the bridge would be renovated and not demolished. The damaged parts of the bridge would be replaced with new ones. The bridge would continue to be a timber bridge, maintaining its original charm. The renovation work is being undertaken by Jammu and Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation (JKPCC) together with Department of Roads and Buildings.

 “It is a heritage project and we are tasked to refurbish the heritage Bridge,” said Ishtiyaq Hussain Wani, assistant executive engineer, JKPCC. He said the Bridge would be given original shape.

 “There are many damages to the Bridge which need to be replaced. But we are using wood as it has been used before. The surface would be metaled,” said Ishtiyaq.

 Old Zero Bridge is one of the oldest bridges in Srinagar city and amongst few surviving heritage bridges in Kashmir. The Bridge has been made with wooden logs, with least use of cement and bricks. It involves 600 year-old art of building bridges with wooden logs.

 The Bridge is likely to be completed in this financial year. The Old Zero Bridge would be thrown open for light motor vehicles and not for heavy vehicles.

 Currently the cleaning of upper surface of the Bridge is being undertaken.

 “We are removing the macadam and slabs. After it is over, we will get to know how much of the wooden structure has been damaged and would replace it accordingly,” added Ishtiyaq,

 The foundation stone for the renovation of the Old Zero Bridge was laid by chief minister Omar Abdullah last year.

 The reopening of the Bridge would not only keep alive the heritage but also solve the traffic issue in surrounding areas.

 “Commuting from Raj Bagh to Lal Chowk is really messy.  There is so much of traffic mess on the new Zero Bridge. If the old one is made functional, it can really help a lot,” said Aneesa Syed, a resident of Rajbagh.

 “The location of schools in Rajbagh and Jawahar Nagar area has added to the traffic mess. The morning and evening hours are jam packed. Old Zero Bridge can serve as a relief,” added Umar Akhtar, resident of Ikhraj pora.

Govt to provide all facilities to KMs at Jagti

Martand Tirath Trust holds GBM

No tobacco shops near schools

No restrictions on Geelani

“The allegation of Syed Ali Shah Geelani that appeared in certain local newspapers of the Valley, that he has been kept under the continued house arrest is baseless and far from the facts. He is not under house arrest and is free to go wherever he wants,” claimed a police spokesman in a statement this evening.

 He said, Geelani was in New Delhi for quite some time and came back to Srinagar on yesterday. “Syed Ali Shah Geelani resides in Hyderpora area and his house is on general road which leads to International Airport, Police Headquarter, Vigilance Organization, Indian Telephone Industries and other civil establishments as such the area remains under constant movement of VVIPs of civil/SFs as well as political and government personnel.              

 “As such, the area remains always under constant supervision of the Police personnel so as to counter any mischief that may be committed by any anti social elements to disturb the law and order situation or cause any damage to the public property,” the police spokesman claimed.

 He said any vigil kept on the road which is nearer to the house of Geelani is for the purpose of ensuring safety of the area and the installation, thus presence of the police personnel on the road  should not be linked with the movement of Geelani.

Drunk cop opens fire in Bus Stand

Hostel facilities for 400 JK students at Delhi

Degree College at Ramgarh soon

Avalanche hits Kashmir

Gale blows away roofs, uproots trees, snaps power supply

Schools closed, people asked to stay indoors in Kashmir

The overnight gale across Kashmir that uprooted trees and blew away the roof tops at several places forced authorities to close down schools in the region for today.

The gale that started last night and is still continuing snapped the power supply across Kashmir.

The authorities have declared holiday for the schools and have asked people to stay indoors to avoid causalities from flying objects and falling trees.

The traffic on the roads is very thin as people have preferred to stay indoors.

The authorities are assessing the situation and loss caused by the gale.

Meanwhile, three laborers working with the Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) were rescued while two are still trapped under a snow avalanche that hit their vehicle in Gurez last evening.

Reports reaching here said that an avalanche hit village Badwan in Gurez at around 6 p.m. yesterday and a Tata Sumo that was on its way Kishanganga dam site to village Badwan was buried under it.

The Sumo was carrying four laborers. Two laborers and driver were rescued by a joint rescue team of Police, army and local while operation to rescue two others is going on.

Two laborers were from Kishtiwar and one each from Baramulla and Gurez. Out of the two missing, one is from Kishtiwar and another from Gurez.

The three rescued laborers have been admitted in hospital at Gurez and condition of them is out of danger.

The administration has kept Indian Air Force helicopters on stand standby for evacuating the injured to Srinagar in the morning in case it is required.

The heavy rains and freak weather is hampering the rescue operation that was launched immediately after the avalanche hit the village.. However, no damage was done in the village.

MLA Gurez, Nazir Ahmad Khan told News Agency that he was monitoring the rescue operation and has directed the authorities operation should be continued till the two other missing laborers are traced.

It may be mentioned here that 16 army personnel were killed when an avalanche struck Brigade headquarter of army in Gurez last month.

This year due to heavy snowfall in North Kashmir along the Line of Control avalanches damaged the fence at several places and at most of places it is buried under snow. The maximum damage was caused in Gurez army posts have been vacated after threat of avalanches.

The avalanche last month also killed three army personnel in Central Kashmir district of Ganderbal when an avalanche hit an army camp at tourist place of Sonmarg.

Over two dozen villagers and employees of Sonmarg Development Authority were rescued from village Shitkara and Sonmarg last month by army, police and local administration after they were trapped in snow avalanches.

Jammu Srinagar highway open for one way traffic

Snow leopard in Banihal

Attention intending Hajj pilgrims

Disappearing Ponds of Kashmir

Thirty years ago, Avend village in the south Kashmir district of Shopian was also called 'Talaab Gaam' because of dozens of fresh water ponds surrounding it. All but one of these ponds have now disappeared because of encroachments and other constructions.

 According to the residents of the village, 60 km south of Srinagar, apart from encroachments, government buildings, schools, graveyards and funeral prayer grounds now stand where the ponds once existed. Villagers say a few influential families encroached on the ponds by dumping mud and debris of old houses to dry them out and build on them. "It was the helplessness of the villagers before these selfish people and negligence from government side that failed to preserve these ponds," Shabir Ahmad Bhat, a villager, said.

 Avend's case is symptomatic of what is happening in many other parts of the Kashmir Valley. But then, it is not that only village ponds have been affected. "Lakes like Dal, Wular and Anchar are shrinking day by day due to encroachments, let alone the village ponds," Nadeem Parry, a geography student at Kashmir University, said. Limited land and the drastic population growth - particularly in the last few decades - are the main reasons for drastic change in ecology of villages like Avend.

 Why has the government remained silent?

 "These ponds fall into the category of barren land which is reserved for rearing of livestock in the villages. Since it is a matter to do with the village, there is nothing the government can do about it," an official confessed. However, other villagers said the government is looking on as a meek spectator and had failed to preserve these natural endowments. The water of these ponds were used for crop cultivation in summer when there was a water shortage. The village boys would bathe in the ponds and learn swimming for hours. During winter, when water in the pipes would freeze for weeks, people used the pond water for domestic purposes, while cattle also drank the same water.

 "We had preserved these small ponds in our village to meet the demand of water in times of crisis. Alas, this is no more available to us," said Ghulam Rasool, an elderly resident of the village. The encroachment of the ponds has also resulted in the disappearance of ducks, which were once abundant in the area. Today, only one pond, called 'Astan Sar', remains in existence. It is considered pious because it is in close proximity to a shrine in the village. As usual, there is a counter view to this. "The people don't use its water as it stinks," said Hilal Ahmad, a teacher. The villagers have preserved 'Astan Sar' like an archeological site by constructing a wall and iron mesh around it.

 "This is the only surviving pond, but it will die very soon as there is no fresh water source connected to this pond. There is also no arrangement for draining out the stale water," said Abdul Gani, an employee of the Public Health Engineering Department.

 "These ponds saved the villages many times in the past from drought and fires. Its waters were utilized for agriculture and domestic purposes. But alas! Our ponds became the victims of greedy people," said Abdul Hamid Mir, a businessman of the village.

Britain sends new warship to Gulf amid Iran tensions

Kashmir Valley plunged into darkness

Dal Lake other water bodies freeze

78620 Houses to Have Modern Sewerage System

Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand today said that no non-resident builders are allowed to operate in the State for constructing buildings and complexes.

Replying to a question of Ajatshatru Singh in the Legislative Council today, he said building permissions are accorded as per the provisions contained in BOCA, building bye laws in addition to the provisions specified in master plan and relevant revenue records. He said wherever any violation is reported to have been taken, the appropriate action is being initiated.

Replying to an another question of Vijay Bakaya, the Deputy Chief Minister informed the House that under JNNURM two cities of Jammu and Srinagar are to be provided modern sewerage system. He said under the project, 48220 houses of Srinagar city at a cost of ` 132.01 crore and 30400 houses of Jammu at a cost of ` 129.30 crores have been identified to connect them with modern sewerage system.

He said ` 54.50 crore and ` 52.99 crore have been released so far from the Centre for Srinagar and Jammu respectively under the project. He said the execution plans of the project in both the cities are being under taken in the phases and sequential manner.

The Deputy Chief Minister further informed the House that the works on STP, Trunk Sewer, Lateral Sewer lines and Raider mains of both sewerage projects are in progress.

Replying to a question of Ravinder Kumar Sharma, the Deputy Chief Minister informed the House that Government has imposed a ban on polythene carry bags in the state under J&K Non Bio Degradable Material Act-2007. He said, however, hospitals, health care facilities are exempted from the ban to the extent of use of polythene carry bags for collection of Bio Medical waste in accordance with Bio Medical Rules 1998. He said impact of ban is increasing gradually and use of polythene is on decline.

For implementation of ban on polythene in Urban Local Bodies, the DyCM said the total quantity of polythene seized by Pollution Control Board in Municipal Corporations of Jammu and Srinagar was 1608 quintals and urban local bodies Jammu and Srinagar is 133 quintals.

Supplementaries were raised by Sheikh Ghulam Rasool, Vijay Bakaya, Murtaza Ahmed Khan, Syed Mohammad Rafiq Shah, Ajatshatru Singh and Ajay Kumar Sadhotra.

In reply to another question by Mr. Mohammad Amin Bhat, Mr. Tara Chand said that there is a need for construction of a truck terminal at Qazigund.

He said for the said purpose the availability of state land ideally located along the Srinagar-Jammu national highway at Qazigund is being explored. He said as and when the land is identified and acquired, DPR will be prepared for construction of the said terminal subject to the availability of the funds.

Blast in srinagar mosque

Anna Hazare Rejects Sonia's Appeal 

3G Services in j&k

Pak keen to change trade policies

Pakistan today said its decision to normalize trade ties with India reflects a desire to move away from the policies of the past 40 years but should not be taken as any dilution of its stand on "core issues" like Kashmir."We believe that the establishment of normal trade relations with India will be mutually beneficial for both countries. Significantly it also illustrates the priority that we attach to Pakistan's economic development," Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar told a news conference at the Foreign Office.

Her comments came a day after the cabinet introduced a negative list regime for trade with India and for doing away with the negative list of 1,209 items by the end of the year."This decision, however, should in no way be construed as any dilution of our principled stance on the core issues that have bedeviled Pakistan-India relations for the last 60 years, and notably the issue of Jammu and Kashmir," she said in her opening remarks.Pakistan, she said, will continue to "seek the peaceful resolution of all issues with India" and continue to insist on "meaningful progress in the dialogue process on all issues simultaneously".Khar made it clear that the Pakistan government was willing to try new means to engage with India that amounted to a shift from the policies of the past four decades.

She pointed out that Pakistan's founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah had bequeathed to the people "normal trade relations" with India at the time of the country's creation in 1947, and that these arrangements had continued till 1965, when the two countries fought a war.

Since the earlier policies for engagement with India had not produced results despite been in place for 40 years, this new track should be given some time, she argued."If from 1965 to now, we feel that we have done a great job in being able to achieve our objectives within Kashmir and within the foreign policy domain, then clearly we would not be encouraged to change the way we do business with our neighbors," she said in response to a question on whether Pakistan should normalise trade relations with India despite lack of progress in resolving the Kashmir issue.

"But I think there's a good case to be made in normalization of trade ties and all other ties and pursuing what you consider to be your core interests within this relationship," she added.The move by the Pakistani cabinet will allow traders to import about 6,000 products from India and pave the way for giving India Most Favored Nation-status by the beginning of next year.Khar said there was "complete consensus" in the cabinet on the issue of normalizing trade relations with India and the proposal was not opposed even by a single member.She further pointed out to a questioner that the cabinet was the "final authority and body" for defining the national interests of Pakistan.

In response to a question about India's alleged lack of interest in engaging on the Kashmir issue, Khar said: "There is no retreat by India. India is exceptionally keen to pursue dialogue to be result-oriented"."I think there is keenness on both sides for the dialogue process to be result-oriented"The current Pakistan People's Party-led government has been able to build "a degree of trust with our Indian counterparts" and this is a prerequisite to "pursue our goals and to be able to solve all the disputed issues between India and Pakistan," Khar said.

Farooq takes over as Secy School Education

Farooq Ahmed Factoo today took over as Secretary School Education.

A simple but impressive function was organized by the officers and staff of School Education Department in Civil Secretariat to accord heartiest welcome to the new incumbent Farooq Ahmed Factoo and accord touching farewell to the outgoing Commissioner Secretary Naseem Lanker.

Naseem Lankar completed the graduation/post-graduation from the University of Kashmir and worked as Lecturer in Kashmir University, Department of English for nearly two years. She was the first Muslim lady from the state to enter the Kashmir Administrative Service in 1977 batch.

She worked in Education, Planning, Finance, Tourism, Housing and Urban Development Department, Social Welfare, Handicrafts at different levels from Under Secretary to Commissioner Secretary.

She worked as Nodal officer for the 11th Finance Commission and State Government got highest award from the 11th Finance Commission. She was the first Managing Director of Women Corporation, in fact she established Women Development Corporation.

She also worked as Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir and was the first lady to hold the post. Apart from attending to the public problems took keen interest in the development works. She put a long tenure in Housing and Urban Development Sector as VC SDA and Comm./Secretary Housing and Development Department.

Among others Special Secretary School Education Arif Ullah, Director School Education Gulzar Qureshi, Additional Secretary School Education R. A. Inqlabi, Director SSA Yasha Mudgal, Director RAMSA Sarmad Hafiz, and other officers and staff of School Education Department were present and lauded the remarkable services of the retiring officer.

Avalanche hits north Kashmir villages

A massive avalanche has hit three villages in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, damaging 11 houses and two school buildings, police said today.

The fresh avalanche hit Abdulan, Chakwali and Malangam villages of Tulail near Line of Control in Bandipora district last night.

Though no one was hurt in the incident, the avalanche damaged 11 houses and two school buildings in the area, police said.

The hilly regions of the Kashmir Valley have been hit by a spate of avalanches over the last fortnight, including two massive avalanches which swept over army camps in central Kashmir’s Sonamarg and north Kashmir Gurez region, killing 19 soldiers.

The avalanches have also extensively damaged the fence on the Line of Control, which was meant to deter infiltration of militants into the Valley.

News August 2011
Promotions in High Court Staff

Karan Johar shoots in Kashmir

The year 2012 has kicked off on a fantastic note for Karan Johar. After producing back-to-back blockbusters — Agneepath and Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, the filmmaker has added another feather to his cap — joining a select clique of directors, who have shot in the picturesque locales of Kashmir.

Currently, Karan is canning a love song for his upcoming directorial venture, Student Of The Year in the Valley. “I always wanted to shoot in Kashmir. And this time, it was a perfect opportunity when we got a love song to shoot,” says Karan, whose song is being choreographed by Farah Khan. “We were keen to capture the snow, so Farah and I decided that shooting in Kashmir would be great.”

The 39-year-old filmmaker feels that movies like Rockstar have helped bring back the beauty of Kashmir on celluloid. “What I am most happy about is that (Bollywood) cinema is revisiting such a stunning location all over again. And I am glad that we are also taking it a step further by presenting a different kind of beauty and energy,” he says.

The filmmaker, who has been shooting at places like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Srinagar, finds Kashmiris “extremely hospitable.” “We have had the best experience ever (in Kashmir). Also geographically, it goes without saying, it’s stupendous. It’s close to how you would visualise ‘topography perfection,’” says Karan, whose Agneepath is currently making waves in the overseas market. In fact, the film recently crossed the $2 million mark in the US.

Karan, whose films My Name Is Khan (2010), Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna (2006) and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) already feature in the biggest overseas-grosser list, says, “I have been fortunate to break overseas records at the beginning of my career. I’m glad that our banner (Dharma Productions) resonates well with overseas audiences. I feel proud to be part of movies that find a place in archives of overseas (film) business in terms of box office.”

Independence Reassessment
Politics of Economics
6.36 lakh Piligrims Visit Amarnath Yatra 2011

Vocational training for Valley youth organised

A JCB Excavator training for unemployed youth of Budgam district of Kashmir is being organized under "Operation Sadbhavana" under the aegis of the CIF (K) Force and Chief Engineer Chinar Corps at their Engineering Unit located at Badgam from Feb 6 for four weeks.

The aim of this training is to make the unemployed youth of self-employed, by earning their livelihood through use of this training. In this humane effort, 21 unemployed youth of the district are being trained in JCB Excavators handling and operations. The candidates will also be awarded civil driving license through RTO for operating JCB excavator, which will help them to get suitable employment.

30000 visit Budha Amarnath Shrine
Holy Mace to reach Amarnath

Bollywood Promoting Kashmir Tourism

It seems Bollywood is on mission Kashmir to help promoting Kashmir tourism and the other dependent sectors which get benefited from the tourism sector.

After Bollywoods superstar, Amir Khan’s visit to famous Dal lake and other parts of the valley, it was international famed director Rahul Dholakia who came directly from Mumbai to New Delhi’s Pragati Maidan today exclusively to JK Pavilion to interact and boost the morale of the Tourism department and other private sector people who are participating in South Asia’s biggest travel mart SATTE in which there are hundreds of participants from all over the globe besides most of the domestic tour and travel players both from the public and private sector.

Rahul Dholkia was received by Director Tourism, Farooq Ahmed Shah and other senior officials of SKICC and JKTDC. The famed director enjoyed interaction with the houseboat people and representatives of the Tourist bodies from the all the three regions of the state.

Rahul Dholakia while recalling his shooting days in Kashmir said that Kashmir should be promoted globally.

“Its locations can be the best shooting frames for Hollywood,” he said.

He was served Kashmiri kehwa and a traditional Kashmiri dance rauf was played for him.Rahul praised the Kashmiri hospitality and said it was unparalleled in the whole world. He said he will come again to shoot a film which will showcase Kashmiris’ friendliness, hospitality and Sufi culture.“These things have to be projected in the global arena so that people would come to know about it,” he added.