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Class X, XII exams
Thannamandi encounter
First-ever Dogri film in colour
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Jammu MC intensifies anti-adulteration campaign
Dogra rulers too gave prominence to Amarnath yatra
srinagar diary
NHAI project set for completion in 5 years
Nod to multi-storeyed parking lots in Srinagar
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Class X, XII exams
Srinagar, August 20 An official spokesman said there would be wider choice for the current academic session-2010 as one-time exception in Kashmir division only. The question paper will have wider choice and the students would be able to attempt 100 per cent weightage in the paper even if he/she has studied 50 per cent of the syllabus prescribed for the course. These concessions have been given in view of the prevailing situation in the Valley, which has led to the disruption of normal working in educational institutions like other sectors. Strikes and curfew restrictions have adversely affected the studies of over 13 lakh students during the past two months. For class XI examination, a written test based on T-1 syllabus will be held and for T-2 syllabus as has been taught in the class. Similarly, for class XII examination, there will be one question paper instead of paper-A and paper-B in each subject. One question paper will have two sections. Section-A will have question paper-A having syllabus of paper-A only and section-B will have question paper-B having syllabus of paper-B only. The students will have choice to attempt any of the questions of 100 per cent weightage. The student can attempt 100 per cent weightage either from section-A or section-B or both. Thus, students having prepared syllabus either A or B or in combination of A and B will be able to attempt 100 per cent weightage and get at least 50 per cent concession in the syllabus. Meanwhile, Minister for Education Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed has shared his concern with parents over the closure of educational institutions in Kashmir, saying that students living in Srinagar and other main towns of the Valley have suffered academic losses. He said in spite of the prevalent situation, 90 per cent schools are functioning in all villages, adding that affected areas are only in Srinagar city and some main towns of the Valley. The Minister said 13 lakh students were presently studying in 13,000 schools out of which the syllabus of the students could not be completed in Srinagar and the affected towns. He appreciated the teachers of Jammu and Ladakh divisions, and rural areas of the Valley for completing the syllabus and imparting education to students. Peerzada said the ongoing unrest in the Valley had compelled the government to contemplate special classes for timely completion of the syllabus so that students could sit in annual examinations and perform satisfactorily. The Minister said the education system in Jammu division covering all the districts like Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, Kishtwar, Kathua and at tehsil levels was functioning normally and the students of these areas were fully prepared to compete in any examination or competition, adding that the students of the Kashmir Valley were lagging behind which would have detrimental effects in the long run.
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Thannamandi encounter
Jammu, August 20 Though the media widely reported the Thannamandi encounter where the Army gunned down three terrorists in a span of as many days and one soldier attained martyrdom, it was sheer resolve, perseverance and wit of our troops in those hostile weather conditions that paid off. It may be stated that based on intelligence inputs regarding the presence of terrorists in a specific area, troops of the Rashtriya Rifles Battalion under the aegis of the Sector Rashtriya Rifles and the Counter Insurgency Force (Romeo) launched a joint operation along with the police in the Sheruwala area of Thannamandi tehsil on August 14. Exercising utmost restraint to
avoid any damage to the lives and property of civilians living in the vicinity, braving incessant rains and poor visibility due to mist and difficulties in domination of the target area by observation and fire compounded by maize fields, soldiers of the Romeo Force knew that they were in for a protracted operation where resolve, perseverance and wit would decide the fate. Unnerved by the heavy volume of fire from the terrorists, strictly following laid down tactics and guidelines, the party tightened the noose around the target area. Plans of holed up terrorists to break the cordon under bad weather and poor visibility during the intervening night of August 14 and 15 did not succeed due to vigilant and motivated soldiers, who did not worry about personal needs and requirements for almost three days. Fighting against all odds in the form of difficult rugged mountainous terrain, over-grown maize fields (providing safe haven to the terrorists) and harsh weather conditions, Army commanders continuously monitored the situation and readjusted the troops to ensure that the terrorists did not get any opportunity to escape. Distress calls by terrorists to their handlers across the border to send reinforcements and help to save their lives did not succeed. Hard work and determination of security forces paid and the encounter ended on August 16 afternoon with the elimination of three hardcore terrorists and huge recovery of arms, ammunitions, war-like stores, cellphones, satellite phone, logistic supplies, medicines and incriminating documents. An Army Major was injured in the operation, while a soldier sacrificed his life in the line of duty.
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First-ever Dogri film in colour
Jammu, August 20 A film in Dogri had been unthinkable for quite a long interval since the making of the only Dogri film “Galan Hoiyan Beetiyan” in black and white. However, Amit has made it possible when the first Dogri film in colour was screened at Apasra Theatre here recently. The film is a huge encouragement for Dogri language at a time when most of the poetic soirées and literary functions hardly attract any listeners other than Dogri writers or artists. The film has been drawing audience without any pompous promotion. “Maa Ni Mildi” is the first Dogri film in colour as his first step in popularising Dogri in and out of the state. “The film was completed in one-and-a-half months but you would be surprised to know that it took one-and-a-half year to get it screened,” said Amit, citing financial constraints, besides other hardships. "There was no cooperation from any quarter. I got the strength to complete this film from the discouragement people gave me,” he said and maintained, "After having seen that films and music in all regional languages were thriving. I resolved to take this initiative for Dogri and I have remained successful to a larger extent”. After enacting roles in Ramleela in his village, Amit moved to Mumbai and acted in many TV serials like “Kusum”, “Kum-Kum” and “Meet Mila De Rabba”. He also played character roles in films like “Apna Sapna Money Money” and many more in regional languages. “Maa Ni Mildi” is the production of his own company, Yashmi Films. It speaks volumes of his dedication
film in colour
towards film-making and regard for his mother tongue that the story, screenplay and dialogues have been written by Amit himself. He has also acted in the film as the main character along with other local artists. “The film has been shot in Jammu, except the climax, which was shot in Mumbai,” he said and added, “When no one turned up to Vijaypur for audition, I decided to cast fresh artists. Many of them faced camera for the first time.” "I appeal to all students, especially those who love their mother tongue, to watch my movie," he said and announced tickets to students and cultural activists at lesser rates. Critics might be pointing out many shortcomings in his film, but Amit has certainly thrown a challenge for others to make a better film in Dogri. ‘Dogri on the path of recovery’
Overwhelmed by this development, he quips: “Dogri was in intensive care unit (ICU), it is coming out of the hospital now. I wish it a fast recovery.” “Finally after 50 years, some one has taken a bold initiative,” the octogenarian poet said, who wrote some unforgettable lyrics of the first film. “It is heartening to know that the younger generation is concerned about preserving its cultural heritage,” the poet said. “Earlier, film-making in Dogri was limited to telefilms only, that too was dependent on government aid,” he said and added, “However, Amit Choudhary has made it possible on his own. He deserves appreciation.” |
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Jammu MC intensifies anti-adulteration campaign
Jammu, August 20 To end the menace of adulteration and to maintain quality of commonly used food items being sold in the market, the health wing of the JMC is on its toes these days. Dr Anwar Choudhary, health officer, along with a team of food inspectors, is paying surprise visits to various markets. The drive would continue in the city, particularly in view of the festival season. Under the drive, the team inspects various food establishments like sweet meat shops, dairy products manufacturers, provisional stores, bakery shops, and dhabas/restaurants falling under the jurisdiction of the JMC. This week, the health wing has checked around 384 food establishments in various localities of the city. It has booked around 93 defaulters under the provisions of the Prevention of Food Adulteration (PFA) Act 1954, and the J&K Municipal Act 2000. According to official reports, the JMC has collected about Rs 37,600 as fine from defaulters during the drive. The team has destroyed about 50 kg of unwholesome food, 60 kg of unwholesome khoya and 15 kg of substandard cheese kept for sale in the market. The team has also destroyed around 2.8 quintals of substandard milk. The JMC has appealed to all food establishment owners/vendors specially who are dealing with the manufacturing and sale of milk and milk products like khoya and cheese, besides meat and chicken sellers to ensure the supply of pure and fresh quality of food items under hygienic conditions to the public. It has warned that strict action would be taken against erring shopkeepers.
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Dogra rulers too gave prominence to Amarnath yatra
Jammu, August 20 Some of the official files preserved by the Department of Archeology, Archives and Museums here, reveal interesting facts and figures on the event. There used to be no prior registration of pilgrims as is presently in vogue. Further, the pilgrimage was being undertaken only via Pahalgam-Chandanwari-Sheshnag route and not through Sonmarg- Baltal track, which is now being frequently used by pilgrims. Unlike nowadays, the pilgrims would have darshan of the holy ice lingam at the cave shrine only on “Shravan Purnima” which coincides on the day of Raksha Bandhan. However, arrangements for the smooth conduct of this annual pilgrimage were being made in advance, precisely in the first week of July every year. As per a record, the Amarnath yatra in 1943 comprised a good number of devotees. It started on August 2 from the historical Dashmi Akhara, Srinagar, and pilgrims, mostly sadhus, had darshan on Sunday, August 15. The “Charri” (holy mace) was back in Pahalgam on August 17. About 7,000 pilgrims had performed darshan of Lord Shiva that year as against 2,050 in 1942. The records further reveal that 800 ponies, 1,200 coolies and 150 palkies were put in use to help devotees undertake hassle-free darshan of the lingam. That year, Shivdev Singh, Wazir-e-Wazarat, Anantnag, was the camp officer. Prior to the commencement of the yatra, the officer in charge, Dharamarth Department, had on July 12, 1943, requisitioned for adequate number of jackets, kangris, charcoal and pulhorus (shoes made of grass). There was officially no loss of human life, although Lahore-based Urdu dailies Milap and Hamdard had reported in their issues dated August 23, 1943m that four pilgrims had died while performing yatra. The news was, however, contradicted by state’s publicity officer SL Kaul.
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srinagar diary
Though the eerie silence prevails across the commercial hubs in Srinagar and elsewhere in Kashmir, there is no end to the love for birds. Birds, which had been a rare sight in the concrete jungles like market places with heavy rush of motor vehicles, have become a common sight along the roads in urban centres. This, in turn, has invited more love for birds here with everybody feeding them foodgrains. The housewives usually peep through the windows looking for hungry birds that have been making trilling sounds in the morning and evening. In turn these birds get full belly of grains, be it leftover rice or grains. Not only locals peeping through their houses, but also men in uniform (See picture), maintaining law and order on the deserted roads have been contributing their way and earning nature’s goodwill. Cut off from the
common man
Long queues of people from different parts of the state, particularly the Kashmir valley, outside the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar have been missing this summer. The Secretariat opened in the summer capital early in May, as part of its bi-annual move between Srinagar and Jammu, for six months up to the end of October. Thanks to the ongoing trouble paralysing all limbs of normal life, including the means of transport, the seat of the state government has not escaped the brunt. And the trouble, going on for the past two months, began at a time when these offices were yet to become fully operational. Many people wanting to pursue their cases have not been able to visit the Secretariat and in their inability to reach, most of the files remain where they are. The restoration of normalcy is likely only in September when the process for winding up for return to the winter capital of Jammu will set in motion. Even as officials claim that attendance, unlike other offices around, is full the government is distanced from the common man. (Contributed by Ehsan Fazili) |
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NHAI project set for completion in 5 years
Srinagar, August 20 This information was given at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah here yesterday. The meeting was informed that work was in progress on the construction of 114 km at a cost of Rs. 592 crore on the Lakhanpur-Jammu section,including 15 km of Jammu bypass and 17.80 km of Srinagar bypass. The meeting was informed by the project director that the balance work between Srinagar and Jammu was proposed to be taken up in six stages. The major structures include two 9.2-km and 8.5-km tunnels, 12 short 6.2-km tunnels, 34 major bridges and 24 viaducts. He said work on the 33.5-km Lakhanpur-Hiranagar, 30-km Hiranagar-Vijaypur and 17.2 km Vijaypur-Kunjwani sections, besides the 15-km Jammu and 17.8-km Srinagar bypasses was in progress. Besides, the construction of four bridges and one flyover on the Srinagar bypass was also in progress. The meeting was informed that the Srinagar-Jammu section of the project had been bifurcated into six sub projects. These include Rs. 1100 crore 67.76-km Srinagar-Banihal sub project likely to be completed within 36 months. The 15.25 km Qazigund-Banihal sub project involving the construction of two tunnels of 8.45 km and 0.69 km is likely to cost Rs.1987 crore, to be completed in five years. The third sub project between Ramsu-Ramban(36 km road) involving Rs. 986 crore was likely to be completed in four years. The 43-km fourth sub project of Ramban-Nashri and Chenani-Udhampur costing Rs. 971 crore was expected to be completed within three years. The 12 km Chenani-Nashri stretch involving the construction of the main and escape tunnels of 9 km each was the fifth sub project involving an expenditure of Rs 2519 crore. This sub project is likely to be completed in five years. The sixth sub project of the 65-km Udhampur-Jammu stretch involving an expenditure of Rs. 1939 crore would be completed within three years The NHAI has deposited Rs 426.48 crore with the state government for disbursement among the owners of land to be acquired for the road project. Speaking at the meeting, GM Saroori, Minister for R&B, explained various aspects to be taken care of for speedy completion of the road project. He said four bridges, namely Lasjan, Padshahi Bagh, Channapora ridge and Tengpora bridges, were under various stages of completion. While the Padshahi Bagh bridge had been completed the one at Lasjan was likely to be completed by December and those at Channapora and Tengpora by October next year. Revenue Minister Raman Bhalla said the high-level committee constituted by the Chief Minister would help resolve all matters pertaining to the disbursement of payment among the landowners and timely acquisition of land. He said the acquisition of land would take place in 156 villages in the districts of Srinagar, Budgam, Pulwama, Anantnag, Jammu, Ramban and Udhampur. While more than Rs. 207 crore of the Rs. 426.48 crore received from the NHAI had been disbursed among the landowners, Rs. 356 crore more would be required to make the full payment to them.
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Nod to multi-storeyed parking lots in Srinagar
Srinagar, August 20 Reviewing the mega projects under execution in the city at a meeting here yesterday, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stressed on coordinated approach in accomplishing the works according to the time line prescribed for these. According to an official spokesman, Omar said executing agencies should take all aspects into consideration while formulating DPRs (detailed project reports) for the projects. “Focus should be on proper rehabilitation and relocation of them whose residential and commercial structures are acquired for the projects,” he added. “A comprehensive strategy is required to be formulated taking on board the affected traders and households for their rehabilitation and relocation,” he said, adding that the development of modern townships and business malls in the feasible areas should form a part of this strategy. Giving nod to the proposal for multi-storeyed parking lots in the city, the Chief Minister said: “In order to de-congest the roads and help the smooth movement of traffic on the city roads, it is imperative that we have sufficient parking lots in the city”. Taking stock of the proposed Rs 243.6 crore four-lane expressway and flyover from Dalgate to Rambagh, the Chief Minister directed for integrating the existing flyover with the proposed elevated expressway connection Amira Kadal bridge with Airport road. The Chief Minister, who has already approved Rs 60 crore for blacktopping of roads in the city, emphasised the need for completing all 125 roads identified for the purpose well before October this year. He also reviewed the construction of community halls, beautification of Jehlum Bund, installation of streetlights, beautification of shrines, progress on Syed Merak Shah and Khanyar-Zadibal-Pandach road projects under execution at the cost of Rs 336.24 crore and Rs 235 crore, respectively. The Chief Minister while taking review of the Rs 161 crore super specialty hospital directed for speeding up of the work ensuring the completion of the hospital within the time frame fixed for its completion. The Chief Minister was given brief about the construction of Chattabal Veer and development of dumping site at Achhan. He was also apprised of the status of the circular road project and the development of railhead. It was stated that 1,491 kanals of land has been identified at the railhead to develop facilities like wholesale market, traffic transport, household/service industry and institutional facilities at the cost of Rs 140 crore.
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What many cultural organisations that enjoy government aid and patronage could not dare to do in the past nearly five decades, an unknown artist from a nondescript village, Vijaypur in Samba district, Amit Choudhary has done single-handedly.
Eminent poet Yash Sharma is the only alive who worked for the first Dogri film, “Galan Hoiyan Beetian”. This month, he saw the premier of the second Dogri film, “Maa Ni Mildi” after almost five decades.