Srinagar, August 18
Residents jostled to make last-minute purchases in markets across the Valley in the run-up to Eid-ul-Fitr today. The sighting of new moon will begin later this evening to decide the date of Eid.

Markets and malls in Srinagar remained flooded for the third consecutive day, with shoppers buying new clothes, baked biscuits and pastries, mutton and chicken.

The preparation for Eid-ul-Fitr, which is one of the two major Muslim festivals, has traditionally been marked in the Valley by lavish spending on food items and clothing. Kashmiris also prepare a variety of meat-based cuisines to celebrate the festival.

The process of moon-sighting will begin after dusk today to determine the date of the festival. If the new moon is not sighted tonight, residents will have to fast for one more day and the festival will be celebrated on Monday.

The main market around the Lal Chowk area, which is the commercial hub of the city, remained flooded with shoppers even as passenger vehicles were barred by the authorities from moving into the area to prevent snarl-ups.

In the neighbouring areas of the city, people shopped in local markets for essential commodities.

The festival mood was evident from the money withdrawn from banks, which recorded an upsurge as shoppers continued on their spending spree.

An official at Jammu and Kashmir Bank, a leading bank in the Valley, said Rs 28 crore was withdrawn via ATMs through more than 92,000 transaction today.

This brings the amount withdrawn through the ATMs of the bank to over Rs 83.6 crore over the past three days.

The official said Rs 29.6 crore was withdrawn via 84,700 ATM transactions yesterday, while Rs 26 crore was withdrawn via 74,500 transactions at the ATMs on Thursday.

A traders’ body leader, however, said their business hadn’t seen much upswing over the past few days.

“There is no money in the market. The government bills are pending and contractors are short of cash. This has affected the flow of money in the market. So people are not spending lavishly,” said Abdul Hamid Punjabi, chairman, Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI).

He said their festival sales were down by half compared to the Eid sales of previous years.

Another traders’ association leader had yesterday observed that the festival sales had been hit by inflation and recession.

A local resident, Bilal Ahmad, who was shopping for pastries in the Regal Chowk market, blamed price rise for limited buying during the festival.

“The ghost of price rise is out to haunt most shoppers,” he said.

Srinagar, August 18
While the state government is likely to allow moderate separatist leaders to offer Eid prayers at the Eidgah and other venues, the hardline separatist leader, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, may not be allowed to lead prayers at Hazratbal.

The separatist leaders have chosen different venues for offering special Eid prayers.

“Mirwaiz will offer the prayers at Eidgah, which will be followed by his sermon,” said Hurriyat Spokesman Shahid-ul-Islam. Usually, Mirwaiz offers prayers at the historic Jama Masjid in downtown Srinagar.

Asked if Mirwaiz has sought permission from the authorities for holding prayers at Eidgah, Shahid said no permission was needed for offering namaaz.

“It’s just a prayer. We are not holding any political rally there for which permission is required. Last year, too, Mirwaiz had offered his Eid prayers at Eidgah,” he said.

On the other hand, Syed Ali Geelani has already announced that he will offer his prayers at Hazratbal mosque.

Hurriyat spokesperson Ayaz Akbar said: “We hope for the best. However, the police has been saying that there are strict orders from the higher authorities to restrict Geelani from venturing out. He is under continuous house arrest since Friday.”

Another separatist leader and chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front Yasin Malik usually offers his Eid prayers at the TRC grounds, where prayers are organised by the Jamiat-al-Hadees, a religious organisation.

Ahead of Eid, the police today held a review meeting to finalise the arrangements. Sources said during the meeting it was decided to allowed separatists to offer prayers at Eidgah and the TRC. It was also decided to restrict Geelani’s movement.

“It is most likely that Geelani will be put under house arrest on the eve of Eid and will not be allowed to offer prayers at Hazratbal,” said a source in the police.

He said: “The administration may review its decision at the last moment.”

Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Baseer Ahmad Khan said: “We are holding a law and order review meeting, wherein various things will be discussed.”

Srinagar, August 18
Kashmiris, known the world over for spending lavishly on gourmet meals, are lining up outside various department stores and outlets of the Kashmir Agro Industries Developmental Corporation for canned wazwan — a famous Kashmiri cuisine — ahead of Eid.

The sale of canned wazwan offered by the corporation has picked up rapidly during the festive period.

“Kashmiris have an appetite for traditional wazwan. The Kashmiri cuisine is usually served in marriages, but
people have now started relishing canned wazwan on festive occasions like Eid,” said Abdul Majid, Managing Director, Agro Industries Developmental Corporation.

The corporation has set up three outlets in Srinagar where canned wazwan dishes like “rista” (meat balls in fiery red gravy), “gushtaba” (large meat balls mixed with a lot of fat in white yogurt gravy) and “lehbi kebaba” (flattened mutton kebab cooked in yogurt) are being sold.

Wazwan, a special meal, is believed to have come to the Valley in the 14th century from Central Asia. It is a multi-course meal and it is prepared by special chefs. Almost all dishes of wazwan are meat-based.

“We have a huge demand for canned wazwan ahead of Eid, as it has long shelf life,” the Managing Director said.

The corporation has roped in GM Bandari, a famous chef of Srinagar, under private-public partnership for the preparation of wazwan dishes, which are later canned by the government agency. And, shoppers are also lapping up canned wazwan this Eid.

“This is the time to celebrate. We leave behind all our worries and shop for our family,” said Manzoor Ahmed, an employee, while shopping with his wife in the market. “We will relish the delicious wazwan at home along with the family,” he added.

Kashmiris generally prepare a number of mutton and chicken dishes on Eid.

Srinagar, August 18
Kashmiri women are busy attending beauty sessions to look their best this Eid. Beauty parlours and salons across the city are crowded with young women getting ready for the festival.

Signature salons, plush spas and even local colony parlours are witnessing huge rush as the festival draws near. A rejuvenating facial, henna decorated hands, a new hairdo or even a relaxing pedicure — they are getting it all at these specialised centres. Women are spending long hours taking herbal treatments or availing of special packages depending on their budget and time.

Beauty salons usually keep a low profile during Ramadan, as women like to stay indoor. But as Eid approaches, the rush at parlours picks up, making it a busy period for the owners.

Such salons are usually managed and run by trained professionals. But with demand growing, amateurs have also set up parlours to make the most of it.

“We usually prefer customers who place orders for services in advance. This way, they are not put to inconvenience. We offer them best deals available, going by their individual needs. We also offer discounted packages during Eid by combining various treatments,” claims Nazia, manager of a salon.

“I have been waiting for my turn for almost two hours. I may have to spend the entire day here since everyone is busy. My daughters want to get a henna tattoo. I will still prefer the good-old henna decorated hands on Eid,” said Shakeela, a customer at a local beauty parlour.

Srinagar, August 18
Jammu and Kashmir Governor NN Vohra, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, his Cabinet of ministers, legislators and other state political leaders today greeted people of the state on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr.

“The Governor has extended warm greetings to people of the state on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. He expressed hope that the auspicious occasion would be the harbinger of sustained peace, progress, prosperity and happiness and would further strengthen the bonds of communal harmony and brotherhood,” said the spokesperson.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah felicitated people on the festival, wishing them good health and prosperity.

“Omar reminded people the essence of Eid, saying the day demands us to share happiness with the poor and needy,” the spokesman said.

National Conference president and Union Minister Farooq Abdullah also greeted people of the state, wishing peace, progress and prosperity for all.

Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand; Speaker of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Mohammad Akbar Lone and Chairman of State Legislative Council Amit Malhotra also greeted the people on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr.

“State Cabinet ministers also extended greetings to the people on the occasion. In their separate felicitation messages, they hoped that the festival would be the harbinger of peace, prosperity and happiness,” said the spokesperson.

CPM general secretary and Kulgam MLA MY Tarigami and Peoples Democratic Front chairman and Khan Sahib MLA Hakim Mohammad Yasin also extended their greetings to the people.

J&K Director General of Police Ashok Prasad greeted all ranks of the J&K Police and their families on the festival eve.

Prasad hoped the festival would bring joy and happiness to the police forces and their families along with the families of police martyrs and prayed for peace and prosperity in the state.

Additional Director General of Police (Law and order) K Rajendra Kumar and Inspector General of Police for Kashmir zone SM Sahai also greeted the people on Eid-ul-Fitr.

Batote, August 18
Thanks to the 2012 J&K calendar, state employees have got a respite from the drudgery of attending offices as most educational institutes in Ramban, Doda and Kishtwar districts are witnessing thin attendance on account of holidays.

Some of the institutions remained closed today because of the absence of students and teachers who were reluctant to attend their classes after availing consecutive holidays on August 15, 16 (Shab-e-Quadar) and 17 (Jumait-ul-Vida), 18 (Sunday) and 19 (Eid-ul-Fitr).

The 2012 calendar has 100 holidays, including Sundays, and a working day between two holidays on 21 occasions. Besides, the secretariat employees avail of 20 extra holidays during the durbar move in early May and November.

This year, there are four exclusive holidays each for Kashmir and Leh districts, three for Jammu province in addition to the three holidays each for Jammu, Kishtwar and Bhadderwah districts and one for Ramban district on account of local festivals, melas or yatras.

Local employees who have settled their families in Udhampur or Jammu for the education of their children usually skip a working day between two holidays by taking a casual leave to be with their families, thus affecting the working in offices.

The problem is more serious in Batote as many employees, especially teachers hailing from Kishtwar, Doda and Bhaderwah, are staying in Jammu and Udhampur.

“Many people have got themselves posted or attached here as they find it easy to avail of such opportunities from here at they see it as a transit point,” said a teacher.

The attendance in state government offices and banks also remained thin today because of the same reason.

“Most of our teachers are from the Kashmir valley or other districts of Jammu province. They left on August 14 afternoon or August 15 morning after applying for a casual leave for Saturday, the only working day between five consecutive holidays. Because of the thin attendance of students and teachers, I had to keep the college closed, barring the office and library, today. We are left with only four months of academic year. It will be difficult to complete the syllabi,” said SS Bhalwal, Principal, Degree College, Ramban.

“During a conference in Srinagar last year, I along with other colleagues had requested the government to shelve the 10-day summer holiday in the winter zone institutes. Even the 5th Pay Commission had recommended the cancellation of all holidays except three national holidays,” he said.

“Our business has been suffering owing to this calendar,” said Sanjay Gupta, president, Beopar Mandal, Batote.

Srinagar, August 18
Senior National Conference leader and Member of Parliment Mehboob Beg, today asked the Central Government to take an immediate action to address the situation prevailing in Assam.

This was said during a debate on the Assam situation in the Parliament.

He said immediate measures must be taken so that peace prevails in Assam. He also asked the Union Government to address the Kashmir situation without any further delay.

“It is very important to rehabilitate the Assam refugees and provide all kinds of relief material to them,” he said.

“The problem is that when any state is up in flames everyone comes together and condemns the situation, but as soon as things are back to normal everything is forgotten,” said Beg.

The NC leader said that he was surprised that the ‘Assam Accord’ has not been implemented in letter and spirit.

Beg said, “The same thing happened in Kashmir in 2010 when the government constituted committees and even in past, when unfavorable interlocutors had been appointed. As soon as the things were perceived to be normal, the core issue was forgotten and a discussion on the solution was avoided.”

“It is the time for all the stake holders to ensure a peaceful solution for states like Kashmir and Assam,” said Beg.

Anantnag, August 18
The Indian System of Medicine (ISM) dispensaries cater to the healthcare needs of a large chunk of the rural population. But these units continue to face official neglect in the south Kashmir region.

Doctors posted at these dispensaries said most of these facilities were being run from rented spaces and were in a state of neglect owing to callousness on part of the authorities.

The doctors further alleged that despite repeated reminders to the authorities concerned, no steps had been taken to improve the conditions.

“We are often asked to bear the costs incurred on the dispensaries from our own pockets. We don’t even have a blood pressure apparatus at our disposal. They ask us to get the necessary equipment from the fee charged from patients,” said a doctor in-charge of a dispensary.

The doctors further alleged that the dispensaries lacked proper washroom facilities. To make matters worse, the doctors were asked to examine a specified number of patients every month.

“The administration takes us for agents. They set us a target of examining 400 new patients every month. Are we supposed to go from door to door looking for patients,” said a doctor.

The doctors added that the number of patients that they were examine was more than enough, given the shape of most of these dispensaries.

Dr Abdul Kabeer, Director, ISM, acknowledged the fact that the condition of most dispensaries was pitiable. He said steps were being taken to make the working conditions better at these healthcare centres.

“Most of our dispensaries are operating from rented accommodations. But we are going to construct 50 new dispensaries in a phased manner under NABARD,” he said.

Land for some of these dispensaries had been identified, he added.