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Rain leaves a trail of civic mess
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Cabinet nod to power department postings
Gastroenteritis hits Kupwara village, 80 fall ill
I-Day celebrated with gaiety across Valley
Omar Abdullah approves liver transplant unit at SKIMS
Subscribers allege cheating
Net loses: City residents feel isolated
Srinagar residents claim foul play by R&B officials
Minister reviews progress of tourist projects at Aharbal
Two killed, six injured in road accidents
Chhari Mubarak leaves for holy cave shrine
Saints, led by Mahant Deepinder Giri, carry the Charri Mubarak at the Martand Sun Temple in Anantnag district on Friday. Tribune Photo: Amin War
Srinagar girls win state Rugby championship
BJYM holds protest against Pakistan
Villager hurt in leopard attack Governor administers oath to Jeelani Girl attempts suicide
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Rain leaves a trail of civic mess
Srinagar, August 16 However, Qazigund, the gateway town to Kashmir, recorded 1.6 mm rainfall, while Kokernag, also in Anantnag district, recorded 2.3 mm rainfall till 5.30 pm today, said an official of the Meteorological Department. Similarly, south Kashmir tourist resort Pahalgam received 0.2 mm rainfall. Most parts of the south Kashmir had received heavy rainfall during the last few days, he said. Even as rainfall had caused waterlogging earlier, most of the streets especially the main roads of the summer capital dried up as the weather conditions improved. However, most of the city roads in the interiors continued to remain waterlogged. The city had yesterday received light rainfall in the morning while the afternoon remained partly sunny. Due to mostly overcast conditions, weather conditions continued to remain pleasant across the Valley. Srinagar recorded the maximum temperature at 23.5 degrees Celsius, while Qazigund saw a high of 21.1 degrees Celsius. Pahalgam and border town Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded the maximum temperature at 19.2 and 24.2 degrees Celsius, respectively. Ski resort Gulmarg in north Kashmir remained the coldest place of the Valley, recording the maximum temperature at 13.2 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature at 10.8 degrees Celsius. Srinagar, Qazigund, Pahalgam and Kupwara recorded the minimum temperatures at 16.7, 15.0, 11.8 and 16.4 degrees Celsius, respectively. The MeT official has forecast light to moderate rainfall at several places of the Valley and Ladakh region during the next 24 hours. However, he said moderate to heavy rainfall was likely at most places in Jammu region. Water levels come down in many streams, rivers
Anantnag: Much to the relief of the general public here, a halt in incessant rain has brought down the water levels in many streams and rivers across the south Kashmir. There has been respite from downpour, even as intermittent showers were reported from many areas of the region. “The water levels have receded considerably in rivers and other water bodies across the region (south Kashmir),” reports said. Many areas that were submerged earlier, witnessed a substantial decrease in the water levels. Meanwhile, the people who had been evacuated to safer places on Thursday following the rise in water levels, particularly in the Lidder Valley of Pahalgam, were seen returning to their homes today. The officials, on Thursday, had said many areas of the Lidder Valley of Pahalgam, including Yanner, Amad, Wagad, Amad Zoo, Karshangam, Srangsoo and Adkher, were submerged. Incessant rain has, however, caused widespread damage to residential houses and some other buildings. It has also caused severe damage to the fish farms across the region, particularly in the Pahalgam belt where the Trout Fish farms are in abundance. Reports also said that many roads and link roads have been water logged in the region, causing inconvenience to vehicular movement. Officials of the respective district administrations, maintained that efforts were on to clear the roads and areas that have been submerged. “It will take some time to get things back to normal. We are at work round the clock,” an official said. |
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Cabinet nod to power department postings
Srinagar, August 16 Ravi Kumar Chanyal, was posted as in charge Chief Engineer, Planning and Design, with additional responsibility of implementation of r-APDRP in Jammu, relieving Ajay Gupta of additional charge of Planning and Design. Khurshid Ahmad Budoo was posted as in charge Chief Engineer, Procurement and Material Management, relieving Mohammad Muzaffar Mattoo of additional charge. Mohammad Muzaffar Mattoo was posted as Chief Engineer, Generation, Kashmir. Subash Chander was posted as in charge Chief Engineer, Generation, Leh, with additional charge of looking after Leh and Kargil. Reorganisation of land records, settlement depts
The Cabinet approved the reorganisation and restructuring of the institution of settlement operations in the state. As per the decision, the combined settlement and land records will be designated as survey and land records in one organisation. Accordingly, the post of settlement commissioner, Jammu and Kashmir, has been re-designated as commissioner, survey and land records, Jammu and Kashmir. The Cabinet also constituted nine settlement divisions to be headed by the regional directors, survey and land records. It also re-designated the post of one joint settlement commissioner, two joint agrarian reforms commissioners, two directors, land records, and two settlement officers as regional directors, survey and land records. The functions of the proposed regional director, survey and land records, in the first instance in Leh and Kargil districts, were assigned to the respective Additional Deputy Commissioners. It further approved that the Additional Deputy Commissioner in Srinagar and Jammu would exercise the powers of the joint agrarian reforms commissioners in their areas of jurisdiction. Kishtwar incident flayed
The Cabinet also condemned the recent communal disturbance in Kishtwar. It conveyed its sympathies to those who suffered loss of property during the violence, an official spokesperson said. |
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Gastroenteritis hits Kupwara village, 80 fall ill
Kupwara, Aug 16 Kralpora Block Medical Officer (BMO) Farid Ahmad Khan said there was no need to panic as patients were recovering and the infection had been contained. He said samples of water stool and blood had been sent for testing and reports were awaited. “A team of doctors is camping in the village for the past few days. Many patients have been discharged and others are showing good signs of recovery. There is no need to panic as the infection has been largely contained. We are waiting for the reports of the tests,” said the BMO. The official said door-to-door medical check-up of people especially the children was being conducted to ensure that the infection does not spread further. “Since the infection is water-borne, we have advised people to consume boiled water and refrain from self-medication in case of any complications,” added the BMO. Residents of the village said in the absence of water supply to the village, they were forced to use the contaminated water, which led to the outbreak. “We are forced to consume water from the open nullahs and ponds. Incessant rains during the past few days made the water muddy leading to the outbreak,” said Javid Ahmad, a local resident. “Despite repeated representations to the concerned Public Health Engineering (PHE) official, the water supply has not been provided to the hamlet,” he added. In absence of a scientific laboratory in north Kashmir, the tests are sent to Srinagar laboratory, which causes delay in reports.” The reports of tests are sent back from Srinagar after a few days which cause delay in knowing the infection,” said an official. Frequent diarrhea is the most common symptom of gastroenteritis.
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I-Day celebrated with gaiety across Valley
Srinagar, August 16 In Ganderbal, Minister for Forests, Ecology and Environment, Mian Altaf Ahmad, presided over the function and hoisted the National Flag, besides taking the salute. On the occasion contingents of Jammu and Kashmir Police, JK Armed Police, CRPF and Forest Protection Force, apart from the students of various educational institutions of the district took part in the march past at the Madr-e-Meharban Stadium. In Budgam district, the function was held at the Sports Stadium, where Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs, Abdul Rahim Rather, unfurled the National Flag and took the guard of
honour. Speaking on the occasion, Finance Minister cautioned people against the communal and divisive forces, which were bent on to disintegrate the society and the country on the basis of religion, region, caste and creed. In south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, the Independence Day function was held at the Government Degree College for Boys,
Anantnag. Minister for Haj and Auqaf and Public Enterprises, Peerzada Mohammad Syed hoisted the National Flag and took the
salute. Syed, while addressing the public, highlighted various achievements of the present coalition government and insisted that it was committed to the people’s cause. In
Shopian, Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution and Transport, Choudhary Mohammad
Ramzan, unfurled the Tricolour at an impressive function organised by the administration at the Fruit Mandi Complex of the hill district. The minister on the occasion inspected the parade and took guard of honour from the marching contingents of J&K Police,
CRPF, Forest Protection Force, NCC and school children. In Pulwama, the function was held at the District Police Lines
Pulwama, where Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Ali Mohammad Sagar unfurled the National Flag and took salute during the march past. The minister on the occasion said the Chief Minister was keen for peaceful solution of Kashmir. He called for peaceful atmosphere between India and Pakistan, hoping that conducive atmosphere would have positive effect on Kashmir. In
Kulgam, it was the Minister for Social Welfare, Sakina Itoo, who unfurled the
Tricolour. The minister hoped that with the active support and cooperation of the people, the present dispensation under the leadership of Omar Abdullah would achieve all the targets of development. In north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, Minister for Medical Education, Youth Services and Sports, Taj
Mohi-ud-Din, hoisted the National Flag. The Minister inspected the parade and took salute during the march-past. He said after independence, the country had been registering progress in every field, including J&K. In
Bandipore, the Minister for Higher Education Mohammad Akbar Lone unfurled the National Flag and took the guard of honour from the marching contingents of
JKP, IRP CRPF, NCC and school children. MLA Bandipora, Nizamuddin Bhat, DDC Bandipora MY
Zargar, ex-legislators, senior officers and prominent citizens attended the function besides, a large number of people. In
Kupwara, Minister for Agriculture, Ghulam Hassan Mir, unfurled the Tricolour at District Police Lines Kupwara and took the salute. School children and local artists also presented cultural programmes on the occasion. The minister apprised the people about the internal and external threats looming large on the state and stressed on the need for working together for the peace, prosperity and welfare of the state. In
Kargil, the Independence Day was celebrated with patriotism and gaiety. Deputy Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer
LAHDC, Kargil, Fida Hussain hoisted the National Flag at the Khree Sultan Cho Sports Stadium at Bimathang Kargil and took the guard of honour at an impressive parade comprising of 17 contingents of J&K police,
NCC, Army Band and government and private schools. |
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Omar Abdullah approves liver transplant unit at SKIMS
Srinagar, August 16 This facility at SKIMS would be yet another landmark initiative of the Omar Abdullah-led government after the establishment of autologous bone marrow and kidney transplantation units and installation of PET-Scan in PPP mode at a cost of over Rs 22 crore, which would be opened shortly, an official spokesman said. The meeting was attended by state Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather, Medical Education Minister Taj Mohi-ud-Din, Minister of State for Health Shabir Ahmad Khan, Chief Secretary Mohamaad Iqbal Khandey, Principal Secretary, Planning and Development, B R Sharma, Principal Secretary, Finance, B B Vyas, Commissioner Secretary, Health, Shaleen Kabra, Director, SKIMS, Showkat Ali Zargar and other members of the Governing Body. The CM said expansion and upgradation of health facility in the state had been flagged as one of the most important concern in the state’s development policy. Omar said, “Various super specialty hospitals are being strengthened, upgraded and established in the two capitals cities of Jammu and Srinagar.” |
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Internet services restored Tribune News Service
Srinagar, August 16 However, the subscribers claimed that they were charged by the service providers for this period also. The subscribers, who buy the Internet packs on their prepaid mobile phones particularly, alleged that the telecom operators refused to exclude the days of seizure of services. “It is astonishing, that despite no Internet service provided to at least 30 lakh subscribers, telecom operators are still charging Internet fees from them. This means benefits worth crores of rupees to the service providers. That too without any expenses,” Mirza Idrees Beigh, an electronics and communication engineer, told the Kashmir Tribune. Beigh even went on to lodge a complaint with private telecom service provider, Idea Cellular, which outrightly refused to entertain the plea. People who subscribe to other service providers, including the BSNL, also made similar complaints. “I called the customer care of the Airtel and urged them that these five days of barred Internet service should not be charged and that the charges should only be applicable from August 15, when the services were restored. But they misbehaved with me. They didn’t even listen to my queries,” said an irked Irtiqa. Beigh, meanwhile, warned that he will lodge Public Interest litigation (PIL) if telecom operators refuse to repay the public money. He insisted that the government should intervene into the matter. “The private companies have cheated us. They are violating the rules, government should intervene at the earliest,” Beigh said.
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Net loses: City residents feel isolated
Jammu, August 16 The situation could be gauged from the fact that lakhs of mobile phone subscribers in the state remained without GPRS and Internet facilities for five days after the violent clashes broke out in Kishtwar on August 9. The government banned the GPRS and Internet services, though unofficially, across the state on the August 10 midnight following protests across the Jammu region. The services were restored on August 15 after it lifted the day curfew from seven out of 10 districts in the region. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also confirmed ‘unofficial’ ban on the Internet and GPRS services imposed by the government when he tweeted, “I am very glad that the day has passed peacefully in the state baring the ceasefire violations and Internet connectivity has been restored.” “It has become a routine affair in Jammu and Kashmir. The government, which always lays emphasis on the e-governance, bans the Internet and mobile phone services soon after a minor unrest in any part of the state. The government must focus on reducing the trust-deficit among the people, especially the youth, as the ban on social media or GPRS services is not a permanent solution to any problem,” said a government employee. He said the government was yet to lift SMSes ban from millions of pre-paid mobile phone subscribers in the state. “It is now an open secret that the Jammu and Kashmir government is behind the ban on SMSes in the state following the violence and unrest in the Kashmir valley in 2010. Despite the fact that the situation has improved significantly over the period, the government has always showed its reluctance in lifting the ban from SMSes,” he said. It may be placed here that the Government of India owned-BSNL had recently told the State Human Rights Commission that the ban on prepaid SMSes in the state was ordered by the Jammu and Kashmir government after a Jammu-based activist filed a complaint with the commission in this regard. The commission had fixed next hearing on August 27. Sachin Sharma, a resident of Pacca Danga, said, “It appears that the government is running short of options while dealing with protests and unrest in the state. I would not criticise the government if it bans Internet or mobile services for restoring normalcy, but the question arises as whether or not such bans make any impact on normalising the situation on the ground level.” The ‘unofficial’ ban
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Srinagar residents claim foul play by R&B officials
Srinagar, August 16 They staged protests in their respective residential areas against the indifferent attitude of the authorities and alleged that the officials paid no attention on the quality of the material, as a result of which the roads were washed away. “A few days back, R&B Department initiated the process of macadamisation and blacktopping of Rambagh-Natipora road, but it did not even last a single rainfall,” said Athar Ahmad, a representative of the delegation of residents. “In no time, the rain water washed away the blacktopping and the macadam material. This explains the kind of material being put in to develop the road infrastructure in the city. We are regularly paying taxes for the maintenance and repair of roads but the state government is misusing taxpayer’s money,” he added. Ahmad, while claiming that the colony residents had even offered money for construction of lanes and
bylanes, said the repair of major roads is the responsibility of the government. “Last time, MLA Amira
Kadal, Nasir Aslam Wani, had even inspected the area and stressed on repair of roads, but the authorities seem to have taken his directions casually,” he said, adding that we appeal the concerned minister to look into the issue. “He should (the minister) not give in to the claims made by the officials of his department. If the department would have done its work properly the problem of water logging and pot holes would not have surfaced,” Athar said. |
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Minister reviews progress of tourist projects at Aharbal
Srinagar, August 16 “The Minister directed the CEO, ADA, for framing of proposal for destination development,” an official spokesman said after the 5th meeting of the authority was held at the Tourist Reception Centre
(TRC), Srinagar, under the chairmanship of the Minister. Various issues including the implementation of the decisions of the last meeting were discussed. The Minister for Social Welfare, Sakina
Itoo, was also present in the meeting. “During the meeting, the work on Centrally sponsored 20-room budgeted accommodation coming up at a cost of Rs 3.89 crore was also reviewed and the project is expected to be completed by July, 2014. The meeting also reviewed the progress of another project regarding tourist facilities to be created at a cost of Rs 4.67 crore and directions for early tendering to the authority were also issued on the spot,” the spokesman said. “The authority was asked to take up the issue of pre-feasibility of cable car from Sangam to Kungwattan at Ahrabal through the Director, Tourism Kashmir. The pace of work on the TRC was also reviewed and the JKPCC was asked to ensure its completion so that it is put to use,” he added. The meeting was attended among others by senior officers of the Tourism Department and Aharabal Development Authority. |
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Two killed, six injured in road accidents
Srinagar, August 16 In another road accident in the city, two persons were injured when a car collided with a motorcycle near the Fire Service crossing. The two injured have been identified as motorcyclists Owais Ahmad Lone and Nadeen Ahmad Sheikh, both residents of Fateh
Kadal. Both the injured were shifted to a hospital for treatment, the spokesman said. Boy’s body fished out, two rescued in
Anantnag
The police has fished out the body of a boy who drowned in the Lidder river earlier this week while two others were rescued from the river with the help of a rafting squad. The body of Sohail Ahmad
Malik, a resident of Mandlan village, was fished out from the Lidder river last evening in Anantnag district, the spokesman said. In a separate incident, two people who had slipped into the Lidder near
Ganeshpora, where rescued with the help a rafting squad. The spokesman said Nisar Ahmad and Gowhar Ahmad, both residents of Wohdon Saller village near Pahalgam resort, were rescued from the river. |
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Chhari Mubarak leaves for holy cave shrine
Srinagar, August 16 Before starting the journey along with other saints, Mahant Deependra Giri, custodian of the Chhari Mubarak, told reporters that they would pray for peace in the state. After ‘pujan’ and night halt at Pahalgam, the Chhari Mubarak is scheduled to leave Pahalgam on Sunday. On Monday, the holy mace will leave from Chandanwari for a night halt at Sheshnag. Finally on Tuesday, the Chhari Mubarak will start onward journey to the holy cave from Sheshnag. Over 3.5 lakh pilgrims have so far performed darshan at the cave shrine after this year’s yatra went underway on June 28.Over 6.20 lakh pilgrims had performed the Amarnath yatra last year. While the steeper Baltal route is preferred by those who wish to return to the base camp in a day, the Pahalgam-Chandanwari route, which is longer, is preferred by the elderly and the hardcore devotees, who believe that Lord Shiva took the same route to the cave shrine. |
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Srinagar girls win state Rugby championship
Srinagar, August 16 The six-day-long competition, which was organised by the J&K Rugby Association, saw teams from
Kupwara, Bandipora, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Budgam, Jammu, Anantnag, Pulwama and Srinagar vying for the top position. The Joint Secretary, J&K State Sports Council, J P Singh Bali, distributed the prizes among the during a function at the Government College for Women here today here today. Meanwhile, a10-day coaching camp has been organised for the senior boys
team at the Polo Ground here ahead of the state Senior National Rugby Sevens championship. The tournament will be hosted here from August 22 to 25. |
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BJYM holds protest against Pakistan
Jammu, August 16 Addressing the media, BJYM state president Ravinder Raina said India should immediately call off all its talks with Pakistan. He said the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir, including the territory forcibly and illegally occupied by Pakistan, was an integral part of India. Raina said the resolution passed by the Pakistan’s National Assembly vindicated that Pakistan was patronising the terrorists and providing them arms training and all other aids to target India and is responsible for the killings in Jammu and Kashmir for 23 years. He called on the Union Government to declare Pakistan a terrorist state. |
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The Amarnath yatra entered its last phase as the Chhari Mubarak (holy mace of Lord Shiva) left Dashnami Akhara here today for its onward journey to the holy cave shrine. This year’s yatra is scheduled to conclude on August 21 once the Chhari Mubarak reaches the cave shrine.
