Srinagar, September 20
As many as 623 fresh recruits were inducted in the Border Security Force (BSF) today. The passing-out parade was held at its training centre in Humhama on the outskirts of the city today. PS Sandhu, Inspector-General, BSF Kashmir Frontier, took the salute at the passing-out parade.

Those who were inducted today included 329 from Rajasthan,76 from Uttar Pradesh, 70 from Haryana, 59 from Bihar, 26 from Jammu and Kashmir, 13 from Himachal Pradesh, 10 from Punjab, seven from West Bengal, six each from Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh, five each from Kerala and Jharkhand, three from Manipur, two each from Chhattisgarh and Andra Pradesh and one each from Assam, Maharashtra, New Delhi and Tamil Nadu.

They successfully completed 24 weeks of rigorous basic training, in which they were put through various dimensions and aspects of training involving physical fitness and mental robustness, effective use of arms, map reading and maintaining utmost discipline.

Besides this, training was imparted in field engineering, field craft, minor tactics, anti-terrorism, counter-insurgency, commando operations and respect for human rights, a BSF spokesman said. Addressing the newly inducted men in the BSF, Sandhu congratulated them for the excellent parade and wished them good luck for the future.

"I laud the role of officers and training staff of the Subsidiary Training Centre in shaping these young men to shoulder the responsibility placed on them and rise to the expectations of the nation," he said. The Subsidiary Training Centre, BSF Kashmir, was established on June 10, 1990, to impart basic training to recruits and cater to training needs of the BSF in Kashmir. This centre had trained 13,450 recruits so far.

Srinagar, September 20
For the third consecutive day, curfew-like restrictions still continued to be in place in the Palhalan village of north Kashmir, which had remained tense ever since the killing of two militants of the Hizbul Mujahideen on Tuesday evening.

Police and Central Reserve Police Force personnel blocked all link roads leading to the village on the Srinagar-Baramulla highway right from the wee hours.

Local residents were not granted permission to go out of the village.

Police sources said restrictions in the volatile village, nearly 30 km from here, were likely to continue till Saturday.

Traffic on the Baramulla-Srinagar highway plied normally and there was a report of minor clashes from the village.

Two local militants of the Hizbul Mujahideen, Aqib and Bilal, were killed in a joint operation by personnel of the police and Army on the premises of a school during an encounter on Tuesday evening.

Arms and ammunition were also recovered from the encounter site by security forces.

The local residents who organised protests on Wednesday alleged that the two were killed after being taken into custody, an allegation refuted by the police.

Shops remained closed in Pattan township, in the neighbourhood of Palhalan for the third day.

Kupwara, September 20
The mysterious death of a class IV student, a resident of Pazwalpora in Rafiabad, has created panic in the area. Local residents have demanded that those responsible for the death should be nabbed and given stern punishment.

The girl was found dead under a heap of soil near her house. According to family members of the deceased, the nine-year-old girl went missing from her house this morning.

“She was found dead under a heap of soil extracted from a newly laid road near her house. Her death has shocked us and we want stern punishment against the culprits who murdered the innocent girl,” said the deceased's father.

A team of four doctors conducted autopsy on the body at the District Hospital in Baramulla. Sources said doctors sent the samples to the forensic laboratory.

The preliminary examination suggested that the girl had been raped before being murdered as there were injury marks on her body and genital parts.

They said her left thigh had been fractured and there were injury marks on most parts of the body. The police registered a case and started investigations into the case.

Srinagar, September 20
The multi-storey Tehzeeb Mahal complex, a multi-facility centre to showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage, which is under construction at the site of old Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) here, is expected to be completed by April 2016.

This information was given to Governor NN Vohra by engineers of the Jammu and Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation (JKPCC), the executing agency of this project, on his visit to the site today.

The Governor was briefed about salient features of the Tehzeeb Mahal. The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages is the project authority for the Tehzeeb Mahal.

The Governor, who is patron of the cultural academy, was briefed about its salient features. He viewed detailed drawings of the project and facilities to be created at the upcoming Tehzeeb Mahal.

The Governor was informed that this multi-storey complex with a built-up area of 1,19,899 square feet would have an auditorium for 600 persons, a seminar hall with a capacity of 100 seats, a cafeteria with utilities, a coffee shop, an administrative hall, a bookshop, a log bridge and toilets for differently abled persons on the ground floor.

On the first floor of the complex, there would be an art gallery, a handicrafts display hall, a music studio, an art studio and other utilities. On the second floor, there would be an exhibition hall, a conservation laboratory, a library and a heritage museum. The semi-basement of this complex would have facilities like parking, services, inmates theatre, dormitory and storage.

Those present on the occasion included Atal Dulloo, Commissioner-Secretary, Tourism and Culture; Navin K Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor; Khalid Bashir Ahmad, Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages; and senior engineers of the Jammu and Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation.

Srinagar, September 20
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has directed the Revenue Department to formulate a special girdawari, indicating the loss to crops due to the recent hailstorms in the Valley and other parts of the state.

Omar Abdullah said a comprehensive and detailed report should be formulated so that the compensation process could be put on the fast track.

Talking to a delegation of farmers of Khansahib and other areas who called on him here in the Awami Mulaqat today, the Chief Minister said the loss to crops due to the hailstorms would be assessed for compensation to affected farmers.

The Chief Minister said development of agriculture and allied sectors were receiving priority attention to revolutionise the lot of the people associated with these economically important sectors.

Although tax was not levied on the agricultural sector in the state, the state government had announced special packages for increasing per hectare production and fund budding entrepreneurs who wanted to venture into this area.

As many as 49 delegations and scores of individuals met the Chief Minister in today's Awami Mulaqat and apprised him of various matters of urgent public importance.

A delegation from Singhporain Pahalgam requested the Chief Minister for the construction of the Singhpora-Manzgam road. A delegation from Anantnag stressed on construction of a flyover from Khanabal to Anantnag and requested the inauguration of the Subdistrict Hospital in Anantnag.

A delegation of the KMD Association brought to the notice of Chief Minister problems pertaining to the welfare of the members of the association.

Students sponsored under the PMSSS apprised the Chief Minister of their difficulties in receiving scholarships. A delegation of degree holders in electronics and communications requested the Chief Minister for issuance of notification so that they could appear in the PSC examination.

A delegation of the Flour Mill Owners Association and a delegation of the Fruit Growers Association brought issues concerning them to the notice of the Chief Minister.

A number of delegations from Lolab, Tangmarg, Beerwah, Srinagar, Ganderbal, Anantnag, Qaimoh, Budgam, Lar, Bemina, Khansahib and Mujgund met the Chief Minister and apprised him of various development needs in their respective areas.

A delegation from Qoimoh led by MLC Abdul Majid requested the Chief Minister for denotifying Qoimoh as a town. Adviser to the Chief Minister Qamar Ali Akhoon was present in the Awami Mulaqat.

Handwara, September 20
Welcoming the death sentence awarded by a Delhi court to the four convicts in the gang rape and murder of a Delhi girl, relatives of the 13-year-old girl who was raped and murdered here on July 20, 2007, demanded that the accused persons in jail should meet the same fate.

They said capital punishment would serve as a deterrent for such offences. “We have full faith in the judiciary and hope that the perpetrators will also be awarded capital punishment as the case is as horrible as the Delhi rape and murder case,” said Mohd Iqbal, the victim’s brother.

“Delhi girl Damini got justice in less than nine months, but my sister’s case has been lingering for the last six years,” he added. In July 2007, the class VIII student was found murdered at an orchard in Langate. Medical reports had confirmed that the abductors raped her before slitting her throat.

“For the last six years, the trial has been going on at a snail’s pace. In spite of clinching evidence against the accused, they have not been hanged or sentenced to life. On the other hand, Damini’s case was pursuedon a fast-track basis and the court awarded stern punishment to the accused in a shortest time of nine months,” said Abdul Gani Shah, the victim’s father.

He recalled that then Ghulam Nabi Azad-led government had announced setting up a fast-track court for speedy justice in the case. “Justice continues to elude us for the last six years. The perpetrators of the crime have confessed their guilt and I fail to understand why there has been an unprecedented delay in awarding the sentence,” he added.

Four days after the brutal murder of the minor girl, the police had arrested the four accused, including two non-locals, and filed a challan against them. The murder of the minor girl had evoked wide protests for weeks.

According to the police, the accused had confessed the crime. “We have produced all material evidence against the accused in the court of law. It is for the court to decide the quantum of punishment based on the evidence,” said a police officer closely linked to the case. 

Srinagar, September 20
A four-year-old girl was killed and three others injured in separate road accidents across the Valley, the police said today. A truck hit four-year-old Bisma of Nadihal in north Kashmir's Bandipora district. She succumbed to her injuries on way to hospital, a police spokesman said.

In Kulgam district, an SUV hit a woman at Dalwalch near Qazigund. The injured was taken to hospital.

An unidentified vehicle hit 60-year-old Aysha Banoo at Qazigund. The injured woman was taken to hospital.

A tanker hit a pedestrian near the Harnag crossing in Kulgam district. The injured was taken to hospital.

Srinagar, September 20
The municipal corporation (MC) sealed 32 illegally occupied shops here oday. “A team of revenue officials under the supervision of MC Joint Commissioner Administration Bashir Ahmed conducted an inspection of the Cheap Market near the exhibition crossing and sealed 32 shops. The shops sealed were illegally occupied by unidentified persons,” the MC media relations officer said.

Meanwhile, after joining as the new health officer, MC, Shafkat Khan, along with the team of food safety officers, conducted a market inspection in various areas, including Rajbagh, Jawahar Nagar, Rambagh, Karan Nagar, Saiki Dafer and Kani Kadal.

“At least eight quintals of adulterated loose milk was destroyed with the bulk of rotten vegetables at various places during the market check. The food establishment at Raj Bagh has been sealed as it was found in extremely insanitary conditions during the inspection,” the MC official said.

The MC Commissioner directed the food wing to intensify market checks to ensure the availability of safe and qualitative food among the public, the official added.

Srinagar, September 20
The state-level committee, headed by Chief Secretary Mohammad Iqbal Khandey today finalised and approved the draft proposal prepared by the State Wild Life Department for declaration of areas around national parks, wild life sanctuaries and conservation reserves, situated in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh as eco-sensitive zones.

“The proposal envisages creation of eco-sensitive zones to act as buffer or shock absorber for the protected area against any non-forest activity by way of regulating, managing and prohibiting such activities around ecologically fragile areas. The width of the eco-sensitive zone differs from protected area to protected area and is meant to protect precious areas from any negative impact and to refine the environment around these areas,” an official handout reads.

The proposal will be forwarded and submitted to the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests for further processing and notification under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to conserve the state’s forests, environment and wildlife. 

Srinagar, September 20
Twenty five students and two teachers from Government Boys Middle School, Lasjan, Srinagar, who were on a 15-day tour to the country under Operation Sadhbhavana, returned to Srinagar on Thursday.

The students were welcomed by 126 Infantry Battalion (TA), JAK Rifles.

“During the 15-day tour, the students visited various historic and important places in Delhi, Jaipur, Ajmer and Chandigarh. The opportunity was accorded to the team by th Army,” a Defence spokesperson in Srinagar said.

The tour was flagged off by Maj Gen PD Hallur, General Officer Commanding, 31 Sub Area, along with Mir Tariq Ali, Director of School Education, Kashmir.

The spokesperson said the Officiating Commanding Officer, 126 Infantry Battalion (TA), JAK RIF, extended a warm welcome to the students.

“He asked the students to work hard to secure to achieve their goals. The delegation of students enthusiastically shared their experiences with the Officiating Commanding Officer. The students expressed their gratitude to the Army,” the spokesperson added.

Srinagar, September 20
Two people died when they fell from a tree while harvesting walnuts in Anantnag district.

Twenty seven-year-old Mohammad Altaf Dar fell from a walnut tree at Kanganhal village near Achabal in Anantnag, a police spokesperson said. He succumbed to injuries on way to the hospital.

In another incident, Mushtaq Ahmad Beigh, a resident of Seer Hamdan village, fell from a walnut tree while harvesting walnuts in the district. He was shifted to a hospital where he succumbed to injuries, said the spokesperson. — TNS

Srinagar, September 20
The Mallinson Girls School, Sheikh Bagh, celebrated its 101st Athletics Sports Day today.

As many as 350 students and staff members participated in several athletics events. Different events in flat race, 400m, 200m, 100m, 75m and 50m, shot put, javelin throw, lemon and spoon race, sack race, matka race, three-legged race, 9 O’ clock rush, skipping rope race and relay races were held for students of all age groups from class III to XII.

Joint Director, School Education Department, Suriya Akhtar, was the chief guest, who gave away medals and certificates to the winning students.

President of the Gandhi Global Family (GGF-JK), SP Verma, presented the school with a banner announcing the Twelve Day Peace I
nitiative of the United Nations Organisation (UNO) with the GGF-India titled, “From Peace to Non-Violence” stressing the significance of Peace (from September 21 UN International Day of Peace to UN Non- Violence Day on October 2, the birthday of the Father of the Nation.

The Joint Director stressed the need for fitness among girls and women, which could come only through discipline and character. “Sports enhance both these virtues”, she said. She congratulated the school for having served the girl child in Kashmir for over a century and applauded the role the school has played in bringing up the level of education and awareness among women in the state. 

Srinagar, September 20
Young Iqbal Football Club and J&K Forests won their respective matches in the ongoing J&K State Power Development Corporation Annual League Football Tournament 2013.

In a first match of the A division, Young Iqbal FC defeated Royal Sports 1-0. The only goal of the match was scored by Showkat Ahmed of Young Iqbal FC in the last minutes of the game. Ahmed scored the goal in 69th minute and helped his team win the match.

In the super division match, J&K Forests defeated Jehlum Sports. In the first half, no team was able to score a goal. However, in the second half, Imaran of J&K Forests scored the first goal for his team in the 55th minute. Ten minutes later, Shariq scored another goal for J&K Forests. Jehlum Sports was not able to score any goal in the match. In the end, J&K Forests won 2-0.

Organised by the J&K Football Association, the tournament is being played at Polo Ground, Srinagar.