J A M M U   &   K A S H M I R

Census staff to get security
SRINAGAR, Sept 23 — The Jammu and Kashmir Government has decided to provide security to enumerators and other staff for a smooth and expeditious census operation, which has been hampered by the Hizbul Mujahideen call for boycott. A official spokesman stated here last evening that the decision to work out a strategy to go ahead with the second and final phase of the census operations was taken at a high-level meeting. The meeting was presided over by the Chief Secretary, Mr Ashok Jaitly.

Bhaderwah — a mini Kashmir
JAMMU, Sept 23 — Nestled in alpine forests is Bhaderwah — a beauty spot popularly called a mini Kashmir. It continues to be neglected by the Tourism Department which has never tried to beautify this place so that tourists could be attracted. For the past 52 years, the state government has not taken any interest to develop this place where Pandavas had spent a year incognito. The place has temperate climate and is dotted by dense deodar forests and apple orchards. Those who visited the resort once are keen on repeating their trips to this pollution-free place.

Census staff to get security
Tribune News Service

SRINAGAR, Sept 23 — The Jammu and Kashmir Government has decided to provide security to enumerators and other staff for a smooth and expeditious census operation, which has been hampered by the Hizbul Mujahideen call for boycott.

A official spokesman stated here last evening that the decision to work out a strategy to go ahead with the second and final phase of the census operations was taken at a high-level meeting. The meeting was presided over by the Chief Secretary, Mr Ashok Jaitly.

If need be, the time limit for the operations would be extended. Though major work in this regard has been accomplished, the remaining work would be completed to get the data which is vital for planning and welfare of various areas, the spokesman said.

While the operations going are smoothly in the Jammu and Ladakh regions, work has also started in some areas of the Kashmir valley. The government has taken serious view of the lackadaisical response from some enumerators.

Stressing for drawing an action plan for an expeditious completion of census operations in all parts of the state, the Chief Secretary assured of necessary logistic support and security to the staff associated with census. Instructions have been issued to Deputy Commissoners for completing the work.

The Director General of Police, Mr Gurbachan Jagat, Principal Secretary Finance, Mr Jalil Ahmad Khan, Principal Secretary, Home, Mr C. Phunsong, and other senior officers attended the meeting.

The second phase of census operations which began on September 11 in Jammu and Kashmir, was hampered in the Kashmir valley in view of the boycott by the Hizbul Mujahideen and objections raised by a former National Conference leader Prof Saifuddin Soz.

The Director, Census had already appealed them to reconsider the boycott cal and the review the observations in order to pave the way for the smooth conduct of the census operations in the valley like other parts of the State of Jammu and Kashmir.

Bhaderwah — a mini Kashmir
From Rajni Gandotra

JAMMU, Sept 23 — Nestled in alpine forests is Bhaderwah — a beauty spot popularly called a mini Kashmir. It continues to be neglected by the Tourism Department which has never tried to beautify this place so that tourists could be attracted.

For the past 52 years, the state government has not taken any interest to develop this place where Pandavas had spent a year incognito.

The place has temperate climate and is dotted by dense deodar forests and apple orchards. Those who visited the resort once are keen on repeating their trips to this pollution-free place.

Bhaderwah tehsil is situated at an altitude of about 5,000 feet and has an area of 2500 sq. kms. It is accessible by a 20-km unmetalled road which is not safe. Its link roads are often get blocked even with a moderate rain.

Scenic spots of the area are: Jai, Paderi, Dev Kashtra, Kailash Kund, Sarthal, Gupt Ganga, Nathri Basti, Reushra, Sartigal, Khari Top, Seoj, Meerdow, Chamba. Kailash Yatra is the most famous pilgrimage of the area.

The Bani-Basohli, Chamba-Bhaderwah roads are bus worthy. These roads are considered an alternative of the Pathankot to Srinagar via Batote road.