Srinagar, October 15
A strike called by the hardline faction of the Hurriyat Conference, a proposed march to Chrar-e-Sharief by the moderate faction of the party and a preventive curfew paralysed life across the Kashmir valley today.

The hardline faction of the Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Geelani, spearheading the ongoing agitation by issuing protest calendars, had called for a strike and demonstrations after Friday prayers today against the unmarked graves in the Valley while the moderate faction led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq had called for a march to Chrar-e-Sharief on the occasion of the Urs of the Sufi saint, Sheikh Nooruddin Wali, popularly known as Sheikh-ul-Alam.

The curfew was imposed in the areas under five police stations of Srinagar, Pampore town and in parts of Baramulla and Kupwara districts. The authorities also imposed the restrictions to prevent the proposed march in the areas falling under police stations of Nowhatta, Rainawari, Khanyar, Safakadal and Maharaj Gung in downtown. The Mirwaiz condemned the police action and expressed concern over the imposition of the curfew.

Tension gripped Pampore town, 15 km from here, after the curfew restrictions were imposed there following the death of a person,Ghulam Nabi Mir, who succumbed to his injuries in hospital last night.

The police said Mir’s family alleged that he was beaten up by security force personnel. “It was alleged by his family members that he was beaten up on October 7 at Nambalbal in Pampore”, the police spokesman said. He added a case had been registered under Section 307 of the RPC.

Restrictions were also imposed in the Baramulla, Sopore, Pattan, Palhalan, Delina and Dangiwacha areas of Baramulla district, the police said here. The curfew also remained in force in the Kupwara, Kralpora, Trehgam, Handwara, Chottipora and Kulangam areas of Kupwara district.

Three police personnel were injured when protesters threw stones on their vehicle at Humhama on the outskirts of the city last evening. Two of the injured were admitted to the SMHS hospital,the police said.

Meanwhile, JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik and five of his close associates were taken into preventive custody in Bandipora district of north Kashmir today, official sources said.

Malik, JKLF vice-chairman Bashir Ahmad Bhat and four other party leaders were detained by the police at Sumbal, 25km from here this afternoon, the sources said.

They said the separatist leader, who was on his way to Sonawari to address a public meeting, was taken into preventive custody as the authorities apprehended law and order problem.

Jammu, October 15
Even as opposition parties have expressed reservation over the selection of the interlocutors by the Central government for holding talks with cross-sections of society, the Congress is divided over the issue.

A faction of the party has expressed concern over the selection of non-political interlocutors and demanded that persons with political background should be assigned the important job. Another faction in the Congress has hailed the selection of three interlocutors and termed the government action as visionary.

In a statement issued here today, former minister and MLC Abdul Gani Vakil has stated that the selection of interlocutors for taking forward the peace process in Jammu and Kashmir “speaks volumes about the genuineness, sincerity and concern of the UPA government towards addressing aspirations of people of all three regions of the state”.

In an obvious reference to his own party men, who have expressed resentment over the selection of appointment non-political persons as interlocutors, Vakil said, “Those who are criticising the move of the Union government are seemingly unmoved by the recent spate of killings in the Valley.” “Time has come for them to understand their duty towards the people of the state, especially those who have lost their kith and kin,” said Vakil.

He underlined need for engaging the interlocutors in a fruitful dialogue, which could later pave the way for rebuilding and cementing the faith of people in the democratic set-up.

“We have to talk. None should miss the bus since the three interlocutors are members of civil society and hence more suitable to hold talks and parleys even with those who have repeatedly refused to share table with the mainstream political forces,” added Vakil.

Without naming the PDP, Vakil expressed regret over the manner in which a particular political party reacted to the choice of the interlocutors.

“When the all-party delegation visited the Valley, they refused to meet and talk to it. Now that an independent panel has been constituted, all those who want to see the return of peace and prosperity to the state should engage in talks,” added Vakil.

He reiterated that at a time when former Pakistan President Parvez Musharraf was showering praises on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for sincerity and honesty, separatists had no reason to show rigidity.

“Talks are the only way out, not violence. That would only aggravate the situation,” he said.

Jammu, October 15
With an increase in intrusion bids this year and anticipating a spurt in the winter, the BSF has started working on a two-pronged strategy of fortifying the 229-km international border and acquiring sophisticated weaponry, bulletproof jackets, bulletproof vehicles and other requisite gadgets to thwart misadventures at the border.

Addressing mediapersons here this afternoon at the BSF camp on the sidelines of a function, BSF Jammu Frontier Inspector General Siddharth Chatopadhaya said there had been an increase in intrusion bids along the border this year.

“At least 26 infiltration attempts were made last year, but this year till June 31, the number has already gone up to 36,” said the new incumbent, who recently took over the charge from AK Surollia.

With winter setting in, the BSF had intensified vigil and is also fortifying the border by increasing its manpower and equipping the troopers with sophisticated gadgets, he said.

The BSF has also identified some of the weak areas along the border where there had been repeated attempts of intrusion, he added.

The IG said the BSF had been beefing up the weak areas with additional troops.

Latest equipments like night vision devices have also been provided to the troops to tackle infiltration bids.

It may be stated here that to fortify the border, approximately 140-150 feet of land would be used for raising embankments, water trenches and a network of roads so as to protect the borders and at the same time provide an almost unimpregnable cover in the form of embankments to the villagers from Pakistani firing.

On unprovoked fire by Pakistani troopers on Indian posts, Chatopadhaya said such incidents witnessed an upward swing during Independence Days of both countries.

But in spite of the firing, sweets were exchanged on the border during national festivals of the two countries as a goodwill gesture, he said.

The IG also felt that of late there had been a change in the attitude of their counterparts in defusing tension on the border.

On damage to the border fence in recent flashfloods, he said most of the repair work had been done.

Jammu, October 15
In sharp contrast to the demand for demilitarisation in the militancy-plagued state, residents of Bachianwali village in Surankote tehsil of Poonch district have approached the local Army authorities with a request against the shifting of an Army camp from their village.

As part of changing counter-terrorism grid, the Army keeps shifting the location of its posts and camps.

Accordingly, the Army post at Bachianwali was shifted to another location due to operational reasons.

“The presence of the Army Post provides us safety, security and makes us feel secure,” petitioned the villagers.

The plea highlighted the peace and development dividends brought by the presence of an Army camp in the area.

It also explained the worries and apprehensions of the people on disturbance of peace and tranquility in the area.

Local MLA Choudhary Aslam also made a telephonic request to the Sector Commander, the Rashtriya Rifles Battalion concerned of the Counter Insurgency Force (Romeo), in this regard.

This is in much contrast to the negative image of the security forces being projected by unscrupulous separatist forces in Kashmir Valley and other parts of the state, who claim to be the voice of the people.

Srinagar, October 15
Governor NN Vohra and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah have stressed the need for undertaking an academic audit and setting highest standards for teaching and research in the agricultural universities of the state to establish themselves as centres of excellence and ensure effective utilisation of available capacities. The Governor stressed the need to reorient traditional approaches to timely and effectively meeting the serious problems relating to the fast impacting phenomenon of global warming and climate change.

The Governor and the Chief Minister were addressing the 19th University Council meeting of the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Kashmir, last evening.

The Governor, who is also the Chancellor of the university, while chairing the meeting emphasised that area specific plans should be timely formulated with a view to maximising productivity in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, animal husbandry and all other allied sectors. He added that all required structural changes in the varied sectors of agriculture must be timely conceptualised and implemented for ensuring the optimal growth of these sectors.

The Governor said the rate of seed replacement needed the most urgent improvement and, besides all other inputs and interventions must be accorded a high priority to raise productivity levels, particularly in the sectors of agriculture, horticulture, floriculture, vegetable and mushroom cultivation, fisheries, dairy, sheep and goat breeding. These sectors have a high inherent potential for generating wealth and employment opportunities in the state.

He also laid stress for establishing all the planned Krishi Vigyan Kendras within a fixed time-frame.

Referring to the damage caused by the recent floods in Ladakh, the Governor called for taking all required measures for ensuring timely supply of good quality seeds, saplings, plant materials and other required inputs to the farmers as well as the reclamation of the flood affected lands as the next crop season is not far away.

The Chief Minister, who is also the Pro-Chancellor of the university, called for the regular monitoring of the utilisation of available resources so that the entire planned infrastructure and allied facilities come up in a time-bound manner. He said there must be a greater synergy between various institutions with a view to maximising benefits of all schemes for the growers.

Srinagar, October 15
Governor NN Vohra has greeted people on Dasehra and Navami.

In his message,the Governor said the festivals symbolised the universal triumph of virtue and righteousness over evil and darkness.He observed the festivals were a glorious heritage of our pluralistic traditions, which further strengthened the spirit of communal harmony, brotherhood and amity. He prayed for peace, progress and prosperity in the state.

Meanwhile, educational institutions celebrated the festival. The pre-primary wing of Shiksha Niketan School, Jeevan Nagar, today celebrated Navami and Dasehra on the premises of the school.

The students presented a dance, skits and songs throwing light on the greatness of ‘Nav-Durga Pujan’.

In the end, effigies of Ravan, Meghnad and Kumb Karan were burnt by the students. Meanwhile, the higher secondary wing of the school also celebrated Navami. The programme was centred on “World Health Day” and “Blind Day” that fall on this day. — TNS

Jammu, October 15
The director of many successful comedy films of Bollywood, David Dhawan, said today that landscapes in Jammu were cinematically so beautiful that a complete film could be shot here alone.

Dhawan, who came to Jammu for the first time today, said even those movies, which had subjects other than the Kashmir issue, had a greater scope for shooting here. “Films shot here in Jammu can capture the north Indian culture very well,” he said speaking to the media here. He was accompanied by noted film producer Mukesh Bhatt, who produced “Lamhaa” on the Kashmir issue.

Bhatt regretted the “unfortunate” environment in the Valley and asked the Central government to help the state government in improving the situation.

“We regret going to foreign countries for shooting films because of the ongoing turmoil in the state. I hope the dark clouds will disappear soon,” Bhatt said. He added that the state government alone could not deal with the situation. He urged the Union government to help the state government in overcoming the turmoil to boost tourism.

Sounding a word of encouragement for aspiring film artistes, Bhatt said, “We have always welcomed the beginners. If they have confidence in their talent and most importantly passion and dedication, we are always there to groom and promote them.”

They arrived here today in connection with the navratra festival going on in Katra. The event has been organised for the last 13 years by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board in collaboration with the Tourism Department, Jammu and Kashmir Cooperative Housing Corporation and some media groups under the supervision of the Navratra Festival Committee.

Others present on the occasion included the Managing Director of Venus Records and Tapes, trade analyst Vikas Mohan and Chairman of the Fame Group Shyam Shroff. They are part of the adjudicating panel for the final round of the All India Devotional Song Competition that would be held at the Yog Ashram Complex at Katra tomorrow.

The event promises Rs 1 lakh, besides contract with Venus Records and Tapes Ltd, said Rakesh Wazir, president of the All Indian Devotional Song Committee.

Jammu, October 15
The Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, is organising a two-day ‘Mini Rajasthan Festival’ in the city on October 20 and 21 for the first time.

The festival to be held on the premises of Dogra Brahman Pratinidhi Sabha, Parade, Jammu, is part of the Rajasthan Tourism’s domestic tourism promotion campaign “Rajasthan Calling” being held in 19 major cities across the country, including Kotchi, Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore, Patna, Kolkatta, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Ludhiana, Lukhnow and Chandigarh.

“The major highlight of the festival will be live dances and a food court and free application of mehandi (henna) to visiting ladies,” said, Usha Sharma, Principal Secretary and Commissioner, Department of Tourism.

“The food court will have stalls serving famous dal baati choorma, famous Rajasthan kachoris, mirchi pakoras and traditional sweets. Traditional Rajasthan dances to be performed will include chari, gujri, and algoja dance,” she said.

“About 25 stalls depicting various culture, handicrafts, works from various regions of the state will be showcased during the festival,” she added.

“With 14.8 lakh foreign tourists and 283 lakh domestic tourist arrivals in 2008, Rajasthan is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in India,” Sharma said.

Srinagar, October 15
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has underlined the importance of creating a pool of skilled youth through a sustained capacity building process to open new avenues of employment for them.

Reviewing the Sher-e-Kashmir Employment and Welfare Programme for the youth here today, the Chief Minister said in order to address the unemployment problem, the need for enhancing employability as per the job market requirements was imperative.

“My government’s endeavour is to take on the employment crisis in a comprehensive and befitting manner,” he said. He emphasised the necessity for regularly monitoring the success of the employment programme.

Omar said the Chief Secretary would review the job programme fortnightly, the Finance Minister monthly, while he would take stock of its progress quarterly.

The Chief Minister directed the Employment Department and the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) to develop a shelf of draft project reports (DPRs) for various schemes and projects for the entrepreneurs and the youth. “These DPRs will be available to the youth for taking up different employment generating schemes smoothly under the Sher-e-Kashmir employment programme. When a shelf of DPRs is available to them, they can easily decide and select the project to venture in,” he said.

The Chief Minister also called for a separate website for the employment programme linked with the EDI and the Employment Department to provide requisite information to the youth about the employment schemes.

Omar also directed for fast-tracking the construction of district employment and counselling centres, for which Rs 24 crore had been made available. He said the work on these centres in all districts should be completed in the stipulated time line and sufficient place provided to J&K Bank in each centre as per the requirement of the bank.

The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather, Minister for Higher Education and Employment Abdul Gani Malik, advisers to Chief Minister Mubarak Gul and Devender Singh Rana, Chief Secretary SS Kapur, Principal Secretary, Planning, Khurshid Ahmad Ganai, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister BB Vyas, Commissioner/Secretary, Finance, Sudhanshu Pandey, Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir Bank Mushtaq Ahmad, Secretary, Labour and Employment, GA Peer, Secretary, Planning, and Director of EDI, and other senior officers.

Jammu, October 15
A man was murdered over a trivial issue in Bhatian village of Thannamandi tehsil of Rajouri district today.

Confirming the incident, SSP, Rajouri district, RK Jalla, said Sanawar Mirza and his two sons attacked Mohammed Sadiq with a stone and a stick resulting into his death. A case has been registered against the accused, who are absconding.

Official sources said the crime occurred in the presence of Panchayat wherein both parties had been requisitioned to settle a dispute between them over demarcation of a piece of land in the village.