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Temp dips as rain lashes Valley
A market wears a deserted look after rain lashed Srinagar and its surrounding areas on Monday. More rain is forecast during the next 24 hours. Photo: Yawar Kabli
Grand Mufti joins chorus against anti-Islam film
Hurriyat calls for Valley shutdown
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Healthcare a casualty in Kupwara dist as hospitals face acute staff shortage
A rush of patients at a government health facility in Sogam, Lolab, which is facing shortage of staff. Photo by writer
NYC volunteers’ gherao BID foiled
Science Congress-2012 kicks off at Kashmir varsity
Vice-President Mohammad Hamid Ansari honours a scientist during the inauguration of the
8th J&K Science Congress at Kashmir University in Srinagar on Monday. Photo: Yawar Kabli
Two die, 7 injured in accidents
Restoration of Srinagar’s glory top priority: Mufti Mohammed Sayeed
Sports department like a rudderless ship
Rafting championship held in Pahalgam
The intrepid:
Participants negotiate a rapid during a rafting championship at Yannar in Pahalgam on Monday. Photo: Suhail A Shah
Tarigami opposes FDI in retail sector
Vice-President briefed on research related to Central Asia
Vice-President Hamid Ansari and Governor NN Vohra along with other dignitaries release the latest issue of ‘Central Asian Digest’ in Srinagar on Monday. A Tribune photograph
‘Malika Da Khas Salakaar’ takes a dig at rising consumerism
24 Congress workers join BJP
Taekwondo championship from September 23
Soz seeks honorarium for panchayat members
Bears maul two in south Kashmir
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Temp dips as rain lashes Valley
Srinagar, September 17 The minimum temperature in the city was recorded at 15 °C and maximum temperature at 20.9 °C, a weather official said.
The maximum temperature in the city was eight degrees below the estimated normal for the season, as 1.9 mm rainfall was recorded in the city, the official in the weather department said. In the tourist resort of Pahalgam in south Kashmir, the maximum temperature for the day was around 15 °C, while the gateway town of Qazigund recorded 22.3 °C. Pahalgam recorded 11.3 mm and Qazigund 3.6 mm rainfall. In north Kashmir, the frontier Kupwara district received 24.2 mm rainfall, while the maximum temperature stood at 18.1 °C. Officials of the meteorological department said moderate to heavy rainfall was expected over most of the state in the next 24 hours. Kashmir has witnessed an unusually hot summer this year with temperatures rising three to four degrees above normal for most of the period through July and August. Since September, the influx of western disturbances has brought fresh downpour, bringing down the mercury considerably.
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Grand Mufti joins chorus against anti-Islam film
Srinagar, September 17 Mufti Bashiruddin had earlier advised the American nationals to leave the Valley following which the US issued a “security alert”, advising its citizens to avoid travel to the state. The Grand Mufti said the protests would continue and the next course of action would be decided in due course of time. The Mutahida Ulmayee Aehlay Sunnah (MUAS), a conglomerate of several religious bodies; Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA), a traders’ body; hardline Hurriyat faction and the High Court Bar Association have already called for a shutdown tomorrow. The All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC) has also flayed the anti-Islam film made in US and demanded the framing of new international laws to prevent “notorious acts”. “We condemn the release of the film, which has portrayed Islam in a very derogatory manner. We demand that such people should not be spared and new international laws should be passed to control such notorious acts,” APSCC chairman Jagmohan Singh Raina said in a statement today. Asserting that there was “no place for abhorrence by movie-makers or who try to provoke anti-religious sentiments by depicting counterfeit knowledge on sensitive religious issues”, Raina said: “I am shocked that the US government had delayed the arrest of the filmmaker and is trying to protect him.” “He should have been put behind bars immediately for trying to hurt and provoke the religious sentiments of the Muslims all over the world. The director of the film should be tried by the judicial authorities for such a demeaning act,” he added. Raina said all religions preached love, respect, tolerance and humanity and that “such derogatory act will not be tolerated as it can create havoc around the world”. |
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Hurriyat calls for Valley shutdown
Srinagar, September 17 The hardline separatist front, in a statement, said they had scheduled the shutdown against the anti-Islam film on Friday but had advanced it to Tuesday. A group of Islamic scholars and clerics have
already called for a shutdown on Tuesday. The Mutahida Ulema Ahl-e-Sunnat, an amalgam of 42 Muslim organisations, have also called for a boycott of American goods. Both hardline and moderate factions of the Hurriyat had largely ignored the controversy surrounding the anti-Islam film and, except for a token call for protests on Friday last week, had avoided any serious protest on the issue for nearly a week, since the deadly protests broke out in Muslim countries and cities. The separatist front said it was calling for a complete shutdown against the “derogatory” anti-Islam film, desecration of the Quran in New Delhi and killing of six protesters. “We clarify that the Hurriyat Conference had scheduled a shutdown on Friday, but taking into account larger national interest, we are changing the date to September 18,” the statement said. The Valley has witnessed several small-scale anti-US and anti-Israel protests over the past few days. The anti-Islam film has evoked strong condemnation from all Muslim groups and separatist outfits in the Valley. Bar backs strike call
The Kashmir Bar Association has supported the strike call for Tuesday given by various religious and other organisations against the anti-Islam film. The strike call against the controversial film was first given by the Ahle-Sunnat Waljamat, a Kashmir-based religious organisation, which has now been supported by various groups and separatists, including Shabir Shah, Nayeem Khan and Javed Mir. He said the Bar felt that the controversial and blasphemous film had deeply hurt the sentiments of the Muslim world and it had become imperative for the Muslims to express their resentment against the act. We clarify that the Hurriyat Conference had scheduled a shutdown on Friday, but taking into account the larger national interest, we are changing the date to September
18 — A Hurriyat Conference statement The High Court Bar Association has decided to support the call for a general shutdown as a mark of protest against the blasphemous movie against Prophet
Muhammad — Mohammad Ashraf Bhat, general secretary, Bar Association |
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Healthcare a casualty in Kupwara dist as hospitals face acute staff shortage
Kupwara, September 17 The vacancies of specialist doctors, including physicians, assistant surgeons, pediatricians and gynecologists, have not been filled for several years. The shortage of paramedical staff, including X-ray, theatre and laboratory technicians, radiologists, pharmacists and nurses, has further affected patient care at these hospitals. The District Hospital, Handwara, has been short of 17 specialist doctors and three medical officers for many years. At least 43 vacancies of paramedical staff have also not been filled. The staff strength at the Sogam hospital in Lolab is no better. At least 10 posts of assistant surgeon, two each of gynecologist, physician and pediatrician; three of dental assistant and nine of pharmacist are lying vacant at the hospital. A senior doctor at the District Hospital, Handwara, said: “In spite of our best efforts, the shortage of medical staff is showing on the overall functioning of the hospital.” Almost all major hospitals of the district witness huge rush of patients on a daily basis. Over 750 patients are registered in the out-patient department (OPD) of the Kupwara hospital alone on a given day. The district hospital, upgraded in April, lacks sanctioned medical professionals, including 14 specialist doctors and paramedical staff. A local resident of the bordering Karnah area, around 85 km from Kupwara town, said: “Patients suffering from gynecological ailments are often referred to Kupwara hospitals for treatment. But due to the shortage of medical staff, it becomes increasingly difficult for the doctors to conduct deliveries.” Lack of infrastructure is yet another problem affecting the functioning of these hospitals. “Due to overwhelming rush of patients, we are forced to accommodate two patients on a single bed. At least two wards must be added to the existing infrastructure to accommodate patients,” said a senior doctor at the District Hospital, Handwara. |
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NYC volunteers’ gherao BID foiled
Srinagar, September 17 The NYC volunteers of Kashmir and Jammu division assembled outside the Secretariat raising slogans against the state government. The police arrested around 90 volunteers, including president Mudassir Hassan and general secretary Aijaz Shah. The police also beat up the volunteers who marched towards the Residency Road Press Enclave raising slogans against the administration. The NYC volunteers have called for the ‘Governor House Chalo programme’ on Saturday and have threatened to go on an indefinite hunger strike if the government does not ensure their adjustment in various public departments. As many as 7,200 NYV volunteers were engaged in various state public departments under the central government initiative, funded by the Union Youth Affairs and Sports Ministry in 2010. The two-year-long contract which is due to expire this year would render the NYC volunteers jobless. NYC general secretary Aiejaz said, “The state government wants to curb the mass unrest in Kashmir under the garb of providing employment opportunities. They are now asking us to leave these jobs. We feel cheated and our careers will be ruined. We will protest till our last breath.”
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Science Congress-2012 kicks off at Kashmir varsity
Srinagar, September 17 Ansari also presented awards to 10 young scientists of the state for 2010. They were awarded for their distinguished services in various branches of science like agriculture, geo-sciences, life sciences, chemical sciences and nuclear physics. Ansari also released the 8th edition of JK Science Congress in the presence of Governor NN Vohra, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, INSA president Prof Krishan Lal, Kashmir University Vice-Chancellor Prof Talat Ahmad, IT Minister Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, state administration officials and scientists from all over the country. The science congress is scheduled to take place at various venues of the Kashmir University campus over the next two days and will involve plenary and technical sessions by leading researchers of the country. The scientists would get together and present their research findings having come from international and national technical, research and other institutions.
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Two die, 7 injured in accidents
Srinagar, September 17 The two were shifted
to a nearby hospital where Umar succumbed to his injuries, the spokesperson said. In another accident, a car collided with a vehicle resulting in injuries to four persons near Parimpora, on the outskirts of the city. The spokesperson said Mohammad Rafiq Bhat, who was among the injured, died at a hospital. A seven-year-old boy was injured when he was hit by a car in Kulgam district of south Kashmir, the spokesperson said. In another accident, a car hit a motorcycle, leaving two riders injured in Ganderbal district of central Kashmir. The police has registered cases under various sections in all four accidents. The number of fatal and non-fatal casualties has been on a constant rise in Kashmir as two to three accidents are being reported on a daily basis from across the region. Two people were killed and four injured in road accidents yesterday. In all, 95 persons have been injured in several dozen road accidents in the past 11 days in the Valley. The latest number of injured brings the toll to 95 in the past 11 days. |
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Restoration of Srinagar’s glory top priority: Mufti Mohammed Sayeed
Srinagar, September 17 While addressing a party workers’ convention in Batmaloo constituency Mufti said: “Srinagar is the political, social and cultural nerve centre of the Valley and its infrastructure has to cater to the needs of the entire Valley and an ever-increasing population, including tourists.” “Srinagar was central to the development roadmap of the party. During the brief tenure from 2002, we initiated a holistic development of the city, which was subverted by our successors out of sheer political vengeance,” said Mufti. “But the city fell on bad times as a result of instability and lack of development vision among those who ruled the state for more than three decades,” he said. “Our people deserve the best and funds are no constraints but it needs a government that has a political direction, vision and commitment to people, which are absent in the present government,” said Mufti. Mufti said he had a strong belief in the abilities of the people of the city who had given Kashmir a distinct identity through their art, craft and contribution to literature and poetry. Among other PDP leaders who attended the convention were former deputy chief minister Muzaffar Hussein Baig, Molvi Iftikhar Hussein Ansari and Tariq Hameed Qarra.
— TNS |
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Sports department like a rudderless ship
Jammu, September 17 The authorities are yet to appoint the Secretary for the departments of Technical Education and Youth Services and Sports after the transfer of Vinod Koul, which has severely affected the working of these departments. For the DYSS, it came as a severe blow as it had an important task of effective implementation of the PYKKA before 2017. “With the recent appointment of a new PYKKA observer, we are hoping that the department would be able to chalk out a concrete plan for encouraging sports at the grass roots level,” a source in the DYSS told The Tribune. “The position of the Secretary is of utmost importance as he is the person who coordinates between the ministry and the department,” he said. Sources claimed that when the PYKKA scheme was launched in J&K in 2008, the target was to cover more than 4,000 panchayats before the completion of the scheme but only 700 panchayats had been covered so far.
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Rafting championship held in Pahalgam
Anantnag, September 17
The six teams who participated in the championship were the Kashmir Rafting Operators Association (KROA), the J&K Police (JKP), Lidder Valley Rafting club, South Kashmir Rafting club, Srinagar Rafting club and the Travel Agencies Association of Kashmir. The championship was inaugurated by Sports Minister RS Chib. Sources said the JKP team emerged victorious in the championship and lifted the trophy. “This is a welcome step towards the development of adventure tourism in Kashmir,” said RS Chib. He said the government is tying to develop new spots in the Valley for adventure tourism, which will help the state economically. Among the others present on the occasion were Anantnag DC Farooq Ahmad Shah and Tourism Director Talat Parvez. Farooq Ahmad Shah said south Kashmir has a huge potential for adventure sports and Anantnag district administration has taken great efforts to develop the region on tourism front.
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Tarigami opposes FDI in retail sector
Anantnag, September 17 “Most of the states are reluctant to get FDIs in their retail sector because they know the repercussions of the decision,” said Tarigami. He said the step would ultimately hurt small traders and a steep rise in unemployment would be witnessed due to its implementation. On the proposed privatisation of the public sector units (PSU), Tarigami said his party was strongly opposed to the move and would hold a nationwide demonstration on September 20. “The poor people of the country are going to suffer because of the decision and we are going to lodge a strong protest against the move,” Tarigami said. Calling the recent progress in the Indo-Pak dialogue a welcome move, Tarigami said, “It’s a welcome step. The two countries should come up with a solution on the Kashmir issue.” |
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Vice-President briefed on research related to Central Asia
Srinagar, September 17 The issue was released in the presence of Governor NN Vohra and Vice-Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Prof Talat Ahmad at Raj Bhawan, an official said. Eleven faculty members of the CCAS headed by Prof GR Jan briefed the Vice-President about research activities of the centre which focus on issues related to the Central Asian countries. Jan said the topics of historical importance and contemporary relevance were among the main focus of the ongoing research activities of the centre. The Governor, who is also the Chancellor of the university, suggested to the Vice-Chancellor to consider establishment of a school of Central Asian languages for the larger benefit of researchers, the official said. |
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‘Malika Da Khas Salakaar’ takes a dig at rising consumerism
Srinagar, September 17 The play was a satire on the changing socio-cultural values system in the run-up to modernism and the growing importance of materialism. The plot of the play centred around one Parmanand, his aspiring wife Chameli and Raja, who dealt in counterfeit currency. The greed-driven couple was taken for a ride by Raja who promised to convert their currency notes into pounds. Despite the imposter being caught by police, the couple ended up not just losing their lifelong savings but was also imprisoned for fraud. The comedy festival has been organised by the J&K Film Makers and Artists Cooperative Limited in collaboration with the J&K Academy of Art Culture and Languages.
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24 Congress workers join BJP
Srinagar, September 17 Thakur condemned the hike of Rs 5 in diesel prices while flaying the policies
of the UPA government at the Centre. “It’s our duty to liberate our country from the corrupt government which is a burden on the people of the country,” he said. Thakur said the state unit of the BJP will protest on September 20 against the Central government’s decision to allow Foreign Direct Investment
(FDI) in retail and the hike in diesel prices. The party will be holding countrywide
demonstrations, he said. He said they will register strong protests across the Valley on the same day, including the summer
capital. |
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Taekwondo championship from September 23
Jammu, September 17 The association has invited all the players of Kashmir province to take part in this championship. The gold medalists in this championship will represent the state in the upcoming 30th National Sub-Junior Taekwondo Championship 2012 slated to be held in Lucknow from October 5 to October 7. The last date for submitting entry forms along with the fees, photos and relevant documents is September 22. |
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Soz seeks honorarium for panchayat members
Srinagar, September 17 JKPCC spokesman said Soz urged the Centre
to sanction a special grant to the state government for offering honorarium to the sarpanches and panches. The spokesman said Soz would be writing in detail to the Home Ministry in this regard. |
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Bears maul two in south Kashmir
Srinagar, September 17 Tajamul Ashraf of Kunjibal village, near Tral township of Pulwama district, was injured when he was attacked by a bear at the village, a police spokesperson said. Another man, Abdul Rashid Bhat of Rathsuna village, near Tral township, was injured when he was attacked by a bear near his village. Both attacks took place on Sunday evening and the injured were shifted to a hospital where they were being treated, the spokesperson said. The latest attacks take the toll of injured to four in the past four days. |
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