Kupwara, September 18
Incessant rain since Friday and a windstorm on Monday evening extensively damaged the ripened paddy and maize crops in Kupwara and Handwara areas of north Kashmir.

The harvesting season of paddy started last week, but to the misfortune of farmers, the downpour played the spoilsport.

Harvested crops in Lolab and Kupwara villages were seen floating in rainwater accumulated in fields. “The rain has damaged the harvested crop extensively,” said Mohammad Yasin, a Lolab farmer.

Reports said the incessant rain increased the water level in Kalaroose Nullah. Locals said water supply to at least six villages in Kalaroose area had been snapped since last evening.

In Baramullah district, however, the rain did not inflict much damage to the crop as harvesting season is yet to begin in most of the areas. The paddy crop spread over thousands of kanals of land in Kupwara and Handwara was damaged due to rain.

The worst effected areas in Lolab include Khumriyal, Charkote, Maidanpora, Dardpora and Cheepora. In Handwara and Rajwar areas, the situation has equally worsened due to incessant rain in harvesting season. “Rains have played havoc with our yearly yield. The harvested crops has been washed away by the rains,” said Abdul Ahad Dhobi of Rajwar.

Another farmer from Handwara town rued, “A strong windstorm on Monday evening flattened the crops in many villages. A large number of farmers have not been able to harvest their ripened paddy crop due to heavy rain.”

“Due to the delay in harvesting of the ripened crop, paddy plants started breaking from nodes. Weather must improve at least for a week so that framers could reap their crops,” said Nazir Ahmad of Kupwara.

Standing maize crops in the two towns were also damaged due to the windstorm. Over 90 per cent of people cultivate paddy crop as their mainstay in north Kashmir. Earlier, drought like situation for over three months had affected the crops in their peak season of growth.

Srinagar, September 18
Day temperature in the summer capital was today dropped nearly six degrees below the normal after rain lashed Kashmir Valley last night.

The state weather department said more rain and thundershowers were expected in the next 24 hours.

“Light to moderate rains and thundershowers would occur at many places in the state in the next 24 hours,” a Meteorological (Met) Department forecast said.

The rain, which began yesterday morning and continued throughout the night, considerably downed the mercury, which this month had breached the 32 degrees Celsius mark.

In Srinagar city, mercury remained nearly six degrees below the normal as maximum temperature was recorded at 22.3 degrees Celsius, a Met official said.

The minimum temperature in the city had plunged to the low of 12.6 degrees Celsius.

The Met official said the city received 11.6 mm rainfall. He said the sky over the city was expected to remain cloudy till tomorrow.

In north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, the maximum temperature was recorded at 22.5 degrees Celsius and the district received 55.2 mm rainfall.

At Pahalgam tourist resort in south Kashmir, the maximum temperature was recorded at 16.5 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature dipped to 9.8 degrees Celsius, the official said. He said Pahalgam received 47.8 mm rainfall.

Qazigund, the gateway town to Kashmir, received 19.8 mm rainfall overnight as the maximum temperature there was recorded at 19.4 degrees Celsius.

Kashmir has witnessed an unusually hot summer this year with temperature rising three to four degrees above the 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 by a considerable amount. 

Srinagar, September 18
A tourist was killed and five others were injured in separate road accidents in the Valley, taking the toll of non-fatal casualties in the last 12 days to 100.

Police said Safuddin Sidiqui, a resident of Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, who was holidaying in Leh district of Jammu and Kashmir, died when the vehicle he was driving met with an accident at Gia Miru on the Leh-Manali road.

The police said Sidiqui died on the spot and his body was taken to a hospital in Leh district.

In north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, an Army vehicle hit a tourist cab resulting in injuries to four people.

The police spokesman said all the injured were passengers who have been shifted to a hospital for treatment.

A 25-year-old man was injured when he was hit by a vehicle in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district. The injured was shifted to a hospital, police said.

The police has registered cases in all the three incidents.

The number of fatal and non-fatal casualties is constantly rising in Kashmir as three road accidents are being reported on the daily basis from across the region.

Four people were killed and eleven others were injured in the road accidents in last two days.

A total of 100 people, including men, women and children were injured in several dozen road accidents in last eleven days in the Valley.

Kupwara September 18
Power supply has been disrupted in north Kashmir since Saturday. The worst effected areas include Lolab Valley, Rajwar and Handwara town.

Officials in the electricity department said power cables and poles had been damaged at many places due to heavy rain and windstorm in the area.

Local residents said unscheduled power cuts had become a routine affair for the past three days. “Electricity is playing hide and seek,” said Aijaz Ahmad, a resident of Handwara.

“In the absence of electricity, we are using candles to illuminate our houses,” said Suhail Ahmad of Tikker, Kupwara. Water supply in many villages has also been affected due to erratic power supply.

Computer operators in Kupwara town said their business had been affected badly as power supply to the town remained suspended for the third consecutive day today. “We are also not given kerosene oil and it has badly affected our business,” said Tariq Ahmad.

Students preparing for Class XII and second-year examinations, which are going on the Kashmir Valley, said the poor power supply had badly effected their preparations.

Residents said at many places in Kralpora, Handwara and Baramulla towns, power cables could be seen hanging loose which could prove dangerous. “Even a slight wind could cause short-circuit. The supply lines should be properly tied to poles to avert any mishap,” said the sarpanch of Hirri Trehgam.

Reports from many Baramullah villages including Danchiwacaha, Rafiabad and Delina said that the areas were reeling under power crisis. “The power scenario is grim. Despite repeated please, the power supply is snapped for hours’,” said Ishfaq Ahmad of Dangiwacha Baramulla.

A senior official of power department said, “The supply in many areas had been disrupted due to wind storms’. We are trying to restore the supply,”

Srinagar, September 18
Days after the US advised its nationals to avoid travel to the state (except Ladakh) following an ‘advisory’ of the Kashmir’s Grand Mufti, stakeholders of the tourism industry termed it a “knee-jerk” reaction while asserting that the Valley was safe for travel.

“It’s a knee-jerk reaction. The Valley is a safe place to travel. The US advisory should be withdrawn immediately as tourists have been visiting this part of the state,” Kashmir Hotels and Restaurants Owners’ Federation (KHAROF) president Faiz Bakshi said.

On Mufti Bashiruddin Ahmad’s statement where he had asked Americans to leave Kashmir following protest over an anti-Islam film made in the US, Bakshi said: “We stand by (Hurriyat Conference-G chairman) Syed Ali Geelani’s statement.”

After the Grand Mufti’s statement, Geelani had maintained that the Americans were free to visit Kashmir and should be treated as guests.

On the other hand, Mutahida Ulmayee Aehlay Sunnah (MUAS), a conglomerate of several religious organisations, had refused to comment on stands taken by the Grand Mufti and Geelani.

Hoteliers’ Club chairman Mushtaq Chaya, however, said the US advisory would not have much impact on the tourism sector in Kashmir.

“Our industry mainly survives on domestic tourists and a small number of foreign visitors usually come from America. Therefore, the US advisory will not have much impact as most of our foreign tourists come from Southeast Asia,” he said.

Tourism Director Talat Parvez too said not many US tourists visited the Valley. “Only 20 to 30 American tourists visit the state per year and most of them go to Ladakh,” he said.

A houseboat owner also said the Americans did not comprise the majority of foreign tourists. However, he said the Grand Mufti’s statement was “uncalled for”.

Pertinently, the Grand Mufti had said: “The Americans must leave immediately and we will not be responsible if they are attacked by people here.”

Following the statement, the US had issued a statement urging its nationals not to visit the state barring Ladakh region.

Srinagar, September 18
The junior doctors of the Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) hospital called off their strike today after the Minister for Medical Education RS Chib assured that appropriate measures would be taken for their security.

The SMHS doctors were on a strike for the last five days demanding security following the alleged attacks on them from the attendants. Chib condemned the reports of manhandling of doctors while saying the government was mulling to formulate a law against the persons found misbehaving with the doctors on duty.

The minister appealed people to restrict the number of attendants visiting the hospitals, enabling the doctors to discharge their duties effectively.

Chib chaired a joint meeting of the officers of the hospital management and the district administration, where he discussed measures to bring improvement in the functioning of the SMHS hospital. The issues related to enhancement of security personnel and acquisition of equipments for the hospital were discussed, sources said.

Sources said the number of Special Police Officers (SPOs) would be enhanced to further strengthen the security system at the hospital. A five-member committee was also constituted for improvement in the patient care at the SMHS hospital. — TNS

Srinagar, September 18
Minister for Public Health and Engineering (PHE), Irrigation and Flood Control Taj Mohi ud Din inaugurated an online monitoring laboratory at the PHE headquarters here today.

The lab would help in online reporting of schematic data of all the PHE works of the state and the Central government for effective monitoring, an official said. The lab would also facilitate regular transfer and consolidation of data of tests conducted at divisional testing laboratories of the department, the official added.

Interacting with engineers and officers, the Minister said the objective of the lab was to monitor the works in a transparent manner.

In a presentation, officials of the PHE revealed that out of 2,287 PHE schemes in 10 districts of Kashmir, 989 had been completed while 1,302 were in various stages of completion.

Chief Engineer, PHE, Kashmir, GR Zargar and Chief Engineer, Irrigation & Flood Control, Kashmir, AM Lanker were also present on the occasion.

Srinagar, September 18
The Shromani Akali Dal Jammu and Kashmir (Komal) today condemned the anti-Islam film made in the US while saying that the video had also hurt the sentiments of the Sikh community in the state.

Party president Gyani Surjeet Singh Badal said, "We strongly condemn all such acts that disparage religious beliefs and sentiments of the Muslims. The anti-Islam film has not only hurt the sentiments of the Muslims but also the Sikhs living in Jammu and Kashmir."

He said the film represented a crude and deliberate attempt to hurt the sensitivities of Muslims and such acts would not be tolerated.

Badal urged the US authorities to initiate legal proceedings against the maker of the film made in the name of freedom of expression. — TNS

Srinagar, September 18
Union Social Justice Minister Mukul Wasnik today exhorted the local Congress leaders to further strengthen the party in the state.

Wasnik visited the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) headquarters here and had an interactive session with party functionaries, said state party spokesman.

“Several issues were discussed during the session. He (Wasnik) said it should be our effort to do everything possible to strengthen the party,” the spokesman added.

Bashir Ahmad Magrey, Gulam Nabi Monga, Indu Pawar, Farooq Andrabi, Abdul Gani Khan, Zahid Hussain Jan, Master Mohammad Maqbool, Aftab Ahmad Beigh and Shahnawaz Chowdhary were among others present on the occasion.

Anantnag, September 18
On a call given by local youths, a complete shutdown was observed in the town on Tuesday. The bandh call was given to observe the death anniversary of three youths who were allegedly killed in firing by security forces during the 2010 unrest.

An appeal was made to the general public to visit the respective graveyards of the slain youths for “Fateh-Khwani” and a large number of people visited their graveyards.

Protest demonstrations and stone pelting were also witnessed in several areas of the town.

On this day in 2010, 17-year-old Maroof Ahmad, a resident of Khannabal, drowned in the Jhelum river while being chased by the forces. His body was fished out by locals. When the angry protesters were holding demonstrations against the killing of the teenager, two more persons were killed when the forces resorted to firing.

The two youths were identified as Noor-ul-Amin Dagga (30) of Naibasti and Bilal Ahmad Najar (34) of Khanabal, while six others were injured.

“Heavy stone pelting was reported from several parts of the town, including Lazibal, K P Road, Kadipora, Lal Chowk and Khannabal,” sources said.

Meanwhile, Umat-I-Islami president and Mirwaiz, South Kashmir, Qazi Ahmad Yasir paid homage to the murdered youth. 

Srinagar, September 18
Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Mukul Wasnik today asked the state authorities to conduct a fresh survey for manual scavenging.

Addressing a meeting being attended by Minister for Social Welfare Department Sakina Itoo and other senior officials, Wasnik underscored the need of conducting the survey as manual scavenging had been banned now.

“In the near future there will be strict laws and the action would be taken against those who still are involved in this inhuman act,” the Union Minister said.

The meeting also discussed the status of rehabilitation of manual scavengers while reviewing the progress of the schemes for physically challenge persons launched by the Central government.

Wasnik assured that there would be liberal funding for all the proposed welfare schemes launched by the state government for upliftment and rehabilitation of the neglected lot.” He said there was no shortage of funds for the welfare of these communities.

Srinagar, September 18
A dozen-odd reporters, photo and video journalists today held a protest against the making of an anti-Islam film, which had infuriated many in the state.

The videographers and photojournalists who participated in the protests shouted slogans against the United States and Israel and carried placards demanding death to the makers of the anti-Islam film.

The media protest was held at the Srinagar press colony, also known as Mushtaq Ali Enclave, from where the media men marched to the Regal Chowk and then to Clock Tower in the Lal Chowk area.

“This has nothing to do with politics, this is an issue of our religion. We are Muslims first later we are journalists,” Majid Hyderi, a journalist for a local newspaper, said.

Protest by the media personnel was a rare event as they are mostly on the other side at the protest venues covering the events.

Protests against the anti-Islam film, which broke out in Kashmir on Friday last week, continued for the second week as well. A group of Islamic scholars had called for a shutdown today to protests against the making of the movie. The anti-Islam film has evoked strong condemnation from all the Muslim groups and separatist outfits in Kashmir.

Massive and widespread protests against the making of the anti-Islam film had broke out in the Valley as protesters clashed with the police at several places.

The state government has already requested the Union Home Ministry to block access to the film, fearing it could lead to deterioration in law and order in the state.

Srinagar, September 18
The University of Kashmir will be organising winter sports events at the world famous tourist resort, Gulmarg, this winter.

Kashmir University Vice-Chancellor Prof Talat Ahmad while speaking at the inaugural function of the north-zone inter-university women’s cricket tournament here, said: “Kashmir University will hold many winter sports events at Gulmarg this year and other places of the Valley to give a boost to the winter sports.”

He said the university administration was committed to encourage the culture of sports at the campus and organising winter sports events at Gulmarg and other places was a part of that commitment.

While interacting with the participating women cricketers’ during the function, Prof Talat expressed his happiness over the participation of a large number of teams from different north Indian universities in the event.

“This exchange will help sportspersons to consolidate and share their experiences. Another purpose of conducting this mega event is to inculcate sports spirit among the women so as to prepare them to compete at the national level,” he said.

Directorate of Physical Education and Sports (KU) director BA Khan said organising such events of the national importance will not only promote and develop the sports culture but will help in the development of peace and 
harmony.

Many other dignitaries and senior university officials were also present on the occasion.

Jammu, September 18
The Government Higher Secondary School, Gandhri, clinched a volleyball title while the Friends Club, Kabhi, bagged top honours in the tug-of-war competition in the Rural Sports Meet organised by the Department of Youth Services and Sports, Ramban, which concluded at the Government Higher Secondary School, Gandri.

Over 400 players selected from the rural areas of the district participated in the championship which was held in the disciplines of volleyball, kabaddi, tug-of-war, cock fighting, stone lifting and wrestling. The meet was held under the overall supervision of Dewan Chand Thakur, District Youth Services and Sports Officer, Ramban. — TNS

Srinagar, September 18
For the next 13 days, it will be cricket which keeps the campus abuzz at the Kashmir University as it is hosting the first north-zone inter-university women’s cricket tournament. The tournament, in which 22 cricket teams from all major north Indian universities are participating, was inaugurated by Kashmir University Vice-Chancellor Prof Talat Ahmad today.

The event is being supported by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), New Delhi, and is being coordinated by the Kashmir University’s Directorate of Physical Education and Sports.

The major north-Indian Universities which are taking part in the women’s cricket tournament being organised by the Kashmir University include Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Delhi University (DU), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) ,Guru Nanak Dev University, (GNDU) Amritsar, Punjab University, Chandigarh, University of Jammu and Kurukshetra University.

Kashmir University’s Public Relations Officer Showkat Shafi said, “The cricket tournament is being played at main fields in the campus and is scheduled to conclude on September 30.” The first match will be played between AMU and Kurukshetra University, he said. He said AIU observer Dr Ashok Singh will be personally monitoring the whole event till it concludes on September 30.