Kupwara, September 29
The authorities are yet to bring many potential tourist spots in Lolab, Kupwara, Handwara and Baramulla towns of north Kashmir on the tourism map. Residents feel that promoting tourism in these areas could get jobs for hundreds of youth.

Surrounded by lush green forests and hillocks, places such as Deedikote and Wayan in Kupwara are no less beautiful than the world famous Gulmarg and Pahalgam.

The residents said before the insurgency broke out in the Valley in 1989, domestic tourists used to visit both the places. “Local schoolchildren still come here for picnics. The fresh air and serene environs of Deedikote entice the visitors but ironically not the authorities, which continue to ignore them,” Peerzada Abdul Majid of Deedikote said.

Bangus valley, which lies at an altitude of 10,000 ft above sea level, is 30 km away from Handwara town.

The valley having a vast tourism potential is surrounded by Rajwar and Mawar in the east, Shamasbury and Dajlungun mountains in the west, Chowkibal and Karnah Guli in the North and Leepa mountains in the south.

Locals maintain that the beauty of these places could attract thousands domestic, national and foreign tourists and boost the local economy.

“Bangus has great tourism potential. Its scenic beauty captures the hearts and the minds of the visitors. The road leading to Bangus passes through various forest ranges which can provide great avenues for those in search of adventure tourism,” Shabir Ahmad, a teacher, said.

Although a Tourist Reception Center (TRC) was set up at Kupwara in 2007; but the same has not been made fully functional.

Another resident said, “Hundreds could get jobs, if these ignored tourist places are brought on the tourism map. The authorities should necessarily take measures to develop these places,”

Areas in Rajwar Handwara and Rafiabad Baramulla are equally beautiful. Shah Zaman (57) of Chandigam recalls the shooting of a Hindi film song ‘Parbat Kay Uss Par’ in the suburbs of Chandigam in Lolab.

“I remember that the song was shot at various places in Chandigam. The film makers in the 1960’s had found the place worth shooting a song but over the years the authorities have not developed the place to attract tourists,” he said.

Sopore, September 29
Two decades after the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) started the construction of Sopore Bridge over river Jehlum, it has not been made motorable.

The bridge will connect Kupwara, Sopore and Baramulla areas. According to the residents of Sopore, the project was approved during the tenure of the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Work on the bridge started in 1992.

"The construction work was suspended soon after it began. Later the work resumed but was suspended time and again by the executing agency," said Shabir Ahmad, a resident.

Despite repeated assurances by the district administration that the work on the project would be expedited, the project is yet to be completed.

Residents say they have to cover a distance of more than 12 km via Sopore town to reach Kupwara and Baramulla. "The bridge may take another few years to complete if the construction work was not expedited. After every two weeks, the executing agency suspends work for reasons best known to them," they said.

The bridge would shorten the distance between several areas of Kupwara and Baramulla. The importance of the bridge has increased manifold since the Valley’s largest fruit mandi came up at Sopore last year.

“The bridge will increase the rush of customers to the fruit mandi. It will save time and labour of the fruit growers of Sopore as well," a fruit grower said.

The locals said that the bridge would also reduce the traffic in the commercially busy Sopore town. They said that only five to six labourers had been employed for construction work by the contractor of executing agency.

According to Sub Divisional Magistrate, Sopore, Haneef Bulki, the bridge would be thrown open for traffic in December. “I have made a commitment in a meeting headed by the Chief Secretary held at Dak Bungalow in Sopore that the construction work on the bridge would be completed in December. The bridge would be thrown open for traffic in the same month," he said.

"Due to the slow pace of work by the executing agency, it took much longer than anticipated to complete 60 per cent of the construction work of the bridge," he said.

Srinagar, September 29
A local court today directed the Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing the murder of a teenager Wamiq Farooq, to record the statements of the witnesses through the audio-visual medium.

The directions of Chief Judicial Magistrate Rajeev Gupta came after the parents of the deceased Wamiq complained that their statements were not being recorded by the SIT officials investigating the case.

Wamiq, a Class VII student, was allegedly killed due to a teargas shell fired by the police on January 31, 2010, in Srinagar.

“The apprehensions of the complainant (Wamiq’s father) that the statements of the witnesses would not be recorded in full (by the SIT), should be taken care of by the in-charge SIT by employing appropriate method to ally the fears,” CJM Gupta observed in his orders today after hearing the submissions of both the sides.

“The SIT may be advised to use the audio-visual medium to examine the witnesses conversant with the facts of the case. This would rule out the possibility of any apprehensions in the minds of the complainant or the witnesses,” the CJM ordered, posting the matter for further consideration on October 31.

Besides, the CJM has also directed the SIT to “take every appropriate step” to ensure “fairness” in the investigation. The court however authorized the SIT to approach the court if it observed any difficulty in calling the witnesses to record their statements.

Meanwhile, the SIT today also submitted the progress report of the investigation, in which it has submitted that it has demonstrated the test fire of the tear smoke shell.

Lethpora, September 29
Asserting that self-sufficiency in the agricultural sector is a must to achieve economic growth, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said his government was focussed on the development of the sector. “In our development policies, we have laid great emphasis on the overall development of the agriculture sector,” he said after inaugurating the re-activated irrigation scheme here today.

He said added attention was being paid towards the enhancement of the irrigation schemes throughout the Valley. “Besides encouraging the use of modern technology in farming and the cultivation of improved seed varieties, my government is focussing on boosting irrigation facilities across the state,” said Omar.

He said the farmers across the state should make sure that they get benefited by the schemes put in place by the government for the welfare of the people associated with agriculture.

“The farmers should use these high-yielding seed varieties and proper dose of fertilizers to increase the per hectare produce,” Omar said.

He said taxes are not levied on the agriculture sector. “This should not only benefit the farmers but we expect that more young people will come forward and invest in the MSME units in the field of agriculture. It has a great investment potential for the budding entrepreneurs,” he said.

The minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Taj Mohi-ud-din, said the re-activated irrigation scheme would enhance the agricultural activities in the area.

“Not only will this, the scheme will boost the production but it will also be a boon for the economic welfare of the people associated with the agriculture sector,” said Taj.

The irrigation scheme is likely to benefit many villages, including Lethpora, Ladhu, Shar, Mandakpal, Megh, Khrew, Wuyen, Barsoo and several others. 

Srinagar, September 29
The role of women in the development of society is pivotal and that it is heartening to see that the performance of girls has been improving with every passing year.

This was said by the Minister for Social Welfare, Sakina Itto, who was the chief guest at the annual day celebration of the Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Kulgam.

Sakina said, “The feminine class of the society would play a great role in the transformation of society and development of the nation. Their contribution in the various fields has always remained remarkable.”

She said the government has prioritised education and health sector and the focus is to provide best quality education to the students at their door steps, especially those living in remote areas, and belonging to below poverty line families.

The minister while responding to the demands of the school like providing ambulance, creation of new staff, especially lack of English lecturers and opening of home science stream in the school assured the school management that she will look into the matter.

The minister asked the students to come forward and avail the benefits of various scholarship schemes offered by the social welfare department.

The district development commissioner, Kulgam, Jahangir Ahmed Mir, and chief education officer also spoke on the occasion.

Srinagar, September 29
The Department of Sanskrit, University of Kashmir, is going to organise ‘46th session of the All India Oriental Conference’ from October 1 to October 3 at Kashmir University campus.

As many as 3,000 delegates from different parts of the country and around the globe are expected to participate in the three-day event during which 21 parallel sessions would be held at various auditoriums of the University.

The technical sessions during the conference would discuss Iranian, Sanskrit, Islamic Studies, Arabic and Persian, Pali, Buddhism, Prakrit, Jainism, history, archaeology, Indian linguistics, philosophy, religion, Dravidian studies, technical sciences, fine arts, South-East Asian Studies, West Asian Studies, manuscript, epic, Puranas, computers, Indian aesthetics and poetic disciplines.

According to head of the Department of Sanskrit Professor S Razdan, the department has so far received 2,300 abstracts on various subjects related to the oriental studies.

“The objective of the seminar is to bring fragmented studies in various oriental learning on the same platform,” said Professor Razdan.

“The All India Oriental Conference has served as the national forum for scholars interested in oriental learning for the past nine decades since its inception in the year 1919. The University of Kashmir is honored to host the mega event for the second time, after a gap of 48 years,” said Razdan.

Dr JB Patnaik, Governor of Assam, who is also the general president of the conference, will deliver the Presidential address and AG Malik, Minister for higher education, will inaugurate the function.

A renowned Orientalist, Professor Finn Thesien, Oslo University, Norway, will deliver the key note address on the occasion. Professor Satyavrata Shastri Jnanpitha Awardee, Professor Hamidi Kashmiri, Urdu scholar, and distinguished Sanskrit scholar Professor Ved Kumari Ghai will be the guests of honor during the inaugural event.

The vice-chancellor, University of Kashmir, Professor Talat Ahmad will preside over the function.

During the conference 20 awards will be presented to the best papers presented by young scholars in different sections.

Anantnag, September 29
Demanding that the opposition leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Beg should produce proof to support his allegations against the National Conference (NC), the Minister for Finance, Abdul Rahim Rather, today termed the allegations as baseless.

“The allegations levelled by him this time are very serious and he must prove the same,” said Rather while talking to media persons on the sidelines of Agro-Industrial Exhibition and awareness camp, here at Government Degree College Anantnag.

He said Beg should produce proofs and get FIR’s registered against people who were allegedly involved in the killings of Panchayat members.

“Everybody across the spectrum have condemned the killings, so did we, but that does not mean that Beg will level such allegations against our party,” Rather said.

The opposition leader Muzaffar Hussain Beg had on Friday hinted that the National Conference is involved in the killing of the Panchayat members, to create fear psychosis in the people and rig the coming Assembly elections.

“I don’t know who is behind the killings but the needle of suspicion points towards the National Conference,” Beg had said while addressing a press conference at the PDP party headquarters.

Srinagar, September 29
The Additional Director General of Police, Armed and Law and Order, K Rajendra Kumar, today reviewed the arrangements of the 21st Police Public Mela that would be held on Sunday at Bakshi Stadium.

“The arrangements of mela to be held at Bakshi Stadium on September 30 were reviewed and finalised at a senior police official meeting which was held at Bakshi Stadium today. The Additional Director General of Police, K Rajendra Kumar, presided over the meeting,” said a police spokesperson.

The spokesperson said the arrangements for the boarding and lodging of the stall owners have already been made and sufficient space would be provided to them to install their stalls.

“It was also told that arrangements of the security in and around the venue have been made and sufficient manpower had been earmarked for the deployment for the mela,” said the spokesperson.

The ADGP stressed upon the officers to supervise the arrangements on personal front. He said that people should not face in any convenience while participating in the mela and traffic arrangements made should be ensured strictly.

Jammu and Kashmir Police Chief Director General Ashok Prasad will be the chief guest on the occasion.

The chairperson of the JK Police Wives Welfare Association (JKPWWA), Kiran Prasad, will be present at the inaugural ceremony of the event.

Srinagar, September 29
The Kashmiri folk heritage series ‘Dhanak Rang’ which started off from Zabarwan Park, Srinagar, on September 25 reached Pahalgam of south Kashmir today.

The series is aimed for the revival of folk traditions of Kashmir. During the past one week the folk musical sojourn traversed several important tourist destinations like Zabarwan, Manasbal and Pahalgam. The event which was held at Lavander Park, Pahalgam, today had folk singers Ghulam Nabi Bhat, Farooq Ahmad Ganai and Abdul Salam Kaimoh performances. The artists of the Kashmir Bhagat Theatre also performed on the occasion.

The event was organised by the J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages with the department of information. The programme evinced a lot of people, including tourists who had come in large number to witness the Kashmiri folk culture. — TNS

Anantnag, September 29
The police today recovered the body of Tabsum Begum (25) who was missing since September 18. The deceased, a mother of two, was a resident of Tahid Gunj, 12 km from Baramulla town.

The body was recovered from river Jehlum near Chahalan in Baramulla district. The victim was forced to commit suicide allegedly by her in-laws especially the husband, sources said.

“Even after having divorced her husband earlier this year, she was living with him. But her in-laws and husband continued to commit unprecedented excesses on her forcing her to take the extreme step,” sources said.

The police questioned her husband Tanveer Ahmed Mir of Tahid Gunj Baramulla at the Baramulla police station. “The police is trying to ascertain what forced her to leave home on the evening of September 18. It seems that mental and physical torture forced her to end her life,” sources said.

“The accused could also be responsible for domestic violence against the deceased. The family members of the victim had sent her back to her in-laws after reconciliation between the two parties,” sources said. The family members of the victim have demanded stern action against the accused. The police has launched inquest proceedings under Section 174 CrPC.

Jammu, September 29
Abhimanyu Arora defeated Aryaman Chowdhary by 3-0 frames today in the first round matches of the senior snooker category in the ongoing 22nd Jammu District Open Junior and Senior Billiards and Snooker Championship 2012 organised by J&K Billiards and Snooker Association, at the Billiards Hall, M A Stadium.

Abhimanyu took the first frame by convincing margin of 67-22 and continued his dominance in the next frame as well. He again emerged winner with 78-27 scoreline as Aryaman was clueless against his opponent’s brilliance. Aryaman could not put up any fight and ended up losing tamely by 38-80 in the third frame.

Vishal Mahajan prevailed upon Varun Gupta in a thrilling contest by 3-2 frames. After losing the inaugural frame by 47-62, Vishal clawed his way back in the match with 47-43 win in the second frame.

Varun Gupta then stretched his lead further by pocketing the third frame by 78-43 but he lost his rhythm and lost next frame. Vishal scripted win with a margin of 63-57 to make it 2-2. In the decider, Vishal dominated the proceedings thereby not repeating the mistakes which he committed in the earlier frames. He took the frame by 85-40. In another interesting match, Sachin Bamba toppled Amardeep Singh with the same margin of 3-2 frames. The frame score read 55-23, 56-18, 20-53, 67-60 and 71-50.