Anantnag, October 1
The prestigious widening project of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway is yet to be completed but the authorities have already forgotten the existing road. The road is not being maintained putting commuters to great inconvenience besides putting their lives at risk.

After RAMKY Constructions, a Hyderabad- based group, took over the widening project of the National Highway 1-A, the firm was entrusted with the maintenance of the existing road as well.

“As part of the contract the firm was supposed to maintain the already existing National Highway properly; however, the existing road has been completely ignored so far,” reports said.

There are no reflectors along the road widening sites along the National Highway, which is a must to prevent accidents.

The condition of the road is worse at Lethpora, Barsoo, Pampore, Khannabal, Wanpoh and Qazigund etc. “The irony is that there are pot holes almost as big as the vehicles on the road outside the RAMKY headquarters at Lethpora and they are least bothered about its condition,” said Arshid Hussain, a commuter.

Pot holes along the National Highway remain waterlogged throughout the year, rued other commuters. “It is becoming a nightmare to travel on the National Highway these days. It is already congested and the condition of the road makes the journey all the more time consuming,” said Gulzar Ahmad, a driver.

Besides being the only road link from South Kashmir to Srinagar, the patients being taken to Srinagar are the worst affected due to the pathetic condition of the road.

“We almost lost a patient on way to Srinagar because we got stuck in a traffic jam at Lethpora,” said an ambulance driver from Anantnag.

People living along the National Highway said they were living through a nightmare, “The road remains water logged causing great inconvenience to the pedestrians and when it is not water logged, the dust from these potholes takes a toll on the health of the local residents,” said Sameer, a shop owner at Lethpora.

The RAMKY officials, however, maintain that the road is in a good condition. “There are a couple of sites along the road that need to be repaired; however, the overall condition of the road is good,” said Sunil Pahalwan, VP, RAMKY.

Srinagar, October 1
The police today prevented members of a religious group Jamiat-e-Ahl-e-Hadeees (JAH) from marching towards the state Legislative Assembly complex to press for their long-pending demand for the establishment of a university.

JAH members gathered at the Press Colony in the morning. The party president Ghulam Rasool Malik and general secretary Abdul Rehman Bhat addressed the meeting.

The members, led by the two leaders, later tried to march towards the Legislative Assembly complex, where the first day of the current session was in progress.

The police, however, prevented the members of the JAH from marching ahead. JAH has for a long time been demanding that it be allowed to establish a Trans-world Muslim University.

The association members rued that despite assurances from successive governments, their demand has not been fulfilled so far.

“Our sincerest and earnest appeal to MLAs of Kashmir is that show some commitment towards educated youth and for their sake rise above petty political considerations and prevail upon the House to approve the demand for Trans-world Muslim University and two other bills attached to it,” a spokesperson of the group said in a statement issued here today.

JAH has termed today’s rally as “symbolic” alleging that they have been “pushed to the wall” and have now decided to launch an agitation. “If it does not jolt the ears of those at the helm of affairs, the next phase will be that our boys and girls from our schools would come out on the streets,” it said.

The spokesperson said the student protest would be followed by a protest by the management and members of the 800 mosques.

Srinagar, October 1
Parvaiz Ahmad Khan, a resident of Srinagar, died after he drowned in the river Jhelum in north Kashmir’s Zahanpora village in Baramulla. The police said efforts were on to find his body from the river.

In another incident, a 22-year-old woman tried to commit suicide at her native village in south Kashmir, the police said.

A police spokesman said the 22-year-old woman tried to commit suicide at her house in Khandiwar village near Kokernag in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district. The woman was immediately shifted to a local hospital where she is undergoing treatment, the spokesman said. A case has been registered in this regard. 

Srinagar, October 1
Chairman of the Legislative Council Amrit Malhotra today announced a panel of vice chairmen for the current session of the council. Malhotra named MLCs Khalid Najeeb Suharwardhy, Ravinder Sharma and Syed Asgar Ali as the vice chairmen on the opening day of the 10-day long session of the Legislative Council.

Meanwhile, Malhotra chaired the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) and Press Advisory Committee (PAC) meetings of the House. “Discussions were held on provisional calendar and it was adopted. Government business will be on taken up on October 3, 4, 5, 9 and 11. Private Members Resolution will come up for discussion on October 8 whereas Private Members Bills would be taken up on October 10,” an official said after the meeting.

Minister for Technical Education RS Chib, Minister of State for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Aijaz Ahmed Khan, Legislators Murtaza Ahmed Khan, Bashir Ahmed Magray and Jugal Kishore besides Secretary Law Ghulam Hassan Tantray, Secretary Council Mohammad Ashraf Mir, Deputy Secretary Council Mohammad Maqbool were present at the meeting.

During the PAC meeting, Malhotra asked the media to ensure free, fair and objective coverage of the proceedings of the Council.

“Malhotra also directed the officers of hospitality and the protocol department to make 10 rooms available for the legislators to say. Discussion was also held on Internet facilities, installation of fire service system in Assembly Complex, regulations of vehicular movement in and outside the Legislative Council,” an official said.

Srinagar, October 1
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has emphasized on the importance of making horticulture, handicrafts and handloom sectors lucrative and glamorous for the youth. For this, he said by introducing innovative and befitting interventions in these traditionally high economic zones.

“The sectors have not developed because the youth are not attracted towards handicrafts, horticulture and handlooms as livelihood generating avenues,” he said.

He also stressed on the need to encourage the youth to venture into these sectors for the growth of the economy.

Addressing a joint meeting of high-level officers of NABARD and the state administration here today, the Chief Minister said NABARD has an important role to play in the revival of these sectors in the state. He said higher education, health, agriculture and dairy are other sectors which require intervention of the NABARD for comprehensive growth and development.

Omar Abdullah said in the horticulture sector, pre and post-harvest technology, modern packaging, scientific grading and sorting, controlled atmosphere and on-farm storage facilities besides better transport and irrigation facilities are areas where the NABARD could provide assistance and support to the state. He said NABARD also has a role to play in the production of high quality and disease resistant planting material for growers.

Omar Abdullah said the handicrafts sector is yet another area where NABARD could associate with the state government to ameliorate artisans. He said the NABARD has to find its role in the development and expansion of health and higher education sectors in the state.

He said the dairy farming sector particularly organising milk producers into cooperatives and initiating projects for milk collection, its chilling and processing and other relevant aspects also require the intervention of NABARD for comprehensive development.

He referred to the initiative of the state government to encourage the construction of micro and mini-hydro electric projects and help local entrepreneurs to invest in this field. He said the government aims to achieve objectives of generating economic activities and producing electricity in the far-flung areas for the consumption of local people by raising mini hydro-electric projects. He said the Science and Technology Department, in collaboration with the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is working on various projects in this field. He said the NABARD could also associate in this sector and help young entrepreneurs to invest in this field.

The NABARD team was led by its Chairman Prakash Bakshi. The Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India, Haroon Rashid Khan was also present in the meeting besides other senior officers of NABARD.

The Chairman NABARD presented the resume of the areas where NABARD could extend its support to the state for growth and development. The Deputy Governor also identified areas like handicrafts where cluster development could be achieved with the assistance of NABARD.

Srinagar, October 1
Kashmiri folk heritage series ‘Dhanak Rang’, which commenced on September 25 at the Zabarwan Park reached Gulmarg today. The folk heritage series are being organised by the J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages, which is aimed at revival of folk traditions of Kashmir.

During the past one week, the folk musical journey traversed several important tourist destinations like Zabarwan, Manasbal, Pahalgam and Gulmarg. It will now move to Nageen. The event, which was held at Gulmarg today had noted folk singers Gulzar Ahmad Ganai, Ghulam Nabi Bulbul and Abdul Salam Kaimoh as performers. Artists of Qazi Kashmir theatre, Bomai Sopur, also performed on the occasion.

Backed by the Department of Information, the programme evinced a lot of interest in people, including tourists, who had come in large number to witness the rainbow of Kashmiri folk culture at the picturesque Gulmarg Valley. The folk musical will culminate on October 5 at the SKICC with an evening of ghazals where singers- Waheed Jeelani, Qaisar Nizami, Qazi Rafi, Sham Sajan, Deepali Wattal and Munir Mir will perform. — TNS

Srinagar, October 1
A man was killed and eight others were injured in several road accidents in the Kashmir Valley today. A police spokesman said a vehicle hit and injured Mohammad Shafi Raina of Magraypora village in Anantnag district in the city here at Nowgam. Raina was rushed to a hospital in the city where he succumbed to his injuries.

In second incident, a truck collided with a car at Bemina on the outskirts of the city injuring three car passengers. All injured have been admitted to a hospital. Meanwhile in third incident, a 13-year-old girl Beenish Gulzar was hit and injured by a passenger cab in Anantnag. The girl has been shifted to a hospital for treatment, the spokesman added.

In fourth incident, a car hit and injured a man in Kupwara who was shifted to a hospital. In fifth case, a passenger cab hit and injured a 12-year-old girl Bilkeesa Mushtaq at Vodipora near Kragund. In sixth incident, two persons were injured in separate road accidents in Kulgam district and in the city here.

Srinagar, October 1
Governor NN Vohra and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah paid rich tributes to the Father of the Nation on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti.

In his message, the Governor recalled Mahatma Gandhi’s unparalleled contribution to the struggle for freedom from the colonial rule, his sustained campaign against social injustice, racism and suppression of the under-privileged sections and his unending

pursuit of a secular and harmonious society. Vohra said the sacrifices and teachings of Gandhi, who was an apostle of peace and a staunch believer of non-violence, had been indelibly imprinted on the global conscience.

The Governor said the most befitting tribute which can be paid to the Father of Nation would be to re-invigorate and strengthen the bonds of communal harmony, brotherhood, amity and secular ethos, which are the essence of his values and philosophy.

The CM, on the other hand, said Gandhi symbolised the secular and democratic India. He said Gandhi worked for amity between all sections of society and fought for the upliftment of the weak and the under-privileged throughout his life.

Omar said the best way to honour Gandhi was to work towards strengthening principles of human dignity, secular traditions and brotherhood in the country.

The CM also remembered Lal Bahadur Shastri, who was also born on October 2, and his contribution to the welfare and development of the country. 

Srinagar, October 1
Kashmiri folk heritage series ‘Dhanak Rang’, which commenced on September 25 at the Zabarwan Park reached Gulmarg today. The folk heritage series are being organised by the J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages, which is aimed at revival of folk traditions of Kashmir.

During the past one week, the folk musical journey traversed several important tourist destinations like Zabarwan, Manasbal, Pahalgam and Gulmarg. It will now move to Nageen.

The event, which was held at Gulmarg today had noted folk singers Gulzar Ahmad Ganai, Ghulam Nabi Bulbul and Abdul Salam Kaimoh as performers. Artists of Qazi Kashmir theatre, Bomai Sopur, also performed on the 
occasion.

Backed by the Department of Information, the programme evinced a lot of interest in people, including tourists, who had come in large number to witness the rainbow of Kashmiri folk culture at the picturesque Gulmarg Valley.

The folk musical will culminate on October 5 at the SKICC with an evening of ghazals where noted ghazal singers- Waheed Jeelani, Qaisar Nizami, Qazi Rafi, Sham Sajan, Deepali Wattal and Munir Mir will perform.

Srinagar, October 1
Imamia High School Zadibal celebrated its annual day here yesterday. Minister for Consumers Affairs and Public Distribution Qamar Ali Akhoon in his address called upon everyone present on the occasion to strive for peace which was essential for progress and prosperity.

Akhoon said education was the only tool to crack every nut of success and parents and teachers should put in their energy in shaping the fortune of their children so that the new generation could face the challenges bravely on global level.

Referring to the historical background of Imamia High School, Akhoon paid rich tributes to late Jalali Sahib for laying the foundation of the school in 1910 and also for spreading the knowledge among the illiterate masses of those times.

The minister assured of all possible help from the government for making the school a highest seat of learning.

Advisor to Chief Minister Mubarak Gul, who was the chief guest on the occasion, highlighted the spiritual contribution of late Jalali Sahib in establishing Imamia High School and his untiring efforts in serving the humanity not only through education but also as a good human being of those times.

He appealed the school administration to inculcate not only spiritual and religious sentiments among children, but also make them shine in academics and sports activities.

Gul further said the state government was always on the back of such schools where great people had obtained knowledge and had touched the skies of success. He asked the school authorities to approach the government for any assistance and support they need at any point of time. He said in modern times skill development among youth was essential so that self-employment opportunities were created and unemployment problem was controlled to some extent.

The Advisor appealed to the J&K Bank authorities to provide financial support to any private school of downtown where the management was doing its best to excel and secure highest position in academics and extra-curricular activities.

Students mesmerised the audience with a couple of melodious songs depicting the love for human beings and nature.

The function was also attended by MLA Peer Afaaq, Secretary School Education Farooq Factoo, Transport Commissioner Mehraj Kakroo, Executive President J&K Bank Tafazul Hussain, Poet ZA Zarief, Shahid Budgami, chairman of the school Syed Iftikhar Hussain Jalali, principal Abida Khan, chairperson the Hussaini People’s Council Posha.

Srinagar, October 1
The final match of the North Zone Inter-University Women`s Cricket Tournament-2012 was today played on the Kashmir University campus between Maharishi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak and Dr Ram Monohlar Lohia University (RMU), Faizabad. The MDU, Rohtak, won by a huge margin of 126 runs.

While electing to bat first the MDU scored 185 runs in allotted 30 overs. While chasing the score, the RMU was restricted to just 59 runs. Jyoti Sharma was declared woman of the match for her brilliant contribution of 56 runs and taking two wickets for 2 runs for her team. Jasia Akhter was declared highest run scorer of the tournament while Elizabeth Maqbool was declared highest wicket taker.

During the closing ceremony of the tournament, Minister for Higher Education Abdul Gani Malik who was chief guest on the occasion said such tournaments were important platform for youngsters to prove and hone their potential in the field of sports.

“We should make every effort to organise such tournament in near future so that we can easily identify the talent,” said AG Malik. He added that sports was an important means to promote tourism in the Valley as participants get exposed to the beauty of the Valley.

While presiding over the closing ceremony, Prof Talat Ahmad, vice-chancellor, Kashmir University, said winning or losing were just the ingredients of the game, the matter of importance was the participation and one should accept the result whatever it turns out to be with great spirit.

Director Youth Services and Sports Jaipal Singh, Registrar of Kashmir University Prof S Fayaz Ahmad, Director Kashmir Studies Prof Sidiq Wahid and several other officials from the Youth Services and Sports and Physical Education Deparment of the University of Kashmir were also present on the occasion.

In his address, Prof Bashir Ahmad, organising secretary and director, Physical Education & Sports, KU, said this tournament was first of its kind and would definitely benefit the women folk who participated in the tournament.

The tournament was organised by the directorate, physical education, KU, in which 20 teams from North India participated. 

Srinagar, October 1
In the ongoing JK Bank State Football League Tournament, JK Bank senior team thrashed Young Maharaja by 4-0 yesterday in their second super division match here at the Polo Ground, Srinagar.

Adil Qadir got a breakthrough when the referee awarded a penalty in the 21st minute. Striker Umar Jan scored the second goal in the 45th minute.

In the second half, Aiman Rashid coming as substitute scored in 56th minute and experience of Bilal Ahmad came handy with his superb goal on a volley outside the 18 yards area to put his team ahead by four goals to nil.

In the A division, state league J&K Bank junior team won its second match by beating Regal Sports by a solitary goal on Saturday at the Polo Ground. The decider scored by Wasiq Imtiyaz in the second half of the match.

Playing first time in the state league, the junior team had a convincing win over Majid Sports, when it thrashed Majid sports by 9-0 in its first match.

Today, JK Bank "B" is locking horns with Novelty Sports Sharp at the Polo Ground.

The state league championship is organised by the J&K Football Association and sponsored by J&K Bank.