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Hotel firing: Police clueless
Pandits recall Navratra festivities during pre-militancy days
Valley reels under severe cold wave
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8-yr-old boy killed in accident
Despite fire incidents, shrines lack safety equipment
Govt staff likely to get 7 per cent DA before Eid-ul-Adha
Set up charities for orphans:
Mirwaiz
Communist leader Tarigami calls on Governor
Governor releases 'Valley of Words'
Omar, Farooq greet people on Urs, Mahanavmi
Nasir visits Charunda village
Sanitation drive at mosques,
shrines ahead of Eid-ul-Adha
Awareness programme on drug abuse held
Devotees throng ‘Khanqah-e-Moala’
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Hotel firing: Police clueless
Srinagar, October 23 Police officers privy to the investigations said they were looking into various angles into the case at this point of time and were working on various leads to solve the case. “The investigations so far have revealed that a module of Lashkar-e-Toiba from south Kashmir was involved in the attack. But, we are trying to find out the exact target of
the attack,” said a police officer. The officer said it looked that the attack was not planned at an Army convoy. “Many high-profile people visit the Silver Star hotel and we are probing whether anyone of them was the target,” he added. “The militants had also conducted searches in some rooms of the hotel before fleeing from
the spot.” The police has so far questioned over two dozen people, including the hotel owner, employees and few eyewitnesses. Police sources said the CCTVs installed at the hotel were also not functional. At least three to four armed militants had opened fire outside the Silver Star Hotel located in the neighbourhood of Lasjan-Nowgam bypass road on Friday evening, killing the hotel's bell boy on the spot and injuring two others. One of injured succumbed to his injuries yesterday morning. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had told reporters on Sunday he would not jump to the conclusion whether it was a militant attack or not. “Once the investigations are complete, we will share the findings with you people,” Omar had said. The police said they were hopeful that the case would be solved. “We solved 13 cases of militancy in Srinagar in August and we are hopeful that this case too would be solved,” said a senior police officer. A police spokesman in Srinagar said the investigation was going on. "The police is looking into all the angles," the spokesman said. |
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Pandits recall Navratra festivities during pre-militancy days
Srinagar, October 23 The Hindu Welfare Society Kashmir (HWSK) organised a night-long hawan that concluded with ‘puran ahuti’ today at Shri Ramji temple in the Barbar Shah area. Devotees were seen visiting the temple throughout the day for pooja. HWSK spokesman Chunni Lal said the Kashmiri Pandits observed Navratras by sowing barley in earthen pots at their respective homes followed by ‘visarjan’ after nine days. Even as the temple witnessed a rush of devotees, Lal said Shri Ramji temple used to witness a massive rush of people, including Muslims, before the eruption of militancy in
the state. "There used to be a lot of hustle and bustle...several Muslims of the adjoining areas even refrained from eating meat for nine days before militancy....but we are glad that non-migrant Pandits are still able to perform religious duties even as others have left Kashmir," he added. Ramesh Kumar, a devotee, said Kashmiri Pandits observed Navratra festival in a different manner as compared to Hindus elsewhere in the country. "Our celebrations are different and simple.... there is no dandiya...we simply sow barley, fast and pray,"
he said. Another devotee said a handful of Muslims even now drop by the temple but it was not like the “good old times”. “Yes, a few of them (Muslims) come now too but is not like the good old times. Now there is no major hustle and bustle as most of the Pandits have left. Every festival of ours before militancy used to epitomize Pandit-Muslim amity,” he said. A night-long hawan was also performed at Sri Durga Nag temple here yesterday after a gap of 25 years. |
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Valley reels under severe cold wave
Srinagar, October 23 State Meteorological Department said the mercury at Pahalgam resort in south Kashmir and Gulmarg in north Kashmir fell nearly a degree below the freezing point. The night temperature in Pahalgam resort was recorded at minus 0.7 degrees and the maximum temperature there was recorded at 11.4 degrees Celsius, an official of the Met department said. Gulmarg resort was freezing overnight as the mercury fell to minus 1.8 degrees Celsius, the official said. The day temperature in Gulmarg today was recorded at 8 degrees Celsius. The official said Gulmarg resort also received season’s first snowfall. He said nearly one inch of snow has fallen in the north Kashmir’s meadow resort. The temperature in the region has been severely hit since last week when the mountains around Pahalgam in south Kashmir, Gulmarg in north Kashmir and Zojila in central Kashmir received the season’s first snowfall and most of the districts were lashed with rains. Srinagar city, where residents are feeling the pinch of cold for the past several days, recorded a minimum of 3.3 degrees Celsius overnight, which is one degree below the average normal for this time of the season. The day temperature in the city was recorded at 15.6 degrees Celsius, which is nearly five degrees below the normal, the official said. Residents of the Valley have been forced by the chill to go indoors early in the evening to shield themselves from an unnerving cold, which gets intense after dusk. The sale of woollen and winter clothes has increased in the past few days as residents are getting themselves dressed in the winter wear. Parts of the remote Ladakh region also received snowfall, the official said. He said snow was falling in Zanskar, Kargil and some villages near the Leh town when the last reports were received by the Srinagar-based weather station in the evening. The State Weather Department has forecast rains and snow in few places in the state in next 24 hours following which the temperature is expected to stabilise. |
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8-yr-old boy killed in accident
Srinagar, October 23 The boy, identified as Abid Shabir of Chandkote village near Kreeri, was hit by a truck near Choura in Sopore last night, a police spokesman said. He was shifted to
sub-district hospital at Sopore where he succumbed to injuries, the police spokesman added. A case has been registered at the police station concerned. |
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Despite fire incidents, shrines lack safety equipment
Srinagar, October 23 The Wakf Board, which manages a majority of the big and famous shrines across the state, says it has worked out security plans, including installing CCTV cameras, at major shrines of the Valley, which is lying with the police authorities for implementation. Following gutting of heritage shrine of Dastgeer Sahib in Srinagar on June 25, the state government had issued a circular dated July 20, 2012, wherein the authorities at divisional and district level, including the Wakf Board authorities, were instructed to take necessary security measures for the protection of shrines. In the circular, the authorities concerned were directed to take necessary measures like installation of fire safety equipment, including putting in place necessary fire protection measures and installing CCTV cameras. This was “to ensure safety, security and sanctity of the religious shrines, the government circular said. However, since then the authorities have failed to implement the proposal on ground. The Wakf Board authorities claimed that the proposal for installing security cameras at major shrines of Kashmir has been sent to the police. “The proposal to install CCTV cameras at the major Sufi shrines of Kashmir is under active consideration and we are working on it. We have taken up the matter with the Police Department about the kind and type of CCTV cameras to be installed at the identified shrines”, Jammu and Kashmir Wakf Board vice-chairman MY Qadri told The Tribune. He said the Wakf Board has also submitted a
“separate and detailed” proposal to Director-General of Police regarding the installation of CCTV cameras at Hazratbal shrine in
Srinagar, which houses the relic of Prophet Muhammad. “At Hazratbal shrine, the Board has already identified the spots where the closed circuit cameras need to be installed.
Since, the security of the shrine is already being managed by the Police Department, the proposal is now lying with the DGP”, Qadri revealed. The Board, he said, has also shared the details about other major shrines of the Valley with the police, where it plans to mount security cameras. Other than Hazratbal, the shrines where the Wakf Board plans to install CCTV cameras include Aishmuqam shrine, Baba Shukr-ud-Din in Bandipora, Charar-e-Sharief Shrine, all major shrines in Srinagar city, including under-construction Dastgeer Sahib shrine, which was recently gutted in a “mysterious” fire incident. “Since the Wakf Board is not well versed with the kind of technology used in the CCTV cameras, we are waiting for suggestions from the Police Department about the kind and type of cameras to be installed in these shrines. I think it will take around a month or so to work out the proposal”, Qadri said. |
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Govt staff likely to get 7 per cent DA before Eid-ul-Adha
Srinagar, October 23 State Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather said the release of 7 per cent DA, which has become due with effect from July 2012, in cash to the employees of the state before Eid-ul-Azha was under active consideration of the government. Rather said most of the demands of the employees had already been fulfilled and the remaining demands too were under consideration of the government with a “positive frame of mind”. “The government is well abreast with the problems of the employees which can be sorted out through dialogue and reconciliation without resorting to confrontation,” Rather said. He said confrontation was "neither in the interest of employees nor people but only puts the people into great hardships". “The government is committed to the well being of employees and worker class and they too should perform their duties with dedication to serve the people and redress their grievances as per their aspirations,” the Finance Minister said. He said the Cabinet Sub Committee (CSC) in its recent meeting has discussed the issue of casual labourers. “It was observed that most of the departments have not submitted the requisite information in this regard and the information submitted by some departments is incomplete. The government is committed to its promise of regularising all daily wage workers who have been engaged up to 1994 after which engagement of daily wage workers was banned,” Rather said.
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Set up charities for orphans:
Mirwaiz
Srinagar, October 23 He called for creating charities and relief committees to address the issue of orphans and widows during the two decade long turmoil in Kashmir. The seminar was organised at Hurriyat headquarters by Jammu and Kashmir Salvation Movement (JKSM) - a constituent of APHC, wherein a large number of women actively participated. Addressing the gathering, APHC Chairman Mirwaiz Umar said, “There is a need to step up the organisation of Bait-ul-Mall (Charities) and relief committees for orphans and widows of the conflict,” said a Hurriyat spokesperson. Mirwaiz said, “Till such committees and charities are created, the leaders cannot overlook their responsibilities to support such people,” he said. While addressing the gathering, the spokesperson said JKSM Chairman Zaffar Akbar Bhat urged the people that they should remember the sacrifices of those killed in the conflict and also remember orphans, destitute and widowed women during the festival of Eid.” Other Hurriyat leaders, including advocate Shahid-ul-Islam, Musadiq Adil and Salim Geelani were also present on the occasion.
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ASHA workers hold protest
Srinagar, October 23 The workers, who had gather under the banner of Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), raised several demands which included National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) be made a permanent scheme and ASHA workers be given a government employees status. The protesters also demanded enhancement in salary and timely monthly salary, six hours duty schedule, supply of special kits, social security benefits and pension, adequate protection in the field and issuance of identity cards. General Secretary All India Federation of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers K Hemlata said, “ASHAs are a crucial component of the NRHM who are working for the betterment of health services and for the benefit of the community.” “ASHA workers work tirelessly and selflessly, despite all the difficulties they are confronted with,” said Hemlata. State President CITU and CPM state secretary MY Tarigami while addressing the rally said, “The government started NHRM with much fanfare but totally neglected the women who were working as ASHAs.” “Women were asked to provide all these services to the community but without properxwages or recognition,” said Tarigami.Tarigami urged the government to take a serious note of the discontent among the ASHA workers and take the necessary action for the immediate fulfillment of their demands. Earlier JK ASHA Workers Union held its first state conference at Srinagar where Misra Banoo was elected as State President and Sunita Bagaht was elected as State General Secretary of the union. The demands
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Communist leader Tarigami calls on Governor
Srinagar, October 23 Tarigami discussed with the Governor issues related to the effective implementation of important socio-economic development programmes. "He also discussed elections to urban local bodies, empowerment of Panchayati Raj institutions, efficient and transparent functioning of the administrative machinery and ensuring greater accountability at all levels of functioning," said spokesperson. Meanwhile, a delegation of the various Travel Agents Associations of Kashmir today met Vohra at Raj Bhawan. The delegation discussed with the Governor various issues related to the promotion of tourism in the state, said the spokesperson. He added that they thanked the Governor for involving the ravel trade and the hotel and hospitality industry in the management of Shri Amarnath Yatra.
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Governor releases 'Valley of Words'
Srinagar, October 23 The Governor said this while releasing a book titled 'Valley of Words', authored by Shakeel-ur-Rehman, Public Relations Officer, J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, at a function held at Raj Bhawan today. The Governor, who is Chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, observed that the board could consider scholarships for undertaking research projects on important aspects of the state's traditional performing art forms and other arenas of cultural heritage to preserve them for the coming generations. "A committee of experts could be set up to decide the nature and field of study for which a scholarship may be provided," said Vohra. The Governor also highlighted the important role which media, particularly the print media, can play in effectively showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh regions through publication of well researched articles for enlarging awareness of the people at large.
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Omar, Farooq greet people on Urs, Mahanavmi
Srinagar, October 23 “Chief Minister greeted people on the occasion of Urs Shah-i-Hamdan Mir Syed Ali Hamdani wishing them welfare and prosperity,” said an official spokesperson. The spokesman said Omar also felicitated people on Mahanavmi wishing them happiness and well being. Union Minister Farooq Abdullah also extended greetings to the people on the occasion of Urs Shah-i-Hamdan and Mahanavmi wishing them well being and good health. “In his message on the occasion, Farooq prayed for peace and development in the state,” said the spokeperson.
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Nasir visits Charunda village
Srinagar, October 23 Wani accompanied by Director General of Police Ashok Prasad today visited Charunda village near the LoC in Uri sector, where three civilians were killed last week in heavy firing by the Pakistani troops. An official spokesperson said while interacting with the villagers, Wani assured that a dedicated ambulance service to the far-flung village would be started shortly. The minister was also accompanied by IG Kashmir SM Sahai, DIG north Kashmir Rajesh Kumar, and Deputy Commissioner Baramulla GA Khwaja.
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Sanitation drive at mosques,
shrines ahead of Eid-ul-Adha
Srinagar, October 23 “A special sanitation drive will be performed on Friday with lime and proper fumigation at Hazratbal shrine, Jamia Masjid and all those places where the congregational prayers for Eid would take place,” said Masrat Yousuf SMC spokesperson. She said SMC Commissioner Dr GN Qasba passed orders in this regard after he along with other officials conducted tour of downtown areas to take a stock of sanitation and various other special arrangements for the upcoming Eid festival. The team also visited the revered Hazratbal shrine located on the banks of Dal Lake. Qasba also passed orders to depute a special squads at various religious places, especially Hazratbal to make the special arrangements for Eid regarding sanitation, anti encroachment drives, proper lighting and continuous market checking to counter black marketing and hoarding of goods. Meanwhile, SMC Health Officer Javaid Ahmed conducted a market check at various areas of downtown where he issued instructions to the shopkeepers, especially mutton and poultry to keep the eatables properly covered and stick to the quality of food to be delivered. |
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Awareness programme on drug abuse held
Srinagar, October 23 Speaking on the occasion, Dr Anayat Mir, Chief Warden, Civil Defence, Baramulla, expressed concern over the alarming rise of drug abuse among youth in Kashmir. He said drug addiction was an illness and the addicts be treated like other ill patients. Clinical Psychologist Imran Khan said the people with mental illness; including substance dependence needs more treatment than just drug therapy. The programme was organised by Drug De-Addiction Centre, District Police Lines, Baramulla, and the CRPF. — TNS
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Devotees throng ‘Khanqah-e-Moala’
Srinagar, October 23 Devotees thronged ‘Khanqah-e-Moala’, the shrine of the Sufi saint, located in the old city on the banks of Jhelum from last night for ‘Shab Khwaani’ (night long prayers). While the devotees remain engrossed in prayers and supplications throughout the night, huge rush of people was also witnessed today for five time congregational prayers. The area outside the shrine witnessed a festive look with roadside vendors selling a whole lot of eatables and other items. The revered saint, whose original name was Syed Ali Hamadani and is referred to Shah-e-Hamadan by his devotees, had arrived in the Valley in 1384 AD to preach Islam. Noted historian Professor Mohammad Ishaq Khan said the unique feature of the Urs Shah-e-Hamadan in Kashmir was the reciting of Persian and Kashmiri eulogies in chorus at the shrine. "Devotees also recite Aurad-e-Fatiha while the teachings of Shah-e-Hamadan too are repeated during the Urs,” he said. He also said unique feature of Urs in Kashmir was that women too take part in the five time congregational prayers. Besides preaching Islam, Shah-e-Hamadan also introduced Persian handicrafts in the Valley. His followers popularised shawl and carpet weaving thereby boosting the economy of Kashmir. In his message, chairman of the moderate faction of Hurriyat Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said, “Shah-e-Hamadan not only changed the history of Kashmir but also the future of Kashmiris for good.” “He did not spread only the word of Allah but he also brought with him art, craft, skills and industry which brought economic revolution in Kashmir. Due to those skills and crafts, Kashmiris earned global fame,” he said.
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While a hawan was performed at an old city temple by Kashmiri Pandits on Navratras, several devotees recollected celebrations during the pre-militancy days.
Four months after historical Peer Dastgeer Sahib shrine in summer capital Srinagar was gutted in a “mysterious blaze”, the authorities are yet to put in place fire safety and security measures at major shrines of Kashmir.
The Wakf Board, which manages a majority of the big and famous shrines across the state, says it has worked out security plans, including installing CCTV cameras, at major shrines.
Moderate Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq today termed the plight of orphans and widows of the conflict a serious issue. He was addressing a function organised to remember those who were killed in 2008 agitation.
CPM State Secretary and MLA MY Tarigami today called on Governor NN Vohra at Raj
Bhawan, said an official spokesperson. Tarigami discussed with the Governor issues related to the effective implementation of important socio-economic development
programmes.
As the Eid-ul-Adha festival will be celebrated from Saturday, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) will launch a sanitation drive at shrines and mosques where congregational prayers are scheduled to be performed.
The annual Urs of the revered Sufi saint Shah-e-Hamadan, who brought Islam to Kashmir, was celebrated with traditional fervour today.
Devotees thronged ‘Khanqah-e-Moala’, the shrine of the Sufi saint, located in the old city on the banks of Jhelum from last night for ‘Shab Khwaani’ (night long prayers).
