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Four new trains for Valley
Employees’ stir enters 2nd day
NC hails lifting of travel advisory by Britain
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Jawan hurt in accidental fire
cricketing ties
Leh’s Kashmiri traders protest in Srinagar
Nishat contractor’s killing
7 injured in road mishaps in Valley
Police trainee dies of tumour in Talwara
Cong can never form govt in state: Kamal
Tourist reception centre inaugurated at Sonamarg
One held with 113 kg poppy husk
Emphatic wins for VCC, Simula XI in T20 cricket
Handball course to begin today
Residents of Kulgam district demand bypass to fruit market
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Four new trains for Valley
Srinagar, November 7 While one new train comprising eight coaches has already arrived in Budgam, three more are likely to come to the Valley in the next four months. Northern Railways’ Chief Area Manager, Budgam, AK Sharma said the date for plying the new train that has arrived was yet to be finalised. “A new train has arrived here and shortly it will start plying,” Sharma said, adding that the dates for plying the train were yet to be finalised. Sources said eight coaches of the new train, which was manufactured by Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, reached Budgam recently and the Railway officials were now waiting for the company staff to attach these coaches. “Next week, staff from the ICF, Chennai, will reach here and it will take nearly two months for attaching these coaches. Once these coaches are attached,
the trial of the new train will be conducted. Meanwhile, our more staff will come and by January one more train should be operational,” said the Railway sources. “Once this train becomes operational, more trains will ply between Qazigund in south Kashmir to Baramulla in north Kashmir,” he said, adding that by March three more trains would be added to the train fleet in Kashmir. The officer said the capacity of few trains would also be increased from eight coaches to 12 to cater to the rush of commuters. The trains of Kashmir are yet to be connected with the rest of the country and they ply between Qazigund and Baramulla - a distance of 119 kilometres. The first train starts in the morning from south Kashmir’s Qazigund station to Srinagar and another leaves central Kashmir’s Budgam station for Baramulla station in north Kashmir. Around 7,000 passengers travel everyday during the autumn season and in summers 9,000 passengers travel by train in the Valley. At present, 10 trains ply between Qazigund and Baramulla. The first phase of rail services between Anantnag and Budgam districts was inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on October 11, 2008. The second phase of train services between Budgam and Baramulla was flagged off by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi on February 14, 2009, followed by the third phase between Anantnag and Qazigund by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on October 28, 2009. Rail services
The journey
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Employees’ stir enters 2nd day
Srinagar, November 7 The Joint Consultative Committee (JCC), an amalgam of various state employees bodies, which had given a call for the two-day pen-down strike will hold deliberations among its members and the future protest programme will be announced tomorrow. Farooq Ahmad Trali, JCC leader and general secretary, Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC-Q) described the strike largely successful as the work remained suspended across all major public departments in the Kashmir region. He hinted at intensifying the agitation in the wake of the state government being heedless to their concerns even after assuring them of addressing their grievances on
July 8, 2012. “We have a documentary proof of the state government agreeing to our three major demands of increase in retirement age from 58 to 60 years, regularisation of contractual employees and removal of pay anomalies. However, the government has not fulfilled its promises, which compelled us to launch the agitation,” Trali said. He added that the state government had even violated the deadline of September 29 given by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for fulfilling their demands. More than four lakh state government employees have gone for the third phase of agitation over the past two years, as various deliberations held between the employees and the government failed to reach a consensus. |
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NC hails lifting of travel advisory by Britain
Srinagar, November 7 “It is a victory of people that after two decades the UK has lifted its advisory against visiting Kashmir and it could not have happened without the active and personal interest shown by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah himself,” National Conference spokesman Tanvir Sadiq said today. “This is a defeat for all those people who have unleashed a barrage of negative propaganda against the state,” he added. Calling this decision as an eye-opener for all those who oppose revocation of the AFSPA, Sadiq said if a foreign country felt that J&K was safe for their citizens, it was surprising why even then some of people still oppose it on one pretext or the other. “If its safe for a foreigner, its safe for anyone,” said Sadiq. Calling it good news for Kashmir and for tourism, Sadiq said it brings new hopes that more countries will follow this decision. “The UK is the third nation after Japan and Germany who have lifted travel advisory and the government deserves praise for this,” he said, adding that the day was not far when countries like Canada, Australia, US and New Zealand will also follow. Appreciating the state government, he said Minister of State for Tourism Nasir Wani had been consistently in touch with many representatives of foreign countries to lift the travel advisory.
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Jawan hurt in accidental fire
Srinagar, November 7 The police said constable Harpeig Singh of 54 battalion was critically injured when he was hit by a bullet from his own service rifle in the Sanatnag locality of the city. “The injured was shifted to the SMHS Hospital, Srinagar, for treatment where his condition is said to be critical,” the police said. The police has started investigation. |
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Kashmir bats for Indo-Pak series
Arch rivals set to face each other after a gap of five years Bismah Malik Tribune News Service
Srinagar, November 7 This would be the first bilateral contest between the two countries in five years after both the countries severed their cricket ties post Mumbai attacks in 2008. The lull period of five years, which saw only a few encounters between the two premier cricket playing countries, disappointed hundreds and thousands of cricket fans in both the countries. However, with the fresh initiative of restarting cricket matches, residents of the Valley feel that it would boost the peace-building measures between the two neighbouring countries. “Why should politics be mixed with sports? In fact sports can act as a confidence-building measure when the relationships are not going smooth. I am happy that sportsmanship finally won,” opined Prof Mehnaz Qureshi, an international relations expert at Central University of Kashmir. For some, people-to-people contact between the two countries naturally increases whenever cricket matches are played between India and Pakistan. “People travel to each other’s country to witness the matches and come in contact with their counterparts which is a great exercise. Unfortunately, there are always vested interests who do not want such peaceful initiatives to be taken and are hell bent on creating tension and unease in the region. The resumption of cricket ties will serve as a great blow to them,” Muhammad Ikram, a businessman, said. As winter vacations in schools and colleges are also due in December, it would be the young children and teenagers who would indulge in the cricket mania. “I am looking forward to the Indo-Pak series. They will play a 20-20 match as well, which is the most entertaining, especially if played between India and Pakistan.”
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Leh’s Kashmiri traders protest in Srinagar
Srinagar, November 7 The protesters alleged that the members of other community had been harassing them and they had taken up the issue with the administration. “But the administration has turned a blind eye towards our problems and we have been forced to come to streets after closing our shops,” said a shopkeeper. “We request the government to look into the matter so that we are able to earn our livelihood,” he added. They said they had been doing their business smoothly since many years in Leh and in past there have been no problems. “But we fail to understand why we are being harassed now for no fault of ours,” they added. After staging the protest in Lal Chowk, the shopkeepers dispersed peacefully. |
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Bail plea of two co-accused opposed
Victim’s kin urge the court to direct prosecution for producing witnesses Ishfaq Tantry Tribune News Service
Srinagar, November 7 He said the weapons used in the crime by Kishtawari and his “gang” were yet to be recovered and granting bail to the accused would adversely affect the ongoing trial proceedings before the court. Principal District and Sessions Judge Srinagar was today hearing the case involving kidnapping and killing of Nishat-based contractor Ali Muhammad Mir. During the hearing today, the bail plea of Ghulam Rasool Ganaie and Khursheed Ahmad Mir, who are the co-accused in the case, also came up for hearing, which was, however, opposed by Babar Jan Qadri, the counsel representing the victim’s family. Papa Kishtawari, the main accused in the case, is currently under judicial custody and is facing a trial along with the two co-accused before the Session Court Srinagar. “The court has already observed in its orders dated October 31, 2011, that the weapons lying with Papa Kishtawari are yet to be recovered and one accused Mohammad Maqbool Sheikh is still absconding in the case”, counsel Babar submitted while opposing bail of the accused. “So at this stage the bail to the accused will affect and prejudice the trial proceedings. It will also endanger the life of Zahoor Ahmad, who is the main complainant and son of deceased contractor Ali Mohammad Mir”, he submitted, adding that the court also directed the prosecution to produce the witnesses. “The non-production of witnesses will force the court to close the evidence, which will have a negative impact on the ongoing proceedings of the case and the final outcome of the trial. Therefore, the prosecution be directed to produce its witnesses at the earliest”, he submitted. The court after hearing both the sides posted the matter for further proceedings on November 8. The Case file
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7 injured in road mishaps in Valley
Srinagar, November 7 The police said a Tata Sumo, bearing registration number JK13A/3927, hit a motorcycle, bearing registration number JK13A/9518, at Jablipora crossing in Anantnag resulting in injuries to motorcyclist Shabir Ahmad Ganie (25) and pillion Ishfaq Ahmad Ganie (24) of Yaripora. The injured were shifted to sub-district hospital, Bijbehara, from where they were referred to the SKIMS, Soura, in Srinagar, the police said. A case has been registered in this regard. In another accident, a platform, bearing registration number JK02G/5396, on way from Baramulla to Srinagar hit and injured a pedestrian Fayaz Ahmad Wani (32) of Hudpora in Baramulla at the national highway near Putkha in Sopore. The injured was shifted to district hospital in Baramulla. The police has registered a case in this regard. The police said a Tata Sumo, bearing registration number JK01H/8445, driven by Altaf Ahmad Baba, a resident of Hundi, hit and injured seven-year-old Nargis, daughter of Irshad Ahmad Khan, resident of Kawari at Main road Kawari in Kupwara. The injured was shifted to hospital for treatment where her condition was stable. In a separate accident, a Tata Mobile, driven by Mohammad Iqbal Sheikh,a resident of Magam, hit and injured Shahida Khaliq (25), a resident of Neelipora in Budgam. The injured was shifted to hospital for treatment. The police had registered a case. A Tata Sumo, bearing registration number JK13/9371, hit a maruti car, bearing registration number JK18/3701, near Kounserbal in Kulgam in south Kashmir, resulting in injuries to the car driver Bashir Ahmad and Mohammad Sikander Malla, both residents of Ringth. Both the injured were shifted to hospital for treatment. A case has been registered in this regard.
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Police trainee dies of tumour in Talwara
Srinagar, November 7 The police said constable Mudasir Ahmad Dar, son of Mohammad Shafi, a resident of Nildoora Harmain in Shopian, who was suffering from brain tumour, expired today.
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Cong can never form govt in state: Kamal
Anantnag, November 7 Dr Kamal asserted that the interest of the Congress party was in power and not in the development of the state. He said unlike Congress and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the National Conference has always given priority to the interests of the people. “Today’s Kashmir is moving on path of development and dignity. What is the contribution of Congress or for that matter the PDP in the overall development of the state?” asked Dr Kamal. He said it had been his party which gave the state of Jammu and Kashmir a constitution of its own. “We were always there to safeguard the constitution as well as the interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.” He said the Congress party had been threatening to withdraw support time and again, “Our coalition is with the Congress party at the Centre and not with that in the state.”
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Tourist reception centre inaugurated at Sonamarg
Srinagar, November 7 The centre is equipped with all hi-tech facilities for tourists, including the internet facility, ATM of J&K Bank and site for ATMs of other banks. The centre has a tourist officer’s room, library, waiting hall, double bedroom facility in four huts and international youth hostel with Adventure Sports facility. The ministers inspected Sonamarg Club, already constructed by Sonamarg Development Authority, that provides facilities of international recreation, health club, restaurant and conference hall with seating arrangements for 100 persons. Jora said an increased influx of foreign tourists into the state has increased the livelihood opportunities of the poor sections of the society and can also improve the overall economic scenario of the state. The minister appealed the people to treat the tourists in a very humble and hospitable manner so that the message of love and tranquility goes with them to different parts of the country as well as the places outside the country. He said the Valley was famous for its traditional hospitality towards the people who visit Kashmir or two regions of the state. The function was addressed by forest minister Mian Altaf Ahmad. He said the government was doing its best to provide all the possible facilities at various tourist spots for attracting more tourists to the state which in turn fetches a lot of income to the people connected with the tourist business. Ganderbal district development commissioner, JKTDC managing director, chief executive officer, Sonamarg Development Authority, and a large number of people and tourists attended the function.
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One held with 113 kg poppy husk
Srinagar, November 7 The Yaripora police raided the house of Mohammad Ayoub
Laway, resident of Sudsoona, Kulgam, and recovered about 113kg of poppy husk. The police also seized a grinding machine of poppy husk from his house. The accused was arrested on the spot,” the police said. A case has been registered and the investigations were taken up by the Yaripora police. |
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Emphatic wins for VCC, Simula XI in T20 cricket
Jammu, November 7 In the first match, VCC got the better of Rainawari Cricket Club (RCC) by 12 runs. Winning the toss and batting first, VCC piled up 171 runs at the loss of one wicket in the stipulated 20 overs. Sahil Bhalwal was the top scorer with an unbeaten 73 run-knock that came off just 50 balls, including 1 four and a six. Bansi Lal also contributed useful 66 runs off 43 balls with the help of 8 fours and a six. For RCC, Rohit took the lone wicket. In the reply, RCC could not chased the target and manage to score 159 for 9 wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. Shabaz Ahmad played a gutsy knock of 50 runs but in vain. Satish scored 41 runs off 26 balls with 4 fours and 2 sixes while Sidharth chipped in with 18 runs. For VCC, Shezad took three wickets while Varun snared two. Sahil Bhalwal of VCC bagged the man of the match award. In another match, Simula XI toppled Christian Sports Organisation by a whopping margin of 85 runs. Batting first, Simula XI post 181-6 in the stipulated 20 overs. Atul was the top scorer with 29-ball 43 studded with 6 fours and a six. Shashi and Varun were the notable contributors with scores of 34 and 24 runs respectively. For Christian Sports Organisation XI, Nitu was the most successful bowler with a haul of two wickets while Amit and Sonu shared wicket a piece. In reply, Christian Sports Organisation XI post 96 runs in 19.2 overs. Rishu, Sunny, Bharat and Nitu scored 24, 19, 13 and 9 runs respectively for his team.
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Handball course to begin today
Jammu, November 7 The International Olympic Committee had allotted the five-day long course to India. The Indian Olympic Association further assigned it to JKBA on the request of Handball Federation of India. Egypt Handball Federation president Mohammad Khaled Hammouda will be the technical expert of the course. As many as 60 coaches, including eight coaches from the host state, will attend the course. |
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Residents of Kulgam district demand bypass to fruit market
Anantnag, November 7 The fruit market is located just across the district hospital and the locals said there were massive traffic jams all through the working season in the mandi. “The working season in the fruit market commences in August and at the end of the year. The patients as well as the commuters of the area have to suffer all the five months,” said Muhammad Abbas, a local reasident. The other residents said the road to the hospital was already a narrow one and the constant presence of large number of trucks on the road makes it all the more difficult to reach the hospital. They said it takes more than half an hour to tread a distance of just hundred metres from the main market to the hospital. “Sometimes we receive critical patients who have lost a good amount of time on the road to the hospital. The irony is if we refer them to some other place, they have to ply the same route again, making it all the more dangerous,” said a doctor at the district hospital, Kulgam. The traders of the fruit mandi said, “The patients do suffer and we are well aware of the fact,” said Iqbal Ganaie, a trader in the mandi. He said there was a proposal of a bypass road to the fruit mandi from the town, so that the trucks had a different route to approach the market. “The proposal has been pending since five years now. We have time and again appealed the establishment but to no avail,” said Abdul Majeed Parray, vice-president of the traders union of the mandi. The administration, however, said the project had not been shelved. “There is a lot of construction on the proposed route of the bypass. I have sought a report from the field team to ascertain the genuineness of these constructions,” said Gulzar Ahmad, assistant development commissioner (ADC),Kulgam.
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Overwhelmed by the response of train commuters in Kashmir over the past four years, the Indian railways is set to introduce four new trains in the Kashmir valley.
Over a dozen Kashmiri shopkeepers, who have been doing business in Leh, staged a protest in the city centre here today against the alleged failure of the administration to provide them security.
Overwhelmed by the response of train commuters in Kashmir over the past four years, the Indian railways is set to introduce four new trains in the Kashmir valley.
