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Frislan fire victims still await temporary shelters
Border residents too hit by lifestyle diseases
Tourist destination Aru sans basic amenities
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Weather to remain overcast in Valley amid ground frost, poor visibility
Nachama residents demand exploration of lignite
Motivate dropouts to enroll in schools: Kupwara CEO
Humanities block sans basic amenities
Amnesty welcomes teenager’s release
Geelani: Sectarian clashes were part
of international conspiracy
Rights bodies demand revocation of AFSPA
International Mountain Day to be observed on December 11
Awareness drive on drug de-addiction held
BSF to hold passing-out parade today
Fire destroys two houses
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Frislan fire victims still await temporary shelters
Anantnag, December 6 The victims of the deadly blaze, which engulfed more than half of the village on November 26, are still living under the open sky or tents provided by various relief agencies and are exposed to severe cold wave conditions. “We already had a snowfall and conditions will be worst in the coming days. The temperature is declining day by day and we have nothing to shield ourselves from the severe cold,” said Fayaz Ahmad Sheikh, a local resident. Victims say they have appealed to the administration to provide them pre-fabricated huts at least for the winter months many times but nothing has been done. “People are coming forward for help and they have given us tin sheets, timber and other things but that is not going to help as we can’t build anything,” said Abdul Majeed Sheikh. Adding to their woes, locals say, there is a blanket ban on construction activity in the area. “We are uncertain whether we will be allowed to construct houses or not. Nobody has bothered to even tell us that, making us feel all the more neglected in the face of this calamity,” said Abdul Aziz, another local resident. Locals say the politicians are busy in contesting elections and have completely forgotten the inferno victims. The district administration, however, maintains they don’t have pre-fabricated huts available. “I will talk to the Deputy Commissioner in this regard and I’m sure we can come up with a concrete plan to provide temporary accommodation to the victims,” said Assistant Development Commissioner, Anantnag, Nisar Ahmad. |
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Border residents too hit by lifestyle diseases
Srinagar, December 6 A study by the state Health Department under a centrally sponsored pilot project in Kupwara reveals that 10.71 per cent population in the border district are hypertensive and 6.07 per cent are diabetic. The study shows 25 per cent population has a habit of smoking and tobacco chewing. Director Health Kashmir Dr Saleem-ur-Rehman said the study was carried out under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS). Under this programme, people above 30 years of age were screened for diabetes and hypertension by health workers in the border district. “Of total population of 8.72 lakh in Kupwara, a sample of 1.4 lakh, including pregnant women, was screened. Out of those screened, 8,500 were diagnosed with diabetes (6.07%) and 15,000 were hypertensive (10.71%). As many as 25% of them had a habit of smoking and chewing tobacco,” he said. The programme aims at reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which are major factors for loss of productive years of life, resulting in huge economic loss to families and communities. The NPCDCS was approved by the Union Government for 100 districts across the country and in the Valley three districts of Kupwara, Leh and Kargil were selected as pilot projects. In Kupwara, the NCD was started in February 2012. The clinic has also given free consultation by specialist doctors in oncology, diabetes, physiotherapy, pain and palliative to 6,000 patients. “Also, free medicines, including chemotherapy drugs, were given to poor and needy patients of Kupwara district since the establishment of NCD clinic in February 2012,” said an health official. "Anti-cancer drugs worth Rs 1 lakh per person per year are given free of cost to cancer patients under this programme." |
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Tourist destination Aru sans basic amenities
Aru (Pahalgam), December 6 Locals say they lack basic amenities such as drinking water, roads, electricity poles, cellular services and a proper garbage disposal system. “The road leading to our village is in a shambles. There are big potholes and authorities have been ignoring these for years,” said Muhammad Irfan, a local resident. He said pathetic condition of the road was limiting the tourist inflow to this scenic spot. “The transport service is poor to our village, which causes a lot of inconvenience to the people. The main reason for the poor connectivity is dilapidated condition of the road leading to our village,” said Reyaz Ahmad, another local. Locals regret that power “Time and again we have requested the Power Development Department officials to erect electricity poles in our village but to no avail,” said Mushtaq Ahmad, another resident. Lack of a proper garbage disposal system is a major problem. “Not only does foul smell emanating from heaps of garbage repel tourists but it’s also taking a toll on health of village residents,” said Ahmad. Another major problem is the absence of cellular service in the area. “Which tourist destination of Kashmir does not have cellular services? Despite having a great tourism potential, our village has been neglected on every front and this is hitting businesses in our village,” said Fayaz Ahmad Lone.
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Weather to remain overcast in Valley amid ground frost, poor visibility
Srinagar, December 6 "The next two to three days will remain cloudy and temperatures are likely to remain unchanged from the present weather scenario. There will be ground frost in Kashmir and Ladakh in the morning hours. Both the regions, especially Kashmir, will see poor visibility in the morning and evening hours," Director Meteorological Department Sonam Lotus told The Tribune. Ground frost leads to slippery road conditions causing problems to pedestrians and two-wheelers in the morning hours. He said light snowfall was expected in upper ranges of the state, especially the Pir Pinjal range, and that the MeT office was regularly monitoring the weather situation. "We have not yet issued weather advisories today as sometimes it leads to unnecessary panic," Lotus added. While weather conditions are expected to improve after two to three days, the Valley is witnessing very chilly conditions well before the advent of 'chillai kalaan', which begins from December 21. The ski resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir recorded the coldest night of the Valley at -5.5 degrees Celsius. The night temperatures at other parts of the Valley continued to remain below the freezing point. The minimum temperatures recorded at Srinagar, Qazigund, Pahalgam and Kupwara were -1.9, -2.4, -4.1 and -1.8 degrees Celsius, respectively. The day temperatures too have dipped from yesterday. The maximum temperatures recorded at Srinagar, Qazigund, Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Kupwara were 9.2, 10.9, 9.4, 7.2 and 11.6 degrees Celsius, respectively. Ladakh region too remained in the grip of cold wave. Leh recorded day temperature of 5 degrees Celsius and minimum temperature of -12 degrees Celsius. Maximum and minimum temperatures recorded at Kargil were 2 and -8.6 degrees Celsius, respectively.
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Nachama residents demand exploration of lignite
Handwara, December 6 Local residents said the hillocks were rich in production of lignite but successive governments had ignored the coal-producing sites and deprived them of livelihood. They said the coal-producing hillocks could provide job avenues, especially to unemployed youth. “Tonnes of coal can be produced from the hillocks and mountain ranges in Nichama and its adjoining villages if authorities take necessary measures. The move can provide livelihood to hundreds of unemployed youth in remote villages,” said Imtiyaz Ahmad, president of youth club, Rajpora. The forest ranges rich in the coal production include Humpora, Rajpora, Wadar, Payeen, Ahgam, Zachaldara, Shatigam, Yamzad and Nichama Chak. The remote villages fall in the radius of around 30 km from Handwara town. Locals said they made few representations to the Deputy Commissioner of Kupwara for exploring the sites for coal production but nothing was done. “We approached the Deputy Commissioner of Kupwara and requested him to visit the sites rich in lignite and take measures for the coal extraction but he did not bother to take a note of it. The sites are an asset for the future generations but the state government has unfortunately ignored them,” said Ahmdullah Sheikh, a resident of Nichama. Lignite and its uses
Lignite is produced from a brown carbonaceous sedimentary rock with woody texture that consists of accumulated layers of partially decomposed vegetation. It is used as a fuel. It is a soft, brownish-black form of coal having more carbon than peat but less than bituminous coal. Lignite is easy to mine.
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Motivate dropouts to enroll in schools: Kupwara CEO
Handwara, December 6 As many as 510 teachers from across the district took part in the conference. The speakers urged the teachers to spare no efforts in imparting education to students. Chief Education Officer (CEO) Ghulam Rasool Lone was the chief guest on the occasion. He urged the teachers to visit every household, especially remote areas of the district, and motivate the school drop-outs to pursue education in schools. “It is a moral responsibility to launch door-to-door campaign and identify the school drop-outs. Such children should be motivated to get enrolled in schools. There are more school drop-outs in remote areas than in cities and towns,” said Lone. Senior citizens from various parts of the district ahailed the education department for organising the conference in Handwara. Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) Rajwar Haneefa Khanday also highlighted the role of teachers and urged them to do their duties in letter and spirit.
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Humanities block sans basic amenities
Srinagar, December 6 Even under harsh winter conditions, students have to take examinations without adequate heating arrangements, as there are no heating systems available in the block. There are hardly any washroom facilities for students and faculty, as the existing ones are dingy and left unattended. As some crucial examinations like the National Eligibility Test (NET) and annual examinations are in the offing, the students and teachers are a worried lot. Students said even after they shell out examination management fee (EMF) of Rs 120 per student, poor facilities during the conduct of examinations has become a common feature. Teachers, on the other hand, rue that examination vigil for a long time becomes really difficult due to unbearable cold. “The funds to upgrade infrastructure are provided from time to time, but for many years nobody has bothered to question where these funds go? The students and teachers are the worst sufferers,” an administrative official said on the condition of anonymity. VC-led team conducts surprise visit Registrar Prof Zaffar Reshi and Vice-Chancellor Prof Talat Ahmad-led inspection team had conducted surprise visits to the biochemistry, pharmacy, science and the arts block of the varsity last week after issuance of notifications. Official sources said the morning checks found that a large number of teaching and non-teaching members of the faculty remain absent causing resentment among the management. Sources said Prof Ahmad has order for a stern action against the teachers, who fail to report on time for the classes. Meanwhile, the students have hailed the move by the university authorities, describing it a positive step in ensuring disciplined education. “Undoubtedly, the teachers are present in a good strength by afternoon, but that is not true for the morning classes, particularly during winters. The surprise inspections should be more frequently done so that teachers are more accountable,” Imran Ali, a PG scholar said. Classroom work in last phase The classroom work is in its last phase as the annual examinations for second and fourth semesters across all the departments are scheduled to be held from December 15. Students are busy with last minute doubt removal sessions with their teachers. “After the internal assessments, the classes would be called-off and datesheets would be issued,” an official in the examination block said.
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Amnesty welcomes teenager’s release
Srinagar, December 6 “We are deeply relieved that Danish was released and has returned to his family but there are many cases like his where individuals are locked up on arbitrary grounds or as in Danish’s case, minors were detained in a regular police custody instead of being provided the safeguards guaranteed by the international law,” said Raheela Narchoor, researcher, Amnesty International-based in India. The Amnesty International has also sought amendment of the J&K Juvenile Justice Act, 1997. The teenager was released on bail on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Farooq’s lawyer Babar Qadri thanked Amnesty International for for supporting the fight against the abuse of law, and abuse of position by the J&K police.
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Geelani: Sectarian clashes were part
of international conspiracy
Srinagar, December 6 "We are happy over normalcy...it should not have taken place...these are conspiracies of international level...Pakistan being a nuclear power has already been targeted," Geelani said while addressing a press conference at his Hyderpora residence. He made the statement a day after normal life resumed in parts of old city following a week of restrictions that were imposed due to sectarian clashes. When asked who exactly was responsible for instigating sectarian clashes, he blamed "pro-Indians of both Shia and Sunni communities". Urging the locals to remain united against the “conspiracies”, Geelani said: "Struggle (against India) will continue and it is everybody's obligation to play a role. We are oppressed irrespective of the sects we belong to...there is no need to give fatwa," he added. The separatist leader also alleged that wine and drugs were being "made common" as part of a conspiracy. Flaying announcing of "lifelong" sentences against political prisoners, Geelani questioned why the security forces accused of human rights violations were "not being punished". He also censured imposition of restrictions on the movement of separatists, saying it only exhibited the "high-handedness" of the authorities. Geelani was yesterday disallowed to lead a "peace march" in the old city. He said their campaign against the construction of a road to the Amarnath cave shrine would continue. Geelani said the Indo-Pak dialogue process would bear no fruit if it was held outside the realm of "right to self-determination". |
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Rights bodies demand revocation of AFSPA
Srinagar, December 6 This has been recommended by The International Peoples’ Tribunal on Human Rights and Justice in Kashmir (IPTK) and the Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP) in their 352-page report on human rights abuses, which was released here today. “The Government of India and the J&K Government must revoke and withdraw security-related legislation that is in contravention of international humanitarian laws and norms, such as the AFSPA, 1990, the J&K Disturbed Areas Act, 1992, and the Public Safety Act, 1978,” the groups have recommended in the report which has named 500 individual perpetrators for alleged human rights abuses like torture, disappearance and extra-judicial killings. Recommending that the GoI must ratify the Convention Against Torture, to which it had been a signatory since 1997, the groups have also recommended that the government must ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. “The government must allow free access to J&K for the groups like UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detentions, Working Group on Involuntary or Enforced Disappearances, and Special Rapporteur on Extra-judicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions,” the groups have said in the report. While adhering to international standards of crimes against humanity, the report has recommended the Government of India (GoI) to legislate on these crimes. It adds that an independent and transparent international body must be constituted to analyse the report and “consider its import and question the role of the government”.
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International Mountain Day to be observed on December 11
Srinagar, December 6 The highlights of the event include a number of activities like seminar on ‘Greening the Blue’, slide and film shows on nature and environmental protection, releasing the souvenir ‘Greening the Blue’, besides presentation of papers on preserving forest cover, and awarding mementos to renowned personalities. The association would organise a symbolic trek from Faqeer Gujree to Astanmarg at Dhara in Harwan area on December 10. The trek would be dedicated to a famous trekker Prof Abdul Hameed, who died while climbing Mount Mahadev, during summers this year. The team would also launch an awareness drive for saving forests.
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Awareness drive on drug de-addiction held
Srinagar, December 6 The police said as many as 100 students from Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Baramulla, participated in the programme. DPL clinical psychologist Imran Khan talked at length regarding drug abuse, its types and causes and role of non-pharmacological intervention in its treatment. He emphasised on creating awareness about ill-effects of drug abuse. Khan said members of the society should take a moral responsibility and join hands with the J&K police to fight the drug menace.
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BSF to hold passing-out parade today
Srinagar, December 6 "The passing-out-cum-attestation parade of 365 constables, who were undergoing training, will be held at 12 noon tomorrow," an official said. Minister for Medical Technical Education, Youth Services and Sports RS Chib will be the chief guest on the occasion. Senior BSF officials will also be present at the parade of 365 constables. |
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Fire destroys two houses
Srinagar, December 6 The fire broke out due to leakage of LPG in two residential houses of Bashir Ahmad Beigh and Tariq Ahmad Beigh, sons of Ghulam Mohammad Beigh at Baha-ud-Din Sahib, Nowhatta, in the jurisdiction of Nowhatta police station, resulting in damage to the houses. The fire was brought under control with the help of fire tenders and local police. A case has been registered in the regard. |
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Even as mercury has declined in the Valley, the Frislan fire victims in Pahalgam are still waiting for the administration to take steps towards providing them a space to live in harsh winters.
While ‘chillai kalaan’ - Kashmir’s harshest 40-day winter period is still two weeks away, the Valley continued to witness sub-zero night temperatures amid overcast conditions throughout the day. The weatherman has said the Valley would witness ground frost amid poor visibility in the morning and evening hours during the next few days.
Residents of Nachama and 31 adjoining villages in Handwara tehsil have demanded exploration of hillocks and mountain ranges in local forests for the production of lignite.
A teachers’ conference was held at Middle School, Wadipora, in Handwara tehsil yesterday.
Even as chairman of the hardline Hurriyat faction Syed Ali Geelani today expressed happiness over return of normalcy in downtown
Srinagar, he alleged that the sectarian clashes were a part of an 'international conspiracy'.
