Srinagar, September 19
Old city’s Nowhatta locality today observed a shutdown against the arrest of a local youth by police.

Shops and business establishments remained closed to protest the arrest of an auto driver Mustaq Ahmad Sheikh.

The protesters were demanding the release of Sheikh.

“Sheikh has seven sisters and he is the only bread-earner in his family. So we demand that he should be released immediately,” said a resident of Nowhatta.

Police claimed that Sheikh was arrested as he was involved in the stone-pelting incident. “He was also wanted in many cases,” said a police officer.

There were also reports of stone-pelting from some areas of the locality. No one was injured in the clashes that continued till late afternoon.

Due to the tense situation in the locality, the traffic was not allowed to ply through Nowhatta locality. The Hazratbal and Soura-bound vehicles were diverted through different roads by the police.

A shutdown was also observed in Khaniyar locality of the old city against the alleged police high-handedness.

Srinagar, September 19
Observing that results of the investigation conducted by the Inspector General of crime into the irregularities in the functioning of ETT (Elementary Teacher Training) colleges of the state is still awaited, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court has directed the authorities concerned to file a status report in this regard by the next date of hearing.

These orders were issued by a division bench of the court headed by Chief Justice MM Kumar today while hearing a public interest litigation seeking to regulate the operation of the ETT colleges in the state.

The PIL said these colleges are admitting students without conducting any classes and are charging a whopping Rs 45,000 to Rs 80,000 per student as admission fees.

In the orders passed today, the Bench, while referring to the affidavit filed by the chairman of the Board of School Education (BOSE), observed that it is stated that framing of the rules and regulations with regard to the ETT colleges is at the final stage and these are likely to be submitted before the board for approval.

The court directed the authorities concerned that a report would be formulated with regard to framing of the rules and regulations.

As submitted in the status report by the BOSE chairman, the Bench, in its orders, pointed out that the matter regarding the recommendations of the inquiry report has been referred to the Inspector General of Crime (IGP) for further investigation.

The Bench, in its orders, also pointed out that the inquiry committee, which had submitted its report in July 2011, had said that the various ETT colleges are "sexually exploiting" the students and charging a whopping Rs 45,000 to Rs 80,000 from the students and admitting them in the college without conducting any classes.

"The results of further investigation by the IGP crime are still awaited. Status report in this regard will be filed by the next date of hearing," the Bench further directed in its orders today.

On August 28, the High Court had sought an explanation from BOSE chairman for his slackness in dealing with the report of inquiry conducted into irregularities in ETT colleges.

The committee, in its report, has termed ETT colleges a "huge scandal" in the history of the state "where thousands of crores of rupees are changing hands as bribe". It said 400 ETT colleges are operating in the state without conducting any classes and these charge hefty amounts from students.

Kupwara, September 19
In brazen violation of blanket ban imposed by the Supreme Court on collection and sale of certain medicinal herbs, the illegal trade of herbs is going on unabated in forests of this bordering district.

Reports said herbs worth lakhs of rupees are being collected and smuggled from forests in this bordering district.

Locals said that the illegal trade is thriving in different parts of the district and smugglers are making a quick buck.

Police has registered about a dozen cases in different police stations under Sections 379, 6 Forest Act and 14 persons have been arrested during the past few months.

On August 13 last month, thieves decamped with seized medicinal herbs worth lakhs of rupees from a forest depot at Zangli in Kupwara. Police has arrested an employee of the forest division and further investigations are on. “We are hopeful of a breakthrough and so far, one employee has been arrested,” said a police officer.

The seized herbs were stolen from the depot. The thieves broke into the depot and decamped with the herbs. The depot is situated in a high-security zone which houses police lines and a camp of CRPF. Following the theft, the DFO of the division placed under suspension a daily wager looking after the depot.

Reports said that quintals of the rare medicinal herb and seeds have been seized from the accused, which they were trying to smuggle into other states. In most cases, passenger Tata Sumos and private cars were used to transport these herbs.

Reports said that forest areas in Warnow, Himli, Doben, KK Gali in Hayhama, Kalaroos, Machil, Bduhnumbal, Jummagund, Bungus, Mawar,Nowgam, Rafiabad, and some other high altitude areas are worst hit by the extraction of medicinal plants.

According to experts, the most sought after herbs do not need any maintenance and grow wild on the mountains. The demand for medicinal herbs has increased and the smugglers have raised the rates.

It has been learnt that smugglers engage residents to collect the rare herbs and seeds.

A forest official from Kamraj division said, “We have formed special teams to nab the culprits. There is a blanket ban on collection and sale of herbs and anybody found guilty would be dealt with under the law.”

Srinagar, September 19
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has urged the government to promote healthy competition in the marketing of essential commodities so that it results in checking of these items during festival season, including Dasehra and Eid-ul-Azha, which will be celebrated next month.

The court has directed the government authorities to highlight the prices of essential commodities while displaying the rate lists and has asked to take all these steps before the festive season.

It further directed them to file a status report in this regard by the next date of hearing fixed in the first week of October.

These orders were passed by a Division Bench of the High Court headed by Chief Justice MM Kumar after perusal of the compliance report by the authorities concerned with regard to the fixing of prices of essential commodities.

The Bench was hearing a PIL seeking to regulate the prices of the essential commodities and the mechanism for fixing the prices.

"However, the Advocate General conceded that the prices of the essential commodities fixed have not been put on notice. It is only that a reference has been made," the Bench observed after hearing all sides.

"Another aspect which is worth noticing is that prices fixed are not highlighted on the premises of the seller. Nothing in this regard has been mentioned," the Bench pointed out.

It has also been pointed out that a toll free helpline is generated for recording the complaints of the consumers so that it may become easier for the common man to lodge his complaint.

Srinagar, September 19
Governor NN Vohra today stressed for speedy completion of works at the Tagore Hall and new SPS Museum Complex.

During a visit to the Tagore Hall, the Governor, as per an official statement, was briefed about the ongoing repairs, renovation and remodelling work at the complex which is being executed at an estimated cost of over Rs 12.46 crore.

He also enquired about the status of various components of the project, the completion of which has been significantly delayed.

The Governor was briefed about the salient features of the state-of-the-art facilities which are being put in place at the Tagore Hall.

These include audio-video conferencing, multimedia, HVAC systems, intelligent lighting system, modern seating arrangement, fire detection and fire-fighting arrangements and various other support services.

The Governor was informed that an amount of Rs 8.19 crore has been spent on this project so far and the entire work is scheduled to be completed by December this year. While viewing power point presentation about the various components of repairs, renovation and remodelling project of the Tagore Hall, the Governor stressed the need for the expeditious completion of the entire remainder work.

Among those present on the occasion included Atal Dulloo, Commissioner/Secretary, Tourism and Culture; Khalid Bashir Ahmad, secretary, J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and senior engineers of the Jammu and Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation, which is executing this project.

Earlier, the Governor visited the new SPS Museum Complex at Lal Mandi. He went around various sections of the complex and took stock of the ongoing interior layout work. He was briefed by the senior officers of the Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums about the facilities being created in the complex.

Srinagar, September 19
The annual day function of Burn Hall Higher Secondary School was held at the Kashmir University today where Governor NN Vohra was the chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said educational institutions were granaries where future leaders of society were nurtured to shoulder the responsibilities of nation building in varied fields of human endeavour.

The Governor described Burn Hall School, which is located at Sonwar area, as a historical institution. He said the annual day function was an important event for every educational institution. "It is an occasion for the management to look back at its achievements and failures in the past years and identify measures required for bringing about improvements in the future?. It is an occasion of joyous celebration for the students who successfully completed their studies and also for their proud parents," he said.

Referring to the composite cultural programme presented by the children on this occasion, the Governor specifically referred to the skit "Sick World", observing that this brief play had conveyed an extremely important message about the need for strengthening communal harmony, brotherhood, love and compassion for the world to enjoy a peaceful environment.

He observed that peace and normalcy were very essential pre-requisites for achieving progress and prosperity, adding that the educational institutions had a very crucial role in nurturing the spirit of camaraderie, brotherhood, love and compassion among the children so that, in their later lives, they could contribute towards the establishment of harmonious and peaceful societies.

He congratulated Principal Rev Ivan Pereira, the school management, teachers, staff, students and their parents on the annual day function of the institution.

The Governor, on this occasion, felicitated the meritorious students by presenting to them mementos and cash prizes. He interacted with them and wished them a bright future ahead.

Srinagar, September 19
The Additional Director General of Police Armed (ADGP), SM Sahai, on Thursday visited the Police Public Mela venue and took stock of the arrangements made for the day-long mela.

The event is all set to take off on September 22 at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar. Sahai was accompanied by other senior police officers, including members of management committees. The Additional Director General of Police sought on-the-spot reports from the committees constituted for making different arrangements.

“He was informed that all required arrangements have already been completed and the management is fully prepared to conduct the mega event on the rescheduled date. It is expected that a large number of people, representing all walks of life would participate in the mela,” an official spokesman said.

The ADGP stressed that in view of the people’s participation, sufficient arrangements should be ensured for their convenience, especially traffic arrangements and parking of vehicles be ensured in a smooth manner. Participation of schoolchildren at the mela was also discussed and the ADGP enquired about the refreshment arrangements made for the participating children.

Sahai was also informed that all stall holders have reached and established their stalls at the venue.

The ADGP disclosed that mega event would be inaugurated at 10 am on Sunday and Raffle Draw for 727 fabulous prizes would be held at the venue at 4 pm. 

Srinagar, September 19
The office timings in the High Court and all other sub-ordinate courts in the state have been changed w.e.f October 1, in view of the winter session.

"The High Court wing, Jammu, will function from 10 am to 5 pm from October 1 to April 2014, while the High Court Wing, Srinagar (office hours), shall function from 10.30 am to 4 pm from November 1 to April 2014," said the Registrar General of the High Court, in a statement here.

"Consequently, the High Court Wing, Jammu (court hours), will function from 10.30 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 4.30 pm, while the High Court Wing, Srinagar (court hours), shall function from 10.30 am to 1pm and 2 pm to 4 pm," it said.

Accordingly, the office timings of sub-ordinate courts at Jammu province from October 1 to April 2014 shall function from 10 am to 4.30 pm , except courts located at Bhaderwah, Kishtwar, Gandhoh Bhallesa, Batote, Banihal, Gool and Bani, it added.

The office timing of subordinate courts in Kashmir province from October 1 to April 2014 shall function from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm, including courts located at Bhaderwah, Kishtwar, Gandhoh, Bhallesa, Batote, Banihal, Gool and Bani respectively, the statement further added.

Srinagar, September 19
Central University of Kashmir Vice-Chancellor Prof Abdul Wahid Qureshi today flagged off a week-long summer camp of university students to the Bangus valley in north Kashmir.

Around 50 students from the Kashmir University and the Central University, Kashmir, are participating in the summer camp.

The camp is being organised by the Business School, Kashmir University, in collaboration with the Central University of Kashmir and Directorate of Tourism, Kashmir, the statement said.

Srinagar, September 19
An eminent scholar from Kazakhstan today delivered a lecture on inter-religious interaction at the Kashmir University and highlighted its importance in the contemporary world.

“Prof Dr Laura Yerekesheva, head, Central and South Asian Studies, Institute of Oriental Studies, Almaty, Kazakhstan delivered a lecture at the Centre of Central Asian Studies (CCAS), University of Kashmir, on “When Cultures Merge: The Inter-religious Interaction in 19th Century Kazakh Steppe,” a statement from the university said.

It added that a large number of faculty members, scholars and students attended the lecture.

While highlighted the significance of inter-religious interaction in the contemporary world, she said, “Although culture represents an inclusive system, religion is regarded as the most important realm of culture. Some of the prominent institutions in central Asia, especially at Samarkand, Bukhara, Kheva and Khokand promoted pluralistic tendencies and religious environment.”

The focal point of her deliberation was an inter-play between culture and religion, the last being understood as relating to the realm of culture, the statement added.