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Govt receives report on mobility plans
Madrasas receive Rs 1.5 crore under Central scheme
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13 years on, villagers await completion of Chowkibal-Tumina bridge
Two killed, four injured in road accidents
2nd death in Bandipora incident
International World Sight day observed at KU
Ahead of Eid, release of political prisoners sought
4-day CRPF football tourney from tomorrow
Students on tour to Mumbai
Minister for involvement of society in containing stress disorders
Man dies in clash over land dispute
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Govt receives report on mobility plans
Srinagar, October 10 This was revealed by the government in the Legislative Council today in response to a question by Davinder Singh Rana, who wanted to know if the government was also planning a Metro rail project for the Jammu city like it was planning one for Srinagar city. “In order to address serious traffic congestion in the capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar, MS RITES Limited was engaged for preparation of Comprehensive Mobility Plans for both the cities in pursuance of a Cabinet decision dated August 26, 2010,” Minister for Planning and Development Ajay Sadhotra told the Upper House. He informed the House that MS RITES had furnished the draft final report for Srinagar city in May 2012, which was sent to the Administrative Secretaries of the Roads and Buildings and Housing and Urban Development departments for their communication and examination. “The final report of Comprehensive Mobility Plan for Srinagar city was received in the 3rd week of September this year and the same is under consideration of the Housing and Urban Development and Planning departments for further action,” the Minister further said. “The final report for Srinagar city, having financial implication of Rs 23,644 crore includes light Metro and mini-Metro as medium and long-term measures,” Sadhotra said, adding that the draft final report on Comprehensive Mobility Plan for Jammu city also includes Monorail project as medium and long-term measures to address the traffic congestion in the city. On being asked if the government also plans to have a Metro rail project for the Jammu city as well, the Minister in his written reply, further informed the House that final report in respect of the Jammu city as per the revised Master Plan was expected to be received by the first week of February 2014. “Subsequently, after examining the same, appropriate decision will be taken by the government,” he added. |
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Madrasas receive Rs 1.5 crore under Central scheme
Srinagar, October 10 The madrasas of the Valley that received funds include seven in Srinagar district, 23 in Budgam, 14 in Kulgam and seven in Pulwama, six in Ganderbal and one in Bandipore. To the question whether the scheme was applicable to other institutions as well, the reply said: “The scheme is applicable to minority institutions for madrasa and maktabs only.” Pertinently, the issue of madrasa funding had stirred up a controversy in 2011 and last year as well after several Valley-based religious organisations had claimed that the Central funds were being transferred to ‘fake’ bank accounts. religious institutes of Valley
The madrasas of the Valley that received Central funds include seven in Srinagar district, 23 in Budgam, 14 in Kulgam and seven in Pulwama, six in Ganderbal and one in
Bandipore. |
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13 years on, villagers await completion of Chowkibal-Tumina bridge
Chowkibal (Kupwara), October 10 “Despite spending crores of rupees on the project, the administration has failed to complete the bridge within the stipulated time. We are suffering immense problems due to incomplete bridge and are forced to walk miles to cover the distance to Chowkibal market, which could be covered in just 20 minutes,” said Hayat Mohd, a resident of Tumina. The residents said they faced immense problems in emergency cases when they had to ferry patients to hospital in Kralpora. “We are forced to carry the patient on stretcher till half way and hire a vehicle from there to the hospital. It takes enough time to reach the hospital and delay in treatment can prove fatal. The bridge will not only shorten the distance but also facilitate easy travel to other destinations,” said Nazir Bhat, a resident of Taratpora. They demanded that the work on the bridge should be paced-up and it should be made motorable at the earliest. “Despite many requests to the civil administration to speed up the construction work on the bridge, nothing has been done. I urge the minister concerned to intervene and complete the construction work at the earliest,” said Shabir Ahmad, a senior citizen from Gofabal. The construction of the bridge was started in 1999 to connect several villages, including Chowkibal, Ridi and Zuna Rishi with Tumina, Marsari, Rangwar, Harfada, Ramhal, Hachamargi and Phalmargi. The bridge is constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 8.50 crore. A resident said, “After 7pm, their problems worsen when Marsari bridge located near Chowkibal Army camp is closed for the vehicular traffic for security reasons and Karnah, Tumina, Marsari and Rangwar-bound vehicles are not allowed to cross the bridge.” |
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Woman dies waiting for her missing son to appear
Srinagar, October 10 Anwar had disappeared on July 21, 1990, while he was allegedly picked up by security forces in the Fateh Kadal area of downtown Srinagar. Originally hailing from north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, his family had migrated to Srinagar some 30 years ago to earn a living. Hussaina, after losing her husband Zaman Shah, had pinned her hopes on her son Syed Anwar who got lost in turbulent 90s and never came back. Anwar’s young wife is yet to come to terms with her husband’s disappearance. “The poor family was living in a rented accommodation at Fateh Kadal. Hussaina’s other son is physically challenged and her daughter-in-law is young. She had joined our struggle against forced disappearance of early 90s and on October 5, she gave up her fight,” APDP chairperson Parveena Ahnagar said in a monthly sit-in programme at Pratap Park here today. She said Hussaina had tried everything to find her son, who was working as an auto-rickshaw driver, as he was picked up by the security forces. Parveena said, “Despite various problems in the struggle, the APDP members (mostly mothers and spouses of disappeared persons) are committed and resolve to fight in the course of justice till their last breath.” |
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Two killed, four injured in road accidents
Srinagar, October 10 The shopkeeper was critically injured in the incident and succumbed to his injuries on way to the hospital, the spokesman said. In south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, a vehicle hit a motorcycle at Malikpora. The motorcyclist identified as Suhail Ahmad Malik, a resident of Malikpora, died on the spot, the spokesman said. A pedestrian was injured in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district when he was hit by a car at Poshkreeri. The injured was shifted to SKIMS hospital here. In another accident, a load carrier hit and injured a nine-year-old boy identified as Sameer Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Doodkhato, in central Kashmir’s Budgam district. The injured was shifted to SMHS hospital here, the spokesman said. Two more people were injured in separate road accidents in Pulwama and in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, the spokesman said. |
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2nd death in Bandipora incident
Srinagar, October 10 Gulshana (22), daughter of Ghulam Mohammad Lone, died in a hospital in the city here, a police spokesman said. She is the second female member of the family to have died in the last two days. Earlier, a nine-year-old girl died while seven members of her family were being treated at a hospital after they fell unconscious on Tuesday evening. The eight members of the family of Ghulam Mohammad Lone, a resident of Mangnipora village of north Kashmir's Bandipora district, had fell unconscious after having dinner. The family is believed to have consumed some suspicious substance, the spokesman said. All of them were shifted to a hospital for treatment where Meena (9), daughter of Ghulam Mohammad Lone, died on Tuesday night, while the other members of the family were undergoing treatment at the SMHS hospital in the city here. The police has initiated an inquest proceeding under Section 174 of the CrPC to ascertain the cause of girl's death. |
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International World Sight day observed at KU
Srinagar, October 10 While ensuring that all new buildings coming up at various campuses of the University of Kashmir shall provide barrier-free access to the specially-abled students, Vice-Chancellor Talat Ahmad, who was the chief guest on the occasion said, "We have made it a point that all new buildings are designed in such a fashion that they are equipped with ramps and other such facilities to provide barrier-free access to the specially-abled students. Besides, we are also identifying the existing buildings on the main campus which are devoid of such facility and very soon they would also be provided with ramps." Making it clear that these efforts on part of the University should not be seen as charity but something which is due to the specially-abled students, Talat said, "This is not charity but the right of these specially-abled children and we will continue to extend all support to strengthen the special cell of the university so that it multiplies its efforts and updates the infrastructure so as to cater to the needs of these students." Requested these specially-abled children to continue their pursuit for higher studies and not let their disability to be a hurdle in achieving success in life, Prof Talat said the central library of the varsity was equipped with special books for specially-abled children and they should take full advantage of this facility. On the occasion, Talat handed over a laptop with special joysticks and loaded software to a student, Tairq Ahmed Sheikh, for which the money was given by Dean DSW Prof Neelofar Khan out of her own pocket. While referring to a recent Supreme Court verdict which ruled in the favour of a minimum three per cent reservation for physically handicapped in all Central and state government jobs, Director Social Welfare Department Farooq Ahmad Khan, who was the guest of honour, on the occasion said, "These days it has become a norm now that unless and until things don't reach to the High Court or Supreme Court in the form of a PIL, the government and the society as a whole does not realise its duty in providing justice to those in distress." Khan said in his capacity as the Director Social Welfare, he would leave no stone unturned to ensure that the disability act gets implemented across the Valley in its letter and spirit. Khan said times have changed now and there are a lot of people in this world who have proven it that they are not disabled-persons, but specially-abled ones who have made a mark in field of science, sports and entertainment. Dean Students Welfare Neelofar Khan said the special cell of the DSW KU was trying its utmost effort to remove all barriers which causes inconveniences to the specially-abled persons while pursuing their studies. "The university has already re-enforced the special cell and many requirements are in the pipeline to facilitate and remove the obstacles. However, the issue of ramps and transport facility for these students was yet to be addressed and we hope the university authorities would provide all necessary support in this direction," Neelofar Khan said. Rally held to mark World Sight Day
A rally was held on the World Sight Day in north Kashmir’s Sopore town on Thursday. Hundreds of local residents participated in the rally which was flagged off by Syed Hanief Balkhi, sub-divisional magistrate, Sopore. The rally passed through various markets of the Sopore town. The rally was organised by the Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir, in collaboration with Shah Rasool Memorial, Welkin Educational Trust, Sopore, Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Sopore. Dr Syed Masood, Block Medical Officer, Sopore, addressed the gathering and explained the significance of the day. |
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Neglect of old people on rise in Kashmir, say psychologists
Srinagar, October 10 The rally was attended by psychologists, students, lawyers, teachers and other professionals. Dr Arif Maghribi, a psychologist and event coordinator, said the MWC had so far registered 52 old people for counselling and they were made to attend book-reading sessions, one-to-one interaction with youth in order to treat their psychological stress. “There are definitely increasing cases of old people being neglected in the Valley. Earlier, there were not many old people who were shunned by their families. One of the reasons why this negative trend is on a rise is because the younger generation is moving to other countries and states for employment opportunities, thus leaving behind their parents,” said Dr Maghribi. He said cases of isolation were high among the affluent and educated families of the Valley. He said in a recent statement, Health Education Minister Taj Mohiuddin had stated that the counselling centres in Kashmir for the drug addicts and other psychological diseases were not enough. “I suggest upgradation of existing mental health counselling centres like the one at the Police Control Room, Srinagar. At the same time, we cannot afford to ignore the concerns of the old people in our society. We do not have a single old age home in Kahsmir and I think it's high time the state government should establish one,” Dr Maghribi stated. Pointing out toward increasing cases of suicides among women in the Valley, he said the women lack adequate counselling facilities, particularly in the state. |
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Ahead of Eid, release of political prisoners sought
Srinagar, October 10 In a statement here, while stressing upon the release of all political prisoners, Khan said the plight of prisoners and their release was a serious issue. “Hundreds of innocent people have been made to remain in jails on baseless cases and majority of them have fallen sick due to continuous arrest,” he said in the statement, adding that on one hand, the government repeatedly talks about confidence-building measures and peace, but on the other hand, they keep their political opponents behind bars. “This proves that the so-called government had accepted its defeat by the hands of pro-freedom leaders and activists,” Khan said, adding that “it is now using the police to curb their political opponents.” He said the fresh arrest spree in Zalangam, Shopian, Baramulla, Sopore, Srinagar and Islamabad was a proof that claims about peace was a big lie, the statement added. Khan said hundreds of families were anxiously waiting for their kith and kin to get released and Eid is a suitable event to provide them a bit relief. |
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4-day CRPF football tourney from tomorrow
Srinagar, October 10 A CRPF spokesman said the tournament was conducted every year in association with the Jammu and Kashmir Football Association. "A total of 12 teams from various parts of Srinagar city and its outskirts
are participating in the tournament," the spokesman said. "The purpose of conducting the tournament is to hone the skills of youth in the game. This tournament facilitates the J&K Football association to spot the young talent for the state," he added. In 2012, the tournament was won by Burnhall school by defeating Poloview sports club in the final match. |
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Students on tour to Mumbai
Srinagar, October 10 “The tour called ‘Paigam-e-Aman’ brings the message of peace from the insurgency-affected areas of the state. The tour is being conducted by the 27 Rashtriya Rifles (Maratha Li) battalion which is known for their professionalism in the counter-insurgency operations,” an Army officer said. “The youth will be taken to Goa. The aim of the tour is to spread the message of peace and also give the youth a brief exposure to the development, quality of life and historical places of interest in other parts of our country,” he said In Mumbai, they are scheduled to visit the Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves, Nehru Planetarium, Naval Dockyard, Indian Naval Ship, Chhatrapati Shivaji Sangrahalaya, Mumbai Natural History Society, Taraporewala Aquarium, Marine Drive, Juhu Chowpatty and Fashion Street along with other places as a part of Mumbai Darshan. Students will get a chance to interact with cine celebrities. In Goa, the youths are scheduled to visit a museum, Fort Aguada, Baga Beach, Calnute Beach, Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Church and Convent of St Francis of Assisi, Sea Cathedral, Dolphin Trip and River Cruise on Mandvi River at Goa.
— TNS |
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Minister for involvement of society in containing stress disorders
Srinagar, October 10 In his message on the occasion of the World Mental Health Day, the minister said now that the World Health Organisation (WHO) had declared mental health as a component to determine the health condition of an individual, it was incumbent upon all of us to give priority to mental and psychiatry diseases. He said the state had seen an unprecedented upswing in the psychiatry diseases and what was needed was an urgent action in terms of awareness and education about these diseases among masses. He expressed concern over the growing incidents of suicide by young people and suggested undertaking studies to know the causes and suggest remedies. The minister said the post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) had seen a phenomenal increase in the Valley owing to continued violence for the past two decades or more. He said though the government apparatus was doing its job in rehabilitating and curing these patients, but the society at large needs to be involved in counselling and recuperating these patients. |
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Man dies in clash over land dispute
Srinagar, October 10 Bhat was admitted to SKIMS hospital where succumbed to his injuries last evening. The police had already registered a case in this regard and investigation was on, the spokesman said. |
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