Srinagar, November 2
After a brief spell of snowfall, Gulmarg resort in north Kashmir recorded the season’s first freezing night as the mercury fell to a low of minus 4.2 degrees Celsius.

The skiing resort, located 50 km north of Srinagar city, recorded a minimum of minus 4.2 degrees Celsius, an official of state Meteorological Department said. It was the lowest temperature recorded anywhere in the Kashmir region in the season so far.

Gulmarg, famous as a skiing destination during winter months, had received the season’s first snowfall earlier this week.

The official said the weather was likely to remain dry in the region for the next 24 hours while the department had forecast another round of wet spell to begin on November 6.

Leh town, in the remote Ladakh region, also recorded a cold night as the mercury there fell to a low of minus 2.4 degrees Celsius, the official said. In the neighbouring Kargil district, the mercury fell to a low of minus 1.4 degrees Celsius overnight.

The Pahalgam resort in south Kashmir also recorded a cold night as the minimum temperature there fell to a low of 0.8 degrees Celsius, the official said.

In Srinagar city, the minimum temperature overnight was recorded at 2.8 degrees Celsius while the maximum temperature during the day was recorded at 16.5 degrees Celsius.

The weather department, in its evening forecast bulletin, said the minimum temperature in Srinagar city on Saturday night will remain around 3.0 degrees Celsius while the maximum temperature on Sunday will hover around 18.0 degrees Celsius.

The night temperature remained close to freezing point in south Kashmir’s Qazigund town where mercury fell to 2.4 degrees Celsius while the minimum temperature in north Kashmir’s Kupwara town was recorded at 3.1 degrees Celsius, the official said.

Srinagar, November 2
The Chief Minister greeted the people of the state on Diwali eve today and highlighted the tradition of celebrating holy occasions and festivals in an atmosphere of amity and brotherhood. He emphasised upon strengthening this trait of Jammu and Kashmir. He prayed for peace, prosperity and development of the state and the country.

Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand also greeted the people of the state and hoped that the occasion would further strengthen the bonds of communal harmony and brotherhood and usher the state into a period of sustained peace, progress and prosperity.

The Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Mubarak Gul, Deputy Speaker Sartaj Madni, Chairman, J&K Legislative Council, Amrit Malhotra and Deputy Chairman Chaudhry Javed Rana also greeted people on the occasion.

The Council of Ministers has also extended warm greetings to the people of the state on the auspicious occasion of Diwali.

In their separate felicitation messages, they hoped that the festival would further cement the bonds of love, amity, brotherhood and communal harmony which were the hallmark of the composite culture and pluralistic ethos of the state.

The ministers included Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs Abdul Rahim Rather, Minister for Rural Development Department Ali Mohammad Sagar, Minister for Haj, Auqaf and Floriculture Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed, Minister for Forests Mian Altaf Ahmad, Minister for Agriculture Ghulam Hassan Mir, Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Sham Lal Sharma, Minister for Higher Education Mohammad Akbar Lone, Minister for Medical Education, Youth Services and Sports Taj Mohi-ud-Din, Minister for Urban Development and Local Bodies Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister for Roads and Buildings and Mechanical Engineering Abdul Majid Wani, Minister for CA&PD and Transport Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan, Minister for Tourism Ghulam Ahmad Mir, Minister for Planning and Labour Ajay Sadhotra, Minister for Housing and Horticulture, Raman Bhalla, Minister for Social Welfare Sakina Itoo and Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Mir Saifullah, Minister of State for Cooperatives Dr Manohar Lal Sharma, Minister of State for Health Shabir Ahmad Khan, Minister of State for Information and Technical Education Vikar Rasool, Minister of State for Revenue Aijaz Ahmad Khan, Minister of State for Animal and Sheep Husbandry Nazir Ahmad Gurezi and Minister of State for Science & Technology and School Education Feroz Ahmad Khan.

Advisor to Chief Minister Qamar Ali Akhoon, Legislators M Y Tarigami and Hakeem Mohammad Yasin also extendedtheir greetings to the people of the state.

Saifuddin Soz, MP, former Union Minister and President, J&K Pradesh Congress Committee, said “My greetings to the people of this country, especially the people of Jammu and Kashmir, on the auspicious occasion of Diwali.”

Srinagar, November 2
The 434-km-long Srinagar-Leh highway was re-opened to traffic today morning after it was closed on Wednesday night following snowfall on the 11,500 ft high Zojila Pass, connecting Kashmir valley to the Ladakh region.

According to officials here, the road was opened at 10 am when the condition along the Zojila pass improved for safe movement of vehicles. It had been closed due to deep snow on the road, making it slippery and prompting the authorities to stop the traffic movement. The stranded vehicles included passenger vehicles and trucks carrying loads of essential commodities to the frontier cold desert region of Ladakh that remains cut off from the rest of the world through road surface throughout the winter months.

The road is normally closed to traffic by mid of November, but it depends upon the weather conditions. It takes a lot of effort by men and machinery of the Beacon project of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), during March-April every year, to move the huge mounds of snow accumulated on the road and clear it for vehicular traffic.

The authorities have been taking all measures to get enough stocks of the essential commodities for the twin districts of Leh and Kargil for the winter months. 

Kupwara, November 2
For the past two weeks, power woes have worsened in parts of north Kashmir, leaving the consumers high and dry.

Consumers of metered areas in Kupwara and Handwara towns said power was snapped for hours together.

“Even the metered areas are not spared and are subjected to frequent power outages. In the wake of erratic power supply to the metered areas in Kupwara, the Power Development Department (PDD) should do away with the metering system or improve the power supply,” said Nazir Ahmad, a Kupwara resident.

The situation is even worse in the non-metered areas. Delegations of residents from Ticker, Ganie Mohalla Sogam, Darpora, Kalaroose and Andurgbugh villages, falling in the radius of around 25 km from Kupwara town, said the villages were reeling under severe power crisis.

Students were the worst suffers. “Our studies are badly affected due to the grim power scenario. During the nights, power goes off for hours and in absence of power, we are forced to study under candlelight,” said a Class XII student, Abrar Ahmad.

The consumers in Handwara town also complained of erratic power supply. They said the power outages had become the order of the day.

“For the past two weeks, power is playing hide and seek in the evening and night. We never know when will the electric lamp glow or get diminished. We visited the power division, Handwara, with a plea to improve the power supply but to no avail,” said Mohd Sultan, a trader.

Consumers of some Lolab villages complained of low voltage. They said the voltage was so low it failed to illuminate even the corner of a room. “If we see power at all during the evening hours, the voltage is so low that we are forced to lit candles and chimneys to illuminate a room. In spite of paying the power tariff in time, the power department continues to test our patience,” said Zahoor Ahmad of Darpora Lolab.

A senior official of the PDD said, “The consumers have resorted to use of broilers and heaters, which lead to overloading. They should refrain from using extra heating gadgets and use power judiciously.”

Srinagar, November 2
There is no likelihood of respite from the power cuts any time soon in the Valley, the Power Development Department (PDP) official sources told The Tribune.

As per the PDD estimates, against the evening agreement of 570 MW power load with the domestic consumers in the Valley, the actual load was almost double at 1,050 MW.

“We are supplying double the power than the agreed load to domestic consumers during evenings. The load definitely goes higher in winters and therefore we have to supply almost double the power. The PDD, therefore resorts to power curtailments, more so in winters,” an official in the Technical division of PDD told The Tribune on the condition of anonymity.

The frequent damage caused to the power transformers has only added to the power woes of the people here, especially when the mercury drops down to below the freezing point in the evenings.

“Usage of heating gadgets and other equipments outside the load agreement increases the load on power transformers in each locality, which leads to its frequent damage,” the PDD official said.

As per the official figures, 192 power transformers are lying damaged in 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir provinces, which have not yet been repaired.

In Kashmir province alone, 32 power transformers have been stolen on various occasions which have not been recovered yet by the PDD.

The State Power Department is contemplating to gradually replace or upgrade the damaged transformers from 25 kV A to 63 kV A.

“The State Central stores are not sophisticated enough to repair the damages caused to these transformers,” the official document with the PDD stated.

Srinagar, November 2
Preparations for religious functions to be held during the upcoming holy month of Muharram are in full swing. During Muharram, especially the first 10 days, Shiites mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, by holding a host of functions, including taking out of ‘zuljinnah’ processions in various parts of the Valley.

“As per our traditions, various religious functions will begin from the first of Muharram, the preparations of which have already started. The functions include holding of ‘majalis’, ‘marsiya’, nightlong prayers and supplications besides processions,” said Maulana Sibti Mohammad Shabir Qumi, head of Pairwan-e-Willayat, a Shiite body.

He said the month of Muharram will start from November 5 or 6 of the Islamic calendar, subjected to the appearance of the crescent.

However, he regretted that the ban on taking out the main Muharram procession was still in place. He demanded that the same be lifted. Traditionally on Muharram 8, Shia Muslims used to march from Guru Bazar and proceed through Lal Chowk before the procession culminated at Dalgate. However, the same was banned after the eruption of militancy in the state, even though other minor processions elsewhere are allowed.

While the martyrdom of Imam Hussain besides his family and companions is also mourned by the Sunni community, especially during Friday sermons, the Shias hold religious functions on a larger scale. ‘Zuljinnah’ processions are also taken out at several places on Ashura, the 10th of Muharram month, along with flagellation by mourners.

A devotee, Abid Hussain, said processions were taken out on Ashura as the day signified victory of good over evil. “During the battle of Karbala, good prevailed over evil. We take out processions to remember the sacrifices and our processions are also an announcement against evil in today’s times,” he said.

Meanwhile, the authorities too are gearing up for the Muharram month. While MLA Habba Kadal Shamim Firdous had recently visited various Shia dominated areas of the city to take stock of arrangements, Chief Secretary Iqbal Khandey had yesterday reviewed preparations for Muharram in Budgam district, where several religious functions are held.

Srinagar, November 2
Managing Director, JK Agro Industries Development Corporation, A M Bhat has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Director, ClJ Griba India, Andereas De Rosi for import of fruit planting material and root-stocks of apple, pear, cherry, walnut, pomegranate, almonds, citrus, olives and grapes from Holland for supply to the orchardists and the state Horticulture Department.

Earlier the state used to purchase it from NERMAC, Assam.

“This is an achievement for the horticulture sector of the state. The new root-stocks will help in improving the production and yield of different fruits and will play a pivotal role in replacing the old and senile orchards with latest root-stocks,” an official said.

The official said the MoU will help improve the overall economy of the growers.

Srinagar, November 2
With the Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (GPC) elections schedule to be held on January 15 next year, the All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC) today sought to update the electoral rolls to ensure the participation of all the members in the polling.

“The voter list in Kashmir is a big problem as these have not been updated. Some of the government officials are creating hurdles in the updating of electoral rolls. The community members should get themselves registered within one month. If anybody raises objection or creates hurdles then they should contact the APSCC for redressal of their grievances,” APSCC chairman Jagmohan Singh Raina said.

He alleged that repeated pleas made to the Government of India and the state government about the revision of electoral rolls of Sikh community had fallen on deaf ears.

“Local office of the Census Department also failed to do the needful in this regard thus pushing the members of Sikh community to the wall,” he claimed.

Raina, meanwhile, observed that the scheduled date for elections was not conducive in view of the harsh winter conditions at that time and said: “November or December would have been better for holding the elections.”

He, however, urged people to come out in large numbers to cast their votes, since the elections are being held after a long gap of 10 years.

Other Sikh leaders, who addressed the meeting of included Gurjeet Singh, GPC President Budgam.

Srinagar, November 2
The Peoples Democratic Party has said that the National Conference was responsible for the present chaos, instability and development crisis in the state.

“The NC, which is the oldest party of the state, has ruled J&K for most part of its existence and has led its political discourse. The present chaos, instability and development crisis are a direct result of its failures,” PDP spokesperson Dr Sameer Kaul said in a statement.

“Instead of giving people of the state any new ideas or road markings for a better future, the party (NC) has been possessed by the fear of the PDP, which it finds as its only and first real challenge,” Kaul said.

He added that in a democracy it was important that the ruling party and the opposition engage in constructive debate on issues facing the people.

“The NC-led coalition has unfortunately reduced itself to a constant battle for survival. That effort is proving beyond the capacity of its leadership, who on one day challenge the accession, on the second day debate its quantum, on the third day deny its existence and on the fourth day advocate attack on Pakistan,” he said.

“One leader declares Syed Ali Shah Geelani as a great leader and another calls him a paid agent of New Delhi, while its patron, Dr Farooq Abdullah ridicules whatever Geelani represents,” Kaul added.

Jammu, November 2
The Centre of Indian Trade Union (CITU), J&K, and other trade unions today staged a protest in front of the office of Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, against the police lathicharge on striking workers and termination of employees by the Leighton Welspun Pvt Ltd, which is constructing the Chenani-Nashri tunnel.

Senior CITU leader Sham Parsad Kesar alleged that workers were “terminated illegally” and were “forced to work for 12 hours” without any compensation for the extra hours put in by them.

He added that the company had ignored the recruitment of locals and did not recognise the union for negotiation. Kesar added that the company was exploiting workers and earning profit out of the same.

“They are forcing workers to work for long hours without any compensation,” he alleged.

Flaying the government for favouring the company and neglecting the workforce employed at the project site, Kesar said: “The state government instead of intervening to sort out the matter was favouring the company.”

The trade union leaders, meanwhile, called upon the working class and trade union movement to extend solidarity to the striking workers employed at the company.

Others, who spoke on the occasion, include Shiv Kumar Sharma, N K Dogra and Anil Vaid.

Srinagar, November 2
Chief Secretary Mohammad Iqbal Khandey, during a high-level meeting here yesterday, reviewed the stock position of essential commodities for winter season, advance action plan of snow clearance and power scenario.

The meeting was attended by Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Shailendra Kumar, District Development Commissioner, Srinagar, Farooq Ahmad Shah, heads of various departments and officers of Srinagar district.

“Reviewing the stock and supply position of essential commodities, Chief Secretary asked Director Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CA&PD) to engage private dealers for distribution of essential commodities till the vacancies referred to the Staff Selection Board are filled up,” an official spokesman said.

He added that Khandey while expressing satisfaction over the procurement of sugar said the subsidy given on sugar by the government is in vogue and consumers should avail the incentives being provided to them.

Taking review of the power scenario, the Chief Secretary asked the Power Development Department authorities to publicise the power cut schedule through print and electronic media, adding that strict adherence to the schedule should be ensured.

“The Chief Secretary directed the Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, and Roads and Buildings for ensuring snow clearance, not only on main roads but also in lanes and bye lanes, to facilitate the smooth movement of people and transport,” the spokesman said.

Khandey also reviewed the arrangements for Muharram on the occasion.

“He asked the concerned authorities to extend all possible facilities to the people, particularly in Shia dominated areas, during these auspicious days,” the spokesman said.

Srinagar, November 2
A Public Information Campaign (PIC) will be held in Ganderbal district from November 5 to 7 while a similar campaign will be held at Akhnoor in Jammu from November 20 to 22.

During a meeting held here, Inter-Media Publicity Coordination Committee (IMPCC) chairman Obaidur Rahman said for better implementation of all public welfare schemes and development projects, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which organises the PICs, had decided 
to seek greater public participation in all on-going government initiatives, especially the Centrally-sponsored schemes.

"The meeting decided to lay special stress on programmes like right to vote, communal harmony and Rastriya Krishi Vighyaan Yojna, besides the other Central and state sponsored schemes, to achieve the target of overall development of society," an official statement said after the meeting.