Srinagar, July 28
With the culmination of the fasting month, the Kashmir valley is all set to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr tomorrow. Even as people have been flooding markets for Eid shopping during the last couple of days, separatists have called for austere celebrations to express solidarity with the people of Gaza.

While hardline Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Geelani has called for 30 minutes of “token peaceful protest demonstration” after the Eid prayers against the “Israeli terrorism in Gaza”, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah has urged people to keep the sufferings of the people of Palestine “in mind” during celebrations.

However, a festive mood prevailed in the markets of the Valley with locals jostling for last-minute shopping. The maximum rush of shoppers during the last two days was witnessed at the bakery and butcher shops. Most of the offices, especially the government ones, wore a deserted look this afternoon as people left home early.

The Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations usually start with special prayers in the morning. The largest Eid prayer congregations here are expected at Eidgah in downtown Srinagar and the Hazratbal shrine on the banks of the Dal Lake. The traffic police have already released a route map to deal with the heavy rush.

People extend greetings to their kith and kin after Eid prayers. Locals prepare a host of delicacies, mostly non-vegetarian, on the festive occasion. Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated for two days in the Valley.

Meanwhile, DGP K Rajendra held a video conference with all district superintendents of police and deputy inspectors general of police. An official said the DGP was apprised of the preparations made with regard to deployment of personnel and coordination among various agencies and communication network to ensure peaceful Eid congregations across the state.

The DGP called for holding joint meetings with senior citizens to seek people’s cooperation for maintaining law and order.

Jammu, July 28
The Army and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were put on standby in Basohli and Bani areas of Kathua district on Monday evening after clashes between two communities following a reportedly sacrilegious act in Poond village of Basohli tehsil on Sunday night.

The district administration imposed Section 144 of the CrPC, banning assembly of more than four persons in public places, in these areas during the night to avert any untoward incident in view of Eid. At least one shop and seven kiosks were set ablaze during violent protests in Poond village while a youth received injuries in stone throwing. The protesters blocked the Jammu-Pathankot national highway near Barnoti in Kathua.

“We have made additional deployment of the police in Basohli following the incident. Army and CRPF personnel have been put on alert as a precautionary measure. We have imposed Section 144 in Basohli for the night so that outsiders do not enter the town and create trouble,” Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Deputy Commissioner (DC), Kathua, said.

The situation was normal and under control in the area, the DC said. He said the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Kathua was asked to stay in the area to monitor the situation.

The DC added, “We held a meeting with people of both communities and they assured us that nobody would be allowed vitiate the atmosphere. Between 70 and 80 per cent of the troublemakers in the village were outsiders. We have decided to impose Section 144 in Basohli during the night to prevent the entry of outsiders into the village.”

Trouble erupted on Monday morning after residents of Poond village in Basohli tehsil, who were working in their fields, spotted two persons carrying jute bags on their shoulders.

“The villagers suspected foul play and intercepted them. They had reportedly committed a sacrilegious act which triggered protests in the area. As news about the incident spread, people from other villages joined the protesters, which led to violent clashes between the two communities,” a police official said.

Members of both communities resorted to stone throwing and set one shop and seven kiosks ablaze. After clashes in Poond village, protests erupted in Mahanpur, Bani, Nagrota and Kathua areas.

The protesters blocked roads and disrupted traffic, demanding action against the culprits involved in the incident. The Jammu-Pathankot national highway was blocked for half an hour near Barnoti.

The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Jammu-Kathua range, Shakeel Beigh, and Kathua Senior Superintendent of Police Mohan Lal were ghearoed by protesters near Nagrota in the Basohli area for half an hour while they were on their way to the trouble-hit village.

When contacted, Beigh said the situation was normal and under control in the area. 

Jammu, July 28
BJP state president and MP Jugal Kishore Sharma today claimed that former Congress MP Lal Singh was in touch with central leaders of the BJP and the issue of his joining the party was being discussed by them.

Two-time MP from the Udhampur-Kathua seat, Lal Singh had recently resigned from the Congress.

Addressing a press conference to announce the appointment of eight BJP leaders as in charge of an equal number of constituencies, Jugal, when asked about the speculation over Lal Singh joining the BJP, said: “The party is discussing the issue at the highest level and whatever decision will be taken by the high command will be announced at an appropriate time,” he said. — TNS

Poonch, July 28
A private household articles selling firm, M/S Welcome Home Needs, has allegedly duped hundreds of people in Poonch town and fled with Rs 1 crore advance money that it received from customers on the promise of delivering items they booked with 40 per cent discount within 15 days.

As the news of their running away spread in the town, hundreds of customers who had deposited their money with it reached the spot and raised slogans against the firm and demanded inquiry into the matter.

Sources said the firm had opened three shops near the Sher-e-Kashmir Bridge 25 days ago and initially sold household articles of branded companies on 40 per cent discount. Many people reached there to take advantage of the sale, but the firm asked them to deposit 50 per cent amount in advance and get the articles after 15 days.

The sources said the firm had collected over Rs 1 crore from the customers and had a “written permission” from the Deputy Commissioner, Poonch. Even they had PAN and TAIN numbers with them.

“I paid Rs 34,000 for a laptop and a crockery set on July 26 with the promise that I would get the things after 15 days. But today I came to know that the firm had fled away from Poonch,” said Yaseen Shamma, a local resident.

“I have not received any written complaint from any customer. Though we have been on the job to nab the people who cheated customers,” said Poonch SSP Shamsheer Hussain. — OC

Srinagar, July 28
Hardline Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani today called for a 30-minute token protests after Eid prayers to demonstrate against Israeli attack on Gaza.

“When we would be celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr with our families, we should not forget the infants and women of Gaza, who are being cutoff into pieces by Israel,” Geelani said in a statement while calling for the protests. — TNS

Rajouri, July 28
A constable barged into the house of a special police officer (SPO) on Sunday night, killed her and her younger sister and committed suicide.

There is no eyewitness. The police will investigate whether it was a case of an illicit relationship or a dejected lover. The incident took place at Kalakot tehsil headquarters around midnight.

Constable Sanjay Kumar barged into the house of SPO Chaman Lal, who was on duty at the District Police Lines in Rajouri. Sanjay killed Chaman’s wife Urmila Devi, an SPO herself, and her younger sister Nishu Devi before committing suicide.

Sources said Sanjay of Nowshera had joined the police in 2009 and was posted at Kalakot. Hewas on leave for the last few days and rejoined duty on Saturday.

Urmila and her younger sister Nishu, a first-year student, were putting up in government quarters at Thermal Plant Colony. Chaman was posted in Rajouri.

Nowshera ASP Rakesh Kumar said Sanjay breached the fence of the police station from the rear around 12:30 am and went to Chaman’s house.

He killed Urmila, who was in the kitchen, and then her sister, who was in another room, before committing suicide with his official rifle.

On hearing the cries and gunshots, neighbours mistook it as an incident involving militancy and immediately informed the police.

A police party headed by inspector V Parihar, the SHO, rushed to the spot and found the bodies lying in a pool of blood. The matter was taken up with senior police officers. SSP Mubassar Latifi rushed to the spot on Monday.

“It is too early to say what the reason behind the extreme step was. An investigation is on to know the cause for the constable to take the extreme step. The police will extend full cooperation to Chaman and recommend him for a permanent job him in the police,” Latifi said.

He added that Thakur Rashpal Singh, MLA from Kalakot, extended cooperation to the kin of the deceased and the family would be provided financial assistance.

The SSP added that a special investigation team (SIT) had been constituted to investigate the incident. It was headed by ASP Rakesh Kumar. An SHO, a sub-inspector and an ASI of the Kalakot police station were the other members of the SIT.

Sources said Sanjay knew the family and wanted to marry Nishu. She had first agreed, but recently rejected the proposal. Her sister Urmila had supported her on the issue.

Sanjay was upset over the issue and had on leave for some days. He rejoined duty on Sunday. Other sources claimed that Sanjay had an illicit relationship with Urmila.

Rakesh Kumar said the police registered a case into this incident, started investigation and seized the weapon and other evdence.

After legal formalities and postmortem examination, the police handed over the bodies of the deceased to their next of for the last rites.

Relatives of the victims and other residents of Kalakot blocked the Kalakot-Rajouri road on Monday and raised slogans against the police. They alleged that senior officers were in the loop and timely action by them could have saved three lives.

Spurned suitor? Constable Sanjay Kumar barges into SPO Chaman Lal’s house, kills his wife Urmila, also an SPO, and her younger sister Nishu, then commits suicide Sources say Sanjay wanted to marry Nishu, who first agreed, but recently said no; others claim that Sanjay had an illicit relationship with Urmila

Srinagar, July 28
Muzaffar Hussain Baig, Member of Parliament from Baramulla, met Governor NN Vohra at the Raj Bhawan here on Monday.

This was the Baramulla MP’s first meeting with the Governor after being elected to the Lok Sabha.

Baig and the Governor discussed several issues relating to the speedy socio-economic development of the state.

They also took up matters concerning the maintenance of peace and normalcy in all parts of Jammu and Kashmir.

Doda, July 28
An assistant sub-inspector (ASI) was suspended for allegedly thrashing a minibus driver in the Bhaderwah area of Doda district this afternoon.

Tanveer Khan was allegedly thrashed by ASI Obadullah Sheikh, posted at Seri market, Bhaderwah, following an argument over the turning of the vehicle.

After the incident number of people gathered at the Seri market along with transporters and demanded strict action against the police officer.

Doda Senior Superintendent of Police Mohammad Sharif Chouhan said the ASI was suspended with immediate effect. He said Assistant Superintendent of Police Sanjay Sharma was asked to conduct an inquiry into the matter.

Srinagar, July 28
As Eid is being celebrated tomorrow, greetings poured in from all over on the festive eve. NC president Farooq Abdullah, while greeting the people of the state, said, “While Eid-ul-Fitr is a day of thanksgiving and jubilation as it signifies the successful completion of the sacred month of Ramadan, we should also keep the suffering people in Palestine in our hearts and minds on this day.” Other NC leaders too greeted people on the occasion.

J&K Pradesh Congress (JKPCC) president Saifuddin Soz hoped that the auspicious occasion would be harbinger of peace and prosperity for all the people, irrespective of caste, colour and creed.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Mohammed Sayeed and the party president, Mehbooba Mufti have greeted the people on the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

In their joint felicitation message, the leaders said the festival brings joy and happiness on the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan.

“This festival reminds us of our duties towards the poor and downtrodden as well as the need for charity and generosity towards all. We hope that the festival will strengthen mutual goodwill and inspire each one of us to follow the path of love, friendship, harmony and peace,” the PDP leaders said. Other PDP leaders also greeted people on Eid-ul-Fitr.

Director General of Police (DGP) K Rajendra Kumar greeted all ranks of Jammu and Kashmir Police, their families and the people of the state on the eve of Eid. He expressed hope that the festival would bring joy and happiness among the police, their families and the families of police martyrs.

Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, AG Mir felicitated all people of Kashmir, police personnel and their families on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr. The IGP in his message said: “Let Eid bring peace and prosperity to all in general and the Valley in particular.”

Lt Gen Subrata Saha, Chinar Corps Commander, while extending good wishes for Eid, said: “I extend warm greetings to the Awaam of Kashmir on the joyous and auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. This auspicious occasion would further promote peace, progress, prosperity and happiness, and would strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and amity, which are the hallmarks of Kashmir.”

Hurriyat Conference chief Syed Ali Geelani urged people to celebrate Eid with austerity and according to the Islamic principles. Chairman of the moderate Hurriyat faction also urged people to celebrate Eid in an austere manner in solidarity with the people of Gaza. Chunni Lal, spokesman of the Hindu Welfare Society Kashmir, while greeting the people hoped that the festive occasion would further strengthen the Hindu-Muslim bonds in the Valley.

Srinagar, July 28
With Pakistani and West Asian outfits gaining popularity among women in Kashmir, the traditional clothing is no more in demand this festival among the younger lot.

The designer wear from Pakistan and West Asia has revolutionised the market in Kashmir. The demand for the product has increased this Eid.

With wedding season near in the Valley, many brides prefer collection from Pakistan with varied styles. It has set a new trend in the overall way of dressing of women here.

Earlier, the dressing of women used to be simple and traditional in a conservative society here, but with the inception of this new style, it is getting replaced by bright and loud colours.

Routine designs of dressing on Eid which mostly included a short kameez and loose salwar doesn’t appeal to women anymore. Now, Pakistani wear is gaining popularity among the women folk.

A number of Pakistani designer wear boutiques and West Asian hijab shops have come up in different parts of the city witnessing brisk business this Eid. “This trend has made its place within a year in the Valley and women are no more interested in traditional clothing. The younger generation is more attracted towards the designer wear from Pakistan and Hijabs from Dubai and Iran,” said the owner of a boutique in Srinagar who deals with both Hijabs and Pakistani fabric adding that many prefer Abayas and Chadars from Iran and other West Asian countries.

“Embroidery and designs are very unique as everyone wants to look different. This trend has picked up due to its appeal and variety,” said a university student, Asma Rashid.

The price range for Pakistani wear starts from Rs 2,000.The bridal collection ranges from Rs 8,000 to Rs 35,000. Casual suits range from Rs 600 to Rs 5,000. Traders say they are witnessing good sale of designer wear this year.

Srinagar, July 28
The CRPF on Sunday celebrated its 75th Raising Day as Diamond Jubilee Raising Day. The CRPF was raised on July 27, 1939, at Neemuch (MP) as the Crown Representative’s Police. The primary task of the force was to help princely states to preserve “law and order”.

“A number of programmes were held in all the units and institution to celebrate the occasion,” a CRPF spokesman said

The CRPF has grown in size from one battalion to more than 230 battalions, which includes 10 Rapid Action Force battalions, 10 Cobra battalions, 5 Signal battalions, 1 Special Duty Group, I Parliament duty Group and 4 Mahila battalions.

“The CRPF has also a number of training institutions, which imparts all kind of training required for the force,” he said.

Srinagar, July 28
Expressing satisfaction with the steady growth of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a platform for change in Jammu and Kashmir, party patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today credited the “disciplined, dedicated and ideologically motivated” cadre and people living in all three regions of the state for the progress. The PDP was formed on this day in 1999.

In her message to commemorate the foundation day, Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti said: “The party has emerged as a respectable voice from the state that channelises the aspirations of the people across regions, religions and communities --- representing the beautiful mosaic of the diversity of J&K.”

Meanwhile, felicitating cadre on the day, Mufti said the people of the state look up to the party with hope and expectations of filling up a representation gap that had almost been institutionalised in the state as a result of the monopoly of a single party.

“The agenda of the PDP could to a large extent respond to the complex problems of the state, faced as it is with decades-long political uncertainty, development deficit, unfulfilled aspirations, mounting unemployment, corruption, nepotism and favouritism,” the veteran leader said.

Mufti said while the performance of the party in the recent Lok Sabha elections represents a watershed in the state’s political and democratic history it also comes as a challenge to its leadership and cadres.

“The Lok Sabha elections represented the crucial step forward in investing the electoral process in the state with much needed credibility and one can hope it serves to inspire the people to exercise their franchise more effectively in order to shape a new future for the state,” he said.

Senior Peoples Democratic Party leaders Muzzafar Hussain Beigh, Molvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari, Tariq Hameed Karra, Sardar Rafiq Khan, S Rangil Singh, Mohammad Dilawar Mir and Yashpal Sharma also greeted the party cadres on the occasion. 

Srinagar, July 28
The J&K Yateem Foundation (JKYF), a non-profit organisation working for orphans and destitute persons, today distributed over Rs 4.75 lakh among 150 poor patients and widows.

“Over Rs 2.25 lakh was distributed among deserving patients suffering from cancer and kidney failure registered with the foundation,” an official handout of the J&K Yateem Foundation read.

In collaboration with Mercy Universal under the Widow Welfare Programme (WWP), the J&K Yateem Foundation distributed 100 grocery kits worth Rs 2 lakh among widows of 13 districts in the Valley at Bait-ul-Hilal, Srinagar, and its district offices.

Jammu, July 28
The University of Jammu, the country’s first ISO-certified institute of postgraduate studies and higher learning, seems to have learnt no lesson over the years as the perennial chaos and confusion return to campus after the declaration of results of various undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Hundreds of students thronging the varsity campus to submit examination and re-evaluation forms with fee could be easily found profusely sweating and jostling with one another amid hot and humid conditions at “insufficient” cash counters set up by the J&K Bank on the campus.

Ironically, the university had last year claimed that it asked the bank to set up additional cash counters on the campus, but nothing has changed so far with students waiting in serpentine queues for hours for their turn to deposit the examination fee.

The university had recently declared the results of BA, BSc, BCom, BBA and BCA-Part-I, II and III annual (regular) examinations. The students were asked to submit re-evaluation and examination (bi-annual) forms within 15 days after the declaration of the results.

“Only five cash counters — two for girls and three for boys — have been set up for thousands of students, who failed to qualify examination this year, on the campus. The number of cash counters is insufficient and the university authorities should seriously look into the problem,” Prity Sharma, a BA-II student, who failed to qualify the examination, said.

She complained that there was no facility of drinking water for the students, who had to wait for hours together to get their fee deposited. “Nothing has changed in the university as the students are still forced to stand in long queues to deposit their forms and fees in scorching heat and humid conditions,” she said.

Sahil Kumar, a student of BSc-I, who failed to qualify examination, said, “The varsity administration has turned a deaf ear to the problems being faced by the students. They are least bothered about our grievances and none of them have ever turned to the students standing in long queues to take stock of the chaotic situation. They always prefer to stay in their AC rooms and enjoy cool atmosphere, while students are subjected to hardships in humid and horrid conditions.”

He said it was a virtual punishment for the candidates coming to the campus from far-off places to deposit their examination forms. “Had the university administration seriously looked into the problem, students would not have been forced to wait for hours to get their examination forms and fee deposited,” he said.

A senior official of the university, who wished not to be named, said bank officials refused to set up more cash counters citing reason of staff shortage, despite the fact that the Vice Chancellor of the varsity, Professor Mohan Paul Singh, had taken up the matter with them last year. “As a long-term plan, the university would set up more cash counters in the extended portion of the examination block, which is presently under construction,” the official said.

Jammu, July 28
Jammu is all geared up to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan, with most of the markets abuzz with people making purchases.

In the localities like Ustad Mohalla, Khatikan Talab, Bhatindi, Sidhra and some other peripheral areas, Muslims were seen buying clothes and gifts for the festival. As the atmosphere was donned by the spirit of festivity, the vendors, sweetmeat sellers, toy merchants and fruit sellers were doing brisk business.

The managements of various Idgahs and mosques were preparing for the big event and giving final touches to the arrangements for Eid prayers.

Meanwhile, the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) and civil administration has made elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the prayers and the corporation has installed water tankers and additional manpower at different mosques in the city.

“The mood for Eid celebrations starts at least a week before. Markets start overflowing with new clothes, gift articles, sweets, bakery items, mutton and poultry, dry fruits, unique food and spice ingredients needed for the cooking of feasts for the celebration,” said a Muslim social activist, Mohammad Sultan.

Jammu, July 28
Once a passion of youngsters during the festival season of Raksha Bandhan and Janamastami, the art of kite-flying is slowing dying in the city.

Though every year ahead of the festival season, makeshift shops for making “dor” (special thread for kite-flying) come up at several places in the city, but they are finding it difficult to sustain the business.

Mostly from Punjab, Rajasthan and Haryana, several groups of people have been setting up roadside shops to make special thread for the kite lovers for the last many decades. The thin cotton thread gets its strength from the special treatment given to it. A paste made of glue and finely powdered glass is thinly spread on the thread in a special way to make it stronger.

“Young people are showing least interest now in kite-flying which has in turn affected the business. People are now looking for different avenues for entertainment, which has made traditional sources of entertainment useless,” said Mahesh Sharma, a retired government employee.

“Patangbazi” (kite-flying) was popular in the city of temples, particularly in old city. The areas like Purani Mandi, Kachi Chowni, Parade, Rehari and Karan Nagar had remained as the hub of game.

“More strong and sharp the cotton thread is, more is the rate for thread balls, which ranges between Rs 75 and Rs 400. But in recent years its demand have decreased because young people are showing little interest in this traditional sport”, said thread maker Gurpal Singh at Gandhi Nagar.

Hundreds of families are still dependent for their livelihood on this business of making kites and strings, but it has very limited season. “In the old city area, several families are in the business of kite-making who get special orders from across the Jammu region ahead of Janamastami and Raksha Bandhan,” said Jevan Lal, a kite maker at the Pacca Danga market.

Jammu, July 28
The Department of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department (CAPD) carried out an intensive market checking drive across the Jammu division during July.

As many as 1,641 business establishments have been checked by the various teams constituted for the purpose. Out of these 415 were found violating various norms under the Essential Commodities Act-1955. A fine of Rs 2,78,050 has been realised from the defaulters.

The drive was mainly carried out to check the prices of essential commodities in the holy month of Ramadan as well as during the Amarnath yatra.

The violators have been warned to remain careful in future. The public in general is requested to cooperate with the department and in case of any violation noticed by them, they may inform on the helpline numbers 1967 and 0191-2502607. However, similar drives by the department will continue.

Jammu, July 28
MV International School conducted a special programme to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr on the school premises. Chairman of the school Hira Lal Abrol congratulated all students and teachers on the occasion.

Maulana was the special guest at the function, who talked about the importance of Eid celebration.