“Heaven on Earth” Omar’s slogan for tourism in J&K

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*Foreign tourists invited to visit the State

*Intellectuals, people of London, appreciate Omar’s view initiative

Chief Minister, Mr. Omar Abdullah today immediately after reaching London visited Jammu and Kashmir stall in London Exhibition and also addressed seminar organized by International reputed organization Pacific Asia Travel Writers Association (PATWA) in London.

The well known personalities, intellectuals, writers, tour operators and social organizations participated in the seminar, besides Kumari Shelija, Union Tourism Minister, the Tourism Minister, J&K State, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister of State for Tourism, Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani, Secretary Tourism, Mrs. Tanveer Jehan, Director Tourism Mr. Farooq Ahmad Shah were also present along with Chief Minister of J&K State. There was maximum participation of youth of London in the seminar who view Omar Abdullah as the Icon of young generation of the world.

The Chief Minister Mr. Omar Abdullah also visited the stall of J&K State in LondonJammu and Kashmir State and erase the impression which has been created world over that valley of Kashmir is not safe for the tourists of the world. exhibition, aimed to attract tourists to

The Chief Minister while addressing the seminar said that world should again look towards the J&K Statevalley of Kashmir as their favourite tourist destination like they considered it in the past. He said that the pages of history are full of description, how travelers, intellectuals, writers and tourists visited the valley during past century and highlighted the beauty of not only of valley of Kashmir but entire J&K State before the world. He said that no doubt set-backs have been received by tourist industry in the valley during last two decades as a result of which lakhs of people associated with tourist industry were deprived of their livelihood. However, during recent past and particularly after taking over the reigns of the State, he personally initiated such steps which have proved helpful in restoring the confidence of tourists of the world for visiting the State including Kashmir valley. He said that people of Kashmir have all along since times immemorial track record of their great hospitality and providing all kinds of respect to the visiting guests and on no occasion this strong character of Kashmir was broken. particularly the

He said no doubt because of turmoil, people were not able to visit the valley but now flow of foreign tourists is increasing day by day. He said that recent successful visit of 22 Ambassadors and High Commissioners to the valley and their free movement in all tourists destinations of the valley is clear proof of the same.

Chief Minister, Mr. Omar Abdullah informed the august gathering in London that tourist infrastructure of the State particularly of the valley has not only been restored back but new destinations have been developed. He said large number of tourist development authorities have been established in order to develop the new tourist destinations in all provinces of the State.

While referring the potential of tourism in the valley, Mr. Omar Abdullah said that the whole world is unanimous of the fact that the valley is heaven on the earth and every individual has inherent urge to visit this heaven. He said that now this heaven is open for all so that they visit it as per their own convenience and timing. He said efforts are being made to make this place round the year tourist destination. He said not only early spring, summer or autumn is worth visiting the heaven but Gulmarg is vivid example that tourists can enjoy skiing on the high clefts and snow during winter as well.

Mr. Abdullah while addressing PATWA, the tourists travel agents of the world and other intellectuals asked them to encourage the visit of tourists to our State so that it will not only prove beneficial for individual tourists but mutual love will be strengthened and age-old relationships are restored back. He said that answer to present turmoil which is witnessed in different parts of the world is only when people of different places make determined efforts to strengthen people to people relationship which will help peace to prevail throughout the world and people will understand benefits of mutual love and brotherhood.

The Tourism Ministers of Venezuela, Jamaica and Malaysia also addressed the seminar.

High profile marriages san religious bar but the poor face police wrath, WHY?

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IS LOVE A CRIME; DOES IT HAS ANY RELIGION?

*We would like to ask the Government that, if there is not any objection over the inter religious marriage by the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir State, who gets married to a Hindu girl and also his sister and the daughter of The Union Minister, Farooq Abdullah to a Hindu boy, then why a hue and cry is created over the marriage of Rajneesh, who is tortured to death for getting married to a Muslim girl.

: Anchal, a Kashmiri girl was observing a fast of Karva Chouth since the days she met Rajneesh and later converted to Hinduism without any pressure and got married to Rajneesh Sharma of Jammu. The couple had an affair for last over seven years since Rajneesh visited Srinagar during the Amarnath Yatra and stayed in a House Boat, which belonged to the family of Anchal. She was observing a fast of Karva Chouth since those days.

In June 2009, the couple decided to get married but it was delayed due to certain reasons. Later on, Anchal, after converting her religion legally to Hinduism, got married to Rajneesh in Jammu21-08-2009. at Aarya Samaj Mandir, Janipur, following Hindu rituals on

On 25-08-2009, a case of abduction was registered against Rajneesh in Srinagar. After their marriage, they stayed for month long period outside J&K. On 28-09-2009, a police party of Bakshi Nagar Police Station along with police persons from Srinagar, raided the house of Rajneesh at around 1 pm and was taken to Srinagar, where he was brutally tortured to death in police custody.

We would like to ask the Government that, if there is not any objection over the inter religious marriage by the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir State, who gets married to a Hindu girl and also his sister and the daughter of The Union Minister, Farooq Abdullah to a Hindu boy, then why a hue and cry is created over the marriage of Rajneesh, who is tortured to death for getting married to a Muslim girl. Does the law of the State apply only to the top class politicians and influential families and not for the persons like Rajneesh and Anchal.

We support the demand of ‘Mahila Sanrakshan Samiti’ to seek justice for Anchal Sharma, who was performing all rituals which a married Hindu women should, and her family, and warn the administration to launch agitation in case the Government does not take stern action against the culprits and those police personal, responsible for the of killing of Rajneesh Sharma, a Jammu youth, in police custody at Srinagar in Ram Bagh Police Station.

Talking to reports here, today, 11th of Nov. 2009, in joint press conference of the prominent organizations of Jammu at Dogra Brahamin Pratinidhi Sabha, Jammu they said that the police personal, those who raided the house of Rajneesh in Jammu and tortured him in Srinagar should be brought to book immediately.

Those who were present in the august gathering included; All Presidents: Vishav Hindu Parishad, Dr. Ramakant Dubey, Dogra Brahaman Pratinidhi Sabha, Sh. Ved Parkash Sharma, Sh. Amar Nath Kshtriya Rajput Sabha, Kr. Narayan Singh Jamwal, All J&K Guru Ravi Dass Sabha, Sh. Piran Ditta, Sh. Parshotam Thappa, Sanatan Dharam Sabha, Sh. Shyam Lal Chudamani, Central Mahajan Sabha, Sh. Romesh Chander Mahajan, Gen. Sec. Dr. Sudesh Gupta, Dr. Mohan Lal, S.S.S. Jain Sabha, Sh. Virender Jain, Aggarwal Sabha, Sh. Deewan Chand Bansal, Dogra Khatri Sadar Sabha, Sh. Ram Nath Gandotra, Aatmanand Jain Sabha, Sh. Pawan Kumar Jain, All J&K Mhasha Sudhar Sabha, Sh. Bansi Lal, Megh Sudhar Sabha, Sh. Milkhi Ram Bhagat, Chairman Valmiki Sadar Sabha, Sh. Ajit Gill, Sh. Saryara Sadar Sabha, Sh. Sat Pal, Barwal Sabha Sh. Faqir Chand Azad, Jaat Kalyan Sabha, Ch. Kamal Singh, Sain Samaj Sabha, Sh. Madan Lal Kashyap, Rajput Sabha, Sh. Rakesh Kumar, Khukharan Biradri Sabha Sh. Satish Anand, Thakar Sahu Sabha, Sh. Sat Pal Singh Chib Barwal Sabha, Sh. Faquir Chand Azad, Sant Ghore Ji Maharaj Temple, Sh. Yudyanath Ji.

Nomad Gujjars advised against vacation of land Nomad Gujjars advised against vacation of land

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Rehabilitation of 25 evicated families demanded

Various Gujjar Organizations of Jammu and Kashmir today advised the nomadic community not to vacate lands under their possession till the state rehabilitates them in a lawful manner. Interacting with 25 evicted families of the Gujjars who had forcibly dispossessed from the forest land adjoining Devak bridge near Vijaypur yesterday, the leaders of different organizations impressed upon all the heads of nomads “Dera’s” not succumb to any pressure what so ever to leave their land. The leaders urged the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene in the matter and restore the land in favour of displaced families of Nomadic Gujjars without any delay. “In J&K more than 95% of “nomadic Gujjars” are landless, shelter less and are denied of dwelling rights on forest lands which they are using as traditional inhabitants for centuries together” said Dr. Javaid Rahi, National Secretary of Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation a premier organization of Gujjars. Dr. Rahi said implementation of Forest Right Act can only redress the "historical injustice" committed against Gujjars- the major dwellers and conservators of forests Due to the presence article 370 this Act can not be extend directly to J&K without a legislation and impressed upon state government to issue an SRO immediately in this regard so as to provide rights on forests to dwelling communities over the land and other resources, denied to them over decades, Dr. Javaid Rahi further said. Mohammad Anwar Chowdhary State president of Gujjars United Front a frontal organization said we are demanding similar rights on Forests, constitutionally been made available to other scheduled tribe communities in Indian states after enactment of Forest Rights Act 2006. He said in whole country under forest act all the tribals groups are enjoying four types of rights on forests — title rights that grant ownership to land being farmed by tribals or forest dwellers subject to a maximum of four hectares; rights to use minor forest produce, grazing areas and pastoral routes; relief and development rights, which include rehabilitation in case of illegal eviction or forced displacement and to basic amenities subject to restrictions for forest protection; and forest management right but the ST communities here are denied the rights in J&K which is unjust and unfair. He threatens to move to Supreme court of India to get justice for community. Meanwhile a delegation of Gujjars under the chairmanship of Haji Shamsher Ali Boken, State President of Jammu Kashmir Gujjar Bakerwal Joint Forum met various high officials, Ministers and urged them to intervene and demanded immediate restoration of piece of land to nomad Gujjars of Vijay Pur.

Prof Punjabi distributes Rs 6 lakh among affected students

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KU boarders get compensation

The Kashmir University authorities on Wednesday distributed cheques worth Rs 6, 47,000 among the affected boarders of the varsity’s Sheikh-ul-Alam (RA) Boys Hostel, which was gutted in a fire incident on October 17.

The cheques were distributed by the vice-chancellor, Prof Riyaz Punjabi, in view of the boarders’ demand that they should be “adequately compensated” for the belongings they lost due to the fire. Following the fire incident, Prof Punjabi had immediately constituted a committee to monitor the rehabilitation and compensation of the boarders, who were accommodated on priority in a hostel of Sadiq Memorial B. Ed College, Soura. The Hostel was made functional with all the modern facilities including hot and purified water. All the boarders who lost their bedding were provided new bedding and a blanket. On Wednesday, Prof Punjabi again assured the boarders of all the possible help. “You concentrate on your studies and leave your compensation and rehabilitation part to us,” he told the boarders. “We are here to help you in whatever way we can.” Each boarder of the First Floor was given Rs 4000 and that of the Ground Floor Rs 3000. The VC issued on-the-spot orders to the officials to provide a vehicle to the boarders to ferry them from Soura to the University and back. The function was attended by Prof. S. Fayaz, Registrar, Prof. Naseem Ahmad Shah, Provost, Dr. Farooq Ahmad Mir, Warden, and Dr. S. Jameel, Assistant Warden of the S.A Hostel besides the representatives of the borders. Earlier, Prof Naseem Ahmad gave a detailed account of the measures taken by the Provost Office regarding the compensation and rehabilitation of the boarders. Pertinently, the issue of compensation was taken by the Vice-Chancellor before the University Council, the highest decision making body of the varsity. The Pro-Chancellor, Omar Abdullah, too had assured the boarders of all possible compensation. An estimate in this regard has been submitted to the Pro-Chancellor for consideration.

Kumari Shelija, Jora, Nasir interact with members of House of Lords

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*Steps are being taken to withdraw adverse tourist advisory about visit of UK citizens to Valley of Kashmir

*Ministers and officers assure people of London about safe travel to J&K State particularly Kashmir Valley

Union Minister for Tourism, Kumari Shelija, J&K Minister for Tourism, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora and Minister of State for Tourism, Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani today inaugurated World Travel Mart in London. The visitors from London and other places who intend to visit Kashmir have been given confidence that the place is now safe for all kinds of tourism.

They were informed that recently High Commissioners and Ambassadors of 22 countries not only visited Kashmir but also played golf and interacted with general people during their travel to all major destinations of Kashmir.

Mr. Jora, Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani and other officers which include Secretary Tourism, Ms. Tanveer Jehan and Director Tourism, Mr. Farooq Ahmad Shah interacted with members of House of Lords and Asian Guild. They emphasized that advisory issued to travelers of United Kingdom for not visiting Kashmir may be withdrawn. The hectic activities are in progress and it is expected that Britain may withdraw the advisory keeping in view of fast improving situation in Kashmir.

The political personalities, intellectuals, opinion makers and media persons are already convinced that time has come that people and other adjoining countries should include Kashmir again in their travel programmes as the people of Kashmir Valley have always received the visitors of these countries with warmth and love. The travelers from this country have been visiting Kashmir since last several centuries and various books, travelogues and literature has been documented, projecting Kashmir as paradise on earth.

The Ministers and officers during interaction have acknowledged that due to turmoil the flow of tourists from United Kingdom and other adjoining countries to the Valley was affected to a large extent but now the Jammu and Kashmir Government with a active support of Union Ministry of Tourism has started vigorous campaign to attract these tourists from these countries back to the Valley. They informed that their current visit is based on this campaign so that the impression which has been created all round the world that paradise cannot be visited because of continuous turmoil is required to be erased.

They informed that some times irresponsible reporting by some foreign news agencies are deliberately aggravating small incidents adversely which directly affects the psyche of intending visitors for visiting the Valley. They said the purpose of their visit is to convey a strong message to the people of the world particularly people of United Kingdom that visitors are always welcome to Jammu and Kashmir State particularly in the Valley.

The Ministers and officers informed that J&K State has not only revived its old glory of world famous destinations of Kashmir but further developed new tourist destinations in Jammu as well as in Ladakh. They said now entire Jammu and Kashmir State is worth visiting. They informed them that all the foreigners who visited the State this year were fully satisfied and have themselves conveyed their good experience to their fellow countrymen. They informed that flow of tourists from these countries to the J&K State particularly the Valley of Kashmir will help in rebuilding the age old ties of people to people. They told that tourism is the only sector which will help in creating atmosphere of mutual love and brotherhood.

Farooq urges Hurriyat to participate in dialogue process

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Urging the Hurriyat Conference to participate in the dialogue process in finding a lasting solution to Kashmir related problems, the Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Dr. Farooq Abdullah has urged all parties to contribute in restoring peace and normalcy in the state. The Minister was addressing a mammoth gathering after inaugurating a model village at Hullar, Kishtwar. He was accompanied by the Minister for Rural Development, Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar. The Minister for R&B,Mr. G.M.Saroori, Minister for Higher Education, Mr.A.G.Malik, MLA Kishtwar, Mr. Sajad Ahmed Kitchloo, senior officers of the Rural Development Department and district administration were also present on the occasion. Dr. Farooq said that the time has come that all the parties should come forward and contribute their bit in solving the issue. He said that much blood-shed has been witnessed by the people of the state and everybody should shed off their prejudices and work for a lasting and amicable solution so that the everlasting peace and prosperity returns to the state. Terming the Indo-Pak friendship vital for the people of the sub-continent and especially the people of the state, Dr. Farooq Abdullah appealed the leaders of both the countries to build bridges of friendship by resuming the composite dialogue, so that all issues can be settled amicably. The Minister for Rural Development, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar said that a modern concept would be introduced in which the model villages would also be given proper irrigation, water facilities and health facilities would also be provided under one ambit. He said that the concept would be introduced at a state level so that every area gets benefitted. Mr. Sagar asked the officers to ensure that the benefit of various flagship schemes introduced by the Central Government percolates to the genuine people and beneficiaries. He directed them to prepare genuine lists of the deserving beneficiaries who would be benefitted after proper verification from all quarters. Dr. Farooq Abdullah also distributed appointment orders to 50 persons appointed as constable in the police department. Later, alongwith Mr. Sagar paid obeisance at the Dargah of Syed Assar Sahib Faridi (RA). The model village at Hullar has been constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 1.20 crore having state of art facilities like community information centre, community hall and other allied facilities.

Need to package our culture in modern terminology : VC

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As tools, lexicon of language have changed under new global perspectives, trans-disciplinary fields are required to study properly the Kashmir cultural history, said Vice Chancellor Prof Riyaz Punjabi Tuesday, while inaugurating a 3 day National seminar on aspects of Kashmir Culture: Change Continuity organized by Institute of Kashmir Studies, at Ghandi Bhawan University campus.

Prof Punjabi said that we have miserably failed to package our culture to younger generation in modern terminology. That is why, said VC there is disconnect between them and us, and need is to present our younger generation with some thing which defines their personality. Prof Punjabi advocated the need for a trans-disciplinary approach to study Kashmiri language and literature and said this will help to put our language and literature nicely before our younger generation. Saying that text book knowledge is not enough in modern day world Vice Chancellor said, we need to work among people to understand them . Paying rich tributes to noted singer Ghulan Hassan Sofi, who breathed his last this week VC termed him as one of the prominent symbols of Kashmir Culture who he said accompanied him abroad though his voice and kept him oriented with Kashmir Culture.

Vice Chancellor described Kashmiri language as the core component of the Kashmiri culture and said it comprises of our ethos traditions and values. VC revealed on the occasion that Rishi order is indigenous to Kashmir and that we need to study Sheikh-ul-Alam afresh to understand the dynamics of his communication and approach to religion.

In his address noted poet and broadcaster Farooq Nazki who was the chief guest on the occasion felt the need for a dialogue and interaction amongst various cultures and said the dialogue is necessary for survival. Saying that we have to be conscious of what we are doing, the Chief Guest said Srinagar, the heritage city of Kashmir is being ruined by its own beneficiaries and we have spoiled the whole face of it , its historical monuments and open spaces. “ You have to save Kashmir “ said an emotionally charged Nazki adding that save Kashmir Moment should initiate from Kashmir University.

In his keynote address noted educationist Prof Mazoor Fazli said cultural ethos of the society of Kashmir from ancient times to the present is a continuous struggle for change and continuity. He said the continuity and change are essential for any political, social and religious organism. Prof Fazli said that whatever life in nature, even is in embryonic stage must be free to grow, otherwise it will stagnate, decay and die. He said scholars in this on aspects of Kashmir culture are expected to address such issues and problems concerning the dynamics of our culture, shifting models and requirements for preservation of most important expressions of our culturists languages and the concerns of mankind.

In his address Prof Meem Hi Zaffar underlined that aims and objectives of Institute of Kashmir Studies Centre and said to provide available platform to the scholars interested in Kashmir studies to debate and discuss various issues on the subject, to create space for a critical re-evaluation and re-assessment of the literature on various subjects-related to Kashmir, produced till date. Prof Zafar added that to create an environment for the interaction between local intelligentsia and the scholars and intellects at the national and international level is one of the main aims of his centre. Prof Gulshan Majeed one of the organizers of the seminar presented a report of the institute. A galaxy of intellectuals, scholars , university faculty and students attended the seminar .

Sham for strenuous efforts to achieve targets in health sector

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Warns poor performers to mend ways

Minister for Health, Horticulture and Floriculture, Mr. Sham Lal Sharma has stressed upon the doctors to put strenuous efforts to improve the healthcare facilities on ground. He asked them to shun the lethargic attitude and show total commitment to achieve the targets. The Minister was addressing the doctors after reviewing the progress of health activities in Jammu division at a meeting held here today under his chairmanship. Commissioner/Secretary Health & Medical Eduation, Mr. Atal Dulloo, Director Family Welfare and NRHM, Dr. Kulbushan Pandotra, Director Health Services, Jammu, Dr. Jasbir Singh, Special Secretary Health, Mr. A.R.Kuchai, all Chief Medical Officers, Medical Superintendents, Block Medical Officers and other officers of health department from Jammu division were present in the meeting. The Minister took a detailed review of all the schemes which are under execution and overall health scenario in Jammu division. He was not satisfied with the achievements and asked the heads of the institutions to involve themselves in the affairs to improve things on ground. He said that government has created better working environment in the health institutions for the doctors and para-medics and it is their duty to work with more sincerity and zeal so that patients can get better medicare facilities. He issued stern warning to all to improve the performance otherwise the government will be compelled to take appropriate action against the poor performers, he added. Medical being noble profession, the Minister asked the doctors to maintain its credibility by observing medical ethics. He stressed upon the concerned to serve the needy with extra zeal and dedication. He said that government will initiate professional audit of each institution and review the progress of every individual and future postings and promotions will be linked on the performance of each one. The poor performers should even be ready for forcible retirement, Mr. Sharma asserted. With regard to numerous complaints of the general public about the illegal operation of Ultra Sonography machines in various districts, the Minister asked the CMOs to strictly monitor the situation and take immediate action under law against the defaulters. Mr. Dulloo briefed the Minister about the achievements and measures initiated to further improve the facilities.

Pharma giant Medley’s first ever award function at Jammu

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Govt offering logistical support for industrialization on PPP mode: Shabir

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Power, CA&PD, Forest, Mr. Shabir Ahmad Khan has said that Government would encourage public-private partnership (PPP) for setting up various industrial units in the State. In this regard, he said Government has taken various initiatives under which necessary logistical support is being provided to local as well as investors from other states. He appreciated the role of those entrepreneurs who have already established their units in the State thereby providing employment to hundreds of local youth. This was stated by the Minister while addressing an impressive function here today, organized by Medley Pharmaceuticals Limited to award its employees’ showing distinguished achievements in promoting the products and business of the company in and outside the country. The company also has a manufacturing plant at Bari Brahmana, Jammu, providing employment to about 500 local skilled and unskilled youth. It has also invested over Rs. 200 crore in the State and this is the first time when the company has chosen J&K as the venue to award its stars and superstars. Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Mr. Sami Khatib, Vice Chairman, Mr. Sahir Khatib, Joint Managing Director of Medley Pharmaceuticals Limited Mr. Sarosh Khatib and Director for J&K State, Mr. S.K. Sharma besides other functionaries were also present on the occasion. The Minister said that entrepreneurs are playing a commendable role in giving a fillip to the economy of the country and hailed the efforts of Medley in transforming the socio-economic conditions of the people of State. He hoped that other Companies will also take inspiration from Medley and set up their units in the State. He reiterated and assured the Company holders that the State Government will provide all logistical and financial support to them in establishing varied industrial units across the State. Lauding the role of the Chairman of the Company, the Minister said that Mr. Sami, who has brought several laurels for the nation by manufacturing quality medical products renowned across the globe, is an inspiration for many budding entrepreneurs in how a blend of hard work and quality can take them to new highs. The Company is today a leading exporter with its products reaching the shores of over 25 countries, he said and added that the Company is also one of the leading employment generator providing jobs to thousands of youth of the country. He hoped that in future also the Company would choose J&K for holding such type of conferences and invest more in the field of manufacturing and marketing. The Minister and Chairman of the Company awarded medals and recognition certificates to Company’s distinguished holders on the occasion.

Adhere to Govt guidelines: Peerzada to CEOs

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Minister for School Education Peerzada Mohammad Sayed has directed all Chief Education Officers (CEO) to strictly adhere to the guidelines framed for streamlining the school education in the State. The Minister said this while reviewing the overall functioning of school education department, status of civil works under SSA, implementation of mid-day meals, opening & upgradation of schools in the State at a meeting of officers here today. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister reiterated his commitment to streamline the education sector and bring in accountability in spreading quality education in the State. He said no upgradation or opening of new schools, engagement of ReTs shall be carried out unless proper codal formalities as laid down under SSA, are fulfilled. The Minister also dwelt on various initiatives being taken up by the government for expansion and upgradation of education infrastructure across the State to improve the quality and reach of education, describing it the key to socio-economic development. Among others, Secretary School Education, Mr. G. A. Peer, Directors of School Education Srinagar and Jammu, Mrs Shgufta Parveen and Mrs Zahida Khan, State Director SSA, Mr. Khurshid Ahmad Reshi and Joint Directors of School Education attended the meeting. The meeting was informed that 2064 teachers were promoted as Masters, 1411 lecturers were promoted as Principals, 454 Primary Schools were opened and 1321 Primary Schools were upgraded to middle level during the current financial year. The Minister stressed upon the officers to work with missionary spirit and proper coordination with the engineering wings of SSA to ensure timely completion of construction works in the department. He asked all CEOs to submit the report of construction works every month to State Director SSA who in turn will communicate the same to the administrative department.

Saroori pays obeisance at Shah Asrar-ud-Din(RA) shrine

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Minister for R&B, Mr. G.M. Saroori today visited Kishtwar and took stock of the arrangements made by the administration for celebration of annual Urs of Shah Asrar-ud-Din(RA) which commenced from today. Soon on arrival here, Mr. Saroori paid obeisance on the shrine and prayed for overall development, peace and the prosperity of the people of the State. Talking to the people he said that government is committed to address all the problems of the people particularly living in far off areas of the State. Later, the Minister attended inaugural function of model village at Hullar, Kishtwar presided over by the Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Dr. Farooq Abdullah.

Div Com reviews Mubarak Mandi-Bagh-e-Bahu Cable Car project

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Divisional Commissioner, Dr. Pawan Kotwal has said that the government would put the prestigious Cable Car Project of installing cable car from Mubarak Mandi to Bagh-e-Bahu will be put on fast track. Dr. Kotwal was speaking at an officers’ meeting to discuss the construction of ropeway from Mubarak Mandi to Bagh-e-Bahu here today. The Divisional Commissioner said that the project will also bring to focus the other tourism sites like Mahamaya temple, Bagh-e-Bahu aquarium and Peerkho besides bringing Mubarak Mandi and Bagh-e-Bahu to the tourism map. He said that in view of the ever increasing number of pilgrims visiting Jammu city, the main halt for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, the government is envisaging to develop Jammu as an important tourism destination. Thus, he said would improve the economy of the region by creating varied avenues for the people associated with the tourism industry. Dr. Kotwal said that the project has been studied and the tenders have been called for its execution. He was apprised that the cost of the project was initially estimated to be Rs. 24 crore but in the revised survey it has been projected at Rs. 30 crore. It was decided that a meeting will be convened of PHE, Flood Control, PWD, Forests, JDA, Wild Life departments and other stakeholders to come up with the measures to expedite the project. Managing Director Cable Car Corporation, Mr. Farooq Khan, Director Floriculture, Mr. K.K. Sharma, Direction Tourism, Mr. S.M. Sahni and Deputy Director Archives were also present in the meeting.

Veteran Kashmiri singer Ghulam Hassan Sofi remembered

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Rich tributes were to legendry Kashmiri Singer Ghulam Mohamm Sofi who dead last night in Srinagar. The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages organized an impressive function held here this afternoon at Kundanlal Saigal Hall. Zaffar Iqbal Manhas , Secretary Academy presided over and was attended by cross section of society including galaxy of local writers and artists of Kashmiri and other regional languages of the State. Paying glowing tribute to late Sofi, ShZaffar Iqbal Manhas , stated that the best way to pay tribute to our legends who devoted their whole life for development of Culture is to comprehend their thoughts and to carry forward their ideology and mission. He said that Late sofi was an icon of Kashmiri light music and had contributed a lot for its development. Sofi had remained associated with Academy for more than 60 years, he said. Veteran singer Ghulam Hassan Sofi, the melody king of Kashmir who had enthralled generations, died in Srinagar after a prolonged illness. He was 77.Visually impaired Sofi died at SMHS Hospital and was later buried at his ancestral graveyard at Maletang in Dalgate area of the city. Born on July 8, 1932 at Dalgate, Sofi began his career from the local station of All India Radio, known as Radio Kashmir, in early 1950’s and became very popular with the masses. He also sang for Doordarshan Kendra, Srinagar, and the Cultural Academy besides working as an instructor in the Song and Drama Dvision from 1967 to 1994. Sofi, who also performed outside the State, was a recipient of Sangeet Natak Academy Award. He had also received life time achievement award from the Union Information Ministry and Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah award from the State Government in 2006. Other who spoke about Sofi includes Shamima Janbaz, SOCA , Dr.A S Amn Sr.Editor Punjabi, Dr Javaid Rahi Chief Editor Gojri, Syed Iqbal Malangami Chief Editor Pahari, Abid Ahmed Editor English and others