The three days snow festival concluded at Gulmarg with the final matches of Cross country race, 10 km speed skating competition and women’s 5 km cross country race.In speed skating competition Mr. Mushtaq Ahmed got Ist position in 1500 meter race while Tashi thinless and Mr. Yashpaul Purthi secured 2nd and 3rd position respectively.Similarly in junior speed skating , Mr. Rashid Farooq Mr. Moyein Digoo and Mr. Wamiq shafiq bagged Ist, 2nd and 3rd positions. In Sub Junior scakting Mr. Mutaib Digoo and Firdous Ahmed got Ist and 2ndpositions respectively in 500 meter speed skating. In the senior speed skating match, Mr. Vasu Dev Tandi, Mr. Yashpaul Purthi and Mr. Ajit Kumar secured Ist, 2nd and 3rd position respectively. In Mens 10 km Cross Country race, Mr. Angchuk Dorji, Mr. Nadium Iqbal and Bilal Ahmed, got 2nd and 3rd positions respectively.In women’s 5 km cross country race miss Phunchuk Yandon was the only female candidate to bag first position in the race.Later trophies, gold, bronze and silver medals were distributed by Chief Executive Officer Gulmarg Development Authority among the winners on the occasion. The momentous were also awarded to Information Department Jammu and Kashmir by GDA for extending sport and cooperation in holding such occasions.The festival which was witnessed by a large number of tourists culminated with a colorful cultural Programme presented by participants, sport persons, local cultural club and Jhankar group.The snow festival was inaugurated by Minister for Tourism Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora and MoS Tourism Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani the other day.
The Tribal Judicial system ‘Jirga’ popular in Gujjars of Jammu and Kashmir since centuries will becoming a history of past in next few decades if timely steps are not being taken by State legislature for its recognition and protection by making these " Tribal Courts" constitutionally valid through an enactment said a latest study conducted by Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation a premier organization of Gujjars of Indian States. Dr. Javaid Rahi Secretary Tribal Foundation said that during study it was found that this oldest popular system of justice needs immediate legal recognitions otherwise this tradition will extinct in next few decades.“Jirgas are still popular in Tribal Areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan and enjoying legal sanctity but in Jammu and Kashmir this system is surviving since centuries without constitutional safeguards” said Dr. Rahi and added “we consider this traditional judicial system as a vibrant instrument of our cultural heritage and our organization will fight vigorously for constitutional recognitions of Jirgas in J&K . As per study , in Gujjars of J&K around 72 present still believe and practice traditional Jirga system which is being headed by “Muqadams” an elderly tribal which takes decisions on various issues by consensus. Some Gujjar women called “Mahries” also heading Jirgas in some remotest pockets of the State, the study said. The study further said that the Gujjar “Jirgas” are more effective and powerful in community in difficult areas and the Muqadams or Mahries after listening to all parties or sides, pronounce a decision according to the oral traditional law of the tribe or religious law.” In bigger disputes senior Gujjar leaders or religious personalities figures, the study said. As per study due to un-availability of legal tools J&K Gujjar Jirgas are not interfering in criminal case but they decides almost all other major ticklish disputes includes land and assets issues, family disputes, theft cases or other issues related to tribals only. As per study , all tribals are bound to respect Jirga and if any party or parties fails to comply or respect a jirga decision, they are liable to be ousted. Gujjars believes that this is irreligious to defy the Jirgas. The study revealed that the Jirgas are also powerful in maintaining law and order in upper reaches and difficult to reach areas of the State . The study says that Gujjars believe in Jirgas because they are free of cost, quick and are nearest to them. The study says in order to avoid interference of Police the a substantial chunk of Gujjars and Bakerwals pin faith on this time-tested tribal system to settle disputes and redress grievances As per study Gujjars Jirga can award capital punishment, social boycott or expulsion from the community only. The study says that in J&K till date the Jirga system is without legal protections, and needs to be protected with new provisions of the constitution and law of the land.
JAMMU DEC 6: A latest survey conducted by Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation (TRCF) revealed that the representation of Gujjars, the third largest community in the State is almost negligible in 10 Major Government Institutions of Jammu and Kashmir. They are having no say in any decision making bodies of the State that’s why they are lagging behind in every sphere of life, the survey said.National Secretary of the Foundation, Mr Javed Rahi while releasing the survey said that they have chosen 10 major government institutions for conducting this survey. The survey was aim at to know the reasons of backwardness of Gujjars in the state who constitute more than 20% of the total population of the State whereas Scheduled Tribe since 1991 getting 10% reservation in government jobs. According to survey conducted in all 32 departments in civil secretariate, where plans are formulated and executed for whole of the state , there is no one from Gujjar community is working at the rank of Under Secretaries or above to the rank of Chief Secretary. The survey conducted in Civil Administration reveals that in Senior KAS poll, there are 319 senior officers working in civil administration and only three belongs to Gujjar tribe while as per the constitutional provisions in vogue, there should be 32 officers in such poll and as per the population, this number ought to have been 64. There are 41 Super Scale, 39 above Super Scale and 163 HODs /IAS (96) officers/ others in the civil administration of the state and only one Director (Social Welfare) belongs to Gujjar tribe.
In district Administration only one Dy Commissioner belongs to Gujjar Community. No Gujjar is serving as District SSP any where in the State.
In State Police Department, the situation is worst as 30 SSPs, discharging their duties in the State only one belongs to Gujjar tribe, he too is posted as Staff Officer. Among 2l DIGs and 19 IGs and ADGS/ DGs, there is no representation of Gujjars in this major law enforcing agency of the state, the Survey revealed.
Survey further said that important organ of the state which provide justice to people, i.e., State Judiciary, there are 67 District and Session Judges, while only two from Gujjar community while as per the reservation quota, this number should have been 7 and as per population ratio, it should have been 14. The survey says since 1928, no Gujjar has been appointed as Judge of the state High Court and even today among the l4 sanctioned vacancies of the Judges of High Court, no Gujjar has been appointed or elevated till date as such.
Survey further reveals that there are 303 teachers in JammuUniversity which include Lecturers, Readers and Professors. As per the schedule tribe reservation quota, the number of Gujjars should have been 30 and as per population ratio, it should be 60. But there are only two belongs to Gujjar Tribe in JammuUniversity. The situation is worst in KashmirUniversity,there are 364 Lecturers, Readers and Professors working in this highest educational institution of Kashmir and as per constitutional provisions, 36 ought to have been from Gujjar Tribe while there is not a single teacher appointed or working in University of Kashmir.
In Government Medical College Jammu, out of 160 total sanctioned strength Five Teachers are Gujjars and among 170 teachers in GMC Srinagar only one Teacher of Gujjar Community is serving there.
The survey also focused, the most prestigious financial institution, which is back bone of state’s economy, i.e., J&K Bank, there are 3352 officer ranking staff members from Probationary Officers/Managers to the Chairman of the Bank. As per the reservation provisions of ST, 331 staff members ought to have from Gujjar community and it is most ironic that there are only 3 (Three) employees working in J&K Bank which belong to Gujjar Tribe.
A most surprising revelation surfaced during the survey that the State Advisory Board for the Development of Gujjars and Bakerwals set up by the government for the welfare of the Gujjars have 15 staff members from Vice Chairman to orderly and there are only 2 orderly from Gujjar community are working in this board.
Mr Rahi appealed the state government to go through the facts of the the Survey and suggested that government should initiate steps and announce special packages to bring Gujjar tribe in the main stream. He said that this community has always been exploited as a vote bank and even the political parties with the votes of Gujjars assume power.
Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora has said that the Government is contemplating to bring the “Arnas” valley of district Reasi on tourism map for exploring its varied potential. He said Rs 7.22 crore would be spent on the development of scenic and adventure spots, besides creation of infrastructure for visiting tourists once the State Government would receive accord sanction from the Union Government.
This was stated by Mr.Jora while addressing a largely attended public gathering today at village Gari, about 140 kms from here.
Minister of State for Power, Forest and CA&PD and Minister for Haj, Aquaf, Higher Education and Fisheries, Mr. Aijaz Ahmad Khan also addressed the gathering.
Mr. Jora said that the Government is fully aware about the development needs of the people and is working vigorously to fulfill their aspirations. He said a multipronged strategy has been evolved for the fast development of the State. He said people have high hopes with the Government and assured that it will strive for assuaging their urges and aspirations.
Addressing on the occasion, Mr. Shabir Ahmad Khan said that extending electricity facilities to left-over hilly areas is the priority of the Government. He said a receiving station has been sanctioned for Arnas, which will help in streamlining the facilities in the area. He said all the dilapidated poles and old wire would also be replaced in a phased manner in the area.
The Minister said that every facility would be provided including availability of food-grains well in time through sale outlets and instructed CA&PD authorities to make it sure that every householder gets its ration quota every month.
Mr. Aijaz Ahmad Khan said that people of the State, especially those living in hilly and border areas, have suffered a lot during turmoil. He said the Government is working tirelessly to ensure all round development of the State. He said development of mountainous and remote areas like Arnas is the top priority of the Government, adding that a massive developmental programme has been initiated in these areas.
Mr. Aijaz, who is also MLA of Arnas constituency said it is a matter of satisfaction for the people of Gari and other surrounding villages that for the first time a vehicle plied on the newly constructed Gari-Jag Bogli road. The road had been taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 12 crore. He said execution of Arnas-Dhanoor and Gaundi-Panosa and salal-Sujandhar roads are also being taken up at a total cost of Rs 21 crore. He said 17 water shed development projects have been sanctioned for the constituency under Haryali programme to uplift the socio-economic condition of the people.
The Minister said extension of quality education, healthcare and potable drinking water are also priority of the Government. He said several new projects for the area are in pipeline. He assured the people that being their representatives in the Government, he will not leave any stone unturned for overall development of the area. He sought peoples cooperation in this regard.
On this occasion, the people of the area also celebrated birth anniversary of late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and paid floral tributes on the portrait of the late leader.
In a major move to boost tourism in Ladakh region, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, has relaxed the Protected Area Permit Regime (PAPR) enabling foreign tourists to visit Turtuk village in Nubra valley, situated on the famous Silk Route.
Expressing happiness over the decision, Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora and Minister of State for Tourism, Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani said that opening of Turtuk area for foreign tourists would place Nubra valley prominently on the world tourism map. They added that the decision would go a long way in bringing the virgin locales of the region into limelight. The Ministers also appreciated the role of Union Home Minister, Mr. P. Chidambaram for taking personal interest in this matter.
Referring to the potential tourist spots in the region, Mr. Jora said that from now on tourists would be able to travel along the banks of the PangongLake, right up to the villages of Man and Merak. Earlier, he said they were allowed to go only up to village Spangmik. He said the route along the PangongLake from Merak to Chushul and then across Tsaga La, Tsaga to Loma Bend would also be considered for opening, once sufficient tourist infrastructure is developed there. A large number of foreign tourists are already visiting Nubra valley for Bactrain camel safaris and hot sulphur springs of Panamik, he added
The Minister said that the long pending demand of the locals of Kargil to open the Chiktan-Batalik area for foreign tourists has also been approved by the Home Ministry. The approved tour circuits in the district are, Kargil-Khangral-Shaker-Chiktan-Sanjak-Leh and Dah-Garkone-Darchik-Batalik-Silmo-Kargil town, he informed and added the area is also the home of famous Drokpas, supposed to be pure Aryan tribe. Earlier, the tourists were allowed to travel only up to Dah, he said.
Giving details of the other important relaxations, Mr. Jora said that earlier tourists were allowed to travel in the PAPR area in groups of four, but after the present relaxation tourists can also go in twos. He said permits for visiting these areas are issued by the concerned Deputy Commissioner.
Giving details of tourists traffic to Ladakh, the Minister said the number of tourists visiting the region has touched 75, 000 from the modest figure of 500 in 1974, when Ladakh was opened for tourism and the tourist season which used to be confined to July-August, now extends from May till end of October.
Union Secretary for Tourism, Government of India, Mr. Surjit Banerjee today visited Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex and inspected its ongoing renovation and repair works being undertaken by the State Tourism Department and other agencies. Director Tourism, Jammu, Mr. S. M. Sahni and other senior officers of the Archives and Tourism Departments accompanied the Union Secretary. Mr. Banerjee inspected the darbar hall, conference hall, old High Court complex, gole ghar, Maharani Charak Mahal and other sites in the complex. Director Tourism apprised the Union Secretary that the restoration work is being carried out by the Tourism Department in close coordination with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). He said that while INTACH is preparing the detailed project report for preserving the heritage complex, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is heading conservation work. The Public Works Department (PWD) is looking after maintenance and protection works, he said and added that the entire conservation works are being carried out in a coordinated manner. Expressing satisfaction over the restoration work done so far, Mr. Banerjee emphasized on expediting the pace of work, so as to regain the pristine glory of the Dogra architecture. He asked the concerned officers and agencies to submit a detailed estimate of funds requirement for further completion of the renovation work. He assured all possible financial assistance and cooperation for the preservation of Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex from the centre.
Minister for Health, Horticulture and Floriculture, Mr. Sham Lal Sharma has said that Rs. 9.50 crore would be spent on ChenabRiver channelizing around Akhnoor this fiscal to save the fertile land from erosion during floods. He said hundreds of kanals of land in the area have been washed away by floods in the past and to tackle the problem, the government has formulated a comprehensive plan of Rs. 19 crore. The Minister said this during his day long extensive tour of the areas located at the right bank of Chenab at Akhnoor. The Minister took on-the-spot assessment of the situation and issued directed the engineers to start the work on the vulnerable spots. He asked them to complete the works before the next summer season. He stressed on maintaining the quality of work as per the set specifications and by making use of modern engineering techniques while emphasizing on judicious use of funds. Saying that saving the lives and property of the people is the prime duty of the government, the Minister assured that all necessary measures would be taken in this regard. He said that concerned officers will keep a close vigil over the situation especially during the rainy season when threat of floods looms large. He said a new survey of the vulnerable areas will be conducted to tackle the problem effectively. The villages visited by the Minister included Lehrian, Sangrampur, Chack Biasa, Bhour, Dalpat, Chack Kirpalpur,Changwan, Devipur, Mera, Shetaliar. All these villages are located just at the right bank of river Chenab and remain under the threat of floods during the summer. Various deputations of people called on the Minister during the tour and apprised him about their problems. He heard them patently and assured the redress at the earliest. Chief Engineer, Irrigation and Flood Control, Mr. Daleep Bakshi, SDM, Akhnoor, Mr. Ashok Sharma and other officers accompanied the Minister.
Over 5 Lakh Gujjar tribal Children live in utter deprivation in Jammu and Kashmir due to usual neglect and are being mostly exploited in terms of physical because of limited source of income and they are forcibly put to labour by their parents because of limited source says a study conducted by Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation a National Organisation working on Gujjars
“The parents of most neglected Ajhari and Manjhi Children are not aware of the schemes launched by the government for their education and social uplift as they in far-flung areas and are nomads moving from one place to another,” said Dr Javaid Rahi, national secretary, Tribal Foundation.
The foundation carries out studies on tribes and cultures and will shortly come out with a survey on the condition of Muslim Gujjars in Jammu and Kashmir.
Gujjars, a nomadic tribe, constitute as much as 20 percent of the state’s population of about 12 million and mainly live on cattle rearing. In the summers they live in the higher reaches of the state, and come down to the plains in winter.
Dr. Rahi said the facilities provided to the girl child in this community were inadequate. “This can be understood from the fact that there is only two Government Gujjar Girl Hostels in Jammu and Srinagar in the whole state for about 1.2 million Gujjar women.”
The community also feels the pinch of insufficient educational opportunities for Gujjar girl students. Rahi said, “Only eight girl students could make it to the university this year for postgraduate studies.”
The foundation reveals that very few girls from the Ajjhari and Manjhi sub-tribes of Gujjars were sent to school, and there is a very high dropout percentage due to compelling economic or domestic reasons and early marriages.
According to the foundation studies, extreme poverty, child labour and early marriage are “pushing the future of Gujjar children into darkness”.
Rahi said their survey had revealed that out of 100 Gujjar children in the age group of 7 to 15 years, about 75 are engaged in “physical labour”. They are being exploited due to lack of resources and poverty, he said.
According to the survey, “the worst condition is of the children belonging to the Ajjhari Gujjar (shepherds) and Manjhi Gujjar (buffalo keepers) - 83 percent of whom have not seen school while 17 percent are getting an education in religious institutes.”
A large number of these children are working as domestic helpers in the households of rich ones. “At least 17 percent Gujjar children inherit bonded labour from their forefathers.”
Rahi also said that “early or even child marriage prevalent among the tribe was also one of the reasons for not being able to study and progress”.
There are over 2.5 million Gujjars in the state, of whom about 1.2 million are women,.“Female Gujjars are more in number than men as their birth rate is high and mortality rate is low.”
*The aim is to involve the use of latest technology which will save the use of soil space and forests and maximum use of air space will be taken in consideration: Kotwal
*State Government is also trying to get permission for construction of ropeway project at Shankaracharyaji, Srinagar from Government of India so that this project could also be taken up in hand.
*All Jammu Hotels & Lodges Association flays the inordinate delay being caused in implementation of the rope way project.
*Develop Manda Wildlife Sanctuary into a NationalWildLifePark which has been already agreed by the Central Government.
By Ajmer Alam Wani
JAMMU, NOV 12: Already in the top tourist destinations of the world, the Jammu and KashmirState will soon shine for another tourist attraction initiative being taken by the state government.
Though the initiative was taken in the year 1995 but now it has been relocated keeping in view the present days requirements and increasing flow of pilgrim tourists in the city of temples. The Jammu and Kashmir state is already famous for the world's highest cable car service at Gulmarg and now the initiative is to promote the tourism in Jammu.
The state government has proposed a cable car project worth Rs 30 crore which is aimed to connect the heritage sites like Baghe-e-Bahi and Mubarak Mandi complex besides others across the city of temples. Gondola, a cable car project will connect Mubarak Mandi, Mahamaya Termple, Bagh-e-Bahu, Bawe Wali Mata Temple, Peerkho temple which will attract the visiting Vaishno Devi pilgrims.
Officials said that the blue print for this project was first prepared in 1995 and initially the cable car was to take off from Mubarak Mandi, but after the declaration of Mubarak Mandi and Bahu Fort as heritage sites, the project had was to be relocated.
A committee has been constituted for identifying new sites for constructing lower and upper terminals for the proposed ropeway,” said Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Pawan Kotwal.
The divisional administration is focusing on making the project self-sustainable by generating its own revenue. This would improve the economy of the region by creating varied avenues for the people associated with the tourism industry.The designing the project is being made in such a manner that it can retain the tourists for more time in the city of the temples by developing attraction sites at Aquarium, Bagh-e-Bahu, Mahamaya temple Manda, Peerkho and Sidhra Golf course.
Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Pawan Kotwal when asked said that the work is yet to start and the cost may increase.
“The aim is to involve the use of latest technology which will save the use of soil space and forests and maximum use of air space will be taken in consideration” Kotwal added.
This will be second cable car project in the state after Gulmarg. Relevant to mention here that an amount of above Rs 8 crore has been earned by the Cable Car Corporation as revenue by mid September this year as against Rs 5.73 crore last financial year with number of operational cable cars increased from 40 to 86 during current fiscal.
State Government is also trying to get permission for construction of ropeway project at Shankaracharyaji, Srinagar from Government of India so that this project could also be taken up in hand. Construction of ropeway project at Makhdoom Sahib Shrine at Srinagar and construction of ropeway for Aishmuqam Shrine has already been approved.
On the other hand All Jammu Hotels & Lodges Association flayed the inordinate delay being caused in implementation of the rope way project between Mubarak Mandi and Bahu-Fort. Referring to the recent meeting chaired by Divisional Commissioner Jammu Pawan Kotwal and constitution of a committee of officers, to identify the exact sites of the two ends of the rope way project, Inderjeet Khajuria, President AJHLA regretted that the blue print of the project prepared in 1995 has taken so long time in its implementation and the concerned authorities are still not decided over the actual site.
“This shows their non seriousness and apathetic attitude towards prestigious project which can provide big boost to tourism in Jammu”, he added. This delay has also escalated the estimated cost of the project from Rs. 25 crores to Rs. 30 crores. He demanded immediate taking in hand of the project and its completion in a record time.
AJHLA also demanded immediate action in developing Manda Wildlife Sanctuary into a NationalWildLifeParkJammu city as an independent tourist destination, but all the projects in this regard are going at snails pace. The Association reiterated their demands for early setting up of artificial lake in river Tawi. Khajuria said that already Rs. 13 crores have been earmarked for this project and Rs. 3 crores are already allotted. But till date nothing is heard about this project. He also demanded expansion and extension of environmental park on Jammu by-pass road. The Association rued lack of adequate publicity about Aquarium at Bahu-Fort. The Association emphasized the need for early completion of all the projects, to make Jammu as independent tourist destination to off set the likely loss of business and importance to Jammu city with rail extension to Katra and train reaching there. Others who supported Khajuria included Pawan Gupta, Gen. Secretary, Ajay Gupta Sr. Vice President, H.S Manhas, Jr. Vice President, Sunil Suri, Secretary, Vikram Singh, Publicity Secretary and Baldev Treasurer. which has been already agreed by the Central Government. The Association regretted that the concerned authorities are only paying lip sympathy and indulging in rhetoric to develop
*The aim is to involve the use of latest technology which will save the use of soil space and forests and maximum use of air space will be taken in consideration: Kotwal
*State Government is also trying to get permission for construction of ropeway project at Shankaracharyaji, Srinagar from Government of India so that this project could also be taken up in hand.
*All Jammu Hotels & Lodges Association flays the inordinate delay being caused in implementation of the rope way project.
*Develop Manda Wildlife Sanctuary into a NationalWildLifePark which has been already agreed by the Central Government.
By Ajmer Alam Wani
JAMMU, NOV 12: Already in the top tourist destinations of the world, the Jammu and KashmirState will soon shine for another tourist attraction initiative being taken by the state government.
Though the initiative was taken in the year 1995 but now it has been relocated keeping in view the present days requirements and increasing flow of pilgrim tourists in the city of temples. The Jammu and Kashmir state is already famous for the world's highest cable car service at Gulmarg and now the initiative is to promote the tourism in Jammu.
The state government has proposed a cable car project worth Rs 30 crore which is aimed to connect the heritage sites like Baghe-e-Bahi and Mubarak Mandi complex besides others across the city of temples. Gondola, a cable car project will connect Mubarak Mandi, Mahamaya Termple, Bagh-e-Bahu, Bawe Wali Mata Temple, Peerkho temple which will attract the visiting Vaishno Devi pilgrims.
Officials said that the blue print for this project was first prepared in 1995 and initially the cable car was to take off from Mubarak Mandi, but after the declaration of Mubarak Mandi and Bahu Fort as heritage sites, the project had was to be relocated.
A committee has been constituted for identifying new sites for constructing lower and upper terminals for the proposed ropeway,” said Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Pawan Kotwal.
The divisional administration is focusing on making the project self-sustainable by generating its own revenue. This would improve the economy of the region by creating varied avenues for the people associated with the tourism industry. The designing the project is being made in such a manner that it can retain the tourists for more time in the city of the temples by developing attraction sites at Aquarium, Bagh-e-Bahu, Mahamaya temple Manda, Peerkho and Sidhra Golf course.
Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Pawan Kotwal when asked said that the work is yet to start and the cost may increase.
“The aim is to involve the use of latest technology which will save the use of soil space and forests and maximum use of air space will be taken in consideration” Kotwal added.
This will be second cable car project in the state after Gulmarg. Relevant to mention here that an amount of above Rs 8 crore has been earned by the Cable Car Corporation as revenue by mid September this year as against Rs 5.73 crore last financial year with number of operational cable cars increased from 40 to 86 during current fiscal.
State Government is also trying to get permission for construction of ropeway project at Shankaracharyaji, Srinagar from Government of India so that this project could also be taken up in hand. Construction of ropeway project at Makhdoom Sahib Shrine at Srinagar and construction of ropeway for Aishmuqam Shrine has already been approved.
On the other hand All Jammu Hotels & Lodges Association flayed the inordinate delay being caused in implementation of the rope way project between Mubarak Mandi and Bahu-Fort. Referring to the recent meeting chaired by Divisional Commissioner Jammu Pawan Kotwal and constitution of a committee of officers, to identify the exact sites of the two ends of the rope way project, Inderjeet Khajuria, President AJHLA regretted that the blue print of the project prepared in 1995 has taken so long time in its implementation and the concerned authorities are still not decided over the actual site.
“This shows their non seriousness and apathetic attitude towards prestigious project which can provide big boost to tourism in Jammu”, he added. This delay has also escalated the estimated cost of the project from Rs. 25 crores to Rs. 30 crores. He demanded immediate taking in hand of the project and its completion in a record time.
AJHLA also demanded immediate action in developing Manda Wildlife Sanctuary into a NationalWildLifeParkJammu city as an independent tourist destination, but all the projects in this regard are going at snails pace. The Association reiterated their demands for early setting up of artificial lake in river Tawi. Khajuria said that already Rs. 13 crores have been earmarked for this project and Rs. 3 crores are already allotted. But till date nothing is heard about this project. He also demanded expansion and extension of environmental park on Jammu by-pass road. The Association rued lack of adequate publicity about Aquarium at Bahu-Fort. The Association emphasized the need for early completion of all the projects, to make Jammu as independent tourist destination to off set the likely loss of business and importance to Jammu city with rail extension to Katra and train reaching there. Others who supported Khajuria included Pawan Gupta, Gen. Secretary, Ajay Gupta Sr. Vice President, H.S Manhas, Jr. Vice President, Sunil Suri, Secretary, Vikram Singh, Publicity Secretary and Baldev Treasurer. which has been already agreed by the Central Government. The Association regretted that the concerned authorities are only paying lip sympathy and indulging in rhetoric to develop
*Intellectuals, people ofLondon, 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&KState in LondonJammu and KashmirState 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&KStatevalley 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&KState 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 thatrecent successful visit of 22 Ambassadorsand 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.
Mr. Yashpaul Purthi secured 2nd and 3rd position respectively. Similarly in junior speed skating , Mr. Rashid Farooq Mr. Moyein Digoo and Mr. Wamiq shafiq bagged Ist, 2nd and 3rd positions. In Sub Junior scakting Mr. Mutaib Digoo and Firdous Ahmed got Ist and 2ndpositions respectively in 500 meter speed skating. In the senior speed skating match, Mr. Vasu Dev Tandi, Mr. Yashpaul Purthi and Mr. Ajit Kumar secured Ist, 2nd and 3rd position respectively. In Mens 10 km Cross Country race, Mr. Angchuk Dorji, Mr. Nadium Iqbal and Bilal Ahmed, got 2nd and 3rd positions respectively. In women’s 5 km cross country race miss Phunchuk Yandon was the only female candidate to bag first position in the race. Later trophies, gold, bronze and silver medals were distributed by Chief Executive Officer Gulmarg Development Authority among the winners on the occasion. The momentous were also awarded to Information Department Jammu and Kashmir by GDA for extending sport and cooperation in holding such occasions. The festival which was witnessed by a large number of tourists culminated with a colorful cultural Programme presented by participants, sport persons, local cultural club and Jhankar group. The snow festival was inaugurated by Minister for Tourism Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora and MoS Tourism Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani the other day. 
