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Mehbooba welcomes Rajnath Singh’s remark on dialogue in J&K

J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti

Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti has welcomed the assertion of the Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh today that Centre is ready to talk to every stakeholder including Hurriyat Conference in Jammu & Kashmir if it comes to table.

The Union Home Minister made these remarks in an interactive session with a television channel today.

In a statement, the Chief Minister described it as a welcome step to initiate dialogue and reconciliation in the State. She said that given the positive outcome from the ground on the Ramadhan ceasefire in the State, the peace constituency in the country and the State should feel encouraged to start the much needed process of peaceful engagement with all stakeholders in the State.

        The Chief Minister hoped that parties and groups like Hurriyat Conference will seize the opportunity and show their responsibility towards the people of the State by displaying the much needed maturity so that the opportunity is not wasted. She said a peaceful engagement among all the stakeholders in the State is urgently needed to get Jammu & Kashmir out of the unending cycle of violence and provide its people, a secure, prosperous and peaceful future.

Mehbooba Mufti said she has reiterated it time and again that dialogue is the only way forward for resolving issues as violence has lost its relevance in the contemporary world besides taking a heavy toll of the people and the societies. She said even arch-rival nations like US and North Korea and North Korea and South Korea ultimately had to take to table to iron out their mutual issues.

Deputations from border areas meet Chief Minister

Various deputations from the border areas met the Chief Minister

Various deputations from the border areas of Jammu province met the Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti here today. They brought into her notice the difficulties being faced by them due to continued cross-border shelling and the losses suffered by them.

The Chief Minister, it may be mentioned, had visited the border areas of Jammu yesterday during an extensive tour to assess the situation arising out of the cross-border shelling of past few days.

The deputations which came from Chakroi Farm, Satrian and other adjoining villages made several demands with the Chief Minister for their relocation, rehabilitation and compensation of the losses.

Mehbooba Mufti informed the deputations that her Government is contemplating to raise an exclusive battalion of JK Police comprising youth from border areas. She said the Government would undertake an exercise to construct Border Bhawans in urban areas for these people where they can take shelter in extreme situations and which would be equipped with facilities of schooling, healthcare and other amenities. She also assured them to look into their demand of putting them at par with the residents of LoC areas.

Another deputation of Dudi Gujjars also met the Chief Minister and demanded institutionalising dairy sector in the State by marking it as an industry and incentivising its operations.

The Chief Minister assured the deputation that their suggestions will be looked into and appropriate steps are taken.

Govt has envisioned Jammu as independent tourist destination: Mehbooba

CM Mehbooba Mufti

Hailing the people of Jammu for upholding the tenets of harmony, inclusive sense, amity and brotherhood, Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti today said her Government has envisioned Jammu as an independent tourist destination for which many projects are in pipeline.

Speaking at a function to lay the foundation of 1000 MWs Pakal Dul Hydro Electric Power project and 52 kilometre Jammu Semi Ring Road project here today, the Chief Minister said in present day world Jammu represents a truly pluralist social system which has evolved as an example for all societies. She appealed the people of Jammu to uphold these tenets of tolerance and values for which the State has been known since ages. She said when many people left Kashmir Valley, the people of Jammu not only opened their homes and hearths for them but also shared their resources, supplies and other facilities.

Mehbooba Mufti said her Government is keen to develop Jammu as an independent tourist destination for which many projects are in pipeline. She said Government is making efforts to retain the tourist footfall in Jammu which seems to have slipped ever since the direct rail connectivity to Katra. Many of such projects, she said, are being inaugurated this year alone and work on many more is apace.

Governor, N. N. Vohra; Union Minister for Roads & Highways, Nitin Gadkari; Deputy Chief Minister, Kanvinder Gupta; Union Minister of State for Power, R K Singh; Minister of State in PMO, Dr. Jitendra Singh; Minister for Public Works & Culture, Naeem Akhtar; Minister for Power, Sunil Sharma, other Ministers; Member Parliament, Jugal Kishore; legislators; Chief Secretary, B B Vyas; Director General of Police, Dr. S P Vaid; officers from NHPC, NHAI and State Government were present on the occasion.

During the function, Prime Minister laid the foundation of 1000 MWs Pakal Dul Hydro Electric Project. To be built in Kishtwar district, the project is expected to cost Rs. 8112 crore. He also laid the foundation of 58 kilometre Jammu Semi Ring Road project to be built at a cost of Rs. 2300 crore.

The Prime Minister also threw open 7 kilometre long Tarakote Marg at Katra built by Shri Mata Vaishno Shrine Board.

Narendra Modi delivered the Convocation Address in SKUAST-J

PRIME MINISTER, GOVERNOR AND CHIEF MINSTER AT SKUAST J CONVOCATION

The 6th Convocation of the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-J) was held  at Baba Jitto Auditorium of the University today at which Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi was the Chief Guest. Governor N.N. Vohra, Chancellor of the University, presided over the function and Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti spoke on the occasion.

Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi delivered the Convocation Address.

During the Convocation, Prime Minister presented 6 Gold Medals; Chancellor awarded 55 Ph.D. degrees in Agriculture, Basic Sciences & Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry,  85 Master’s degrees in Agriculture, Biotechnology and Agri Business Management, 77 Master’s degrees in Veterinary Science, 12 Master’s degrees in Basic Sciences, 124 Bachelor degrees in Agriculture and Biotechnology, 91 Bachelor degrees in Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Ms. Mehbooba Mufti, Pro Chancellor, presented 100  Certificates of Merit.

Governor wished a very bright future ahead to all alumni who received degrees, medals and awards at today’s Convocation. He advised that in whatever arena they decided to work in the coming time they must conduct themselves as disciplined professionals.  He urged them to never compromise their integrity and adhere strictly to ethical and moral values.

Governor expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister for having graciously accepted his request and spared time to address the 6th Convocation of the University.

Appreciating the achievements of the University, Governor observed that the University had come a long way over the years and there has been progress on several fronts.  He said that this was the first Convocation which was being held in the University, in the beautiful Baba Jitto Auditorium, which was completed a few months ago. He added that there were a total of 657 students in 2008 and today they have about double this number of whom, significantly, nearly one-third are Post-Graduate and Ph.D. scholars. Expressing satisfaction, he noted that the University has begun to assume the contours of an institution of higher education and hoped that the Vice Chancellor would take all possible steps to ensure its further growth.

Governor noted with satisfaction that after securing accreditation by the ICAR Accreditation Board, this University has attained the 15th position among 73 State Agricultural and Veterinary Universities across the country and this year, it achieved the distinction of its scholars securing the second largest number of Post-Graduate ICAR Scholarships for higher studies in Veterinary and Fishery Sciences.

Highlighting the agricultural scenario of the State, Governor observed that nearly two-third of the population of this State is directly or indirectly dependent for its livelihood on agriculture and its allied sectors. However, the average size of our farm holdings is only .66 ha, which is about 1/3rd the national average size. He added that in Jammu region, which this University seeks to serve, 65% of the area is rain-fed, 85% of the farmers are in the small and marginal category and irrigation has been stagnant for the past many years. Besides, the land resources are facing decline.

Governor advised that while tackling our internal challenges, we also need to devote urgent attention for dealing with the speedily advancing phenomenon of global warming and climate change which is already beginning to affect the  food, fruit, vegetable and animal production. He said that time has come for Agriculture Universities in all the hill States to collaborate and undertake joint research efforts in identified areas for timely developing new seeds and plants which will be compatible with the rapidly changing climatic patterns. He further added that at the national level, it would be immensely beneficial if the Union Ministry of Agriculture, ICAR and other related scientific institutions, considered taking very early initiatives to review the content and revamp the pace of the existing pan-India agriculture research and extension methodologies. He observed that the curricula of agriculture education in the Farm Universities cannot any longer remain static and Vice Chancellors and their Faculties need to evolve dynamic approaches for matching the learning and teaching patterns with the challenges which face the agriculture production arena.

Governor noted that J&K imports milk, meat, and poultry products which cost over Rs. 2000 crore per annum. He said that it would enormously boost the economy of J&K if the State Agriculture Department, in close concert with State Farm Universities, launches well-planned initiatives to upgrade and modernize the entire livestock sector in the State. He observed that we should aim at reducing imports to nil and emerge as a net exporting State in the agriculture and livestock sectors.

Governor observed that while the challenge before the country is to continuously increase its food production for feeding a population of 1.3 billion, which is still growing at a steady pace, in J&K we have to meet the challenge of neutralizing the annual foodgrains shortfall of about 5 to 6 lac metric tons and work towards becoming a food-grain exporting State. He advised that for increasing productivity, we shall need to achieve high-efficiency levels in the utilization of our land and water resources; altogether prohibiting conversion of productive arable lands for varied non-agricultural purposes and taking time-bound steps to check the degradation of our land and water resources.

Governor complimented the Vice-Chancellor and all his colleagues, the staff and the students for the good work which is being done in this campus and concluded by once again thanking the Prime Minister for his gracious presence in the campus.

Earlier, Dr. P.K. Sharma, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-J, presented the Vice Chancellor’s Report and highlighted the achievements of the University and its future plans of action. He thanked the Governor for taking keen interest in the growth and development of the University.

The proceedings of the Convocation commenced with Dr. Dileep Kachroo, Registrar, of the University, seeking permission of the Chancellor and declaring the Convocation Open.

Present on the occasion were Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State in PMO; Sh. Kavinder Gupta, Deputy Chief Minister; Sh. Mohammad Khalil Band, Minister for Agriculture Production; Legislators; Vice Chancellors of various State Universities; members of the Faculty; students; parents of the students and many distinguished guests.

Prime Minister lays foundation of Rs. 6809 cr Zojila tunnel

PM in Leh

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi formally kickstarted commencement of work on the mega Zojila tunnel project here today.

Governor, N N Vohra; Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti; Union Minister for Roads & Highways, Nitin Gadkari; Deputy Chief Minister, Kanvinder Gupta; Minister of State in PMO, Dr. Jitendra Singh; Chairman, Legislative Council, Haji Anayat Ali; Minister for Public Works & Culture, Naeem Akhtar; Minister for Cooperatives & Ladakh Affairs, T. Dorjey; Member Parliament, Thupsen Chewang; Chairman, LAHDC, Leh, Thupsen Motup; Chief Secretary, B B Vyas; Director General of Police, Dr. S P Vaid; Executive Councillors; officers and a large number of people were present on the occasion.

The 14.2 kilometre long tunnel would be constructed at a cost of Rs.6809 crore and would be completedin seven years. On its completion, the tunnel would lessen the travel time on Srinagar-Kargil-Leh road from 3.30 hours to just 15 minutes.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti said the construction of the Zojila tunnel would cut down the psychological divide between people of different regions in the State by a great measure. She said the tunnel would not only increase the tourism activities in Ladakh region but also the communication between students, traders and common masses and it would give a major relief to local people who would be at the mercy of harsh winters during closure of the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh Highway in winters.

Mehbooba Mufti said her Governent is committed towards the development of all regions in the State on equal footing and in this regard historic steps have been taken by her Government. She said construction of Zojila tunnel was the commitment of her Government towards the people of Ladakh and today she is happy to see that commitment getting fulfilled on ground. This is also a commitment made in the Agenda of Alliance which my Government is fulfilling, she added. She hoped the tunnel would get completed within the shortest possible time so that it not only bridges the geographical barriers between the regions but also the economic and psychological barriers between its people.

Paying rich tributes to late Koshak Bakula, the Chief Minister described him as the architect of modern Ladakh whose contribution in the social, educational and political development of the region can never be forgotten. She also complimented the people of the region for their honesty, hospitality and simple way of life.

Mehbooba Mufti said the region has a great scope for winter sports and the youth from Ladakh have displayed their sporting talent at ample times. She pitched for construction of two high quality indoor stadia at Leh and Kargil so that the sporting activity becomes a round the year affair in the region.

Earlier, the Prime Minister arrived at a day’s visit to the State. He was received at the Leh airport by Governor, N N Vohra; Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti; Deputy Chief Minister, Kanvinder Gupta; Chairman, Legislative Council, Haji Anayat Ali; Minister for Public Works & Culture, Naeem Akhtar; Minister for Cooperatives & Ladakh Affairs, T. Dorjey; Member Parliament, Thupsen Chewang; Chairman, LAHDC, Leh, Dorjey Motup; Chief Secretary, B B Vyas; Director General of Police, Dr. S P Vaid; Executive Councillors; senior officers and a large number of people.

PM inaugurates Rs. 6000 cr 330MWs Kishengana HEP, lays foundation of Srinagar Semi Ring Road project

PM Narendra Modi in Srinagar

Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti today hoped that Prime Minister, Narendra Modi would continue his efforts to find a lasting solution to the pain and wounds of the people of Jammu & Kashmir.

Addressing a gathering on the occasion of inauguration of 330 MWs Kishenganga Hydro Eleectric Project and foundation laying of Srinagar Semi Ring Road project here today, the Chief Minister thanked the Prime Minister for announcing unilateral halt on security operations in the State. “It certainly is a big step which needed courage and you have amply displayed that. Not only the political parties, every person in the State is grateful to you for putting the balms on their wounds”, she addressed the Prime Minister adding that the people of the State are ready to walk ten steps in response to this on the road to peace and getting them out of quagmire of violence.

Mehbooba Mufi said the step taken by the Central Government has raised hopes and faith of State’s people in the statesmanship of the Prime Minister. People here, she said, believe that it is he(the Prime Minister) who took this bold step  and it can only be him who has the strength to move on and take the people of Jammu & Kashmir out of the present situation”, she said while enumerating several initiatives the Prime Minister took in normailsing relations with Pakistan in the past.

The Chief Minister said the Agenda of Alliance(AoA) of the present Government has emerged as a consensus political document in last 70 years to redress the issues and problems facing the State in a democratic way. “When you (the Prime Minister) and late Mufti sahib drew a roadmap for the State, it gradually became a consensus political document to redress the issues facing Jammu & Kashmir”, she said adding that AoA has incorporated everything which it takes for redressing the issues of the people of the State. “Be it rehabilitation of refugees, opening of cross LoC routes, dialogue, opening of Sharda Peth, compensation of Indus Water Treaty losses, it has everthing in it”, she said while pitching for moving forward on its speedy implementation.

Being a sensitive State, Mehbooba Mufti said, political narrative always over shadows the developmental narrative and as such needed to be looked accordingly. She thanked the Centre for liberal assistance in terms of PMDP or other schemes which are aimed at fast pacing the development of the State. She hoped that soon work would commence on Vailoo-Singhpora tunnel and other tunnels like Sadhna and  Rajdhani are also considered for execution.

Governor, N. N. Vohra; Union Minister for Roads & Highways, Nitin Gadkari; Deputy Chief Minister, Kanvinder Gupta; Union Minister of State for Power, R K Singh; Minister of State in PMO, Dr. Jitendra Singh; Minister for Public Works & Culture, Naeem Akhtar; Minister for Power, Sunil Sharma, other Ministers; former Chief Minister, Dr. Farooq Abdullah; Member Parliament, Muzaffar Hussain Baig; legislators; Chief Secretary, B B Vyas; Director General of Police, Dr. S P Vaid; officers from NHPC, NHAI and State Government were present on the occasion.

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi inaugurated the 330 MW Kishenganga Hyro Electric Project which has come up at a cost of around Rs. 6000 crore. He also laid the foundation of Semi Ring Road project for Srinagar city which is expected to cost Rs. around Rs. 2000 crore.

Earlier, the Prime Minister was received at the Srinagar airport by Governor, N N Vohra; Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti; Deputy Chief Minister, Kanvinder Gupta; Minister for Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Abdul Rehman Veeri; Minister for Revenue, Ghulam Nabi Lone; Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Sham Lal Chaudhary; Chief Secretary, B B Vyas; Director General of Police, Dr. S P Vaid and other senior officers.

23 year old youth tortured and killed by militants in Hajin Bandipora

Body of a youth recovered in Hajin

On the first day of Holy month of Ramzan, dead body of a 23-year-old youth was recovered  from an orchard in Hajin area of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Thursday.Militants yesterday night abducted a person Hilal Ahmad Parray from Hajin area of Bandipora District who was later found dead in a nursery at a nearby locality.

In the intervening night of 16 & 17 May, three to four Pakistan based militants assisted by a local militant Saleem Parray affiliated with the outlawed militant organization LeT forcefully barged inside the house of Abdul Rashid Parray at Parrey Mohalla in Hajin and then abducted his son Hilal Ahmad Parray.

As per the details provided by Abdul Rashid Parray, it was 1130pm when militants appeared at their house and one of the militants believed to be Saleem whose face was covered and was speaking Kashmiri took their son Hilal along. Family members had made attempts to resist the abduction of Hilal but the militants had beaten them ruthlessly and forcibly taken away Hilal.

Later in the wee hours of morning today, the dead body of Hilal was recovered from the nursery at Shakur Din Mohalla. Body of Hilal bore the visible torture and strangulation marks.
Police has launched the investigation in this case.

Militants have been continuously killing the youth in this area for the last a couple of months now after dubbing them as ‘informers’.

Ministers interact with students of Haji Public School

Ministers in Haji Public School Doda

Minister for School Education, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali, Minister for Tourism Tassaduq Hussain Mufti, Advisor to Chief Minister Prof. Amitabh Matoo and Minister of state for Education, and Tourism Shakti Raj Parihar today paid a visit to Haji Public School Breswana, located in a remote mountainous region of district Doda.

DDC Doda Bhawani Rakwal, Director School Education Jammu, SSP Doda Shabir Ahmed khatana, CEO BDA,  ACR Tariq Hussain Naik beside other officers of the district administration were present on the venue.

Dignitaries on their visit interacted with the Director, students and other staff of Haji Public School and enquired about the facilities being provided to them. They advised students to stay focused about their aims and goals and be consistent and work with full dedication.

Students, faculty raised the issues regarding road connectivity, reduction in curtailment of electricity hours, Internet connectivity for the students, availability of doctors, installations of durable dustbins besides timely information on sports competitions.

On the demand of the locals Zulfkar announced upgradtion of Shadivan High School to the level of Higher Secondary and said that improving the quality of education in public schools is priority of the government.

Speaking on the occasion, Zulfkar congratulated the management of Haji Public School for setting an example of providing quality education and discipline with minimum infrastructure & resources.

Minster for Tourism, Tasaduq Husain Mufti called for boosting the Tourism potential of Doda district. He said he will explore the possibilities of tapping the Tourism potential of the area and will ensure the maximum footfall of tourist to these hidden beautiful locations.

Parihar speaking in the occasion congratulated the staff of HPS for uplifting the standard of education and assured every possible help to the management.

He said that providing better road connectivity to Breswana area is his priority and in this regard 16 km road from Kareli to Breswana sanctioned under PMGSY have been completed. He assured the public for completion of Khankoot and Breswana road by next year.

Power shutdown in Jammu due to various development works

Power shutdown

In order to carry out various development works by M/s IRCON International Ltd. under R-APDRP Scheme, the shutdown of 11 KV feeders is being observed.

During the shutdown, the power supply to Babliana and its adjoining areas shall remain affected on May 19 from 9 am to 1 pm.

Similarly, the power supply to Sainik Colony and its adjoining areas shall remain affected on May 18 from 9 am to 1 pm.

Likewise, the power supply to Trikuta Nagar, PHE and its adjoining areas shall remain affected on May 19 from 9 am to 1 pm.

Similarly, the power supply to Satwari, Nai Basti and its adjoining areas shall remain affected on May 19 from 9 am to 1 pm.

Likewise, the power supply to Canal Road, AG Office, Mahesh Pura, Shakti Nagar, Pawan Ice Cream and its adjoining areas shall remain affected on May 18 and 20 from 9 am to 1 pm.

Similarly, the power supply to Canal, Shakti Nagar, Patel Nagar and its adjoining areas shall remain affected on May 19 from 9 am to 1 pm.

Likewise, the power supply to Shakti Nagar, Rajpura, Canal, Krishna Nagar, Dogra Mohalla, Science College, Old University and its adjoining areas shall remain affected on May 18 and 20 from 9 am to 1 pm.

Similarly, the power supply to Toph Sherkhania, Old University campus, Kabir Colony and its adjoining areas shall remain affected on May 21 from 9 am to 1 pm.

Likewise, the power supply to Lower Thather, Kot Bhalwal, Bantalab and its adjoining areas shall remain affected on May 18 from 9 am to 1 pm.

Meanwhile, to carry out the works of laying of HT Cable from Tapping Point at Circular Road to Peerkho upto S/Stn site under Ropeway Project, the shutdown of LT Network of Sub Stations of 11 KV feeder DH-05 emanating from 33/11 KV Receiving Station Dhounthly is being observed.

During the shutdown, the power supply to Jullaka Mohalla, Pacci Dhakki, Circular Road, Peerkho and adjoining areas will remain affected on May 19 from 8 am to 2 pm.

Tassaduq Mufti reviews developmental scenario in Pahalgam

Tasaduq Mufti (File)

Minister for Tourism Tassaduq Hussain Mufti Wednesday convened a meeting of officers to review development works being executed by various agencies in Pahalgam.

MLA Pahalgam Altaf Ahamd Wani, Vice Chairman JKTDC Rafi Ahmad Mir, Secretary Tourism Rigzin Samphel, Chief Executive Officer Pahalgam Development Authority Mushtaq Ahmad Simnani and other officers of Tourism, PDA and district administration attended the meeting.

The Minister stressed upon the need for improved coordination among departments including PDA, PWD R&B, UEED, PHE, PDD, Health, Education and Tourism Department so that targets are achieved within stipulated time.

He said the proposed ‘Pahalgam Master Plan’ needs to be in sync with Court dirtections and in conformity with fragile ecosystem of the area. The Minister directed the concerned for finalizing report within the time period of 40 days.

Mufti took a serious note on various issues which include Filling of River Lidder at Yenner and Nunwan, Widening of Khanabal Pahalgam Road, extraction of River bed material, Plantation at Pahalgam, and issues related to the tourism department in the area. He directed for taking concrete measures to improve the infrastructural and sanitation scenario in the area.

The Minister laid stress on scientific disposal of waste, sanitation and waste segregation process at source, besides activating of Enforcement wing of Municipal Commission Pahalgam for curbing the menace of throwing garbage on the River Bank, road side, and in the Forest area.

He also asked concerned for preparing a road map for various ingenious plant species plantation and causes of Forest fires with remedial measures being taken by the Forest Department to avoid such incidents in future.

Emphasizing on the need for sustainable development without harming ecology, flora and fauna of the area, the Minister directed the concerned officials for taking action against people involved in harming ecology and environment.

He sought details regarding conservation of water reservoirs at Pahalgam and directed the PHE officials for installing mesh type roofing of over water sources without any further delay so that wild animals would not contaminate the drinking water sources.

Besides, directing for furnishing test reports of STP Pahalgam on regular basis, the Minister also sought detailed water quality analysis reports and directed for conducting regular water quality tests to keep check on the quality of drinking water being supplied in the area.

He asked for regular checking of hotel STPs to monitor quality of sewage treatment and management of solid waste.

While seeking details regarding the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report, the Minister said the forests play an important role in preserving the fragile eco-system, biodiversity and natural habitat. He stressed for regulating ponies through specified tracks to avoid shortcuts causing damage to forest habitat.

Besides, keeping check on exorbitant charges by pony wallas, the Minister directed for stopping washing of Vehicles on road sides and River Bank contaminating the water bodies.

Earlier, the Minister visited various schools in the Pahalgam vicinity and directed the concerned officials to strengthen the existing infrastructure in schools.

Later, the Minister also convened a public meeting to interact with the local tourism stockholders and gave patient hearing to the grievances and issues raised by them.

Beauty of Jammu & Kashmir