Doctors forget gauze in patient’s abdomen, recover it a year later

Srinagar, Dec 25:

A fierce encounter on Wednesday evening broke out between militants and forces at Chadoora area in central Kashmir’s Budgama district.Official sources told Global News Service that acting on a tip off, a joint team of Army’s 53 Rashtriya Rifles and Special Operation Group (SOG) of police cor-doned off Hushroo Village of Chadoora area.As the joint team intensi-fied the combing opera-tions, the militants hid-ing inside the residential house of Nazir Ahmad Dar in the village opened fire upon forces, triggering a gun-battle, reports said.A militant was reportedly injured during the initial gunfight which is still go-ing on. Top LeT command-er among two militants believed to be under trap, sources said.Meanwhile, extra deploy-ment of 35 RR and CRPF

were rushed to the area to assist the joint team in car-rying out the operation.Fire tenders have been brought in the area, even as the operation has been suspended due to dark-ness, official sources said.A defence spokesperson told GNS that on the ba-sis of specific intelligence input army’s 53 RR and police cordoned off the area at 4:15 pm today and around 4:30 militants holed inside a residential house opened heavy fire upon the joint team. “The fire was retaliated ensuing a fierce gunbattle.”“The operation was sus-pended late in the evening due to darkness and will be resumed tomorrow”, he added.Earlier in the day army and SOG launched series of search operations at Ichkote, Manpapi and its adjoining areas to nab the militants who managed to escape during a brief

See Gunfight on Pg. 11

Islamic banking has tremendous scope in J&K: JK Bank chairman

Srinagar, Dec 25:

The Jammu and Kashmir Bank chairman Mushtaq Ahmad on Wednesday said there is a huge scope for Islamic banking in the state but the concept needs to be understood in its right perspec-tive and the permission for the facility has to come from the Re-serve Bank of India (RBI). Talking to KNS, the JK Bank chairman observed: “I believe there is a huge scope for Islamic banking in the state but it needs to be understood in its right per-spective. It is a regulatory issue and as such permission has to come from the RBI for which the Parliament has to enact law.”He said that as of now, the JK Bank is governed by Banking Regulations Act which deals only with interest bearing bank-ing and regulatory issues.When asked about the reason behind Bank’s growth that too in a tumultuous situation pre-

vailing in Jammu and Kashmir, the chairman said there are many reasons for the spectacular growth story of the Bank.Mr Ahmad however, attributed the growth of the Bank to what he called leading two-- a dedicat-ed human resource base and the phenomenal element of trust and confidence of customers, espe-cially those hailing from Jammu and Kashmir in the bank.“It is simply exceptional and transcends monetary transac-tions. They consider it as their own bank, their ambassador and the catalyst of their economic transformation. And, this is pre-cisely what J&K Bank is,” he ob-served further.Asked how far the Bank has been able how far has the bank been able to implement its principle of ‘socially empowering bank-ing’, the chairman JK Bank re-marked: “It is not something we claim, it is something we have all along been delivering. Transfor-

mation on the ground speaks for our performance on this count. Our focused attention on finan-cial inclusion, entrepreneurship development and special region-al economic sectors like Handi-crafts, Horticulture and Tourism has been an outstanding contri-bution to empower people.”The Apple Project, he said is an example to quote where we have expanded our base and curbed exploitation. “The total credit to grass-root growers has already exceeded Rs.1450 cr. The Bank has also sped-up its financing to the critical support structure like CA stores, which extend shelf-life of apples to 10-12 months, to help and sustain the small apple growers in the process. As part of the project, we have also entered into an agreement with SKUAST-K for providing modern scientific practices to apple growers.”He added that the Bank also intend to cover the

artisans. “And off late, Project Dastkar has been launched and finance to the tune of Rs.500 Cr stands already sanctioned in fa-vour of the artisans and crafts-m e n involved in

v a r i o u s t r a d i -tional

See Banking

on Pg. 11

Srinagar, Dec 25:

The Jammu and Kash-mir High Court has asked the government to appoint a committee which should include a judicial officer detect the violations in Sri-nagar Master Plan. The said committee has been asked to come up with its report before the High Court.In an order passed here today, a double bench of the High Court compris-ing of Chief Justice M M Kumar and Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey has censured Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) for shielding its indolence.The court said that SMC may be exhibiting tip of the iceberg. “It, there-fore, becomes necessary to have a cross check of

the violations brought to the notice of this Court by the Municipal Corpo-ration as also to detect the actual number and extent of such violations. In order to achieve that objective, we propose to appoint a committee comprising of a reputed Government Officer, a retired Judicial Officer of the rank of Principal Dis-trict and Sessions Judge and a member of civil society of good repute, who shall undertake the exercise of detection of such violations in the city and make a report to this Court,” reads the order passed by the High Court.The court mentioned about the violations in Srinagar Master Plan in detail observing that it wonders whether all these violations could

have taken place without the connivance of, and patronage by, the officers and staff of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation, particularly those who are, or were, posted in these respective areas designated by the Mu-nicipal Corporation as Wards and Zones. “It is not the case of the Cor-poration that such huge structures have come up overnight. It is not indi-cated anywhere what im-mediate actions were ini-tiated by the Field Staff under law to prevent such violations.” “Certainly these illegal constructions must have been raised within the knowledge and active connivance of the con-cerned field staff of the Corporation, and, may be, for ulterior motives.

See High Court on Pg. 11

Srinagar, Dec 25:

The Congress on Wednes-day termed 1975--Indira-Abdullah Accord as a final substantiation of Jammu and Kashmir’s relation with the Union of India.While talking to KNS, se-nior Congress leader and deputy chief minister Tara Chand, scoffed of the Na-tional Conference (NC) for squawking about Autono-my for Jammu and Kash-mir, saying the 1975 accord was reached between the towering leadership of Jam-mu and Kashmir and the country.“Late Indira Ji and Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah were tall leaders of the state and the country and they repre-sented the will of people. So the accord reached between them in 1975 is full and final which leaves no justifica-tion for seeking any further concessions,” the senior

Congress leader told KNS.Few agreed conclusions of the 1975 accord included that Jammu and Kashmir shall, in its relation with the Union, continue to be governed by Article 370. According to this accord, Parliament will make laws

preventing activities di-rected towards questioning sovereignty and territorial integrity of India.The agreement also said the provisions of the Con-stitution of India already applied to the State of Jam-mu and Kashmir without

adaptation or modifica-tions are unalterable. This agreement was reached be-tween the two leaders after Late Abdullah’s 22 years of estrangement from main-stream politics.On pre poll alliance be-tween his party and the National Conference for the forthcoming parliamentary elections, Mr Chand told KNS that Congress being a national party and its deci-sions are taken by the high command in Delhi. “So far I think no formal decision has been taken in this re-gard.”The deputy chief minister was also optimistic that Congress will emerge as single largest party in the forthcoming assembly elec-tions in the state. Asked about the performance of the present dispensation, the deputy chief minister said: “As far as I know we

See Congress on Pg. 11

News Delhi, Dec 25:

Army today ordered court mar-tial proceedings against six of its men including two officers, for their alleged involvement in the 2010 Machchil fake encoun-ter case that had triggered a two month long agitation in the Kashmir valley. Army sources said, court martial proceedings have been initiated against the accused personnel.Sources said those who are fac-ing proceedings include Col D.K. Pathania, Commanding Officer (Co) of Rajput Regi-ment, Major Upinder and four of its men.On April 30, 2010, the Army had claimed that they had killed three infiltrators in the Mach-chil sector along the Line of Control. It had later claimed

that they were Pakistani terror-ists. However, the victims were later identified as residents of Nadihal in Baramulla district. They were allegedly lured to a border area and shot dead.Meanwhile, the National Con-ference today welcomed the court martial proceedings or-dered by Army against six of its men for their alleged involve-ment in 2010 Machchil fake en-counter case that had triggered a two month-long agitation in the Valley."We welcome this step but we strongly feel that the proceed-ings and the results should be made transparent so that there is no scope for any allegation or feeling of a cover up," Na-tional Conference spokesman and political secretary to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Tan-

vir Sadiq said while talking to KNS."Some people may have brought a bad name but army is an institution which has brought laurels to the country and we expect exemplary pun-ishment to the alleged accused officers without any further de-lay," Sadiq told KNS"The way army is approaching the case, we believe it provides an opportunity to rebuild trust in the institution where the trust has been seriously dam-aged with this incident by some men In uniform," he said, add-ing National Conference feels that it will be a positive devel-opment if the accused officers are not only thrown out of their jobs but also punished for such a crime.It is pertinent to mention that

On 30 April 2010, the army had claimed that they had killed three infiltrators in the Mach-chil sector along the Line of Control. It had later claimed that they were Pakistani ter-rorists.Former Interlocutor, Dilip Pad-gounkar Wednesday welcomed the decision of Indian Army stationed in Kashmir to order court martial of six soldiers, in-cluding two officers, involved in the killing of three youth of Nadihal Baramulla in a fake encounter at LoC at Machil in Kupwara district of North Kashmir on April 30 in 2010. ‘Justice delayed is justice denied. I feel that Army has done a good job by indicting its soldiers and this will help in re-storing confidence and faith

See Army on Pg. 11

Srinagar, Dec 25:

In what mocks at the healthcare system and competence of medicos in Kashmir valley, doc-tors at a sub-district hospital forgot gauze in the abdomen of a female patient causing life-threatening infec-tion to her.41-year-old Hajra Begum of Ganai Mo-halla was admitted to sub-district hospital Sogam in north Kash-mir’s Kupwara district in June last year after she complained of la-bour pain.At the hospital, the female patient, fam-ily sources told Global News Service was ex-amined by a doctor on duty.On June 20, Hajra gave birth to a baby boy af-

ter the doctors at the hospital performed a major surgery upon her.“Over a month later, my wife developed complications. I took her to the same hos-pital where the same doctor prescribed her some medicines and assured her that she will recover perfectly” Hajra’s husband, Gh-ulam Mohammad Ga-nai told GNS.“However, my wife’s condition deteriorated. On January, 1, 2013 my wife developed unbear-able pain in abdomen. I took her to the hospital again and the doctor there prescribed USG test,” he added.According to Gan-nai after the USG test showed the presence

See Doctor on Pg. 11

CMYK

CMYK

CMYK

CMYK

THURSDAY December 26 | 2013 | 22 Safar 1435 AH | PAGES 12 | VOL NO: 3 | ISSUE NO: 329 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 PAISA)Pen For JusticeLargely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&K

Army orders court martial against 6 soldiers including 2 officers

http://www.zabarwantimes.com

WEATHER

TEMPERATUREMAXIMUM MINIMUMSUNSET ON(WED)SUNRISE ON (THURSDAY)

05:25 pm07:32 am

0.6 0C7.1 0C

FORECAST FOR NEXT 24 HRS:

FORECAST OF SRINAGAR:

Weather will be mainly dry over the state.

Mainly clear Sky to Partly cloudy Sky. Maximum & Minimum temperatures will be around11°C & -1°C respectively.

1975-Indira-Sheikh accord full and final: Congress

High Court orders for appointment of committee on Master Plan Violations

Runs faster than Metro Bus

Inaugurates MLA T-20 Tournament in Uri

See More On Page 06 See More On Page 07

See More On Page 10See More On Page 08

Women forbidden to use

mobile phone in Bihar

Vaccination can prevent

Pneumonia

Inside story

On Edit Page

Indo-Pak relations breathe a fresh air

The meeting of Directors General operations of India and Pakistan and their subsequent decision to continue with the ceasefire agree-ment on LOC besides

Govt working to make J&K a developed, prosperous State

Reiterating the Governments’ commitment to ensure equitable development in all three regions of the State, the Minister for Higher Education¸ Mr. Moham-mad Akbar Lone has said that government is working

See More On Pg 10

See More On Pg 9

Another gunfight in Budgam Village Macchil Fake encounter case

High Command will decide on pre-poll alliance: Tara ChandSrinagar, Dec 25:

A Kashmiri family Wednes-day alleged that their schol-ar son who had gone to pursue higher education to Pakistan under SAARC ex-change program has faced humiliation’ at the hands of his guide there. Muhammad Yousuf Khan from Soibugh area of Cen-tral Kashmir’s Budgam district told Srinagar based news gathering agency CNS that at a time when a female Pakistani student got laurels from Kashmiri people for her successful completion of her degree, his son Ishrat Naveed faced humiliation at the hands of his supervisor Dr Tariq Mehmood, Assistant Pro-fessor, Department of Plant Sciences, Qaud-i-Azam Uni-versity of Pakistan. “My son had left the Val-ley a few years back to pur-sue his cherished dream of completing Ph D in Bio-Technology. He chose

See Scholars on Pg. 11

Kashmiri Scholar ‘harassed’ in

Pakistan

Canines maul 4 years old boy to death Srinagar, Dec 25: Protests erupted in North Kashmir’s Uri town on Wednesday after the death of a four years old boy who was mauled by dogs on Tuesday evening. Reports said that Sahil Afghan had bruatally attacked by a pack of canines on Tuesday evening when he was present in his courtyard at his Uranbua hamlet. The boy succumbed to his injuries Wednesday afternoon. As the word about his death spread in the town, scores of agitated protestors blocked Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road and raised slogans against the Government. The protestors while holding Indian Army's 214 artillery camp responsible for the death of the child alleged that canines are being raised as pets by soldiers of a local camp, the al-legation denied by police. The protestors demanded the immediate removal of local army camp and said that many such incidents occurred in past which went unnoticed. A police official told CNS that some stray dogs had attacked the boy who as a result died in the hospital.

Mehbooba welcomes DGMOs meet Srinagar, Dec 25 (KNS): Wel-coming the recent meet of the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan, who held face-to-face talks for the first time in 14 years at the Wagah border, President Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) Mehbooba Mufti Wednesday said that the meet should have happened much earlier.Talking to KNS, Mehbooba

See Mehbooba on Pg. 11

Still out of form, fails in

domestic cricket also

JAMMU, DECEMBER 25

Minister of State for Ani-mal and Sheep Husbandry, PHE, Irrigation and Flood Con-trol, Mr. Nazir Ahmed Gurezi today inaugurated Heifer Shed completed and constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 15 lakh and one day training pro-gramme on benefits of rear-ing cum breeding cows and buffalos at Pounichak. He also launched Liquid Nitrogen (LN2) Tanker costing Rs. 42 lakh for preservation and transporta-tion of bull semen for on the spot breeding of livestock in ru-ral areas.Speaking on the occa-sion, the Minister said that the aim of the training programme is to educate the farmers about the scientific methods of cattle breeding production of milk, wool and mutton. He said there was a needc to organize such training programmes at

block levels to aware farmers about the policies and the pro-grammes of the Government besides latest technologies ad-opted by the Animal and Sheep Husbandry Departments with regard to increase the livestock in the state. Highlighting the achievements registered by the department under animal sector, Mr. Gurezi said that improvement is witnessed in mutton, milk, poultry and wool production hoping that by adopting latest techniques the state would soon thrive in cattle farming. He said it is for the first time in Jammu divi-sion that the department has fixed a target of giving away 22000 cows this year to the interested farmers on subsidy rates. He said due to efforts of the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the depart-ment of Animal Husbandry has introduced 26 Veterinary

mobile centers during the current year in Jammu divi-sion. He said by establishing these centers farmers are able to get veterinary services for livestock at their door steps. Recalling the contribution of Shier-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mo-hammad Abdullah towards the growth of Animal and Sheep Husbandry sector in the state, Mr. Gurezi said that his role will be remembered for ever. Speaking on the occa-sion, MLA, Mohare, Mr. Abdul Gani Malik highlighted the achievements of the Govern-ment and asked the farmers to avail the benefits of interven-tion schemes in agriculture horticulture and cattle farm-ing. He said Animal and Sheep Husbandry is the back bone of the economy of the State adding if adopted on scientific lines it can generate huge em-ployment opportunities.

KATHUA, DECEMBER 25

Minister of State for Finance & Planning, Fisheries and Cooperatives, Dr Manohar Lal Sharma inaugurated ad-ditional accommodation of Government High School Galak in Tehsil Billawar, to-day, completed at an esti-mated cost of 18 lac. SDM Billawar besides senior officers of various departments was present on the occasion. Speaking on the oc-casion, Dr Sharma said that the initiatives taken by the present Govern-ment are aimed to ensure over all development of the State. He said Govern-ment is committed to take the development works to their villages, adding that the developmental plans framed will benefit all sec-

tion of society living in ur-ban, rural and hilly areas of the State. The Minister called upon the Panches and Sar-panches to extend every help to the administration for ensuring timely com-pletion of development projects started in their re-spective panchayat halqas. He said that enormous funds under MGNREGA have been earmarked for Billawar and appealed peo-ple to be a part of the de-velopment process which guarantees work and de-velopment simultaneously. Responding to the demands of the people, the Minister said that 2nd stage of Galak -Rajwalta will be taken up shortly, added that the blacktop-ping work on the Rajwal-ta-Gharyal road will be

started when temperature improves in the region. He assured people that health Centre for the Galak will be set up while asked Sarpanches concerned to identify the land for the Tube-well. He assured that a Common Facility Centre (CFC) will also be set up in the area shortly.On the oc-casion various deputations met the Minister and ap-prised him about their de-mands.Tadral demanded road connectivity, drinking water, while Ghown people demanded hand pumps. Sarpanch of Galak and Jasial demanded community hall facility for the panchayat besides funds for the repair of lanes and drains, dispos-al of pending widow, old age pension cases. He also demanded construction of a Park in the area.

Gurezi inaugurates Rs.15 lakh Heifer Shed, farmer training

programme at Pounichak

Dr Manohar inaugurates school building, listens public

demands at Galak, Billawar

Thursday, december | 26 | 2013Daily ZABARWAN TIMES NEWS

Focus on tourism aimed at extending employment avenues

Here’s a day when some long-awaited attention or rec-ognition comes your way. You’re finished with the hassles you experienced during the past month and have entered a calmer period. Those who could recently only criticize can’t find enough words to praise you. Take the compliments at face value. There’s nothing wrong with being happy with yourself.

This will be a day of reflection. While you may be tempt-ed to look back and think about how far you’ve come, your time would be better spent thinking about what the future has in store. You’ve entered a period of rethinking both your identity and objectives. These aren’t small matters. You’ll need every ounce of energy at your disposal to make it through this time of transition.

This would be an ideal day to take extra care of your body. Don’t kid yourself that those back problems will go away. Ditto that pain in your knee. Make an appointment with a doctor or physical therapist. It won’t hurt you to set aside your responsibilities for one day. This is important.

You may have recently modified the material aspects of your life. Was it sufficient to stop there? More profound changes might be in order. Take a look at what motivated you to create the life you’re living now. Pay special attention to the choices you’ve made in your profession. Are you sure you’re doing what you were meant to do? Are you using your talents to the fullest?

This will be a great day to meditate. You may be dissat-isfied because your various projects have yet to take form. You’re impatient, but who wouldn’t be? This waiting period has lasted for about two months but will soon end. The plan-etary energy asks you to consider only what is essential for you. Don’t start new projects based on anything superfluous.

Today promises to be excellent, but don’t go overboard. You might be tempted to think that your minor financial dif-ficulties are already behind you. Alas, they are not. What you do today provides the blueprint for your future. Continued efforts to stabilize your behavior will provide the security you desire for the future.

This will be a day rich in reflection. You’re able to observe what’s going around you while still retaining some distance. Other people’s ambitions will amuse you as they play their parts more like caricatures than real people. Stepping back like this benefits you greatly. You should do it more often.

You’re in the home stretch now. Kiss your worries good-bye. Your efforts pay off as people listen to your advice and try to please you. Although certain details in your love life still need to be worked out, it’s safe to coast for a while. You’ve spent months in this process of self-transformation and you deserve a little rest.

Your life seems to revolve around human contact. You’re an outgoing, cheerful, engaging conversationalist who en-joys bringing people together, but lately you’ve been yearn-ing to be alone. Today don’t ignore any urge you feel for soli-tude. Even though it’s an unusual need for you, it’s still valid and you should honor it.

Sometimes friends become your real family. Your friend-ships are deeper and more enduring than you realize. Many people are eager to give their help, so why are you reluctant to receive it? Haven’t you been the one promoting the bene-fits of warm, sincere friendships? Today makes you aware of your talents and reinforces how important friendships are.

You’ve made it over the hump. You’ve moved beyond the problems of the recent past and you’re entering a more peaceful phase. You’ll soon complete your projects at work. Your domestic life will be the picture of bliss and harmony. Enjoy this period of rest and relaxation because it will be followed by a period of intense longing that requires your total attention.

The outlook for today is excellent. The somewhat oppres-sive atmosphere of the past few days inspires you to change your surroundings and visit new places. Why not plan a little trip? All signs indicate that this is the best time to plan such an adventure. If you delay, you’ll be stuck in the same old routine again.

KUPWARA, DECEMBER 25:-

Saying that government’s com-mitment has improved the socio-economic conditions of the people living in far flung and remote areas, the Minister for CAPD and Trans-port, Ch. Mohammad Ramzan today maintained that comprehensive projects are under way for the de-velopment of Handwara Constitu-ency.

The Minister was address-ing a large gathering at Shogpora Magam village of Handwara Con-stituency.

Ch. Ramzaan said that upliftment of people living in back-ward and remote areas received fo-cussed attention in the planning and development process. He said the government is monitoring the de-velopment and upliftment of back-ward pockets and weaker sections

of the society very closely. The Minister said that

empowering common people to as-

certain from the government about its every action and performance is the governments’ endeavor, adding

that through this ini-tiative the government succeeded to ensure good-governance and transparency besides providing basic ame-nities at the door steps of the people curbing corruption to a large extent in the State.

He said that the up-gradation of existing infrastructure to improve basic ser-vices to the people has been prioritized which includes improved road connectivity, bet-ter transport, drink-ing water, education, health and ensuring welfare of common

masses. Referring to the pace of ex-

ecution of developmental projects, the Minister said that construction of bypass road, establishment of in-dustrial estate various developmen-tal projects are underway on which Rs 40 crore are being spent on these projects.

He also said in Magam area Rs 25 lakh have been spent on 39 Rural works under Rural devel-opmental scheme while as Rs 22 crore are being spent on execution of 32 water supply schemes in the Constituency. As many as Rs. 1 crore has been estimated for construction of Khanpora nallah.

The Minister said that various projects have been taken in hand for bringing Bungus on tour-ism map so that the tourists from various countries could be motivat-ed to visit these areas during tourist season, aimed at extending employ-ment avenues to the local youth.

BANDIPORA, DECEMBER 25:

Reiterating the Governments’ com-mitment to ensure equitable develop-ment in all three regions of the State, the Minister for Higher Education¸ Mr. Mohammad Akbar Lone has said that government is working to make Jam-mu and Kashmir a developed and pros-perous State besides improving the socio-economic status of the people.

Addressing a large gathering of people at Banyari in Sum-bal Constituency, the Minister said that massive develop-ment has taken place in all vital sectors during the past five years, adding that common people are witnessing per-ceptible change at the grass root level. He said that the Government’s main focus was on the up-gradation of ex-isting infrastructure to improve basic services of the people which includes road connectivity, drinking water, edu-

cation, health and ensuring welfare.Regarding employment, the Min-

ister said that Government has been making all out efforts to absorb more and more unemployed youth in various jobs in Government as well as private sector, for which job awareness camps are being organized for the benefits

of youth. He asked educated youth to avail benefits of various government initiated employment schemes. “In fu-ture, too, such efforts will continue and opportunities for the youth in different sectors will be created” he added.

The Minister asked the people to

come forward to strengthening demo-cratic setup besides extending cooper-ation to the Government in maintain-ing peace imperative for development. He cautioned people against the ne-farious designs of vested interests and asked them to remain united and fail their plans, he added.

Describing pres-ent regime the golden era, Akbar Lone said that the development initiatives under-taken by Chief Minister; Mr. Omar Abdullah lead co-alition has transformed the development sce-nario of the State.

Public representa-tives, officers of vari-ous departments and a large number of people from different parts of Sonawari Constituency

were present on the occasion.Later, the Minister inspected on-

going developmental works coming up in the Sonawari Tehsil. He directed the concerned executing agencies to maintain quality standards strictly as per the set specifications.

KUPWARA, DECEMBER 25:

Minister for Sports and Medical Education, Mr. Taj Mohi-ud-Din today inaugurated MLA T-20 Cricket Tournament at Boniyar in Uri Tehsil in a function organised by Sports department.

On this occasion, the Minister said that the youth of the Uri Tehsil have vast talent in sports activities and the government is committed for providing better infrastructure in sports field to them. He said that government is keen interested for promotion of sports in far flung area of the state. He said that an indoor and outdoor stadia are under construction in Chehal Uri while as the construction of further two stadia of Kalgi and Prempala Uri are underway, the Minister added and work on these projects would be taken soon. These projects would facilitate to the 100 regis-tered teams of the Tehsil.

The Minister said that youth will be able to compete at National and International sports

G. A. Mir laments on death of Prof Ghulam Ali

JAMMU, DECEMBER 25: Minister for Tourism, Mr. Ghulam Ahmad Mir has expressed grief and sorrow over the demise of Prof Ghulam Ali Wani, father of Managing Director, JKTDC, Mr. Shamim Wani.Prof Ghulam Ali, after brief illness, passed away at Jammu on Tuesday.In his condolence message, Mir expressed sympathy and solidarity with Shamim Wani and bereaved fam-ily. He prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and courage to the bereaved family to bear this loss.

Taj inaugurates MLA T20 tournament in Uri

Shabir, Kafail inaugurate Pahari girls hostel at Rajouri

First Ever J&K Women Artist Camp Concludes; participants

praise Academy’s venture

Govt working to make J&K a developed, prosperous State: Lone

Massive projects underway for dev of Handwara constituency: Ramzan

RAJOURI, DECEMBER 25:

Minister of State for Health, Mr. Shabir Ahmad Khan and Vice-Chairman of State Advisory Board for Development of Pahari Speaking People, Kafeel-ur-Rehman today inaugurated Government girls’ hostel for Pahari students at Rajouri.

The hostel, housed in a rented building, would accommodate 50 students especially from remote areas of the district to facilitate them to pursue their higher education at the district head quarter.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Shabir said that the land for construction of hostel building has been identified and the con-struction work of the hostel building would be taken up after completion of all neces-sary formalities.

He reiterated the governments’ full support to the Pahari speaking people for Schedule Tribe (ST) status for which pro-posal has already been recommended by the State Government to the Centre for ap-proval adding that the matter is pursuing

vigorously to confer this status to this com-munity for their fast socio-economic trans-formation. He said that by providing hostel facilities, the students would also prove beneficial in their academic success.

Mr. Kafil-ul- Rehman said that justice to all sections of the society and equitable de-velopment across the State is Government’s benchmark. He said the Government is striving in the direction of getting ST status to Pahari speaking people besides their all-round development.

He assured that the development of all sections of the society was equally dear to Omar led Government. He said lot of new welfare schemes have been launched for weaker, downtrodden, SC, ST, Gujjar, Baker-wals and the people of Pahari community living in the far flung and remote areas. He said the Government had raised the grants of Pahari Board from Rs 2.40 crores to over Rs 14 crores and is committed to extend all possible assistance to the Board to accom-plish its agenda of holistic development of this section of the society.

JAMMU, December 25-

The first ever Women Artists Workshop, organized by Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture & Languages(JKAACL), here con-cluded today marked by deep sense of ap-preciation by the participating young women artists drawn from two divisions of Jammu and Kashmir.

Conducted by Sunanda Khajuria, Jammu born freelance painter based in New Delhi, the workshop provided an opportu-nity to young artists to work together and exchange concepts, working methods as also strengthen their resolve to continue the pur-suit of creative painting despite.

The participating artists included be-sides Sunanda Khajuria, Massarat Mehboob, Shahana Parveen, Siresh, Shakti Kumari, An-uradha Devi, Nusrat Zahoor Shah, Renu Bala and Jitendra Kour.

Today’s function was attended by well known artists and teachers including Harsh Vardhan, Rohit Verma, Bhushan Kesar

and Dr Sanajy Sharma. Number of art stu-dents and members of civil society were also present. Speaking on the occasion, Khalid Bashir Ahmad, Secretary Academy, respond-ing to encouraging response said that the workshop would be made an annual feature so that young women artists from different parts of the state get a chance work togeth-er in the presence of artists of international and national exposure. He said that JKAACL would hold more of such programmes in future to promote contemporary visual art in the state.Dr Lalit Gupta, art historian and resource person also spoke on the occasion.

Earlier, the morning session featured Sunanda Khajuria’s presentation of works done during foreign residencies in countries like Italy, Tanzania, Russia, South Korea, China etc and how these have helped her to evolve her pictorial language and technique. It was followed by presentation on Indian Contem-porary Art and Feminism, by Aditi Gupta, research scholar in visual arts at Jawahar Lal Nehru University, New Delhi.