Govt ‘denials’ on Sainik Colony in Srinagar exposed

Documents of Sainik Board meeting say Div Com Kashmir agreed on 173 kanals Demand then increased to 350 kanals, new proposal sent to Div Com and state Home Dept It is not specified whether proposed colony is meant solely for J&K state subjects The government had not only planned to allow setting up the proposed Sainik Colony – meant for retired and serving army men – around Srinagar airfield, but the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir had actually “agreed” on allotment of 173 kanals (21 acres) of land identified for the colony…

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A day in the life of Kashmiri separatist Syed Ali Shah Geelani, under house arrest

After 5 years of being kept confined to his house, the Hurriyat chairman admits he is “bored”. He may swear by BBC Urdu still, but he is eager to give the new LED set in his room a try. An LED television is installed on the wall opposite the sofa on which Syed Ali Shah Geelani is sitting. “The technician will come tomorrow and set up the cable connection,” Geelani’s deputy Peer Saifullah tells him. “So it is just a showpiece there,” Geelani responds with a smile. The Hurriyat Conference…

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India let flood victims suffer out of vengeance: Gilani

The veteran Hurriyet leader, Syed Ali Gilani has said that India has denied financial assistance to flood-hit Kashmiris out of vengeance. While talking to a delegation from Kashmir Economic Alliance at his Hyderpora residence in Srinagar, Syed Ali Gilani said, “A year has passed since the floods devastated the Kashmir valley but the rulers in New Delhi have made no efforts to rehabilitate the victims. In reality, they want Kashmiris to beg for everything.” according to a statement issued by his forum. He said that puppet chief minister Mohammad Sayeed…

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Kashmiris prime suspects: Delhi Police to hoteliers

In a disturbing trend, Kashmiris visiting New Delhi for any work have to convince the staff in hotels that they are not “terrorists” to get accommodation even for one night. A lobby manager of a reputed hotel in the capital told : “We have been told by Delhi Police to keep vigil on Kashmiris.” Asked why Kashmiris only, he said, “Police believe that Kashmiris are the prime suspects and any of them can be a terrorist.” The Manager, who claimed that he has been in the hotel industry for the…

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A diet to guarantee you good night’s sleep

While we all know that having dinner two hours prior to bed time is the best thing to do, what happens when you feel hungry just before bedtime? Chances are you will have problem going to sleep or you may get up in the middle of the night for a midnight snack. To avoid both the situations it is completely okay to have a sleep inducing snack about an hour before bedtime which will keep you full for the night as well as guarantee a good night’s sleep. As per research,…

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Climate change to make valley vulnerable to malaria, dengue

Rising temperatures due to climate change will increase the spread of deadly vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue especially in the Himalayan region, experts said here on Friday while emphasising there was an urgent need to “strengthen” the country’s health infrastructure. Speaking at a conference on “Climate change and health risks” organised by the French Embassy in partnership with the Council on Energy, Environment and Water in the lead-up to the Paris Climate Change Conference (COP21), Ramesh Dhiman, scientist at the National Institute of Malaria Research, said the Himalayan region…

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Govt shelves Pediatric Hospital plan

The J&K government has decided to abandon constructing a 500-bedded pediatric hospital in Srinagar and instead construct two floors for children’s healthcare at the new Maternity Hospital in Bemina here. The decision to shelve the project midway has been taken in a recently-held cabinet meeting, sources said, following which an order has also been issued to this effect. “Sanction is accorded to the construction of additional two floors over the upcoming Maternity Hospital at Bemina through R&B Department at a cost of Rs 25 crore instead of construction of new…

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‘Kashmir is an Untouched Goldmine for Tourism’

Muzaffar Andrabi has travelled to over 60 countries and yearns to use his vast experience in tourism sector to promote scenic beauty and rich culture of his homeland for attracting tourists. He has spent years in the most rugged and remote areas in Trans-Siberia or Trans-Himalayas and is amongst the popular tour directors who led groups through Silk Route all the way to Kashgar. He was stationed in South Africa— chasing the beautiful Cheetahs and travelled the corners of Madagascar with wild life enthusiasts counting 3000 different kinds of butterflies…

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JKFA suspends 13 players over ‘misconduct’ charges

The J&K Football Association (JKFA) has suspended around 13 players and officials during last one month for their ‘alleged’ misconduct during matches even as the suspended players and officials say they were not given a chance to present their cases. The football governing body has issued the suspension orders through its social media page alleging that the suspended parties resorted to misconduct during matches of various football leagues. The suspended include, JK bank coach Manzoor Dar (2 matches), Mansoor Parray and Zameer ul Hassan of JK Forest (2 matches), Imran…

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Pak wants meaningful dialogue with India: Sharif

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Sunday told US National Security Advisor Susan Rice that Pakistan wants a “meaningful” and “objective” dialogue with India on all outstanding issues, amid reports that she is here on an “emergency visit” in the wake of Indo-Pak border tensions. In his meeting with Rice, Sharif, while talking about ties with India, informed the US delegation the reasons behind the cancellation of talks between NSAs of India and Pakistan, Dawn News reported. Sharif said Pakistan wants to hold a “meaningful” and “objective” dialogue on all…

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