Day: March 1, 2017

Schools reopen today after 8 Months across Kashmir

Editor

Schools had to be shut, following protests by locals and clashes with security forces in retaliation to Hizbul commander’s killing on July 8. All schools in Kashmir reopened today after an on and off break for eight months, due to the unrest the Valley found itself in after Burhan Wani’s encounter. Schools had to be shut, following protests by locals and clashes with security forces in retaliation to Hizbul commander’s killing on July 8. Midway the protests, over 19 schools were torched by assailants, after which a complete clampdown was…

Read More

Shadow of ‘Failed Plans’ on Jammu Master Plan-2032

Editor

Implementation needs political will, curbing of illegal construction Though the long-pending approval to the Master Plan-2032 by the state Cabinet recently has generated hope among the inhabitants of the temple city of major infrastructure rejig during the next decade, the legacy of ‘failed master plans’ since 1974 could cast its shadow on the ambitious projects. The first 20-year plan for Jammu was announced in 1978 and another one in 2004 but the city has emerged as most unplanned city in north India due to corruption, lack of foresight on the…

Read More

LAWDA demolishes huts within Nigeen Lake

Editor

Continuing with the demolition drive, Lakes and Waterways Development Authority through its Enforcement Wing demolished three wooden huts which were raised illegally at Nigeen Lake in brazen violation of High Court directions. During the demolition drive, one squad member got injured. Meanwhile, the Lakes and Waterways Development Authority has warned the people against raising illegal structures in and around the Dal and Nigeen lakes. Despite repeated warnings, people are trying to raise illegal constructions around the Dal and Nigeen lakes. LAWDA has asked them not to raising such constructions and…

Read More

Efforts being made to improve connectivity in J&K: Modi

Editor

Efforts are being made by the Government of India (GoI) to improve connectivity and infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Tuesday. He talked about the efforts while interacting with a group of over 100 youth and children from state who are currently touring different parts of India as part of the initiative “Watan Ko Jaano.” The youth and children asked a number of questions to the Prime Minister on themes such as infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir, sports facilities in the state, education and employment…

Read More

Newly installed Bailey bridge at Mehjoor Nagar thrown open

Editor

After mounting public pressure, government on Tuesday afternoon opened the newly installed Bailey bridge at Mehjoor Nagar for vehicular movement. The Mehjoor Nagar bridge was closed on February 7 for vehicular movement after one of its supporting pillars had collapsed. The closure of the bridge had triggered protests for several days by people living in adjoining areas forcing the authorities to provide alternative to the closed bridge. Sources said that the Bailey bridge was thrown open for public after its completion on the directions from R&B Minister Naeem Akhtar. “There…

Read More

Parvez Rasool defends himself after national anthem row

Editor

Jammu and Kashmir cricket all-rounder Parvez Rasool on Tuesday defended himself against criticism for chewing gum when the national anthem was played before a Twenty20 International (T20I) cricket match between India and England, saying sports should not be involved in politics. The 28-year-old, who made his T20I debut in Kanpur last month, was criticised when a video showed Rasool chewing gum when the national anthem was being played. “Let cricketers play cricket and don’t involve them into politics unnecessarily. I try to keep my focus on the game and don’t…

Read More

When scores of protesters were killed in twin massacres in Srinagar: March 1, 1990

Editor

Memories of the killings carried out by Army at Zakoora Crossing and Tengpora in the city outskirts 27 years ago are still fresh in the minds of the eyewitnesses and survivors of the tragedy. More than 40 unarmed civilians were killed and dozens more injured when the Army soldiers fired indiscriminately on protesters on March 1, 1990. Two massacres in a day on March 1, 1990 left 26 dead in Zakoora and 21 at Tengpora Bypass, as per the reports. The Zakoora massacre was carried out when protesters were on…

Read More

Don’t fall prey to unregistered tour operators, pilgrims told

Editor

The Divisional Administration, Kashmir, has asked aspiring Muslim pilgrims to avoid getting attracted to advertisements and announcements from unregistered Haj and Umrah operators, which facilitate travel to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. The advisory, which was issued yesterday by the office of the Divisional Administration, Kashmir, warned the intending pilgrims “not to get attracted” to unregistered Haj and Umrah operators. “Complaints have been received that certain unregistered tour operators are announcing packages for Haj and Umrah through various advertisements in newspapers,” the Divisional Administration said in a statement.…

Read More

Highway travel set to ease; Nashri tunnel opening this month

Editor

Qazigund-Banihal tunnel next year Chairman, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Yudhvir Singh Malik, called on JK Minister for Works Naeem Akhtar here today to review the progress of upgradation of Srinagar-Jammu highway and other key road communication projects in the State. The Minister was informed that the 9.50 KM long Chenani-Nashri tunnel, which is an engineering marvel, is in the final stage of testing and certification. Once the testing and certification is complete, the tunnel could be opened anytime soon. “If everything goes well, the tunnel could be inaugurated…

Read More

High Court constitutes five teams to inspect condition of roads across valley

Editor

The J&K High Court has set up five teams of lawyers to act as court commissioners and report about the condition of highways and roads from north to south Kashmir. The teams have been asked to present their respective reports in March while the matter has been posted for consideration in the first week of April. These orders were passed today by a division bench of Justice Sudhakar Ramalingam and Justice Tashi Rabstan in a PIL about the condition of highways in Kashmir. The lawyers’ teams have been constituted in…

Read More