Day: May 25, 2017

Reports about death of 38 students in Poonch mishap a hoax, Magisterial probe ordered

Editor

The news reports of the death of more than 38 students from Rajouri district in a road mishap near Pir Ki Gali in Poonch district, created panic in Manjakot, Rajouri and other major towns on Thursday. However, it turned out to be a hoax later, much to the relief of people who were fervently praying for the safety of the children. The initial information, which was also confirmed by the Rajouri Deputy Commissioner, said a bus carrying students from Gareeb Nawaz School, Manjakot, for a picnic at Pir Ki Gali…

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Saudi Arabia to start Ramadan on Saturday

Editor

The Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan is due to begin Saturday in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, religious authorities in both countries announced. The announcements came after religious authorities in the two Gulf Arab countries failed to sight the crescent moon today night, state media reported. The Sunni mufti of Lebanon, Abdullatif Deryan, also announced that Saturday would be the start of Ramadan. There was no immediate announcement from other Muslim countries in the Middle East and North Africa. During Ramadan, Muslims around the world abstain from…

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‘Human shield’ approaches rights panel, Separatists call for Friday protests against the act

Editor

Describes Commendation Certificate to Maj Nitin Gogoi ‘illegal, against norms’ Kashmiri villager Farooq Ahmad Dar, who was made a human shield by Major Nitin Leetul Gogoi, has approached the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) with a complaint, questioning the award given to the Army officer. In his complaint before the SHRC, Dar has described the award conferred on Major Gogoi by Army Chief General Bipin Rawat as “illegal” and against the norms. Dar, 26, was tied to the bonnet of an Army jeep and paraded through villages in Budgam district…

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No talks, Compromise with Resistance group: Defence Minister

Editor

Days after the Centre told the Supreme Court that it won’t hold any dialogue with Kashmir’s separatist leaders, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday again ruled out any talks with the separatists, at least for now. “In this current atmosphere of violence, we will not hold talks with separatists who are instigating violence. Not for now,” he told TimesNow news channel. Jaitley said the government will definitely talk to the people of Kashmir and would like to address their grievances. Asked if this included Hurriyat, he said, “I am not…

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Secy Tourism pitches for ‘South African Model of Adventure Safari Tourism’

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ATOAK, Wildlife hold seminar on ‘Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism’ While asking for cooperation of stakeholders, Secretary Tourism Farooq Ahmad Shah pitched for ‘South African Model of Adventure Safari Tourism’, which does not disturb wild animals and is also nature friendly. “African countries have most popular tourism products and attract large number of tourists,” Shah said while addressing a seminar titled ‘Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism’ organised by Adventure Tour Operators Association of Kashmir (ATOAK) and Wildlife SOS on Wednesday here. The event was supported by Tourism Department, J&K Bank and Hotel…

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Resistance leaders call protests today against Gogoi’s commendation

Editor

The separatist leaders Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik on Thursday expressed strong resentment over awarding Major Gogoi, who had used a youth Farooq Ahmad Dar as a human shield in central Kashmir’s Budgam district last month, and called for peaceful protests after Friday prayers tomorrow against this inhuman act. In a joint statement, they said awarding of Major Gogoi vindicated their stand that India is following “fascist dogma and acting as a colonial state”. “Life and dignity of civilians is at stake,” they said. They…

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Mani Shankar Aiyar-led peaceniks met Mehbooba Mufti and Separatist leaders

Editor

A delegation of peace activists led by Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar on Thursday called on Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and senior separatist leaders in an effort to create space for dialogue in the unrest-wracked state. A delegation of peace activists led by Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar on Thursday called on Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and senior separatist leaders in an effort to create space for dialogue in the unrest-wracked state. Besides Aiyar, the delegation comprised O.P. Shah, Air Vice Marshal (retired) Kapil…

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Thinking of doing the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek? Here’s what you need to know

Editor

There is no place like Kashmir, and the place deserves to be explored. Named after the Ganges, the Gangabal Lake is considered a holy lake for Kashmiri Pandits Kashmir Great Lakes Trek is one of the most beautiful treks in India. This trek is located above Sonamarg (or Sonmarg), which lies on the Srinagar-Leh highway just before the Zozila Pass.The true beauty of Kashmir lies in the hidden valleys that are not accessible by road. Until a few years ago this trek was also not accessible to civilians and has…

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Army free to take decisions in “War Zone”: Arun Jaitley

Editor

Army officers are free to take decisions in a “war-like” zone, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley said on Wednesday referring to the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Army officers are free to take decisions in a “war-like” zone, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley said on Wednesday referring to the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, a day after the Army went public on fire assaults on Pakistani posts along the LoC. “Well, military solutions are to be provided by military officers. How a situation is to be dealt with when you are in…

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As unemployment grows across valley, finding a match for women has becomes difficult

Editor

Women in J&K marry very late compared to the women from all other states, a survey says. The average age of marriage among women in the state has risen to 25 years, against the all-India average of 21.8 years, says the survey, “Men and Women in India”, conducted by the Ministry of Statistics, the Government of India. The average age of marriage for women in J&K’s urban areas is higher (25.8 years) than in rural areas (24.9 years). The prevalence of late marriages among women in J&K had been pointed…

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