BSNL mobile users irked over call dropping; authorities blame PDD

Mobile network users of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) in the city are facing the problem of frequent call dropping adding to their miseries as well as swelling their billing amount. Many network users across the city are of a general lament that even two-three minute talk on the cell phone is disturbed with dropped calls, which leads to frustration. The users also blame such malfunctioning in the connectivity for raising their billing amount as they have to complete their important conservation while reconnecting the call several times. “This is…

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‘Disappointed’, Srinagar traders down shutters in protest

Business establishments in and around Srinagar City Centre Lal Chowk remained shut on Tuesday in response to a call by a traders’ body against the J&K government’s “failure” to rehabilitate the Valley’s flood-hit businessmen. The shutdown, called by a faction of the Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF), evoked partial response. The business establishments in various markets in and around Lal Chowk remained closed for the day. The traders from main Srinagar markets—barring those from old city areas—responded positively to the call. However it had a limited impact on traffic…

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Kashmiri traders facilitate return of Rs 25 cr business to Hindu family

Around 26 years ago, Sita Ram Sokhal left his business in Srinagar following eruption of armed struggle in Kashmir. Over two-decades later when he returned, he got back the possession of his shop and business worth Rs 25 crore at Srinagar’s centre Lal Chowk, courtesy the Muslims traders’ community. Sokhal (80) is proprietor of Kashmir’s famous Shakti Sweets. In 1990s, he like many other non-Muslims left Kashmir on the onset of armed conflict. Before leaving, Sokhal handed over the control of his shop ‘Shakti Sweets’ to his employees who ran…

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Kashmir Inc calls Rs 800 cr interest subvention a ‘cruel joke’

The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry Monday termed the announcement of Rs 800 crore for interest subvention to traders by the government as a “cruel joke”. The KCCI stated that the Rs 44,000 crore flood relief package which the then NC-led government in Jammu and Kashmir had sought from the central government, included Rs 19,241 crore for trade and business rehabilitation and revival. In this amount (Rs 19,241 crore), there was a provision of Rs 8741 crore for interest subvention including Rs 2880 crore for existing loans, Rs 5760…

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Kashmir willow set to cross LoC, boost trade with Pak

The cross-LoC trade, which began in October 2008, takes place mainly through the Uri-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalakote routes Despite the Pathankot terror attack destabilising the normalisation of ties with Pakistan, India may soon begin a different kind of “cricket diplomacy” to boost the bilateral trade across the Line of Control (LoC) and as a major confidence-building measure (CBM). The list of tradable items is likely to be substantially expanded from the current 21 (of mainly garments, handicrafts, carpets, agricultural items), by allowing, among others, Kashmir willow used to make cricket bats,…

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Protesting flood hit-traders seek rehab, threaten to intensify stir

A faction of the Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) staged a protest near the Press Enclave here today demanding suitable rehabilitation for the flood-hit businessmen. The KTMF members led by Mohammad Sadiq Baqal carried a banner in favour of their demands and raised slogans against the government. The protestors flayed the government for failing to rehabilitate them. They warned of dire consequences if their demands were not met at the earliest. “Our houses, shops remained submerged in 10 to 12 feet water during (September 2014) floods. Even though we…

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JK as safe as any other place in the world: Farooq Shah

Making a fresh pitch to attract tourists, Jammu and Kashmir government today said the state is the “best” destination for travellers in the country and it is as safe as any other place in the world. “When it comes to J&K, as a tourist destination, we are the best in the country. Problem lies with this false perception that J&K is not safe. Let me tell you it’s as safe as any other place in the world. “And if it’s about a safety certificate, I wonder if any other state…

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Road contractors want three-year maintenance clause changed

Contractors involved in blacktopping and construction of roads in Jammu are making renewed efforts to change the three-year maintenance-guarantee rider included by the Roads and Building (R&B) Department during the PDP-BJP government. The clause was included to end the use of substandard material while laying road network. Feeling the pinch as they are now accountable for works undertaken by them, majority of the contractors want the deficit liability clause lowered to one year as was the norm earlier to repair or reconstruct any newly laid road if its condition deteriorates…

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Kashmiri cuisine biggest attraction for tourists: Shah

JKTDC to organize food festivals across India  Secretary Tourism Farooq A Shah said J&K state is diverse and rich in its culture and cuisine which has international appeal. He said Kashmir’s rich cuisine has international appeal and to further promote it JKTDC would organize food festivals across India. He was giving details of recently organised food festival during Bharat Parvah organised by Ministry of Tourism GoI on the back ramp pads of reds fort during the republic day which saw the participation of all the states of India including the…

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‘Valley produces surplus milk’

No facility to convert surplus quantity into its other products: Animal Husbandry  Kashmir total milk production in the last financial year of 2014-15 reached 1306.23 metric tons against the target of 1362.00 metric tons which according to Animal Husbandry department is still surplus. “We produce milk in surplus of Indian Council of Medical Research recommendations of 230ml to 250ml per capita,” said Technical Officer General at Animal Husbandry department, Dr Anjum Andrabi. He, however, said there is no facility in Valley or with farmers to convert surplus milk into other…

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