Vol 10●No 07●Pages 16●May 15, 2017

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म त U N IR IV M ER H SITY OF KAS MERCMEDIA EDUCATION TIMES RESEARCH CENTRE, UNIVERSITY OF

SRINAGAR’S TRADITIONAL WICKER CRAFT IN LAST THROES

Inside

National electronic media denting Gujjar community seeks CM’s KU Health centre MERC tourism sector in the valley intervention aid students, employees M P3 P8 P9 Times } ﻮر य ﯽ اﻟﻨ गम ﻟ ोत ﺖ ا  ﻤ ٰ ा ﻠ

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म त U R NI I VE HM RSI AS Vol 10●No 07●Pages 16●May 15, 2017 TY OF K 2

BHAND PATHER: A LOST HERITAGE

Govt. to utilize spaces v Munawar Hussain beneath chowk : Folk theatre is a composite - Rambagh flyover art and since time immemorial it has artistically been widely used to deliver the critical messages with a spice of entertainment. This kind of an art can be regarded as ‘edu-tainment’ in modern nomenclature of fine arts, where both education and entertainment are served synchronously to the audience. In Kashmir, the importance of Folk theatre can be traced back to 8th century. Kalhan, author of Rajtarangni v Imran Ali Buth mentions in his book that Kashmir had the rich tradition of arts-music, Srinagar: To utilize the available spaces painting, dance and drama. The beneath the under-construction Jahangir book stands witness to phenomenal chowk - Rambagh flyover, J&K Government development in fine arts from 8th to plans an artistic way to shape the urban 15th century. landscape of Srinagar city. In a meeting The Bhand Pather is not an unknown chaired by Minister PWD (R&B), J&K Govt. word for the Kashmiri inhabitant, Naeem Akhtar, ideas were explored to create but the people who are associated with it Culture Center (NZCC). The Cultural in Wathora, the family has dedicated vivacious spaces like kiosks, book shops, art come mostly from a hamlet, 15 Kilometers Ministry has given a salary grant to the an entire room for the National Bhand galleries under 2.5 km flyover connecting away from the Srinagar city. The village is organization. Theatre organization. They call it ‘Theatre Barzulla with Jehangir chowk without famously known as Wathora. National Bhand Theatre has won over office’ and it is equipped with modern impeding the traffic the flow in the city. Gh. Mohi-u-Din Aijaz, president of 25 awards including Ustad Bismillah Khan advanced gadgets. The meeting which was called to generate National Bhand Theatre is a resident of Yuva Purskar and an award from National “We have brought our own lighting ideas for beautification of the city was Wathora. Since 1965 he has been tirelessly School of Drama for best Angrez Pather system, digital cameras, multimedia attended by various government officials working to bring this art form in par (Satirical drama on British colonialists) of projectors, video cameras. The facilities as well as other experts. With a detailed with the modern ways of information the year. Currently around 37 people are a help us to carry the different task of presentation, INTACH J&K put forth the communication tactics. Mr. Aijaz, also a part of his organization. organization effectively. The National proposal of using the empty spaces under the former wireless communication officer The founder of this organization has Bhand theatre has its own website where 2.5 KM flyover. in J&K police department has made seen many harsh and trying times as a information about every new event is While describing the technical aspects significant contributions to the Bhand Bhand Pather artist. Mr. Aijaz recollects, showcased, says Director National Bhand of the project, INTACH highlighted the Pather. “In February, 1998, a fake militant outfit Pather, Shah-e-Jahan.” possibilities how to use the spaces creatively “Four generations: my father, myself, threatened us to shut the practice of Mr. Ashraf Tak of cultural academy without leading traffic congestion in the city. my offspring, and their progeny. We all performing at national holidays. Perturbed said, “We are providing them financial Illustrating with the examples of various have religiously and passionately been by the threat, we stopped to be a part assistance at the end of every month. Also, flyover projects across the world, the proposal associated with this art form, and we will of it. The person went on and asked for we organize different cultural events for envisages vivid picture of the city flyover. continue to take the true meaning of Bhand money. Fortunately, as I was in the police them.” The Minister PWD (R&B) directed the J&K Pather to posterity, say Aijaz.” department we were able to bust the man Mr. Aijaz, however complains that, “To Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA) to National Bhand theatre is the lone and get back to the artistic adventure.” carry this art form to future generations, prepare a preliminary report in consultation folk theatre organization in valley which Now, seventeen years from the incident, a school dedicated to performing arts with INTACH, J&K and sketch out the has been approved by Cultural academy, Aijaz and his Four sons are constantly should be established. Mere support in the roadmap for the project at earliest. Sangeet Natak Academy, Ministry of working to pour a new life in the Bhand form of equipment and financial help is not Speaking to MERC Times, Ikra Syed, Culture-Govt. Of , and North Zone Pather industry. In their dwelling place panacea.” Architect, INTACH J&K, said, “We proposed to well use the empty spaces under flyover keeping in mind to add aesthetics to the city centre without putting any hurdle in terms of Govt to monitor basic facilities in Ramdan traffic congestion.” While highlighting the project v Ali Pathan including , Cheni Chowk, availability of all facilities in the hospital components she said that it includes of Mattan Adda, and Janglat Mandi, Andrabi during the holy month. building light structures to shift road-side : In view of the coming holy directed for ensuring availability of On the occasion, Andrabi also paid vendors especially in residential areas month of Ramzan, J&K’s Minister of State all basic facilities besides repairing of homage at the holy shrine of Reshi Moul falling in the line of flyover, landscaping in for Haj & Auqaf, PHE, PDD and Industries defunct street lights and installing high Sahab (R.A), where he interacted with the busy areas ensuring regulated movement by & Commerce, Syed Farooq Ahmad mast lamps wherever required at public management of the Shrine and assured creating entry and exit at zebra crossings. Andrabi, Saturday evening conducted an places. them that all their concerns will be “The project emphasizes to creatively utilize extensive tour of and Mattan Visiting the Child Care and Maternity addressed on priority. the spaces by creating kiosks, book shops, art towns of to take stock Hospital, the Minister interacted with The Minister was accompanied by DC gallery at suitable locations and to ensure of general facilities made available in the doctors and patients and enquired about Anantnag, Chief Engineer PDD, SSP smooth traffic flow without putting any sort towns for the upcoming holy month of medical facilities made available in the Anantnag, SEs of R&B and PDD, senior of hindrance”, she added. Ramzan. hospital. He directed the concerned officers concerned among Visiting various locations in the towns, Medical Superintendent to ensure other concerned officers. ﻮر य ﯽ اﻟﻨ गम ﻟ ोत ﺖ ا  ﻤ ٰ ा ﻠ

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म त U N IR IVE M RS ASH Vol 10●No 07●Pages 16●May 15, 2017 ITY OF K 3

State Government focuses on waste KU among top 100 segregation methods universities in all-India v Sabeeha Shaheen ranking v Saba Khan SRINAGAR: Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has failed to comply with mandatory Solid Waste SRINAGAR: The University of Kashmir has figured Management Rules (SWMR) despite directions from the among top 100 universities in the National Institutional state government to ensure scientific treatment of waste. Ranking Framework (NIRF-2017) released by the Union The J&K Government recently directed SMC to initiate Ministry of Human Resource Development on Monday. collection of waste in a segregated form from households The NIRF outlines a methodology to rank academic, from April 7 this year. technology and research institutions across the country As per sources, SMC has failed to adhere to this on the basis of standard parameters. government directive and have limited the segregation of The University of Kashmir has figured at Rank No. 73 waste project to issuing advertisements. (Point Score: 36.32) in the ranking system, where about “People through advertisements are asked to segregate 3000 institutions of higher education participated. the waste. But what is the fun to segregate the waste when The parameters on which the University, like other later SMC authorities mix it again. They have not pressed institutions across the country, has been evaluated any men and machinery to lift the segregated waste in include Teaching, Learning & Resources; Research and scientific manner and to ensure that the segregated waste Professional Practice; Graduation Outcomes; Outreach doesn’t mix up again,” said residents of Barbar Shah. and Inclusiveness and Peer Perception. In town, a non-government organization in This marks a significant progress by the University of association with local Municipal Committee has started Kashmir in the last three years in the standard parameters to undertake source segregation of waste and composting used for the ranking. in five wards. The NIRF was approved by the MHRD and launched During his recent interaction with media, on 29th of September 2015. Commissioner SMC Dr Shafqat Khan claimed that The progress made by the University of Kashmir owes 65 percent of waste is segregated by SMC and rag to a series of reforms put in place over the past few years, pickers across Srinagar. However, heaps of mixed waste especially in teaching and research. (biodegradable and non-biodegradable) can be seen loaded in quintals of biodegradable waste daily in its vehicles is dumped Vice-Chancellor, Prof Khurshid Iqbal Andrabi huge vehicles of SMC near Hyderpora bypass near Jamkash at Achan, while as same rich organic waste from fruits and expressed satisfaction over the progress made by the showroom, Bypass Chanapora, railway crossing vegetables could have been converted into organic manure by University and congratulated one and all, including and other places in civil lines area. the Compost Officer of SMC,” said an expert. the team of Directorate of Internal Quality Assurance Official records reveal that SMC has a full-fledged Compost SMC Commissioner, Dr Shafqat Khan, said that all (DIQA) for the achievement. He emphasized that Officer who is supposed to treat Biodegradable waste at Achan preparations have been put in place to comply the SWMR in the University shall continue to strive to improve its Landfill site. But till now not even 10 kgs of compost (organic letter and spirit. “We are in process to tender the collection of credentials in teaching and research in tune with the Manure) has been prepared by SMC. segregation waste and to compost it scientifically. The entire globally-set benchmarks. “In Srinagar Fruit Mandi, the SMC after loading all the process will be completed shortly,” he said.

National electronic media denting tourism sector in the valley

v Adnan hilal of people affiliated with this sector and that they are working hard to promote tourism through promotional SRIINAGAR : The Kashmir state is witnessing huge efforts’, said Chairman JK Hoteliers Club, Mushtaq decline in tourism business as distorted representation Chaya. by the national electronic media coupled with prevailing President, Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and situation has put the Kashmir’s tourism sector in dire- Industries, Mushtaq Ahmad Wani said, “Tourism straits. The decline in tourism has resulted in huge arrival is going from bad to worse in Kashmir. The business to the people who are associated with tourism decision of the government to hold elections in April sector. which subsequently led to killings derailed the tourism As per records of the tourism department, the tourist sector badly.” arrivals to Kashmir have declined more than 50 percent Chairman, Kashmir Economic Forum, Showket than 2016. The figures reveals that during the month of Chowdhary urged the government to play a proactive April this year around 67,000 tourists visited Kashmir, role in revival of tourism in Kashmir. which is less than year 2016, where numbers of tourists “While as other sectors are recovering slowly but were of 1,42,761. Kashmir’s tourism sector is still in dire straits following “The fabricated representation in some paid news the colossal losses it suffered during 2016,” Chowdhary channels has adversely affected our handicraft business. said. The shawl industry has incurred a great loss because fixed bills, causing huge financial burden on them. Vice Chairman, Travel Traders Interest Guild, Bashir of the decline of tourists” said Hilal Ahmed Sheikh “Negative publicity has marred our tourism sector. There is a Ahmad Karnai said tourism body is worried due to lesser arrival The lesser tourist arrivals is inflicting financial losses to hidden hand to defame our tourism sector. Government needs of tourists. And, since 2016, the tourist arrivals have not picked hoteliers as well as travel agents, who have to pay idle wages and to take proactive action to safeguard interest of thousands causing huge losses to the tourism traders,” he added. ﻮر य ﯽ اﻟﻨ गम ﻟ ोत ﺖ ا  MEDIA EDUCATION RESEARCH CENTRE, UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR ﻤ ٰ ा ﻠ

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म त U R NI I Vol 10●No 07●Pages 16●May 15, 2017 V M ER H SITY OF KAS 4 Good weather may push Karate apple production championship concludes v DANISH PATHAN The lower fruit load on apple trees in the last few years is also one of the reasons for a v SHOWKET WANI ANANTNAG: After almost three years of better crop forecast this year, experts say. a lean stretch, the apple growers in south “The bloom has been abundant this year GANDERBAL: Around 360 participants participated in a Kashmir are expecting an increase in their owing to a lower fruit load in the last few two day District Karate championship which was organised final production. years. Which means the low final production by Ganderbal Karate Association (GKA) at COE Institute The south Kashmir region, comprising in the previous years will ensure a better crop Armapora. Boys and girls from various educational institutes four districts, had a collective production this time around,” a Horticulture Department participated in the Karate event. of 7, 71,000 metric tonnes in the year 2016, Official told MERC Times. The event was held between 12 and 13th may and event was according to the planning and marketing wing The officer, who did not want to be named, managed by General Secretary of GKA, Mujhayid Maqdoomi. of the horticulture department. is however apprehensive of a “June Fall”. The championship was played in four age categories; Sub- The growers say the increase in production June Fall, he explains, is the phenomenon junior, Cadet Junior ,Senior(Boys Girls), is because of good weather during the where apples tend to drop from the trees in Iqra Rasool,Musab Bilal,Nazima Bashir, and Nargis pollination period and an increased use of the month of June. Showket won gold in these categories respectively. naphthalic acid spray by orchardists. “The primary reason for June Fall is the Gold Medalist Iqra Rasool while speaking to MERC “The weather remained pleasant, which use of naphthalic acid, which, I am afraid, has TIMES said “that this was a big platform to show case her ensured better pollination compared to the been used abundantly this year around,” the talent, Girls should participate in these kinds of sports .Karte last few years. That’s the basic reason that we official said. can be used a self defense. I invite other girls to learn and are expecting an increase in the crop this time He said the horticulture department allows practice Karate”. around,” Sheikh Mohd Ali, a fruit grower from the use of this acid only in extreme conditions, On the Promotion and development of Karate in . and its lavish use can damage the crop. Ganderbal, Mujhayid Maqdooma , said “I am tirelessly He said even though it snowed and hail Chief Horticulture Officer (CHO) Roshan working for promotion of Karate in Ganderbal. I am black storms were witnessed, “it was before the Dar said, “we are looking at an expected belt in Karta and I am passing on my skills to youth here in pollination season and had minimal effect on increase of 15 to 20 percent compared to last Ganderbal .Karate had good potential in terms of career. It the bloom”. year, and this is good for the department as can be also used as a tool of self defense especially for girls” district is among the leading well as the growers.” He further said that “they have produced many National producers of apples across the Kashmir He brushed aside the issue of the use of karate players and Players in Ganderbal both boys and girls Valley, followed by Kulgam, Anantnag, and naphthalic acid, saying the department does have potential to represent Country at International level if . not allow its use unless absolutely necessary. they Work hard with dedication.” Official negligence creates trouble for Dal residents only 200-300 families have been shifted to the Rakh-e- Arth in area of Srinagar. The residents also said that families who were being shifted to Rakh-e-Arth, Bemina are finding hard to live there as the houses they were giving are in a bad condition. In order to conserve prized Dal , High court has put a ban on any sort of construction within 200 meters radius around the , which hampers the repair of the houses inside the Dal areas. “Neither we can repair our houses nor we are being resettled, what will we do? Die here! , Imran Hussain, a resident said Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE), and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA), Gurmit Singh said that the resettlement policy is being implemented in three phases. Currently the work on first v Waseem Ahmad way we are connected to other part of the valley. We have phase is going on. to face various problems due to the dilapidated road,” said “The work on first phase of the project was stopped due SRINAGAR: In absence of a proper road and failure of Nasir Hussain, resident of Mir Bahri to halting of work by the Budgam authorities. But the issue implementing the resettlement policy, residents of Dal He also said that the government’s resettlement policy is being settled now. It will take some time to complete the Interior are facing immense hardship. for the Dal Dwellers was not implemented effectively. project,” Gurmit said In 2012, Government with a project cost of 1.40 Lakh “If government thinks, we are the root cause for Asked about the dilapidated road, Roads and Buildings allotted four Kilometres road connectivity to interior polluting Dal Lake, then why the resettlement policy was (R & B) Department, Chief Engineer, Abdul Hameed areas of Dal Lake. But due to official apathy, the road not implemented properly and moving at snail’s pace,” Sheikh said that he had no information about that project. which was supposed to be completed in one year was left said Nasir “I don’t know exactly about that project. I am out of mid-way. Under the resettlement project, 2000 plots were state right now, when I will be back; I will look into that “This road is like a lifeline for us as this road is the only supposed to be allocated to the Dal dwellers. But so far matter, he said. ﻮر य ﯽ اﻟﻨ गम ﻟ ोत ﺖ ا  MEDIA EDUCATION RESEARCH CENTRE, UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR ﻤ ٰ ा ﻠ

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म त U R UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR NI I Vol 10●No 07●Pages 16●May 15, 2017 V M ER H SITY OF KAS Vol 8 | No 12 | OCTOBER 30, 2015 5

Top Cyclists to , participate in Budgam history of the holy relic

v Bint ul Huda “With increasing number of vehicles, our environment is v MOHAMMED NADEEM. It was in 1963, the holy relic was stolen from BUDGAM: Top cyclists of valley affecting, cycling will help us to keep the shrine. It was all a political game that costed are going to participate in 3rd our atmosphere neat and clean,” he The Book, HAZRATBAL: History of the Holy Relic, hundreds of innocent Kashmiri lives. The protest edition of Celestial Buds Cycling said, adding “we should support such not only covers the architectural, historical, gatherings were fired at mercilessly resulting in Championship which will be held events in the valley and promote social and religious importance of the Hazratbal massacres. Although they (Government/ police) in the month of July at Check-i- cycling among the members in our shrine and the Holy relic, but also deals, in detail, were able to ‘replace’ the Holy Relic, but who Kawosa, Budgam, informed by the society.” with the heart wrenching story of how this shrine were behind it and why it was done, still remains authorities. Pertinently, J&K’s prominent and holy relic was used by politicians in order to a mystery as the Government never released any The race will starts from the main cyclist Khan will take part maintain their power in the valley. official details. gate of Celestial Buds High School, in the Cycling championship, who Based on in depth research, this book can be Again on March 29, 1996 Indian troops were after five around outside the school is secretary of the event, he said considered a final word on history of Hazratbal successful to spill innocent blood in the premises on Srinagar- road, the race topers will get chance to participate Shrine. Muzaffar Khan, the author of this of the Holy Shrine and even destroyed a large will end at the starting point. in upcoming national cycling events. book traces back the journey of Holy relic, its portion of it by using gun-powder resulting in 22 As per guidance, the Race will “Our riders will be seen in first authenticity and all other important historic deaths. be conducted in two categories bunch of 140 km race and point moments of the shrine. To trace back the history of the shrine and the Indian made category and foreign race in coming National cycling After preface and introductory note, there holy relic, the author has mainly relied on the made category. The winners will championship in Karnataka are 8 Chapters that discuss the history of original sources and oldest history books written be awarded with cash and trophies; in October this year .We have the and the Holy relic; the in and Persian and . however, School students will also prepared ourselves for National background and management of the shrine, its There are six appendices giving extra take part in the race. championship and I hope, we will architecture and development. Chapter 5 and information on importance of relics in . “I am glad to see that cyclists of bag at least 4 medals this year,” he 7 deals with the horrifying sacrilege, the siege Appendix IV deals with Id-i-Milad and to remain my area have dominated the cycling said. and how the holy relic was stolen and how the objective in this regard, the author has quoted arena in valley from last few years. “My motive is to revive the cycling sentiments of Kashmiri were treated from Von Greunebam’s book ‘Muhammadan There are 20 professional cyclists culture here which keeps a healthy as trash. Festivals’ which leaves no doubt that this festival with imported cyclists in my area,” body. At least in every house they The research conducted by the author leaves has nothing to do with basic Islamic teachings said Muzaffar Ahmad Bhat, who is should have their own cycle,” he no doubt in the reader’s mind that India was and was first celebrated by kings of Egypt only one of the sponsors of the race. added behind the entire horrifying game of thrones. for amusement and lavishness.

Cement factory to come up in Gulab bagh

Bisma Farooq The Gulabpora residents has been “Factory is barely 100 meters away from said. protesting from days against the plan to the local school posing a health threat to Residents said that the District GANDERBAL: Despite stiff resistance by restart cement factory in the area that was the students studying there, the protesting administration had assured us that the the residence of Chamnthan, Gulab Pora shut a decade back, the people say that the residents said. factory will not be restarted. in Central Kashmir’s factory if set up will become main source of Sheikh Fayaz Ahmad said, Hundreds of “Additional DC Ganderbal had assured against re-establishing of cement factory, pollution affecting public health. people were diagnosed with tuberculosis us that the factory will not be restarted; the district administration however Residents alleged that continuous due to the pollution coming out of the now few powerful people are pushing said the factory is destined to be rolled pollution emanating from the cement factory when it was functional between to restart it posing a health threat to the as Pollution Control Board has given factory when it was running in the area not 1990 to 2000. population and agriculture land there”. permission to go ahead with the cement only effect the health of humans but also “We have already suffered a lot; we don’t Ghulam Nabi a local imam of the area factory. the cattle population of the area. want to suffer again due to the factory.” he said. MEDIA EDUCATION RESEARCH CENTRE, UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR ﻮر य ﯽ اﻟﻨ गम ﻟ ोत ﺖ ا  ﻤ ٰ ा ﻠ

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म त Vol 10●No 07●Pages 16●May 15, 2017 U N IR IV M ER H SITY OF KAS 6 Leh among 100 cleanest cities, Srinagar, stand way below v Wajahat Shabir from improper sanitary facilities in households, hospitals and educational institutes. SRINAGAR: Despite having received huge The sources further said that the state had amount of money from for also lagged behind in the implementation of the implementation of much-talked sanitation program National Rural Drinking Water Programme, with “Swach Bharat Abhiyan (SBA)”, the state has more Rs 310.15 crore unspent in last many years. largely failed to fully implement it in both Jammu According to the data, More than 71 per cent and Kashmir. of schools have no wash-basins or taps available While showing a positive sign in cleanliness in near toilets and 9.18 per cent schools have no the all India city ranking, Leh has achieved 100th drinking water. rank in India while topping the list in Jammu and It is pertinent to mention here that according Kashmir in the survey of 434 cities, conducted to the DISE survey, 6,351 JK schools in JK lack as part of the Modi government’s Swachh Bharat toilets for girls and 8,098 lack toilets for boys and Abhiyan, or Clean India Mission. more than 71% of schools have no basins or taps The cleanliness survey was carried out during Leh, which is free of polythene-free, is followed by to wash hands near toilets and urinals. January and February. Launched in 2014, the Swachh Anantnag in South Kashmir 197, while Srinagar and While officials said that though they have conducted Bharat campaign aims to make India clean and open- Jammu got 241 and 251 rankings, respectively. sanitation drives at hospitals, schools and shrines, a lot defecation free by 2019, the 150th birth anniversary year Inside sources has revealed that except few districts, more still needs to be done for effective implementation of Mahatma Gandhi. the state has done little to mitigate health threats of the Swach Bharat campaign.

Fashioning pashmina Students of Kashmir troubled to regain its lustre by frequent Internet gags v Saher Iqbal

SRINAGAR: The newly introduced Kashmiri brand “Phamb” is out to take the luxury apparel market by surprise at least in the famous Kashmir pashmina segment. Behind this entrepreneurial zest lie dream of 26 years old Junaid Shahdhar, who says, “One year back as a venture to diversify Pashmina, Phamb Fashion Pvt. Ltd is now eyeing to launch two to three retail outlets, starting from Srinagar to Delhi, besides participation in a dozen odd art exhibitions in different countries. So far our e-commerce portal has received great response from the United States and Middle East apart from the expected response from India, he further said. Though I belong to a business family and my father used “I have recently completed my diploma in to supply raw pashmina but diversification of pashmina v B M Hussain hotel management and was looking for a job needed much more. It was about connecting to the weavers opportunity. Last week, I couldn’t apply for a and at the same time reach out to the suave market out SRINAGAR: With state government continuing job in one of the leading hotel chain of India,” he there,” Shahdhar said. mobile internet ban in the valley, the student said. Shahdhar is aware of the problem of fake products community are facing immense problems Similarly, many students who are preparing and misbranding Kashmiri pashmina, which was once particularly related to their academics. for various courses echo similar views of their so famous world over that it got named after Kashmir, as The state government banned mobile sufferings due to the internet gag. Cashmere wool and still is known by the same in most parts internet in Kashmir after killing of militant Sadia Ahmad, a graduate in arts stream said of West, South East Asia and China. Hizbul Mujahideen commander, Sabzar Bhat in that she couldn’t make it to find a suitable college “Dealers who are misbranding pashmina are committing an encounter on Saturday. during past one week to apply for post graduate sin and bringing bad name to Kashmiri handicrafts. Even Sabia, a final years students at Government course. if one is selling pashmina, let him be clear to the customers Women’s College said that their problems have “We are unable to check the notifications of that it is semi-pashmina products, “said Shahdhar. aggravated since government enforced ban on various entrance exams of different colleges of “To deal with this problem, we will provide a bar code the mobile internet. India during past one week. Students like me certification to every Pashmina shawl to authenticate the “Students mostly rely on the mobile internet who have no access to the internet currently product.”, he informed. for study material nowadays. The government have no option other than to wait till ban is For Shahdhar though there is literally no looking had an option to ban social network sites only, over.” back. But he still keeps his partnership in a metal trading but it seems that they are least bothered about The students appealed to the administration business. As far future plans at Phamb are concerned the us,” she said. to restore the Internet as soon as possible. “If list is long. Another post-graduate student Muzaffar officials were afraid of the circulation of inciting Shahdhar is planning to launch a “Pashmina Washing Hussain, said that he couldn’t apply for a job in messages on Whatsapp and Facebook then such and Caring unit”, which will dry clean Pashmina and cater hospitality sector due to the internet gag in the applications should be banned. But at least allow to clients with traditional activities such as “Roufu.” valley. the people of Kashmir to use other websites”. ﻮر य ﯽ اﻟﻨ गम ﻟ ोत ﺖ ا  ﻤ ٰ ा ﻠ

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म त U R NI I VE HM RSIT KAS Vol 10●No 07●Pages 16●May 15, 2017 Y OF 7 Traffic Police issues new Work Underway To Restore diversion plan for Srinagar City

v Saba Gul Flood Channel v Mu’Azzam minimize frequent flood threat. In fact, the SRINAGAR: Traffic Police measures should have been taken earlier.” in Srinagar City issued a new SRINAGAR: The state government said a hydraulic expert. diversion plan for public has issued directions to all concerned Some Police assistance was also required service vehicles (PSVs) in authorities to undertake land acquisition for the execution of work as during the view of the opening of newly and expedite compensation with regard earlier days of work, some of the locals constructed Bailey bridge to re-sectioning of the flood spill channel tried to hamper the project thereby forcing at Barzulla connecting Narbal to increase its carrying capacity. stoppage of the work. Allochibagh. The welcome step has been taken in a bid “The work was hindered as some locals According to the SSP Traffic to avert flood threat to Srinagar. were not ready to cut down the trees. Now Srinagar, PSVs including Official data reveals that authorities after taking the assistance of police, that Sumo, Tavera and Tata-407 have acquired 511 kanals against the target hurdle has been cleared and the process of coming from Rawalpora, 1500 kanals. A drastic demolition drive restoration of the flood spill channel is set Sanat Nagar and Hyderpora involving huge cutting down of trees inside to go on without such interruptions.” said an shall take left turn at Barzulla the flood spill channel will be undertaken official. Bridge towards Old Barzulla and be allowed towards Rambagh flyover from Village Durbal to Shariefabad with the The project is being executed under follow Bailey Bridge-Allochibagh- construction zone for safe commuting restoration aimed at increasing the water “Priority Works – Comprehensive Flood Cargo Crossing- Stadium Crossing- and congestion free traffic. She further carrying capacity of the flood spill channel to Management Plan Phase-I” on river Naaz Crossing-Jehangir Chowk said that the diversion plan will be 20,000 cusecs through various phases from Jhelum including the flood spill channel route. implemented strictly and violators, if its present carrying capacity of 4000 cusecs by the Department of Irrigation and Flood Similarly, PSVs coming from any, shall be dealt as per law. in Srinagar. The water carrying capacity of Control and the acquisition of land for the Chanapora, Nowgam, Natipora shall Meanwhile, in an traffic advisory the flood spill channel decreases further restoration of flood channel is expected to take left turn at Rambagh Crossing the Traffic Police said that vehicles while moving towards North Kashmir. be completed by or before the end of May, towards Barzulla Bridge and follow coming from Allochibagh Bund Road “It will surely contribute a lot to this year. Old Barzulla Bridge- Bailey Bridge- who have to move towards Bemina Allochibagh-Cargo Crossing- or Tengpora Chowk shall move from Stadium Crossing-Naaz Crossing- Tengpora under Bridge and merge Jehangir Chowk route. into that traffic tube at the flyover While as PSVs with destination landing near City Hospital gate. Mehjoor Ali, star in the making Batamaloo shall adopt route along Whereas, the vehicles moving from Bailey Bridge-Danderkah-Batamaloo Allochibagh Bund towards Hyderpora route. shall turn right and then take the The SSP said that no vehicles shall flyover route by making a U-turn.

New Engineering Colleges to function this year Muneem Farooq announced. He said the decision in this regard has been finalized. SRINAGAR: The government has Minister of state for Education, decided to start courses in two new Priya Sethi listed the steps taken by the government engineering colleges government to rejuvenate education coming up in Ganderbal district sector. She said transparency, of Kashmir and district of accountability have been made from this year. benchmark for working of all public The announcement was made institutions and services. She also today by the Minister for Education, hailed the performance of the students v Faila Khan said, “It has been great to be in Rajasthan Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhariat a and congratulated the toppers of Royals Development squads in 2010, and with gala event organized by Government different batches. She also advised the SRINAGAR Mehjoor Ali, 26 year old young Kings XI Punjab in 2011 and being associated College for Engineering and young engineers to give their best to fast bowler is bringing laurels to the state, and with Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Technology (GCET) to celebrate its society and country, describing them has become the new Cricket sensation, after Kings in 2014-2015 and I’ve learned a lot annual day. Altaf Bukhari was Chief as true nation builders. his brilliant performances in both national overtime.” Guest at the Annual day function of The college also brought out an and state level tournaments. Mehjoor emerged out as highest wicket the prestigious Engineering institute e-magazine on the occasion and After joining the cricket academy in taker and helped Sports Council XI to book of the state. felicitated the students who achieved Bangalore in 2007, there was no back foot their place in the final of the Chief Minister’s “We are in process of starting two excellence in academics, sports and for Ali. Being associated with state level cricket cup against Shimla Cricket Club. colleges one at Safapura in Ganderbal, other co-curricular activities. tournaments from his early age, Mehjoor has Talking about his further plans Ali said, Kashmir and another in Kathua of So far nineteen batches have passed played under 19 and under 22 for J&K. He is a “I am in consideration with various clubs in Jammu division and start the courses out from GCET, while four batches prominent member of J&K Ranji Cricket Team. England, Ireland and Canada and there is in these new professional institutions are presently pursuing courses in While having a telephonic conversation a chance I may play cricket in one of these from this year” the Minister different streams. with Ali, he talked about his IPL journey and countries soon.” ﻮر य ﯽ اﻟﻨ गम ﻟ ोत ﺖ ا  ﻤ ٰ ा MEDIA EDUCATION RESEARCH CENTRE, UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR ﻠ

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Sringars only Deaf Eridanus Software launches and dumb school Jk Meeqat app to get high class

“Ramadan is the holiest month on the education Islamic calendar, and our team has been v Nazima Rashid working for months for this update launch. I’m sure the users will love the SRINAGAR : In order to review the facilities provided to new update.” the students by the authorities Divisional commissioner, “I’m very proud of Sajad as he has been Baseer Ahmad Khan visited Deaf and Dumb school at working tirelessly on this project without Ram Bagh. seeking any remuneration. He is one of The Divisional Commissioner was informed that the best developers Kashmir has ever Deaf and Dumb school in the Valley which provides produced and Eridanus is proud to have free education along with hostel facilities to the visually him in the team,” said Waseem Aslam, impaired students. Founder – Eridanus Software Solutions The Divisional Commissioner directed the Director The application is equipped with Education to submit a DPR in regard to it for the school various features like Call to Prayer within a week to finalize the project and start work as soon (Azaan) notification, Qibla locator, as possible. location based timing, Islamic Hijri D.C said, “Project will provide modern facilities besides v Syed Jesarat calendar and Custom Suhoor/Tahajjud Alarm feature. high class education for the children to enable them to Every district has some prayer time variance, the become independent in their lives.’ Also hi-tech computer SRINAGAR: Eridanus Software Solutions launched Meeqat application is aimed at providing the precise lab, sports facilities, laboratories, school building among special Ramadan update for JK Meeqat prayer timing prayer timing notification and help Smartphone users other infrastructure will be the part of the project. application. The new update comes out with new material keep track of Suhoor/Tahajjud and Iftaar timings. The Divisional Commissioner also directed the Health design for its 50,000 users in the Holy month of Ramadan. The application is available on Google Play store, and officials to conduct monthly medical health check-ups of JK Meeqat is the first application developed by software has an impressive rating of 4.5 stars on 27th May 2017. students at the school. engineer from Jammu and Kashmir that provides users Uneeb Wani wrote on the app’s Play store review Director Health, Director School Education, Chairman with accurate prayer timing based on their location in page, “One of the best applications from Kashmir, I have JKBOSE, Chief Education Officer Srinagar and Jammu, Ladakh and Kashmir. downloaded it specifically for Ramadan. I recommend it other concerned officials accompanied the Divisional The head of android developer, Sajad Bn Nazir said to everyone.” Commissioner on the occasion. Gujjar community seeks CM’s intervention

v Auqib Salam forcefully”. Gujjar Community also demanded SRINAGAR: Members of Gujjar CM’s intervention in Kalokot Rajori community held a protest inSrinagar where authorities are planning to build against the wildlife department for a collage on 200-year- old Graveyard. fencing the road leading towards their A group of protesters said, “Previous mosque and graveyard in Mulnar. governments rejected the proposed They also alleged that government citing its disputed nature, but current is proposing to build a degree college govt. is pushing to build the college on on their ancestral graveyard in Kaala the disputed site”. Kot Rajori Protesters alleged that the Zahid Chaudhry, a Gujjar activist community is being deliberately said “DFO wildlife came last week and targeted. “We will not allow this kind restricted a 50 year old grave yard and of insensitive behavior towards our mosque in Mulnarby raising a fence on religious freedom, they called on the road leading to local mosque and Muslim Waqaf board to interfere in graveyard, we are not allowed to offer these matters and solve them as soon our prayers.” as possible,” protestors said. Zahid further added that in 2016 GhulamNabi, local imam of Mulnar then Education minister Nayeem mosque threatened of valley wide Akhter visited Kala Kot Rajori to protests if authorities continue to curb access the site proposed to built their religious freedom. college, the proposal was rejected “Dachigam area around our as locals protested against building mosque is left open while authorities college there since the siteincluded have purposefully fenced the road their ancestral graveyard , we don’t leading to the mosque, this is sheer understand why is government is again harassment and interference in our trying to built college on our graveyard religious affairs,” he said.

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v Mehvish Mumtaz now it is confined to some hotels for decoration purposes,” he said. SRINAGAR: Dusting a set of chairs Mukhtiyar believes that the wicker made of wicker work in his modest craft did not get its due attention from shop at Hazratbal market, 50-year successive regimes. “Wicker craft Mukhtiyar Ahmad Sheikh is among was considered one of the important last generation from his family to crafts in Srinagar, but it was neglected Srinagar’s carry on the traditional business of by authorities by failing to promote making wicker items. and regulate it,” he says. traditional “The wicker art is dying a silent Elaborating, he said wicker items death” lamented Sheikh pointing have not any officially fixed rates. towards his shop decked with variety “Intermediaries fix rates as per their wicker craft in of items made of wicker. The craft is interests. Artisans get peanuts are in a popularly known as Keani Keam. fix whether to continue with this work last throes Taking a deep breath, he said or switch to any other alternative. “there is no one to look over this Government does not make traditional handicraft.” Mukhtiyar’s any effort to regulate prices or to family has been promoting wicker protect the craft from threat of craft from many generations and he extinction. Some artisans are taking learnt the once cherished art from his undue advantage of the trade by father Abdul Ghaffar Sheikh. Even foreigners thronged our shop, but selling the products on hefty rates and “As a child, i used to watch my father gradually the art lost its sheen due to compromising on quality. make wicker items. There was huge varied reasons. Almost every household This brings bad name to our already demand for wicker chairs and baskets. in Srinagar had varied wicker items, but diminishing trade,” he says.. “Dargah

Sports stadium in shambles KU Health centre aid students, employees

v Musaib Mehraj “We also have the short stay admissions where the patient is kept SRINAGAR: The health center at for few hours. In serious cases we Kashmir University is providing relief refer them to the nearby hospitals like to the students and the employees as it SKIMS Soura or JLNM Rainawari”, Dr offers basic medical facilities including Khalid informed. first aid, dental check up, X-ray He also added that “the health center technologies and other tests. also offers its services to the physical Chief Medical Officer Dr. Khalid education department for the players said, “Health Centre has the facility of during their sports activities.” 12 beds, 2 doctors, one dental surgeon “Besides, if university organizes any v Rafia manzoor and never trying to show their seriousness and more than 20 paramedical staff. educational camp, we keep our services towards developing this stadium on scientific The basic medication is free, even available for them in case of any SRINAGAR: From grazing cows to stray dogs, lines,” Abdul Rasheed, a former football ticket is free of cost for students and Rs emergency and provide health service the Polo Ground sports stadium is a centre of player, who often used to come this ground 5 is charged for employees. during sports activities, he said. attraction for many except sports fraternity. said. He added, two ambulances are also While talking to MERC times, a Even though much has been claimed and “After the establishment of synthetic turf available 24x7 in case of any emergency student Haseena said “I visited the talked about the Polo ground sports stadium, for football, the major part of ground was and students visit the centre regularly health center once and I feel it serves the ground is a perfect example of official forgotten and left unattended by the sports for medicinal purposes its purpose. They don’t charge anything neglect and callousness. authorities and they are never bother about “Besides first aid, we provide dental for consultation or basic medication or The famous Polo ground of the city, just it,” he said. check up and the facilities like filling even an OPD ticket”. few yards away from the business hub Lal and extraction of the tooth”, Dr Khalid Chowk has been left unattended by the Pertinently, work on the multi-purpose said. sports department. indoor hall at Polo ground was started on The Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti November 2013 after then Minister for approved the first cricket academy here; the Youth Services and Sports, Taj Mohi-ud-Din already existing sports infrastructure here is laid its foundation stone. in shambles and in pathetic condition. “At that time it was announced that According to spectator, earlier this part multi-purpose facility would be built at of ground was considered very crucial for a cost of Rs 1.82 crore and it will have organizing sports events and for practice facilities for playing games like basketball, purposes. The ground always remained judo, martial arts, table tennis etc? It was thronged with players and sports instructors. also announced that work on the facility “It is an achievement of sorts that we have would be completed within a period of ground in the heart of city but unfortunately six months but it still awaits completion,” our sports officials are in deep slumber Rasheed further said.

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INTERNET-A ‘DIGITAL Rash driving by tipper NATIVE’ FOR YOUTH drivers terrorize commuters v Rahil Hussain comes in their way,” he said. Residents of Mehjoor Nagar said that SRINAGAR: Rash driving by the tipper the rash driving can lead to untoward drivers during evening hours on the incident anytime. city roads is taking a heavy toll on the “It is not for the first time. Drivers have pedestrians in the city. been indulging in rash driving in past as The rash driving of the tippers can be well. If it goes unchecked it will continue seen on roads like Tulsi Bagh, Batmaloo, to create problems for the commuters,” Jahangir Chowk, Lal Chowk, M A Road, they said. TRC, , Jawahar Nagar, Mehjoor “The worrisome fact is that the drivers Nagar and many others. can get away with the killing as most of A group of locals from Bemina told the times they speed away in dark or even MERC Times that the rash driving by if they are caught they are booked under the tipper drivers is posing threat to their softer laws with lesser punishment,” locals v Shahzad Ashiq what’s happening around the world from lives. of Saida Kadal alleged. internet by sitting at home or office. “The tippers run so rashly that I feel SSP Traffic City Sargun Shukla said SRINAGAR internet is being used by all There is good side as well awful side of scared and at times to save myself I park that strict action will be taken against the age groups. As a generation of ‘Digital everything; similarly although internet is my vehicle in some interior lane till erring drivers. Natives’ Youth often knows about the ins helping us in many ways. It is distracting the deadly tippers go away,” said Fayaz “These tipper drivers have to drive and outs of online then their parents do. some people from the core of their aim. Ahmad, a resident of HIG Colony Bemina. according to the Motor Vehicles Act Today’s youth has been brought up with Nowadays, the majority of youth are “The speed with which they are running (MVC). And whosoever ever violates the the advent of the internet, there’s a clear spending lots of time on surfing internet in the evening hours, it seems that they rules the police department will go tough disengage between what children are for being in touch with their friends are drunk and can ram over anyone who against them,” the SSP said. doing online and what parents believe through networking sites and playing they are getting up. online games, which is very harmful for “Google is my Baba”, said Ather when their physical development because our asked about the use of internet. “I never body needs exercise to grow healthy but get that kind of stuff from books what I internet is stopping. am getting from the internet, its like fun “Internet if used carefully can be useful and study at the same time, I am up to and entertaining at the same time, if you date always”, he further said. use it can prove fatal one should always Internet was introduced first to help depend on books rather than looking for in official jobs and sending messages things online because it isn’t necessary to distance in squat time. But now it’s what you see online is always right and being used for all purposes like as study, factual”, said a research scholar Nayeem news, entertainment, music, videos, who is pursuing P.hd in Botany from games, research and lot more. Internet Kashmir university. No doubt internet is is helping everyone to know things in a link to the world but to some extent it very short time period. We can know separates you from people around you.

SRINAGAR WITHOUT FEMALE WASHROOM

v Sadia Mir for men in the city. While things have slightly improved, it inconvenience. Though government has taken initiatives is still difficult to find a public toilet for women, even in the but still there is shortage of civic facilities in the city,” Bhat SRINAGAR: Swach Bharat campaign by the Government busy commercial centers frequented visited by women, said. of India seems to have failed to make an impact in Srinagar, she added. “I want to point out here that the funds available given the absence of female washrooms in most of the “We spent half the day in shopping and rest in locating under Swach Bharat Mission should be used to build frequent places in the city giving different scenario. the washroom. Most of our time was wasted in finding a public lavatories in cities, towns and villages of our Out of 75 public toilets in Srinagar only 11 are for public convenience. We were not able to complete our state considering the fact that the people in our state are females. Besides locating toilets for women is also a matter shopping and it got delayed to next day,” said Tanzeela who comparatively more conscious of the need to have toilets of concern. was in the city for wedding shopping. in their homes.” Tasleema said. “There is one public convenience for women but I Bhat Hafsa, an MBBS student at SKIMS, said that “There should be separate toilets for females but the would not prefer that because of its location. It is located the problem becomes grave for women who suffer from unavailability of land is one of the big constraints. We at the centre of Regal Chowk and lacks privacy,” said Naira, diabetes or have any other health problems. have received applications from general public but unless Women’s college student. “People suffering from diabetes have to visit land is not provided we cannot do anything”, said Ghulam Few years back, it was even difficult to find a usable toilet washrooms frequently thus are the worst sufferers of this Rasool Dar, Sanitation Officer.

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Enhancement of CD fund State Government up from 1.5 to 3cr fails to implement central sponsored scheme v Syeed Bilal

SRINAGAR: Despite announcing many central sponsored schemes (CSS) for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the Jammu and Kashmir has failed to implement central sponsored scheme. According to the figures, as against availability of Rs 3894.98 crores only an amount of Rs 1814.52 crore was spent by various departments under Centrally v TAJAMUL ISLAM other life consuming diseases. This could also Sponsored Schemes. supplement Red Cross or other NGO assistance. “The purpose of these schemes is to help states in SRINAGAR: In a significant decision, the state The order said that augmentations support to speeding up developmental process on all India level and government approved enhancement of the the centrally Sponsored Schemes (both central to bring about uniformity in developmental exercise, so Constituency Development Fund (CDF) of the share as well as state share) can be recommended that it leads to closer cooperation among the states and legislators from Rs 1.50 Crore to Rs 3 Crore from out of the CDF while indicating the geographical consolidates economic integration of the nation. These the current financial year. area where scheme could be implemented. Such a schemes are in addition to the developmental plans As per the new guidelines, a legislator can now contribution will not be beneficiary-oriented. undertaken by the states” said an official. utilize up to Rs 20 lakh as medical assistance, Smokeless Biomass Cook stoves: Up to Rs. 5.00 “J&K is unique among Indian States for the number with a ceiling of Rs 10 lakh per patient, out of lacs could be utilized out of the CDF for providing of reasons. Keeping this in mind developmental CDF for providing assistance to BPL patients assistance for purchase of Smokeless Biomass schemes have to be devised in a manner that suits the for treatment of liver/kidney transplant, bone Cook stoves as approved by MNRE, to the BPL/ requirements of each region, CSS are of general nature marrow and heart transplant, blindness and most vulnerable sections of society. and encompass the overall requirements of the people in all the three regions. If properly implemented, all CSS would prove highly beneficial to the people of the state and would lead to rapid development in all areas. Unfortunately, the state of J&K has not been able to Substandard material used in derive maximum benefits from these schemes” said Governer N.N Vohra. school risking lives “ Just to give an idea of how much loss we are undergoing by not implementing these schemes, it has “It is visible that the been found that during the three quarters of the financial constructed building year 2016-17 only 47% of the funds allocated by the has developed major Centre for CSS has been utilized. Although almost all cracks in ceiling and departments have been the defaulters in this respect walls, because contractor by not utilizing the funds in full, yet Home, Agriculture used mud and low cost and Forest Departments have performed the worst” he material in construction,” added. Ali Mohammad said. Officials say that despite complaints to concerned authorities, no action has been taken so far. v Tawqeer Ul Islam “We cannot run a school in such poorly constructed building. Many a times I requested : The staff of the Government High officials to stop the construction and order a School Budnamal in Kupwara is aghast at the probe but nothing happened,” Zonal Education substandard quality of an under-construction Officer Mumtaz Ahmad Khan said. building meant for the school. Khan said that he had visited the construction Staff members of the school alleged that the site himself and found the building unsafe, as it new building, which was still under construction, was badly damaged. had already developed cracks in its walls and the “I think the contractor has political influence concrete ceiling. that is why officials are silent, otherwise this is a Ali Mohammad, Headmaster of the school, criminal act,” ZEO said. told MERC TIMES that the work on the new Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, GH building for the school, approved under RMSA Mohammad Dar told MERC Times that he would scheme, began in 2010, but only one story has look into the matter. been completed so far, in which very substandard “I assure you that matter will be taken seriously material has been used. and will not allow such to happen,” Dar said. ﻮر य ﯽ اﻟﻨ गम ﻟ ोत ﺖ ا  MEDIA EDUCATION RESEARCH CENTRE, UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR ﻤ ٰ ा ﻠ

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Non-local beggars Four J&K players selected for swarm Kashmir national coaching v Useeba Bashir Pangotra said,“ It is for the first time that International School Games Federation conducted SRINAGAR: Bringing laurels for the Jammu a Taekwondo event here and our four players and Kashmir, four players from J&K state have were selected for National Coaching camp. They been selected for the National Coaching camp of (players) worked really hard for this (selection) and Taekwondo being organized by the School games it is good to see it paying off. It is a moment of pride federation of India in New Delhi. for me as well as the state.” The players were selected after going through the Taekwondo is a world-renowned game which trial process for the World School Games at Tyagraj is fortunately becoming famous among budding Stadium New Delhi. sportsmen of our state. They need proper guidance In the trial J&K Taekwondo players including and advanced infrastructure, said Pangotra two girls outshined their opponents. Aryan Gupta “The Government should initiate steps to secured 2nd place under 45kg, Ajay Kumar secured provide the players better coaching facilities and 2nd place in 51 Kg, Afreen. Hyder got 2nd Place in appreciation,” he added. 59 Kg and Shah Barrera Fatimat bagged 2nd place Pertinently, Pangotra who has acted as an under 68kg. International referee was invited by School Games Atul Pangotra, theTaekwondo Coach termed the Federation of India (SGFI) as Selector cum selection of the players as a good omen. Selection Committee member.

v Asif Bilal State Cricket Academy

SRINAGAR: People across are facing nuisance by the to organize Coaching Camps non-local beggars who have taken positions at various important fitness trainers with an aim to inculcate budding points in the city, especially in commercial hub, Lal cricketers with nuances of the game from young “Beggars are seen in every nook and corner of the city causing huge age,” said Secretary Sports Council. inconvenience to pedestrians, shoppers and tourists. These non- As fitness has become a crucial part in any local beggars have made lives of local population miserable and have cricketers' growth, trainers at the camp intend to become headache for foreign tourists too said”, Muataq Ahmad keep the players abreast with the latest trends in Rohit Sharma, who hails from Jammu said, “I came here to explore managing one's body for optimum performance. the beauty of Kashmir, but every moment I step out of the car, I am “The registration forms will be available at the surrounded by beggars, who do not let me go till I give them some office of State Cricket Academy, New Administrative money. See helping poor is good, but here the beggars make almost Block, Jammu and Kashmir State Sports Council 100 rounds a day to get money,” from May 2, 2017,” informed officials of the Sports Abdul Hamid, a local shopkeeper in Dalgate said, “This place is a Council. tourist hub, that’s why it is full of beggars. Most of them are those who Hayat Manan State Cricket Academy, a novel initiative, first cannot even walk. I think it is a big business nexus and government of its kind in the state after getting approval from should take serious note of the problem”. SRINAGAR: In its first, State Cricket Academy run the Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and Sports He added that most of these beggars are professionally trained to by the J&K State Sports Council will conduct its Minister Imran Raza Ansari last week. take advantage of people’s emotions and force them to give money to maiden coaching cum fitness camp from May 8. “While work on the main area of the academy is them. The coaching camp will be held exclusively for still in progress which is believed to be completed Government should take immediate steps to curb this menace. the U-16 age group cricketers. by first week of June 2017. Once ready, academy will when contacted Chief Enforcement Officer, he said, “we are “The 21-day programme to be conducted at be laced with modern facilities where cricketers will formulating a strategy in order to handle this issue, however we need Srinagar's Bakhshi Stadium where cricket academy be able to hone their skills,” Sports Council officials immediate cooperation of people also.” is housed, will be overseen by certified coaches and added.

North Kashmir’s remote village scrabbles for basic facilities

v TAHIR BHAT winter amid snowfall the local women folk Residents accused the successive of providing basic facilities but after winning have to fetch water from wells and river.” governments of neglecting the area. polls, they disappear till next elections. The SRINAGAR: The residents of North The three villages comprise of around “Till date, no government provided us politicians simply betray poor masses”, Kashmir’s Poshpora, Babagund, and 500 households. The residents alleged that drinking water facility. We have been using locals allege. Kunan villages of district Kupwara live they are without drinking water facility and water from streams and wells. But now, When contacted, Farooq Ahmad, age of primitive times. The basic facility the governments have never bothered. due to increased water pollution, we are AEE PHE Division Tehsil, of drinking water is missing in their area. “We drink the water of wells and streams concerned about our health,” Ahad added. he said, “Water supply plant is under Locals allege that it is the official apathy. but owing to increased pollution we are While lashing out at politicians, the construction and by the end of March it Talking to MERC TIMES, a resident scared to further consume it and this has residents said that they come to their village will be thrown open for the public. The of the area said that the area has no water posed serious threat to our existence”, an only at the time of elections. drinking water will be supplied to these supply since decades “and in bone chilling elderly Abdul Ahad said. “First they come, seek votes in the name villages thereafter.” ﻮر य ﯽ اﻟﻨ गम ﻟ ोत ﺖ ا  MEDIA EDUCATION RESEARCH CENTRE, UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR ﻤ ٰ ा ﻠ

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म त U R UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR NI I Vol 10●No 07●Pages 16●May 15, 2017 V M ER H SITY OF KAS Vol 8 | No 12 | OCTOBER 30, 2015 13 Hailstorm damages fruit crops in GARBAGE STENCH TROUBLES v Iqra Akhoon RESIDENTS SRINAGAR: Hailstorm damaged fruit crops in dozens of villages across Tanzeela Qazi Sopore area of North Kashmir’s District on Friday SRINAGAR: The residents of Puj Mohalla Evening. Rainawari and its adjacent areas have expressed Intensive hailstorm, which displeasure over the garbage dumping methods. lasted for more than 12 minutes, “The municipal committee collects garbage damaged the crops of cherry, apple from the main roads of city but neglects inner and vegetables in Malpora, Doru, roads and with increasing temperature, there can Brat and many other villages in the be outbreak of an epidemic in an area,” a local adjoining areas of Sopore. resident said. Apple crops were in blooming The residents also complained that pungent stage in Kashmir. Fruit growers say smell is emanating from the accumulated garbage. that if the situation persists there may are in full bloom. Rain, hailstorm and source of our Economy but hailstorm “We are down to live a tough time as the nasty be a loss of more than 50% of apple cold conditions have damaged the shuttered our hopes.” odour has engulfed roads and streets,” said a local produce across Kashmir this year. flowering process,” said Ab Rashid While talking to MERC TIMES, Bashir Ahmad Dar. “We were expecting bumper fruit Mir resident of Malpora sopore. SDM Sopore, he said, “I visited Many residents are irked by “non serious” crop this year, last year our fruit Horticulture is the main source of the affected areas, assured farmers attitude of SMC towards the unclean city roads business was affected by 2016 unrest the economy in Kashmir with lakhs and orchard-owners that an expert and streets. this year the vagaries of the weather of people associated with this sector. team of agriculture and horticulture “Moreover, the garbage remains unattended have dashed our hopes. Another Fruit grower Fayaz departments will visit the area and and it is very difficult to venture out as dozens In the month of April, orchards Ahmad said, “The Apples is only estimate the loss soon.” of stray dogs always hover around the place, ”Mushtaq Ahmad,a local resident said. “We have repeatedly approached the authorities regarding the issue, but they don’t even bother to listen to us, let alone solving the problem,” the local alleged. 5-Day payaam-e-Ramadan Festival While talking to MERC Times, Chief Sanitation Officer, SMC said, “I will look into the matter and begins at Kashmir University public grievances will be resolved soon.”

Gutlibagh link road continues to be in shambles v Farhad khan

GANDERBAL: A Road in Gutlibagh village of Gandarbal district is becoming dangerous for the local people as government fails to repair it. The commuters of an area are having a tough time due to dilapidated condition of road. Locals alleged roads and buildings (R&B department) has failed to carry out necessary repairs of the road. “The link road was repaired many years v Fahmeeda Rashid Dean Student’s welfare professor G N khaki was also back, however, there were certain stretches present on the occasion. He highlighted the purpose of which were left unattended. Now those un- SRINAGAR: Payaam-e-Ramadhan festival 2017 began organising the competition. repaired portions have turned into craters at Kashmir University on Thursday and was inaugurated “These competitions provide the students an posing risk of accidents,” said a resident. by Professor Musadiq Amin Sahaf, Dean Academic Affairs opportunity to share their passion for Islam and Qur’an Government’s inattention is driving locals and acting vice chancellor. The festival will continue till through their Quests for Azaan, Naat and Art of Calligraphy. to come out on road, few days back locals June 20. “The students of different departments of Kashmir took protest rally and block the Srinagar -Leh The festival is being organized by Dean Students University, Colleges and the students of different higher highway. Meanwhile, on next day minister Welfare, Kashmir University. The occasion started with secondary schools of the valley will participate in the for public works J&K Naeem Akhter visited the inaugural speech of Vice Chancellor. In his speech the competition. the area and took the matter in notice. He VC spoke on the importance of Ramadan and appreciated At least 800 students from across Kashmir valley have promised for the early macadamization of the the participants and organizers for organizing the festival. registered their names for their participation. road. ﻮر य ﯽ اﻟﻨ गम ﻟ ोत ﺖ ا  MEDIA EDUCATION RESEARCH CENTRE, UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR ﻤ ٰ ा ﻠ

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म त U R NI I Vol 10●No 07●Pages 16●May 15, 2017 V M ER H SITY OF KAS 14

DYSSO BUDGAM ORGANISES SEERAT CONFERENCE

v Asim Rajah the chief Guest on the occasion. who distributed prizes and certificates STRAY DOGS ROAM KASHMIR BUDGAM, District Youth Services and among the winners. Other officers Sports department Budgam organised and officials of District Youth Services Inter Zone Seerat Conference cum and Sports office Budgam were also UNIVERSITY Naat Competition at Babul Elim High present on the occasion. v NAVEED WANI dog and somehow managed to run.” School Budgam today. Boys from Several prominent Islamic Kashmir university being one of the different schools of District Budgam scholars from different parts of the SRINAGAR: The stray dog roaming in main reputed institutions of valley should be participated in the programme. In area participated and extensively campus Kashmir university is creating a big devoid of all such things said another student. Seerat Conference (Topic), Muntizir deliberated on the teachings of Islam hue and cry as dogs are even seen entering Dr Naseer iqbal, Chief Proctor Allaie from Soibugh Zone bagged and prophet (SAW).The campus departments hence questioning Kashmir university when contacted told first place, Irtiza Mohammad from speakers highlighted the teachings the administration’s indifference towards Merc times that, “due to the presence Dreygam Zone secured second place and messages of Prophet Muhammad campus sanitation. of residential quarters in the university while Sheikh Uzair from Beerwah (SAW) laying stress on helping the As per students, dogs are seen wandering campus and other locality around the Zone got third position . needy destitute.They Urged the campus all the time and even some times campus the domestic wastes do invite In Naat Competition, Waqar-un- audience to spread the message enter department premises. A student the dogs to campus, they have done lot Nabi from Soibugh zone bagged first of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to from one of the departments told MERC regarding this matter in the past and in position, Zubair Ahmad from Budgam ensure peace and prosperity in the TIMES that, “she saw the dogs entering the future we are looking forward to increase Zone secured second position and universe. departmental premises, another student of efforts to deal the problem more seriously Mohammad Asif from Beerwah zone Meanwhile, Seerat Conference and Merc department was chased by a dog, as and overcome all the prevailing challenges got third place. Naat competition for girls would be Shaheen Shafique said that while coming to regarding the sanitation and other related District Youth Services and Sports held on April 03 at Babul Elim High university in morning she was chased by a issues,” he added. officer Budgam, Sukhdev Singh was School Budgam. QAMARWARI BRIDGE AWAITS COMPLETION

v Kaisar Majeed residents here. “The resident especially the commuters are being forced SRINAGAR: After missing its first deadline in 2014, to face hardships as the area witnesses frequent traffic jams Qamarwari bridge is awaiting its completion from past due to the congestion on the already existing bridge in the six years. The bridge is being made to reduce the traffic area,” they added. congestion on the already existing old bridge there and Following the missing of first deadline, the Chief connects Qamarwari with rest downtown area of Srinagar Minister J & K, Mehbooba Mufti during her tour to the City. city area in May 2016 set an another deadline for the The authorities in the Roads and Building (R&B) completion of the bridge. department have miserably failed to complete the project She, according to the locals has said that the bridge on time as it has so far missed several deadlines. would be completed by end of Mar 2017 despite authorities The work over the construction of the alternative bridge failed to construct the bridge in this period. was started in June 2011 at the estimated cost of Rs 9.85 six years, the bridge is still incomplete and a lot of work is Officials in the R&B department told MERC TIMES crore while the bridge was supposed to get completed in also pending,” official sources said. that the acquisition of land and shifting of a local Masjid June 2014. Locals however accused the department for ignoring was the main reason behind the delay in completion of the Sources said the construction of an alternate Qamarwari their plights and demanded immediate completion of the bridge. bridge was sanctioned by the government in 2011 to reduce bridge. However, he said that all the issues have been settled traffic congestion. The locals said that the inordinate delay in constructing now and hopefully the construction of the bridge will be “The work was started in the year 2011 but after passing the bridge has resulted in immense hardships to the completed by the end of this year (2017).”

ﻟﻨﻮر मय ﯽ ا तग MEDIA EDUCATION RESEARCH CENTRE, UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR اﻟ ो ﺖ  ﻤ ٰ ा ﻠ

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म त U Vol 10●No 07●Pages 16●May 15, 2017 N IR IV M ER H SITY OF KAS 15

Soaring mercury: Two RESIDENTS OF HMT boys drowned in Kashmir AGHAST OVER BAD ROADS

v Shabir Parray Accusing the authorities for ignoring their plights, the residents demanded immediate SRINAGAR: The residents of HMT Mustafa redress their grievances. Abad and Umer Abad are up in arms against the The residents told that the authorities have authorities for failing to repair and macadamize failed to maintain and macadamize the road the old HMT road which locals call now “Shaheed which has resulted in the immense hardships to Gowher Road.” the commuters. The road was macadamized few years back. They said that they approached several higher However, the road could not withstand rains and ups in this regard but unfortunately nothing has developed potholes, locals told MERC Times. been done so far. “During rains, the dilapidated roads turn into “Despite assurances by the authorities, the cesspools. When water remains stagnant for a long time, department has failed to take measures to It further damages road,” said Adil Ahmad, a local. macadamize the road,” they added. v Sajad Bashir “Due to potholes vehicles have suffered The residents appealed to the higher damages. The dilapidated condition of the road authorities to look into the matter and redress SRINAGAR: The soaring mercury has gradually started taking an indirect poses risk of accidents. The road is vital as most of their genuine grievances at earliest so that the toll. Boys enjoying summer holidays go for bathing in major streams and not the vehicles including school buses pass through people especially commuters here could feel a return home. Sunday witnessed tow such deaths. it,” said Mohammad Jamal. sigh of relief. A 10-year-old boy drowned in Jehlum in central Kashmir’s Maloora area Sunday afternoon. The deceased was identified as Sahil son of Abdul Hamid Parray, a resident of Gulshanpora Maloora. Sahil drowned while taking bath in the river that passes through his village. SHO Police Station Parimpora told MERC TIMES that the rescue operation was going on to fish out Sahil’s body. Earlier, a 15 year old boy drowned to death in Habba kadal area of Central Kashmir’s while he was taking bath in Jehlum. Locals Identified deceased as Towseef Ahmad Najar, son of Muhammad Yousuf Najar, resident of Habba Kadal. SHO police station Mahraj Gung told MERC TIMES that Towseef’s body was fished out from the river and rushed to nearest hospital where doctors declared him brought dead.

District Shopian Rugby Championship Concludes v Junaid Manzoor Organizing Secretary of the championship Mohd Shafi said, “the SHOPIAN: Two days long District winners and runner-up teams will Shopian Rugby 7-S Championship perform better in the upcoming state 2017 Concluded at Zainpur championship and we hope that our Sports Stadium today here. The district players will get selected championship was inaugurated on for the forthcoming National 22nd of this month in which 20 teams championships in near future. of participated in the Principal of the National championship. Innovations public School (NIPS), The Championship was held in two Nadeem Ahmad was the chief guest age groups under-14 and under-17. on the closing ceremony of the event KGP won the final title under-14 and he distributed the prizes among defeating Hanfia Public school and the the winners and runners up team. final title of under- 17 was clinched by The championship was Allama Iqbal by thrashing Boys Higher organized by District Shopian Secondary Shopian. Rugby Association under the The winners and runners up teams aegis of J&K Rugby Association got berth in the state championship and under the supervision and which will be held at Bakshi stadium sponsored by J&K State Sports Srinagar in the month July. Council. ﻮر य اﻟﻨ गम ﯽ त MEDIA EDUCATION RESEARCH CENTRE, UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR اﻟ ो ﺖ  ﻤ ٰ ा ﻠ

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म त U Vol 10●No 07●Pages 16●May 15, 2017 N IR IV M ER H SITY OF KAS 16 Baramulla school has 2 teachers Tapper boy invents sweeping for 7 seven students machine Malik Nisar

Srinagar: Aaqib Rashid, a Class 10th student from Government High School Tapper has come with a path breaking innovation of cleaning cum sweeping machine. He has broken all odds by designing a clean cum sweeping machine. "Actually, it was a kind of assignment given by our teacher to one of my classmate. I carefully heard the instructions given by the teacher to that very student. Back home, I started working on it, my classmate failed to do it, but I did v Syed Arshad Geelani balloon of claims gets punctured in the far-flung areas of it," said Aaqib. our state,” commented an elderly resident. He added that it works on electricity. Baramulla: Government Primary School Peernia in When a female teacher in the school was asked about The machine collects the dust around it, this north Kashmir district has two teachers for teaching the minimal roll of students, she said: “I am here to teach than throwing it around. seven students in six big rooms. students, not to increase the roll. I can’t force parents to Aaqib attributes this innovation to This School started functioning even before 1947, and send their children to our school.” his hard work and parental support. has educated many good names in the valley. She said her salary has been withheld as “I refuse to go Aaqib's father Abdul Rashid, a labour The school building comprises of six big rooms, one of door to door (to convince students)”. “The locals working by profession says “He is used to such which has its total population of seven students occupying in these private schools attacked us several times with an kind of things from his early childhood. I half of it. The remaining space is unused. intention to dissuade our students.” always found him fiddling with electronic The school has two teachers, making it student-teacher “The concerned ZEO said the school was surrounded equipments, many a times I reprimanded ratio of 3:1, roughly. The locals have been appealing the by three private schools, which “take the lion’s share”. “I him for doing such kind of things, till one authorities for proper utilisation of the resource, but in neither understand from where they (private schools) got day he surprised me by his skills, than after vain. “Over the years, government has been making tall registrations nor am I comfortable in merging this old I supported him whole heartedly", added claims of revolutionising the education sector. But this school with any other,” he said. Abdul Rashid. JKMBA TO ORGANISE BIKING EXPEDITIONS IN J&K v Sheikh Saman Trials and Sunday Expeditions. Meanwhile, during the meeting, SRINAGAR: Jammu & Kashmir election for few office bearers and Mountain Biking Association Technical Committee members was (JKMBA) held executive members conducted, in which Bashir Damna meeting at Heaven Resort Shalimar and Jamsheed Ahmad were elected to boost the Mountain Biking and to as Vice Presidents. While as Khalid revive Cycling culture here. Amin and A. R Bhat were elected as During the meeting, members of Joint Secretaries. Younis Ahmad was JKMBA decided to organize Multiple elected as treasurer, Nawab Mozam Biking Expeditions and to revive the & Tufail Qureshi were elected as Trail cycling culture in J&K. specialist’s, Adil bhat and Ahsan Ali “This is an adventure Sports and elected as Project Manager. without adventures in a life it become While Tariq Ahmad Khan was elected boring. We want to involve more and as Chairman of Technical Committee more participants in this adventure and Ehtisham Khan, Ashiq Ahmad, Sports and take all possible steps to Mushtaq Bhat , Khursheed Ahamad, organize many mountain Biking and was elected as Executive Members. Cycling events in our State,” JKMBA in our state, which we had earlier. There In the meeting, some important On the conclusion of election, General Sectary Reayaz Ahmad told are many advantages of cycling, it keeps decisions were taken by executive President of JKMBA Asif Iqbal Burza MERC Times. our heath free from many diseases members of JKMBA like congratulated all the elected office “With the Mountain Biking, we are and cycling also helps to decrease Implementation of registration system bearers and wished them good luck for also trying to bring back cycling culture environment population,” Reyaz added. for Riders, Development of Mountain future work.

ﻮر य ﯽ اﻟﻨ गम EDITORIAL TEAM ﻟ ोत ﺖ ا  ﻤ ٰ ा ﻠ

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Prof. Khurshid Andrabi, Vice-Chancellor Faruq Masudi Muslim Jan Aga Shahi

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त Wajahat Shabir, Munawar Hussain, Saba Gul, Imaran Ali, Sabeeha Shaheen. U Students Editorial Team: N IR IV M ER H SITY OF KAS e-mail: [email protected] | website: www.mercs.uok.edu.in