“Peace in best interests of the people (Mufti)”

 Chief Minister Mufti Mohd Sayeed called for strengthening the atmosphere of peace built in Jammu and Kashmir after strenuous efforts and hard labour. He asked for continued public support for the measures taken by the government saying peace is in the best interest of the people of the state.     

 Adressing a large public meeting here, Mufti Sayeed said the government or he as the chief minister alone cannot guard the gains of the peace process which needs continued public support. He said the message of peace and reconciliation emanating from Jammu and Kashmir has received world wide support and appreciation. He said Pakistani leadership is also today advocating dialogue as the only option to address problem, rejecting violence as means to resolve matters. He said this is the vindication of his party, consistent stand which is further augmented by international stance on violence.

 Minister for Agriculture Abdul Aziz Zargar and Senior PDP leader Advocate Abdul Haq Nazir Ahmed Lone and Gulam Qadir Wani also addressed the meeting. Thousands of people had descended on the venue from remote areas of the district. The Chief Minister on his arrival was greeted with slogans and was profusely garlanded by prominent citizen of the area.

 Mufti Sayeed said that the change in the situation started from Kashmir, has taken over the entire sub–continent. He said people of the state stood up against violence and bloodshed believing that wars and acrimony have only added up to their miseries . He said the 2002 Assembly Elections were a milestone in the journey to peace adding by opting the democratic way to give vent to their aspirations, people helped a great deal in bringing a turnaround in the situation. He recalled when his party was formed a sense of insecurity was prevailing in the state. Violence and arrests were order of the day and people wanted to get out of this morass. He said the coalition government after assuming office accorded top priority to retrieve the situation and embark up on a massive development programme.

 The Chief Minister appreciated the support Jammu and Kashmir is receiving from the Centre and especially mentioned the considerate approach of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi towards the state. He said the state is the priority with the Prime Minister who has sanctioned Rs. 24000 crore economic remonstration programme for Jammu and Kashmir that would completely change its profile. He said the transparency and accountability brought in to the administration have yielded positive results. He said during the last about 3 Years 50000 youth were provided  employment and not in one case any body could raise a figure on the selection process. As Chief Minister, he said he has not interfered in the recruitment process and let the merit prevail. Mufti Sayeed said his Government promoted democratic atmosphere in the state where people have the freedom to put forth their views. He said not only the main stream Politicians but even the Hurriyat leaders are also addressing public meetings across Kashmir. He said he believes in the freedom of expression saying that democracy is the battle of ideas.

 Referring to Kupwara, the Chief Minister said the district was the worst affected during the long turmoil. He said the situation could be gauged by the fact that in one village alone there are 250 orphans. He said his Government is giving due attention to the Development of the district. An additionality of Rs 45crore has been provided to the district under the Border Area Development Programme while equal amount has been provided under the Asian Development Bank for various schemes.

In response to local demands the Chief Minister announced laying out a park and a stadium in the town. He said a project would be formulated for World Bank Assistance for a 100 Bed Hospital. He said he would send the concerned Minister to take stock of the Irrigation and Drinking water needs. The Bangs area would be developed as a tourist destination, he added.

In his address the Minister for Agriculture and Co-operatives Ab. Aziz Zargar said Kupwara district is in special focus in the matters of Developments. He said scores of schemes have been launched to facelift the development scenario in the district. He especially referred to sectors like Education, Agriculture, Road Communication and Power and said comprehensive projects have been formulated. The Minister said credibility of the Government among the people has increased as a result of the pro people measures taken by it. He said on both Political and Development fronts, the Government has preformed well. He sought public cooperation to carry forward the process of peace and development in the state.

“Sofi announces Rs. 10 lakh for Handwara Constituency”

Minister for Forest and Environment Sofi Gulam Mohi-ud-din, who is also member Legislative Assembly of Handwara Constituency has announced Rs. 10 Lakh out of his Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for strengthening basic infrastructure of various Schools and improvement of inner link roads in Chowgal village and it is adjacent areas.

During his visit, the Minister took stock of the availability of Irrigation, Drinking Water, Power and Medicare facilities in the area. He said Government has sanctioned Rs. 20 lakh for construction of Primary Health Center Chowgal and Rs. 10 lakh for completion of different Rural Development scheme in the area under “Food for Work Programme”. He asked the officers for taking effective measures to redress the public grievances especially those who area living in the Rural and far-flung areas of the Constituency.

Later addressing a series of public meetings at various places, the Minister said that the Government is aware of the problems confronting the people and these are being addressed in a set procedure. He said that present Government has lunched several welfare scheme and accorded priority to the development of neglected and far-flung areas of the state adding that various road projects and Rural Development scheme have been taken up in Handwara Constiuitency under various centrally sponsored programmes aimed at to generate job opportunities for the rural people. He said Government is determined to raise socio-economic standard of the people living in remote areas of the state.      

“ID- arrangement reviewed at Kupwara”

The arrangements for ensuing Independence Day were reviewed at Officers meeting held here under the Chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner Kupwara.

The meeting was informed that the function would start with Shahnai Vadan. After the flag hosting ceremony, there would be march-past by the contingents of Police, Paramilitary Forces and School Children. Culture and variety programme would be presented by the Information Department and School Children. The concerned Officers were asked to make adequate Drinking Water, Electricity, First Aid Facilities besides seating arrangements.

Among others, the additional Deputy Commissioner Kupwara attended the meeting.

“Section 144 imposed in Kupwara”

The District Magistrate, Kupwara has imposed section 144 of Cr. PC in the district Kupwara from July 26^th for the period of two months in the district.

While as night curfew shall remains in force from 10P.M to 4A.M in the district and in the area falling within 5 Kms of border belt from 7 P.M to 5 A.M. 

However, the Police and Paramilitary forces besides essential services like Health, Electrical, PHE, Fire and Emergency Services have been exempted from the section.

“Economic Census Work Reviewed in Kupwara”

Progress of 5^th economic census work was reviewed at an officers meeting held under the Chairmanship of the Director Statistics and Evaluation G. A. Qureshi here at Kupwara.

It was revealed that first stage training of enumerators has been completed were as census work is progressing smoothly in the district with active coordination of Education, Revenue and other departments.

Expressing satisfaction over the pace of census work Director Statistics exhorted up on officers to complete the assigned work with in stipulated time.

Among others, Chief Planning Officer and Statistics Officer Kupwara attended the meeting.

“Cultural Programme at Awoora”

Continuing with its efforts to give boost to the cultural activities, the Information Department arranged a culture programme at Awoora on the occasion of Urs of Hazrat Peer Mohammed Younis (RA).

The artists of the cultural unit of the department enthralled the people with naats, religious songs and quallies in different languages. Meanwhile the three days annual Urs concluded here at Darbari-Younsia at Awoora and Zirhma with the offering of Fateh and Cheddar at the grave of the Holy Saint during which thousand of devotees from across the state participated. Various political and religious leaders and the district administration paid visit and obeisance at the Shrine. The district administration had made arrangements of essential services and adequate quantities of essential commodities had been made available on the occasion.

“Rs. 70 lakh provided under IAY, RHS in Karnah”

Under the centrally sponsored Indira Awas Yojana and rural housing scheme, 32 families were provided Rs. 70.60 lakh for construction of low cost houses in Karnah Tehsils during last financial year. This was stated at a meeting of officers held here under the Chairmanship of Sub Divisional Magistrate Karnah A. H. Khan.

 It was said that steps are also under way to provide financial assistance to the rest of families under the scheme.

 “Seminar on TLC at Tangdar”

 In order to cover more and more population under the ambit of education, the Zillah Saksharta Samiti, Kupwara organized a seminar at Higher Secondary School Tangdar under total literacy campaign. The students and other speakers highlighted the importance of Eduction and it was felt that for the welfare and progress of the society, every one must be educated and for this cooperation from senior citizens, social and religious persons was sought.

 It was also decided by the Samiti that Seminars, Symposia and Rallies would be organized for the successful implementation of the programme.

 Similar programmes are being organized at other places in the district. 

 “Volley Ball Championship at Kupwara”

 An inter district boys volley ball champion ship was held at Nutnussa Kupwara which was organized by the youth services and sports department Kupwara.

 Teams from seven districts of the state particicipated in the competition falling in the ages groups of under 19, under 17 and under 14 boys categories. In the final of under 17 category District Kupwara clamed 1st Position by defeating District Budgam.

 The Minister Forest and Enviroment Sofi Ghulam Mohi-ud-din who was the Chief Guest at the concluding function said that a comprehensive project is been formulated so that sports infrastructure is created in the district. He stressed to arranging such events in other parts of the district also especially in the far-flung and neglected areas to exploit the talent of youths which otherwise is hidden due to lack of facilities. He further said sporting activities are necessary for boosting of stamina of the young generation and bringing discipline among the youth.

 The Minister on this occasion announced release of Rs 2 lakh out of his Constituency Development Fund for the creation of sports infrastructure of various Schools in the District.