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Sajid Raina

Srinagar, Oct 11 : Apart from popular skiing destination Gulmarg, the government will continue with winter tourism activities in snow bound areas of Kashmir that have a huge potential for winter tourism, especially adventure tourism.

Promoting the unexplored destinations that have a vast winter tourism potential will be topmost priority of Government this winter.

A top official told the news agency, that besides making helicopter services available to the snow bound tourism potential areas which used to remain closed in winter due to heavy snowfall, the government is also introducing some new ski resorts in these areas as well.

“We have decided to start special helicopter services from Bandipora to Gurez and Kupwara to Karnah for the tourists this year,” he said, adding that the services will help the government to promote and sustain its winter tourism plan which was never done before.

“For the first time this year, Sonamarg, Karnah and Gurez are to be made winter tourist hotspots like Gulmarg as it’s the topmost priority of the administration,” he said, adding that multiple activities including winter sports will be held in these areas that shall not only promote the tourist footfall, but will create employment resources for the locals.

He said that the government will be keen to promote these areas this year in winter season and all necessary arrangements are being made in a timely manner.

The top official said that the tourism industry in these areas has faced an accelerated growth with holistic support from local communities who are involved directly and indirectly in this industry.

Considering the large number of tourist rush to these places in summer season, he said that winter activities won’t remain confined to Gulmarg only this year but many activities will be carried out at other tourist destinations as well.

About Central Kashmir’s Doodpathri area, he said that this tourism destination is being given special focus to be developed as the best winter tourism spot while the government is working very positively to make it more beautiful—(KNO)

Srinagar, Oct 11 : Several areas including Mughal road, pir ki gali and Warna in Kishtwar received season’s first snowfall on Tuesday while the weatherman here has predicted dry weather till October 18 evening.

Talking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the officials in the Meteorological department said that the season’s first snowfall was received today in higher reaches today.

A few areas including Mughal road, Pir ki Gali and Warwan received light snowfall, they said.

Deputy Director MeT, Mukhtar Ahmad told KNO that the light snowfall would occur at some higher reaches today, but the weather conditions would improve soon.

He said that there is no possibility of any dry spell till October 18 evening as according to the forecast, the weather would remain mostly dry—(KNO)

Waris Fayaz

Handwara, Oct 08 : Two self-styled journalists have been arrested in extortion case in Kralgund area of Handwara in North Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Saturday.

An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that two journalists were arrested in extortion case following a complaint filed the management of a school in Qaziabad locality.

He said that they had visited SSA school Chatarhaal Qaziabad and later tried to extort money from the teachers of the school after they filmed a video of students performing poorly in a mock interview.

“In the name of making the video viral, they were asking Rs 15, 000 as bribe from the school management, however, the management informed the police and the self-styled journalist were caught red-handed,” he said.

The official identified the duo as Irfan Ahmed Malik son of Bashir Ahmed Malik of Humpora Kralgund and Iqbal Ahmed Shiekh son of Ghulam Mohiudin Sheikh of Pandithpora.

He added that a case FIR No. 85/022 U/S 392, 384 and 506 IPC has been registered in Police Station Kralgund and further investigation has been taken up—(KNO)

Waris Fayaz

Sopore, Oct 08 : At least two apple storage sheds were reduced to ashes due to a fire that broke out in Goripora locality Bomai in Sopore area of North Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Saturday.

An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that fire broke out in Goripora Bomai today afternoon and in the incident two apple storage shed were destroyed.

He said that soon after the incident fire tenders and police reached to the spot to douse off the flames, however, two apple storage sheds were gutted before the fire could be put off.

The official added that preliminary investigation suggested that the fire was caused due to an electrical short circuit—(KNO)

Srinagar, Oct 08 : Special Investigation Unit in its continuous investigation in different ULPA cases, after Pampore and Kulgam districts, conducted searches in the suspected houses in Srinagar district on Saturday.

In a statement, issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a spokesperson said that searched were conducted in Sheeraz Colony Ganie Near Ration Ghat Soura & Shalbaf Mohalla New Colony Jinab Sahab Anchar Soura in case FIR No 50/2022 U/S 307,302 IPC 7/27AAct 16,18,20 ULA of PS Soura.

The statement reads that the raids were aimed to investigate the terror cases and to create pressure among the associates linked with terrorist activities.

“These raids are conducted with the help of Administration and concerned Police Station after getting proper search warrants from the Special competent Courts.”

It reads that it is worth to mention that such raids are made under advisory from senior formations of J&K Police department and need to conduct on the basis of technical and scientific grounds so as to conclude UL(P)A cases in the interest of justices.

“These raids are carried out to dismantle and disturb the emerged nexus between terrorists and their associates. During the course of the raids by SIU, various incriminating material were recovered and being investigated.”

It added that these raids will continue in future also, for the logical conclusion of all UL(P) A cases—(KNO)

Srinagar, Oct 06 : Amid confusion regarding the exams of lower class students, the School Education Department on Thursday said that it will most likely conduct it in March and official orders in this regard are expected this week.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Director of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) said, “Most likely, all the exams from Classes 1-9 are going to be held in the month of March.”

“We have submitted our proposal to the government and we expect that within one or two days we expect the official orders,” he said—(KNO)

Waris Fayaz

Baramulla, Oct 05 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah Wednesday said that Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held in a transparent manner once the final voter list and other preparations are completed.

He also lashed out at National Conference and PDP stating that Abdullah and Sons and Mufti and Co are responsible for the killing of 42000 people in J&K. Addressing a massive rally at Baramulla district of northern Kashmir, Shah said that elections in J&K will be held in a transparent manner once the formalities like completion of final voter list and other preparations are completed. “Process is on and preparations are in full swing,” he said, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

Taking a jibe at NC and PDP, Shah said that Abdullah and Sons and Mufti and Co. are responsible for the killing of 42000 people as these families did politics for their personal gains and left people suffering.

“These families looted J&K resources for their personal benefit and did nothing for the common man,” he said.

Shah said that Baramulla was once a hotbed of militancy and militant related activities were common here but “today this place is the hot spot of tourists.” “Sprawling Gulmarg, the skiers’ paradise, the shrines and the breath-taking snow-clad mountains of this place are attracting tourists in large numbers,” he said.

He said that without Prime Minister Narendera Modi, development of J&K was impossible. “Today, we have the best roads, rail links, bridges and hospitals,” Shah said, adding that “We have nine medical colleges in J & K besides AIIMS and nursing colleges.” Shah said that Gujjars, Bakerwals, and Paharis will be given due reservation as they were deprived of the benefits of democracy since past 75 years. The Home Minister praised Maqbool Sherwani for his role against Pakistani invaders. He also laid the foundation stone of various power, road and Jal Shakti projects. He said that GoI will talk to youth not Pakistan. “I am ready to talk to the youth of J&K on any issue but not Pakistan,” he said. Shah is in J&K on a 3-day visit and will fly back late this afternoon—(KNO)

Waris Fayaz

Baramulla, Oct 05 : 46-year-old Muhammad Anwar Khan was the only BJP leader from Kashmir who was present on the stage when Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed a massive public rally in north Kashmir’s Baramulla town on Wednesday.

To the surprise of everyone, Anwar Khan was the lone BJP leader from Kashmir who was present on the stage along with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

“It is really a matter of honour for me to be present there. I am thankful to Union Home Minister Amit Shah Ji and the party leadership for bestowing me with the honour,” Anwar told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

Khan played a crucial role in mobilizing the crowd for the rally in Baramulla and Wagoora-Kreeri assembly segments.

“I brought thousands of people from Kandi, Sheeri, Wagoora and other adjoining areas for the rally, “Khan said.

The presence of Khan on the stage was seen as a clear indication that the party would field him from Baramulla and won’t back any other politician from the segment.

Khan had survived two militant attacks in the past- one at his paramedical college and another at his Nowgam residence- after he joined BJP.

Khan, who is also a businessman, hails from Cherdari locality falling within the limits of the Baramulla municipal council.

“I come from a political family. My father served as a councillor of Baramulla Municipal Council,” he says, adding that he joined the BJP after 2014.

In the 2014 assembly polls, he filed nomination papers as an independent candidate, but his form was rejected on the grounds that he was a government employee. “Later I resigned from government service and joined BJP,” he said.

He said the crowd turnout in today’s rally was beyond their expectations.

“We were expecting participation of 25000- 30000 people but more than 40000 people turned at the venue,” he said.

Khan said that people of Kashmir have now realized that BJP is the only party, which can fulfil their expectations and make their lives better.

Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State and DDC chairperson were also present on the stage—(KNO)

Srinagar, Oct 05 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday visited Gurudwara Chati Patshahi in Rainawari area of Srinagar.

An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that Shah, who is on a 3-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir paid obeisance at Gurudwara Chati Patshahi.

He said that Shah was accompanied by Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha and other senior officials, besides several senior BJP leaders.

Earlier, Shah addressed grand public rally in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district and later he also visited family members of slain cop in Uri—(KNO)