Author: snskashmir

SNS KASHMIR

SRINAGAR, JANUARY 28 :

Former Union Minister and Congress leader, Prof. Saifuddin Soz today said the Struggle of  People of Kashmir is for restoration of  Article 370.
In a statement issued to hear said, ” 
I want to reiterate my position on the prevailing political situation in Kashmir.
What I had said earlier was that while any political party is entitled to withdraw from the Alliance and promote the party, the Alliance could serve the best purpose if all Mainstream Parties were to support it as a Common Cause and Purpose,” he said.

At the present juncture when the Central Govt. is doing everything to ‘alienate’ the people of Kashmir, the togetherness of the Kashmir Mainstream Parties is a 
welcome step, he added.

“In my opinion, there is no conflict of interests among the Kashmir Mainstream Parties and the Kashmir political class seems to be conscious of the fact that what really matters at this critical juncture is the togetherness of Kashmir Political Mainstream Parties,” he said.

“The writing on the wall is clear. While Mainstream Political Parties can maintain their individuality, they should determine and maintain their togetherness for a Common Goal,” he added.

“Meanwhile certain people are creating confusion by supporting the restoration of Statehood. These people are deliberately diverting the attention of the people of Kashmir from their struggle for the restoration of the State’s Special Status enshrined under now abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution of India. The people of Kashmir know that they have a cause and cause needs the struggle,” he said.

“In a people’s life, it is the struggle that matters and people of Kashmir are conscious of this aspect of politics,” statement reads.

‘Igloo witnesses huge rush of tourists, booking tables by appointment only’

Gulmarg, Jan 28: Gulmarg, the famous tourist spot of Jammu and Kashmir has become home to India’s first and Asia’s biggest Igloo Cafe started by the Kolahoi Green Group of Hotels and Resorts in Gulmarg.

Waseem Shah, the managing director of Kolahoi Green Group of Hotels and Resorts while talking exclusively to News Agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that the idea to set up very first igloo cafe came into his mind after their family had built a small igloo outside their residence Srinagar.

“The idea of building an igloo came at Gulmarg after a igloo built at our residence attracted lot of people”, he said, adding that “the concept of a snow cafe is very new to Kashmir although it has been tested successfully in Finland, Canada, Switzerland and some other countries.”

“We wanted to serve our guests in a unique way and in a very unique accommodation and the idea of doing something dramatic for our guests and patrons has worked as it has attracted large number of tourists”, he said.

The huge snow cafe measuring 22 feet in diameter and 12.5 feet in height, from inside is enough to accommodate four tables with sixteen guests at any point of time, he said, adding that the outside dimensions of the snow restaurant is 26 feet in diameter and 15 feet in height.

The task was accomplished with a team of 20 members working in two shifts. “The project was completed in 15 days, he said, adding that to make the seating comfortable, we used sheep hides to make a person sitting on snow feel warm and tables and benches are all made of snow and ice,” he said.

We threw this igloo open for the public on Monday and the response has been very good and we have served dozens of people so far, he said, adding that hopefully the cafe would remain functional till ending February.

He said that “we are having a huge rush of tourists as it has become very famous as people are eager to visit and having experience of eating inside an igloo and we are booking tables by appointment only.”

A guest can spend about one hour inside the igloo or till he/she feels cold and to give it a traditional touch, a Kashmiri art work with hand engraved Kashmir copper samovar has been placed there, he said.

“This is biggest igloo cafe in Asia and I have approached Limca Book of Records, Waseem claimed and he hoped to set a world record next year,” he said.

Pertinently, an Igloo is also known as a snow house or snow hut, is a type of shelter built of snow, typically built when the snow is suitable.

Moreover igloos are often associated with all Inuit and Eskimo peoples, they were traditionally used only by the people of Canada’s Central Arctic and Greenland’s Thule area. Other Inuit tended to use snow to insulate their houses, which were constructed from whalebone and hides. Snow is used because the air pockets trapped in it make it an insulator—(KNO)

SNS KASHMIR

SRINAGAR, JANUARY 28 :

The opposition political parties Thursday said that they would boycott the President’s address to both the Houses of Parliament on Friday in solidarity with the Indian farmers and reaffirming the collective demand for the repeal of the anti farmer laws.

In a joint statement, a copy of is in possession of the news agency KNS, the opposition parties condemned the violence on the Republic day during the farmers tractor rally and demanded an impartial investigation to “reveal the Central Government’s nefarious role in orchestrating those events.”

The statement reads that the Prime Minister and the BJP Government remain arrogant, adamant and undemocratic in their response. “Shocked by this insensitivity of the Government, we, the following opposition political parties, reaffirming the collective demand for the repeal of the Anti Farmer Laws and in solidarity with the Indian Farmers, have decided to boycott the President’s address to both the Houses f Parliament on Friday.”  

It reads that the India’s farmers have been collectively fighting against the three farm Laws arbitrarily imposed by the BJP Government that threaten the future of Indian Agriculture which sustains over 60% of India’s population and the livelihood of crores of farmers, sharecroppers and farm labour.

“Lakhs of farmers have been agitating at the gates of National Capital of Delhi braving biting cold and heavy rain for the last 64 days for their rights and justice. Over 155 farmers have lost their lives.”
 
The statement reads that the Government remains unmoved and has responded with water cannons, tear gas and lathi charges. “Every effort has been made to discredit a legitimate mass movement through government sponsored disinformation campaign.”

It reads that the protest and the agitation have been largely peaceful. “Unfortunately, there were few acts of violence on January 26, 2021 in the National Capital of Delhi which was condemned universally and unequivocally. We also express our sadness over the injuries sustained by Delhi Police personnel while handling the difficult situation. But, we believe that an impartial investigation will reveal the Central Government’s nefarious role in orchestrating those events.”

It further reads that the three Farm Laws are an assault on the rights of the States and violate the federal spirit of the Constitution if not repealed; these Laws will effectively dismantle the edifice of National Food Security that rests upon – MSP, government procurement and Public Distribution System (PDS). “The farm bills were brought without any consultations with States and Farmer Unions and lacked national consensus.”

The statement reads that the parliamentary scrutiny was bypassed and the Laws were pushed through muzzling the Opposition, in brazen violation of Parliamentary rules, Practices and conventions. “The very constitutional validity of these Laws remains in question.” (KNS)

SNS KASHMIR

SRINAGAR JANUARY 28 :

The World Health Organisation has advised pregnant women not to go for COVID-19 vaccine but saying it is safe for people from ailments like hypertension, diabetes and asthma.
The advisory has come as lot of people across the world have shown their reluctance to take COVID-19 vaccine shots fearing they might develop complications.
According to news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS), the WHO has advised that pregnant women should not receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
“While pregnancy puts women at a higher risk of severe COVID-19, the use of this vaccine in pregnant women is currently not recommended, unless they are at risk of high exposure (e.g. health workers),” the WHO says.
“The vaccine can be offered to a breastfeeding woman who is part of a group recommended for vaccination (e.g. health workers); discontinuing breastfeeding after vaccination is currently not recommended,” it says.
However it says that COVID-19 vaccine is effective in people with known medical conditions associated with increased risk of severe diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, pulmonary, liver or kidney disease, as well as chronic infections that are stable and controlled.
Many doctors and nurses are reluctant to take the vaccine, which has become a major concern not only in Kashmir but across the world.
“We have received very poor response at SKIMS Soura where many employees have shown reluctance to take the vaccine. It has put the authorities in a tight spot to remove fears among doctors and other paramedics staff,” a senior official told news agency KINS.
A doctor in one of the hospitals said he was ready to get the vaccine before the vaccination drive but was scared because of all the negative news of the vaccine coming in from different states. “This vaccine may have side effects on some people. After waiting for a little, I will get the vaccine when the overall vaccine results are good,” the doctor said.
A nurse at SMHS Hospital Srinagar said she had heard that those who have an infection should not get the vaccine done. “I want to get the vaccine, but I have a fear in my mind. The question I have is what will happen in the future after getting the vaccine, will there be a problem.” (KINS)
 

To explore locations for upcoming film projects

SNS KASHMIR

SRINAGAR, JANUARY 28 :

The big banners of Bollywood are on a 4-day visit to Kashmir to explore scenic backdrops for their future film projects.

The top names which have arrived here include Ajay Devgun Films, Sanjay Dutt Productions, Reliance Entertainment, Rohit Shetty Films, Zee Studios, Adhikari Brothers & SAB (Marathi), Endemol, Rajkumar Hirani, Excel Entertainment, etc besides representatives from Producers Guild, Mumbai.

Soon after their arrival here yesterday, the 24-member delegation of top notch banners and other artists visited Gulmarg today. The team will stay in Srinagar on 29th January and also have interactive sessions with media, travel trade associations and Valley’s film and line producers. They will also be exploring the favourite backdrop locations at Pahalgam on 30th January before departing back to Mumbai.

Director, Tourism, Kashmir, Dr. G N Itoo said the top production houses are here and have visited various locations. “Kashmir has been receiving good response from the Bollywood filmmakers since opening of the tourism here in addition to the country’s regional entertainment houses for shooting song sequences and commercial ads,” said Dr. Itoo.

Dr Itoo said Kashmir is a natural backdrop for the filmmakers and the department has been making it easy for them to get permissions for shooting.

Kashmir has witnessed a steady increase in tourist footfall due to continuous snowfall since the onset of winter.

Celebrities who recently visited Kashmir include Singers Jubin Nautiyal, Guru Randhawa, Salman Ali, former Indian actress and model Sana Khan, Music Composer Salim Merchant, TV Host and Anchor Aditya Narayan, business tycoon Anil Ambani and most of whom visited Gulmarg. The ski resort also received 100 percent booking as most of the hotels are booked till February end owing to the huge tourist rush.

The Producers Guild praised the pristine beauty of the Gulmarg and expressed keen desire to shoot for their upcoming film projects at Various locations in Kashmir.

Kashmir has been traditionally a favorite spot for the Bollywood who have shot scores of movies here at Dal Lake, Srinagar’s Mughal Gardens, Gulmarg and Pahalgam—(KNO)

SNS KASHMIR

SRINAGAR, JANUARY 28 :

The 270 Kilometre-long stretch Jammu-Srinagar National Highway will remain closed for traffic movement tomorrow for maintenance.

ADGP Traffic T. Namgyal while speaking to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “The traffic will remain suspended on Srinagar Jammu National Highway for maintenance, no vehicular movement will be allowed for tomorrow.”

“The retaining wall which had collapsed at Kela morh on 10 th JAN.The repair of collapsed segment, the retaining wall is still under progress, at Kela morh. Maybe it may take 10 days for full restoration of the collapsed segment. Bailey bridge has helped in restoring the supply line to the valley”, he said.

Pertinent to mention that the retaining wall of the Bridge had collapsed at Kela Morh in district Ramban, after which Traffic Authorities suspended the traffic on Srinagar Jammu National Highway causing lot of problems to the people travelling on the highway.

As an interim relief NHAI had roped in BRO to launch Bailey bridge at Kela Morh in district Ramban which was completed in 60 hours and on priority basis essential supplies were moved towards valley.

In a communiqué by Traffic Police Headquarters J&K which read, “Tomorrow on 29-01-2021, No vehicular movement shall be allowed from either side on Jammu-Srinagar NHW in view of maintenance/repairing of the road.”

“Mughal road continues to remain closed due to snow accumulation”, reads the communique—(KNO)

SNS KASHMIR

SOPORE, 28 JANUARY 2021:

Continuing its drive against “inimical” elements, Sopore Police today arrested two notorious drug peddlers and recovered 05 bottles of Codeine Phosphate and 04 strips of SPASMOPROXYVON from their possession.

Police party of Police Post Watergam led by Insp. Imtiyaz Ahmad under the supervision of SDPO Rafiabad Shri. Nissar Ahmad-JKPS intercepted a motorcycle bearing registration number JK05E 0817 with two persons on board. Going through checking officers present were able to recover 05 Bottles of Codeine Phosphate and 04 strips of SPASMOPROXYVON from the motorcycle. The drug peddlers namely Faisal Aijaz S/O Aijaz Ahmad Rather R/O Reban Rafiabad and Ishfaq Ahmad Itoo S/O Ghulam Hassan Itoo R/O Chijhama Rafiabad were arrested and the motorcycle used in commission of crime was seized on spot.

In this connection, a case FIR No. 15/2021 U/S 22,28 NDPS Act has been registered in Police Station Dangiwacha and investigation into the matter has been initiated.

Locals have lauded the efforts of Sopore Police and appealed to continue such drives in future as well. Sopore Police has resolved to act tough against inimical elements.

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SNS KASHMIR

POONCH, JANUARY 28 :

A civilian was injured when the Pakistan Army resorted to heavy firing and shelling in Shahpur sector along Line of Control in Poonch district of Jammu.

The Pakistan Army violated ceasefire and resorted to heavy firing and mortar shelling targeting forward posts along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, drawing retaliation from Indian troops, officials said.
A civilian was injured in the Pakistan firing, said the official identifying the victim as Muhammad Iklaq.

The Line of Control (LoC) has witnessed heavy and intense firing and shelling in the last few months, resulting in several casualties and triggering fear psychosis among the people.

A Defense official said that Indian Army is responding effectively. The firing and shelling was going on till the filing of this report.(KNT)

SNS KASHMIR

CHANDIGARH JANUARY , 28:

Citing Punjab’s historical links with Jammu and Kashmir since Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s time, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention for the inclusion of Punjabi in the official list of languages of the Union Territory (UT).

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Amarinder Singh urged him to advise the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to reconsider and review the official list and include Punjabi also as one of the official languages in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir.

Voicing the resentment of the Punjabi community over the exclusion of the language from the list of official languages, Amarinder Singh pointed out that Jammu and Kashmir was a part of Punjab during the era of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, with Punjabi as one of the vernacular languages of the region.

When Jammu and Kashmir came into existence as an independent state, Punjabi was a widely spoken language there and is now the mother tongue of all the Punjabis in the Jammu region, besides being spoken by the Punjabi community living in Kashmir Valley, he wrote.

The Chief Minister pointed out that under the Jammu and Kashmir Languages Bill, 2020 which was passed by both the Houses of Parliament with voice vote in September 2020, Kashmiri, Dogri and Hindi were included in the list of official languages in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, in addition to the existing Urdu and English.

Unfortunately, Punjabi was not included in the list of languages, which are not just official languages now of the UT but will also be taught in schools as compulsory subjects. (IANS)

SNS KASHMIR

SRINAGAR, JANUARY 28 :

Lieutenant Governer-led administration has on Thursday declared spell of ‘heavy, very heavy snowfall’ during the period of January 3 to January 9, 2021 as ‘State Specific Natural Disaster’ under SDRF norms.

An Order in this regard, of which a copy lies with GNS, states that the spell of heavy/very heavy snowfall during the period of 3rd to 9th January, 2021 as declared as ‘State Specific Calamity’ in terms of para (ii) of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) guidelines issued by MHA, GoI, vide No. 33-5/2015-NDM-1 dated 30.07.2015 for purposes of providing relief to the affected families and Departments from SDRF. (GNS)