Valley farmers cheer up as glaciers swell
Srinagar, Jan 28: Winter chill notwithstanding, the timely snowfall this winter, almost after over a decade, has rekindled the hopes and prospects of a good agri and horticulture crop this year. This, experts hope, will help in recharging the glaciers.
Besides, the persisting cold conditions in winter are expected to help in flowering and fruit formations, a good sign for horticulture industry of Kashmir.
Last time that the Kashmir Valley, falling in the temperate zone, received good amount of snow was in 2003-2004. However, the activity was usually witnessed in mid-February, when the winter temperatures in Valley are slightly up as compared to December and January months.
Beyond these years, the Valley in general experienced almost cold and dry winters, with occasional but meager snowfall ending February. According to agriculture and environmental scientists, the snowfall witnessed between December and January months are considered beneficial for the agri and horticulture crop production.
“The snowfall witnessed this year is a blessing. This is timely, in a sense, that the persisting cold temperatures have ensured that the snow gets solidified into what we call snow rocks at higher peaks and glaciers,” said Dr Farooq A Lone, Associate Professor at Environmental Sciences Division, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Sciences and Technology, Shalimar Srinagar.
“This phenomenon has now recharged our glaciers, and we hope that in the coming months of April and May we won’t face any irrigation problems, as by then these recharged glaciers will definitely feed our drinking water resources and irrigation systems. This activity will definitely act as a boost for our agriculture and horticulture crop,” Lone said.
The timely snowfall this winter is also considered as good omen for the fruit industry and horticulture sector of Valley, also known as 'Fruit Bowl of South Asia'.
“Not only existing orchards but the moisture in the soil is going to help new trees planted by the growers. The apple orchards located in the upper parts of the Valley will get benefited from this snowfall as the snow will remain there for longer duration to increase the water table in those areas,” said Ghulam Hassan Shah, Director Horticulture, Kashmir.
For temperate crops of Kashmir like apple, apricot, almond, cherry, walnut, cold temperatures and moist conditions during winter months are necessary.
“If cold temperature accompanied with good snow accumulation persists in winter months of January and February, these conditions are definitely going to help in flowering and fruit formations. And if all goes well, we expect a bumper horticulture and agriculture season this year,” said Lone.
The J&K State produces around 18 to 22 lakh metric tons of different varieties of fresh and dry fruit, with 80 percent of production comprising different apple varieties. Officials estimates reveal that over 10 lakh people are directly or indirectly associated with the fruit industry in Kashmir.
“We have received timely snow after nearly 15 years. God willing, this snowfall will prove beneficial for all sorts of horti and agriculture products,” said an upbeat Haji Muhammad Sultan Lone of Ushkara village, a leading apple grower of Baramulla.
The farmers in Kashmir's countryside are also happy over the timely snowfall, as the upper reaches of North and South received more than three feet of snow in the first week of January.
“Due to the shortage of water for past few years, we did not go for paddy cultivation. But, this year, we will not only cultivate paddy but are hopeful of good yield also,” said Ghulam Muhammad Khan of Puthukha Muqam, falling under Sangrama constituency of Baramulla.
The Met Department has forecast more snowfall in the coming weeks, thus further elevating the prospects of increase in depleted water table and more discharge in the streams and rivers.
Last time that the Kashmir Valley, falling in the temperate zone, received good amount of snow was in 2003-2004. However, the activity was usually witnessed in mid-February, when the winter temperatures in Valley are slightly up as compared to December and January months.
Beyond these years, the Valley in general experienced almost cold and dry winters, with occasional but meager snowfall ending February. According to agriculture and environmental scientists, the snowfall witnessed between December and January months are considered beneficial for the agri and horticulture crop production.
“The snowfall witnessed this year is a blessing. This is timely, in a sense, that the persisting cold temperatures have ensured that the snow gets solidified into what we call snow rocks at higher peaks and glaciers,” said Dr Farooq A Lone, Associate Professor at Environmental Sciences Division, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Sciences and Technology, Shalimar Srinagar.
“This phenomenon has now recharged our glaciers, and we hope that in the coming months of April and May we won’t face any irrigation problems, as by then these recharged glaciers will definitely feed our drinking water resources and irrigation systems. This activity will definitely act as a boost for our agriculture and horticulture crop,” Lone said.
The timely snowfall this winter is also considered as good omen for the fruit industry and horticulture sector of Valley, also known as 'Fruit Bowl of South Asia'.
“Not only existing orchards but the moisture in the soil is going to help new trees planted by the growers. The apple orchards located in the upper parts of the Valley will get benefited from this snowfall as the snow will remain there for longer duration to increase the water table in those areas,” said Ghulam Hassan Shah, Director Horticulture, Kashmir.
For temperate crops of Kashmir like apple, apricot, almond, cherry, walnut, cold temperatures and moist conditions during winter months are necessary.
“If cold temperature accompanied with good snow accumulation persists in winter months of January and February, these conditions are definitely going to help in flowering and fruit formations. And if all goes well, we expect a bumper horticulture and agriculture season this year,” said Lone.
The J&K State produces around 18 to 22 lakh metric tons of different varieties of fresh and dry fruit, with 80 percent of production comprising different apple varieties. Officials estimates reveal that over 10 lakh people are directly or indirectly associated with the fruit industry in Kashmir.
“We have received timely snow after nearly 15 years. God willing, this snowfall will prove beneficial for all sorts of horti and agriculture products,” said an upbeat Haji Muhammad Sultan Lone of Ushkara village, a leading apple grower of Baramulla.
The farmers in Kashmir's countryside are also happy over the timely snowfall, as the upper reaches of North and South received more than three feet of snow in the first week of January.
“Due to the shortage of water for past few years, we did not go for paddy cultivation. But, this year, we will not only cultivate paddy but are hopeful of good yield also,” said Ghulam Muhammad Khan of Puthukha Muqam, falling under Sangrama constituency of Baramulla.
The Met Department has forecast more snowfall in the coming weeks, thus further elevating the prospects of increase in depleted water table and more discharge in the streams and rivers.
Srinagar, Jan 26: The clock has struck seven in the evening. The chill has intensified. A group of policemen hurdle around bonfire, discussing the tough hours gone by. However, their job is not done. The uneasy clam prevails on the Ground Zero-Clock Tower—where life has ceased to exist for the past 2-days.
“The restriction will continue till tomorrow morning,” a senior police official explained as he instructs his subordinate to lay concertina wire enroute the Tower at a distance.
“The siege has been shrunken. We will guard all the nearby routes to the tower. It is all fine up to now. But the tension is running high after some instances of flag hoisting were reported from nearby areas,” the official measures his words cautiously.
The commercial hub was fortified on January 25 to prevent BJP activists and JKLF supporters from carrying on with their already announced flag hoisting program.
This morning the siege was intensified and all the routes—Amira Kadal, Moulana Azad Road and Residency Road were sealed to thwart any flag hoisting attempt. Even any kind of movement- vehicular or human--was not allowed on the outer circle of roads leading to Lal Chowk.
On the ground zero, a contingent of police and CRPF personnel, wearing riot gears and brandishing weaponry, had cordoned off the pedestal of the tower, to ensure zero security lapse.
The lifeless tower had once again become center of attention after 1992 when the then BJP president Murli Manohar Joshi had hoisted the flag on the Ghanta Ghar, which has gained major political significance for both mainstream and separatists politicians.
“The tower is witness to tumultuous political period of Kashmir history. It has always given people a sense of victory on both sides,” a resident, Mubarik Ahmad said. “So unfurling any flag on the pedestal of Clock Tower is significant. It symbolizes the political aspirations of people. And yes, I am so delighted whenever I have been the part of bare-chest crowd while they raised the Azadi flag on the tower for past three consecutive years”.
However, on this Jan 26, the authorities have formulated a different plan to stop flag hoisting. “From January 24 onwards, a police contingent was specially instructed to keep 24-hour vigil on the tower,” a police officer said. “It was decided after six BJP activists were arrested as they attempted to hoist tricolor on the tower”.
In the wake of mounting tension after BJP rally reached Lakhanpur Bridge over Tawi river- which connects Punjab with Jammu region of the state, the authorities re-formulated their deployment plans for Srinagar.
Estimated 10,000 police and CRPF personnel were deployed in the city to prevent both the BJP and JKLF from executing their respective programme.
Though in the battle of the ideologies, the government this time ensured to execute its program successfully, the Clock Tower would continue to symbolize the political aspirations.
“The restriction will continue till tomorrow morning,” a senior police official explained as he instructs his subordinate to lay concertina wire enroute the Tower at a distance.
“The siege has been shrunken. We will guard all the nearby routes to the tower. It is all fine up to now. But the tension is running high after some instances of flag hoisting were reported from nearby areas,” the official measures his words cautiously.
The commercial hub was fortified on January 25 to prevent BJP activists and JKLF supporters from carrying on with their already announced flag hoisting program.
This morning the siege was intensified and all the routes—Amira Kadal, Moulana Azad Road and Residency Road were sealed to thwart any flag hoisting attempt. Even any kind of movement- vehicular or human--was not allowed on the outer circle of roads leading to Lal Chowk.
On the ground zero, a contingent of police and CRPF personnel, wearing riot gears and brandishing weaponry, had cordoned off the pedestal of the tower, to ensure zero security lapse.
The lifeless tower had once again become center of attention after 1992 when the then BJP president Murli Manohar Joshi had hoisted the flag on the Ghanta Ghar, which has gained major political significance for both mainstream and separatists politicians.
“The tower is witness to tumultuous political period of Kashmir history. It has always given people a sense of victory on both sides,” a resident, Mubarik Ahmad said. “So unfurling any flag on the pedestal of Clock Tower is significant. It symbolizes the political aspirations of people. And yes, I am so delighted whenever I have been the part of bare-chest crowd while they raised the Azadi flag on the tower for past three consecutive years”.
However, on this Jan 26, the authorities have formulated a different plan to stop flag hoisting. “From January 24 onwards, a police contingent was specially instructed to keep 24-hour vigil on the tower,” a police officer said. “It was decided after six BJP activists were arrested as they attempted to hoist tricolor on the tower”.
In the wake of mounting tension after BJP rally reached Lakhanpur Bridge over Tawi river- which connects Punjab with Jammu region of the state, the authorities re-formulated their deployment plans for Srinagar.
Estimated 10,000 police and CRPF personnel were deployed in the city to prevent both the BJP and JKLF from executing their respective programme.
Though in the battle of the ideologies, the government this time ensured to execute its program successfully, the Clock Tower would continue to symbolize the political aspirations.
Jammu, Jan 26: Irate Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) activists Wednesday attacked the Minister for Finance Abdul Rahim Rather’s vehicle and caused a partial damage to it.
The activists also allegedly pulled apart the State flag which was fixed on the vehicle, showing disrespect to it.
The trouble erupted when the official vehicle of the minister was passing by the BJP office in Kachi Chawni area where the party activists had gathered for a press conference by senior party leaders Sushma Swaraj, Arun Jaitley, Ananth Kumar and Anurang Thakur.
Over 250 BJP activists came out of the party headquarters immediately after the senior leaders of the party left the venue. The party activists blocked the road and shouted slogans against the government for denying the BJP leaders to hoist tricolour at Lal Chowk, Srinagar.
As the protest was going on, the minister’s vehicle passed through the area. “The protestors smashed the window shields of the car and scuffled with the police personnel who were trying to make way for the vehicle”, eyewitnesses said.
They also pulled apart the State flag which was fixed on the vehicle, they added.
The clash lasted for a few minutes, but the minister drove away unhurt. Police resorted to mild baton charge to disperse the BJP activists.
Sources said the police detained over a dozen activists of BJP for attacking the vehicle of senior cabinet minister. They have been detained at a local police station here.
Sources within the party revealed that the party leaders were preparing to stage protest against the arrest of its activists.
SRINAGAR Jan 25: Vice Chancellor Kashmir University Prof Riyaz Punjabi has been conferred with this year’s Padma Shri award in the category of literature and education. Prominent Dogri writer Nilambar Dev Sharma has also been awarded with this award. This year only two personalities have been chosen for this award.
Padma Shri is the fourth highest civilian award in the Republic of India, after the Bharat Ratna, the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma Bhushan. The award is given to citizens of India to recognize their distinguished contribution in various spheres of activity including the Arts, Education, Industry, Literature, Science, Sports,Medicine, Social Service and public life
Prof. Riyaz Punjabi presently Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir has had a distinguished career spanning over 40 years in academics, research and voluntary action. In view of his immense contribution in these areas he was awarded prestigious Socrates Award 2008. He was nominated for the title of “Honorary Professor for the international University, Vienna” for his contribution in ‘strengthening international relations in the sphere of education’. In 2009 Prof. Punjabi was awarded the Amity Academic Excellence Award 2009 by Amity International Business School, Amity University, Noida, U.P. (India) for his contribution to knowledge and education.
Prof. Punjabi, in recognition to his contribution to education, culture and promoting communal harmony in J&K State was given Fazil Memorial Award 2009 and Adbi Markaz Kamraz Award 2010.
Prof. Punjabi holds a degree of Doctorate in Laws and has taught and conducted researches in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) New Delhi, Universities of Jammu and Kashmir, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi and Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla. He has held the positions of Professor, Centre for the Study of Social Systems, Faculty of Social Science Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi; Professor and Chairman, Department of Distance Education, Dean Faculty of Non Formal Education, University of Kashmir; Director, Directorate of Correspondence Courses, Director Centre for Adult Continuing & Extension Education and Director, State Resource Centre, University of Kashmir.
Prof. Punjabi has authored six books and contributed chapters in 12 edited volumes and authored about 20 occasional papers and monographs on diverse themes and subjects. He has contributed more than 200 research papers in National and International journals on diverse themes and subjects. He has been pursuing varied themes but his main areas of work have been Peace Studies, Human Rights, Global Terrorism, Composite Culture, Inter-religious conflicts and rise of fundamentalism in South Asia and Sufism.
In 1994, Prof. Punjabi set up a voluntary research group ‘Centre for Peace Studies’ in New Delhi to encourage researches and debate on human rights, peace, spiritual unity and human brotherhood. This group later became ‘International Centre for Peace Studies’ and sustains itself on voluntary contributions and donations.
Prof. Riyaz Punjabi holds the membership of professional bodies in USA, the Netherlands, Australia, Canada and India. He is a member of International Studies Association USA, International Studies Association for the Study of Forced Migrations the Netherlands, International Society for Health & Human Rights, the Netherlands, International Council of Distance Education, Australia, International Peace Research Association, the Netherlands, India International Centre and India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
Prof. Riyaz Punjabi presently Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir has had a distinguished career spanning over 40 years in academics, research and voluntary action. In view of his immense contribution in these areas he was awarded prestigious Socrates Award 2008. He was nominated for the title of “Honorary Professor for the international University, Vienna” for his contribution in ‘strengthening international relations in the sphere of education’. In 2009 Prof. Punjabi was awarded the Amity Academic Excellence Award 2009 by Amity International Business School, Amity University, Noida, U.P. (India) for his contribution to knowledge and education.
Prof. Punjabi, in recognition to his contribution to education, culture and promoting communal harmony in J&K State was given Fazil Memorial Award 2009 and Adbi Markaz Kamraz Award 2010.
Prof. Punjabi holds a degree of Doctorate in Laws and has taught and conducted researches in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) New Delhi, Universities of Jammu and Kashmir, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi and Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla. He has held the positions of Professor, Centre for the Study of Social Systems, Faculty of Social Science Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi; Professor and Chairman, Department of Distance Education, Dean Faculty of Non Formal Education, University of Kashmir; Director, Directorate of Correspondence Courses, Director Centre for Adult Continuing & Extension Education and Director, State Resource Centre, University of Kashmir.
Prof. Punjabi has authored six books and contributed chapters in 12 edited volumes and authored about 20 occasional papers and monographs on diverse themes and subjects. He has contributed more than 200 research papers in National and International journals on diverse themes and subjects. He has been pursuing varied themes but his main areas of work have been Peace Studies, Human Rights, Global Terrorism, Composite Culture, Inter-religious conflicts and rise of fundamentalism in South Asia and Sufism.
In 1994, Prof. Punjabi set up a voluntary research group ‘Centre for Peace Studies’ in New Delhi to encourage researches and debate on human rights, peace, spiritual unity and human brotherhood. This group later became ‘International Centre for Peace Studies’ and sustains itself on voluntary contributions and donations.
Prof. Riyaz Punjabi holds the membership of professional bodies in USA, the Netherlands, Australia, Canada and India. He is a member of International Studies Association USA, International Studies Association for the Study of Forced Migrations the Netherlands, International Society for Health & Human Rights, the Netherlands, International Council of Distance Education, Australia, International Peace Research Association, the Netherlands, India International Centre and India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
Special ID cards issued
Rising Kashmir News:: Srinagar, Jan 24: Police officials have been provided with ‘special duty passes and identity cards’ to prevent the repeat of August 15 shoe-hurling incident, which was seen as ‘breach of security.’
“The policemen to be deployed inside the Bakshi Stadium would be allowed to enter the venue only after showing the special ID cards and duty passes. Earlier, we used to have special duty passes but this time around we have been provided with unique ID cards having our photographs as well. This has been done to thwart any security lapse as was seen on August 15, 2010 when policeman Abdul Ahad Jan hurled a shoe towards chief minister,” a senior police official said.
The development had led to suspension of at least 11 police men including some officers. Jan was, however, later forgiven by Chief minister after he tendered apology.
The development had led to suspension of at least 11 police men including some officers. Jan was, however, later forgiven by Chief minister after he tendered apology.
Srinagar, Jan 23: Jammu and Kashmir Bank has clarified that its general banking arrangements with the state government shall continue in future as well. The clarification comes in the wake of apprehensions over Reserve Bank of India’s agreement with the state government to carry on the latter’s general banking business and to act as sole agent for investment of its funds.
“The arrangement between the state government and the central government or between J&K Bank and RBI or the state government in no way dilutes the status of state government or J&K Bank,” reads the bank statement issued here Sunday.
“The revised banking arrangement entrusted by RBI to J&K Bank to manage the general banking business of the central government and the state government is in fact the continuation of the existing arrangement,” it adds.
According to the bank, as a direct consequence of the revision in the arrangement, all state departments, constituents of the state government shall necessarily have to maintain their official accounts with J&K Bank only.
“Through this arrangement RBI has, in a way, expanded the role of Bank in managing the banking business of the state government exclusively with the J&K bank and has entrusted the bank with more responsibility,” reads the bank statement.
While carrying the general banking business of the state, J&K Bank will continue to handle all kinds of receipts/payments of the state government, salary disbursements, pension to civil pensioners, social welfare payments, treasury payments etc. This is also in addition to responsibility entrusted upon the bank to manage general banking business of the central government at various places.
“J&K Bank is the banker to the government of Jammu and Kashmir since its inception and continues to be the same today. J&K government continues to be the main stakeholder with 53 per cent equity holding,” the statement reads.
The bank sought to inform stakeholders and customers that its stability and viability is well founded irrespective of any repayment of loan and advance.
“With business portfolio of over Rs 66000 crore now and best banking practices in vogue in all its affairs, repayments of loans and adjustments of accounts is a normal and routine affair and does not cause any issue on viability and stability of the bank,” the bank handout reads.
“We would further state that the deposits and advances of the bank grew by 13 and 11 percent respectively in FY2009-10 and in all probability J&K Bank shall achieve a growth percentage close to 20 per cent in both segments in the current financial year,” it adds.
The central government in terms of its notification dated 26 August 1972 directed that the Reserve Bank of India may inter alia appoint J&K Bank as its agent at any place within the state of J&K and subsequently initiated the process in Feb 1992 for appointing J&K Bank as its agent for transacting the general banking business of the central government including collection of taxes for and on behalf of central government. This banking arrangement in respect of central government businesses is in operation in the state.
J&K Bank has strong national presence and global recognition as 23% of its equity is held by Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs). The bank has recorded sustained growth in its operational spheres including the deposit mobilization, credit dispensation, profitability, NPA management, benchmark profitability, liquidity and other analytical ratios.
“The revised banking arrangement entrusted by RBI to J&K Bank to manage the general banking business of the central government and the state government is in fact the continuation of the existing arrangement,” it adds.
According to the bank, as a direct consequence of the revision in the arrangement, all state departments, constituents of the state government shall necessarily have to maintain their official accounts with J&K Bank only.
“Through this arrangement RBI has, in a way, expanded the role of Bank in managing the banking business of the state government exclusively with the J&K bank and has entrusted the bank with more responsibility,” reads the bank statement.
While carrying the general banking business of the state, J&K Bank will continue to handle all kinds of receipts/payments of the state government, salary disbursements, pension to civil pensioners, social welfare payments, treasury payments etc. This is also in addition to responsibility entrusted upon the bank to manage general banking business of the central government at various places.
“J&K Bank is the banker to the government of Jammu and Kashmir since its inception and continues to be the same today. J&K government continues to be the main stakeholder with 53 per cent equity holding,” the statement reads.
The bank sought to inform stakeholders and customers that its stability and viability is well founded irrespective of any repayment of loan and advance.
“With business portfolio of over Rs 66000 crore now and best banking practices in vogue in all its affairs, repayments of loans and adjustments of accounts is a normal and routine affair and does not cause any issue on viability and stability of the bank,” the bank handout reads.
“We would further state that the deposits and advances of the bank grew by 13 and 11 percent respectively in FY2009-10 and in all probability J&K Bank shall achieve a growth percentage close to 20 per cent in both segments in the current financial year,” it adds.
The central government in terms of its notification dated 26 August 1972 directed that the Reserve Bank of India may inter alia appoint J&K Bank as its agent at any place within the state of J&K and subsequently initiated the process in Feb 1992 for appointing J&K Bank as its agent for transacting the general banking business of the central government including collection of taxes for and on behalf of central government. This banking arrangement in respect of central government businesses is in operation in the state.
J&K Bank has strong national presence and global recognition as 23% of its equity is held by Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs). The bank has recorded sustained growth in its operational spheres including the deposit mobilization, credit dispensation, profitability, NPA management, benchmark profitability, liquidity and other analytical ratios.
Srinagar, Jan 23: Minister for Rural Development, Ali Muhammad Sagar launched pulse polio campaign here on Sunday in which 10.71 lakh children, between the age group of 0-5 years, were to be administered pulse polio drops in Kashmir division.
In Budgam district 1.20 lakh, Baramulla 1.55 lakh, Bandipora 73690, Kupwara 1.32 lakh, Pulwama 69597, Shopian 51013, Islamabad 131428, Kulgam 92607, Kargil 16397 while in Leh 12086 children have been administered pulse polio drops. In all 5489 polio booths were established in the valley.
Sagar launched the campaign by administrating drops to a baby at Government Gousia Hospital Khanyar Srinagar. Director Health services Kashmir, Dr. Mohammad Amin, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Meraj Ahmad Kakroo and other officers were present on the occasion.
On the occasion, Director Health Services informed that near about 22000 persons including 229 Asha workers and 334 Anganwari workers were engaged for the purpose. The respective District Development Commissioners launched the Pulse Polio Campaign in their districts.
Sagar launched the campaign by administrating drops to a baby at Government Gousia Hospital Khanyar Srinagar. Director Health services Kashmir, Dr. Mohammad Amin, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Meraj Ahmad Kakroo and other officers were present on the occasion.
On the occasion, Director Health Services informed that near about 22000 persons including 229 Asha workers and 334 Anganwari workers were engaged for the purpose. The respective District Development Commissioners launched the Pulse Polio Campaign in their districts.
At a time when traditional Kashmiri specialties particularly pickles are facing threat by fast food boom, an aged pickle maker in Shahr-e-Khas is leaving no stone unturned to preserve the trade as he attracts clients even from abroad for healthy reasons
MOUTH-watering aroma of spices greets the visitors to the modest house of a pickle maker 65 year-old Haji Ghulam Qadir Senoo in a congested but secluded lane of Habba Kadal’s Chandpora locality in Old City.
Sitting amidst loads of all sorts of vegetables, fruits and bags of spices in his kitchen, Senoo is so immersed in preparing the pickles that he is unfazed by the surroundings including the presence of visitors.
A few knocks on his kitchen’s wooden door fail to break his concentration. It is only when one went closer to him that he aborted his job but not without showing his anger wrinkles on his frowned face.
“Yes what you want,” he asks while massaging his white flowing beard. But as I was about to reply, he instantly recognized me as his wrinkles within a flicker of an eye turned into a smile.
“Son, you had last visited my shop in 2004. It has been long time… I know you reporters are mostly attracted by spicy political and law and order stories,” he said with a smile and passionately guided me towards his shop Senoo Pickles.
Senoo lost his wife and two sons during past two decades of turmoil in the Valley. “I had even decided to close my shop, but my passion for making pickles and love of my valued customers made me going on,” he said.
Over the past few years, Senoo who single-handedly runs his shop since 1989 has managed to add lot of varieties with modern package facilities. “You name it, I have it,” he said whiling pointing towards the food grade plastic tumblers— filled with mouthwatering pickles of varied tastes and colors.
Hitting out at the criticizers of pickles, Senoo says that if made with good quality of spices, oil and vegetables, the delicacy is beneficial to the health.
“I procure spices in raw form and grind them myself for making good quality of pickles. I never use the spices sold in attractive packages in market. I guarantee that my pickles can be used for six months without refrigeration or adding artificial preservatives as all its ingredients are pure,” he said.
Enumerating, the health benefits of his pickles, Senoo says many of its varieties can help to control many ailments. He said the garlic pickle prepared by him is most sought after by the customers. “The customers who are suffering with heart aliment, high cholesterol, various kinds of infections and respiratory problems have been benefited by the garlic pickle. There is huge demand for it and I sell it at a nominal rate of Rs 300 per kilogram,” he said.
Similarly he says Bitter gourd (Karela) is beneficial for people suffering from diabetes. “Doctors have told me that the Karela contains juices which are similar to insulin and helps in bringing down sugar levels in blood,” he said.
To prove his point, Senoo asks one of his customers suffering with diabetes to enumerate the change he experienced after eating the Karela pickle. “Regular eating of this pickle has helped me to keep my sugar levels in control,” said Altaf Ahmad of nearby Ganpatyar locality.
Senoo boasts of preparing over 100 varieties of pickles ranging from fish, meat, chicken to mangoes, cherry and Amla—costing between Rs 100 to 400 per kilogram.
“I keep adding more and more varieties to suit the taste of my customers. Each variety has its own taste and medicinal value,” he said.
He recounts that it was the practice of older generation mostly women of Kashmir who used to ensure keeping pickles in menu. “Our ancestors knew the health benefits of pickles. Till few decades ago it was a routine in every household of Kashmir to prepare pickles. But the onslaught of modernity and fast life has drastically affected the practice. Now people mostly our younger generation is attracted to fast food which is not part of our culture neither beneficial to health,” he said.
He takes pride over his art of making pickles. “More than earning money, I make pickles to save this art from extinction and project it as identity of Kashmir. My clientele ranges from common man to VIPs. Even doctors and lawyers are among my valued customers. I regularly send my pickles to noted legal luminary AG Noorani in Mumbai. Through my customers, I send pickles through their relatives and friends in various states and countries including in Middle-East and Bangladesh,” he said.
Senoo minces no words in accusing the concerned authorities for failing to institutionalize the art of pickle making.
“The pickle making has the potential to be developed as an industry and absorbing thousands of unemployed youth. It can also help to earn foreign exchange and help preserving the pickle making which forms an important part of our culture. But is anybody interested?” he asks.
SRINAGAR:
Srinagar city, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, recorded a minimum of minus 5.3 degrees Celsius, 0.9 notch less than yesterday.
The skiing resort of Gulmarg was the coldest place in the Valley recording a minimum of minus 10.5 degrees Celsius.
Pahalgam resort in south Kashmir registered a drop of four notches to settle at minus of 10.2 degrees Celsius.
Qazigund, the gateway town to kashmir, was freezing at minus 8.0 degrees Celsius, while night temperature in Kokernag and Kupwara towns hovered around minus 5.7 degrees Celsius.
Witnesses Narrate Events As BJP Makes Similar Attempt 2 Decades After
Srinagar, Jan 22: The flag hoisting controversy might have evoked mild response in 2011, but it has surely rekindled the memories of January 26, 1992 when the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) announced raising the tri-colour at Clock Tower in Lal Chowk during the height of militancy.
On January 26, 1992, Kashmir was different. In government quarters, it was regarded as almost a ‘liberated zone’ with the armed militants ruling the streets in Srinagar and villages, while in a show of defiance the Border Security Forces (BSF) and army personnel fortifying the city centre- Lal Chowk- turning it almost into a war zone.
The announcement to hoist the flag came in the midst of this situation, when the then BJP President, Murli Manohar Joshi announced it during a rally attended by thousands of party supporters in Jammu. Other than the president, the rally was attended by the two senior party leaders- former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and LK Advani.
“Murli announced he would come to Kashmir by road with his 10,000 supporters to hoist the flag,” Fayaz Ahmad Zargar, 38, a resident of Amira Kadal, said.
BJP President had undertook “Ekta Yatra” that year from Kaniyakumari to Srinagar to hoist the tri-colour at Lal Chowk on January 26.
On the other hand, the militants who called the shots in Kashmir those days were furious over the BJP announcement. All the militant outfits chalked out a joint strategy to stop BJP from raising the flag on clock tower.
The militants intensified their attacks from Jan 24, 1992, onwards. In one of the intrepid acts, they orchestrated an attack in PHQ Srinagar where DGP along with the other command sustained critical injuries after a bomb, concealed in a drawer, exploded.
It was the same incident in which Ahad Jan- the police cop who shot to fame after hurling a shoe on chief minister Omar Abdullah on August 15, 2010- was promoted after he saved the life of DGP Saxena and rushed him to hospital.
“Apart from attacks, the Mujahideen outfits also divided themselves with each party getting its share of task,” a former Student Liberation Front militant said. “The foremost thing for us that time was to guard Srinagar- Jammu highway. The BJP leaders along with their supporters had planned to come on their vehicles taking that route.”
In the wake of militant threats, the authorities imposed indefinite curfew and issued shoot at sight orders. However, the militants managed to control the highway forcing government to go for alternative means of transport. The BJP president was thus airlifted to Srinagar.
With the arrival of BJP president Joshi, the city was turned into a battle zone.
“I vividly remember the day of Jan 26, 1992,” Javed Ahmad, a resident of Lal Chowk said. “A radio announcement was aired that Lal Chowk has been handed over to army.”
Ahmad said BSF along with army erected sandbag bunkers, temporary check-posts and enforced strict curfew.
“They were armed to teeth,” he said. “Even security personnel were deployed at each door. They took roof tops, buildings and each structure that could have aided militants to mount any attack.”
The army was a new guest in the city those days, so was the heavy weaponry they carried. As a result, the fear- stricken residents, who lived around Lal Chowk, fled, except one or two male members who guarded their respective houses.
“On Jan 26, 1992, we heard only firing. There were explosions also we could make out from all directions of the city neighborhood,” Ahmad said. “It was like a war going on.”
Unlike Ahmad, Abdul Rashid, a resident of Koker Bazaar was unfortunate. He sat on the window sill of the second floor of his house to smoke and get relaxed in the scary situation.
However, he had taken only two drags, before the prying eyes of alert Border Security Force personnel occupying a temporary check post, spotted him.
“They broke open the door and pulled me by collar down on the rain soaked street,” Rashid said. “I was kept hanging body upside down. They did it for 15 minutes in that bone chilling cold. Then they made me stand on the road. It was a punishment since I had breached curfew.”
Ahmad said Army and BSF had enforced a strict curfew and nobody was allowed to venture outside home, especially in Lal Chowk area.
On the chilly afternoon, BJP president, surrounded by alert soldiers and BSF personnel appeared in Lal Chowk.
During the same time, at least four rockets were fired towards the flag hoisting venue. But none of them reached there.
As Murli raised the flag on the pedestal of clock tower, the rod broke down and one half along with flag fell on his forehead. He got injured.
Till the evening of Jan 26, 1992, scores of people got killed and some injured. It was reported in Srinagar that 10 people, most of them militants, were killed at different locations on the Srinagar-Jammu highway.
The militancy has died down to its lowest ebb in 2010. Kashmir recently witnessed the six month long pro-freedom protests which claimed lives of 115 people while hundreds were injured. There are no guns in the valley but stones and protests. And once again in the midst of political turmoil, the BJP has announced its flag hoisting programme.
Srinagar, Jan 21: A top official of Health and Medical Education Department has unauthorizedly transferred `40 crores sanctioned by the Union Health Ministry for up-gradation of existing infrastructure and establishment of new institutions imparting training to paramedics in the state to his personal account. Following the development government ordered probe and placed the official under suspension.
In 2010, the state Health Ministry sent a proposal for upgradation of existing institutions and establishment of two nursing colleges, three nursing schools and 12 AMT schools to the Union Health Ministry. Sources said ` 20 crores were sanctioned for establishment of each nursing college, ` 10 crores for each nursing school and ` 5 crores for each AMT school in the state.
During the Darbar move the Union Health Ministry sanctioned ` 40 crores as first installment for the said proposal. However, sources said, the Official on Special Duty to Health and Medical Education got the cheque from New Delhi and unauthorizedly opened an account at Jammu and Kashmir Bank limited, Moving Branch Civil Secretariat and deposited the money into it.
Sources said the guilty official “enjoying the patronage of some senior officials” transferred the money into his account without authorization of competent authority.
They said the funds should have been deposited into the bank account of Health and Medical Education Department.
“It was surprising how the official manipulated the draft of the sanctioned amount and managed to open a personal account in the Bank to deposit the money,” sources said.
When contacted Health Minister Sham Lal Sharma said during the Durbar move a token amount of ` 40 crores was sanctioned by the Union Health Ministry for the establishment of the nursing colleges, schools and AMT Schools. However, he said the guilty official through unwarranted means “opened his personal account without the authorization of the administrative department and deposited ` 40 crores into it.” Sharma said, “We were fortunate enough that we caught the official at appropriate time.”
The bank account has been freezed and money is safe, he said. “I have ordered an enquiry into it and enquiry officer will file the report within one week,” he said. “ We have placed the guilty officer under suspension.”
A kanger also known as kangri or kangar or kangir) is a pot filled with hot embers used by Kashmiris beneath their traditional clothing to keep the chill at bay, which is also regarded as a work of art. It is normally kept inside the phiren (Overcoat type garment), the Kashmiri cloak, or inside a blanket. If a person is wearing a jacket, it may be used as a hand-warmer. It is about 6 inches (150 mm) in diameter and reaches a temperature of about 150 °F (66 °C).
Background
After the earthen pots are moulded, these are sold to the artisans who complete the wickerwork around them, erect two arms to handle the pot, and also colour it to give an aesthetically delicate shape. The final product then goes to the market. It is generally believed that Kashmiris learnt the use of the Kangri from the Italians who were in the retinue of the Mughal emperors, and usually visited the Valley during summer. In
Legacy
This Kashmiri proverb, "what Laila was on Majnun’s bosom (Legendary Lovers), so is the Kanger to a Kashmiri", sums up the relationship between a Kashmiri and the Kanger and its cultural importance, which is also shown by this verse:
Ai kangri! ai kangri!
Kurban tu Hour wu Peri!
Chun dur bughul mi girimut
Durd az dil mi buree.
(Oh, kangri! oh, kangri!
You are the gift of Houris and Fairies;
When I take you under my arm
You drive fear from my heart.)
Srinagar, Jan 19: Cold wave in Kashmir division today intensified further even as Kashmir Valley continued to reel under sub-zero temperatures with Pahalgam and Gulmarg tourist resorts witnessing a low of almost minus 14 deg C.
Kargil was the coldest place in Jammu and Kashmir last night as the minimum temperature fell by one degree to settle at minus 22 degrees Celsius, a MeT office spokesman said.
Leh town, also in Ladakh region, witnessed a drop of 9.2 notches in minimum temperature and recorded a low of minus 19 degrees Celsius.
The minimum temperature in Srinagar city, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, rose marginally to settle at minus 5.2 degrees Celsius.
Pahalgam was the coldest place in the Valley with mercury plunging to minus 14.6 degrees Celsius as compared to yesterday's minus 8.2 degrees C.
The skiing resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir was the second coldest place in the Valley recording the night temperature at minus 13.6 degrees Celsius.
Kokernag and Qazigund, the gateway town to Kashmir Valley, were also reeling under freezing temperatures recording a minimum of minus 7.6 deg C and minus 7.9 deg C respectively.
Due to sub-zero temperature, drinking water supply in many areas remained suspended due to freezing of the pipes.
Most residents here alleged lack of basic facilities like drinking water and electricity in view of the exceptionally harsh winter this year.
UMA Khosla, known to the world of radio and sound as Nikki Aapa, is no more. She died today at the age of 73.
Uma as an artist was a star voice in broadcasting for more than two decades. She was the top most female Urdu voice of AIR who can be compared with the legendry Mohina Hameed of Radio Pakistan and remained heart throb for sub-continent listeners’ especially for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan. She was a great drama voice also.
Vadi Ki Awaz, a popular programme was launched in 1965 from Radio Kashmir Srinagar and used to be the greatest attraction for the listeners across the border. Nikki Aapa as she was known in that programme with her on-air uncle Munshi Allah Rakha (Late Kidar Sharma) became house-hold names.
She lived in a beautiful Georgian style small house adjacent the current G B Pant Children hospital on the highway in Sonawar Srinagar, which now lies surrounded by ugly concrete of multi-storey hotels and other loud mansions.
This solitary single floored house was already calm because Nikki Aapa who stayed there had ceased to move about much. Her illness had already ensured that for a while but the house will be now lifeless in her total absence. All that’s left behind is an old man Chacha Ghulam Qadir who has for decades remained her most trusted friend, philosopher, housekeeper and everything.
Her father Colonel Khosla passed away some 25 years back, 2 years or so after the death of his wife. Among her siblings was a brother who suffered from acute depression. He had also left her.
Generally speaking we forget everything. Each day crawls into a night and night come back to us as another day. Nothing but forgetful continuing routine pressing life into circles. Usually boring like the other. They are never remembered. But some memories, things, places and people are never easily forgotten.
These memories stay with us. And somehow remain embedded as invaluable layers of precious treasures. They can be anything personal. Sometimes even insignificant and materialistically non-valuable but meaning the world for us.
Nikki Aapa was one such person. An artist of great calibre with the most charming personality and a human being with just about the most beautiful traits that can be. If you were a regular listener of Radio Kashmir, then her voice spots remain engraved an impression of everlasting continuity on our eardrums and will no doubt last forever.
I remember the listener’s letter corner in audience research unit of Radio Kashmir Srinagar where Nikki’s mail box was a special attraction for audience research people. She wouldn’t get simple letters only. In one envelope rose-petals, another Pakistan currency note wishing her long life and written in a corner of the currency note (Tum Salamat Raho) and others...
And these letters written by enthusiastic young men and mature old folks would give her dua-salams and express love and all.
Radio being radio as it is one cannot see the artist’s face, but people would even sometimes gather outside Radio Kashmir to catch a glimpse of their beloved stars. Uma was always a favourite.
In her young age she was most modern and I distinctly remember in the early 1960s when she would ride a Rally’s bicycle from her Sonawar residence to reach Sri Pratap College Campus to attend her M.A Classes. The Master Campus for Women campus classes were held here then. But when she joined Radio and became a popular artist she gave up riding the bicycle.
In three of my plays KHOKHLA PAID HARI DALIAN, AAB YAHAN HOI NAHI AAYA GA and TOOFAN AUR BHAVANAR her co-star and main lead actor and director was the then handsome and most lively broadcaster Late Bashir Bhat.
In another important play - KHAZAN KAY PHOOL her main lead co-star was Manohar Prothi the golden voice of yesteryears who also worked with her as Aziz Bhai in Vadi Ki Awaz.
Then for the last 20 years of her life she remained off the microphone due to her ill health.
Before attaining superannuation she was looking after the English Programmes and the Popular Western Music section of Radio Kashmir, which she herself had planned, conceived and designed.
She mothered the western music programmes and created a galaxy of good presenters and anchorpersons - Agha Iqbal Ali, Agha Shahid Ali the poet, Hena Ahmed, the charismatic Peerzada Mumtaz Ahmed and others.
I feel at a loss to write an obituary of yet another friend and about that team and from those friends from the fraternity of broadcasting I have lost another fond member. The loss is no doubt personal but it is more so the silencing of an era gone by. And as I remain on and stay behind, I cannot but feel lost and alone.
In the very absence of my darling Somnath Sadhu, versatile Pushkar Bhan, soul mate Lassi Koul and now dear Uma Khosla I am totally isolated, feeling irrelevant and incomplete. My pen is almost broken, hands numb, eyes moist but a smile on my own face remains, choosing me to image an ironical fathom to the very circumstance of my own departure. For today hardly anything remains behind here for me but to join them up there now.
And up amongst those real stars as Uma becomes immortal and lines up the sky after spending a meaningful life with us here keeping afloat the flag of her life with the most professional challenges well done and almost all moral premises beautifully endured with a good personal life well lived for others, sometimes even at the cost of even her own self, we stand up and pray for the salvation for her soul.
A charming person who gave woman in our state her first true voice is gone forever now. But not before she has passed the baton. RJ Sara and others of this era who are on air today must also pause and pay tributes. And thank Uma for making it all possible.
Thank you Uma.
ISLAMABAD: A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck various part of the country, the US Geological Survey reported on Tuesday.
It said the quake was very shallow at a depth of 10 km (6.3 miles). It struck 55 km (34 miles) west of Dalbandin at 1:23 a.m. local time on Wednesday (2023 GMT on Tuesday).
There was no immediate report of damage from the area which lies close to Pakistan's troubled border with Afghanistan.
The Pacific Tsunami Center said the onshore quake had not triggered a tsunami in the Indian Ocean.
A major quake of this magnitude is capable of causing widespread and heavy damage and could pose fresh strains on a country still reeling from devastating floods last year which left more than 10 Milllion people homeless.
On Oct. 8, 2005, a 7.6 magnitude quake 95 km (60 miles) Northeast of the Pakistani capital Islamabad killed over 70,000 people.
Srinagar, Jan 18: The killing of a 65-year old woman in a road mishap allegedly involving an army vehicle triggered massive protests in Langate area of north Kupwara district on Tuesday.
Eyewitnesses told Greater Kashmir, Ateeqa Begum of Dangiwacha Rafiabad was allegedly hit by an Army vehicle at Palpora on Baramulla-Kupwara highway. “She was critically injured and shifted SKIMS Soura wherein she succumbed,” they said.
As the news of her death spread, hundreds of people took to the streets raising pro-freedom slogans. The protesters blocked the suspending traffic for hours.
When contacted deputy superintendent of police Handwara, Ghulam Jeelani Wani said they had registered a case (FIR number 4 of 11 under section 279 and 304(A) RPC). “We have also seized the vehicle and arrested the driver,” he said.
Beijing, Jan 18: China today officially launched its state-run mapping website that rivals Google Earth, showing Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin in Jammu and Kashmir -- two key areas of dispute with India -- as part of its territory.
The map called ‘Map World’ displayed on the Internet in Chinese language is already being used in I phone and other mobile and Internet user applications in China.
It shows Arunachal Pradesh that China has always claimed as “southern Tibet” as part of its territory. The map makes no specific mention of southern Tibet but it shows China’s borders covered up to Arunachal Pradesh.
Also, the Aksai Chin area, which India asserts as part of Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir has been included by the map as part of China’s Xinjiang province.
Both areas are part of the border dispute being negotiated between the two countries, which so far have held 14 rounds of talks.
The map, however, displays the Line of Control (LOC) in Kashmir region acknowledging the both sides of the areas respectively under the control of India and Pakistan.
The unresolved border issue has been a simmering issue in Sino-India relations for a long time.
The issue of Arunachal was in the news again this month after two residents of the state were issued stapled visas by China, a development which observers said could be an indication of a change in Beijing’s policy. China had earlier refused to offer visas to the residents of the state.
However, China reiterated yesterday that its policy that Arunachal Pradesh is a “disputed area” remains “unchanged”.
The online mapping service called MAP WORLD is meant to offer an “authoritative, credible and unified” online mapping service, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
Srinagar, Jan 17: The cold wave conditions in Kashmir division including Ladakh intensified and the minimum temperature fell to -16.8 degree Celsius in Kargil on Monday. The sub-zero temperature resulted in partial freezing of many water bodies including the Dal Lake in the Valley.
“The minimum temperature was recorded as -14.4 degree Celsius in Leh town while it was - 16.8 degrees in Kargil town of Ladakh region. The clear night skies have resulted in the temperatures taking a further dip,” said a weather department official.
He said the minimum temperature in Srinagar was - 4.1 degree Celsius against Sunday's - 3.7 degree Celsius. “The minimum temperature was two degrees below normal in Srinagar. In Pahalgam hill station, it was - 9.6 degree Celsius against - 16.1 degree Celsius on Sunday. Gulmarg ski resort in North Kashmir recorded the minimum temperature of - 13 degree Celsius. Jammu recorded a minimum temperature of 5.1 degrees.”
The official said Kokernag and Qazigund, the gateway town to Kashmir, were also reeling under freezing temperatures recording a minimum of - 8.4 degrees Celsius and - 7.5 degrees Celsius respectively.
The sub-zero temperature has resulted in partial freezing of many water bodies including the Dal Lake in the Valley. The valley also had heavy frost, causing the road conditions across the valley to become extremely slippery.
The weather official said light rain or snow was expected in the valley Monday and Tuesday because of a light western disturbance.
He said the minimum temperature in Srinagar was - 4.1 degree Celsius against Sunday's - 3.7 degree Celsius. “The minimum temperature was two degrees below normal in Srinagar. In Pahalgam hill station, it was - 9.6 degree Celsius against - 16.1 degree Celsius on Sunday. Gulmarg ski resort in North Kashmir recorded the minimum temperature of - 13 degree Celsius. Jammu recorded a minimum temperature of 5.1 degrees.”
The official said Kokernag and Qazigund, the gateway town to Kashmir, were also reeling under freezing temperatures recording a minimum of - 8.4 degrees Celsius and - 7.5 degrees Celsius respectively.
The sub-zero temperature has resulted in partial freezing of many water bodies including the Dal Lake in the Valley. The valley also had heavy frost, causing the road conditions across the valley to become extremely slippery.
The weather official said light rain or snow was expected in the valley Monday and Tuesday because of a light western disturbance.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
