Srinagar: The authorities have ordered closure of all schools, including Higher Secondary Schools (HSSs), from Monday in view of rise in COVID-19 cases in Jammu and Kashmir.

The class work for classes’ upto 9th standard has been suspended for two weeks while classes 10th, 11th and 12th have been closed for one week from Monday, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said on Sunday.

He said all gatherings for social and customary functions will be restricted to 200 only and after following due COVID Standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Sinha said in view of rising trend in COVID-19 cases in J&K and likelihood of young children getting infected and transmitting infection in large numbers, all classes upto 9th standard will be closed for two weeks from Monday till 18 April 21.

He said classes 10, 11 and 12 will also be closed for one week in all schools from Monday till April 11, 2021 in entire Jammu and Kashmir. “All gatherings for social and customary functions will be restricted to 200 only and after following due COVID SOPs,” he added.

Over a dozen schools were closed in Kashmir valley following staffers and students testing positive for COVID-19 since High and HSSs reopened last month after more than a year due to Coronavirus restrictions.

Amid a spike in COVID cases, Jammu and Kashmir government last week classified Srinagar as an orange zone while all other districts have been declared as green zones, whereas Lakhanpur was declared as a containment zone and Jawahar Tunnel area on either side as Red zones. As many as 501 new positive cases of novel Coronavirus, including 393 from Kashmir division and 108 from Jammu division, were reported on Saturday, when two persons died due to COVID-19 in the UT.

Srinagar: Chief Education Officer Srinagar has asked the heads of institutions to start online classes after Govt decided  to close down schools for couple of weeks.

The order issued by CEO Srinagar which lies with KNS reads,
“Consequent upon the temporary closure of schools vide Government Order No. 13 – JK ( DMRRR ) of 2021 , 91 – Edu of 2021 Dated : 04-04-2021 and to safeguard the academic career of the students , it is impressed upon all the heads of institutions to start Online Classes for classes 1-12 w.e.f. 05-04-2021.”
All the teachers / masters / lecturers are required to submit the attendance of their respective online classes through CEO SRINAGAR APP on daily basis , he wrote. (KNS)

Says, JKP personnel, civilians in protecting territorial integrity, fighting militancy

Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today honoured the Next of the Kin of slain security forces personnel  in a programme organized by Global Strategic Policy Foundation Pune (GSPFP), an NGO, here at the SKICC.

Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha was the Chief Guest on the occasion, while Arif Mohammed Khan, Governor of Kerala, presided over the function.

During the event, NoKs of slain security personnel, including Lance Naik, Ashoka Chakra, Nazir Ahmad Wani; SI, Sageer Ahmad Pathan; SGCT, Mohammad Yousuf, Kirti Chakra; Major, Sushil Aima; Ashoka Chakra, Naib Subedar, Chuni Lal and Shurya Chakra, Abdul Hamid Chara were felicitated.

Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor paid glowing tributes to the sacrifices of security forces, police personals and civilians in protecting the territorial integrity and fighting militancy in J&K.

“I bow to the martyrs who displayed indomitable courage and bravery while protecting the dignity of the nation, and salute the sacrifices and patience of the family members of our gallant security personnel”, the LG said.

The Lt Governor noted that the supreme sacrifice made by all the security personnel and the fortitude of their family members is a great source of inspiration and a guiding light for our new generation.

“The family members of India’s brave-hearts are the living example of patriotism and sacrifice, and we have to take inspiration from them and move forward together for building a new Jammu and Kashmir,” the Lt Governor added.

The Lt Governor urged the people, especially the young generation to discharge their duties with full responsibility to create a peaceful society and pay a befitting tribute to the sacrifices of our martyrs, he added.

“Let us all tread the path of peace & fulfil our martyrs’ dream of a peaceful, prosperous and developed Jammu & Kashmir”, said the LG.

The Lt Governor observed that the sacrifice, patience and courage of women like Mehjabeen Akhtar, wife of Ashok Chakra recipient Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani cannot be expressed in words.

The stories of valour of brave hearts like Brigadier Rajinder Singh, Maqbool Sherwani, Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani and heroes of Kargil and Siachen, Chuni Lal, Abdul Hameed, Sageer Ahmad Pathan, Mohammad Yusuf, is our real heritage which will continue to inspire the generations to come, he added.

The Lt Governor also remembered Major Sushil Aima honoured with Kirti Chakra, who died in line of duty in Poonch sector while combating militants at the age of 32 years.

Speaking on the present developmental scenario of J&K. the Lt Governor observed that since 5th August 2019, J&K has been fully integrated into the mainstream of the nation. For the last seven decades, the common people, farmers, youth of J&K have been kept away from prosperity and development.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a new dawn of development, observed the Lt Governor

The rights of weaker sections are being safeguarded. For the first time since independence, forest dwellers are being given their rights, besides the rights of youth, children, women and senior citizens are being ensured, he added.

Highlighting the efforts of the government to create a just and equitable society, the Lt Governor maintained that the benefits of reservation are being extended to the disadvantaged sections.

For the first time in the history of Jammu and Kashmir, a sweeper’s son or daughter can see the dream of pursuing any professional course in the UT and subsequently rise to the highest echelons of power. Now, even a farmer irrespective of land holding can do high density plantation, added the Lt Governor.

Many generations spent their lives strangling their dreams despite receiving higher education. Decades later, there is a moment when the youth are dreaming of better tomorrow, the Lt Governor maintained.

Speaking on the initiatives taken by the Government for providing better livelihood opportunities to the youth, the Lt Governor said that more than 18,000 young boys and girls from far flung villages have been provided with the financial support under Back to Village programme to fulfil their dreams and today they have become entrepreneurs.

A workshop on Youth Engagement and Outreach in the UT was organized on 31st October last year, which was attended by top Industry Heads and Policy Analysts from across the country. The outreach programme was aimed to create opportunities and infrastructure for engaging around 75% of the youth in the next 5 years. A few days ago, Mission Youth in collaboration with Bombay Stock Exchange has initiated a skill development training programme in banking and financial services. Two CIIIT centers have been set up in Baramulla and Jammu in collaboration with Tata Technologies, he added.

On women empowerment, the Lt Governor observed that the abilities of women and the merit of their great leadership have a rich history. He saluted the women of the Women’s Self-Defense Corps, who during the tribal invasion in 1947, by creating the world’s first woman guerrilla force, gave a message that Jammu and Kashmir was much ahead in the direction of women empowerment.

The true tribute to the sacrifice and bravery of the women here will only be paid when we are able to create a suitable environment for them to fulfil their dreams, he maintained.

We are moving towards creating an ecosystem of women entrepreneurs and returning economic freedom, the freedom of earning to the women folks of the UT through planned programs like the Tejaswini scheme, launched on the occasion of International Women’s Day, said the Lt Governor.

Underscoring the revolutionary measures taken for the prosperity and development of J&K, the Lt Governor observed that the Central Government has approved an unprecedented Rs 28,400 crore New Industrial development scheme for Jammu and Kashmir, which would attract huge investment of Rs 25,000-30,000 crore, besides providing employment avenues and opportunities to around 5 lakh youth.

Recalling his interaction with the media persons in the recently held Press Conference, the Lt Governor said that the minimum requirement of a civil society was not fulfilled in seven decades. Corruption had devastated Jammu and Kashmir. Even today, 973 villages remain unconnected with the road.

Terming the Rs 1,08,621 Cr Budget approved by the Central Government for J&K as historic, the Lt Governor observed that the quantum jump in the allocation of Budget in all sectors itself speaks about the strong resolve of the Prime Minister towards the development of J&K.

We have made the working of the government completely transparent and accountable. It is being ensured that the work is being done on ground and the money is utilized for the welfare of the people without discrimination, he added.

Now, the development process in J&K has been accelerated. In the coming two and half years, the population living in the villages will be connected with all the basic amenities. The Power sector has witnessed a paradigm shift. Metro projects in Jammu and Srinagar cities will be completed by 2023, he maintained.

Speaking on the growth potential of the UT, the Lt Governor observed that Jammu and Kashmir has endless possibilities. We are trying our best to create a prosperous environment for the people with these infinite possibilities, added the Lt Governor.

The Lt Governor observed that the celebrations of ongoing Azaadi ka Amrut Mahotsav holds the spirit of freedom movement and expresses gratitude to the martyrs. This feeling should be reflected in our national thinking, philosophy, religion, thought process, and development efforts, he added.

The Lt Governor also spoke on the Black Day observed on 22 October in J&K, where a two-day National Symposium and Exhibition on the “Memories of 22 October 1947”in collaboration with the National Museum of History, Art, Conservation and Museology was organized in Srinagar to educate the young generation of Jammu and Kashmir about the sacrifices of our brave-hearts.

The Lt Governor also paid tributes to the security personnel who laid down their lives in Chhattisgarh while fighting Maoists.

The Lt Governor concluded his speech by reciting renowned Poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar’s poem- Sipahi.

Arif Mohammad Khan, Governor of Kerala, in his address, said that Kashmir has remained home to diverse religious and cultural influences which have deeply enriched its pluralistic ethos and violence has no place in any civilized society and peaceful co-existence is the best means to resolve problems.

He also hailed the initiatives taken by the Jammu and Kashmir administration in the recent past to uplift the socio-economic conditions of the people.

Speaking on the occasion, wife of Ashoka Chakra Awardee, Lance Naik Nazir Ahmad Wani, Mehjabeen Akhtar said that for a soldier, there is nothing greater than his country.

“I am extremely proud of my husband’s martyrdom as he gave his life for this country and my children are also proud of their father. He used to tell me that he wants to die on the battleground while fighting for his nation as for him nothing came above this country,” Mehjbeen said. He has done a lot for this country and his nation is also proud of him, she added.

Earlier, Vice Admiral (Retd) Anup Singh, Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd), Lt. Gen. Sanjay Kulkarni (Retd) also spoke and expressed their views on the occasion.

Family members of slain security personnel, besides Pandurang K Pole, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Vijay Kumar, IGP Kashmir; Mohammad Aijaz, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar; Dr. Anant Bhagwat, President, GSPFP; Manoj Goyal, Secretary, GSPFP and other prominent citizens attended the felicitation ceremony.

Delina (Baramulla): In a major push to strengthen the power infrastructure in the UT, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha on Saturday e-inaugurated 17 Power Projects worth Rs. 118.91 Crore at Delina, Baramulla.

Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor observed that the inauguration of new projects is another step towards developing better Power Distribution and efficient Power Transmission system in the region.

To realize the vision of making J&K Power surplus, Rs 54,000 Crore worth power projects have been approved which would generate 3500 Megawatt in three to four years, the Lt Governor observed.

The Lt Governor underscored that determined efforts are being made to reach out to all the unconnected habitations, besides providing 24×7 quality electricity to the people of J&K.

He added that the Government is taking many short terms, medium term, and long term measures to provide the people with quality power supply round the clock in the coming two years.

Power sector now has an increased Budget of Rs 120 Cr, taking the total to Rs 2728 cr. New projects are being completed and added to the existing grid. Several bottlenecks causing delays in the timely completion of augmentation and restoration works of various power projects and creating power crisis in the winter season are being identified and subsequently eliminated, the Lt Governor maintained.

Responsibilities are being fixed and experts from power sector were roped in to provide vital inputs for mitigation of power related issues, he added.

Addressing the welfare issues of the field functionaries, the Lt Governor said that social security is being provided to the field functionaries of PDD who are prone to vulnerability.

Meanwhile, Baseer Ahmad Khan, Advisor to Lt Governor gave a brief scenario of the power sector and highlighted the measures taken by the department to augment the power infrastructure in the UT.

Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary, Power Development Department and Information Department; Bhupinder Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla; Chief Engineers; senior officers and other concerned functionaries were present on the occasion.

The projects which were e-inaugurated today are augmentation of Delina 220 KV Grid station from 160 MVA to 320 MVA; Commissioning of  Double circuit 220 KV interconnection between New Wanpoh Grid station and Mir Bazaar grid station; Construction of 33/11kV 10 MVA Sub Station at Tral Bala; Construction of 33/11kV 6.3 MVA Sub Station at Chowgam; Construction of 33/11kV 10 MVA Sub Station at Soibugh; Construction of 33/11kV 10 MVA Sub Station at Verinag; Construction of 33/11kV 6.3 MVA Sub Station at Nagam (DH Pora); Construction of 33/11kV 10 MVA Sub Station at Aglar; Augmentation of Foodpark Sub Station from 1×6.3 MVA to 2×6.3 MVA; Augmentation of BK Pora Sub Station from 2×6.3 MVA to 2X10+6.3 MVA; Augmentation of Khan sahib Sub Station from 6.3+ 5 MVA to 10+5 MVA; Augmentation of Awantipora Sub Station from 2×10 MVA to 3X 10 MVA; Sub-Transmission and Distribution Works in 6 Towns (Budgam, Khansahib, Chadoora, Magam, Beerwah, and Char-i-Sharief ) in Budgam Circle; Distribution Works in Anantnag Town; Distribution Works in Dooru Town; Distribution Works in Kulgam Town; Distribution Works in Handwara Town.

Inspects Yatra transit camps, FCI Godown, Walnut Factory

Anantnag: Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor, Nitishwar Kumar today inspected Yatra Transit Camps, FCI Godown Mir Bazar and Walnut Factory Qazigund.

He was accompanied by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Sh. Pandurang  K Pole and Additional CEO Amarnath Shrine Board.

The Principal Secretary enquired about the status of arrangements being made for Amarnath Yatra 2021 there and took a firsthand appraisal of the facilities at transit camps.

While laying special emphasis on quality and choice of materials, the Principal Secretary called for creation of durable assets. He directed the concerned officers to augment facilities in time for facilitating the journey of the Yatris.

He further passed directions for installation of good quality toilets in requisite numbers, besides an efficient drainage system with well laid paths.

Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag, Dr Piyush Singla briefed the Principal Secretary about the facilities being available at the transit camps, and the upgrades being done for ensuring that the pilgrims have a pleasant yatra experience.

Later, the Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor visited the Industrial Complex, Vessu and reviewed its functioning briefly.

SSP Kulgam, SEs Hydraulic, PDD, SDM Dooru, Ex-En R&B, CMOs Anantnag/Kulgam and other concerned civil and police officers were also present on the occasion.

Jammu: Probing the alleged involvement in funding stone-pelting incidents in the Kashmir after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani in 2016, investigation has begun into the appointments made by PDP youth leader and former secretary Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra into the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council during his tenure.

Para was appointed Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council in July 2016, replacing Javaid Ahmed Shah, who was sacked from the post over allegations of corruption.

Parra was also a member of the Sports Council at that time.

The decision to sack Javaid Ahmed from the post was taken after a series of allegations were leveled against him by insiders of the council.

There were allegations that Javaid Ahmed had diverted Rs 50 crore which was meant for building sports infrastructure in the state.

“Investigating agencies have started probing various appointments made in the Sports Council during the tenure of Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra, who was also the president of the PDP youth unit,” official sources told UNI.

As per reports, nearly 20 people were appointed in the J&K Sports Council, including four in the year 2018, when PDP president Mehbooba Mufti was the Chief Minister and by default being the President of the erstwhile J&K State Sports Council.

The appointments made were of junior coaches (Matric, B.Com, Twelfth Pass) and one Technical Advisor, who was in B A First Year at the time of appointments with Pay scale 9300-34800-5200 GP.

Sources said that the agencies have started investigating the funds spent on sports competitions in Kashmir vis-a-vis the office bearers of some sports organizations after the violent protests triggered in 2016 post killing of Burhan Wani.

Parra, considered to be close aide to former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, was arrested by the NIA last year after his alleged involvement surfaced with Hizbul Mujahideen commander Navid Mushtaq and suspended DSP Devendra Singh in a money laundering case.

A charge-sheet was filed against Parra in the Court last month.

“Parra was appointed the Secretary of the Sports Council on July 13, 2016, with the consent of Mehbooba Mufti,” sources said, adding that the appointment was made when violent protests were going on in Kashmir.

“Parra was given complete freedom to take necessary decisions to keep the youth in Jammu and Kashmir away from stone-pelting and he reportedly has appointed many people in the Sports Council,” they said, adding that most of the appointments made were from Pulwama, Kulgam, Shopian and Bijbihara in South Kashmir.

“These areas were considered to be hub of militant activities and many people who were accommodated in the Sports Council through Parra are under scanner for their dubious backgrounds,” sources expressed and said that as per rules, people appointed into the government service, have to get CID clearance and other security agencies but in many cases in the Sports Council, the process was not followed.

“The allocation of funds to various sports organizations and other financial transactions made during his tenure are also being investigated,” sources added and said that some of the officials of the Sports Council, are likely to be questioned soon by the probing agency especially those appointed during the tenure of Waheed-ur- Rehman Parra as a Secretary.

“During interrogation, Parra has reportedly admitted that he got the job with the intention of mainstreaming many stone-pelters,” they said and added that Parra, who resigned as Secretary in June 2018, has been keeping pace with the stone-pelters operating in Pulwama.

He had allegedly paid Rs 5 crore (reportedly from the Sports Council fund) during 2016 to Altaf Ahmed Shah alias Fantoosh, son-in-law of hardliner Syed Ali Shah Geelani.

Parra as Secretary Sports Council had organised various sports competitions across the Kashmir Valley and many competitions/championships were organized by such clubs that were never affiliated or recognised by the Sports Body.

“As Secretary, Parra had made a large number of backdoor appointments and the credentials of all those would be scrutinised by the intelligence agencies,” sources said and revealed that there was possibility that some youth with mysterious character were adjusted in the Sports Council in the name of ‘channelizing’ energy of talented youth.

Raipur: In a major Maoist attack this year, at least 22 security personnel were killed and 20 more injured in a fierce gun battle with a platoon of over 300 People’s Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur, officials said.

The gun battle took place on Saturday.

As the identity of the security personnel is yet to be confirmed, both the state police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) confirmed that 22 bodies were recovered in a massive search operation.

Of the 22 personnel, nine belong to the CRPF, while the remaining are from state police’s District Reserve Guard (DRG) and the Special Task Force (STF).

Five of the 22 bodies of the security personnel were recovered on Saturday and the 17 more bodies were found out on Sunday after a massive search operation was launched by a joint team of the CRPF, DRG and the STF from early Sunday. The Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) was still on.

These 17 security personnel, including seven from the CRPF, were missing since the operation concluded after around nine hour-long gunfight between the Maoists and a joint team of CRPF’s elite CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) unit and Chhattisgarh police’s DRG and STF.

The 20 injured personnel were stated to be out of danger and recuperating in hospital.

The officials confirmed that at least two bodies of the Maoists were also visible on the spot near the Tekulgudem village under Tarrem police station where the shootout began at noon on Saturday in a deep forested interior area. There are reports of heavy damage to the Maoists too.

Sharing fresh inputs received from the spot, CRPF Inspector General (Operations) C.G. Arora told IANS that a total of 22 bodies of the security personnel have been recovered so far from the spot.

“Besides, those five bodies recovered on Saturday, the identity of other 17 bodies is yet to be ascertained. Search operation is still on,” Arora told IANS.

Asked about the loss of such level, the official said it was a dense forested area where the incident took place and a core Maoist region.

“This is an interior place inside the jungle where access is very limited.”

Union Minister Amit Shah has cut short his poll campaign in Assam and is returning to Delhi in the backdrop of the Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh — an ambush similar to the one executed by the Maoists in Tadmetla in 2010 and Minpa in 2020 in which 76 CRPF and 17 security personnel were killed respectively.

Shah earlier in the day spoke to Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel over the phone and had a detailed discussion on the gunfight with the Maoists.

During the conversation, the Chief Minister apprised the Home Minister of the ground reality of the encounter .

The Home Minister said the state and the Centre will jointly win the battle against the Maoists and assured the Chief Minister of all necessary help. He informed the Chief Minister that he had issued instructions to the Director General of CRPF to visit the site of the incident.

On March 23, five personnel of the District Reserve Guard were killed and several were injured in an IED blast — the first major Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh this year — in what the police said was a Maoist strike targeting a bus carrying more than 20 security personnel.

New Delhi: Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that the operations against Maoist in Chhattisgarh to continue with more intensity.

Talking to media in Guwahati on his way back to Delhi, he said “ So far as the number of casualty is concerned, I would not be able to tell that as the search operation has been continued but what I can say that both sides have suffered the loss. I pay tribute the martyrs and assure their families and nation as well that the sacrifices of our security forces will not go in vein”.

Operation against the Maoist will continue with more intensity and vigour and we will take this endeavour to a logical conclusion, Shah further said.

Shah has cut short his poll campaign in Assam and has been returning to Delhi in wake of the Naxal attack while the Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel who was also campaigning in Assam, went back to Raipur on Sunday afternoon.

A total of 22 security personnel have been killed and one missing in a fierce encounter between security forces and Maoist on Saturday afternoon near Jonaguda village under Jagargunda police station area in Sukma district and reportedly the encounter continued for 3-4 hours.

The combined patrolling team of Chhattisgarh’s STF, CRPF’s CoBRA, District Reserve Guard (DRG) and some security personnel of Bastaria battalion of CRPF was dispatched from Tarrem came under the attack of ultras belonging PLGA (Peoples’ Liberation Guerilla Army) battalion of Maoists reportedly led by the dreaded naxal commander Hidma.

Srinagar: The weather department has predicted another spell of wet weather in Kashmir valley during the next five days from Saturday under the influence of a fresh Western Disturbance (WD), continuing the trend of back to back rain and snow.

Meanwhile, the mercury during the night improved though settled below normal at most places in the valley, where the chill revisited later in the evening on Sunday due to cloudy skies.

A Met department spokesperson told UNI that a fresh WD, which originated from the Arabian Sea and approached the region through Afghanistan and Pakistan, has hit the region on Sunday. “Under the influence of this WD, light rain and thundershowers would occur on Sunday and Monday,” he said.

He said system will intensify on April 6 and would result in moderate rain, snow and thunderstorm with gusty winds (30-40 km/hour) for 48 hours in the valley.

“The system is likely to cause heavy rain and snow mainly in the upper reaches of Kashmir, including world famous ski resort of Gulmarg, tourist resort of Sonmarg, Baramulla, Gurez and Tulail valley in Bandipora, Karnah sector in Kupwara, Shopian, Qazigund-Banihal axis, Pirpanjal range of Jammu,” he said.

He said the weather would result in temporary disruption of surface traffic on Kashmir highway, and Sadhna top on April 6 and April 7. “There would be landslides and shooting stones on Srinagar-Jammu national highway,” he said, adding water logging would occur in low lying areas in Kashmir.

He said wet weather would also result in suspension of agricultural and horticultural operations.

After witnessing an improvement of 5 degrees in the night temperature, people woke up to a sunny Sunday morning in Srinagar. However, as the day progressed, the weather became cloudy, resulting in dip in the temperature. Against 2.6 degree recorded on Saturday, the night temperature in Srinagar improved and settled at 7.2 degree, which is over a degree above normal.

He said the skies would be generally cloudy to light rain during the next 24 hours in Srinagar, where the maximum and minimum temperatures would be around 21 degree and 5 degree, respectively.

Bright sunshine greeted Gulmarg in the morning, much to the delight of tourists, who were enjoying different snow related activities. But, the skies turned cloudy in the ski resort, resulting in chilly weather conditions. But, the mercury in Gulmarg, which is covered under several feet of snow, improved about 4 degree from Saturday and settled at 0.5 degree, which is a degree above normal.

The mercury during the night at world famous health resort of Pahalgam, about 100 km from here in south Kashmir, improved about a degree from Saturday and settled at 1 degree, which is slightly below normal.

The night temperature at Qazigund, gateway to the valley, Kupwara in north Kashmir and tourist resort of Kukernag improved and settled at 4.2 degree, 2.5 degrees and 4 degrees, respectively.

Cultural, musical performances enthral audience

Srinagar: The two day tulip festival concluded with the enthralling cultural and musical performances by the popular artists and singers from within and outside Jammu and Kashmir.

The festival which was thrown open by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha yesterday was organised by Jammu and Kashmir Tourism department in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation and Department of Floriculture.

The purpose of holding such a beautiful festival was that while tourists were enjoying the beauty of the Tulip Garden, they are also exposed to our traditional culture, music, cuisine and handicrafts at a single venue.

Around 50 volunteers were deployed at the venue for ensuring visitors wore masks, maintained social distance and all COVID19 SOPs are adhered to.  The number of the invitees to the main venue was also kept limited so that proper social distancing was maintained.

Tourism department, JKTDC, department handicrafts and also the floriculture department besides private enterprises had erected and properly decorated their stalls displaying  Kashmir’s unique art and craft, cuisines and other items.

On the occasion, visitors praised the beauty of the tulip garden and appreciated the efforts of the floriculture department in beautifying the garden painstakingly.

Speaking on the occasion Secretary Tourism Sarmad Hafeez said the Tulip Festival is a festival of celebration of spring.

“People are enjoying the beauty of this garden which has been breathtakingly beautified by the department of floriculture,” said Sarmad.

Stating that arrival of spring in itself is a festival to celebrate, the Secretary Tourism said not only tulips but the flowers are in full bloom in the entire Kashmir.

Appealing the travellers to visit Kashmir, the Secretary Tourism said spring is a perfect time for people all the country to come and enjoy the natural beauty here.

He said the Department of Tourism has planned series of festivities and tulip festival was just a beginning for the upcoming seasons to attract tourists to Kashmir.

“Jammu and Kashmir is a place of all seasons and we are planning festivals in every season for the locals and tourist alike. We started with Almond blossom (Badamwari festival) and now Tulip festival and many more events are coming in summer. The tulip festival is an open invitation to all the people from all over the country and from all over the world to celebrate the beauty of Jammu and Kashmir.”

Speaking on the occasion, Director Tourism Dr. G N Itoo said the tulip festival is a message to all the people outside Jammu and Kashmir to come and enjoy the beauty of valley.

He said that the department has started a vigorous campaign for the publicity and promotion of Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism.

“We are trying to showcase culture, cuisine and craft of Kashmir to the people outside Kashmir,” said Dr. Itoo.

The notable singers and artists who performed on the occasion include Vibha Saraf, Ustaad Gulzar Ganie, Farooq Ganie, Waheed Jeelani, Yawar Abdal, Mehmeet Syed, Irfan Bilal, Sonali Dogra, Waqar Khan.

On the inaugural day renowned Bollywood Singer Badshah and Aastha Gill’s live performance enthralled the visiting tourists and attracted huge applause from the audience.

It also included Santoor, Rabab and drum by Umar Majeed, Adnaan, Faisal, Rauf by girls of Yemberzal Group kept audience glued to the festival.

Most of the songs revolved around Kashmir’s beauty.

Later, Secretary Tourism along with the Director Tourism distributed momentos to the artists and guests.

The tulip garden presents a riot of colours with over 15 lakh fully bloomed flowers of more than 64 varieties planted over 30 hectares in the foothills of Zabarwan.

As many as 32,000 visitors visited the Tulip garden in two day of the Festival.

The festival saw presence of Sh. Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar and Sh. Baseer Ahmad Khan- Advisors to Lt Governor and Sh. Junaid Azim Mattu, Mayor SMC. Member Central Waqf Council & Chairperson, Waqf Development Committee, Union Ministry of Minority Affairs, Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi also attended the inaugural event.

Among others present on the occasion were Rohit Kansal Principal Secretary, PDD and Information; Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to  Lt Governor; Pandurang K Pole, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; Vijay Kumar, IGP, Kashmir, Sheikh Fayaz Ahmad, Commissioner/Secretary, Floriculture;  Mohammad Aìjaz, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar; Rahul Pandey, Director, Department of Information & PR; Athar Amir Khan, Commissioner SMC;; concerned HoDs; senior officers of Civil and Police Administration, besides travel and hospitality sector members.