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Till the 1980s, there were over a dozen cinema halls located in different parts of the Valley. These were shut down due to militant diktats.

Over two decades after cinema halls were shut in Kashmir, it may soon get its first multiplex. A hospitality company has sought permission to set up a multiplex in Shivpora area in Srinagar Cantonment, a fortified location outside the headquarters of the Army’s 15 Corps at Badamibagh.

Vijay Dhar, owner of the hospitality company Taksal, said they were waiting for necessary permissions to go ahead with the plan, and the multiplex could be up and running by September-October. “My children in Kashmir should get the same facilities like other parts of the country. At present, there is no entertainment for them. I have applied for necessary permissions from the government and also the Badamibagh Cantonment Board. The multiplex will have at least three screens,” Dhar, who is also Chairman of the Delhi Public School, Srinagar, said.

Till the 1980s, there were over a dozen cinema halls located in different parts of the Valley. These were shut down due to militant diktats.

In 1999, Neelam, Regal and Broadway halls in Srinagar reopened, but hours after the inaugural show, Regal Cinema was attacked with grenades by militants, leading to the death of one. As the other two halls shut down soon after, Neelam sputtered on till 2010, but with dwindling audiences, it too downed curtains eight years ago.

“There was huge security around the cinema hall,” says Omar Imtiyaz, a local filmmaker and actor, adding that this intimidated many.

At present, most cinema halls in Kashmir are under the control of security forces, with a hotel and a hospital operating from two of them.

Of late, Bollywood has started returning to the Valley for shooting, and the Tourism Department of Kashmir has held several events in Mumbai to encourage filmmakers to come to the state.

A senior Cantonment Board official confirmed to The Indian Express that they had received the application for a multiplex. “The case is being processed and would be put up before the board for final approval,” he said, adding that he couldn’t say how much time it would take.

J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik had earlier told The Indian Express that one party had shown interest in opening a cinema hall. “They (the younger generation) have very little to do. They are interested in sports, so I have decided to pay attention to that. Another person has agreed to make a cinema hall,” he had said.

Dhar said they chose the high-security Shivpora area in Cantonment for the multiplex because they had land there, and expressed hope that others would follow this positive step. Asked if he was hopeful of a good response, Dhar said, “Why not? Last year, we had night football matches, also for the first time. One the day of the final, 7,000 people attended.”

Reported Indian Express

Jammu: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to visit Jammu and Kashmir on February 3 to lay foundation stones of various projects including one for the All India Institute of Medical Sciences here, a BJP spokesman said Wednesday.

The prime minister will also address a public rally during his visit, the spokesman said.

He said senior BJP leaders led by national vice president Avinash Rai Khanna and state president Ravinder Raina inspected the rally site.

Khanna asked the leaders to personally review all arrangements for the rally so that the people do not face any inconvenience in reaching the site to listen to their favourite leader, the spokesman said.

The leaders also visited the site where the prime minister will lay the foundation stone for the AIIMS, the spokesman said, adding they also examined the stage and reviewed other arrangements for the rally.

Besides AIIMS, Modi is also likely to lay foundation stones for several other important projects including the Jammu-Akhnoor-Rajouri-Poonch National Highway, Shahpur Kandi and Ujh projects, both of which have been declared as national projects.

The prime minister will also be laying foundation stone for the Sudh Mahadev-Pul Doda National Highway, besides those for Ladakh University, Devika Rejuvenation Plan and Pattan-Pargwal bridge during his visit. (PTI)

Srinagar, Jan 16: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday asserted that the choice of the people in the forth coming elections will decide their future.
While addressing a meet of party functionaries, workers at Barthana, Batamallo he said, “The state is faced with a critical situation. We are caught between devil and deep sea. And at this time the choice of the people will act as a pointer towards their future,” adding, “We have to show unity amongst ourselves to illustrate how passionate we are about our identity,” he said.
Asserting that there is no substitute to democracy and that in a democracy each life matters, he said, “People are yearning for development and peace. I am sure that with Omar in the forefront of the government, the state will be bequeathed with much needed peace and stability,” adding that safeguarding the interests of the state and its people forms the core of National Conference.
Dr Farooq also paid obeisance at the shrine of Shah Wali Sahab (RA). He prayed for peace and prosperity of the state.
General Secretary Haji Ali Muhammad Sagar, senior leader Choudhary Muhammad Ramzan, Central Secretary Irfan Ahmad Shah, District president Peer Afaq, Provincial Secretary Showkat Mir and Advisor to Dr Farooq Mushtaq Guroo were also present on the occasion.
Dr Farooq while addressing the workers, who had gathered there braving the chill and incessant snowfall said, “Sher-e-Kashmir always wanted India and Pakistan to live in bonhomie, and that they always wanted all the traditional road connections to be resumed for the benefit of divided families,” adding that National Conference has always been the votary of peace between India and Pakistan.
Dr Farooq sought support of people for ex MLA Batamaloo Irfan Shah. “Service and sacrifice has been the motto of our party and I believe the Irfan shah including our other party functionaries will continue to work for the people keeping in view with the legacy of the party and its founding members,” he said.

Srinagar: Medicos on Wednesday warned about wrapping of food items in newspaper sheets, saying that it carries health risks.

The medicos while talking to KNO said that wrapping of food items including oily snacks in newspaper sheets is very common in Kashmir. “Some of these oily food items do absorb ink of newspapers and may prove harmful for health,” they said.

“Such practice of covering food items in newspaper is not without health risk. Newspapers used for packaged foods are made of recycled paper that may be contaminated with harmful chemicals like diisobutyl phthalate and di-n-butyl phthalate, which can cause digestive problems and also lead to severe toxicity,” they added.

Recycled paper also has printing ink residues trapped from previous prints. These trapped residues have found to toxins like benzophenone and mineral oil, the medicos said, adding that printing inks may also contain harmful colours, pigments, binders, additives, and preservatives.

“Besides chemical contaminants, presence of pathogenic micro organisms in used newspapers also poses potential risk to human health and may result in acute gastrointestinal infections including hepatitis,” the experts cautioned.

“Wrapping food items in newspaper is bad for the health as its ink has multiple bioactive materials with known negative health effects and such unhealthy practice may prove injurious and fatal to your health, even if the food has been cooked hygienically,” they said, adding that printing inks may also contain harmful colours, pigments, binders, additives, and preservatives.

Besides chemical contaminants, presence of pathogenic micro organisms in used newspapers also poses potential risk to human health. (KNO)

Srinagar, Jan 16: Joint Resistance Leadership comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik termed the recent assertions of Governor Satya Pal Malik that “there was nothing like Operation All-Out” far from reality and truth and stated that Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Indian army chief General Bipin Rawat have time and again claimed that anti-militancy operations in Jammu and Kashmir were being carried out under “Operation All-Out.”
The leadership asked that if it isn’t Operation All Out than what term would Governor sb like to give to daily Cordon and search operations (CASO )conducted in South, North and Central Kashmir even in such harsh winter when youth are chased and killed while homes are blown up, booking any Kashmiri including youth activists leaders under draconian PSAs and shifting them to jails in and outside the state, confining resistance leaders to homes or jails arbitrarily at will and curbing their space and to connect with people especially those that are killed. Even Kashmiri students studying outside are harassed and targeted.
In a joint statement issued Leadership said that there are footprints of Indian army and other forces in every nook and corner of the Valley and genuine dissent and people’s voice regarding their sentiment is muzzled forcibly while every peaceful political space and activity is barred or foiled by the state through its military might.
They said that resistance leadership is confined to their homes for months and years together and that the ultimate repression is on full display across Kashmir, especially since past three years. In fact an All our assault has been launched on all fronts including the judiciary to quell people’s aspirations and challenge our very existence as a nation.
Militarization of the valley and unbridled powers given to forces under black laws especially AFSPA is the main reason behind the worst form of state aggression in Kashmir.
The Leadership said that inspite of Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Indian army chief General Bipin Rawats claim that 200 armed youth are active in Kashmir seven lakh Indian soldiers are present in Kashmir. They said that what justification is there to keep over seven lakh forces in Kashmir to fight this minuscule number, except exert control over people by force.
Leadership said as per the figures available with the resistance camp, 2018 witnessed worst ever rights violations in Kashmir in recent past, as 355 armed youth were martyred while as 161 civilians were also martyred. If this Isn’t’ that operation all-out, then what is?
The leadership said that last year, 4524 civilians especially youth were injured with lethal pellets while as the eye sight of 724 youth was snatched as pellets ruptured their eyes. How can GoI justify this all?, the leadership questioned.
The leadership said that the GoI targeting of the state subject law and article 35 A in a series of petitions lodged in its supreme court by its mentor RSS in a bid to change the disputed status of the State, is another form of this operation.
Meanwhile leadership said that As the hearing in 35 A is slated for January in the Indian Supreme Court, leadership is in constant touch with the various sections of society that includes civil society, traders, academics religious groups, political parties, employees and other sections and a joint program will be announced as the date for hearing is announced.The leadership said that entire Kashmir in unison will fight every single bid aimed at changing the disputed nature and the demography of the Muslim majority state.

SRINAGAR, JAN 16 : Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Minister, Dr. Devinder Kumar today while reacting over the resignation of IAS topper Shah Feasal said that the joining politics is good but the way he (Shah Faesal) cites reasons of his political attempt indicates that he is trying to divert the mind of Kashmiri youth and push them towards militancy.

While speaking to News agency Press Trust of Kashmir Kumar said, “Shah Faesal can do better in politics but in positive way. He can do better for people of Jammu and Kashmir but he should think in positive way not the way Hurriyat thinks”.

He added, “I have served in heath department for 17 years and then I take the decision to join politics. There is nothing wrong in joining politics. Shah Faesal also took good decision to join politics but the way he is thinking and trying to create confusing about people of India is out of our mind”.

He said Shah Faesal was an icon for the people of India. “If he think there is something wrong in society, he should look into the both sides of the story then he should talk about these issue”.

Kumar quickly added that it is a healthy sign that the youth of Kashmir come out and ignore the ideology of militants in Kashmir. “Few days ago a group of Kashmiri youth burn poster of Burhan Wani which is a positive sign and proof that people of Kashmir dont want any kind of violence. Kashmiri youth understand that there is no achievement in militancy. But the way Shah Faesal is approaching his political journey shows that he is trying to divert the mind of youth of Kashmir towards militancy”.

Kumar said if people like Shah Faesal support the ideology of Hurriyat that is quite evident that he is trying to divert the mind of youth which is a serious issue. “Shah Faesal trying to create new way of militancy . Shah Faesal should play a positive role in Kashmiri politics and he should not think like Hurriyat,” Kumar added.

He added, “I think there are some people behind the decision of Shah Faesal. Whatever is in Kashmir is India’s property and no one can take is from India.

Worth to mention that yesterday Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Kavinder Gupta said Shah Faesal it seems that he may got some offer and money from Pakistan.

In 2009, Faesal had become the first Kashmiri to top the Union Public Services Commission examination. He is a former managing director of Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation.

Faesal said he was resigning in protest against the “marginalisation and invisiblization of around 200 million Indian Muslims at the hands of Hindutva forces reducing them to second-class citizens”. He also pointed out the “subversion of public institutions like Reserve Bank of India, Central Bureau of Investigation and National Investigation Agency”, and said it has the “potential to decimate the Constitutional edifice of this country and it needs to be stopped”.

“I wish to reiterate that voices of reason in this country cannot be muzzled for long and the environment of siege will need to end if we wish to usher in true democracy,” Faesal said.

Faesal recently returned to India after a stint at the Harvard Kennedy School in the United States. (PTK)

Srinagar: As Kashmir received a fresh snowfall in this morning, the weatherman here has predicted highly dynamic weather conditions across the Valley till January 23.
The fresh snowfall in this morning across the Valley disrupted the normal life in Kashmir with surface traffic remaining suspended for a day while as the Srinagar-Jammu highway remained open despite the snowfall.
Authorities in Srinagar Airport told Kashmir News Service (KNS) that the flights to and from Srinagar were suspended in view of the prevailing weather conditions as well as the poor visibility.
Officials said that flights will be operational once the weather conditions and visibility will improve.
Moreover, the commuters find it difficult to drive on roads due to the slippery conditions of roads triggered by the fresh snowfall. Various vehicles were seen skidding on the roads amid fresh snowfall here.
The Traffic Police City Srinagar also said that due to fresh snowfall, all roads in City Srinagar have become slippery and issued an advisory to the commuters in this regard.
“Commuters are advised to drive slow, avoid sudden brakes, avoid fast turning, avoid overtaking, follow traffic rules, minimize use of two-wheeler and keep distance,” Traffic police City Srinagar said.
The officials also asked the people to call on TRPC: 0194-2450022, Toll Free No. 18001807091 and SSP (T) Office: 0194-2455179 in case of any assistance.
However, Director of Meteorological department (MeT), Sonum Lotus told KNS that the light rains as well as snowfall was predicted by the department earlier. “The reports of moderate snowfall were received from some places in Kashmir today,” he said.
He added that the weather would remain mostly cloudy in Kashmir from Jan 18-19, saying that from Jan 19 evening onwards; there is possibility of light rains and snowfall at isolate places.
Lotus further added that the MeT has predicted highly dynamic weather till Jan 23 in Kashmir. “From Jan 20-23, there is possibility of moderate rains and snowfall across the Valley,” he said, adding that the surface as well as the road traffic would also get affected due to the snow spell.
Meanwhile, the state administration claimed to have adequate measures to ensure basic facilities and road clearance during and in the aftermath of fresh snowfall.
The top officials held a series of meetings so far to finalize arrangements in this regard.
The respective district administrations have also asked the officials to gear up for the fresh snow spell as predicted by the Meteorological department. (KNS)

Says reduction in GST on Haj Pilgrimage will ensure decrease in air fare

New Delhi, Jan 16: A year after the ban on women going to Haj without Mehram was lifted by the central government, the Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Wednesday said that for the first time after the Independence, more than 2300 Muslim women from India will go on Haj 2019 without Mehram (male companion).
While inaugurating new office space of Haj Division, Minority Affairs Ministry, at RK Puram in New Delhi, Naqvi as per a statement issued to KNS said that 2340 Muslim women from various states of the country have applied to go on Haj 2019 without Mehram.
On the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this year too, the Minority Affairs Ministry has made arrangement to send these women on Haj without lottery system.
For the first time, the Centre’s Modi Government had lifted ban on women going to Haj without Mehram last year, which resulted into about 1300 Indian Muslim women going on Haj 2018 without any male companion. They had been exempted from the lottery system.
Naqvi said that above 2 lakh 67 thousand applications had been received for Haj 2019 out of which 1,64,902 applications were online. He said that for the first time after the Independence, a record number of Muslims from India performed Haj 2018 and that too without any “subsidy”. “Record 1,75,025 Muslims from India performed Haj 2018 which include about 48 per cent women, “ he added.
The Minister said that GST on Haj pilgrimage has been reduced from 18 per cent to 5 per cent which will ensure that about Rs 113 crore will be saved by Haj pilgrims during 2019 Haj.
Reduction in GST on Haj pilgrimage will ensure significant decrease in air fare from various embarkation points, he said, adding that Air fare from Srinagar will be reduced by Rs 11377.07, Ahmadabad will be reduced by Rs 7305.95, from Aurangabad by Rs 9373.68, from Delhi by Rs 7967.62, from Gaya by Rs 11027.85, from Guwahati by Rs 13049.63; from Ranchi by Rs 11946.84, from Kolkata by Rs 9787.22, Hyderabad by Rs 7204.87 this year.
Naqvi said that making the Haj process completely online/digital has helped to make the entire Haj process transparent and pro-pilgrims.
The Ministry of Minority Affairs, in cooperation with Saudi Arabia Haj Consulate, Haj Committee of India and other concerned agencies, has completed 2019 Haj preparations three months before schedule to make this Haj more comfortable for the pilgrims. (KNS)

Srinagar, Jan 16: Provincial President of youth national conference Salman Sagar on Wednesday while addressing party workers in north Kashmir’s Bandipora said that the only Omar Abdullah has the caliber to get the state out of the present tumultuous times.

Addressing party workers and activists in Bandipora, Salman said that the people of the state have this time resolved to give befitting reply to the divisive elements and strengthen the national conference to state’s property and growth. “It is a fact that has dawned even upon our rivals that only Omar Abdullah has the charisma to lead the state and scan new horizons. He is the person who is direct and no one has any doubt what he means when he speaks,” Salman said.

The NC leader added that every person in the state knows that Omar Abdullah is a person of selfless courage with a desire to ensure betterment in peoples’ lives with genuine spirit of patriotism.

Salman also urged the party workers to strengthen the party and remained united in the resolve to defeat divisive forces and those who have been bartering peoples mandate against personal goals.

Srinagar: The Met on Wednesday forecast heavy snowfall for at least five days starting Saturday that is likely to disrupt air and surface traffic to and from the Kashmir Valley.

“A comparatively intense western disturbance is becoming active over Jammu and Kashmir from January 19 and will remain till January 23, peaking on January 22.

“Under its influence moderate to heavy snowfall is likely to occur in the valley during this period,” Sonum Lotus, Director of the Met Department said, even as a fresh spell of snow fell in the region.

He advised people to keep warm, wear snow-worthy footwear, keep edibles and other things handy as the spell was expected to disrupt normal life.

The sky was already overcast in the valley with Srinagar recording minus 2.1 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam minus 4.2 and Gulmarg minus 6. An overnight cloud cover has improved the overall minimum temperatures.

Drass town in the Ladakh region recorded minus 16.2 as the minimum temperature. On Tuesday’s its maximum was minus 8.2 degrees Celsius.

Jammu city recorded 6.2, Katra 7, Batote 3.1, Bannihal 1.6 and Bhaderwah 0.6 degrees Celsius.(IANS)