Amarnath Yatra 2016: Dos and Don’ts for Yatris

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

KL Image: Bilal Bahadur

Amarnath Yatra will commence from tomorrow and will continue till August 18, 2016 by both Baltal and Pahalgam routes.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh is on a 2-day visit to J&K from today. He will hold a strategic security review meeting with particular reference to Amarnath Yatra, 2016 at Raj Bhawan Srinagar, a PIB statement said this evening.

Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) chaired by the Governor, J&K has issued the following Do’s and Don’ts for the Yatris:

Dos for the Yatris

1. Do carry   sufficient   woollen   clothing   as   the   temperature   may sometimes abruptly fall to below 5 degree Celsius.
2. Do carry umbrella, wind cheater, raincoat, and waterproof shoes as the weather in the Yatra area is unpredictable.
3. Do keep your clothes and eatables in a suitable water proof bag to avoid your belongings getting wet.
4. Do keep in your pocket a note containing the name / address, mobile telephone number of any Yatri proceeding for Darshan on the same date as you are doing, for emergency purposes.
5. Do carry your identity card / driving license and Yatra permit with you.
6. Do travel in a group, with porters / horses / ponies carrying your luggage.
7. Do ensure that all those comprising the group remain in your sight, lest you are separated from your group.
8. On your journey home, you must leave the Base Camps along with all other members of your group.
9. Do seek immediate assistance of the Police in case any member of your group is missing. Also have an announcement made on the Public Address System at the Yatra Camp.
10. Do help your fellow Yatris travelling with you and perform Yatra with a pious mind.
11. Do strictly follow the instructions issued by the Yatra Administration, from time to time.
12. For any assistance, contact SASB Camp Directors / nearest Yatra Control room.
13. In case of any accident or emergent situation, immediately contact the nearest Camp Director / Mountain Rescue Teams (MRTs) deployed at various locations.
14. The gates of Access Control at Domel and Chandanwari open at 05.00 am and close at 11:00 am. Reach the gates on time.  No Yatri shall be allowed to undertake pilgrimage after the closure of the Gate.
15. Free food facility is available in the entire Yatra area at the Langars.
16. Do follow  the  prescribed  Food  Menu  available  on  the  Board’s website:   http://ift.tt/1UChHSY while  having  food  in  the Yatra area.
17. Pre-paid SIM Cards from other States shall not work in J&K and Yatra area. Yatris can purchase pre-activated SIM Cards at the Base Camps of Baltal and Nunwan.
18. Earth, water,  air,  fire  and  sky  are  integral  parts  of  Lord  Shiva. Therefore respect the environment and do nothing whatsoever to pollute the Yatra area.

Don’ts for the  Yatris

1. For women Yatris: They must not wear saree during the Yatra.

Salwar Kameez, pant-shirt or a track suit is advisable.

2. Women who are more than 6 week pregnant shall not be allowed to undertake the pilgrimage.
3. Children below 13 years of age and elderly persons above the age of 75 years shall not be permitted to undertake the pilgrimage.
4. Don’t stop at places which are marked by warning notices. Walk only on the tracks.
5. Don’t walk barefoot or be without woollen clothing at any time as the temperature in the Yatra area remains low and changes abruptly.
6. Don’t use slippers because there are steep rises and falls on the route to the Holy Cave. Only wear trekking shoes with laces.
7. Don’t attempt any short cuts on the route as doing so is dangerous.
8. Don’t commence journey on an empty stomach. If you do so, you may attract a serious medical problem.
9. Don’t do anything during the entire Yatra which could cause pollution or disturb the environment of the area.
10. Do not bring with you any polythene material as its use is banned in J&K and is punishable under law.
11. Avoid throwing coins, currency notes, decorative chunnis, brass lotas or any other material towards the Shivlingam while having Darshan at the Holy Cave.
12. Do not stay at Holy Cave overnight in view of high altitude and harsh and unpredictable weather conditions.
13. Do not leave Panjtarni Camp towards Holy Cave after 3.00 PM as no darshan is allowed at Holy Cave after 6.00 PM.
14. Please visit the website of the Amarnath Shrine Board and watch the informative Video documentary to get familiarized with the difficulties to be faced on the Yatra route.
15. In case  of  any  query  related  to  Yatra,  please  contact  us  at  01912503399     and     01912555662     (Jammu)     01942501679,  01942591821 (Srinagar) and website: http://ift.tt/Kzo88w.

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Cop Injured in Central Kashmir ‘Militant Attack’

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Suspected militants attacked a police party in central Kashmir on Friday afternoon.

Reports said that a cop was injured in the attack which took place at Pakharpora area of Budgam.

The cop was identified of the rank of Assistant Sub-Inspector.

The cop was rushed to hospital.

Notable to mention, Kashmir Life could not get any police officer on record about the incident.

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Sabotage of Land Bill has Brought Disrepute to Assembly: NC tells Vohra

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

National Conference Working President Omar Abdullah on Friday led a delegation of the National Conference Legislative Party that called on Governor of J&K, N N Vohra and submitted two memorandums with the Governor regarding the Government’s sabotage of the Land Laws (Amendment) Bill 2016 and the regressive, overt attempt to weaken the Panchayati Raj System in J&K through the J&K Panchayti Raj (Amendment) Bill 2016.

The NC Legislative Party informed the Governor that the State Legislature in its Session dated the 30th of June, 2016 witnessed a well-orchestrated unholy drama executed by the State Government thereby drafting an unprecedented chapter in the history of the State’s Legislature, an official spokesperson said this afternoon.

Terming the State Government’s undemocratic sabotage of the Land Laws (Amendment) Bill as a “dent to the dignity and honour of the State Legislature”, the memorandum stated that “as per procedure after due diligence and clearance by the State Cabinet, the State Government presented ‘The Jammu & Kashmir Land Laws (Amendment) Bill 2016′ before the House”.

The NC Legislative Party informed the Governor that the Bill was taken up for consideration by the House in its session dated 30th June, 2016 and in the course of the discussions on the Bill, it emerged that barring the BJP (whose Ministers in the Cabinet approved the said Bill) almost the entire House was of the considered opinion that the Bill of the Government in the form presented should be passed – which was a rare occasion where almost the entire opposition in unison was in agreement with the content of the said Bill and was supporting the Government on the Bill.

“The Government realized that put to vote, the Bill shall pass with majority even if the BJP legislators stand to oppose it. As soon as this realization donned on the Government, the Minister for Relief and Rehabilitation was on his feet and he brazenly requested the Hon’ble Speaker to refer the Bill to the Select Committee of the House. The request of the Minister, unfortunately setting aside all Parliamentary Procedures and Conventions was agreed to by the Hon’ble Speaker (who seemed to be very keen to do so during the entire proceeding) and the Bill was referred to the Select Committee ignoring the majority voice in the House,” the memorandum on the Land Laws (Amendment) Bill stated.

The NC legislative party led by Omar Abdullah through their memorandum apprised the Governor that this act of the Government and the Speaker’s role thereon had brought disrepute to the State Legislature which by the way of the unique powers vested in it, is considered the most powerful Legislature in the Federal System of the Indian Union. “The Dignity and the Honour of the State Legislature has been dented and 30th of June, 2016 will go down in the history of the State Legislature as the darkest day,” the memorandum added.

The NC Legislative Party appealed to the Governor to make necessary interventions to uphold the Constitution of the State and to implore upon the State Government to safeguard the interests of the Permanent Residents of the State.

In the memorandum on the regressive attempt to weaken the Panchayati Raj System through the Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Bill 2016, the NC Legislative Party informed the Hon’ble Governor that two amendments were moved by two NC legislators viz Ali Mohammad Sagar and Devender Singh Rana urging the Bill be taken to the Select Committee for wider consultation.

The NC Legislative Party informed the Governor that despite this fact the Bill was taken up for consideration and passed like several other Bills on the 30th of June 2016 when the entire opposition had walked out in protest against the unethical and undemocratic conduct of the Government and the Hon’ble Speaker in the consideration of the J&K Land Laws (Amendment) Bill 2016.

The NC Legislative Party highlighted that J&K has an indigenous robust Panchayati Raj System which is the soul of the decentralization of the Democracy and the essence of it is to involve the people in the process of Planning, Execution & Monitoring of Developmental Process at the grassroots level. “The J&K Panchayati Raj Act was drafted after studying various models of the Panchayati Raj in different States of the Country and has stood the test of time, acclaimed as a model Legislation of Panchayati Raj worth emulation. From time to time it has been amended to further strengthen the Panchayati Raj in the State to ensure better governance and delivery,” the second memorandum stated.

The NC Legislative Party informed the Governor that the Amendment [LA Bill Number 7 of 2016) was an overt attempt to weaken the system by scuttling the democratic principles and introducing the indirect process of the election of the Sarpanch, making a window for coercion, corruption and malpractices to manipulate the elections. “This is likely to have far reaching consequences and shall eventually discredit and weaken the Panchayati Raj System in the State,” the memorandum stated.

“The amended Bill is also likely to impact the newly created Blocks and their process of development, and shall undo the exercise done to make smaller administrative units for easy access of the people and focused, concentrated development,” the memorandum added.

For the crucial goal of protecting the Panchayati Raj System in the State, the NC Legislative Party led by Omar Abdullah sought that the Governor should return the Bill for reconsideration if and when it’s passed by the J&K Legislative Council and is sent to the Governor for his assent.

The NC Legislative Party led by Omar Abdullah also expressed its concern over the deteriorating security scenario in the State.

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BJP’s Bomb Rant: Pakistan also a Nuclear Power, says Mirwaiz

Riyaz ul Khaliq

SRINAGAR

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq

Castigating right wing Hindu nationalist Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) for its demand of bombing Pakistan administered Kashmir (PaK), Hurriyat Conference (m) chairperson, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday said that such demand was aimed at destabilising sub-continent.

Addressing a mammoth gathering on the occasion of Youm-ul-Qudus at historic Jamia Masjid here, Mirwaiz said, “this is ridiculous that such war cry has been given by certain people.”

“It is not 1965, 1971,” Mirwaiz told the gathering, “this is 2016 when India and Pakistan are nuclear armed.”

Notably, J&K BJP Lawmakers a few days back, on the floor oa Legislative Assembly, asked government to bomb PaK in the backdrop of attack on CRPF at Pampore recently in which eight CRPF personnel were killed and two militants died.

“This is absurd,” Mirwaiz roared, “war is not option as sub-continent will perish if such a demand is acceded.”

A KL file Image

Mirwaiz Umar said that Kashmir dispute is a humanitarian one and “it is India’s stubborn approach of India which is pushing educated Kashmiri youth towards armed resistance”.

“Hurriyat Conference stands for dialogue,” he said, “but India needs to understand this issue so as to save further loss of life and property.”

Lashing out at Ms Mehbooba Mufti led PDP-BJP government, Mirwaiz asked ruling PDP where “has its Battle of Ideas and Goli Nai Boli” slogans. “It was all farce,” he said, “their only aim was chair and that is what they have achieved.”

Charging unionist political parties of “furthering RSS agenda in Kashmir”, the chief cleric said, “this is a Muslim majority state and we will not allow anyone one to damage our identity.”

Asserting that government’s statement that “there was no land for establishment of Sainik Colony in Kashmir”, Mirwaiz said, “we cannot take it at face value.”

Continuing with its demand that New Industrial Policy was “against interests of Kashmir”, Mirwaiz said, “if government doesn’t take it back along with the idea of Sainik and Pandit Colonies, resistance leadership will devise a comprehensive protest program against after Eid.”

Criticising the move of snooping on clerics, Mirwaiz cautioned government against the move. “This is direct interference in our religious matters,” he said, “government should not avoid such a step which will invite wrath of people.”

He said clerics are responsible people who know what people should be taught during sermons.

Lashing out at authorities, Mirwaiz demanded immediate release of all political prisoners. “It is astonishing that our people are being jailed during this holy Ramzan.”

Pressing United Nations and Organization of Islamic Conference to play its role in resolution of Kashmir and Palestine, Mirwaiz said, “the resolution of these two disputes will ensure peace and stability across the world.”

Amid pro-freedom sloganeering, Mirwaiz read out a resolution which was supported by faithful at the end of his address.

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Grenade Attack in Islamabad

Aakash Hassan

SRINAGAR

Rep Picture

A grenade was lobbed at a Police Post in Sherbagh area of Islamabad town in south Kashmir.

Eye witnesses told Kashmir Life that at around 1:20 PM, they heard a sound of grenade blast; however, police have denied any such claims.

No minor or major causality has been reported yet.

Furthermore, after congregational Juma prayers, people assembled outside Jamia Masjid of Sherbagh and held pro-freedom protest demonstration. The police fired tear gas shells to quell the protests.

There is a heavy deployment of police force in Islamabad town on Friday.

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On Last Day of 2016-17 Budget Session, LA Passes 13 Bills

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

Sajad Gani Lone

Fourteen Bills were moved in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday for consideration and passing, out of which thirteen Bills were passed and one referred to Select Committee.

Minster for Revenue Relief and Rehabilitation, Syed Basharat Ahmad Bukhari moved “A Bill (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1988 (LA Bill No 4 of 2016)” which was unanimously passed by House with a voice vote, an official spokesperson said last evening.

The Minister also moved “A Bill to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Alienation of Land Act, Samvat 1995 and the Transfer of Property Act, Samvat 1977 (L.A. Bill No. 5 of 2016),” which was sent to a Select Committee after a voice vote.

Abdul Haq Khan

Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development Ms Asiya Naqash moved “A Bill to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Civic Laws (Special Provisions) Act, 2014 (L.A. Bill No. 6 of 2016)”, which was unanimously passed by House with a voice vote.

Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Abdul Haq moved “A Bill to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989 (LA Bill No. 7 of 2016),” which was unanimously passed by House with a voice vote.

Minister for Social Welfare Sajad Gani Lone moved “A Bill to amend the Jammu and Kashmir State Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1997 (L.A. Bill No. 8 of 2016)”, which was unanimously passed by House with a voice vote.

Minister for Finance Dr Haseeb A Drabu moved “A Bill to provide for the levy of an Entertainment Duty in respect of Admission to Public Entertainments and matters connected therewith or incidental thereto (L.A. Bill No. 9 of 2016)”, which was unanimously passed by House with a voice vote.

Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Choudhary Zulfkar Ali moved “A Bill to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Brick Kilns (Regulation) Act, 2010 (L.A. Bill No. 10 of 2016).” The Bill was passed with amendments unanimously with a voice vote.

Dr Haseeb A Drabu

Minister for Finance Dr Haseeb A Drabu moved “A Bill to provide for the regulation of chit funds in the State and for matters connected therewith (L.A. Bill No. 11 of 2016)”, which was unanimously passed by House with a voice vote.

The Minister also moved “A Bill to amend the Jammu and Kashmir General Sales Tax Act, 1962 (L.A. Bill No. 12 of 2016)”, which was unanimously passed by House with a voice vote. He also moved “A Bill to amend the laws governing the salaries and allowances of Members, Ministers and Ministers of State Legislature (L.A. Bill No. 13 of 2016)”, which was unanimously passed by House with a voice vote.

The Minister for Finance Dr Haseeb A Drabu moved “A Bill to amend the Jammu and Kashmir State Legislature Members’ Pension Act, 1984 (L.A. Bill No. 14 of 2016),” which was unanimously passed by House with a voice vote.

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Yatris take Srinagar Bound Plane ‘Hostage’ in Delhi

KL NEWS NETWORK

SRINAGAR

A file KL Image of a ‘Go Air’ Plane.

Scenes were created at Indira Ghandhi International Airport New Delhi early Friday morning when over a dozen Amarnath Yatris took a Srinagar bound plane “hostage”.

Sources while narrating the ordeal to Kashmir Life said that a Go Air plane was to take off from New Delhi Airport at 5:45 AM this morning, however, the plane as delayed by almost an hour given the on-board 14 Yatris who started a fight with plane crew. The plane was carrying 180 passengers to Srinagar.

“We boarded G8-109 Go Air flight and all the pre-flight take off requirements like seat belt were done and the team crew announced that the flight will take of now,” sources said. “But, all of a sudden, some 14 Yatris, who were singing Bum Bum Bola till now, stood and asked the flight crew to stop the plane.”

“All of us were taken aback as what happened,” sources said. “On being asked as what had happened, the Yatris revealed that two of their group members were waiting at the IGI airport.”

Sources revealed that the two Yatris were part of 16 Srinagar bound Amarnath Yatris. However, these two Yatris had lost their Boarding passes. “It was not possible for the Airport staff and security officials to let them board the plane,” the sources added.

“The Yatris started fight with the flight crew forcing the pilots to call ground staff,” sources added, “the plane was stopped and Ground Staff Manager came in and tried to pacify and make understand the Yatris need of Boarding Pass to board the flight, however, they failed.”

As the situation seemed getting out of control thus delaying the time in take-off of the flight, the other passengers “started getting down from the flight”. “The flight has been taken hostage by a few people,” sources quoted some passengers as having said.

But later, the Ground Staff called CSIF which took custody of all the fourteen Yatris. “Then Ground Staff again came inside the plane, identified and verified the baggage of the Yatris and evicted it from the plane,” sources said.

It took almost an hour that the Go Air flight finally took off from the Union capital for J&K’s summer capital.

When contacted, Srinagar based Go Air officials, however, said, “the flight was delayed because there was some problem with Srinagar airport runway given the tyre burst of a plane yesterday afternoon.”

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