Newsroom24x7 Staff

Srinagar: On eve of the meeting of the All Party Delegation (APD) with local leaders of political parties and different organisations in Srinagar, which will be attended by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in the wake of the Kashmir crisis, Curfew was lifted in Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam, Shopian, Baramulla and most parts of Srinagar today.

The situation was still tense in areas falling under the Police Stations of Maisuma, Batamaloo, Khanyar, Safakadal, Nowhatta, Rainawari and M R Gunj, where curfew is still in force.

The Home Minister will be on a two-day J&K tour in connection with the meeting of the APD, with the leaders of different political parties and organisations here tomorrow. The meeting will be held at S K International Convention Complex (SKICC) overlooking the Dal Lake. Media persons would not be allowed inside this venue to cover the proceedings but they would be free to meet the leaders separately.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti, on Saturday even wrote to the separatist leaders of Kashmir, urging them to join the dialogue with the all-party parliamentary delegation

Even as last moment preparations were on for this meeting and word had spread that the separatist Hurriyat leaders were being nvited for dialogue with the all party parliamentary delegation, 12 incidents of stone-pelting were reported earlier during the day from Srinagar, Budgam, Anantnag, Sopore and Kupwara today. “At these places, miscreants assembled on the roads and attempted to disturb the normal traffic and movement of people by pelting stones on vehicles and on police and security force deployments. Barring these incidents of stray stone pelting, the overall situation remained under control till filing of this report late Saturday night.

On Sunday, Police also rebutted a news report appearing in a section of the press under the heading, “Teargas shell tears apart Handwara Woman’s face”, and “Handwara woman another victim of forces excesses”. The POlice have categorically stated that the story is not based on facts.

The Zonal Police Headquarters spokesman in Srinagar said quoting the Baramulla district police authorities that the concerned woman was injured when some miscreants pelted stones on the vehicle she was travelling in, near Hamrai, Pattan during night.

Supply of Essentials in Kashmir

Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Baseer Ahmed Khan on Sunday reviewed the supply position of essentials in Kashmir Valley and security of trucks carrying supply of essentials to Valley at a meeting held here.

As many as 972 trucks loaded with ration and other essential supplies reached Srinagar today and 470 trucks were on way to Kashmir Valley from Jammu. The Divisional Commissioner told those present at the meeting that all necessary steps had been taken to ensure adequate supply of essentials and hassle-free movement of trucks from Jammu to Kashmir Valley. Necessary steps for the foolproof security of trucks carrying essentials to the Valley will also be put in place, said the Divisional Commissioner.

The truckers’ Union has also called off the transporters’ strike on receiving assurance from the authorities about the safety of the vehicles and drivers carrying essentials to the Valley.
Eid arrangements in Baramulla

The district authorities in Baramulla on Sunday reviewed the arrangements for upcoming Eid-ul-Azha. The Deputy Commissioner directed the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department to ensure proper distribution of essential commodities, including rice, sugar, and LPG. He also directed the concerned officials to ensure the ration stores and sale outlets remain open during holidays for the convenience of people. He also asked them to take strict action against profiteers and black-marketers.

The Deputy Commissioner also asked the officers to ensure uninterrupted electricity and drinking water supply to the people, besides ensuring proper street lighting. He directed Municipal Authorities to ensure proper sanitation and cleanliness at all the places particularly at those places where congregation prayers would be offered on Eid.

The DDC asked the CMO to ensure that medicos and para-medicos attend their duty as per the roster. He also instructed that the ambulance service should be kept in a state of readiness to meet any exigency during the festival.

Thirteen points have been notified to buy sacrificial animals in view of Eid-ul-Azha in Baramulla District. In Baramulla, these points are near Karipa Park, Sheep Complex Noorbagh, near Hospital Bagh-I-Islam and near Irrigation Quarters Khajabhag. In Sopore – near Super bazaar, near River Edge Hotel and near Bugoo Arampora. In Rafiabad, these points would be near the Sheep complex watergam, Rohama and Hadipora. In Uri SDO office Uri, in Pattan near Chinar Monuments, in Kunzer near Town Hall, in Tangmarg near SDO office Tangmarg.

The meeting was informed that on the eve of Eid, the Animal Husbandry Department would set up sale outlets for sale of poultry chicken at 10 per cent discount at Sopore, Baramulla, kreeri, Pattan and Uri, besides dressed chicken will be available at Baramulla and Sopore. The Assistant Director Fisheries informed that trout would be available for sale at Baramulla and Sopore.