Kashmir Despatch News

Sopore, Feb 14 : Forces on Thursday night launched a cordon-and-search operation at Bomai area of Sopore in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

Reports reaching Kashmir Despatch said that a joint team of army’s 22 RR, and special operation group of police (SOG) laid a siege at Edipora village of Bomai Sopore late today evening.

Local reports said, forces have installed the lights in the area and conducted door to door search operation.

SSP Sopore Javid Iqbal also confirmed the search operation to Kashmir Despatch and said that the cordon was launched following inputs about the movement of some suspected militants.

SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 14: After setting up guidelines for travel companies, the Department of Tourism has opened up the formal registration of Adventure Tour Operators in the State.

As per the Government order issued by the Department of Tourism, the prospective Adventure Tour Operators within the State can apply for registration as Adventure Tour Operators to carry out land, water and air based adventure activities like All Terrain Vehicles, Cycling, Motor Cycle Tours, Mountaineering, Rock Climbing/Artificial wall climbing, Skiing/Snowboarding, Trekking, Zip Paragliding, Rafting/ Kayaking etc.

Rigzin Samphel, Commissioner Secretary, Tourism department said that there is a strong demand from tour operators within the State to allow them to carry out adventure activities in a formal manner.

“The absence of the guidelines for formal registration of Adventure tour operators was the major hurdle in promoting adventure activities in the State.

The Commissioner/Secretary said the new provision would lead to the growth of tourism activities and employment in all the three divisions of the State,” he said.

He said these guidelines which cover these activities are the outcome of the due deliberations and consultations, suggestions and recommendations of stakeholders in the State.

Samphel said guidelines will encourage quality standard and service in this category so as to promote safe Adventure Tourism in J&K.

The interested tour operator can submit the application for approval in person to Assistant Director Tourism/Tourist Officer of the concerned area or prescribed Authority/Authorized officers of Tourist Resorts having defined jurisdiction as defined under J&K Tourist Trade Act or Rules or Government order.

The Registration as an approved Adventure Tour Operator shall be granted by the prescribed Authority of Department of Tourism for one year initially following the laid down procedures as in the case of Travel Agency.

Srinagar: Former IPS officer turned politician Shah Faesal on Thursday said that those who can stop the war in Kashmir are not moved.

He was commenting on the attack on CRPF convoy in which at least 30 CRPF men have been killed so far.

Faesal said that there is Karbala everyday in Kashmir,”There is a Karbala everyday in Kashmir. One side mourns today and another mourns tomorrow. But those who can stop this war are not moved at all. Nothing seems to be pricking the conscience of those powers who can stop this bloodshed in Kashmir. Nothing.” He tweeted.

At least 30 CRPF personnel were killed after a suicide attacker rammed into a CRPF vehicle.

Srinagar, Feb 14 : Hurriyat Conference (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Thursday visited the SMHS hospital to inquire about the health of dozens of students who were injured in an explosion inside a school in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Wednesday. He inquired about the treatment being provided to them and prayed to Almighty for their speedy recovery.

Mirwaiz, according to a statement issued , strongly condemned the thrashing and brutal assault on Kashmiri students studying in a university at Chhattisgarh in which four students were injured.

“Kashmiri students studying in various colleges and universities of Indian states are constantly being targeted and beaten by hate mongers, which is highly condemnable,” Mirwaiz said, adding, “Not only students, but Kashmiri businessmen and traders stationed in various places in India are also targeted and harassed, forcing many to flee. No action is ever taken against these anti-Kashmir elements.”

Mirwaiz said the “vicious propaganda” against Kashmiris projected by certain sections of Indian electronic media and the distorted image of Kashmir and the discourse around its dispute has made the lives of Kashmiri staying in various Indian states all the more vulnerable to attacks by goons.

It is the utmost responsibility of the heads of various Indian states where Kashmiri students and businessmen are stationed, to ensure their safety and security. 

Meanwhile, on the directions of Mirwaiz, a delegation led by Sufi Mushtaq Ahmed visited the Bone and Joints hospital Barzulla to inquire about the students who were injured in the Pulwama explosion. The delegation prayed for speedy recovery of the injured.