Srinagar, May 18: The Delhi High Court on Monday granted interim bail to Baramulla Member of Parliament Engineer Rashid to enable him to attend the last rites of his father, Haji Khazir Mohammad Sheikh.

Family sources told news agency JKNS, that Haji Khazir Mohammad Sheikh passed away on Monday morning after prolonged illness. His demise has been widely condoled across Jammu and Kashmir.

Following the death, appeals were made on humanitarian grounds seeking permission for the jailed MP to participate in the last rites and funeral prayers of his father.

Er Rashid, presently lodged in Tihar Jail in connection with a terror-funding case being investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), was subsequently granted interim bail by the Delhi High Court to attend the funeral and related rituals. (JKNS)

Kulgam, May 18: Hundreds of poultry birds died after a truck transporting poultry overturned near the Khudwani bypass area in South Kashmir’s Kulgam on Monday, reports said.

Officials said the vehicle met with an accident while passing through the bypass stretch, resulting in the death of a large number of birds on the spot.

The truck was being driven by Nisar Ahmad Chopan, son of Ghulam Mohammad Chopan, a resident of Ompora area of Budgam.

Meanwhile, police have taken cognizance of the incident and further investigation has been initiated.(KNC)

Srinagar, May 18: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi on Monday expressed deep grief over the demise of Haji Khazir Mohammad Sheikh, father of jailed Member of Parliament from Baramulla, Engineer Rashid, and urged the authorities to immediately facilitate Er Rashid’s release on humanitarian grounds so that he can participate in the funeral rites of his father.

AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi informed news agency JKNS, that Haji Khazir Mohammad Sheikh, father of Member of Parliament Baramulla, Engineer Rashid, is no more.

Expressing profound grief and sorrow over the demise, Inam Un Nabi described late Haji Khazir Mohammad Sheikh as a veteran teacher, a noble soul and a deeply respected personality who dedicated his life to education, morality and social values.

He said Haji Khazir Sahib stood like a pillar of strength behind Er Rashid throughout his political and social journey and was widely admired for his simplicity, wisdom and humility.

Inam Un Nabi made an emotional appeal to the Government of India and concerned authorities to immediately facilitate the release of Jailed MP Er Rashid so that a son is able to participate in the last rites and funeral prayers of his father. He said no pain can be greater than a son being deprived of bidding a final farewell to his own father.

He said irrespective of political differences, humanitarian considerations must prevail in such moments of personal tragedy and grief. “A father has departed from this world and his son remains behind bars. This is a deeply painful moment for the entire family and all those who know them,” Inam Un Nabi said.

The AIP Chief Spokesperson said the passing away of Haji Sahib has created a huge void not only within the bereaved family but also among well-wishers, students and admirers across Jammu and Kashmir. He said the entire party leadership and cadre stand in solidarity with Er Rashid and the family in this hour of grief and sorrow.

“Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Rajioon. May Almighty Allah grant Haji Sahib the highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdous and give patience and strength to the bereaved family,” Inam Un Nabi said. (JKNS)

The tourists visiting Kashmir have termed the Valley a safe and peaceful destination for travelers while urging the J&K government to further promote tourism and improve facilities to generate employment opportunities for local youth dependent on the sector.

A group of tourists from Tamil Nadu who are on their visit to Gulmarg told Greater Kashmir that visiting Kashmir’s world famous ski resort Gulmarg has left them impressed. “The hospitality, security arrangements and tourism facilities are really impressive,” a tourist from Tamil Nadu said.

The group reached on Sunday morning in Gulmarg and they started their day with a Gondola ride up to Phase I and later to Phase II as well. “The experience was really superb. The guides here were very helpful and even assisted us with photographs,” one of the tourists said.

The visitors said that the tourism sector has remained the backbone of livelihood for many people in J&K and called for greater government support to further strengthening of the sector. “Employment opportunities can increase if more facilities are provided and more tourists are encouraged to visit Kashmir. Many youngsters here are dependent on tourism,” the tourists said. The tourists however appreciated the efforts of the tourism department in promoting the destination. The tourists also appealed to visitors from across the country to maintain cleanliness at tourist spots and avoid littering. “Everybody should keep this place as clean as it is now. Tourists should ensure that cleanliness is maintained,” they said.

Referring to the past security situation in Kashmir, the tourists said that earlier disturbances discouraged many people, particularly from South India, from travelling to the Valley. “But now the situation has changed significantly and more people are coming to this place for vacations,” the tourists said. “We heard about disturbances earlier and that is why many South Indians were not travelling to Kashmir. But now everything has settled and it is very safe to travel here,” they added. The tourists credited the J&K government and security forces for ensuring a peaceful atmosphere for tourists saying the visitors from different parts of the country were feeling comfortable during their stay in Kashmir. “Whether South Indian or North Indian, everybody feels at home here. The hotel staff and local people are treating tourists very well,” they said. The tourists further urged the J&K government to continue encouraging tourism and developing the sector, saying Kashmir has immense potential as a travel destination.

“There is no issue with security here. It is peaceful and very good to travel to Kashmir,” they tourists said.

Another tourist from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Neelima Deshpande, who arrived in Gulmarg with her group after spending two days at Pahalgam said public support and cooperation was the main attraction for the tourists to visit this place. “Kashmir has the biggest natural beauty. Today, I went to the second phase of Gandola and had a lot of fun. I feel like I will come back again. I was not scared at all,” Neelima Deshpande told Greater Kashmir. “I felt like everyone was my own. People from all over India and the world should come here and see this beauty here. There is no fear at all,” she added.

She said that anyone can visit this place and stay here with full confidence. Another tourist from Mumbai said he spent the last four days at Pahalgam and the support and trust of Kashmiri people was unbelievable. “The people here have a human heart. They care for their guests (tourists). If we forget anything or our belongings get misplaced, the locals here help us in getting it back,” he said. “Everyone should come here and enjoy the natural beauty. There is nothing to fear in Kashmir. Tourists are getting good support from the locals,” he added.

Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Gulmarg Farooq Ahmad Shah told Greater Kashmir that they are planning to make Gulmarg an international ski resort. “Work is under process for it. We want Gulmarg neat and clean besides a disciplined destination. Any tourist while entering Gulmarg should feel that they arrived at a health resort,” MLA Gulmarg told Greater Kashmir.