Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 17 : Governor N. N. Vohra, today said that the handicrafts Buyer-Seller Meets not only provide an excellent opportunity for buyers and sellers from various parts of the Country and abroad to forge long term trade and business contacts but such meets also promote mutually beneficial understandings which contribute towards securing a stable and bright future for the coming generations.
The Governor was interacting with the participants of the 3-day 4th International Buyer-Seller Meet-2012 here last evening. This Meet was organized by the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry and sponsored by the Union Ministry of Commerce.
Referring to the obtaining security scenario the world over, the Governor observed that there is urgent need for promoting closer understandings among the people of different Countries and Continents so that one and all could progress and prosper in an environment of sustained peace, normalcy and tranquility.
He observed that due to the unfortunate situation that had obtained in the past years the State had suffered severe human and economic losses, and the tourism and handicrafts sectors, which are important segments of J&K’s economy were adversely affected. He said that consequent to the efforts of the Government and people at large, normalcy has returned and resultantly, tourism, handicrafts and other sectors are gradually coming back on the rails. He added that even in the mid of May there is huge rush of tourists at Sonamarg, and at all other tourist places in the Valley. He expressed sincere hope that complete normalcy would be established in the coming time, paving the way for sustained peace, progress and prosperity.
The Governor observed that Kashmir is known the world over for its exquisite handicrafts, adding that artisans and craftsmen and women produce handicrafts products which are excellent. “You have met our people in Kashmir and seen our various products. I am certain that you will come again and again and establish sustained business relations with our producers in the coming times”, the Governor told the buyers from within the Country and abroad. He hoped that this Meet would go a long way in opening new markets for the world famous handicrafts of Kashmir.
Interacting with the participants of the Buyer-Seller Meet, the Governor advised them, particularly the foreign delegates, to extend their stay for a couple of days more and enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty of the various scenic spots in the Kashmir Valley and other parts of the State.
Earlier, Abdul Hamid Punjabi, President, Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in his welcome address said that the progressive increase in the export of handicrafts has resulted in the revival of this sector. He added that element of innovation is being added to the handicraft products by developing new designs sync with trends which we learn from our buyers.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 17: Former minister and NC legislator, Ajay Sadhotra today asked why Mufti Mohd Sayeed failed to generate Rs 50,000 crore from Natural resources when he was Chief Minister of the State for three years.
Reacting sharply to his recent remarks in the public against National Conference leadership, Mr Sadhotra said, “When Mufti Sayeed was occupying the high office of the Chief Minister for the period of three years he never realized the importance of earning Revenue by way of properly utilizing the natural resources of the State nor took keen interest in improving the financial health of the State. It is only now the desperate PDP top brass is raking the issue of generating Rs 50,000 crore through natural resources.
“No one stopped Mufti Sayeed from taking bold initiatives and renegotiating discriminatory water agreements aimed at generating resources for the State”, Mr Sadhotra maintained.
Referring to the PDP’s claim of restoring dignity and honour of the people, Mr Sadhotra said, “Why Mufti Sayeed failed to restore dignity and honour of the lakhs of Kashmiri migrants during his tenure as Home Minister when poor KPs were being driven out of the Kashmir valley. Why he failed to rehabilitate them in a dignified manner and apply balm on their wounds”, Sadhotra added.
While countering PDP’s campaign of Self Rule document as the viable solution Sadhotra said the PDP leadership was only befooling people of the State by raising the bogey of self rule again and again to dilute the only viable solution projected by National Conference which is autonomy. He said rising graph of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has created sheer frustration among the leadership and ranks of the PDP and in order to save their party PDP leadership is making issues out of non issues.

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 17: Coming down on the forces trying to negate the achievements registered by the present Government, the Minister for Rural Development, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Ali Mohammad Sagar today said that they have become frustrated due to the phenomenal growth registered by the State in all spheres of life and are now trying to spread falsehood and obnoxious ideas.
The Minister was addressing a gathering of people at Yaur Kushipora, Qazigund after laying foundation stone of model village being constructed with an estimated cost of Rs. 3.3 crore. Minister for Social Welfare, Sakina Itoo, MLC Dr. Bashir Veeri, Director Rural Development, Jehangir Mir, senior officers of district administration and prominent National Conference leader were present.
Mr. Sagar said that it is recorded history that the party which is trying to project itself as a savior of Kashmiris has always worked against the interests of the people and they have always preferred power than the interest of theState. He said that it was during the tenure of their party leader that various draconian laws were introduced in the state and people were subjected to severe hardships.
“We have ushered an era of peace, prosperity and all-round development in the state and now these elements are getting frustrated day-by-day and spitting it out in form of venomous statements against the present Government and the achievements registered by our Government”, he said maintaining that people can themselves gauge the achievements at the ground.
Referring to the various welfare programmes initiated by the Government, the Minister appealed the people to come forward and avail maximum benefit out of these. He said that MGNREGA has been instrumental in changing the socio-economic landscape of the rural areas .
Minister for Social Welfare, Sakina Itoo while speaking on the occasion said that the achievements registered by the present Government in the short span have no parallels in the annals of history maintaining that we believe in sustained action rather than rhetoric and taking people for a ride by floating strange ideas and propagating falsehood.
MLC, Dr. Bashir Veeri also spoke on the occasion and enumerated the various achievements of the Government .

Two arrested, 3 at large
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 17: For the first time, police today destroyed two poppy cultivation plants near Katra town in 12 marlas of land and arrested two accused while three others were still at large.
A total of 32.6 kg poppy and1690 grams ‘dodays’ were destroyed on spot.
Police parties headed by SDPO Katra Rajinder Singh Katoch and SHO Pradeep Gupta under the supervision of SSP Reasi Raghubir Singh and SP Katra Mohan Lal conducted raids at village Chandwa, Chamba, about two kilometers from Katra town in Reasi district this morning and destroyed poppy cultivation in 12 marlas of land.
Abdul Gaffar had cultivated poppy at 10 marlas of land while Shabir Ahmed had cultivated it in two marlas.
Two separate FIRs have been registered against the accused at Katra police station.
Abdul Gaffar and his associate Mohammad Ibrahim have been arrested for cultivation of poppy in 10 marlas of land while two accused in the case Mohammad Shaffi and Mohammad Rafiq, both brothers and sons of Abdul Gaffar were absconding.
Shabir Ahmed, who had cultivated poppy in two marlas of land was also absconding.
Police destroyed 27.3 kg poppy and 1370 grams ‘doday’ in the field of Gaffar and 5.3 kg poppy and 320 grams of ‘doday’ in the field of Shabir Ahmed.
A search was on to nab three absconders.