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Custodial death case turns into family drama
Satellite collars to study behaviour of wild animals
Winter reminds Kashmir of its traditional ways
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Roundabout to be named after former editors
Speaking Out
Kisan Ghar there, but growers unaware
JAMMU diary
NGO uses theatre to highlight rural issues
Sena medal for Jammu youth
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Custodial death case turns into family drama
Jammu, January 19 Amina, later traced in Srinagar, took a u-turn on her earlier assertions that she would fight for justice, by saying that her in-laws and a number of Jammu-based organisations have used her for the sake of political benefits. What began as an exemplary case of inter-faith marriage in which regional and communal unity was being discussed ended up as a family drama akin to cases where a daughter-in-law alleges harassment at the hands of her in-laws or vice-versa. Now, the whole saga has turned into a contest of accusations and counter accusations between Amina and her in-laws. The case has taken a backseat even though the parents of Rajnish are determined to fight a legal battle in the Supreme Court to get justice for the death of their son. Amina had surprised one and all when she reached Jammu in October after the custodial death of her husband in a Srinagar police station. Her pictures of wailing over the body of her husband and later protesting against it on roads were splashed all over the media. Now, the widow of Rajnish has put serious allegations that the family members of Rajnish forced her to change her religion. Talking to mediapersons in Srinagar, she said she would not allow herself or her love to be misused in such a manner. However, the in-laws of Anchal denied putting any pressure on her. “If Anchal or Amina wants to go to her parents, we have no objection. But the allegations raised by her are baseless and she knows the things better. There is some foul play behind this,” said Pawan Sharma, brother-in-law of Anchal. Pawan added, “Whether she remains Hindu or again adopts Muslim religion, we are least bothered.” The family members of Rajnish said they had already lost their son. “She entered into the life of my son and came to our house as a daughter, not daughter-in-law. We want her to remain happy rest of her life and there will be no pressure from us,” said Raj Kumari, mother-in-law of Anchal. Raj Kumari added, “Anchal has recorded her statement before the court in Jammu too. Now it depends upon the judiciary to think, which statement is true.” August 21, 2009: Rajnish and Anchal, aka Amina Yousuf, get married at a local court, which was solemnised at Arya Samaj Temple September 29, 2009: Rajnish picked up by the Srinagar police October 5, 2009: Rajnish allegedly died in police lock-up in Srinagar October 8, 2009: Public vandalises government property in protest October 9, 2009: Supreme Court directs the state government to provide security to the family October 9, 2009: Anchal along with her in-laws blames her parents for the death of Rajnish and demanded a CBI probe October 14, 2009: The grief-stricken family refuses to accept the compensation of Rs 3 lakh and two jobs for the family October 15, 2009: BJP leader and Punjab Health Minister Laxmi Kanta Chawla visits the house of the deceased and describes the incident as a black spot on the J&K government October 23, 2009: Mohd Akbar Ganai, additional deputy commissioner, Srinagar, visits the house of Pawan Sharma October 30, 2009: Family of Rajnish meets LK Advani in Delhi November 13, 2009: Family files a legal suit seeking CBI probe and arrest of the accused January 15, 2010: Anchal disappears from her in-laws house January 25, 2010: The date of next hearing in the Supreme Court |
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Satellite collars to study behaviour of wild animals
Srinagar, January 19 In the first phase, the department has put satellite collars on three black bears, a male, female and a cub, to study their behaviour. The satellite collaring technology is first of its kind in India and has been exported from the US. The collared animals are under observation in Park stretched over an area of 35,000 hectares having around 500 species of flora and more than 25 species of fauna. The project is led by a team of experts from the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun. Experts say wild animals are easily spotted during winters as they come down to lower reaches of the park while in summer, they migrate to upper reaches. “We get little information about them once they move to upper reaches. The satellite collar technology is expected to give a fair idea about their summer habitat,” says Nazir Ahmad, a wildlife expert. If successful, the department is planning to use the technology on dwindling population of Hangul, Kashmiri stag, so as to step up its conservation efforts. Officials say satellite collars will be fitted on endangered deer species to help officials keep a track of their movements. Deers are usually found in lower regions of Dachigam till first fortnight of April. Later, they move to upper reaches and return by November. The satellite collaring is expected to provide in-depth information about these animals. The role of geo-informatics has been emphasised in quick appraisal of habitat attributes, identification of new sites for the protected areas and the current status of corridors. The study “Habitat modeling of Cervus Elaphus Hanglu (Hangul) in Dachigam National Park using geo-informatics” was conducted by M. Muslim and M. Farooq, division of environmental science, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Kashmir (SKUAST-K) to evaluate the use of remote sensing and GIS in wildlife habitat evaluation and management. The GIS-based modelling approach was used to evaluate an area on the basis of suitability of key habitat factors for Hangul. With detailed ecological information about Hangul, the characteristic of habitat was evaluated (using numerical rating schemes) on the basis of key habitat factors. The area being evaluated was divided into stands with relatively homogenous cover types (evergreen forests, deciduous forest, scrub land, pastures, fallow land) using remote sensing or ground-based methods. Specie was selected and its sensitivity to habitat types and range requirement was investigated. A Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) was calculated stand wise in evaluation area using ecological parameters. The HSI was defined as value between 0 and 1 with latter being the best quality of habitat in a defined area. |
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Winter reminds Kashmir of its traditional ways
Srinagar, January 19 The winter season, presently at its zenith, is reminiscent of the old traditional ways to fight its hardships. The 70-day long severe winter starts in December and ends by February. The same is divided into three spells - Chillai Kalan, Chilla Khurd and Chilla Baccha. Forty-day tenure of “Chillai Kalan” (harshest part of winter) starts on December 21 and is followed by 20-day long “Chillai Khurd” (not so severe cold) that starts by January 30. The last spell “Chillai Baccha” lasts for 10 days. The whole cycle of Chilla’s gets completed by the end of February. People face numerous hardships during the 70-day period of Chilla’s. “Measures are taken in advance to thwart chill,” says Firdous Ahmad, a resident of Hawal, adding that chances of snowfall are maximum and frequent during “Chillai Kalan”. Winter games at world famous ski resort of Gulmarg are timed with snowfall. A good snowfall ensures that games like skiing, ice skating and snow boarding would go on for a longer period at hill resorts like Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam and Patnitop in Jammu region. Traditionally, Kashmiris used to dry vegetables like tomatoes, turnips and brinjals during summers to be used during winters when the valley remained cut off from rest of the country. With the Srinagar-Jammu highway remaining open for most part of the winter now, the same practice has been discontinued to a large extent as fresh vegetables are available round the year. However, the tradition still continues in remote and far flung areas of the valley. Dried fish, popularly known as “Hokh Gard” in Kashmiri, is still used as a delicacy here during winter. Traditional woolen gowns (pherans) and kangri (earthen fire pot in a wicker) become a common sight during winters, here. Modern gadgets like gas and electric heaters are also being used. Over the years the lifestyle of people has changed altogether. Culture of using dried vegetables has become extinct and modern means of warmth have replaced the traditional means. “It used to snow heavily in the past. The snow would come up to ground floor in our lawns,” says Showkat Ahmad, a local. He adds that due to irregular power, electricity run heating gadgets turn useless and people make more and more use of kangri to counter harsh winter. “Low voltage and erratic electric supply makes pheran and kangri the best bet for any common person, here.” The charcoal-filled kangri is the best bet against harsh winter here when temperature falls below the freezing point. Dry chinar leaves make an excellent material to make charcoal for firepots. “The absence of traditional hearth in most local families has increased dependence on electricity and LPG cylinders,” says Abdul Majid, a resident of Khansahib-Budgam. Officials, however, blame masses for the mess. They say most transformers here get overloaded during winter as people misuse electricity”. During winters, educational institutions, too, go on a holiday but government offices and business establishments carry on with their normal activities. |
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Mehbooba and her 'green' love
New Delhi, January 19 It happened at a recent India-Pakistan peace conference in Delhi. He was the best and she was the best, they said of each other. That Mehbooba Mufti's favourite colour is green is well known and her scarf, veil and even her party flag don that colour, which incidentally also happens to be the shade of the Pakistani flag. If that was not enough, she was seen beseeching organisers of the conference to readjust the seating arrangement as she wanted to share her space with Pakistani delegates, and she did just that. Strange but this geniality and warmth came even after the Kashmiri leader was denied a Pakistani visa last month.
— IANS |
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Roundabout to be named after former editors
Srianagar, January 19 The announcement was made by Salman Ali Sagar, Mayor, SMC, while addressing a function organised by Adbee Markaz Kamraz (AMK) recently to pay homage to Bhat, Sofi and singers Ghulam Hassan Sofi and Abdul Rashid Farash. “Journalists like Bhat and Sofi are true legends and we should remember them. As such, we would dedicate a mark and name a roundabout after these two journalists and this would be done by consensus among members of the SMC,” said Salman. The Mayor suggested holding of seminars, debates and workshops among students on the life and achievements of these personalities. “This would carry forward the message and children would come know about the achievements of these great people,” he added. Justice Bashir Ahmad Kirmani said Bhat and Sofi did not receive any formal training in the field of journalism, “but still they came out with flying colours as they were committed towards their profession.” Similarly, he said, Hassan and Farash also did not receive any training, but they too made their mark due to sheer hard work and honesty. Naseem Lankar, divisional commissioner, Kashmir, said the editorial of Aftaab and cartoon of Srinagar Times caught the attention of readers and people used to ensure that they got a copy of both these dailies. “There is no harm in remembering people after their death as this gives an indication that we recognise their efforts as well as achievements,” said Naseem. Bashir Arif, director, Commercial Broadcasting Service (CBS), Srinagar, expressed his dismay that Hassan and Farash were not given due recognition by society and were left unattended at the time of distress. “Ghulam Hassan Sofi died as he could not get timely treatment. He might have died two years ago had the Jammu & Kashmir Bank chairman Haseeb Draboo not intervened and ensured medical care for him. This is the treatment being meted to our artists,” said Bashir. |
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Police presence on JU campus not good
Is the police presence on the University of Jammu campus good or bad? Sunaina Kaul talked to a cross section of society in Jammu. This is what they had to say.
— Anju Balla, M.Phil scholar
— Babu Ram, MA student
— Mudassir Nazar, MA student
It is bad because the university is an autonomous body. We are not doing any crime or wrong thing. We are pursing our education here. — Sonia Chaku, PhD scholar
— Deepa Sharma, PhD scholar
— Abhay Chauhan, MA student
— Shivani Gupta, M.Ed student
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Kisan Ghar there, but growers unaware
Jammu, January 19 Part of the reason may be that farmers visiting the city are unaware of any such facility, but the lodge that was inaugurated on July 6 last year is yet to be made fully operational. Officials say that it was operationalised in November and nearly 50 farmers have availed the facility so far. Officially speaking, there is a cook, gatekeeper and a receptionist as the staff of Kisan Ghar. A visit to the place revealed that there was no staff to look after the affairs at the lodge. Though the main gate was open, the same was unattended. Rest of the rooms inside the two-storeyed complex were locked so the possibility of talking to a receptionist was out of question. The official concerned said the kitchen was yet to be made functional and the department was planning to outsource the same. The structure of the complex was set up with an amount of Rs 48 lakh. It has two dormitories and 5 rooms having a capacity for the stay of 40 persons at a time. “It is comparatively smaller than the requirement. There should be a canteen and sitting arrangement in the lawn so that farmers coming for selling their produce can relax for sometime there,” said Tajinder Singh, president of the Kisan Council. He further said the charges for staying in dormitory should be Rs 30 instead of the existing Rs 50 for 24 hours. Kisan Ghar should be run on the pattern of Punjab and Delhi. “Farmers are welcome round-the-clock. After the influx of visitors increases, things would be placed in a perfect order,” said the deputy director, horticulture (planning and marketing), who also holds the additional charge of Kisan Ghar. “We have requisite funds and the lodge would be fully equipped after spending Rs 3 to 4 lakh till it is made fully operational before March end,” he said, and added: “These days, the influx of farmers from distant places is low that is why it might be locked”. |
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Smoking to everyone’s peril
While the government ban on smoking in public places is being flouted with impunity, smokers, young and old, don't bother a bit about the ill-effects of passive smoking (see pic). Even sitting with their family members, including toddlers, in their homes smokers lit their "pick" little realising what this can do to the health of their kith and kin. And when one reminds them that one cigarette reduces five minutes or so of their lives, most of them "promise" to quit the bad habit, but the word is seldom kept. A good message
One can see all kinds of lewd graffiti, slogans, strike calls on walls of the temple city. Defacement apart, the messages talk of some evil or ills plaguing the system. But one message on the walls that comes as a refreshing change. A main road in Channi Himmat has such a message " May you have a safe and fruitful journey" painted along with an advertisement of a paint manufacturing company. The company has other advertisements in the city but only this one has this message. It is painted right next to an important intersection and one who reads it responds with a smile and extra care in driving. The painter’s aim of spreading positivity has surely been taken. Roses in jail
"Jails" are normally known for hard life and torture inside their boundary walls. But the situation in Amphalla jail is altogether different. When you enter the jail premises tall cops having long moustaches deployed there welcome you with a rose. I am not talking about any flower. It is a stamp mark reading ROSE, which they mark on your arm and give permission to go inside the jail. This correspondent visited the jail on Lohri and was welcomed in the same manner. This left all mediapersons there surprised as well as amused. So, if you want a rose, visit this jail. Skyrocketing prices
Skyrocketing prices of vegetables and pulses have made life difficult for common people. The rising prices of vegetables and pulses is the subject of discussion in most house these days. The poor having big families are the worst sufferer as making both ends meet in galloping inflation is becoming difficult by the day. They are forced to go without vegetables or pulses in their menu. Rap for BJP?
Firebrand VHP leader Parveen Togadia, who is known for his provocative speeches, surprised mediapersons during an interaction by saluting veteran Communist leader Jyoti Basu, who breathed his last on Sunday. Referring to Jyoti Basu Togadia said that unlike other politicians he remained committed to his ideology till the last day of his life. “Although we have ideological differences with Jyoti Basu, I salute that great man who set an example for others,” Togadia remarked. ”Jyoti Basu was not like our leaders who changed their ideology with the time, said the VHP leader. By saluting Jyoti Basu, Togadia has actually chided BJP leaders who have abandoned their ideology to enjoy power. During the interaction with mediapersons, Togaida repeatedly criticised the successive governments at New Delhi for adopting a soft attitude towards militants. (Contributed by Ravi Krishnan Khajuria, Jupinderjit Singh, Archit Watts, Sunaina Kaul
and Dinesh Manhotra) |
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NGO uses theatre to highlight rural issues
Srinagar, January 19 “Such workshops have been used to highlight matters concerning the common masses,” said Ismail Ahmad, who was associated with street theatre workshops organised by the IGSSS last year. He found the workshop as a tool to enhance personality development. “The society is also implementing a rehabilitation project for earthquake victims of Uri since October 8, 2005, and presently focusing on disaster management and sustainable livelihood for residents of Balkote,” said Yasir Qureshi, officer programmes and state unit head, on the sidelines of a relief camp organised by the society for fire victims of Hundi village in Nowshera-Uri. Thirty families were affected by fire that engulfed the village on December 6 last year. “They are helping us in this hour of grief. We express our gratitude to them,” said beneficiaries while appreciating the initiative. According to the NGO, relief material, including household items like blankets and utensils, was distributed among 32 families. Under its disaster management programme, the community is sensitised about disaster preparedness and risk reduction in schools. “Such training is offered at the village
level. We intend to organise mock drills in the future,” said Qureshi. “The IGSSS also works on poverty reduction through self-help groups in district Baramulla and Bandipora,” informs Saima, project coordinator adding, “We support economically weak students and orphans with material support like books and uniforms, apart from working with 35 SHGs (mostly women), 25 village welfare committees and youth groups”. She said the SHGs were assisted in linking them with banks for loans and other facilities so that women in particular are economically self-reliable. “The NGO has also been organising workshops on RTI in association with village welfare committees, who work on rural development issues,” said Saima. |
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Sena medal for Jammu youth
Jammu, January 19 On February 25, 2008, it was reported that some terrorists were moving in a car at Kongaba, making the Army launch an operation. A vehicle, seen at the Kongaba crossing, was signalled to stop by rifleman Ajay Kumar. The three car occupants came out and two of them pointed pistols towards the rifleman. The terrorists opened fire at Ajay Kumar but he followed them and killed two of them them while the third managed to escape. The slain suspects were later identified as members of the PREPAK outfit, a banned terrorist group of Manipur. |
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The much publicised case of custodial death of Rajnish Sharma has turned into a family drama after his widow Amina Yusuf, alias Anchal Sharma, deserted her in-laws.
Amina, later traced in Srinagar, took a u-turn on her earlier assertions that she would fight for justice, by saying that her in-laws and a number of Jammu-based organisations have used her for the sake of political benefits.
The presence of the police on the campus is absolutely a wrong decision. It will create insecure environment for girls. Academic funds will be utilised for the maintenance of the police post. The authorities should strengthen the university security guards who are working on a contractual basis by making them permanent.
Police presence on the campus will become a menace. The university authorities are trying to put a ban on our freedom. It will create conflicts when a matriculate police personal will keep a vigil on postgraduate students or on scholars. Instead of it, the authorities shall open new departments which are in demand like the department for mass communication. 
It is a bad decision because it will disturb the free environment of the campus. We are not doing wrong things here. The authorities might are having some kind of fear that is why they have decided to deploy police force inside the university, but we do not need them.
It is a good decision because it is for the security purpose, so I don’t think that we should oppose it. Its necessity has arisen due to the presence of some anti-elements inside the campus. The authorities have taken the decision for the benefit of the students so we should respect it.
It will not be good in any shape. When there is no police post in any university of the country like Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University, then why it should be here. By doing this, the authorities are trying to suppress the voice of student leaders who are fighting for the cause of the students. 
It is a good decision as it can help a lot to solve internal conflicts among students and between the students and the authorities. They have taken this decision because they might have found the youth on the wrong path.
Call it "inescapable" craving to maintain the nicotine level in their blood or to puff away their "stress", smokers not only play with their own lives but also pose a grave risk to the health of others, including their family members.
