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PDP protests price rise, rights violations
Move to postpone local bodies’ poll undemocratic: PDP
Fix minimum qualification for becoming a minister: Harsh Dev
Two Hizbul militants killed in Pulwama
Plan to preserve heritage sites
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Carpet weavers a harried lot
Army hands over de-mined land to civil admn
Shimla Theatre Fest-2010
MC employees continue strike
Poet Shafi Shaida dead
Amnesty for Sikh youths sought
Now, minor surgeries at Ramgarh hospital
Sports meet for women held
2 killed in mishaps
Rally to honour ex-servicemen
DG CRPF calls on Guv
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PDP protests price rise, rights violations
Srinagar, February 18 The PDP also alleged that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today threatened to starve the districts where demonstrations against his government were held “of all developmental funds”. Quoting its senior leader and former minister Mohammad Khalil Bandh, who represents Pulwama constituency, the party spokesman said “this shocker” came at the District Development Board meeting of Pulwama. A demonstration in Pulwama had been organised by the PDP as part of its statewide protests against the human rights violations and failure of the government to curb price rise. “The CM told the PDP legislators attending the meeting that if their party had organised the demonstration, he would not release a single penny to your district,” the spokesman said. All four constituencies in Pulwama district are represented by the PDP members. The members, Mohd Khalil Bandh, (Pulwama), Zahoor Ahmed Mir, (Pampore), Syed Bashir Ahmed (Rajpora) and Mushtaq Ahmed Shah (Tral), walked out of the meeting in protest, the spokesman said. The spokesman here claimed that though the demonstrations at the different district headquarters were peaceful, the police used force to harass its leaders and workers at different places, including Anantnag. A large number of PDP leaders and workers led by the legislators, Abdul Rehman Veeri, Mohammad Rafi Mir and Mansoor Hussain, were held by the police after using baton charge to disperse them. Many workers sustained injuries, the spokesman said. Jammu: PDP activists also organised demonstrations at all district headquarters here today against the failure of the government to ensure supply of ration, uninterrupted power supply and deteriorating law and order situation in the state. Interacting with mediapersons, PDP vice-president Trilok Singh Bajwa and general secretary Balbir Singh claimed that hundreds of party workers turned up to participate in the demonstrations. They said common masses also joined the protest as a majority of residents had been facing the brunt of the anti-people policies of the ruling coalition. They said today’s protest was organised in connection with the ongoing agitation, adding that similar protest would be organised on February 22 on the first day of the Budget session of the Assembly. |
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Move to postpone local bodies’ poll undemocratic: PDP
Jammu, February 18 Addressing a meeting of party workers from Jammu urban organised by district party president RK Bali, former minister and senior leader Rangil Singh aired apprehension that by postponing the elections of the local bodies the government wanted to sabotage the democratic institutions in the state. He said the government decision to extend the term of the present local bodies was tantamount to grabbing these institutions by illegal means. He reminded party workers that it was during the PDP regime that the elections of the local bodies were held after more than two decades and the decision making powers were trickled down to the grass-roots level by making democratic institutions functional. “Despite all odds, the PDP-led regime had conducted local bodies’ elections to empower people,” Rangil Singh pointed out, and hastened to add that the present dispensation, with a fascist tendency, had been trying to grab such institutions through undemocratic means. Terming the decision as ill-advised and undemocratic, general secretary of the party Balbir Singh exhorted party workers to oppose the undemocratic and fascist decision. He said it was a historical fact that whenever the NC attained power, it had sabotaged democratic institutions. He especially mentioned the infamous 1987 Assembly elections that were ‘brazenly rigged’ by the same party. “Today, the NC-led regime has postponed the local bodies’ elections and tomorrow the government would give the same excuse to delay the Assembly elections,” he wondered and called upon the party
workers to oppose this move to save democracy and democratic institutions. |
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Fix minimum qualification for becoming a minister: Harsh Dev
Jammu, February 18 Harsh Dev’s bill, regarding minimum qualification for appointment as minister, has been entertained by the Assembly Secretariat for debate in the house on this proposal. Elated over decision of Assembly Secretariat to accept this “historical” bill, Harsh sought cooperation of all right thinking politicians. “I appeal all political parties to support this bill, so that only qualified persons can become ministers,” Harsh told the Tribune and exuded confidence that during the debate on this bill all legislators-irrespective of their party affiliations, would support this “revolutionary” move. He argued that if minimum qualification has been fixed for even Class-IV employ, why there is no criteria for becoming a minister? he asked and hoped that his bill would generate a debate not only among political parties but also in the civil society. The former Education Minister was of the view that most of the policies formulated for the development and upliftment of the common masses could not achieve desirable results because ministers lack adequate knowledge and visions. Harsh, in a statement issued here said the proposed bill seeks to amend Section 36 and Section 38 of the Constitution of J&K that lays down the eligibility criteria and the procedure for appointment as a minister or a Deputy Minister, but does not specify in clear terms the educational qualification to be possessed by a prospective incumbent with the result that the office of ministers could be occupied by an illiterate person as well to the detriment of the state and the general public. “Minimum qualification has been prescribed for even the lowest of the government functionaries. The relevant laws provide a bare minimum of educational qualification even for the job of a peon or a class IV employ,” he said, adding, “However, it is ironical that no educational qualification has been prescribed for those occupying the highest offices in the state.” |
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Two Hizbul militants killed in Pulwama
Srinagar, February 18 Those killed have been identified as Sajjad Ahmad Wani of Rajpora and Javed Ahmad Hajam of Ratnipora villages in the district. The house in which the militants were hiding was also damaged in the encounter, while the security forces recovered two AK rifles, five magazines, a wireless set, two hand grenades, one mobile phone and Indian currency worth Rs 3,716 from the site. Acting on the receipt of specific information about the presence of the militants, the police and security forces cordoned off Shangerpora village in Pulwama district last evening. The encounter with hiding militants in the joint house of Ali Mohammad Ganai and Mohammad Akbar Ganai, started this morning that ended with the death of both the militants, the police said. Meanwhile, the police and security forces have recovered one pistol, two pistol magazines, 38 revolvers, two radio sets, 10 AK 47 magazines, 20 snipper rounds and 499 AK rounds from a cave like hideout in an orchard in Chachiloora village of Budgam district yesterday. Jammu (PTI): A group of militants managed to escape under the cover of darkness after a gun battle with security forces at a village in Poonch district, the police said today. On a specific information about the presence of militants in Salva-Nad area, about 220 km from here, in Mendhar tehsil of the district, security forces launched a search operation last evening. As the troops were advancing, the militants opened fire. The security forces also retaliated and intermittent firing continued from both sides for one hour, which ended around 10 pm yesterday. Search operation was launched in the area this morning, but militants had already escaped under the cover of darkness, sources said. |
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Plan to preserve heritage sites
Srinagar, February 18 This was announced by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, while reviewing the physical and financial achievements at the District Development Board meeting here yesterday. He said provision would be made for the implementation of the project during the next financial year. He said Shahr-e-Khas had several historically important heritage sites and asked the district administration to give priority to the conservation and development of these legacies. The Chief Minister was informed that the district administration had registered 85 per cent expenditure of the annual plan of Rs 42.65 crore, for which he announced an additional amount of Rs 10 crore for various development works. These include Rs 2 crore each for construction of community halls, road projects and development works to be executed by the Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA). Omar also sanctioned an additional Rs 1.40 crore for drainage works under UEED, Rs 1 crore for construction of lanes and drains by the SMC, Rs 60 lakh for drainage works in Zadibal, Rs 25 lakh each for clearing liabilities of Muharam arrangements and construction of Water Supply scheme Dara, Rs 36 lakh for clearing liabilities under the R&B sector, Rs 14 lakh for the construction of foot bridge at Palpora. The Chief Minister also sanctioned Rs 1 crore under the state sector to improve facilities at the Maternity and Children Hospital, Noorbagh. He also announced sub-health centre for Khimber Telbal, thus, conceding the long-pending demand of the people. Emphasising the need for keeping the summer capital clean, Omar announced that 600 safai-karmcharies would be engaged shortly for the purpose. |
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Carpet weavers a harried lot
Ganasthan-Bandipora, February 18 “At present, 60 per cent of the population is engaged with carpet, weaving while a few years ago it was 99 per cent. Though it has affected the carpet-weaving sector as a whole, individually people are more benefited by shifting to other alternatives,” said Fayaz Ahmad Baig of Ganasthan in Sumbal, Bandipora. He said, “Most carpet weavers fall within the age group of 30 and above.” He informed that out of 60 per cent of the population engaged with carpet weaving, 35 per cent were women. Quoting reasons responsible for the shift, Baig said, “People have shifted to other options like poultry farm, which they feel are more profitable and involve physical exercise, while in carpet weaving, weavers have to sit at one place for hours together.” “Education becoming popular among younger generation and media, too, has played a positive role in spreading education,” he said. Role of “wosta” (middlemen) in this sector had declined, said Baig. “They earned more profits and at times exploited weavers. The communication system has played its part in minimising the role of ‘wosta’ as weavers can now communicate directly with customers and get better prices,” he added. Ali Mohammad Dar, a resident of Sheganpora, deals with purchasing of carpets from weavers and sells them to carpet-dealers. He observes that a few years ago, carpet weaving was common in village and young children were also involved. Dar accepted that the role of middlemen in carpet weaving had declined. “People used to take advance money from middlemen, which resulted in their exploitation. Weavers were paid less wages,” he added. “Exporters cannot approach families directly. They go to middlemen, who can provide them variety of designs and bulk of production,” he said, adding that designs like Hamdan, Goum, Chole kashna, Anari kashan, Mehraj, Sabz kashan, Seena and some size patterns of carpet like six by nine, eight by eleven, nine by twelve, four by six and three by five are still followed. |
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Army hands over de-mined land to civil admn
Jammu, February 18 In the wake of the Parliament attack on December 13, 2001, followed by 11-month stand-off with Pakistan under Operation Parakram the Army troops were deployed on the border. Similarly, a huge chunk of agricultural land in the forward areas close to the border was mined. During the operation land belonging to residents of Shamwan villages in Akhnoor tehsil was also used for laying a minefield in order to stem the flow of an anticipated enemy’s advance. The locals were assured that this land had been de-mined using state-of- the-art equipment. Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand and Major Gen K Majumdar, GOC 10, Infantry Division, were present on the occasion. The GOC of the Crossed Swords Division informed people that Army jawans carried out de-mining in the harshest weather conditions working tirelessly day and night. He appreciated the support extended to the Army authorities and reiterated that the men in uniform would ensure the security of the nation’s frontiers, besides continuing to assist the local population in the development of the area. Expressing gratitude to the Army authorities, Tara Chand hoped that the Army would continue to help the state government in its endeavour to ensure normalcy in the state. |
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Shimla Theatre Fest-2010
Jammu, February 18 Organised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi, in collaboration with the Himachal Academy of Arts, Culture and Literature, the festival is going to commence from February 23 at the historic Gaiety Theatre, Shimla. The event is scheduled to be inaugurated by Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Prem Kumar Dhumal. Thakur would also explore the possibilities of further improvement in the respective productions of different theatre groups. During his stay in Shimla, the Department of Language and Culture, the Himachal government will also organise a programme “Face-to-Face with Balwant Thakur”. In 1988, the Himachal government assigned Thakur to travel to all 12 districts and document their performing art traditions. |
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MC employees continue strike
Srinagar, February 18 The employees were demanding that the government should fulfil the promises it had made with the
employees during the reorganisation of the municipality five years ago. “Recently the government had agreed to fulfil our demands, but now it has deviated from the promises it had made with the employees of the corporation at the time of its reorganisation,” an employee of the SMC said. The employees under the leadership of Haji Bashir Ahmed, president of the SMC Employees Union, also held a protest on the Residency Road in the city. “There are 38 municipal councils in the Kashmir valley, but the government has not given the benefits of the sixth pay commission to the employees of all these councils,” Bashir Ahmed said. The employees have been demanding that the government should not ignore their issues, otherwise, they would be forced to intensify their agitation in the coming days. “If the government continues to turn a blind eye to the problems being faced by us, then we would be left with no other option but to intensify our agitation and the government itself would be responsible for all consequences,” Bashir Ahmed said. Meanwhile, the Srinagar city presented a filthy look as the heaps of garbage could be seen on the city roads. |
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Concession in Syllabus
Jammu, February 18 According to a statement issued here, the agitation turned violent when a rally of students, which was going towards the university, was forcefully stopped by the state police at the Canal Road. The students pelted stones on police cops when some students received injuries during the process due to the cane charge. Earlier, the protest rally was started from Government Gandhi Memorial (GGM) Science College. All the students boycotted their classes and gathered at the college ground and raised slogans against the university administration. The protesters took out a protest rally towards SPMR College of Commerce. Students of SPMR College of Commerce, Government College for Women (GCW), Parade, and MAM College also participated in the protests. The students blocked the Kachi Chowni road for more than 2 hours. |
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Poet Shafi Shaida dead
Srinagar, February 18 He had remained associated with different political parties, including the Congress, National Conference and the PDP during his political career. Shaida also remained as advisor to former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah from 1996 to 2002. The writer and politician was the recipient of Sahitya Akademi Award for one of his poetic collections in Kashmiri. His death has been condoled by different sections of the society and political leadership. The Adbee Markaz Kamraz (AMK), a literary organisation of Kashmiri language has also expressed shock over his demise. At a condolence meeting held here today the members highlighted Shaida’s contribution in the field of language and literature. Describing him as a prolific writer, the speakers said he had a unique art of writing and he played an important role in the struggle of preserving and protecting the Kashmiri language. |
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Amnesty for Sikh youths sought
Jammu, February 18 Addressing a joint press conference with representatives of Sikh organisations, president of the forum Avtar Singh Khalsa demanded that amnesty announced for Kashmiri youth, who crossed over to Pakistan for armed training, should be extended to the Sikh youth. “During the past 26 years, these youths are not involved in subversive activities and their families are also living in miserable conditions, so they should also be rehabilitated on the pattern of the Kashmiri youth,” demanded chief organiser of the Bhai Kaniya Nishcam Seva Society Mohinder Singh. He also demanded release of all Sikh youths to bring them in the mainstream. |
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Now, minor surgeries at Ramgarh hospital
Udhampur, February 18 Responding to long-pending demand at a public darbar at Ramnagar, DDC Baseer Ahmed Khan instructed the Chief Medical Officer, Udhampur, to fix two days in a week for the purpose at the SDH. Since, there is no anaesthetist at the SDH, Khan instructed to depute one from the district hospital. He also gave assurance regarding appointment of a child specialist at the
SDH. — TNS |
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Sports meet for women held
Jammu, February 18 The First Lady, Usha Vohra, who was chief guest on the occasion, lit the ceremonial lamp to declare the meet open. She lauded the continuing efforts of the kendra for the socio-economic upliftment of the rural women and educational advancement of the children of such areas. Referring to the sports activities and the cultural programme presented on the occasion, she said women and children were immensely talented, which needed to be adequately channelised. She appreciated the participants for presenting a captivating programme without any formal training.
— TNS |
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2 killed in mishaps
Jammu, February 18 In other road accidents, 13 persons received injuries and were admitted at Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Jammu. |
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Rally to honour ex-servicemen
Jammu, February 18 Grievances, if any, of the ex-servicemen can also be registered with the designated personnel at the rally. |
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DG CRPF calls on Guv
Jammu, February 18 Srivastava accompanied by Special DG CRPF, J&K Zone, NK Tripathi; IG Operations, CRPF headquarters, New Delhi, PM Nair; IG CRPF, Jammu, AS Sidhu and IG CRPF, Srinagar, PVK Reddy; briefed the Governor about the security scenario in the state during the meeting that lasted for about an hour. This was Srivastava’s first meeting with the Governor after taking over as the Director General, CRPF, on January 31.
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