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NC-Cong rift widens
Army deals terrible blow to terrorism
Kashmir a smokers’ paradise
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Tea with The
Tribune
RS Pura leads in atrocities on women
BSF School holds annual day
KV No-2 celebrates 32nd
annual day
Speaking Out
Srinagar diary
Suicides by schoolchildren worry parents
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NC-Cong rift widens
Jammu, April 30 Failure of the state Cabinet to take important policy decision was the result of serious differences between the two coalition partners. Differences between the two partners have been putting impact on the functioning of the government in the state. Despite repeatedly conducting Cabinet meetings, the government could not take any important decision in such meetings due to the lack of consensus among ministers of both parties. Since the formation of the coalition government in the state, leaders of both parties are finding it difficult to adjust themselves at grass-roots level because in many Assembly segments they had fought with each other as rivals. But, now the rift wide open as the ministers of both parties have been taking divergent stand on important issues. Political experts were of the view that this coalition government was formed without formulating any Common Minimum Programme (CMP) so such differences were unavoidable, as both parties have been trying to strengthen their vote bank. In the just-concluded Budget Session of the Assembly, ministers of both the coalition partners took different stand on important issues so the government faced embarrassment a number of times in the House. On the controversial Inter-District Recruitment Bill, the Congress strongly opposed the Bill in its original form and forced the government to incorporate amendments to exclude the Scheduled Castes from the purview of the Bill. The NC, which is heading the government, was not in the favour of such amendment, but ultimately writ of the Congress prevailed upon. Similarly, the Congress was against the introduction of the controversial Jammu and Kashmir Permanent Residents Women (Disqualification) Bill, but a senior minister of the NC was adamant to get this controversial introduced in the Legislative Council. Although the Congress members got this Bill excluded from the business of the Council due to technical reasons, there was a feeling among party members that NC minister had cheated them and their minister. The Congress, with majority of its members from the Jammu region, wants that the NC should give the party a freehand in transfers and posting of officers in the region. NC leaders, on the other hand, want to accommodate their own workers in the Jammu region. They are very much aware that without strengthening the base in the region, it’s not possible to retain position in the next Assembly elections so NC leadership has been desperately trying to strength its base in side of Pir Panchal and the Congress finding it difficult to digest this move of the NC. Apart from differences on some important issues, joining of some leaders in the Congress has also created tension among NC leaders who smelt some design in such joining. NC leaders are not happy over the Congress displaying its strength at Vijaypur when former PDP Minister Manjit Singh joined the party. |
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Army deals terrible blow to terrorism
Jammu, April 30 In Operation Khoj from March 23 to April 2 the Army liquidated 16 terrorists in the Rajouri-Kalakote sector but not a single civilian suffered either humiliation or damages to life and property, sources said. The most significant aspect of this 11-day operation it did not evoke even a single murmur of protest. As one of the senior officers supervising Operation Khoj said: "As we had planned our operations quite well they (terrorists) just walked into our traps and we ensured that they all were eliminated." In the Jammu region, the Army and others security forces have neutralised 40 ultras while one woman terrorist was apprehended and two others had surrendered this year so far. Of the 37 ultras slain so far this year were 14 top commanders (10 district commanders, two sector commanders and two tehsil commanders)of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), HuJI, Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) and the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The most recent operation conducted in the Munai area of Gandoh tehsil on April 24 resulted in the elimination of two hardcore terrorists-- Mohammed Zunga Yarwar and Tanveer Ahmed Bhatt, deputy district commander and tehsil commander, respectively, of the Hizbul Mujahideen, who had become a terror in the area. After the near total obliteration of their top leadership in the first two months of this year, the residual demoralised cadres of all four major terror outfits viz., HM, HUJI, JeM and LeT operating in the Jammu region continued to be on the run to escape the "men in olive." They now lie scattered, suffering from low morale and motivation, lack of funds, gradual erosion of local support base and relentless pressure of the security forces. With the JeM, HM and HUJI lying low in the absence of effective leadership, the ISI is trying to resuscitate the terror network by facilitating the entry of more armed cadres into the region and imposing foreign terrorists at the upper rungs in these areas to check surrenders and motivate the cadres.
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Kashmir a smokers’ paradise
Srinagar, April 30 Even as the government sometime ago announced that the ban would also be implemented in the valley, smoking at public places is common. Recently, Mehraj Ahmad Kakroo, deputy commissioner, Srinagar, reiterated that the ban would be implemented in letter and spirit. Speaking at a function organised by the Voluntary Health Association of India (VHAI), Kakroo said stern action would be taken against those found smoking at public places. “The police has to play an important role in the implementation of the ban. But so far no such action has been taken wherein we can say that the smokers have been accounted for their action,” says Abdul Rahim, a resident, adding, “At times, even police personnel can be seen puffing in full public glare”. People are more upset over smoking in health institutions and say the authorities in different hospitals have failed to take action against smokers. “Hospitals need to be free from smoking, but unfortunately it is not the case. Attendants of patients and other visitors puff openly as they know that
no action would be taken against them. Since hospitals have their own security it is essential that action is taken against violators so that the message is conveyed to others,” said Mohammad Yousuf, a government employee. Smoking in passenger buses can also be found in Kashmir and this causes trouble to other passengers. “Most of the times, the driver or the conductor smoke and violate the rules. The traffic police does not take any action. Once action is taken against offenders, others might mend their ways,” says Rauf Ahmad, a bus passenger. Expressing displeasure over non-implementation of the ban, Aijaz Ahmad, a sportsman, says the government is not serious in this respect. “News about the ban on smoking at public places has been doing round for years, but the same has not been taken up seriously in Kashmir”. |
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Tea with The
Tribune
In a tete-a-tete with The Tribune team, Manhas talked about controversies surrounding him and discusses new plans for promoting art and culture
As editor of the Cultural Academy, Zaffar has edited and compiled more than 150 books and titles in Urdu and Pahari language. Two guests, Keshav Sharma and Ashish Sharma, both theatre artistes from Rangyug group, also joined The Tribune team in the interaction. Following are the excerpts: Jupinderjit Singh (JS): The Academy of Art and Culture is celebrating this year as “Year of Cultural Dialogue”. What is it about? Zaffar Iqbal Manhas (ZIM): This is the age when dialogue between people is the most important. But people and nations rarely do that to resolve chronic issues. Our state is confronted with many such issues. We talk in private whereas intellectual discourse is the need of the hour. We are inviting people from within the state and outside to have such a discourse at the state and regional level. The idea is to spread art and culture. Spreading it is the only way to combat militancy. No artist has ever picked up gun. Ravi Krishnan Khajuria (RKK): There have always been voices of discontent and discrimination when it comes to giving representation to different languages, dialects, ethnicities and cultures by the academy. How do you cope up with the situation and ensure justice to all? ZIM: Being human beings, no one can claim to be balanced all the time. But after assuming the office, I have tried to do justice to everyone with sincerity and honesty. At the same time, I inherited a legacy (academy), which has certain lacunae and it will take some time to set the house in order. If a genuine proposal comes to me, I don’t waste time to give my nod. It was me who after taking over the charge convened a meeting of around 300 writers, telling them to keep a check on me and vice-versa so as to see art, culture and languages thrive in the state. However, people should also know that the academy has several infrastructure and financial constraints. Even today, we don’t have a single auditorium in Kashmir, where cultural activities are indispensable to bring it back on the track. Similarly, we don’t have any control over Kala Kendra in Jammu and we are getting the same budget as it was 10 years ago. RKK: Every time the academy felicitates artists from the field of art, culture and languages, including theatre, it faces allegations of nepotism. How you react to them? ZIM: We have a panel of experts from every field. Problem is created by those who don’t get awards and feel there is some bias. But our process is transparent. Though several people wanted me to manipulate things, I never compromised. I know how an artist works relentlessly to carve a niche for himself. Whatever I have done so far as secretary of the Academy it goes down well with my conscience and I have no remorse. Dinesh Manhotra (DM): Due to indifferent attitude of the academy, the Institute of Music and Fine Arts is housed in a dilapidated building that can collapse anytime. Why the authorities shy away from their responsibilities? (ZIM): I want to make it clear that this institute has been unnecessary attached with the academy. In other parts of the country, such institutes are attached with the universities concerned. We still take care of it with our limited resources. Recently, we gave Rs 7 lakh for its repair. A decision regarding handing over the institute to Jammu University is in final stages. Sunaina Kaul (SK): It has been alleged that the JKAACL has appointed valley-based people on some important posts instead of people from Jammu? What is the truth? ZIM: It is not possible and there is no such criteria. There is a committee of experts from Jawaharlal Nehru University, which makes appointments for JKAACL. However, there are around nine employees who belong to Jammu and were appointed in the valley, but they managed to get transferred to Jammu. SK: When will the academy publish its yearly calendar of events as till date no such calendar has been published? ZIM: We will publish the calendar in June in which events, time and venue will be mentioned. The calendar will be subject to change. Ashutosh Sharma (AS): The annual Kul Hind mushaira held by the academy used to be a big draw in which stalwarts of Urdu poetry take part. But over the years, its status has come down to the level of a district-level poetic congregation. Your comments. ZIM: We cannot invite poets like Gulzar, Javed Akhtar, Bashir Badar and Nida Fazli as we have limited budget. But still we invite good poets from other states as per our resources. AS: What is your annual budget and what is the requirement of the JKAACL? ZIM: The budget amount to nearly Rs 7.5 crore out of which 75 per cent is utilised for disbursement of salaries and the rest is spent on cultural activities. No amount of money is sufficient enough for the promotion of cultural activities. Still, the budget amount should be doubled. AS: There are reports from tehsils like Sunderbani and Nowshera, besides districts headquarters like Samba, RS Pura and Kathua that no cultural activities have been held there for the past two-three years. Why? ZIM: I would appeal to writers, artists or other cultural activists to show their presence and put up proposals for holding functions in their respective areas. It’s a two way process. If proposals come from their side, the academy will surely hold functions. AS: You display a deep understanding of political issues confronting people of the state. Do you have any plans to joining politics? ZIM: I am a “karamyogi”. Whatever assignment comes across, I enjoy doing it. Earlier, I got a number of opportunities to enter into politics but I was occupied with other work. But after I am finished with this assignment, I would love to serve my people if such an opportunity comes to me. Archit Watts (AW): You are known as the cultural ambassador of Kashmir, why Kashmir alone and not the Jammu and Kashmir? ZIM: Yes, I am known as cultural ambassador of Kashmir, but I am a Dogra by blood and born in Kashmir. I love Jammu as much as I love Kashmir. It is the prerogative of public. What they want to say, they can. As far as Jammu people are concerned, they have always given me full cooperation and I expect the same in future also. My job is to represent not only region and I have always represented the entire state with my full wisdom. Ashish Sharma (theatre artiste): Abhinav Theatre in Jammu, the cradle of theatre culture, is in a shambles. When would it be modernised? ZIM: You would see some changes soon. Power supply was a big issue that has been sorted out. And it’s just not about this theatre only. Media can help us a lot by raising the issue in public forums. You are well versed with the problem of funds. I think regular interaction between the academy, government, bureaucracy and media can help is finding solutions to many issues. Keshav Sharma (theatre artiste): How do you plan to bring different regions of the state together through art and culture? ZIM: We have finalised plans of holding Dogri conference in Srinagar. Similarly, we want to organise such programmes of different culture and region in all parts of the state.
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RS Pura leads in atrocities on women
Jammu, April 30 Shakti Sharma, in charge, women cell said, “Hardly a day passes when we do not receive any complaint from the area”. She said consumption of alcohol was high in this belt and that could be the reason behind such cases. Pankaj Kumar, a social worker and a resident of RS Pura, said the majority of people of this area were agriculturists and the yield of their crops was decreasing with every passing year, which had made them more aggressive. “It is a fact that whenever a man faces hardships or penury-like situation, he becomes violent and loses temper quite often,” added Pankaj. Shakti said earlier they had been receiving complaints of atrocities on women by their mothers-in-law, but the trend had changed as most of the complaints this year were against husbands. A large number of women visit the women cell every day. “Any aggrieved woman or victim can come and file her complaint with the women cell directly. She has no need to go to any police station,” said Shakti. She said their higher officers had given clear instructions that no one should be spared. “Last week, we have registered a case against the superintendent of Kot Bhalwal Prison, which is an example of its kind,” added Shakti. About the working of women cell, a senior police officer told The Tribune, “As soon as the cell receives a complaint, officers initiate investigations and call both parties at the office and also involve some social workers to sort out the dispute”. “Every dispute which comes to the cell is a matter of two families so the officer acts with much care and puts maximum effort to sort out the issue, sometimes without even registering a case. But when the matter becomes worse, the officer files an FIR,” said the police officer. He said they were planning to organise some seminars in the area to educate the public that women were equal to men in all aspects and they should be given equal rights. |
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BSF School holds annual day
Jammu, April 30 Tejpal Kour and Vilas Rarotra, students of senior sections, were awarded trophies for their achievement in gymnastics and fencing, respectively, at the international level. Rakesh Roshan, an athlete, was also awarded the trophy for his outstanding performance in the CBSE Handball Tournament -2009 at the national level. The title of the Best Boy and the Best Girl of 2009-10 was won by S. Krishna and Anjali, respectively. Among the schoolhouses, Tagore House was presented DG trophy for the best performance during the session, whereas Raman House was awarded runner-up trophy. The function was celebrated at an open-air theatre, BSF campus, Paloura. Bindu Surollia, first lady, BSF, Jammu Frontier, was the guest of honour. The chief guest and the guest of honour were given a warm welcome in a traditional manner with ‘tilak’ ceremony and chanting of Vedic mantras. In the beginning of the function, SS Khokkar, principal of the school, presented the annual report of the school and highlighted the achievements of the school in various fields during the session, 2009-10. The chief guest and the guest of honour presented prizes to the students who were first prize winners for their outstanding performance in academic as well as sports. Students presented a stunning cultural programme which included a beautiful ballet depicting the evils of society and conveying the message of love and brotherhood. A classical dance “geet gaya pathron ne” and dance in Michael Jackson style performed by one senior student enthralled the audience. At the end of the function, the audience was thrilled by bhangra performed by students.
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KV No-2 celebrates 32nd
annual day
Jammu, April 30 On the occasion, Brig JS Sandhu, chairman, VMC, was the chief guest, while KS Yadav, EO, Jammu region, and Ruby Sandhu, were the guests of honour. The programme commenced with the lighting of lamp by the chief guest who was accompanied by Sushma Thapar, principal of the school. It was followed by a glittering cultural programme presented by students, which left the audience enthralled. Punajbi gidda, bhangra and Marathi dance enthralled the audience. A scene depicting corrupt practices adopted by some police officers to gain the goodwill of their higher-ups was also appreciated by the audience. The function was also attended by other distinguished guests like education officer, principals from other schools, VMC members and officers from the 26 Infantry Division. The principal gave an ICT presentation of the annual report and highlighted the activities and achievements of the school. |
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Making offenders
public can check crime
The Board of School Education (BOSE) has started publishing the roll numbers of students caught using unfair means in examinations. Should other departments like the police, income tax, vigilance and others also publish the list of defaulters and criminals? TNS elicited the following viewpoints from a cross-section of people.
— Arun Sharma, Central government employee
— Girja Kaul, housewife
— Rajesh Koul, college student
— Pamposh Ambardar, housewife
— Mumtaz Hussain Shah, private employee
— Mohit Sharma, university student
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Toiling to get a good shot
Faulty Internet services
With Internet becoming one of the major necessities of modern time many companies have ventured in Kashmir by launching wireless Internet service. But the service is far inferior to that in other states. The Internet speed usually remains slow and, most of the time, out of coverage. The upload and download speed is so poor that it takes several hours for a small file to attach and if a big file is to be attached one has to wait for the entire day. The worst affected lot are the journalists and photojournalists who depend on Internet service and have taken the services of more than one operators, but the service by all private operators remains poor in the valley. The telecom authorities should show some concern towards the Internet service users in the Kashmir valley. Illegal nursing homes
The recent drive against illegal nursing homes in the valley is an appreciable step but the same ought to be carried out without any fear or favour. It has to be a continuous process so that such illegal practices are put to an end as public health is of paramount importance. Most of the nursing homes are money-minting tools, least bothered about the wellbeing of people. The drive has been appreciated by people but they want the government to continue with its efforts so that health facilities in the valley are improved. Nursing homes ought to be equipped with basic infrastructural facilities and those which do not comply with the rules should be strictly dealt with. (Contributed by Ehsan Fazili, Tejinder Singh Sodhi and Afsana
Rashid) |
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Suicides by schoolchildren worry parents
Srinagar, April 30 Almost a week ago, Syed Sarmad, a resident of Rawalpora Housing Colony, committed suicide by hanging himself with a ceiling fan. His death sent shock waves across the area and it was mourned by the people who were not even remotely related to him. As if this incident wasn’t enough, Kaisar Ali, a resident of Gongoo-Pulwama, took the extreme step by hanging himself with a dupatta. This incident took place at Alamgari Bazaar, here, where Kaisar had gone to visit his relatives. “I don’t understand the logic behind these incidents and I fail to understand why these boys took such an extreme step. The society has to look into this and we should try to find out the answer to this situation,” said Mohammad Rameez, a social worker. Most of the academicians put blame on parents for this social imbalance and say parents expect their children to top even in unit tests. “There is cut-throat competition in today’s competitive world and we tend to attach importance to class examinations. Parents should understand that their children may have talent in some other activity and that needs to be looked into. They shouldn’t put extra burden on their wards and understand that every child cannot become a doctor or an engineer,” said Mohammad Ashraf, a government teacher. On the other hand, parents say following suicides over a past one week or so, they don’t ask their children to concentrate on studies. “Given the situation arising out of the suicides by Sarmad and Kaisar, I am not able to ask my children to devote their attention to studies. I feel that they too may get mentally disturbed and in such a situation one cannot rule out any eventuality,” said Gulzar Ahmad, a parent. |
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Zaffar Iqbal Manhas, secretary, J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) is credited with raising the academy to new heights from its infancy when the budget was a mere Rs 12,000. An avid writer and columnist himself, he has often invited ire of the government and separatists for calling a spade a spade.
Yes; if the government publishes notice in newspapers, offenders will refrain from resorting to offence for fear of getting stigmatised in society.
No; publication of such notice would mean wastage of public money. Offenders do not mend their ways even after getting punished because they are not normal human beings.
In a society where ethics and morality has taken a back seat, such actions hardly act as a deterrent against the crime.
Publishing notice in newspapers would at least make the people aware about the identity of offenders in their neighbourhood, and in certain cases, it can even help in reforming such offenders who care for social norms.
Publication of names of the people, who commit crimes against children and women, in newspapers can act as a deterrent in the recurrence of offences as it would make such people socially isolated.
Yes; this can prove a novel method of stopping people short of committing crime for fear of getting exposed in public.
Reporters and photographers representing various local, national and international media agencies have been toiling hard, particularly during the past two decades, to get updated news and the best possible pictures. The 20-year-long trouble, coupled with the development of electronic media equipped with innumerable communication facilities, has led to fast growth of media activities in Kashmir. Very often journalists have to face the wrath of the police or the security forces while doing their job. But it is not always the confrontation between intrepid reporters or photographers and the police. On occasions the photographers or cameramen of various TV channels have to find “the most suitable and safe places” for focusing on the event, be it a political rally (See picture) or any other incident, lest they should fail to come up to the expectations of their audience. They even risk their lives in doing so to make sure to grab the best possible pictures and footage.