Srinagar/Delhi, January 9
Chinese troops entered Indian territory and objected to construction work on a road project in the Gombir area in the Demchok region of Ladakh late last year.The Chinese troops threatened the contractor and his workers who were constructing the road, a plan for which was cleared by the state Rural Development Department, to stop the work.

Deputy Commissioner of Leh, P. Angchok, said:“The Chinese troops objected to the construction work and threatened the workers involved in it. The matter was brought to our notice and the district administration reported the matter to the state government which informed the Centre in this regard, ” said Angchok.

He said, “The area where the incident took place is close to the Line of Actual Control(LAC) with no fencing or demarcation.As a result, the Chinese troops enter the Indian side easily”.

During a meeting with the district administration,the Army then asked the state government not to carry out any construction work in the area and asked it to take the permission of the Ministry of Defence before undertaking any construction activity in the area.

Speaking to The Tribune, Minister for Rural Development Ali Mohammed Sagar said: “A project was going on under NREGA in the village and there was some controversy.We were asked by the Army to get the Defence Ministry’s permission first.So far, we haven’t got the permission. So,the construction work in the area has been abandoned”.

To increase road connectivity in the areas along the LAC, the state government was planning to construct several links, but had to shelve the projects after the Army’s advisory.

The recent incident took place days after a flag meeting between the Indian and Chinese troops. In recent years, in order to improve bilateral relations, India and China signed two landmark agreements, the Peace and Tranquility Agreement in 1993, and the Confidence- Building Measures Agreement in 1996. Flag meetings are held seven times a year between the Indian and Chinese military delegations.

In Delhi the Army has denied that there was a motorcycle-borne intrusion by Chinese troops in the Demchok sector in Ladakh.

Sources in the Army said there was a clear understanding between India and China that both sides would inform each other before carrying out any construction in an area of 50 km on either side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

It is pertinent to mention here that the Ministry of Defence gives the permission to the local civil administration after informing the Chinese. In this case, the local authorities had not informed the ministry about its intention to build a road near the LAC.

Both nations dispute each other’s claims on the LAC in Ladakh and it is part of the ongoing boundary talks. The last round was weeks before Chinese Premier Wen Jaibao visited India in mid-December.China has built a huge infrastructure on its side and in December last year, India announced its proposal to have a new airbase at Nyoma in Central Ladakh.

Jammu, January 9
After maintaining a low profile for the past three months, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has decided to adopt a path of agitation to corner the coalition government headed by the National Conference.

A meeting of senior office-bearers and legislators of the PDP was held today under the chairmanship of former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed where the party devised a strategy to launch an agitation programme against the present Omar Abdullah government.

In the meeting it was decided to hold demonstrations at all district headquarters on January 19 to highlight the failure of the present regime.

After organising demonstrations at Srinagar and Jammu, simultaneously, on January 4 against the failure of the coalition regime, the party has also announced a future course of agitation programme here to highlight miseries of the people of the state due to the wrong policies of the Omar Abdullah-led coalition government.

While the National Conference-led coalition government has completed its two-year term on January 5, the PDP has stepped up campaign against the regime for the past one week and has decided to intensify the same in the coming days to consolidate its position.

The PDP has been emphasising on day-to-day problems, including power crisis, shortage of ration and galloping prices of essential commodities, to identity itself with the common man.

Mufti asked party workers to expose the present regime, which according to him had failed to come up to people’s expectations.

He said the PDP was charged with a historic duty of redeeming the state from its worst phase of history, adding that the party would continue to pursue its broad political and development agenda.

Mufti said the party cadres should rise up to the occasion and identify themselves with the people. “The party has to take up the challenge of exposing an insensitive government that has reversed all the gains made earlier,” he added. The NC had returned to its old tradition of nepotism, corruption, atrocities. Now the party was trying to survive merely through its administrative tools rather than as a political party that would feel accountable to its people, he alleged.

Srinagar, January 9
Following the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the only surface link between the Valley and the rest of the country, the Kashmir valley remained cut off for the second consecutive day today due to heavy snowfall near the Jawahar Tunnel and Patnitop.

“The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remained closed for the second day today due to heavy snowfall at Jawahar Tunnel and Patnitop,” said Amir Ali, coordinator of the National Disaster Management Cell, Kashmir.

The control room said there was a huge traffic jam on the highway as the road had become slippery. It said more than 900 vehicles, including 280 passenger vehicles, were stranded at various places on the highway. Meanwhile, the cold wave continued in the Valley. The high altitude areas of the Valley, including Pahalgam and Gulmarg, received another spell of snow.

Jammu: People in Jammu may get respite from the severe cold after two days. The maximum temperature today was 10.6°C and the minimum settled at 03.7°C. While the maximum temperature recorded yesterday was 12.0°C and the minimum was 06.4°C.

While talking to The Tribune, RL Pandita, assistant meteorologist, said the 
sky would be clear after January 12.

The Met Department predicted that Jammu might witness rainfall from January 13 to January 16 as fresh western disturbances were likely over the state.

However, a majority of people remained indoors as the government establishments remained closed today.

Jammu, January 9
The state aims to have a tourist per every resident in Ladakh this year.Putting the losses suffered owing to the cloudburst last year behind, the Ministry for Tourism and Culture hopes that with aggressive marketing,it will achieve the target of attracting 1.17 lakh tourists to the cold desert.

The Minister for Tourism and Culture, Nawang, Rigzin Jora, told The Tribune that he was confident of achieving the target. “Last year, despite the cloudburst, nearly 77,000 tourists visited Ladakh. That was more than the previous year when about 66,000 tourists visited the region.” He said special awareness programmes were being launched in this regard.

Jora said he was happy with the number of tourists who visited other parts of the state last year. “The Kashmir valley had nearly 7.25 lakh tourists despite a shutdown for nearly two months. The figure was quite high.This year, thanks to timely snow, tourists are visiting Srinagar and Gulmarg in large numbers. We may have a windfall this year.”

He said a large number of tourists visited the Jammu region, with 87 lakh paying obeisance at the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. “We need to do more to attract tourists to other destinations in Jammu. Last year, the figure was satisfactory with 11 lakh of the 87 lakh Vaishno Devi pilgrims visiting the Shiv Khori religious-cultural tourist spot and another four lakh visiting Patnitop, the most popular hill resort in Jammu division.

The figure of 77,000 tourists to Ladakh should not be seen as low compared to Kashmir or Jammu. “In Ladakh, a tourist stays for 15 days or even a month unlike other parts of the state.”

The minister admitted there was a lot to be done for providing better facilities to the tourists. “The railway station needs beautification. The Pathankot-Jammu National Highway has to be completed at the earliest and then maintained properly.”

He said he had already requested for a Shatabdi service for Jammu. “I would also take up the issue of the cleanliness of the railway station with the Union Ministry of Railways.”

Jammu, January 9
Terming the political awareness at the grassroots as a key to peace and progress, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today emphasised the need of strengthening state’s secular credentials and nurturing its age-old traits of love and brotherhood between various sections of the society.

“There is an urgent need to cement the bonds of amity between various regions and sections of the people in the state”, he said, and asked his party workers to work as catalysts in this stupendous task.

Addressing NC office-bearers and activists from the districts of Samba, Kathua, Udhampur and Ramban here today, the Chief Minister asked them to work as people’s friends and agents of development and peace in the state.

Rejecting the attempts of certain politicians to divide the society in the name of region, religion, creed and caste for vote-bank politics, the Chief Minister said all such attempts would not succeed as the people were wise enough to read between the lines. He said such attempts needed to be foiled by the people showing their earnest faith in the secular and democratic principles.

Omar Abdullah asked the party rank and file to nurture the manifesto of communal harmony, equitable development of all areas and solidarity of the state and help in carrying forward the development agenda of the government for the state on fast track.

“You should remain closely associated with the people at grassroots and highlight their development needs and grievances at various levels of the government seeking solution to their difficulties”, he said.

The Chief Minister said the coalition government was committed to fulfill its promise made on development front and steps had already been initiated in this direction. “The schemes and projects launched across the state during the last two years, and innovative measures initiated to tackle the crisis of unemployment have started yielding results,” he added.

Jammu/Srinagar, January 9
People in Jammu may get respite from the severe cold after two days. The maximum temperature today was 10.6°C and the minimum settled at 03.7°C. While the maximum temperature recorded yesterday was 12.0°C and the minimum was 06.4°C. RL Pandita, assistant meteorologist, said the sky would be clear after January 12.

The Met Department predicted that Jammu might witness rainfall from January 13 to January 16. However, a majority of people remained indoors as the government establishments remained closed today. Tea and coffee kiosks located near hospitals and bus stands were jam-packed with customers due to the bone-chilling cold. Meanwhile, following the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the only surface link between the Valley and the rest of the country, the Kashmir valley remained cut off for the second consecutive day today due to heavy snowfall near the Jawahar Tunnel and Patnitop.

“The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remained closed for the second day today due to heavy snowfall at Jawahar Tunnel and Patnitop,” said Amir Ali, coordinator of the National Disaster Management Cell, Kashmir.

The control room said there was a huge traffic jam on the highway as the road had become slippery. It said more than 900 vehicles, including 280 passenger vehicles, were stranded at various places on the highway.

Meanwhile, the high altitude areas of the Valley, including Pahalgam and Gulmarg, received another spell of snow.

Srinagar, January 9
The state government is planning a comprehensive development of both Srinagar and Jammu so that its vision of making the two places as greater cities of the state is achieved.

This was stated by Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand while reviewing the development works of municipalities and local bodies here today.

Impressing upon officials for making judicious use of funds allotted for various works in Kashmir division, the Deputy Chief Minister said the government would not tolerate any laxity in the completion of development works within the stipulated time.

He said the government had made it clear that quality with regard to development works should never be compromised.

While reviewing the development works, Tara Chand was informed that Rs 120 crore was being spent under the R&B sector, of which Rs 80 crore was spent so far on various works. In addition, work on 171 bridges was going apace and Rs 42 crore had been spent so far.

The Commissioner, SMC, Mushtaq Ahmad, informed the Deputy Chief Minister that the corporation had taken up four projects at a cost of Rs 24 crore in Srinagar, including 246 residential houses for the poor.Of these, 30 houses were under construction. Besides, Rs 8 crore was being spent on the construction of lanes and drains while community centres in Srinagar were being constructed at a cost of Rs 12 crore.

Ahmad said 246 more residential units were under construction for Tibetan families at a cost of Rs 8 crore of which Rs 1.5 crore had been spent so far.

Later, the Deputy Chief Minister held a joint meeting of engineers of various departments and officials of the Local Bodies Department and reviewed their work.

He advised the Srinagar Municipal Corporation to curb the emergence of polythene in the city as it was done last year.

While interacting with different executive officials from 47 towns, the Tara Chand said all possible measures should be taken for effective development of towns.

Srinagar, January 9
The Minister for Social Welfare, Sakina Itoo, has urged the people of the state to participate in the upcoming panchayat elections in the state to make it a big success.

The minister asked the people to participate in the panchayat elections to elect their representatives who could solve the problems of the people and serve their areas in a better way.

She reminded the people of the employment package announced by the Chief Minister, and asked the youth to come forward and avail themselves of the benefits under the package. She said about 1 lakh unemployed youth were being provided employment opportunities under this scheme.

The minister was addressing a public meeting in remote areas of Matibugh, Yaripora in Anantnag district.

She said the government had taken in hand a massive road network connectivity programme besides water supply schemes and power. Itoo said the Chief Minister was keen to involve youth in the development of the state as they were the future of the state. He added that some elements were out to create hurdles, and they provoked the youth for indulging in unlawful activities. She asked the youth to remain vigilant against such elements and extend their cooperation to the government which had come to power for ensuring development and prosperity of the state.

Sakina Itoo announced two anganwari centres for Matibugh and also distributed cheques worth Rs 1.5 lakh among 15 beneficiaries under various schemes.

Jammu, January 9
Billboards displaying pictures of public figures are becoming a trend in the state. In a recent instance, making a public appeal, a huge billboard displaying a picture of Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand as a “Messiah of the poor” along with pictures of Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad stands tall at Brig Rajinder Singh Chowk. Other photographs appearing on the billboard include those of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and party general secretary Rahul Gandhi.

Seemingly doubting the sanctity of the word, “Messiah”, the hoarding prefixes an adjective, “honourable”, with the designation and name of the Deputy Chief Minister. Though there is a coalition government in the state, no leader from the National Conference appears on the billboard.

In March last year, hoardings carrying the picture of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah alone were put up by the Department of Information in Jammu and Srinagar. However, within a few days of their installation, these were brought down on the orders of the Chief Minister. Nevertheless, the billboards portraying ministers and legislators can be seen at the roundabouts, roads and crowded places in Jammu.

Outside the residence of Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Raman Bhalla is a huge billboard showing the smiling minister with the National Flag in his hands. Near the Satwari Chowk, a billboard shows the picture of Medical Education and Sports Minister RS Chib.The minister in his trademark suit is presumably shown gesturing to the onlookers wishing them on the occasion of New Year and Republic Day.

“It’s not known whether these politicians indulge in “self-glorification” at their own expense or the over-enthusiastic party workers do it, but the emerging political trend is a pointer to South India which has temples of several politicians.In Uttar Pradesh,Mayawati has been spending billions on showmanship. A similar kind of political showmanship has started taking roots in the state,” said a political observer.

A sociologist at the University of Jammu says: “It could be part of a strategy, a way to counter adverse publicity and a way to be in public memory.”

“It’s a kind of self-advertisement to remain in the public psyche,” the sociologist said, cautioning “It’s a cause for concern as to where the money comes from. What is the incentive for those who spend the money on the politicians? Where are the much-hyped austerity measures?” Asks a professor of political science in the same varsity: “There is no violation of rules in promoting oneself at the cost of his or her own money. But the fact is that Indian politics has degenerated to such an extent that politicians use public money to promote their deeds and fame. Politics has got divorced from morality.”

Jammu, January 9
Minister for Higher Education, Labour and Employment Abdul Gani Malik inaugurated a two-week Faculty Development Programme at Government College of Engineering and Technology, Jammu, yesterday.

The training programme has been organised by Government College of Engineering and Technology in collaboration with the National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board,the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister said improving teaching skills of the faculty with innovative methods was imperative for producing better human resource.

He said there were several organisations at the national and state levels which were offering support to entrepreneurs in many ways. “In our state, MSME, DIC, JKEDI, JK State Industrial Corporation and a few others are working for the encouragement and development of entrepreneurs, he said.

He hoped that the programme would go a long way for more effective results.The Sher-i-Kashmir Employment Welfare Programme was another main component which provided sufficient opportunities in the field of entrepreneurship, he added.

The Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu, Prof Varun Sahni,the Registrar, Jammu University, Prof PS Pathania, the Director, Colleges, Prof Sham Lal Gupta, and Prof Sarabjeet Singh also spoke on the occasion and gave a detailed preview of the programme. The minister also released a newsletter published by the college.

Earlier, the Principal of the college, in his address of welcome , said the programme was aimed at training the teachers with innovative methods to enhance their technical skills. The Coordinator, Faculty Development programme, Dr Rajinder Kumar, presented the vote of thanks.

Reasi, January 9
Legendary Dogra warrior General Zorawar Singh, who lived in royal splendour about a century-and- a- half ago, could have never imagined that his descendants would have to live like paupers just by the side of the ruins of his palace located on the banks of the Chenab at Vijaypur village, near Reasi, where it is still referred to as a ‘Mahal’.

These days his fourth generation daughter-in-law Krishna Devi (70), whose husband Rattan Singh died a few years ago, is a poor old widow dependent on close and distant relatives for her daily needs.For her, even the old-age pension of Rs 700 given to those in the Below Poverty Line category, can be a princely sum.

“But I am told that the ration card in my name is the one issued to a person in the Above Poverty Line category. May be that is the reason why my application for the old-age pension was rejected. In fact, I am unaware if this could be the reason,” she told The Tribune warming her hands on an earthen chullah in her damp hut.Visits by VIPs in the past have not helped her.

She lived with her family for about 50 years in the palace built by the late warrior before it was damaged in lightening in 1992. The three-room house built by her late husband, a storekeeper in a nationalised company, is now in the possession of her two sons.

The elder son, Ranjit Singh, is afflicted with partial impairment of vision, and lives along with his younger sibling, Puran Singh, on a small piece of ancestral agricultural land. But both are not in a position to bear weekly medical expenses of Rs 250-300 on their mother. “At times, someone from my parental side or one of my married daughters help me. The irregular treatment is taking its toll on my health,” Krishna said as tears welled up in her eyes.

All statues and busts raised in her great ancestor’s memory as well as public events organised on his birth anniversary are meaningless as she remains a non-entity. The vice-president of the Warrior of J&K General Zorawar Singh Trust, Sher Singh, who is based at Katra, about 25 km from Reasi, expressed ignorance about her.