Jammu, April 29
With the rise in temperature, the weathermen have forecast a heat wave that is expected to reach Jammu in the initial days of May.

In the past 11 days, temperature in Jammu has gone up by 8°C. On April 19, the city’s maximum temperature was recorded at 30°C and yesterday it reached up to 38°C.

“The temperature is expected to cross 40°C in the first week of May. The mercury is rising with every passing day and the residents are advised to take adequate precautions to beat the heat this summer,” said an official of the Meteorological Department.

The minimum temperature was recorded at 9.8°C on April 8 and the maximum temperature was 38.6°C on April 25, making it the day hottest so far. “In the coming days, we are expecting a clear sky and rise in temperatures, which will help the farmers of the region,” said the official.

He said the mercury had been rising steadily for the past few days and this trend would continue. “The coming days will be hotter as we are expecting some dry heat in the northern region of the country,” he added.

“We had not expected such a hot weather in April, as the first half of the month was quite pleasant. I was expecting the remaining days of the month to be cool, but we found hard to bear the heat since Monday, without an air conditioner,” said Amrinder Singh, a resident of Gandhi Nagar, here.

He added that, “The sudden change in weather is creating hurdles for schoolchildren, housewives and shopkeepers, who find it difficult to go out during the day”. Meanwhile, the unscheduled power cuts have also started to haunt the residents in both metered and non-metered areas.

The climate was almost similar in the Kathua, Samba, RS Pura and other plain areas of the Jammu region. Even the hilly areas of the region, including Udhampur, Reasi, Rajouri, Poonch, Doda and Kishtwar, were facing long dry spells, as in the past few days there had been no rain across the region. 

New Delhi, April 29
A set of new guidelines has been framed for the security forces deployed in Jammu and Kashmir to handle civilian protests by using non-lethal weapons.

Home Minister P Chidambaram said the new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been formulated for the use of non-lethal weapons to handle civilian protests in the state. “These SoPs have been framed by the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the CRPF is involved in it,” he said at a press conference here today.

Chidambaram said he hoped that there would be no protests in the coming summer and if there were civilian protests, the new SoPs detailing how to use non-lethal weapons would be helpful and adequate to contain them. “But as I said earlier, I sincerely hope that there will not be any cause for civilian protests this summer,” he said.

On the proposed report to be submitted by the three interlocutors appointed by the Centre for Jammu and Kashmir, Chidambaram said the group of interlocutors had completed its seventh visit to the state. “I think they (interlocutors) have completed their exercise in Jammu and Kashmir. But if they wish to go back, they can always go back. I have given them time next week to come and discuss with me. I think they are preparing the report. Let them come next week,” he said.

On the proposed rehabilitation policy being formulated for the Kashmir youth who crossed over to the PoK between 1989 and 2009 to embrace militancy and now want to return to lead a peaceful life, Chidambaram said over 700 applications had been received by the state government and they were being processed.

“I have been told that the Home Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir chairs a high-level committee. Since he is also the Chief Election Officer for the panchayat poll, maybe for that reason only the committee has not met as yet.

“But I request the Jammu and Kashmir government to kindly hold the high-level meeting immediately and finalise at least some applications. I have been told that they are likely to meet on May 12,” Chidambaram said. — PTI

Jammu, April 29
While the Hurriyat Conference and other Kashmir-based groups have hailed the decision of the state government to revoke the order regarding Dogra certificate, Jammu-based political groups, on the other hand, have termed the government action as “meek submission” to the blackmailing tactics of the Valley-based groups, which want to deprive the ethnic minorities of the state of their fundamental rights.

“Being an ethnic group of the state, it is the fundamental right of all Dogras to get a certificate of their ethnicity. The government decision to revoke the order is highly condemnable,” said Prof Bhim Singh, chairman of the Panthers Party.

The BJP, which faced humiliation after seven of its MLAs allegedly indulged in cross-voting in favour of the candidates of the Congress and the National Conference, has decided to effectively take up the issue to revive the sagging morale of its demoralised cadre. BJP’s chief spokesman Jatinder Singh pointed out that “while the NC-led government always takes pleasure in referring to the BJP as a party that plays communal and divisive politics, the fact is that it is the NC-led government which has been constantly working to divide the state on the basis of religion and caste”.

Jatinder described the decision to revoke the Dogra certificate order as a meek submission by the state government to the diktats of Hurriyat Conference leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani and other separatist leaders.

Echoing similar views, Bhim Singh warned the government that this decision would prove disastrous for the state, as people would not tolerate such an action on the part of the government. He announced that the Panthers Party would launch an agitation on the issue in the coming days.

The BJP especially targeted the Congress for its failure to remain firm on its stand. “The Congress leadership and Revenue Minister Raman Bhalla owe it to the public to explain the reason that compelled the government to revoke the Dogra certificate order, which was in fact a step towards strengthening the composite culture of the state by uniting Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and all other religious of the region in the common fabric of the Dogra identity”.

Jammu State Morcha MLA Ashwani Sharma, while condemning the government decision, said it spoke about the mindset of the Kashmir leadership. “The interests of the ethnic minorities are not safe in Jammu and Kashmir due to the dominance of a particular section in the government,” he observed.

Srinagar, April 29
Both mainstream political and separatist parties have hailed the state government’s decision to revoke the Dogra certificate order, which had triggered sharp reactions from hardline Hurriyat Conference leader Syed Ali Geelani.

Geelani, who had called for a general strike against the Dogra certificate issue on April 11, appreciated the government decision, saying there was no need for any other document than the state subject certificate (or permanent resident certificate) to the residents of the state. He termed the revocation of the Dogra certificate order as a “victory” of the people of Kashmir that would prove to be a morale booster for Kashmiris.

Addressing a public meeting after Friday prayers in Bandipore town today, Geelani lamented the role of the Omar government saying it was acting at the behest of the Central government.

Addressing the Friday congregation at Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said the issuance of Dogra certificate was a “sinister design” aimed at denying benefits to the people of Kashmir. The government decision to revoke the order had been possible with the determination of the people of the Valley against any such designs, he added.

Srinagar, April 29
Some parts of Srinagar city observed a partial shutdown for the second consecutive day today against the arrest of the chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir liberation front (JKLF), Yasin Malik.

Malik, along with his close aide Showkat Bakshi, was arrested from Budshah Chowk yesterday when they tried to stage a sit in against the arrest of a local youth.

The police, however, said Malik and his associates were arrested on the charges of attacking a police station and police personnel. Malik’s supporters held protests in the Maisuma area of the city after the Friday prayers today.

Jammu, April 29
In connection with its ongoing campaign to “expose misdeeds” of the coalition government headed by the NC, the PDP held a demonstration here today in which all senior leaders of the party were present.

Earlier, the youth wing of the party organised two demonstrations, but today senior leaders also took part in the protest to press for their demand for a high-level probe into the cross-voting in the Legislative Council elections.

Addressing party workers, the PDP leaders attacked the coalition government for its failure to keep a check on corruption in the state. “Since the formation of the regime, corruption has been legalised, as the government has virtually licenced its leaders and workers to indulge in corrupt practices,” alleged former Rajya Sabha member and vice-president of the party Trilok Sing Bajwa. He added that the state government was involved in corruption from top to lower levels.

Speaking about the cross-voting episode, he said it was a glaring example of corruption at the highest level. He regretted the fact that instead of checking corruption at the lower level, those at the helm of affairs were themselves indulged in corrupt practices.

Reminding the Chief Minister of his statement in which he had stated that he would resign if his involvement in the cross-voting episode was proved, general secretary of the party Balbir Singh said the decision of the BJP leadership to suspend its seven MLAs for cross-voting was the authentication of some deal in the shoddy event.

“Striking such a big deal without the consent of the Chief Minister is not possible. So now the ball is in the Chief Minister’s court to prove his innocence with regard to the scam,” he said.

Senior party leaders Ved Mahajan, Dhaman Bhasin, Vijay Dogra, Bharat Bhushan Gupta, Falail Singh and others also addressed the gathering.

Jammu, April 29
The Jammu State Morcha (JSM) today warned the interlocutors appointed by the Central government against ignoring the wishes and aspirations of the people of the Jammu region.

In a joint statement issued here today, the JSM leaders stated that the statement of the interlocutors that they had not yet prepared any final draft with regard to the solution to the Kashmir issue may be true, but their statements and press briefings clearly showed that they had a pre-determined mindset, favouring greater autonomy to the state and finding a solution that included the agendas of the NC and the Peoples Democratic Party.

“In their first visit itself their assertion that no solution to the Kashmir problem could be found without involving Pakistan in the talks and a solution could be worked out even beyond the Indian Constitution clearly reflected their mindset,” the statement said.

It further mentioned that the reports submitted to Union Home Minister P Chidambaram by the interlocutors after every visit to the state only highlighted the issues concerning the Valley and its people.

The JSM warned the interlocutors against ignoring the wishes and aspirations of the people of the Jammu and Ladakh regions.

“Interlocutors’ time-to-time recommendations did not show any concern about the issues of the people of the Jammu region like unemployment, discrimination against the Jammu region in development,” the JSM stated.

The statement was signed by Prof Virender Gupta, HB Khajuria, Vishav Bandhu Gupta, Chandra Uday Sharma, Surjeet Singh Jamwal, Dushyant, RC Gupta, Pushap Singh, Manav Gupta, Subash Gupta and Rattan Kapoor.

Jammu, April 29
The Rashtriya Rifles under the Romeo Force organised a blood group determination camp at Army Goodwill School, Potha, here today. About 1,200 children and adults attended the camp.

It was organised for students of Army Goodwill School, Potha, with active support from the Military Hospital, Surankote, and was inaugurated by the Commander, Sector Rashtriya Rifles.

The camp commenced with a cultural programme presented by students of Army Goodwill School and concluded with the felicitation of students and doctors by the Commander, Sector Rashtriya Rifles. After inaugurating the camp, the Commander, Sector Rashtriya Rifles, addressed the gathering and emphasised the importance of such camps. He quoted various examples of people losing their lives, as both donor and recipient were not aware of their blood groups. He thanked the people for their support to the Army for bringing back normalcy in the area.

Jammu, April 29
The normal traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway will remain affected in view of the Darbar Move. In view of the annual Darbar Move, only one-way traffic (up convoy) on the National Highway I-A from Jammu to Srinagar will be allowed on April 30, May 1 and May 7 and 8.

“There will be no down convoy on the dates mentioned by the department except in case of emergency,” the SSP, Traffic (national highway), Ramban, said.

Jammu, April 29
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) today launched an online reservation service for the pilgrims who availed of the helicopter service on the Katra-Sanjichhat-Katra sector.

Briefing Governor NN Vohra, who is the Chairman of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, RK Goyal, CEO of the shrine board, said after pursuing a transparent bidding process the one-way passenger fare for the helicopter travel between Katra and Sanjichhat had come down from Rs 1,225 per passenger to Rs 699 per passenger from April 1 this year.

Expressing satisfaction over the significant reduction in the helicopter fares, the Governor hoped that a large number of senior citizens and physically challenged pilgrims would get an opportunity to avail of this facility, considering that the helicopter service was now available at a reasonable price. He called for an effective day-to-day monitoring of the helicopter operations.

Goyal stated that for the convenience of the pilgrims the board had further streamlined the procedure for ticketing of the helicopter services on the Katra-Sanjichhat-Katra sector.

He added that the passengers, who wished to avail of the helicopter services, could log on to the shrine board’s website (www.maavaishnodevi.org.) and confirm an e-ticket after making the required payment.

The yatris could also avail of the on-line ticketing facility through the website of the two helicopter operators, viz, Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd (www.pawanhans.co.in) and Global Vectra Helicorp Ltd (www.onlineglobalhelicorp.com).

Dr Mandeep Bhandari, Additional CEO of the board, clarified that a pilgrim possessing an e-ticket must carry a valid proof of his or her identity like a passport, PAN card, voter ID card, driving licence etc., which bore the name and other particulars of the pilgrim to secure a hassle-free access to the heliports at Katra and Sanjichhat.

He advised all pilgrims, who intended to avail of the helicopter services, to secure a confirmed ticket before finalising their travel plans.

Jammu, April 29
The BJP yesterday lambasted the NC-Congress coalition government for politicising the ongoing panchayat elections in the state.

Addressing a meeting of the youth wing of the party here, the state president of the BJP, Shamsher Singh Manhas, said ministers of the ruling coalition had been openly campaigning for their candidates in the panchayat elections. He added that the ministers and other leaders of the coalition parties had been felicitating the newly-elected panchayat members.

Manhas said the government had declared to conduct the panchayat elections on a non-political basis and in a fair and impartial manner, but the ministers of the NC and the Congress had been campaigning for the contesting candidates in violation of the norms. There were also reports that the departments concerned had maintained a complete silence over malpractices in the elections, he added.

Manhas said some forces in the state were working towards pushing the BJP on the back foot, as they could not digest the party’s popularity and respect in the hearts of the people. “We are a party with difference and it has been proved that ours is the only party that never compromises on principles,” he said.

He added that some elements made every effort during the last few days to tarnish the image of the BJP on the issue of cross-voting, but the decision of the party high command had made it clear that it was a principle-based and not power-hungry party.

Udhampur, April 29
Members of the Village Forest Committees (VFCs) from different parts of the erstwhile Doda district participated in a forest awareness workshop regarding the protection of forests and need to carry out plantation in degraded forests of the state at Doda yesterday. The workshop was organised jointly by the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department and the National Afforestation and Eco Development Board.

The Conservator of Forests, Chenab Circle, Roshan Jaggi, said the National Afforestation Programme was a countrywide programme under which funds were directly provided to VFCs of the Forest Development Agency for executing plantation works along with various village utility activities as per the requirements.

Jaggi was addressing the VFC members from Ramban, Banihal, Batote, Bhaderwah, Gandoh, Kishtwar, Dacchan, Doda and the adjoining areas. He added that the objective of the programme was to carry out plantation in degraded forests by involving people living in and around the forests and make the public aware about their protection.