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21 killed as minibus falls into gorge
New-born’s death due to ‘negligence’ of docs alleged
Pro-Anna protests continue in Jammu
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Governor, CM mourn loss of lives
Damage due to floods
Cong workers flay party ministers publicly
Lt-Gen Parnaik visits Tiger Division
Implementation of GST
4 micro, small units to get national award
Tributes paid to Rajiv Gandhi
Let CAG probe scams in state, says BJP
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21 killed as minibus falls into gorge
Jammu, August 20 SSP, Poonch district, Ashkoor Wani put the death toll in the accident at 19. “At least 19 passengers were killed and 19 others injured in the accident. Seventeen of the critically injured have been airlifted to the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Jammu,” Wani told The Tribune over the phone. The ill-fated minibus was on its way to Poonch from Surankote and was carrying 39 passengers against a capacity of 30 when the accident occurred. It fell into the gorge after one of its front tyres burst and the driver lost control over it at Nabana, near Madana in Surankote tehsil, said a police officer from Surankote. Soon after the mishap, locals along with police and Army personnel launched a rescue operation, descending down the steep ridge with the help of ropes to retrieve the dead and the injured, the SSP said. He added that a few passengers were thrown out of the vehicle, which hit boulders in the gorge before landing upside down. However, a correspondent of a local daily, who was at the mishap site, contradicted the official figures of the dead and injured passengers saying, “At least 21 persons were killed while 17 injured, including three children, were airlifted to Jammu in a MI-17 chopper”. As the minibus was being driven rashly, the driver lost control over it after one of its front tyres burst, the SSP said, adding that the vehicle fell 200 metres down the gorge. Meanwhile, three of the critically injured reportedly died at the Poonch helipad this afternoon as the MI-17 chopper arrived a little late. Reports said the Poonch SSP, Additional Deputy Commissioners Matloob Khan and Anwar Hussain Shah rushed to the accident site and supervised the rescue operation. In Jammu, Dr Manoj Chalotra, Medical Superintendent of the GMCH, said besides 17 injured, one passenger was brought dead to the hospital.
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New-born’s death due to ‘negligence’ of docs alleged
Jammu, August 20 Bashir’s wife, Zoya Begum, 40, had given birth to the baby prematurely yesterday. Bashir claimed that the hospital authorities had ‘declared’ the baby dead last evening. The grieving family members took it to a graveyard in the Gujjar Nagar area for burial but were surprised to see that it was breathing. They immediately took the baby to the SMGSH where it was admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (ICU). However, it died around 8 am today. The aggrieved family alleged that the hospital authorities had ‘declared’ the baby dead yesterday while it died at the hospital today. However, the hospital authorities claimed that they had not declared the baby dead. “The baby was born premature on Friday morning and was too weak to survive. It weighed just 1 kg. We told the concerned family to shift it to the Neonatal ICU, but it thought the baby had died and took it away for burial without even performing any formality,” said Dr Dara Singh, Deputy Medical Superintendent of the hospital. Terming it a result of the lack of proper communication, Dr Dara Singh added that, “Though the family has not lodged any complaint so far, we have ordered an internal inquiry into the incident.” He claimed that due to the staff shortage in the hospital no attendant accompanied the baby to the ICU. However, Bashir, while attending to his wife, who is recuperating at the emergency block of the SMGSH, rued that had the hospital authorities acted immediately, the baby could have been saved. “Before operating upon my wife, the doctors told us that the baby had died inside the womb and it was necessary to take it out. Otherwise, it could pose a threat to the mother’s life. But the baby was not stillborn,” said Bashir. He added that, “The baby died due to the negligence on the part of the doctors.” Meanwhile, the hospital authorities said a pediatrician would now be deployed in the labour room permanently. |
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Pro-Anna protests continue in Jammu
Jammu, August 20 PDP activists staged a dharna at the Kachi Chawni Chowk and shouted slogans in favour of Anna Hazare and his team, which had been demanding a strong Lokpal Bill. Led by PDP youth leader Vikram Singh, the party activists urged the people to join the anti-corruption campaign. Similarly, the National Secular Forum (NSF) held a march in Bishnah tehsil in Anna’s support. The NSF activists assembled at the main bus stand and raised slogans like “We support Anna Hazare”, “We are with Anna Hazare.” A large number of people from various localities of the Jammu West constituency, led by JWAM president Sunil Dimple, held a protest at Bakshi Nagar, Talab Tillo and Janipur, demanding the adoption of an effective Lokpal Bill. Students of SPMR College of Commerce boycotted classes and held a protest march on the Canal Road. |
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Use Central schemes for providing quality education, says Omar
Srinagar, August 20 Speaking at a meeting here yesterday to review the centrally-sponsored schemes, the Chief Minister said the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan, Rashtriya Madhaymik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) and the Mid-day Meal scheme were aimed at reaching out to children across the state for providing quality education and better schooling facilities. Omar said the expansion and consolidation of elementary education under these programmes was a continuous process to upgrade the infrastructure and improve the facilities. He said the utilisation of the schemes in conformity with the needs of various areas in the state would catapult elementary education and help in 100 per cent enrolment of boys and girls at the primary level. Underlining the need for an adequate number of mobile schools for the migratory population in the state, Omar asked the Education Department to take up the issue of transforming seasonal schools into mobile schools with the Union Education Ministry. He added that the state government was keen on reviving the mobile school scheme in the state and help the children of the migratory population to receive education throughout the year, without break. He directed the Education Department to ensure uniformity in norms in allotting schools across the state and complete school buildings on a fast-track. “You can analyse the cost benefit ratio of different materials to be used for roofing school buildings and choose the best one,” he said. The Chief Minister underscored the importance of the third party monitoring the works to get an appropriate and regular account of the utilisation of funds and physical progress. He said the progress registered under the centrally-sponsored schemes in the education sector could be maintained and upgraded by the third party. Omar said the information about the progress of these flagship programmes could be had from the District Development Commissioners (DDCs) on a monthly basis. The Education Minister could utilise video conferencing to get the details from the DDCs. The Chief Minister also directed for the rationalisation of teachers in educational institutions by asking the Education Department to work out a strategy to do away with the practice of posting teachers from schools in towns and cities to the rural areas. |
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Infiltration bid foiled; 12 militants, Army officer killed
Srinagar, August 20 This was the eight infiltration attempt this month and the largest so far this year, defence spokesperson Lt-Col J S Brar said. The operation to comb the neighbouring dense forests in the area was still on, he said. “In the operation, we lost a gallant officer, Lt Navdeep Singh, and two of our jawans were injured,” the spokesperson said.
Navdeep Singh, 26, was commissioned in the Army Ordnance Corps in March this year and was serving in the 15th Battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry. Lt-Col Brar said the alert troops intercepted a group of armed militants trying to infiltrate from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), near Bagtor village in the Gurez sector of Bandipore district, around 1 am today. “The group of militants was intercepted when it was trying to cross the Kishanganga river in a pneumatic boat,” he said. “At many places, the river is the de-facto LoC between the two sides,” he added. “This (use of boats) is certainly a new development. The terrorists were also carrying an inflatable dinghy (small boat). When confronted, the militants resorted to a heavy gunfire, resulting in a fierce encounter,” the spokesman said.
Six terrorists were killed while they tried to come ashore and fell into the river. Six more terrorists were killed near the shore, he said. Five AK rifles, one pistol, two boats, 50 assorted grenades, two radio sets, two compasses and one global positioning system, besides a large quantity of warlike stores were recovered from the site of the encounter, he added. |
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Governor, CM mourn loss of lives
Srinagar, August 20 In a message, the Governor expressed sympathies with the bereaved families and prayed for the early recovery of those injured in the accident. Voicing serious concern over frequent road accidents, the Governor said he had discussed the matter with the Transport Minister over a year ago and suggested to him to establish a high-level Empowered Task Force comprising senior representatives of the Buildings and Roads Department, police, traffic police, Transport Department, Law Department etc, to enforce time-bound remedial measures. He said he would again discuss the matter with the Transport Minister and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The Chief Minister sanctioned an ex-gratia relief of Rs 1 lakh each to the next of kin of those killed in the accident, and Rs 10,000 each to the injured, who had been hospitalised. In his condolence message, Omar conveyed heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families, prayed for peace to the departed souls and early recovery of the injured.
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Damage due to floods
Jammu, August 20 He said the government had earmarked Rs 10 crore for repair work and the distribution of relief among the flood-affected families of the Jammu division. During the function, which was organised by Mahila Congress president Indu Pawar, villagers highlighted the problems caused due to the recent floods in the wake of heavy rain in the region. They resented that the government had failed to provide them any relief. Bhalla said he had instructed revenue officers to assess the total loss caused due to the floods and submit a report within 15 days. He assured the villagers that compensation under the National Calamity Relief Fund would be given to the affected families. He added that the people, who were rendered homeless due to the floods in some areas, especially along the Tawi, would be given compensation under the Indira Awas Yojana. “The Rural Development Department is preparing a list of those whose homes were fully or partially damaged in the floods,” he said, adding that compensation would be disbursed after the list was ready. The Mahila Congress president informed the minister that at some places crops had been completed damaged.
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Cong workers flay party ministers publicly
Jammu, August 20 The Congress workers have now started speaking against the ministers belonging to the party publicly. Parrey had resigned from the party saying the leadership had failed to protect the party’s interests despite it being a coalition partner. He said the government had failed to address the aspirations of the Congress workers. However, Sawhney attacked the Deputy Chief Minister for his “failure to provide relief to the flood-affected people of Jammu”. Both Sawhney and Tara Chand owe allegiance to the pro-Ghulam Nabi Azad faction in the Congress. Sawhney said it was unfortunate that Tara Chand did not bother to visit the areas hit by floods and take stock of the losses suffered by the people. “In a coalition, such things happen. We are part of the coalition led by the NC and hence we have to see all the aspects,” spokesman for the Pradesh Congress Committee Ravinder Sharma told The Tribune. However, he said the issues raised by the party leaders would be addressed.
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Lt-Gen Parnaik visits Tiger Division
Jammu, August 20 He was welcomed by Maj-Gen TPS Waraich, GOC, Tiger Division, at the Tiger helipad. He also visited the Tiger Division Headquarters. Later, Lt-Gen Parnaik visited the Rajputana Rifles Regiment and addressed the soldiers at a special sainik sammelan. He appreciated their commitment and devotion to duty. Lt-Gen Parnaik congratulated the soldiers for their dedication and patriotism and exhorted them to remain ready for the future challenges. |
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Implementation of GST
Srinagar, August 20 Speaking at a meeting of the Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers held under the chairmanship of Shushil Kumar Modi, Deputy Chief Minister, Bihar, in New Delhi yesterday, Rather discussed the special constitutional status of the state vis-à-vis the implementation of the GST in the country and the protection of the financial and constitutional guarantees available to it. An official spokesperson said the committee discussed important issues regarding the implementation of the GST, constitutional amendments Bill pending in Parliament, information technology infrastructural preparedness in the country with regard to the GST implementation and the position of VAT and non-VAT revenues in various states. Rather said the division of powers between the Centre and Jammu and Kashmir was not at the same footing as it was with other states. |
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Communication facilities to be promoted in state: Pilot
Srinagar, August 20 Speaking on the occasion, Pilot said his ministry was initiating all possible measures to promote and strengthen the latest communication facilities in the state. He said keeping in view the increasing mobile phone services, the government would extend these facilities to the border and far-flung areas of the state. Pilot said the Central and state governments should make collective efforts for providing optical services at low costs in the state. He asked the BSNL authorities to display service lists in Urdu at the consumer care centres. Earlier, General Manager, BSNL, RK Koul said the IPTAX had been installed at a cost of Rs 2 crore and it had 4,000 lines. He added that BSNL had submitted a proposal to the Centre for extending these services up to 10,000 lines. Koul said the IPTAX would make the latest communication facilities like voice data, video, better connectivity etc, available to the consumers in the Valley. Regarding the customer care centre, Koul said it would facilitate the local people in getting SIM cards and landline connections. |
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4 micro, small units to get national award
Jammu, August 20 The Union Ministry for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises had short-listed four MSMEs of the state to be conferred with the Special Recognition Award for outstanding efforts in entrepreneurship, an official spokesman said here today. These units had been short-listed on the basis of various parameters concerning growth in sales, turnover, capital investment and employment, among others, he said. The short-listed MSMEs are, Electrified Company, Nayyar Electrodes, Computer Paper Feed and Albaq Power. The awards will be conferred on the MSMEs by the President on September 2 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. — PTI |
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Tributes paid to Rajiv Gandhi
Srinagar, August 20 The party workers from all over the Kashmir valley converged at the meeting held under the chairmanship of PCC chief Saifuddin Soz. Paying tributes to Rajiv Gandhi, the PCC chief said the late leader’s life would continue to be a source of inspiration to the generations to come. He lauded Rajiv’s emphasis on the education of science and technology, knowledge of computers and his concern for the devolution of authority at the district level, initiative to strengthen panchayats and municipalities. Soz said the track-II talks between parliamentarians of India and Pakistan were going on vigorously. He added that the talks concluded in New Delhi yesterday with a resolve to urge the Indian and Pakistan governments to adopt more confidence building measures (CBMs). Those who attended the meeting included Mohammad Muzaffar Parray, senior vice-president of the PCC, Bashir Ahmad Magrey and Ghulam Nabi Monga, vice-presidents, and Khem Lata Wakhloo and Mohammad Anwar Bhat, general secretaries. |
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Let CAG probe scams in state, says BJP
Jammu, August 20 The party demanded that the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India should probe the scams. Addressing a public meeting at Rajouri in connection with the ongoing campaign of the party against corruption, state president of the BJP Shamsher Singh Manhas said the only noticeable achievement of the coalition government in the state was the legalisation of corruption. He said corruption had crossed all the limits in the state and the BJP would intensify its ongoing campaign. Jagdish Mukhi, in-charge of the party affairs in the state, said the overwhelming response to the party’s public awareness campaign had shown that every Indian was fed up with the hollow slogans of the Congress. Mukhi criticised the UPA government for not taking action against the corrupt elements, and instead shielding them. Jugal Kishore Sharma, MLA, said the state would soon be the most corrupt state in the country. “Corruption in the state is
the result of the wrong policies of the Congress,” he added. |
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At least 21 persons were killed and 17 others injured critically when an overloaded minibus they were travelling in skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge.
Jammu, August 20
Jammu, August 20
