The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

	Anna’s approach to K-issue unrealistic, say separatists Accuse Gandhian of being aligned with RSS under the garb of khadi Ehsan Fazili Tribune News Service Srinagar, October 15 The Kashmir separatists have strongly reacted to Anna Hazare’s remarks on Kashmir being an integral part of India, and described it as an “unrealistic approach” of the champion for social justice, who had also disagreed with Prashant Bhushan’s views. A spokesman of the hardline All Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC) led by Syed Ali Geelani said Anna Hazare had “exposed himself” by making such a statement. Hazare had described Kashmir as an integral part of India and disagreed with the opinion of Team Anna member and senior advocate Prashant Bhushan. Prashant Bhushan had recently said plebiscite could be an option for settling the Kashmir issue, remarks for which he was attacked by some youth in his chambers. The APHC-Geelani spokesman, Ayaz Akbar, said the Kashmir issue was pending for the past over six decades. Prashant Bhushan had taken a “realistic stand” on Kashmir. “By talking of Kashmir as an integral part of India, he (Anna) has proved that he is not sincere in his approach, but only takes refuge under social justice to attain a political stature.” By criticising Prashant Bhushan, Anna had discredited his own image with regard to the fight against corruption, the spokesman added. The pro-independence JKLF chairman, Mohammad Yasin Malik, in a statement here declared that “it (Kashmir) is ‘atoot ang’ (essential part) of none”. “Hazare’s statement is the worst example of intellectual impropriety and moral bankruptcy,” said Malik. Attacking Hazare, he declared that “those who brand themselves as an image of Gandhiji are actually trying to mislead the world.” “Hazare visited Kashmir in 1998 and even came to my residence. He spoke of human rights violations and advocated restoration of political rights of the people. His latest statement on Kashmir has surprised everyone,” Malik said. The separatist leader accused Hazare of being aligned with the RSS. “He is still wearing RSS knickers (shorts) under the khadi of Gandhiji.”
	Normalcy returns to Bhadarwah Azad steps in to defuse communal tension Raju William Tribune News Service Bhadarwah (Doda), October 15 Normalcy returned to Bhadarwah today after it was rocked by communal strife over the alleged objectionable remarks by an ad hoc college lecturer whose services have since been terminated. Much of the credit for restoration of normalcy goes to Union Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad who flew in here yesterday on the request of local Congress leaders to help defuse the tense situation. Azad held a marathon meeting with leaders of both communities till 10 pm yesterday over the issue. The meeting yielded a positive result as an announcement was made by Anjuman Islamia, Bhadarwah, today that the bandh call had been withdrawn. Educational institutions and markets remained opened and traffic plied normally. There was no report of any protest or violent incident as well. The situation in Doda and Kishtwar where a bandh was observed yesterday also remained normal though the police remained on alert. The IG, Jammu, Dilbagh Singh, expressed satisfaction with overall situation. Azad also held an interaction with students of Government Degree College, Bhadarwah, today. He advised them to maintain calm during such sensitive situations. The entire community should not be held responsible for the “mistake” of an individual, he added. Azad told the students that all efforts were being made to bring Bhadarwah on the international tourism map but such regressive developments would stop tourists from visiting the area. This would hit development of tourism, which was the mainstay of the local population, he stressed. The head of the Urdu department of the college, Dr Tariq Tamkeen, termed the initiative taken by Azad to address the students as a positive step towards restoration of trust between students of both communities. Some leaders of the National Students Union of India (NSUI) had come from Jammu to attend the session. Congress leaders from Kishtwar Jugal Bhandari and Mohinder Parihar were also present. Ensure safety of minorities: BJP to govt Tribune News Service Jammu, October 15 General secretary of the state unit of the BJP Satish Sharma has charged the local administration of Bhadarwah of working on communal lines and failing to ensure the safety and security of the members of the minority communities. In a statement issued here today, Sharma said timely action by the local administration could have calmed the people but, as in the past, the administration only woke up when the situation took an ugly turn. Sharma said the administration should take immediate and effective steps to restore the confidence of government employees hailing from other areas of Jammu province who have been posted in the hilly belt of Bhadarwah, Doda and Kishtwar. He expressed hope that the administration would act in an impartial manner and see to it that the minorities were not harassed or forced to migrate to safer places.
	Protest against demolition drive Locals clash with police in Dal Lake area Tribune News Service Srinagar, October 15 The police used force to quell a protest demonstration held by locals resisting a demolition drive in the Dal Lake area, leading to clashes between the two sides here today. The locals were protesting against the demolition of illegal structures in the Dal lake area. The demolition drive was launched by the Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) as part of its operations to keep the Dal Lake clean and encroachment-free. The clashes between the protesting residents and the police continued for several hours. The LAWDA has intensified its clean-up operation and the demolition drive over the past few weeks. At least four persons were injured in the clashes between residents and the police at Ashai Bagh near the Dal Lake here on Wednesday. The residents alleged that due compensation was not being given against the land under their occupation and small hutments of the poor were being demolished, rendering them homeless.
	Legislative Council Malhotra’s appointment a setback for pro-Azad faction Dinesh Manhotra Tribune News Service Jammu, October 15 The pro-Ghulam Nabi Azad faction in the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) received a setback after the appointment of Amrit Malhotra as the acting chairman of the legislative council today. Governor NN Vohra appointed Amrit Malhotra, MLC, to perform the duties of the Chairman of the legislative council on the completion of the term of Arvinder Singh Micky on October 14. Micky, Deputy Chairman, was performing the duties of the office of the Chairman of the council. The Governor approved the proposal of the state government to this effect today, an official spokesman here said. Amrit Malhotra is a staunch supporter of Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief Saifuddin Soz, who had made it a prestige point to appoint one of his loyalists as the acting chairman of the Upper House. Soz’s detractors, who owe their allegiance to Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, had projected names of some members for the post, but ultimately the PCC chief’s choice was accepted by the party high command. Azad’s loyalists had proposed the name of former Chief Secretary BR Kundal for the post of the acting chairman. Kundal is a member of the Upper House. Jahangir Mir, who is also an Azad loyalist, was also projected for the same. Spokesman of the PCC Ravinder Sharma while trying to downplay the factionalism in the party, said being one of the senior most member of the Congress in the Upper House, Amrit Malhotra was appointed for the post. “The appointment has been made till the beginning of the Budget session in January next year, but it is a welcome step because Malhotra is a senior member of the party and has vast political experience,” Sharma told The Tribune. Sharma, who was in the race for the same post, later withdrew his candidature in favour of Malhotra, as both belong to the pro-Soz faction. Ravinder Sharma said as per an agreement between the National Conference and the Congress, the post of chairman of the legislative council has gone to the Congress, so the high command would take a decision on it during the next Budget session of the Assembly. “The decision of the high command would be acceptable to all,” he said. As Amrit Malhotra and Ravinder Sharma, both Soz loyalists, were lobbying for the post, Sharma had later withdrawn his candidature following the intervention of the PCC chief. Sources in the Congress said dissidents, who owe their allegiance to the Azad faction had worked overtime to get their man appointed on the post, but of no avail, as the PCC chief had made it an issue to get his loyalist accommodated on the post. The pro-Azad faction said the ex-acting chairman Arvinder Singh Micky belonged to their faction so they had claim on the post, but the party high command gave preference to the PCC chief’s choice.
	Constable injured in militant attack dead Tribune News Service Srinagar, October 15 A policeman, who was critically wounded in a militant attack, succumbed to his injuries here this morning, officials said. Constable Sajjad Ahmad Parray of the Indian Reserve Police was shot at and injured by suspected militants while he was on duty at the Hazratbal bus stand yesterday. The critically injured Sajjad was shifted to the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences hospital at Soura, where he succumbed to his injuries this morning, the Police here said. A guard of honour was presented to the slain constable, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony in the lawns of the Police Control Room here.
	Rain-ravaged roads yet to be repaired Archit Watts Tribune News Service Jammu, October 15 Though a number of roads in the city were damaged due to landslides triggered by the monsoons nearly two months ago, they were yet to be repaired. Most of the roads, including the Circular road, New Plot, Rajiv Nagar, Gangyal and Kunjwani, were still in a poor shape and posed a risk to the lives of the commuters. A partially damaged road near the Mubarak Mandi complex often witnessed traffic jams. Though the authorities concerned had declared it a landslide-prone area, no efforts had been made to repair the road. The debris was still lying on the roadside. Mohit Sharma, a local resident, who preferred to go to Nagrota via the Circular road, said, “The condition of this road is bad. Though it sees a heavy rush of vehicles, the authorities concerned are not concerned about repairing it. The debris and the poor condition of the road may result in mishaps. Senior officials of the department concerned should visit the spot immediately to take stock of the situation.” Another area resident, Kewal Kumar, who runs a shop on the Gangyal-Kunjwani road, said, “During the monsoons the officials carry out repair work on this road. They should better find a permanent solution to the problem.” PL Bhushan, Superintending Engineer, Jammu, Public Works Department (Roads and Buildings), said, “The process is on and we are working out the cost of repair and reconstruction work. The roads will be repaired soon.” However, he failed to give any time frame for the start of the repair work.
	State to get seven new post offices Tribune News Service Jammu, October 15 As part of the “postal week celebrations” the Department of Posts has come up with a slew of new schemes and prizes for the people of jammu. The department has also decided to hold a philatelic exhibition soon in Jammu with the objective of getting closer to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing mediapersons here today, Chief Postmaster General John Samuel said the first air-conditioned post office in Jammu and Kashmir was inaugurated by him at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology at Jammu. “The first floating post office, the first ‘my stamp’ and now comes the first air-conditioned post office for the people of the state,” he said. The post office covers the varsity campus and Chatha village with pin code number 180009. The post office is fully computerised and provides all facilities, including value added services like packing material, speed post, express parcel post etc, said Samuel. He said seven more post offices would be opened across the state this year to cater to the needs of the people. A new post office would be opened at Bahu Plaza here, especially to cater to the needs of various business organisations, he said, adding that post offices will be opened at Lal Bazaar, the Sheri Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) and the National Institute Of Technology (NIT) in Srinagar. A top official also informed that the department would organise a mega postage stamps exhibition, “Jammu Stamps Show 2011”, from November 23 to 26. He said the show would showcase more than 1 lakh rare and valuable stamps issued by India and other countries. “The world’s first postage stamp ‘penny black’ and other valuable stamps will also be on display,” he said. He added that during the exhibition “My Stamp” would also be available for the people of Jammu and under this project people can get “personalised stamps” with their pictures on it. After Srinagar, it is now the turn of Jammu to get the innovative and novel project, he said. As part of the Jammu stamps show, the department is also organising a letter writing competition, stamp design competition and quiz programme and the winners will be awarded cash prizes of Rs 10,000, Rs 5,000 and Rs 2,500.
	Haj pilgrims to get free vaccination Tribune News Service Srinagar, October 15 Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has announced free of cost influenza vaccination for Haj pilgrims of the state, made mandatory by the Government of Saudi Arabia for Haj-2011. The cost of per dose of the vaccine is reportedly over Rs 600 and it would be available to all the Haj pilgrims, travelling on the government quota or privately. The Haj pilgrims are also receiving free of cost vaccination for meningitis. The Chief Minister gave this direction to the Health Department at a meeting here today to review the arrangements put in place by the state government and the Haj Committee for Haj-2011. Minister of State for Haj and Auqaf Aijaz Ahmad Khan informed that more than 8,200 pilgrims were travelling on the government quota to perform Haj from the state this year. It includes a quota of 2,300 raised by the Central government this year, he said. The Haj flights would start from Srinagar on October 17. Emphasising the need for operationalising the Srinagar International Airport for Haj flights, the Chief Minister said the Civil Aviation Ministry should remove all bottlenecks in this regard and ensure that the international status of the airport was restored. “Till international flights begin from Srinagar Airport, the Department of Civil Aviation should at least conduct direct Haj flights from Srinagar to Jeddah to facilitate Haj pilgrims of the state,” he said. Omar added that the state government was actively advocating this aspect at the Central level vehemently. He hoped that the Civil Aviation Department would ensure direct Haj flights from Srinagar next year. The Chief Minister said two members of the Haj Committee had been deputed this year to Jeddah to oversee the functioning of the Khudam-ul-Hujaj there. “Each Khudam has been provided with a mobile phone to remain in touch with the Hujaj and respond to their needs,” he added. Omar received a detailed appraisal of the accommodation arranged at Jeddah for Haj pilgrims, facilities put in place for their stay at the Haj Houses in Jammu and Srinagar, their transshipment from various districts to the Srinagar Haj House, food and bedding arrangements and flight schedules organised for their onward journey. He also enquired about the travel documents, time frame fixed for the movement of Haj pilgrims from the Srinagar Haj House to airport, their boarding and food arrangements at the airport.
	Police arrests 3 bovine smugglers Tribune News Service Bhaderwah, October 15 The Udhampur police today foiled an attempt of bovine smuggling, by arresting three persons, who were trying to smuggle 24 bovines into the Kashmir valley. On a tip off, the Chenani police laid a naka on the national highway near Samroli during the wee hours today and intercepted three bovine smugglers, who were taking 24 buffaloes to the Valley on foot. The accused have been identified as Farooq Ahmed, Ghulam Nabi, both residents of Ramban and Bashir Ahmed of Jammu. The police seized the buffaloes and registered a case against the accused at Chenani police station. With the arrest of three persons, the Udhampur police has rescued 376 bovines during a recent drive launched against bovine smuggling.
	Governor holds meeting on Amarnath yatra Tribune News Service Srinagar, October 15 Several important issues relating to the management of next year’s pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath were discussed at a high-level meeting here last evening. The meeting chaired by Governor NN Vohra, who is the chairman of the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), was attended by Principal Secretary, Home, BR Sharma and DGP Kuldeep Khoda. It was convened as part of the SASB’s ongoing efforts at advance planning for ensuring better management and improved facilities for the yatris, an official spokesman said. Several important issues were discussed, including the need for improvement of track conditions and sanitation infrastructure, improved weather forecasting methods, more effective management of the flow of pilgrims across the check barriers at Chandanwari and Domel, strengthening of Access Control Systems (ACS) at all the camp locations, and need for enhancing the yatris awareness of the Board’s yatra advisories, particularly those relating to undergoing a medical check-up before the commencement of the yatra. The Governor said there was a need for advance planning to timely put in place all the required arrangements for ensuring greater comfort to yatris. He emphasised the high importance of checking the registration status of pilgrims before permitting them to proceed to the Base Camps. Ponywallahs get insurance claims Tribune News Service Srinagar, October 15 Governor NN Vohra thanked the state administration, local stakeholders, people at large and those, who were associated with the management of this year’s Amarnath yatra for contributing towards its smooth conduct. Speaking at a function held at Raj Bhawan here today, after giving away insurance claim cheques to persons whose ponies or horses were killed in accidental deaths during the yatra this year, the Governor observed that collective efforts resulted in the smooth and peaceful conduct of the yatra. He said many new initiatives were taken by the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) to bring about progressive improvements in the yatra and, in this connection, referred to the scheme launched with the support of the state government last year, for compensating the loss suffered by horse owners on account of the accidental deaths of their animals. He said this year the compensation amount was raised from Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000, adding, that further discussions would be held with the Animal Husbandry Department and Deputy Commissioners to explore the possibilities of further enhancing the amount next year. The Governor gave away cheques to over 70 ponywallahs, involving payment of approximately Rs 17 lakh as compensation for the loss they had suffered due to accidental death of their ponies and horses during the yatra this year.
	33 students return from educational tour Jammu, October 15 Thirtythree schoolchildren, accompanied by two teachers, returned from an educational and motivational nine-day tour on October 11. The students visited Allahabad, Varanasi, Lucknow and Amritsar. The tour was organised by the Army under Operation Sadhbavana, under the aegis of the Kalidhar Brigade, for the school students of the border Dori Dager area of Khour. — TNS
	Militant hideout busted Jammu, October 15 The security forces smashed a hideout of militants in the Poonch sector yesterday and recovered arms and ammunition. Official source said on a tip-off the security forces launched a search operation in the Khanetar forest of the Poonch sector. They busted a militant hideout and recovered 240 AK rounds, five magazines and some hand grenades from it. — TNS
	Two legal-aid clinics in Budgam opened Tribune News Service Srinagar, October 15 Highlighting the benefits of free legal aid to people, Chief Justice of the state high court Justice Ibrahim Kalifullah has said that legal-aid clinics are the best medium to redress the grievances of the public, especially the downtrodden section of society, at their doorstep. Addressing a gathering after inaugurating two legal-aid clinics at Budgam and Choon in Budgam district the other day, the Chief Justice said that the need of the hour was to make the people aware about multiple benefits of this innovative justice delivery system so that they could come forward to avail its benefits.