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7 Bangladeshis nabbed trying to cross border in 10 days Floodlights along the international border between India and Pakistan on the Jammu frontier. A file photo
78,162 kanal govt land under illegal occupation in Udhampur Raju William
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Congress adopts aggressive posture against NC
Thousands take part in ‘run for pride’ in Jammu
Participants at the third Jammu
marathon on Sunday. A Tribune photograph
Mining near Vaishno Devi shrine approved
A nomad woman with Bakerwali dogs. A Tribune photograph
My stand on AFSPA has been ‘accepted’: Soz
Saifuddin Soz addresses a public rally at Surinsar on Sunday. A Tribune photograph
Tranquillity, peace in state PDP’s agenda: Sayeed
Play on Indians’ obsession with foreign brands
Recruitment Policy
Army holds blood donation camp
Shiv temple burglary case solved
LeT militant arrested
Boy dies trying to imitate action scene
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7 Bangladeshis nabbed trying to cross border in 10 days
Jammu, November 13 The funny side of the illegal activity has a serious repercussion on the security of the country. The issue came to light after the questioning of seven Bangladeshi youths nabbed in the past 10 days by the Border Security Force (BSF), while they were trying to cross the border. The security and intelligence agencies are alarmed at the possible use of these youths in terror activities, hawala and narcotic smuggling. They are looking for the police efforts to break the nexus of touts. The number of Bangladeshi youths arrested this year has gone up to 15. Isolated incidents have taken place earlier also, but such a high number of arrests has been witnessed only after two years. There is already a concern about settling of over 200 Bangladeshis in Pantha Chowk on the outskirts of Srinagar. The security forces are also concerned about the mushrooming of touts, which are responsible for luring the youths from Bangladesh to this part of the country with an intent to earn fast money from them. Questioning of the seven persons by the BSF has revealed that two Jammu-based touts along with some persons of the Nepalese origin were running the racket. Of these, only one Nepalese tout, identified as Lal Bahadur, was caught. Interestingly, he is the first tout to be caught for the crime. Raids were conducted to nab the Jammu-based touts, but they managed to flee. The BSF handed over the illegal migrants, the tout and the case to the local police for further investigation. “We are highly concerned about the susceptibility of these poor and illiterate persons to fall in the terror modules or indulge in hawala racket or narcotic smuggling. We have shared the threat perception with other agencies and investigations are on,” said a senior BSF official. Inquiries revealed that while the gullible Bangladeshi youths languish in jails for years, the touts get richer by Rs 2,000 to Rs 6,000 per person for showing them the way across the floodlights and the fence on the international border. “This is the value of life for the touts. The poor migrants sell whatever they have in Bangladesh to reach here. They are in dire need of money and you never know how many of them get involved in terror activities or narcotics trade.” a BSF official revealed. The interrogation of the arrested youths confirmed that touts were active in the region. “Before fencing, the Bangladeshis used to come in droves. Groups of 50 or more persons, including women and children, tried to cross over the zero line. But after 2003, about 20 persons, all males, have made an attempt,” said the official. The official said the trend became worrisome when seven persons tried to cross the border in the past 10 days. All tried to cross over the border from the nearby Arnia village in RS Pura subdivision. “They don’t know the local language. It was impossible for them to go on their own towards the border. This is where we suspected the role of touts,” the official stated. |
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78,162 kanal govt land under illegal occupation in Udhampur Raju William
Udhampur, November 13 Additional Deputy Commissioner,
Udhampur, while replying to the plea filed by Raman Sharma, a Jammu resident, said in four tehsils of the district, the government land belonging to the revenue department, measuring 78,162 kanal and 14 marlas out of total 6,45,982 kanal and 6
marlas, was under illegal occupation of individuals and alleged land grabbers. The 650-page reply, as Sharma claimed, substantiated that estimated value of the occupied land is Rs 1,56,32,68,000 at the aggregate rate of Rs 20,000 per
kanal. Referring to the reply, Sharma said the revenue department had also claimed that in the past 3 years, it had vacated 30,838 kanals of land from the encroachers. More than 6000 individuals grabbed the land without any authority. But surprisingly, the ADC, in the reply, also confirmed that no FIR in any case had been registered against any person. The administration was also asked about the total area of land vacated from the land encroachers in the past 3 years and action taken by the district administration in this regard, added Sharma. Assistant Commissioner, Revenue
(ACR), Udhampur, Gurvinderjeet Singh, told The Tribune that there was nothing new in the reply about the status of the illegal occupation of the government land in the district. “In fact, a process is underway to settle the matter under the provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir State Lands (Vesting of Ownership to the Occupants) (Amendment) Act, 2004, as ordered by the state government,” said the
ACR. He said Act was brought to regularise the illegal occupation by those occupants who had got the Girdawri of the government land on or before Kharif 2004 and still had its possession. Specifically, it related to the State Land
(Makbooza Sarkar) in the revenue terms. As part of the process of regularisation of the possession, respective Tehsildars had issued notices to these occupants and March 31, 2007, was the last date for the submission of applications in response to the notices by the occupants. The date was later extended. It emerged during the process that the occupied land was both residential/commercial and agricultural. In the meantime, the state government empowered the deputy commissioners to regularise the agricultural land by accepting token money. “Since the process is still on, it cannot be said yet how much land has been
regularised. The occupants on the remaining land, as per the terms, will be evicted. So the exact figure about the status of the illegally-occupied land will be known after the completion of the process,” said the
ACR, adding that some individuals had approached the court regarding their still-pending cases.
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Congress adopts aggressive posture against NC
Suriansar, November 13 Addressing a public meeting here this afternoon, one after another Congress leaders minced no words in attacking the NC leadership for ignoring their workers and warned it of taking peoples’ issues to streets to corner the coalition partner. Party stalwart and Lok Sabha member from Jammu Poonch Madan Lal Sharma warned the NC leadership against treating Congress workers and leaders as “orphans”. “Keeping in view the national interest and directions of the party high command, we have been supporting the NC, but it does not mean that the ruling party would continue its discriminatory policies against Congress workers,” he asserted, adding that “the Congress, too, is partner in the government and its workers should be treated properly”. Sharma, who is a close confidant of Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief Saifuddin Soz warned the NC against its pick-and-choose policy in sanctioning funds for developmental activities. “For the last three years we have been facing his discriminatory policy and now our patience is running out,” he observed and asked Congress ministers in the government to assert themselves to uphold dignity and honour of the party as well as the cadres in the state. “Restore your dignity and protect our protocol,” he asked the party ministers. Echoing similar viewpoint, senior vice-president of the PCC Dharam Pal Sharma regretted that the NC was not performing coalition dharma. He said the sacking of Mustafa Kamal from the official posts of the NC was not enough. Pointing towards recent statements of Kamal against the PCC chief, Sharma said the Chief Minister’s uncle had continued its vicious campaign against the Congress. He demanded that the NC leadership should take some strict action against Kamal. He also highlighted discrimination with the Jammu region and said the NC leadership had been meting out stepmotherly treatment to the region. “We will not remain a mute spectator to this policy of the NC”, he said. Veteran Congress leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram was also critical of the ruling NC for not taking party leadership into confidence while running the government. |
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Thousands take part in ‘run for pride’ in Jammu
Jammu, November 13 While the policemen escorting the runners were seen riding motorcycle on the same track causing hindrance to the participating runners, there were many participants who joined the runners from different junctions
enroute. Film actor, Soha Ali Khan, former Mr India Karan Hakku, former cricketer Chetan Sharma and Punjabi singers like Ashok Masti and Romi were the main attraction of the event. The marathon that was supposed to be flagged off by Soha Ali Khan was flagged off by Anil Gupta, chairman of the organising committee. Gupta said, “The initiative was taken to send out a message of peace and harmony across the world. Seeing the whopping response last year, the main objective of this year’s marathon was to depict the composite culture of the land of
Dogras.” A cultural extravaganza was also held at Hari Niwas Palace to mark the occasion. The marathon was a tribute to the great heroes of Jammu, including Maharaja Hari Singh, Colonel Peer Mohammad, Sikh General Banda Singh
Bahadur, legendary warrior General Zorawar Singh, revolutionary folk hero Baba
Jitto, legendary Gurilla fighter Mian Deedo, Sher-e-Duggar Lala Hans Raj, noted singer KL
Sehgal, mass leader Prem Nath dogra and poet Pandit Deeno Bhai. The results of the event would be declared later. "We would consult video footage and tokens collected by the runners enroute to finalise the name of winners,” the organizers said and added that the first, second and third prize carries a cash reward of Rs 21, 000, Rs 11,000 and Rs 5,000 respectively. |
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Mining near Vaishno Devi shrine approved
New Delhi, November 13 The proposal by the Jammu and Kashmir Mineral Development Corporation to exploit
magnesite at an ecologically sensitive hill owned by the shrine board has been approved by the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife at a recent meeting chaired by Environment Minister Jayanthi Natarajan. The committee also gave approval for the setting up of a dead burnt magnesia plant near a sanctuary, home to endangered species like leopard, goral and peafowl. “...the committee after discussions recommended the proposal with the conditions proposed by the Chief Wildlife Warden, Jammu and Kashmir,” a ministry document said. The Jammu and Kashmir Government’s proposal is to exploit 12,40,000 TPA (tonnes per annum) high-grade magnesite deposit at the Chirpprian Hills and setting up a 30,000-TPA dead burnt magnesia plant at Panthal, near Trikurta Wildlife Sanctury in Katra district. “The magnesite mine pit is situated at the Chirpprian Hills, near Panthal village, and is at a distance of 3 km from the Trikut Wildlife Sanctuary. The dead burnt magnesite (DBM) plant is 4.5 km from the sanctuary. The non-forest private land is ownered of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board,” the document
said. — PTI |
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Demand for enlisting Bakerwali dog as endangered species
Jammu, November 12 Addressing a programme held here on “Tribal and Livestock issues” organised by the Tribal Foundation, the speakers impressed views the state and Centre Government to start a special programme to save the existing rarest-of-rare Bakerwali dog on priority. Dr Javaid Rahi, Secretary of the Foundation, said they had already sent a communiqué to Union Minister for Environment and Forests Jayanthi Natarajan in this regard and demanded that the traditional and indigenous species of the world famous ‘Bakerwali dog’ be included in the list of protected species of India. Sharing the contents of the communiqué, he said the letter read that ‘Bakerwali dog’ was distinctive with nomadic Gujjars and Bakerwals since time immemorial and the rugged, courageous and serious shepherd dog was among the most threatened species in the world. “Steep decline in the nomadic lifestyle of Gujjars and Bakerwals is the major reason behind it. They have now started settling down at warmer places,” said Rahi. He further said the Gujjar and Bakerwal constitute around 20 per cent population of the state and a big chunk of these tribes were nomad. He said there were only a few hundred dogs of the species surviving in the most difficult and inhospitable conditions. “Dozens of dogs die every year because of throat, rabies and other infections for which no effective vaccine has been put into operation. The Centre as well as the state government should immediately take some steps,” said Rahi. He also termed smuggling as one of the reasons behind the sudden decline in number of the dogs.
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My stand on AFSPA has been ‘accepted’: Soz
Suriansar, November 13 Soz had entered into a verbal duel with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on the issue and Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad had supported the latter. Interacting with mediapersons after addressing a public meeting at
Suriansar, Soz said his views were accepted by all quarters. “My principle of consultations among all stakeholders has been accepted by all concerned and there is no need of any further public debate on this crucial issue,” said. When Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had announced the revocation of AFSPA from some peaceful areas of the state, Soz had countered the Chief Minister and emphasised on the need for evolving consensus among all stakeholders. Earlier while addressing the public meeting, Soz made veiled attacks on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah while pinpointing some failures of the coalition regime. “When I highlight the issue of governance it does not mean that I am targeting an individual. The government comprises both the Congress and NC,” he said, in an obvious reference towards reactions of Omar Abdullah against his
(Soz’s) recent interview in a newspaper. Soz countered government’s claim that powers have been given to
panchayats. “I am not convinced that panchayats have been empowered properly,” he observed and called upon Congress ministers to exert pressure on the government to empower the
panchayats. Soz said the Panchayati Raj institutions in the state needed to be fully empowered so that these institutions became the effective instrument for service at the grass-roots level. “That is why the 73rd and 74th Amendments need to be implemented in the state and all those powers should be given to
panchayats, which are necessary for making these institutions as effective instrument of local self-government in democracy,” he said. He asked the Minister for Revenue, Raman
Bhalla, who was present on the occasion, to issue circular to all DCs asking them to issue necessary instruction to the officials and the administration to give due respect to the sarpanches and
panches. On the issue of empowering panchayats, the Congress Lok Sabha member threatened to launch a march with all panchayat members if the 73rd Amendment was not incorporated in the existing Panchayati Raj Act. |
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Tranquillity, peace in state PDP’s agenda: Sayeed
Jammu, November 13 He said the PDP through its visionary policies had already changed the political discourse of the state and the party would continue to aggressively pursue its pro-peace and pro-development agenda. Sayeed was addressing a function to welcome eminent social activist Avtar Singh Khalsa in the party. Khalsa today joined the PDP along with a large number of his supporters in the presence of the former Chief Minister and other senior leaders of the PDP. Sayeed said the PDP was formed in 1999 with an aim to restore peace and to uphold dignity and honour of the people of the state. “Aim of the PDP is not to grab people but to address grievances of the people,” he said and called upon the new entrants to spread the message of party in every nook and corner of the state. Highlighting achievements of the PDP, Sayeed said the biggest achievement of his party was that it had connected itself with the masses and earned credibility and faith of the people through its convictions and commitments. Speaking on the occasion, Khalsa said he was impressed with the policies and programmes of the PDP. |
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Play on Indians’ obsession with foreign brands
Jammu, November 13 Ably directed by Dhanesh Dogra, the plot of the play was based on the perceived social theme that people were addicted to foreign brands. The play argued that Indians were obsessed with foreign names and brands to the extent of making them part of their life style. The play substantiates its claim and stresses that India is becoming the largest consumer market of the world, but ironically, it is benefiting the multinational companies. Against the backdrop of these developments, the playwright shows concern over the declining spirit of nationalism. Significantly, all the characters were played by one actor. Lucky Gupta was versatile enough to provide a wonderful theatrical experience to the audience. The lights were operated by Sushil Raina. Dhanesh Dogra rendered music and sets and costumes were designed by Happy Gupta. Sumeet Sharma skillfully coordinated the show and the presentations were done by Vikram Sharma. |
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Recruitment Policy
Jammu, November 13 “The signature campaign will last for 10 days and then all the signatures will be sent to the President for her intervention into this anti-youth policy of the state government,” said, Suresh Ajay Magotra, Chairman, Youth of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh (YJKL). “Maximum number of students will be involved in this movement,” he stated. He said the student community had welcomed the decision of the high court to stay the implementation of the new recruitment policy till November 25, but the agitation would continue. “Our agitation will remain peaceful. We will also organise awareness camps to educate the people and acquaint them with the pros and cons of this policy,” added Magotra. Tstatement of “self-styled” organisations, saying that the issue was related to the youth and the organisations should avoid giving any statement in the regard. |
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Army holds blood donation camp
Jammu, November 13 As many as 40 officers, JCOs and soldiers donated blood. A total of 45 units of blood was collected. Zulfikar Ali, in-charge of the blood bank, Government District Hospital, Rajouri, delivered a short speech to the soldiers and clarified myths about blood donation.
— TNS
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Two held with intoxicants
Jammu, November 13 The police said on a tip-off it arrested the two drug peddlers from Narwal Chowk and recovered 3,300 intoxicating capsules from them, which were concealed in small bags. The drug peddlers have been identified as Deepak
Mehra, alias Deepu, resident of Rajeev Nagar, Narwal, Jammu, and Mohammad Mustafa
Bhat, resident of Bandipora, but presently living at Rajeev Nagar, Jammu. The consignment of 33,000 intoxicating capsules
(Pyremol Spas) was to be supplied to the youth, the police said. A case under Sections 8, 21 and 22 of the NDPS Act was been registered at the Trikuta Nagar police station. |
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Shiv temple burglary case solved
Udhampur, November 13 Shakeel Ahmed Beig, SSP, Udhampur, said the incident related to burglary in the temple was reported at the Dudu police post. Since the matter was sensitive, a massive manhunt was launched to nab the accused. During investigation, the accused, Tanda of Bandola village in the Dudu area, who was trying to escape via Chenani, was arrested from the bus stand there on the intervening night of November 12 and 13. The police recovered Rs 6,600 from the accused, which he had stolen from the temple. |
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Srinagar, November 13 Bilal Ahmad Dar, alias Huzaifa, who looked after the LeT operations in
Srinagar, has been arrested, Sopore SP Imtiaz Hussian said. The SP said Huzaifa was involved in the killing of two policemen in Srinagar last month and a recce of the city's vital installations was carried out on his instruction.
— PTI |
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Boy dies trying to imitate action scene
Srinagar, November 13 The police said Arsalan Bashir was taken to SMHS hospital last evening where doctors declared him brought dead. The boy had suffocated himself while apparently trying to imitate an action scene from a TV serial at his house in the Narwara locality in Eidgah, they said.
— PTI
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Bangladeshi youths, hoping to reach Dubai in search of greener pastures, into crossing the international border (IB) from Jammu to Pakistan.
Jammu, November 13
Suriansar, November 13
