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To checkmate Oppn, NC launches campaign to highlight its feats
Delhi HC blast: NIA team draws blank in search for 3 accused
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West Pak refugees to take their demand to Parliament
Need to preserve Pahari miniature paintings: Governor
Death of NC worker
Natrang Studio Theatre
2G Scam
JKPSC not providing information, alleges RTI activist
Kargil Victory Day
Sikhs seek minority status in J-K
Annual day celebrated
Bags of cement seized
Religious conversion: Pastor arrested
in Srinagar
LPG shortage hits Kashmir valley
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To checkmate Oppn, NC launches campaign to highlight its feats
Jammu, November 20 Although the party claimed that their programme was confined only to highlight their own achievements, the NC leaders today while starting the campaign minced no words in attacking their arch rivals -- the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the BJP -- for launching a “malicious” campaign against the state government. While highlighting the achievements of the coalition regime, the NC leaders repeatedly stressed on the successful completion of the panchayat elections and maintained that panchayats had been empowered under the leadership of Omar Abdullah. Although the NC leaders did not mention names of any Congress leader, they made a veiled attack on some Congress leaders for raking up the issue of the incorporation of the 73rd Amendment to the Constitution in the existing Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Raj Act. The leaders said panchayats had already been fully empowered and the state government, under the leadership of Omar Abdullah, had taken the revolutionary step to make the Panchayati Raj institution functional in the state. Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief Saifuddin Soz, during a rally at Surinsar on November 13, had stated that he was not convinced about the claims of the state government that adequate powers had been given to panchayat members. Besides highlighting the achievements of the government, the NC leaders also supported the new recruitment policy announced by the state government. They asked the party workers to highlight the achievements of the government at grass-roots level. “During our conventions at all districts, our aim is to highlight achievements of the coalition regime headed by Omar Abdullah,” said the provincial president of the NC, Rattan Lal Gupta. He said conventions would be held at all district headquarters in which senior leaders of the party would participate to make people aware of the achievements of the coalition regime. As a part of the ongoing campaign, another convention of the party would be held at Rajouri on November 23, in which Union Minister and president of the NC Farooq Abdullah is likely to participate. “We have decided to depute at least two Cabinet ministers in every convention to interact with the cadre and to highlight achievements of the coalition regime,” Gupta said. |
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Delhi HC blast: NIA team draws blank in search for 3 accused
Jammu/New Delhi, November 20 An NIA team has been camping in Kishtwar town and other higher reaches of Marwah, Warwan and Dachchan for the three wanted in the case -- Junaid Akram, Amir Kamal and Sheik Shakeel, alias Chota Shakeel -- but has not met with any success, official sources said. The NIA was not sharing its intelligence with the local police but only seeking its help in search operations, the sources said. While there have been intercepts about the presence of three wanted militants in the higher reaches of this area, neither the state agencies nor the Central agencies had any information about their presence in Kishtwar town or its outskirts, as claimed by the NIA. The NIA team was also meeting the relatives of Junaid Akram to press upon him to surrender, the sources said. The NIA has already announced a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh each for information leading to the arrest of these people. Junaid's brother Wasim Akram, a medical student, is already under arrest. He is alleged to be one of the masterminds in the blast that left 15 persons dead and dozens other injured. Wasim's questioning had raised doubts about the confessional statement of accused Aamir Abbas Dev, who claimed that he had seen the bombers of the terror incident along with Wasim. However, Wasim has denied having any knowledge about the same. The NIA may also approach court for conducting lie-detector, brainmapping and other tests on Wasim. — PTI |
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Vivek Express gets poor response in Jammu
Jammu, November 20 After travelling in 15 states, when the doors of this mobile museum were today opened to visitors in Jammu, there were hardly any visitors who came to see the mobile museum except of railway officials, . Till 3.30 pm, only 260 persons had come to see the train. Officials travelling with the train blamed the staff of the local railway station for getting a poor response here. “In other cities, hundreds of people came to see the exhibition. But, here at the 102nd stoppage of its journey, the train got almost nil response,” said Chandershekhar Prasad Verma, in charge of the train. “The local railways authorities have completely failed to give publicity to the train. Not a single banner has been put up anywhere at the railway station. The officials here are not even making announcements at the platforms. How will the public come to see this train?” He further said that 8.5 lakh people had visited the train to see the exhibition, since it started the journey from Howrah on January 12, 2010. “At some places, it received an overwhelming response. At Madurai in Tamil Nadu, 22,800 people came to see the exhibition in just one day. Now, you can better understand the difference in response here,” said Verma. The train, which last evening arrived here from Punjab, will leave for Haridwar on the night of November 23. The entry is free and anyone can visit the mobile museum from 10 am to 6 pm. Cadets of Northern Railways’ Scouts and Guides are maintaining a register to get the feedback of visitors. “May be because of Sunday, the train got few visitors today. But, the local railway staff has been trying to draw more visitors,” said Narinder Kumar, in charge, Scouts and Guides, Jammu Tawi railway station.
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West Pak refugees to take their demand to Parliament
Jammu, November 20 These “stateless” refugees, a majority of who are poor Dalits, have decided to go to Delhi on cycles so as to inform the countrymen about their plight and the “inhumane treatment” meted out to them by the successive governments of Jammu and Kashmir. “Although the date of the march is yet to be finalised, we have decided today to proceed towards Parliament in a procession because except promises, nothing concrete has been done so far by the politicians of the state,” Labha Ram Gandhi, chairman of the West Pakistani Refugees Action Committee (WPRAC), told The Tribune after the decision in this regard was taken in the executive committee meeting. Last year, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief Saifuddin Soz, while addressing a public meeting at Vijaypur, had promised to get problems of the refugees solved but no action has been taken so far. Unlike other refugees of the state, displaced people of West Pakistan have been denied even the citizenship rights and they have been agitating since 1947 to get citizenship rights. “Our plight can be gauged from the fact that we have been living in this part of the country since 1947 but we are denied citizenship rights”, Labha Ram said and added that these refugees were also denied voting rights in civic bodies, Panchayat and the Assembly elections which was glaring example of human right violation. He said the refugees have decided to launch a “decisive battle” because their patience was running out. “How long will we be humiliated? For the last 64 years we have been struggling to get the basic right of citizenship but our plight is not taken seriously by rulers of the state,” he said and announced that in today’s meeting the decision was taken to intensify the struggle. Unlike other states of the country, the Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) is required in Jammu and Kashmir to purchase land, to get government jobs or to continue higher studies. “It is irony that we have been living in this state since 1947 but are not entitled for the PRCs. Our children can neither pursue higher education nor they can get government jobs,” he said and added that over 2000 families of West Pakistani refugees, living in different parts of the province of Jammu, have been discredited as “unwanted” by the ruling elites. All Kashmir-based political parties are united on the issue of denying citizenship rights to these helpless refugees. |
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Need to preserve Pahari miniature paintings: Governor
Jammu, November 20 The Governor was addressing a symposium on “Pahari miniature painting traditions with special emphasis on the life and work of Nainsukh, an 18th-century Pahari painter”, here at Amar Mahal Museum and Library. The Governor was the chief guest
at the function, which was attended by a number of renowned artists, writers, intellectuals and prominent citizens. The Governor observed that organising such symposiums and lectures go a long way in creating awareness about the rich artistic and cultural heritage and showcasing it on a larger scale. He congratulated Dr Jyotsna Singh, Director, Amar Mahal Museum and Library, for organising the event. He suggested that she may consider the possibility of organising similar events in the other parts of the country in order to enhance awareness of the invaluable treasure embedded in the Pahari miniature paintings. He observed that he would be happy to support the museum’s future endeavours for the promotion of art and culture. Referring to his earlier visits to the museum, the Governor said the magnificent historical building possessed a very rich collection of miniature and other paintings. He complimented Dr BN Goswami and Prof Eberhardt Fischer, eminent experts in miniature paintings, for their valuable work and Mr Amit Dutta, Director of film “Nainsukh”, for his significant contribution in making the painter from Guler, a world famous artist. Goswami, an art historian and an expert on miniature paintings, explained the uniqueness of these art creations through a power point presentation. Professor Fischer dwelt on the origin, history and evolution of the miniature paintings and spoke about the salient features of the film, “Nainsukh”. Earlier, in her welcome address, Dr Jyotsna spoke about the aims and objectives of organising
the event. “The screening of “Nainsukh” is aimed at creating awareness among the people regarding the socio-cultural and aesthetic importance of the art of miniatures. It also provides a platform for an introduction of the techniques of miniature paintings to the younger generation through presentations by professional miniatures artists,” she added. |
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Death of NC worker
Chandigarh, November 20 The petition has been filed in public interest by Udampur MLA and state President of the Panthers Party. He is seeking CBI probe into Yousaf’s mysterious death. The incident has already triggered a political controversy in the state, with the Opposition parties targeting Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on the issue. Yousuf had allegedly died in police custody after two fellow party workers accused him of taking a bribe to get them nominations for the Legislative Council. Talking to The Tribune upon being contacted soonafter being appointed as one-man commission to look into the matter, Justice Bedi said as of now he really has no idea, as the details of the probe have so far not been communicated to him. But, it is believed that Justice Bedi will not actually go ahead with the probe till the final disposal of the petition by the Supreme Court. Indications are that Justice Bedi may not consider it appropriate to prod the issue with the apex court already looking into it while hearing the PIL. The state government, exercising the powers conferred under Section 3 of the Jammu & Kashmir Commission of Enquiry Act, 1962, had appointed the commission of inquiry. The indications are that the commission shall inquire into the causes and circumstances leading to Yousaf’s death. It is also believed that the commission will fix the responsibility for the lapses, if any, committed by any person in discharge of his duties. The commission shall perform all the functions necessary for holding the inquiry and is expected to submit its report to the government within a period of just six weeks. |
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Natrang Studio Theatre
Jammu, November 20 The play, under the direction of Balwant Thakur, was presented at the studio theatre. The performance of two senior actors- Arvind Anand and Neeraj Kant, kept the audience spellbound. The play revolved around a triangular love story. The playwright unfolded the whole episode after the death of a young lady. Their encounter reveals the minute intricacies of man-woman relations and frustrations of extra marital affairs. Both embarrass each other by revealing the intimate moments they shared with the young lady. The dramatic action becomes even more interesting when it is shown that the husband comes to know about the extra-marital relation of his wife after her death. He was unaware of the fact that she had almost abandoned him for her new lover. Ironically, there was no occasion for the
frustrated husband to even question his unfaithful wife. The playwright exposed inner conflicts through a highly-experimental and intellectual thematic design. Utkarsh Kotwal efficiently executed the lights. |
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2G Scam
Jammu, November 20 Addressing a press conference here, Umesh Dutt, the All-India General Secretary of the ABVP, said they would appeal to the youth to actively support the protest and participate in large numbers. He said the 2G scam was the biggest scam ever in the history of the world, which caused a loss of Rs 1,76,000 crore to
the nation. “Though many big names like A Raja, Kanimozhi and Shahid Balwa are behind bars today, yet the prime beneficiaries of the scam are still free. This in itself is a great shame for the nation,” said Dutt. “The present Home Minister of the country, who was the Finance Minister at the time of the scam, is controlling the internal security of our nation. This is ironic and disgusting.”
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JKPSC not providing information, alleges RTI activist
Jammu, November 20 Addressing a press conference, Sharma said the foundation had decided to approach court of law for redressing the issue. He said foundation had filed an application before the state Public Service Commission on November 6, 2010, seeking information on the KAS selections made by it. The JKPSC, in utter disregard to the provisions of the RTI, refrained from providing any information. The foundation repeatedly called on the JKPSC officialdom for providing information, but they avoided furnishing a reply. “An appeal was accordingly made to the State Information Commission in April 2010 against the defiance of the JKPSC. The State Information Commissioner directed the Public Information Officer, JKPSC, to make available the requisite information within 15 days. The JKPSC again in violation of the SIC’s order failed to provide the information within the prescribed time and instead sent a reply one month after the expiry. It was again lacking in many respects,” he averred. |
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Kargil Victory Day
Srinagar, November 20 Conceptualised by Lt Gen Ravi Dastane, GOC 14 Corps, the day will celebrate the characteristic bonhomie and brotherhood as seen in the region. Wreaths will be laid at the Kargil War Memorial to pay homage to the martyrs, followed by a special sainik sammelan. A special Army Mela is being organised at Biamathang Ground wherein the main attractions will be the exhibition of weapons and equipment of the Indian Army, a cultural programme by local troupes, a multi-specialty medical camp jointly organised by the Army and civil doctors and various games and eatery stalls for the civilians. On May 10, 1948, the Pakistani raiders had captured Kargil town, taking advantage of the thin deployment of Indian Army troops on ground. The raiders came along the Shingo River valley and after a skirmish with the troops deployed at Kharal Bridge (now named Harka Bahadur Bridge) at the junction of the Suru and the Shingo rivers, marched ahead and occupied the heights surrounding the town. With utter disregard for the civilian life or collateral damage, the raiders pounded the town and the troop positions with mortar shells. The strategic importance of Kargil was well understood by the raiders as well as by the Indian Army. Its control with the enemy was affecting the Indian Army campaign in the Leh area, which itself stood on the brink of capitulation. Advancing from the west, the gallant troops of 1/5 Royal Gorkha Rifles, part of 77 Para Brigade, reached Kargil, only to be held by enemy across the Shingo river at Kharal. The brave and determined Gorkhas, led by Capt AK Kochar, Company Commander, and Subedar Harka Bahadur, a platoon commander, swam across the icy cold waters of the Shingo and forced the enemy to withdraw towards Marol in the north (at present across the Line of Control). The Gorkhas entered Kargil town on November 23, 1948. The link with the Leh Brigade was established the next day and Kargil was secured. Over the years, Kargil district, by active support of the civil administration and Army, has been transformed into a hub of economic activity by sheer dint of its people’s hard work. Today, Kargil is a flourishing economic and commercial centre with massive strides having been taken especially in the last 10 years. The National Highway is in the process of being widened, the roads have been metalled and the overall connectivity from Srinagar and Leh has improved tremendously, giving a fillip to the already popular tourism industry. |
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Sikhs seek minority status in J-K
Srinagar, November 20 A delegation of Sikh leaders put forth their demands during a meeting with Mubarak Gul, adviser to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, here last evening. They also demanded a probe into the March 2000 massacre of the community members in
Chattisinghpora village of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district. In the meeting, All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC) chairman Jagmohan Singh Raina asked the government to take concrete steps to address the issues which the community members were facing in the
state. — PTI |
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Annual day celebrated
Jammu, November 20 The chief guest on the occasion was Minister for Health and Horticulture Sham Lal Sharma. The school management, staff and parents of students were present during the occasion. Students presented various cultural programmes like Saraswati Vandana, classical and western dances, group songs and folk items, which enthralled the gathering and mesmerized everyone with scintillating performances. Principal of the school Isaac Daniel read out the annual report. |
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Bags of cement seized
Jammu, November 20 However, Ishtiaq managed to escape the spot. A case under relevant sections stands registered at the Bani police station. Meanwhile, the police patrolling the Phinter area of Tehsil Billawar intercepted a vehicle on the way to Udhampur to Phinter and recovered three bovines being smuggled to Udhampur district. Two persons, identified as Mohammad Aslam (driver), resident of Kishanpur in tehsil Billawar, and Reham Ali of
Baggan in tehsil Billawar, were arrested in this connection. |
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Religious conversion: Pastor arrested
in Srinagar
Srinagar, November 20 Pastor C M Khanna was arrested from his residence on the church premises in the Ram Munshi Bagh area here late last night after he was named in a case relating to an alleged conversion, they said. Charges under Sections 153-A and 295-A of the RPC were registered against him in the local police station last evening, the officials said. The police action comes in the wake of protests at many places in the Kashmir valley on Friday over the issue. A video had surfaced here last month in which Khanna was allegedly shown baptising at least six Muslims and one Hindu youth. Khanna had appeared before a group of Islamic scholars on Friday to clarify his position after failing to appear before the Sharia court. A spokesman of the Islamic court said initially Khanna had denied converting any youth, but admitted to it after he was shown evidence. “He said he had converted 15 youth so far and agreed to provide the details soon,” the spokesman said.
— PTI
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LPG shortage hits Kashmir valley
Srinagar, November 20 Long queues of consumers waiting for the LPG cylinders can be seen at different places here and elsewhere in other towns of the valley. The reasons are many which lead to the shortage of cooking gas while the people are also faced with shortage of power supplies due to the decline in power generation from the hydel resources within the valley. There are over 5.5 lakh domestic LPG consumers in the Kashmir valley, which include 4 lakh of the Hindustan Petroleum (HP), one lakh of IOC and 50,000 of Bharat Petroleum. HP is the only company which has its refilling plant at Pampore near Srinagar. This company caters to its consumers of south Kashmir districts only from its refilling plant in Jammu. In view of the cold weather conditions, there is greater demand for LPG during winters when the gas is also used for heating purposes.
— TNS
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Jammu, November 20
Jammu, November 20
The train, with a mobile museum in two coaches, will be stationed here till November 23. It has been specially made to exhibit the story of Ramakrishna Mission and how Swami Vivekananda set it up. It also throws light on the life of Swami Vivekananda with the help of portraits.
