Srinagar, August 16
The J&K High Court has asked the state government to furnish the details of the funds utilised on the Dal Conversation programme over the past 30 years till August 28. This was observed by a division Bench of the High Court, comprising Mansoor A Mir and Justice Muzaffar H Attar, while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) about the preservation and conservation of the Dal Lake on Tuesday.

The amicus curie of the High Court on Dal PIL, Zaffar Shah, said: “The Bench observed that the Chief Secretary must furnish a detailed report on the total funds received and spent on Dal Lake conservation programme over the past 30 years,”

During the previous hearing, the High Court had directed the Traffic Police department to ensure that no vehicle was washed on the banks of the lake. It had also directed the authorities concerned to install signboards prohibiting the washing of vehicles on the banks of the lake.

During the same hearing, the Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA), which is responsible for the preservation of the Dal Lake, had informed the court that out of 315 kanal of the lake land encroached, only 40 kanal had been recovered.

The court had directed LAWDA to file a compressive affidavit on the remaining 275 kanal of land which was under encroachment.

Jammu, August 16
Constructed for the benefit of commuters travelling by public transport, rain shelters in the city have become resting places for beggars. In the absence of any action by the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), most of these are not being used by commuters anymore.

Most shelters have been rendered useless for commuters who use public transport to reach their destinations every day.

These shelters have turned out to be a waste of money as these are not being utilised for the purpose these were constructed for. At some places, fruit sellers are using them for storing their stock.

“These are meant for the benefit of passengers and the authorities need to create awareness regarding this. Beggars should be removed from these places,” says Sunil Sangral, a local resident.

Commuters allege that at some places drug addicts can be seen using rain shelters during evening hours, which poses a threat to people.

The rain shelters at Gole Market, Women College, Gandhi Nagar, Jewel Chowk, Amphalla, the main stop and at Parade have been totally encroached upon by beggars. The begging menace has assumed alarming proportions in Jammu city.

“They have become a nuisance for people, particularly tourists as they follow them in markets. Though they are mostly children, their handlers are always near them keeping a close watch,” said a shopkeeper at Gandhi Nagar.

Being a city of temples, Jammu is a paradise for beggars, who mostly come here from other states such as Odisha, Bihar, Rajasthan and Gujarat along with their families with the hope of getting good alms here.

“Beggars in Jammu are mostly from other parts of the country who are brought here under a well-planned strategy not only to fleece but also to commit petty crimes. The government, however, seems to be sleeping over the issue,” says Rashmi Singh, a housewife. Ramesh Sharma, who runs an NGO, says begging has become a trade. He says there is a syndicate behind the begging menace. Beggars mostly target the affluent class, tourists and foreigners.

Srinagar, August 16
The drive of the local police to clear roadside vendors at Lal Chowk triggered a protest, causing a heavy traffic jam at the busy marketplace today.

Eyewitnesses said the police faced stiff resistance from the hawkers, who had set up their stalls to cater to the heavy rush of shoppers ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.

The hawkers alleged that the police flung their goods on the road and in the drain during its drive to clear the roads. “We always set up stalls at Lal Chowk ahead of Eid and have never been prevented from doing so before,” said Sahib, a hawker.

The police action forced the hawkers to block the road outside Tyndale Biscoe School.

They raised slogans against the police and burnt cardboards besides placing their carts on the road.

The movement of traffic got affected at Lal Chowk, which remains busy due to heavy rush of vehicles during the festive season.

Later, a police team reached the scene to pacify the protesters. The hawkers were subsequently allowed to set up stalls along the corners and normal traffic resumed after about an hour of disruption.

Srinagar, August 16
Human rights activists have voiced concern over the honouring of a police officer with suspect human rights record on the eve of Independence Day.

Thirty-five officers of the Jammu and Kashmir Police were awarded medals for gallantry and meritorious services on the eve of Independence Day.

“It is despicable that police officers responsible for serious human rights violations are receiving awards despite perpetrating crimes,” said a spokesperson for the J&K Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS), a Valley-based human rights group, in a statement.

Pointing to SP (Security) Altaf Ahmad Khan, who was one of the officers awarded with the President’s Police Medal, the JKCCS spokesperson said Khan was “notoriously known for perpetrating human rights violations” in areas where he had served.

Citing the case of a 16-year-old school girl who was allegedly abducted from a school in the Handrwara area on July 3, 2004, the JKCCS spokesman said the girl had approached the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) against the police officer with a 
complaint.

“On November 19, 2008, the commission in its final decision had held that the victim had been subjected to the worst type of human rights violations at the hands of two women constables and DSP Khan,” he added, while citing the SHRC verdict.

“Khan was also implicated in the extra-judicial execution of a Sopore youth, Nazim Rashid Shalla, in July 2011 and later transferred from Sopore”, he claimed.

Stating that the awarding of officers with charges of “serious human rights violations suggested institutional endorsement of crimes perpetrated by these men in uniform”, the spokesperson said it also depicted “complete disregard towards the human and democratic rights” in the state.

Srinagar, August 16
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has reiterated his committed to taking peace dividends to every household in the state, while asserting that the footprints of security forces on roads have visibly decreased.

In his Independence Day address at Bakshi Stadium yesterday, he said: “We have freed all school buildings from the occupation of security forces. All hospitals but three have been vacated.”

He said 33 hotels, 256 government buildings and 25 industrial estates had also been cleared from the possession of the security forces during the past three years of his government.

Also, 40 bunkers have been removed from Srinagar, and 10 CRPF and two BSF companies have 
been relieved of their security duty.

He took a dig at certain leaders (PDP) who had criticised the performance of his government, saying those who had covered their eyes with dark glasses did not see the brightness of facts.

“They know that the numerous people-friendly measures and far-reaching initiatives taken by the present government have created a lasting impact on the minds of the common people who have now understood the difference between mere sloganeering and actual action on the ground,” he said.

The Chief Minister said besides focussing on five key sectors of R&B, PHE, health, education and power, his government had been striving hard to bring about improvements in agriculture and allied sectors, industries and commerce, social welfare, housing and urban development.

The Chief Minister said over 9,500 km of road had been blacktopped and macadamised in the state during past three years, besides the construction of 230 bridges.

He said under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), around 2,000 km of new roads had been constructed as compared to 750 km between 2001 to 2009.

Omar Abdullah said 2,500 new primary schools had been opened, 1,600 primary schools upgraded to middle and 530 middle schools to high schools.

He said over 34,000 teachers had been engaged during the past three years. Also, 23 degree colleges, various off-site campuses of universities, including those of Leh and Kargil, had been opened. He said the Kupwara campus of Kashmir University would be launched soon.

The enrolment of students had also increased from 91,000 to 1.19 lakh during the past three years.

He said his government had also taken measures to strengthen Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri, and Islamic University of Science and Technology at Awantipora.

“Both universities were announced by the previous government without arranging necessary funds,” he said, adding that a viable financial management and flow of funds had been put in place for these universities.

Kulgam, August 16
The patients of the Kulgam district continue to suffer despite having a newly-constructed district hospital due to the shortage of doctors and other Paramedical staff, in the otherwise well-equipped hospital.

According to the local residents, the hospital caters to the health-care needs of Kulgam district and the adjoining areas.

“The hospital is well-equipped but it’s of no use if there is a shortage of staff,” said an attendant, Zahid Malik.

A doctor working in the hospital said, “The posts here remain vacant and nothing is being done to fill them up.”

“The footfall is over a thousand patients per day. We are unable to take care of such a huge inflow due to shortage of manpower,” said the doctor.

Another doctor said, “There is no gynaecologist in the hospital. The delivery cases are referred to other hospitals. Whatever little is conducted here is too risky in absence of a specialist.”

The Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Kulgam, Dr Ashiq Hussain, said the issue has been taken up with the higher authorities and hopefully the recruitments would take place soon.

“The paramedic staffs have been sanctioned. As far as the doctors are concerned, the scenario is more or less same in the whole Valley,” said the CMO.

Srinagar, August 16
The Committee on Estimates, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, on Tuesday directed the officers of the Rural Development Department (RDD) to fix target for works to be executed under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in each panchayat.

Committee on Estimates Chairman Chaudhry Mohammad Ramzan said: “Preparation for the project was important so that its benefits could percolate to the needy persons easily.”

“The committee sought detailed information from the RDD authorities about the approved plan under MGNERGA for Doda, Kupwara and Anantnag districts within a week ,” said an official spokesperson.

The spokesperson said it was informed during the meeting that a new scheme, Integrated Water Shed Management Programme, had been started by the department.

The committee asked the officers concerned to work in tandem and involve forest and soil conservation departments besides LAWDA to make the programme more result-oriented.

Srinagar, August 16
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah hosted an iftar party at his residence last evening.

The party was held at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) located on the banks of Dal Lake.

Governor NN Vohra and First Lady Usha Vohra, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Dr Farooq Abdullah, several ministers, MLAs, top police and government officials attended the party.

The Chief Minister interacted with the guests and exchanged Independence Day greetings, an official said.

Srinagar, August 16
The second track of the Hyderpora flyover, on the Baramulla-Srinagar highway, constructed at a cost of Rs 33.84 crore, was thrown open to traffic by the Minister of State for Roads & Buildings, Javed Ahmad Dar, in the presence of Minister of State for Home and Tourism Nasir Aslam Wani. The first track of the flyover was opened for traffic over a year ago.

“The flyover is part of a 17.80-km Athwajan-Parimpora section, a four-lane Srinagar bypass project coming up at an estimated of Rs 212 crore. It is scheduled to be completed by October this year," an official spokesman said. The project comprises 17.80 km road; four major bridges at Lasjan, Padshahibagh, Chanpora, Tengpora and one flyover at Hyderpora intersection.

"Around 98 per cent work of the project has been completed at an accumulated cost of Rs 203.17 crore," said the spokesperson.

The minister appreciated the efforts of the executing agency for the completion of second track of the flyover in record time.

Jammu, August 16
Underlining the importance of road connectivity in over-all development, Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand has said accessibility is a key factor for the socio-economic transformation of rural and border belts of the state.

He said the government was working on a road map to develop better infrastructure in all three regions of the state and a network of all-weather roads was an integral part of the plan of holistic development of the state.

Tara Chand said this while chairing a high-level meeting of officers called to discuss major projects undertaken in the border and far-flung areas of Jammu division. Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Pradeep Gupta, District Development Commissioner, Jammu, Sanjeev Verma, Chief Engineer, SAMPARK, UC Mehta and the SDM, Akhnoor, attended the meeting.

Detailed deliberations took place on the status of various projects undertaken in the border belt and a road map was drawn for early completion of these strategically important road links.

The major border road projects discussed at the meeting included the Jammu-Akhnoor road, the Akhnoor-Pallanwala road, the Akhnoor-Jourian road and the Kappa Gala-Balli road.

Lauding the efforts of SAMPARK in providing connectivity to border areas, the Deputy Chief Minister said engineers and staff of the organisation were rendering yeoman’s service to the nation by constructing, improving and maintaining the strategic road network in the border areas of the state.

The meeting was informed that the double-laning of the Akhnoor-Jourian and Akhnoor-Pallanwala road was under way and the Kappa Gala-Balli road was being upgraded.

Directing the authorities to speed up work, Tara Chand said people of the area were facing difficulties as work on both roads was going on simultaneously.

Jammu, August 16
Uniform is not just a tool of discipline in schools nowadays, it is being adopted by colleges as well. Boys’ colleges adopting uniform are less in comparison to girls’ colleges.

One reason for implementing the uniform code in colleges is to ensure that students from all sections of society perform well without succumbing to pressure of socio-economic differences which is common in colleges since students from all strata of society study in the same institution. Another reason in favour of the uniform over civil dress is to keep students away from “objectionable clothing”.

College students, however, feel that the decision should be best left to them. Mehar, a student of the Government College for Women, Parade, said: “While our contemporaries across major colleges in Delhi and Mumbai do not have to follow such norms, we are still being treated like schoolchildren.”

The authorities, however, feel that making the uniform mandatory in colleges “helps students adjust to their new-found college life better”.

According to directors of various colleges, the uniform is important for maintaining discipline in colleges. No one should feel the pressure of coming from different socio-economic backgrounds. It also instills a sense of equality among students.

Jammu, August 16
Deepti (name changed) is one of the many students studying at Jammu University for the past one month who are yet to be allotted a hostel. The new academic session started in July.

In the absence of a hostel, hundreds of students coming from far-flung areas have been forced to live either in rented accommodation or with relatives.

“I belong to Rajouri. It has been over a month since I joined college. I was hoping that the hostel will be provided in time so that I could move in without wasting time. However, since the room allotments are still under way, I have been forced to put up with my relatives. Sharing accommodation with relatives is not very comfortable, especially because most of them have nuclear families,” says Ruchi.

Since parents are wary of letting girls stay alone in rented apartments, most of them are spending time with their relatives. Sources in the Jammu University administration looking after hostels said, “Though hostel rooms are open for allotment, the procedure will take some time since rooms are allotted mostly on the basis of merit or reservation.”

On their stand regarding the issue of rooms being occupied by scholars despite having been granted degrees long ago, the sources said, “We do not have any such cases; all scholars who are given their degrees vacate their rooms well in time. In certain cases, they could be staying in someone else’s room as guests but only for a limited time. The hostel administration is very strict regarding room allotment rules and defaulters are asked to vacate their rooms immediately.”

Jammu, August 16
Rajeev Sharma of Udhampur district, who scaled Mount Everest in 1993, was honoured on the occasion of the Independence Day celebrations for his stupendous feats in the field of mountaineering and rock climbing.

On behalf of the state government, the ace Everester was presented an award by Minister for Medical Education, Technical Education and Youth Services and Sports RS Chib.

Retired recently as the Deputy Director, Mountaineering Institute in Himachal Pradesh, Rajeev Sharma has numerous achievements under his belt. Apart from various international expeditions, the ace climber has the distinction of scaling Aconcagua, the longest mountain chain in Argentina and Rockies in the US.

Before Rajeev Sharma, only two mountaineers from the state - Sonam Wangyal and Sonam Yagns - had scaled the Everest in 1965 and 1984, respectively.

Hailing from a small village, Kotla, near Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra, Rajeev attributes his success, apart from his parents and friends, to Ashok Kumar, Deputy Director, Youth Services and Sports, Jammu.

“It is always an ecstatic feeling to receive an award for your achievements,” said an elated Rajeev after receiving the award.

Jammu, August 16
Irked over the alleged denial of the drawing and disbursing (DD) powers, zonal physical education officers (ZPEOs) of the Department of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS) are an angry lot. They claim that they have not been authorised to spend even a single penny on conducting activities.

According to sources, the reorganisation of the DYSS was specially done to create posts of ZPEO on the lines of zonal education officers (ZEOs) in the Education Department. However, all executive powers vested with the ZEOs were not provided to the newly appointed 199 ZPEOs.

“When there is no provision for vesting DD powers in us, what is the purpose of creating the posts because without these powers, we are handicapped,” a ZPEO told The Tribune on condition of anonymity. “If our duties have been specifically allocated by the department, then why does it hesitate to vest important powers in us,” he added.

“In fact, we have to dance to the tunes of our officials who are not at all interested in delegating financial powers to us,” claimed another ZPEO. “During a recently held meeting at the Youth Hostel, Nagrota, we apprised Director of the DYSS Jai Pal Singh of the problems being faced by us due to non-vesting of DD powers in us. However, nothing concrete has come out so far,” he added.

The sources claimed that the All J&K Youth Services Sports Employees Association had written to Sports Minister RS Chib a few years ago in which it was mentioned that despite the establishment of zonal offices, there was a need for creating adequate infrastructure. Besides, powers vested in ZEOs should also be given to ZPEOs as all rules pertaining to the Education Department were applicable to the DYSS.

A senior DYSS official told The Tribune that the department had already approached the government in this regard and they were hopeful of a decision in favour of ZPEOs soon.

The ZPEOs have been entrusted with the task of ensuring the implementation of the common minimum programme in primary, middle and high schools, implementation of a centrally sponsored scheme, the Panchayat Yuva Krida Aur Khel Abhiyan, and furnishing physical and financial proposals to district officers for their approval.

Katra, August 16
With more Punjabi filmmakers pouring in for film shoots in the Jammu region, local tourism players are happy over the fact that it would give a boost to the hospitality sector here.

Terming it a welcome development, tourism traders said the move would definitely help in bringing more tourists to the region.

Gurjit Singh, a local resident, said, “It is a positive sign that the Punjabi producers have turned to Jammu for film shooting.”

Singh said earlier the Kashmir Valley was an ultimate shooting destination for all the filmmakers but now Jammu was also attracting them.

“When Kashmir Ki Kali was released, people from all parts of the country and abroad visited the Valley. There were many films which were shot here and became instant hits. J&K has long relation with Bollywood as almost every film shot here did well on the box office,” said Bupinder Singh Sidhu, a film producer from Chandigarh. Sidhu said arrival of film crews from Punjab would definitely attract tourists here.

Dheeraj Sharma, a local resident, said, “It is a good sign for the tourism industry as it will definitely increase the inflow of tourists here.”

“Between 1960s to mid 1980s, the state was a favorite shooting destination for film units which promoted tourism here. It is but natural when people watch movies, the scenery of the region attracts them in many ways,” Sharma said.

He said the government also needed to play a proactive role in promoting tourism and also Bollywood crews could utilise the local manpower. Komal, an actress from Mumbai, said, “It is good that filmmakers are turning to Jammu but it needs to be seen whether it will help the local people or not.”

She added that proper mechanism needed to be put in place so that local people could provide services to film crews.

Ramban, August 16
Three residents of Ramban district were yesterday conferred with the Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Award (RGSA) by the Gandhi Global Family under the Union Government’s Sadbhavana Ke Sipahi programme during the Independence Day function at Ramban.

The awards were given to Purshotam Singh Raju, a teacher at Government Higher Secondary School, Ramban; Bashir Ahmed, magray member of the Indian Red Cross Society, Ramban, and Bilal Ahmed, a social worker, for outstanding social work. Minister of State for Haj and Auqaf Ejaz Ahmed Khan was the chief guest on the occasion. — OC

Jammu, August 16
Sri Partap (SP) College notched up an impressive seven-wicket win over Amar Singh (AS) College today in the ongoing Parvez Qureshi Memorial Cricket Tournament.

The tournament is being organised by the Kashmir wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) at the University of Kashmir ground.

Earlier, the AS College decision to bat first after winning the toss backfired as the team skittled out for 128 runs in 35.3 overs. Wasim Ramzan and Asif Malik played fine knocks of 21 and 20 runs, respectively.

From SP College, Wazid was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets while Irfan claimed two.

In reply, SP College overhauled the target for the loss of just three wickets.

Gowhar played a match winning unbeaten knock of 37 runs while Ubaid also chipped in with a handy 26. For AS College, Wasim Ramzan took two wickets while Mohammad Waasharat took one.

Jammu, August 16
The Jammu and Kashmir Tug-of-War Association has selected the state team for the forthcoming 25th Junior (U-19) Men Tug-of-War National Championship.

It is slated to be held from August 17 to 20 at Chhaterpati Shivaji Sports Stadium, Balewadi, Pune, in Maharashtra.

Before the final selection, the probables also underwent a brief five-day coaching camp held at Unique Public Higher Secondary School.

The team is being accompanied by Pawandeep Singh and Sunil Chakharia as coach and manager, respectively.

The team comprises Gurjot Singh, Balpreet Singh, Pawandeep Singh, Ajay Kumar, Jagdish Raj, Anil Kumar, Ravi Thappa, Harjinder Singh and Devinder Pal.