|
|
|
|
|
Azad skips Cong ‘unity rally’
Probe hints at LeT hand in policeman’s beheading
on the frontline
Indecision over pre-poll tie-up leaves probables in a fix
|
|
|
|
Pvt schools threaten to move SC over fee hike decision
Srinagar turns into street food hub this Ramadan
Selection in U-19 squad
Army Chief to review security in J-K today
Soz for evolving consensus on AFSPA
One held for raping minor, case registered
|
||||||||||||
|
Azad skips Cong ‘unity rally’
Jammu, July 14 Although Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand, who represent Azad faction in the Jammu and Kashmir Congress, was present in the 'unity rally', a number of staunch loyalist of Union Health Minister were absent in the function which was publicised as 'show of unity'. Lok Sabha member from Udhampur-Doda Choudhary Lal Singh, Minister of State (MoS) Cooperative Manmohar Lal Sharma and former ministers Gulchain Singh Charak, Jugal Kishore Sharma, Suman Bhagat and Yogesh Sawhney were some prominent loyalist of Azad who skipped the function. Newly appointed national general secretary in charge of J&K Congress Ambika Soni also skipped the function. As the party cadres were anxiously waiting for the rally, supporters of Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief Saifuddin Soz tried to downplay absence of Azad in the function. “Within 15 days another rally would be organised in which Azad Sahib would be present”, said District Congress Committee (DCC) Jammu urban president Om Chopra. A spokesman of JKPCC Ravinder Kumar Sharma announced that Azad has been held up due to the on going consultations on the Telangana issue. This was the reason he could not reach Jammu, he said. Sources close of Azad, however, said that before finalising today’s unity rally, consent of Union Health Minister was taken. “It was a half-hearted attempt on the part of the JKPCC chief. Instead of just extending an invitation to Azad to participate in the rally, JKPCC chief should have consulted him (Azad)”, a former Congress minister, who skipped the rally, said on the condition of anonymity. He said that unity in the Congress was not possible without taking Azad into confidence. The unity efforts, which were reportedly initiated due to the initiative of PHE Minister Sham Lal Sharma, yielded some positive results. It was for the first time that a large number of supporters of Azad were present in the rally which was presided over by JKPCC chief. Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand, Minister of State for Revenue Aijaz Khan, B R Kundal, MLC, former minister Ramesh Chander and a number of Azad loyalists were also present. Sources said that Congress high command has directed the JKPCC chief to bring unity among warring factions of the party in view of the forthcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. “Today’s unity rally was first step in this direction”, sources said and added that in the days to come similar rallies would be held. Although Azad was not present in today's rally, Soz has already decided to organise a joint tour with Union Health Minister in twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri in August. Prominent absentees
|
|
Probe hints at LeT hand in policeman’s beheading
Srinagar, July 14 “The investigation into policeman’s killing has revealed that a group of foreign militants from Lashker was behind the beheading incident,” Superintendent of Police, Handwara, Mohammad Aslam, told The Tribune. “We have already registered an FIR and started investigations into the gruesome murder,” he added. Head constable Sonaullah Zargar (48), a resident of Hardoona Handwara, 70 km from Srinagar, was beheaded by suspected militants when he along with his wife had entered into the nearby forests to collect firewood on Friday morning. Zargar’s decapitated body was later spotted in Hangalpora forest in the afternoon. Zagar was posted in the District Police Lines and had gone on a vacation to home few days ago. Search in the area is on to trace the militants involved in the incident. Police investigations have revealed that a group of five to six gunmen had kidnapped Zarger after they came to believe that he was working with the police. The senior police officers in Srinagar said that it was for the first time in the past few years that militants have beheaded anyone with a sharp edged weapon. “Though militants have been carrying out attacks on policemen, in the past few years they have not beheaded anyone. So, we are looking into different angles,” said a senior police officer in Srinagar. The officer said that a similar kind of incident in Kashmir had occured in August 2003 when a father-son duo were beheaded by militants at Sangrama Rafiabad in Baramulla district of north Kashmir for allegedly being associated with a mainstream political party. Mehbooba condemns killing People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has condemned the gruesome killing of policeman Sonaullah Zargar who was beheaded by some unidentified persons at Handwara on Friday. In a statement issued here on Sunday, the PDP president expressed her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of the policeman. “Violence has no place in a civilised society,” Mehbooba said.
|
|
on the frontline
The female foeticide is particularly worrying as it has assumed alarming proportions as the ratio of the male — female ratio is 1000:889. It leads to a question that should have been asked long ago. Is anyone serious about it? Apart from voicing concern in speeches and bemoaning the trend that could prove much more harmful in Jammu and Kashmir than in any other part of the country, there is nothing on the ground to suggest that the state government or society is having any worthwhile strategy in place to deal with this societal problem. It is being shrugged off by the people as if it is none of their concerns. The Chief Minister alone cannot do everything. The programmes that were supposed to have been launched to curb this trend, are nowhere in sight. It is a state of mind in many other parts of the country, be it Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab or Bihar. In Jammu and Kashmir, this issue has multiple dimensions. The issue is closely linked to the militancy and violence that has taken place in the state for the past over two decades. Many of the youth, who travelled to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to train themselves in arms and ammunition, did not return. Those, who were in the Valley, were always on the run. Those who stayed back in PoK married there. Hence, the scale of the gender population in the Valley and some parts of Jammu region got disturbed. During 1990s and the first few years of the 21st century — the times were of midnight knocks, forcible entry of militants and soldiers into houses. A widespread phenomenon of fear played a critical role in developing a negative psychology about the female child. Girls were considered a liability, while the male child was considered as a shield to resist such forcible incursions. The men could fight, women could not. This psychology dominated the society. Soldiers, on the other hand, who were tasked to flush out the militants, used their own methods to neutralize the men with arms and their supporters. There was use of extreme torture. That also played a critical role in bringing down the gender ratio. Of course, there also is a - phenomenon that guided the course in favor of male child: to carry on the family name. There was an inherent desire among many men and even women to have a male child, who could look after himself and the parents. The negative view was, and is, that the girls could not be protected in a society where violence was consuming everything. Twenty-three years is a long time. Countless girls committed suicide. Others abandoned the new born or aborted pregnancy. No one knows that how many were forced to go for abortion by the parents. Repercussions of such a trend are extremely dangerous. This can give rise to more conflict and violence. Almost daily there is a police press note saying that a girl in her teens or early twenties committed suicide or attempted one. Their names are withheld. But the society knows where the roots of these extreme steps lie. The state is fighting militancy. It also needs another kind of soldiers who could fight this kind of war against female foeticide. There is a need for mass awakening and the society is to be involved at every step. When the state first found itself in the category of the states where daughters were killed before they were born, there was a lot of hue and cry. Campaigns were launched and camps organised to fight this menace by involving men and women in different parts of the state. Now those efforts have been given up as if the problem has been resolved. It is not. There is a need to launch a war against this menace. That is a war of necessity. |
|
Indecision over pre-poll tie-up leaves probables in a fix
Jammu, July 14 The delay seems to be increasing the curiosity among the aspirants who are waiting for the announcement from the high command with regard to distribution of mandates well ahead of polls scheduled for late next year. Sources in the National Conference told The Tribune that the party high command had been asked to decide on the pre-poll alliance so that party leaders get a clear picture what to do. “The second line leadership of the party, including both provincial presidents, senior vice presidents and other senior leaders, have put the ball in the court of the party high command, and have asked them to make a decision on the pre-poll alliance as it is not allowing them to prepare a plan for the elections,” sources said. Both, NC president Farooq Abdullah and working president Omar Abdullah, who is also the Chief Minister, have sought some more time for taking a final call on pre-poll alliance. Till then, party leaders have been asked to reach out to people at the grassroot levels. Though the National Conference and the Congress are running a coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir since January 5, 2009, both the parties have not yet decided as to whether or not to go for the 2014 Assembly elections in pre-poll alliance. The National Conference provincial presidents, in the meantime, have asked all district presidents of the party to hold consultations with grassroot workers at panchayat, block and tehsil level and get their point of view on who should be given the mandate. |
|
Pvt schools threaten to move SC over fee hike decision
Srinagar, July 14 Kashmir Private School Association has threatened to move the Supreme Court against the state government appointed panel’s decision on fees structure, teacher salaries and infrastructure. Terming the decision as undue interference in their working, Kashmir Private Schools Association chairman C L Vishen said that the decision has been taken in the context to a Supreme Court decision taken in 2003 (Islamic Academy versus State of Karnataka) which asks for submission of fees structure for approval. “Surprisingly, this panel has ignored the August 21, 2005, Supreme Court decision (PA Inaamdar versus State of Maharashtra) which states that every institution is free to devise its own fee structure subject to the limitation that there can be no profiteering and no capitation fee can be charged directly or indirectly, or in any form,” Vishen said. He also referred to the Bombay High Court decision on July 9, 2013, which held that the state government will have no say in deciding the fees structures of unaided private schools. "The panel’s decision is unjustified. We were not even consulted when this panel discussed measures of regulating fees structures. It is ironic that while they have decided to regulate the private schools, we were not even consulted although we are stakeholders," Vishen added. “In absence of any government aid, the private schools are compelled to hike the fees. The fees hike is usually done as per the expenses incurred which change with every year. As such it will become tough for private school managements to knock the doors of the state government every time. They should instead go for regular inspection drives and checks and crack whips on those schools where arbitrary fees hike is done often,” said Qurat ul Ain, an educational activist. |
|
Srinagar turns into street food hub this Ramadan
Srinagar, July 14 Right in the centre of the city, Lal Chowk, - as soon as the fast is broken (Iftar), post-Iftar rendezvous is a delight for the foodies and an engaging experience for the tourists in the Valley. While Srinagar city is not deficient in restaurants and eateries, street food culture has not really been the norm here. But, Ramadan brings to life the street food culture in the Valley and the prices of otherwise costly food items get slashed considerably. At Iftar, people want to grab a quick bite to break the fast. If they are on the move, they usually prefer the street food delicacies over restaurant and
hotel food. Ramadan is a win-win situation for both small-time food vendors and people. Besides, this time around the tourists in the Valley
are also able to see a different side of Kashmir during Ramadan. “It is indeed an enriching experience to see so many food stalls and shops selling delicious Kashmiri food and opening up at dusk. The echoes of evening prayers in the city simply add to this ecstatic feeling. Though we had never heard so much about Srinagar’s street food, but thanks to Ramadan we get to taste it every day,” Arunima, a tourist from West Bengal, said. The Iftar special delicacies range from calorie-rich Kashmiri cuisine (wazwan) to sweet dish
(firni) which are available in the lanes and bylanes of Lal Chowk. “The regular Kashmiri snacks which are basically modified and deep fried versions of oats, wheat, potatoes, onions get an extra zing with additives such as wholesome spicy deep-fried fish which is sold at Rs 200 per piece and is a hit as an Iftar meal,” says Abdul Gaffar, a snacks seller on the Amira Kadal bridge. The Kashmiri version of mutton barbeques, popularly known as “seekh tujh”, though available throughout the year, is priced at low rates for those who love to gorge on it anytime. One can choose from Kashmir exclusive sweet rice and dry-fruit pudding - ‘firni’, ‘gajar ka halwa’, ‘sooji ka halwa’ and ‘dood sewaiya’, which are imported from Pakistan. You get them all under one roof in a small stall at Residency Road which is overcrowded at Iftar. |
|
|
NC-Congress alliance always proved ominous: PDP chief
Jammu, July 14 Mehbooba, while addressing a public meeting at the Ranjan area of the Nagrota Assembly segment in the outskirts of Jammu city, said the 1987 “rigged” elections, which were contested by the National Conference (NC) and the Congress in a coalition, were the main cause of the two-decade-long bloodshed and destruction in Jammu and Kashmir. She said former Prime Minister late Indira Gandhi was very particular about making the Congress a credible alternative of the NC in the Kashmir valley but after her death, Farooq Abdullah manipulated things and entered into an alliance with the Congress. “The 1987 NC-Congress alliance was the biggest blunder in the history of Jammu and Kashmir,” she observed and added that the NC had brazenly sabotaged democratic institutions in the state. Observing that an alternative with strong credibility was must to strengthen the democracy in the state, she said the NC had never allowed democracy to flourish in J&K because there was no alternative to the party for more than
six decades. “Before the formation of the PDP, democracy was meaningless in J&K and the NC leadership had stifled all opposition to ensure a monopoly for itself,” she said, adding, “The emergence of a credible alternative would provide people with a choice and promote political accountability and transparency.” Later talking to mediapersons, Mehbooba refused to comment on whether the PDP would enter into an alliance with the Congress in case of a hung Assembly in the 2014 Assembly elections. “It is a hypothetical question,” she said and claimed that the PDP would form its own government. As Mehbooba was addressing a rally at Jammu, she sought the cooperation of people to make the PDP a strong viable regional force in the state. She said the support of Jammu was must to bring a change in the system of governance. |
|
|
Selection in U-19 squad
Jammu, July 14 JKCA treasurer Manzoor Wazir, while confirming the development, said he had a detailed meeting with the JKCA chief today, in which they discussed important issues relating to the promotion of cricket in the state. “Yes, I met Dr Farooq Abdullah and he on behalf of the JKCA has announced a cash reward of Rs 2 lakh for the promising cricketer, Shubam Khajuria, who has done the whole state proud with his selection in the India U-19 team,” the JKCA treasurer said. He said the state cricket body chief had also announced to start cricket activities on a large scale in both Jammu and Kashmir provinces soon. “Buoyed by the selections of two state cricketers in the Indian team, the JKCA chief is happy and has decided to start cricketing activities in both provinces within a few days,” Wazir said. He said the JKCA president was keen to kick start the activities in order to give ample time to the cricketers to prepare for the forthcoming domestic and national-level cricket tournaments. “The selection of Parvez Rasool and Shubam Khajuria has definitely encouraged the cricketers of the state to play with more dedication and commitment to get selected in the national team. It shows that there is no dearth of talent in the state,” the JKCA treasurer said. In reply to a question, Wazir said, “The elections of the JKCA were scheduled to be held on July 6, but unfortunately it did not happen. There are some disgruntled elements which are not in favour of it and are trying to create disturbances in the smooth functioning of the state cricket body,” he said. |
|
|
‘Will continue to work hard to achieve my goals’
Jammu, July 14 Talking to The Tribune on the sidelines of a felicitation function organised by the Department of Youth Services and Sports to honour him at Gandhi Nagar today, Khajuria said he was enjoying every moment since his selection in the national team. “It is the dream of every cricketer to represent the country at the highest level and I am glad that I have made it,” he said. When asked about his preparations for the maiden international tour, Khajuria said, “There is no special preparation but the fundamentals have to be kept right like attending regular practice sessions and maintaining fitness level.” “No doubt this is my first international tour, but I am fully confident of coping with the conditions in the island nation which are more or less similar to India,” he said. Shubam Khajuria got his first chance to play at the national level in 2005 when he represented the state in the National School Games U-14 Cricket Tournament at Hoshangabad in Madhya Pradesh. “The memories of that match are still fresh in my mind when he (Khajuria) went on to score 23 runs,” said Rajesh Dhar who was the team coach. Son of a government teacher, Khajuria had passion for cricket since childhood which his father noticed and motivated him to continue. Originally from Purmandal village of Samba district, Khajuria’s father had decided to settle in Jammu to streamline his son’s career. Khajuria has also represented the state in the Ranji Trophy twice. The turning point in his career came in the U-19 Cooch Behar Trophy, wherein he struck three centuries and scored 707 runs to become the highest run getter. His batting performance also helped the J&K team to qualify for the main stages of the tournament for the first time. |
|
|
Army Chief to review security in J-K today
New Delhi, July 14 The Army Chief will reach Srinagar tomorrow where he will hold discussions with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Governor NN Vohra, senior Army sources said. During his visit, the Army Chief will be given a detailed briefing by 15 Corps Commander Lt Gen Gurmit Singh on the activities of terrorists and the security situation in the Kashmir valley, they said. The visit comes after an increase in the militant activities in the
state, including an attack on an Army convoy on June 24, in which eight jawans
were killed and several others injured. The newly appointed Northern Army Commander, Lt Gen Sanjiv Chachra, is also scheduled to brief the Army Chief about the security scenario in the state. General Singh is also expected to be given a detailed briefing about the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC)
with China. The Army is taking several measures to strengthen its position at the
LAC in view of the recent incursion by Chinese troops in the Depsang valley and the
situation in the Chumar sector. — PTI |
|
|
Soz for evolving consensus on AFSPA
Jammu, July 14 While talking to reporters on the sidelines of the Congress' unity rally, Soz termed AFSPA as a temporary law. On the extension of the 73rd Amendment of the Indian Constitution to Jammu and Kashmir, Soz reiterated his party's commitment on the issue and asserted that the Congress would not compromise on panchayat empowerment. Soz said the Congress would not compromise on its principles such as democratising the grass-roots level institutions of democracy and holding the elections to the remaining two tiers of panchayats and the local bodies. He also urged the party cadres to seek a reformed and effective attention to the lower strata of society. |
|
|
One held for raping minor, case registered
Kupwara July 14 "Medical examination of the victim has confirmed the rape. We have arrested the accused on the charge of raping the girl," he said. The accused raped the girl in his car on the Didikoot-Kupwara road, which is usually less crowded, he said. Police has also seized the vehicle used for committing the crime. A case FIR number 34/13 under section 376 RPC has been registered at police station Kupwara. People have demanded stern action against the accused.
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | E-mail | |
Recently, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah identified two major diseases plaguing the state of Jammu and Kashmir - drug abuse and female foeticide. The menace of female foeticide is growing across the state.
That is a cause of worry, as the mass awareness is missing.