The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

Conduct probe into paper leak: HC to Govt
Authorities also directed to ensure free and fair conduct of rescheduled examination on July 27, 28
Ishfaq Tantry
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, July 23
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has asked the state government to institute an inquiry into the causes and reasons for cancelling the CET-2013 (J&K Common Entrance Test) and fix responsibility.

The high court has also asked the authorities concerned to ensure free, fair and transparent conduct of now rescheduled CET-2013, which will be held from July 27.

These orders have been passed by a Division Bench of the high court comprising Justice Verinder Singh and Justice Muzaffar Attar, which had taken suo motu cognisance of reports about the CET-2013 paper leak.

Earlier, the court had also observed that it was not satisfied with the internal probe conducted by the Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (BOPEE) in the CET-2013 paper leak and termed the probe findings as a piece of fiction.

The Bench in its orders passed on July 18 and made available today has directed the state government to “institute an inquiry into the causes and reasons for cancelling the CET,” which was actually scheduled for June 22 and 23.

“The irregularities noticed by the government in conducting the test shall also be looked into, responsibility fixed and disciplinary proceedings initiated against the delinquent officers/officials,” the high court said.

In its orders, the high court also directed the government to take “all necessary steps to ensure” that CET-2013, now scheduled for July 27 and 28, is conducted in a fair, transparent and hassle-free manner.”

“The state government is also directed to state as to whether the manner and method adopted by BOPEE in printing, preparing and transporting the question papers as also awarding marks to the answer scripts is really foolproof or leaves scope for manipulating the said process,” the court said.

The court also said the chairman and controller, Examination of BOPEE, will file undertaking before the Registrar, Judicial of the high court, to the effect that they will take all the necessary steps to ensure that CET-2013, rescheduled for July 27 and 28, will be conducted in a fair and transparent manner.

“They will ensure that there is neither sale nor leakage of the question papers. They will also undertake that incase any malpractice or bugling surfaces, they will be personally responsible for all the consequences that will follow”, the court further observed.

The court also directed the Vigilance Organisation Kashmir to report as to whether any complaint was filed before the said authority in respect of CET-2012 and if so, what action has been taken on the said complaint.

“Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Crime Branch, shall also make similar report to the court”, the court further said.

The high court also directed SSPs of all districts of the state to “ensure that no activity in the nature of sale of CET papers takes place” in their respective districts.

CET-2013 fact file

After the news of the paper leak appeared in a section of the media on June 23, CET aspirants lodged protests against the board
The CET is held for various professional courses in engineering and medical colleges of the state and is conducted by BOPEE, an autonomous body
The biology paper was leaked on June 22
The board authorities later cancelled the entire examination and issued a notification on June 29, saying the entrance exam will be conducted afresh
On July 3, while taking suo motu cognisance of the paper leak in CET-2013, the high court issued notices to the Chief Secretary and Secretary, BOPEE, asking them to explain the reasons behind the paper leak
After public pressure and a lot of criticism for its conduct, the BOPEE authorities had said an interim inquiry had been ordered into the issue, which has been termed as fiction story by the high court
BOPEE in its internal probe has attributed the paper leak to 'human error'.

2 killed, 12 injured in road accidents
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, July 23
Two persons were killed and 12 others, most of them passengers, were injured in two separate road accidents in the Kashmir valley, said a police spokesman here today. As many as 12 passengers were injured when the bus they were travelling in turned turtle near Ompora in central Kashmir’s Budgam district.

All the injured persons were shifted to the District Hospital, Budgam, for treatment, the spokesman said.

One of the injured identified as Mohammad Yousuf Dar, a resident of Takiya Farooq village of Khan Sahib locality, was referred to SKIMS hospital here where he succumbed to his injuries.

In north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, a tractor on its way from Chilyan to Teetwal village rolled down into the Kishan Ganga river near Line of Control. Faraz Ahmad, a resident of Teetwal, drowned and Jaffer Ahmad Mir, a resident of Ckokli, received injuries in the mishap.

Both of them were travelling on the tractor and the injured person was shifted to the Sub District Hospital, Tangdar, for treatment.

Ahmad’s body was fished out on the other side of the Line of Control and handed over to the Karnah police station through the Army, the spokesman said.

Man injured in bear attack
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, July 23
A 23-year-old man was injured when he was attacked by a bear in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, a police spokesman said here today. Irshad Ahmad Kasana, a resident of Bazipora village, was attacked near his village by the bear last evening, the spokesman said.

Kasana was attacked when he was coming home from a mosque after finishing late night prayers. He was shifted to SKIMS hospital here for treatment.

50 Budgam villages put under curfew
Clashes between two groups at a village spread to other areas
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, July 23
Central Kashmir’s Budgam district remained tense today and curfew was imposed in 50 villages as clashes between two communities showed little sign of subsiding. A police official said 50 villages had been placed under curfew in Budgam district.

The official said the situation remained tense and heavy deployment of police and paramilitary personnel had been made in the area.

“More than 100 people have been detained, while more than 200 have been injured in the clashes,” the official said.

Clashes between two groups erupted at a village last week that spread to other areas of the district. Separatist groups have issued appeals to both the communities to maintain harmony.

Iftikhar Hussain Ansari, a PDP leader, has expressed deep anguish at the attempts to create confrontation in society. Ansari blamed it on the ruling National Conference saying it is attempting to “once again divide Kashmiris” to divert attention from its “disastrous performance” in the government.

Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Shailendra Kumar held a meeting with religious leaders and senior citizens of Budgam for maintaining peace and harmony among the people in the district.

Inspector General of Police Abdul Gani Mir, Deputy Commissioner, Budgam, Khurshid Ahmed Shah and other officers were also present in the meeting, an official spokesman said.

The Divisional Commissioner made a fervent appeal to the people to maintain brotherhood and peace and beware of miscreants who spread rumours to vitiate the atmosphere, he said.

Students demand repair of Kupwara college road
Amin Masoodi

Kupwara, July 23
Students face difficulties in reaching Degree College, Kupwara, due to the pathetic condition of a road leading to the college. They said about 2-km stretch from Kupwara to the college located at Bohipora village was full of potholes.

The students said the distance, which could be covered in just 15 minutes, took about an hour. “The road is full of potholes and it takes about an hour to cover just 2-km. At times, we prefer to travel the distance on foot to reach the college rather than going in a vehicle. A lot of precious time is wasted while going to the college and coming back to Kupwara due to the dilapidated road,” said Gulshan Iqbal, a student of BA final year .

Other students said dust emanating from the worn-out road had led to severe chest complications. “Lot of dust emanates from the college road which has led to chest complications. We are forced to cover our mouth while walking on this road as dust engulfs the air leading to breathing problems,” said Javid Ahmad, a student of BA second year .

Residents of Bohipora and Gushi villages located on the fringes of the road also demanded repair of the road.

“Despite many representations to the office of the executive engineer, Roads and Buildings, Kupwara, the road has not been taken up for repair. We are facing lot of difficulties due to the worn-out road but the authorities continue to test our patience,” said Rafiq Ahmad, a local resident. The road witnesses a huge rush of traffic as it further leads to Karihama, Villgam and other villages.

Drivers said their vehicles suffered damage due to the poor condition of the road and repair work on vehicles at regular intervals incurs extra expenditure.

“From Kupwara to Bohipora in particular, the road has become non-motorable. Due to the bad condition of the road, we are forced to repair our vehicles every second day. ” said driver Bashir Ahmad.

A senior official of the R and B department said, “The road will be taken up for repairs in next few weeks.”

KU students protest killing of four civilians in Ramban
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, July 23
Hundreds of students of Kashmir University (KU) today held a protest against the killing of four civilians in a firing by personnel of the Border Security Force (BSF) in Ramban district last week.

The protest was held on the main campus of the university at Hazratbal. Students marched through the campus to register their protest.

Students began the protest march from the university’s mosque and walked through the campus before dispersing peacefully near the Allama Iqbal library square.

A student, who was part of the demonstration, said the protest was against the killing of four civilians in Ramban and against the alleged desecration of Quran by BSF personnel.

Four civilians were killed on Thursday last when BSF personnel fired upon a group of demonstrators at Ramban which was protesting against the alleged desecration.

Kashmir had remained shut for three days to protest against the killings.

Plans afoot to make Ladakh a tourist destination
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, July 23
Tourism Minister Ghulam Ahmad Mir said the Jammu and Kashmir Government had embarked on an ambitious plan to put Ladakh on the Buddhist circuit to woo pilgrims.

Addressing a gathering after inaugurating Western and Eastern mixed flute concert by maestro Andrea Griminelli with Emanuele Segre, accompanied by Ladakh musicians at Stok Palace, Leh, Mir said with tourism being a major sector contributing in boosting the economy of the state, the government was planning to restore the existing monasteries in the region, hire landscaping experts, set up tourism centres and provide basic road infrastructure in the region.

"The government has submitted a detailed project report of the plans we want to implement in Ladakh to facilitate tourism in this region to the Centre. The project report pegs the total expenditure at Rs 150 crore to develop tourism circuit in three regions, Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh," he said.

Mir said out of this fund, Rs 50 crore had been earmarked to develop the Buddhist circuit in Ladakh while the remaining would be spent on encouraging Sufi tourism circuit in Kashmir and pilgrimage centres in Jammu.

Daniele Mancini, the Ambassador of Italy, the king of Stok Palace, with Queen Mother-Disket Wangmo, Rigzin Spalbar, Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC, Leh, Simran Deep Singh, District Development Commissioner, Leh, Urgain Loondup, Chief Executive Officer, Leh Development Authority and a large number of prominent citizens were present on the occasion.

Mir added that keeping in view the increasing flow of tourists to Ladakh every year, the government planned to have facilities like tourist centres not only in the main city but also in other places of tourist interests like monasteries in Ladakh, areas around the banks of the Indus river and many more.

"These centres will guide tourists visiting the region, provide them information and also to cater to their various needs" he said.

He said last year around 1.79 lakh tourists had visited the region, out of which over 30,000 were foreigners.

State commerce minister for boosting cross-LoC trade
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, July 23
The Minister of State for Industries and Commerce, Home and Tourism, Sajad Ahmad Kichloo has underscored the need to make the cross-Line of Control (LoC) trade between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad hassle-free activity for enhancing mutual trust and confidence between both sides of the state.

Speaking at a joint meeting of officers of Industries and Commerce Department and members of the Salamabad-Chakuti Traders Union here today, Kichloo said initiation of cross-LoC trade across the state in October, 2008, had signaled the beginning of a new era.

“This trade had stopped six decades ago in 1947 and its beginning was a great step towards normalising relations between India and Pakistan through economic and human interactions,” he said.

An official spokesman said the members of the cross-LoC traders union in their memorandum demanded check on alleged unnecessary harassment caused to them and urged to make the trade a viable economic activity.

“The traders also demanded single window clearance system at Trade Facilitation Centres besides one time settlement to export their pending stocks of coconut, garlic and ginger, which have been reportedly banned by the customs authorities,” he said.

They also sought their representation in the ensuing Pugwash Conference scheduled on August 26 this year.

“They sought travel permits to meet their counterparts across the LoC and to increase the number of items on the approved list. They also demanded the government must allow international direct dialling to enable businessmen to call their Pakistani counterparts freely,” he said.

CAPD officials check markets
15 traders of Anantnag fined for selling poor quality products, charging high rates
Suhail A Shah

Anantnag, July 23
Taking cognisance of complaints of overpricing and poor quality of essential commodities, the Anantnag district administration yesterday conducted checks throughout the town.

Officials also realised fines from traders who were found guilty of overpricing or selling substandard products.

Reports said the officials of the Legal Metrology Department conducted the checks in Anantnag town.

“We realised a fine of over Rs 14,000 from 15 erring traders,” said an official of the department. “The checks have been conducted to ensure fair pricing in the holy month of Ramadan, so that the general public is not put to hassle,” he said.

He said a huge amount of rotten vegetables and fruits was also destroyed and some expired packed items were seized from certain shopkeepers.

“We appeal to the general public that they should not hesitate in complaining to the administration any act of overpricing or any irregularity in the sale and supply of essential commodities,” said the official.

Local residents, while hailing the steps taken by the district administration, have appealed to the authorities that the checking be intensified in the coming days.

“Black-marketing and irregularities in prices as well as quality of commodities is at its peak as the Eid approaches,” said Sajad Ahmad, a local teacher. “The general public will really appreciate if the authorities keep on conducting surprise checks in the future as well,” he said.

Meanwhile, the market checking squad headed by Assistant Director, CAPD, Srinagar, conducted market checking in some parts of Srinagar and an amount of Rs 22,500 was recovered as fine from some traders.

Amnesty asks J&K govt to avoid delay in fresh investigations
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, July 23
Amnesty has urged J&K government to avoid delay in conducting fresh investigations into 1991 Kunan Poshpora ‘mass’ rape allegations . Amnesty has said allegations of human rights violations by members of the armed forces in J&K had rarely been fully investigated and prosecuted.

Over 30 women were allegedly raped by Army personnel at Kunan Poshpora village in Kupwara on February 23,1991.

“Amnesty urges authorities in J&K to conduct a thorough, impartial and effective investigation meeting international standards into the alleged rapes, and where sufficient admissible evidence is found, prosecute the suspects in a competent, independent and impartial civilian court”, Amnesty said in a statement.

On 18 June, a local court in the Kupwara district directed the J&K police to reopen the case and investigate the long-standing allegations within three-months. Two-months remain for the investigation to be completed.

Amnesty further added that a representative from the Jammu and Kashmir coalition of civil society, a local human rights group, told Amnesty that witnesses and alleged victims were asked by the senior superintendent of police in Kupwara to record their statements at his office on the July 3, 4, 10, 11, and 16.

“However, when they assembled at the location on July 3, they were told after hours of waiting that the schedule for recording statements had been changed.The police have not yet announced the new schedule”, it said.

“Media reports and local activists say that army and intelligence officials have visited Kunan and Poshpora in June to meet with community leaders and ask about statements given by survivors in connection to this case”, the Amnesty said, adding that local activists believe this is an “intimidation” tactic.

“Villagers also allege that a government official has offered them money to stay silent,” it said.

The incident of 1991 Kunan Poshpora ‘mass’ rape.

CASE TIMeline

Over 30 women were allegedly raped by Army personnel at Kunan Poshpora village in Kupwara on February 23, 1991.
Witnesses and alleged victims were asked by the SSP, Kupwara, to record their statements at his office on July 3, 4, 10, 11, and 16. However, when they assembled at the location on July 3, they were told after hours of waiting that the schedule for recording statements had been changed.
The police have not yet announced the new schedule.
Local activists believe "intimidation" tactics are being used.

Kargil DC reviews local body elections
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, July 23
Keeping in view the upcoming local body elections for the third Ladakh Hill Development Council, Kargil, Fida Hussain, Deputy Commissioner (DC), Kargil, called a meeting of returning officers and assistant returning officers at Conference Hall, Baroo, Kargil.

"In the meeting, training was imparted to these officers for conducting free and fair elections and they were about their duties for conducting the election," an official spokesman said.

On this occasion, election-related material was also distributed among the civil and police officers.

Hussain said all the arrangements for conducting election in 26 constituencies were in the final stage.

"The security arrangements have been finalised. Grading the polling booths as sensitive and hyper sensitive and arrangement of 257 polling stations with more than 1,200 officers for conducting smooth elections has been done," Hussain said.

Mir reviews implementation of National Saffron Mission
Fixes target for rejuvenation of 1,500 hectares
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, July 23
Agriculture Minister Ghulam Hassan Mir today reviewed the progress of implementation of the National Saffron Mission (NSM) at a high-level meeting here today. The meeting reviewed all the components of the NSM for its successful implementation.

“The meeting discussed threadbare the implementation of irrigation facilities for the saffron growers and it was informed that the construction of 68 borewells has been completed. The discharging capacity of these borewells are being monitored which is necessary to assess how much area per borewell would irrigate as per discharge,” an official spokesman said.

The minister directed the concerned to complete the process within a month with full details and transfer them to Mechanical Engineering Department for laying out distribution network as per the guidelines of the NSM. He also instructed to start the work on digging of 50 other borewells at the earliest.

Mir directed the Chief Engineer, Mechanical, to start the necessary paperwork for tendering and instructed him to make these borewells functional within the prescribed time frame so that saffron growers are benefited at the earliest.

In Kishtwar, the minister directed the Director, Agriculture, Jammu, to involve the Geology Mining Department or Central Ground Water Board for assessing the feasibility of borewells so that necessary steps would be taken for construction of borewells for the saffron growers of the area.

Film to highlight plight of orphans, widows
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, July 23
The J&K Yateem Foundation (JKYF) will hold a screening session of its film “Together with orphans, widows and destitute -- Ehsaas-e-Shafaqat Yateemoun, Bewawoun Aur Mohtajoun Ke Shana Ba Shana” at the Voluntary Medicare Society (VMS) auditorium, Bemina, on Thursday.

Programme executive, JKYF, Tariq Ahmad Malik said the 43-minute film talks about the plight of orphans, widows and destitute besides the opinion and comments from cross section, including academicians, jurists, mediapersons and entrepreneurs.

He said after the screening of the film session, Voluntary Medicare Society president Mir Mohammad Maqbool would present special remarks. Later,
an interactive session would also be held with the audience.

Minister inaugurates 100-KV DG set at Boduaab-Tulail
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, July 23
Minister of State for Public Heath Engineering (PHE) Nazir Ahmad Gurezi today inaugurated a 100-KV DG set at Boduaab-Tulail village in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district.

Gurezi said the project had been completed at a cost of Rs 24 lakh and would benefit 500 persons of scheduled tribe (ST) population of the village.

The state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, is “keen to mitigate the problems of the people and improve their living standard”, he added.

“Massive development programmes are being implemented in every nook and corner of the state and the government is taking care of every section and area of the state while launching these programmes,” Gurezi said.

He directed the PDD authorities to gear up their field functionaries for identifying the hamlets which were not covered under power network in Gurez tehsil and formulate detailed project reports.

PDP district, zone committee reconstituted

Srinagar, July 23
The Peoples Democratic Party reconstituted the district committee and zone committee of Kupwara today. The party spokesperson said the reconstitution of the committees was done on the recommendations of the district president.

Party legislator Abdul Haq Khan was appointed as the district president, Haji Ghulam Mohd Mir as the vice-district president, Mohammd Amin as district secretary and Mohammad Afzal Wani as joint secretary. The zone committee of Kupwara was also reconstituted. Fayaz Ahmad Mir was appointed the zone president, Sonaullah Santoshi as vice-president, Mehrajudin Shah as vice-president and Shabir Ahmad Shah as zone secretary. —TNS

Guv discusses JKAACL projects for preservation of culture, languages
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, July 23
Khalid Bashir Ahmad, secretary, the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, called on Governor NN Vohra here today.

The Governor, who is patron of the academy, discussed the ongoing and future activities of the academy with Bashir and emphasised upon the important role which the academy was expected to play for the promotion of art, culture and languages in the state. He observed that the state had an exceptionally valuable heritage of languages, history, traditions and culture which the academy must effectively promote.

Khalid briefed the Governor Vohra about the recent initiatives taken by the academy for the promotion of languages and literature and showcasing the state’s rich cultural heritage.

He informed the Governor about the to-date status of the digitisation of rare manuscripts, calligraphy specimens and miniatures. He stated that so far, 600 such manuscripts had been digitised, while the fifth volume of Kashmiri Encyclopaedia had been published and work was going on for its sixth volume. He also briefed the Governor about the progress of the construction of Tehzeeb Mahal at Srinagar and the renovation of Tagore Hall and Abhinav Theatre.

He presented to the Governor a set of recent publications brought out by the academy in different languages and briefed him about the volumes which were in the pipeline.

Surya Risers win cricket league

Jammu, July 23
Rompy Sharma left Jumbo Gladiators batsmen high and dry with his left-arm spin as Surya Risers had a thumping win in the Big FM-Jammu and Kashmir Corporate Premier League (JKCPL), being played at M A Stadium here today.

Winning the toss and batting first, the opening pair, Vikas and Pranav Gupta of Surya Risers, provided a solid start to the team. Vikas made 29 runs off 20 balls with the help of three fours and two sixes while Pranav contributed 27 off 20 balls, studded with three hits to the fence. Skipper Ian Dev Singh and Guru Partap Singh chipped in with 13 runs each while Rompy contributed 9 runs. For Jumbo Gladiators, Raman Dutta, Kuldeep Kumar, Hiten Dalal and Soumay Jain shared a wicket apiece.

In reply, Jumbo Gladiators was skittled out for 105 runs in 18 overs and lost the match by 13 runs. Parveen Singh (19), skipper Ram Dayal (18) and Sahil Aggarwal (11) were the notable contributors. Rompy Sharma was the main strike bowler with a four-wicket haul for Surya Risers. Inderjeet Singh took two wickets while Vikas, Abhishek and Sourab claimed one wicket each.

Rompy was presented with HDFC man of the match title by Satish Gupta, owner of Surya Risers, while Vikas was presented the TCI maximum sixes award. Tomorrow, Simula Bulls will take on Jumbo Gladiators at the same venue. — TNS