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Assembly in session Chief Minister Omar Abdullah addresses the Assembly session in Srinagar on Tuesday. Tribune photo: Amin War
Cross-LoC trade to resume as Customs to revisit its order
Two jawans injured in Kupwara operation
house in session |
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Adjournment motion over
CM’s remarks disallowed
Use scientific knowledge to address challenges: Governor
Governor NN Vohra addresses the inaugural session of Regional Science Congress and JK Science Congress at the University of Kashmir in Srinagar on Tuesday.
A Tribune photograph
Wish could have done more on AFSPA: Chidambaram
BJP wants govt to clarify stand
PDP, NC spar over Shopian killings
Guv, CM pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi
Army organises trek to Siachen
Pak again targets Indian posts
Vohra, Omar discuss security issues
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Assembly in session
While the police had earlier said three out of five persons killed in Shopian had no previous record of militancy, the CRPF had contradicted the same. Even as it was earlier claimed that one of the was a Bihari labourer, Omar said no one had so far come forward from within the state or outside from the family of the deceased. He said it was also necessary to properly ascertain the antecedents of the three persons, who as per the police had no militancy record, before arriving at a final conclusion. On his “silence” over the killings, Omar said he had chosen to keep his emotions “to myself” as his earlier statements over previous killings had been projected as his “weakness”. “I assure the people of Shopian that if in the judicial probe security forces were found guilty of innocent civilian killings, they would be booked under the law for handing over severe punishment,” he added. Stating that various incidents of killings had taken place in the state after 1990, Omar said: “I am sure that all of these (previous) Chief Ministers were equally pained and grieved as I am.” He also dismissed the notion that the security forces were being given an “open hand”. He said action had been taken in the past in some cases while in others action was being taken. Referring to the killing of a youth from Brein locality in Srinagar in 2010, Omar said a BSF man had been arrested despite pressure from the Centre that it would affect the morale of the security forces. He said FIRs had been registered in civilian killings during the 2010 protests. Admitting that the required action had not been taken in all cases of civilian killings, he pointed to the Pathribal killings of 2000 and the alleged fake 2010 Machil encounter. Omar hoped that the courts acted with the same swiftness as seen in the recent New Delhi rape case while referring to the killings of civilians in the state. However, the Chief Minister said the killings of security forces also needed to be strongly condemned. He said 57 police and security personnel had been killed in militancy-related incidents this year. Omar said a judicial probe had already been ordered into the Kishtwar clashes while dismissing the notion that the then MoS Home Sajjad Kichloo was made a scapegoat. He maintained that Kitchloo had resigned on his own. ‘Not advisable to disband VDCs’ The government on Tuesday said it had no plans to disband the Village Defence Committees
(VDCs) which were formed to tackle militancy in the Jammu region. “Given the security situation in the state and the role played by the
VDCs, it may not be advisable to disband them at this stage,” the Home Ministry said in a written reply to a question of PDP MLA Choudhary Zulifqar Ali in the Legislative Assembly. Regarding the misuse of powers, the government said 49 complaints had been received till date regarding the misuse of weapons by the VDC members and cases had been registered in this regard. Several quarters in the Valley, especially the separatists, have been demanding disbanding of the
VDCs. CM’s assurance I assure the people of Shopian that if in the judicial probe security forces were found guilty of innocent civilian killings, they would be booked under the law for handing over severe punishment — Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister
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Cross-LoC trade to resume as Customs to revisit its order
Srinagar, October 1 During the meeting, in which top-ranking officials from the Centre as well as the state government participated on Monday evening, both sides reiterated that trade should continue without any “disruption” and for its smooth functioning the standard operating procedure (SOP) would be adhered to strictly and trade of “third country origin goods” would not be allowed through the LoC. The cross-LoC trade through the Salamabad-Chakoti axis was suspended since September 3 in the wake of Customs Department order disallowing trade of goods produced in Pakistan. Subsequently, the J&K Government had taken up the matter at the highest level in the Central government, following which a meeting of top officials from the Centre and the state was held on Monday (September 30) evening in New Delhi. “The entire focus of the meeting was on restoration of the cross-LoC trade. The Customs officials, who were present at the meeting, have agreed to revisit the order,” said J&K Commissioner-Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Farooq Ahmad Faktoo, who headed the official team from the state. In the meeting, which was attended by top officials from the Union Home and Finance ministries, Faktoo said, it was reiterated that the SOP would be adhered to for the cross-LoC trade. The meeting also resolved that goods of third country origin would not be allowed for trade through the LoC crossing points. An official, who was part of the meeting, said both sides felt that trade was one of the important confidence-building measures (CBMs), so it should continue without any “disruption”. The Central government, he said, also assured all possible help to the state in creating additional infrastructure facilities for the cross-LoC trade. Welcoming the outcome of the meeting, cross-LoC traders in Kashmir have decided to resume their business. “We have started lining up our trucks and hope that our goods trucks cross the LoC at the Kaman post in Uri on Wednesday,” said general secretary of the Salamabad-Chakoti Traders Union Hilal Turkey. Trade talk
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Two jawans injured in Kupwara operation
Srinagar, October 1 Army sources said 15 militants were believed to have been killed in the operation so far. “The search operation is going on in the vast forests along the LoC in Keran and so far no body of any militant has been retrieved by the Army men who are engaged in the biggest counter-infiltration operation in recent years,”
said a source. The search operation is also continuing in the Lashdat and Muthal forests along the LoC in Keran sector, where troops of various units, including 5 Assam, 57 Rashtriya Rifles and 3/3 Gorkha Rifles along with Army’s elite para commandos, are fighting the militants. The counter-infiltration operation was launched on September 24 after troops received an input that 30 to 35 militants of the Jaish-e-Mohammad, Lashkar-e-Toiba, Albader and Hizbul Mujahideen tried to sneak in through various areas in the Keran sector, 130 km from Srinagar. General Officer Commanding of Srinagar-based 15 Corps Lt Gen Gurmit Singh last week said the bodies of 10 to 12
militants were seen at the encounter site. The sources said they suspected some militants might have gone back. Defence spokesman in Srinagar Naresh Vig said the search operation was going on. “Since yesterday, there has been no exchange of fire. However, the search operation along the LoC is going on,” Vig said.
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house in session
Srinagar, October 1 The Legislative Council was adjourned by the chairman Amrit Malhotra for the full day after the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) members stayed away from the discussion on the statement made by the former Army Chief. Soon after the Upper House proceedings started in the morning, the opposition PDP wanted discussion on an adjournment motion over the revelations made by Gen V K Singh. The Legislative Council chairman refused to allow discussion which led to pandemonium. “The revelations have pointed fingers towards this house,” PDP leader Nayeem Akther said in the House. The ruling National Conference also requested for a discussion on the issue. When all the members of the House unanimously supported discussion, it was allowed by the chairman. However, soon thereafter, the PDP and the NC members blamed each other for the mess. The PDP members walked out in protest. After the pandemonium, the chairman suspended the Question Hour and adjourned the House for half an hour. When the House met again to hold discussion, the PDP members abstained, leading to the adjournment of the House for the day. In the Assembly, the PDP sought a discussion on the revelations made by the former the Army Chief, leading to uproarious scenes soon after the proceedings started in the House. The members from both the Treasury and Opposition benches yesterday were unanimous on discussion over the revelations made by V K Singh about payments made to ministers of Jammu and Kashmir. The ruling National Conference had moved a privilege motion against Gen V K Singh and in unison with the opposition PDP sought discussion on the matter. Responding to the demands from the ruling and opposition benches, Speaker Mubarak Gul informed the House that the motion was under consideration and that a discussion would be held. However, no date was yet fixed. Blame Game
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Adjournment motion over
CM’s remarks disallowed
Srinagar, October 1 He said the BJP and the Panthers Party legislators should have a look at Jammu and Kashmir’s constitution before demanding admitting of the adjournment motion, following which the members of the opposition started protesting. Amid simultaneous protests by the BJP and the JKNPP members, besides Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) legislators, who were demanding a debate over Shopian killings, Law Minister Mir Saifullah said it was not possible to admit all the five adjournment motions of the opposition bench. Meanwhile, the BJP and the JKNPP legislators raised slogans against the government and demanded its dismissal. “Dismiss the coalition government” the legislators said as they staged a walkout. Omar while interacting with a European Delegation last Wednesday had said accession of Jammu and Kashmir to the Union of India was only on the matters of currency, communication, foreign affairs and defence. “While all the states acceded to Union of India and then merged with it, Jammu and Kashmir only acceded and did not merge. That is why we have special status, our own constitution and state flag,” Omar had said. The Chief Minister’s accession remarks were debated by the ruling National Conference leader Mustafa Kamal and JKNPP legislator Harsh Dev Singh yesterday as well. While Harsh Dev had said such statements should not be issued as it encouraged anti-national elements, BJP legislator Jugal Kishore Sharma had claimed that Article 370 was the reason behind the under development of the state. |
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Use scientific knowledge to address challenges: Governor
Srinagar, October 1 The Governor was today addressing the inanaugural session of the three-day Regional Science Congress and 9th JK Science Congress on the theme, “Innovations and Advances in Science and Technology”, at the University of Kashmir, where he was the chief guest. Referring to the country’s foundational contribution to varied arenas of science centuries ago, the Governor called upon the academia, research institutions, policymakers and government functionaries in the field to operate in close collaboration to harvest the benefits of advancements in science and technology for the welfare, progress and prosperity of humanity. Observing that J&K has its own particular problems, the Governor noted that one of these related to earthquakes and referred to recurring tremors in Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts in the past several months. He also highlighted the emerging challenges of global warming and climate change and its impact on agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, forests, animal and sheep husbandry and allied sectors. He suggested to the participating scientists to focus their deliberations on identifying viable solutions for meeting the challenges. On the need for achieving the second green revolution for enhancing agri-productivity, the Governor suggested the usefulness of a group of scientists from the two farm universities and other varsities of J&K being set up, so that they could start working towards the objective. Vohra thanked Prof RC Sobti, general president, Indian Science Congress Association, for agreeing to his suggestion to hold the first Regional Science Congress of the year at the University of Kashmir. The Governor congratulated the Indian Science Congress Association, University of Kashmir and all those associated with organising the two science congress’.
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Wish could have done more on AFSPA: Chidambaram
Srinagar, October 1 Chidambaram, however, said there was need to do much more to reduce the presence of the “uniformed forces” on the ground, though “it had been thinned to some extent”. He also lamented that the recommendations made by Dileep Padgaonkar led team of Interlocutors and those of the all party delegation that visited the state in the aftermath of 2010 summer unrest had not been implemented. The Finance Minister, meanwhile, maintained that various initiatives had been taken for the young people, who had suffered in 2010 and had pinned hope on the government. Chidambaram while maintaining that the state was making a move towards the normalcy, said: “There was a successful Amaranth yatra and success in tourism sector and other allied sectors.” He added that the state government, during the recent years, has done a remarkable work. However, he maintained that much more needs to be done for peace and progress. The minister expressed hope that the state once again becomes the “oasis
of peace”. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand, Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather and the Chairman and CEO of the J&K Bank also spoke on the occasion. Speaker of Legislative Assembly Mubarak Gul, legislators and other officials of J&K Bank were also present on the occasion.
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BJP wants govt to clarify stand
Jammu, October 1 Referring to the recent terror strikes in Hiranagar and Samba, Singh asked whether the members of the coalition government still continue to endorse their Chief Minister’s “obsessive demand” for the revocation of the AFSPA from districts like Samba, Jammu and Srinagar, which have repeatedly been the target of militant attacks. The BJP leader while flying the Congress over its stand on the issue, said: “The Congress party owes an explanation. Its ministers have been publicly supporting the continuance of the AFSPA, but maintain a convenient silence when they sit in the cabinet meeting with the Chief Minister.” “The events over the last one week have evidently exposed that the demand for revocation of the AFSPA was based less on the strategic understanding of the prevailing scenario and more on the expediency to seek one-upmanship in the competitive Kashmir-centric politics, which becomes more and more acute as the election time draws closer and closer.”
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PDP, NC spar over Shopian killings
Srinagar, October 1 Gul urged the opposition legislators to allow the House function normally. However, the protesting PDP members refused to relent and continued with their demand for a debate over the Shopian killings, in which five people were killed in the alleged firing by the CRPF. The Speaker then suspended the Question Hour to allow the discussion. Criticising the Omar Abdullah-led government over the incident, PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti said: “Jammu and Kashmir has become a colony.” She added that the government has lost credibility due to regular “civilian” killings in the state. She entered into a heated argument with National Conference (NC) legislator Nasir Wani over the delay in lodging of FIR in the September 7 Shopian
killings. Accusing the state government of shielding the security forces, Mehbooba said: “New Delhi cannot dictate terms, if we are united.”
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Guv, CM pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi
Srinagar, October 1 Vohra said, at this juncture, the most befitting tribute which could be paid to the Father of the Nation would be to reinvigorate and strengthen the bonds of communal harmony, brotherhood, amity and a truly secular environment, which were the essence of the Gandhian values and philosophy. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said Gandhiji symbolised secular and democratic India. He said Mahatma Gandhi throughout his life worked for amity and brotherhood between all sections of society and fought for the uplift of weaker and underdeveloped sections. The Chief Minister said the best way to pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi was that all of us worked for strengthening the high principles of human dignity, secular traditions and brotherhood in the country. Omar also remembered Lal Bahadur Shashtri whose birthday also falls on October 2. — TNS
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Army organises trek to Siachen
Jammu, October 1 The members had started congregating at Leh since the last few days where they were given adequate training and equipment to undertake the trek. The trek will be supervised by expert mountaineers of the Army. “We had seen this terrain only in photographs and heard its stories, but thanks to the Army, we have got this lifetime opportunity to see and experience this wonderful part of our country,” said one of the member of the expedition.
— TNS
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Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today announced a judicial probe into the Shopian killings that took place on September 7.
Replying to an adjournment motion in the Legislative Assembly, Omar said the probe would be conducted by a retired High Court judge in a time-bound manner.
Governor NN Vohra today called upon scientists and researchers to re-dedicate their efforts for effective application of scientific knowledge and technological innovations to address the challenges being faced by the state and country and securing rapid and sustained all-round progress to promote the welfare of the people at large.
Srinagar, October 1