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Pak targets six posts along LoC in Poonch
Terrorists across border being shifted to vulnerable routes
2 Pak militants held near LoC in Kupwara
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State government violates ban on re-employment of former officials
Congress not poaching from other parties: Soz
Governor, CM want growth in farm productivity
Vohra, Omar extend Eid greetings
PDP crumbling under its own weight: Rana
Cop found dead at residence of Azad’s sister
117 non-state subjects have resident certificates: Govt
Govt mulls reducing waiting period for backward certificates
Surankote
Killings
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Pak targets six posts along LoC in Poonch
Jammu, October 15 During the nearly 10-hour-long gun battle, Pakistani troops besides firing automatic weapons, fired mortars and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) in the Hamirpur Battalion area. “Around 5 am, Pakistani troops opened heavy fire on Indian forward posts in the Bhimber Gali sector, firing LMG, HMG, mortars and RPGs on six Indian posts,” an Intelligence source said. He, however, said there was a one-hour lull in between, before the Pakistani troops again resorted to heavy firing. “Indian troops guarding the borderline retaliated strongly. The guns on both the sides fell silent for nearly an hour from 10 am to 11 am, thereafter the firing again started and it continued till 4.30 pm,” the source said. Defence spokesperson Col RK Palta, though, said: “Around 6.30 am, Pakistani troops violated the ceasefire in the Hamirpur Battalion area of the BG sector, firing small arms, automatic weapons and mortars.” The Indian troops retaliated with similar calibre weapons and the intermittent fire was on when reports last poured in. The spokesperson further said there were no casualties or injuries to the Indian troops in the latest skirmish. This is the seventh ceasefire violation by Pakistan in less than a week. “Last night also they (Pakistani troops) had opened fire on Indian positions from 10.25 pm to 10.35 pm in the same sector (Bhimber Gali), using small arms, automatic weapons fire and mortars, drawing a strong response from the Indian troops,” Colonel Palta said. BSF constable M Baswaraj of 9 Battalion was injured yesterday in the sniper fire by the Pakistani Rangers near the Katao border outpost, along the international border in Samba district. Earlier on October 12, the Pakistan army had resorted to heavy firing in the Bharasingha and Mendhar battalion areas in the Krishna Ghati and Bhimber Gali sectors of Poonch. On October 11, too, they had fired 82 mm mortars, besides automatic and small arms fire in forward areas of Poonch district forcing Indian troops to retaliate. |
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Terrorists across border being shifted to vulnerable routes
Jammu, October 15 “We have credible inputs about the presence of a good number of ultras in forward villages of Narowal district in Pakistan’s Punjab province,” said a top Intelligence source. “The militants are being regularly shifted from one place to another during night hours in vehicles of the Rangers, probably to identify vulnerable stretches on the border to infiltrate into the Indian territory,” he added. In July last year, Pakistan Rangers had dug a 540-metre-long trans-border tunnel from the Shakkergarh area in Pakistan till Chalyari village of the Samba sector. The source said Intelligence inputs suggested the presence of militants in forward areas like Jarpal, Sukamal and Badapai on the other side of the border. “Though we can’t give their exact count but their density has definitely increased, probably up to 30,” he said. “The BSF has also noticed their movement opposite the Tinda post in Punjab,” he said. Senior Superintendent of Police, Kathua, Mohan Lal had convened a meeting yesterday with officials of Intelligence agencies wherein thrust was given on keeping a tight vigil on traditional infiltration routes, including rivulets, he added. The village defence committees and the border police have also been asked to be on alert. The BSF has augmented its strength on the border but militants may plan more infiltration bids, said the source. On September 26, a group of three heavily armed Pakistani terrorists had infiltrated from across the international border using a rivulet (Chhap nullah) close to the Paharpur post before carrying two terror attacks in Jammu, killing 10 persons. |
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2 Pak militants held near LoC in Kupwara
Srinagar, October 15 A defence spokesman in Srinagar said the two militants were arrested on Monday evening while trying to infiltrate into the Valley through the Tangdhar sector of the district. “Based on specific Intelligence inputs, the Army established surveillance points near the Line of Control. The terrorists were challenged and overpowered by soldiers,” the spokesman said. He said one pistol, two magazines, ammunition and an identity card issued by Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) were among the items recovered from the militants. The two militants, he said, were handed over to the local police. Sources identified the two arrested militant as Tanveer Ahmed and Akther Ali, both residents of Falakan village in the Neelam valley from PoK. The Army had on October 8 called off the 15-day-long operation in the Keran sector, 130 km from here. The operation was launched after a large group of militants were intercepted in Shalabhato on September 24. |
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State government violates ban on re-employment of former officials
Srinagar, October 15 As per the figures presented by the government, 23 former state officials have been either re-employed or given extension since January 2013. Besides, eight officials have been engaged on a contractual basis in the personal section of various ministers as well as the Chief Minister. With some ministers, both from the Congress and the National Conference, opposed the move to re-engage retired officials close to some ministers, the state Cabinet, in its meeting on April 24 this year, had banned re-employment of officials in various departments. Despite the ban, the government appears to have flouted its own orders by re-employing retired officials in various departments by engaging them on a contractual basis or extending their term. As per the official documents presented by the government during the recently concluded Assembly session, the term of Director, Agriculture, Jammu, Ajay Khajuria was extended for one year this year. The government said he was re-employed “due to non-availability of an eligible officer.” The Tourism and Culture Department has re-employed SKA Qadri as consultant in the same department for one year with effect from May 1, 2013, reveal the official documents. Qadri retired as Director General in the Archives, Archeology and Museums Department of J&K in 2010. “This is his fourth consecutive re-employment in the same department since February 2010,” a source said. The list furnished by the government stated that Inayatullah Khan, who retired as the Director, Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), last year, has been re-employed as the Director, FSL, on contract basis vide a Cabinet decision issued earlier this year. The government while giving the reasons said he was “re-employed in the interest of the government” for “smooth functioning” of the department as he was “experienced” in the field. Mushtaq Ahmad Wani, who retired as the Deputy Secretary in the J&K Information Commission, was given extension on the same post “to facilitate the smooth functioning of the J&K State Information Commission”. Despite the Cabinet ban on re-employment, the government also extended the terms of Lakes and Waterways Development Authority vice-chairman Irfan Yaseen for one year on the same post. The government has said it was meant to “facilitate smooth functioning”. The government has also re-employed Mohammad Anees, a retired KAS officer, as the Regional Transport Officer, Kashmir, on a contractual basis for one year. Eight officials have been re-employed in the personal sections of various ministers. They include BR Sharma, Private Secretary to the Minister for Public Health Engineering, Irrigation and Flood Control, who has been given the post of Additional Private Secretary on the recommendations of the minister. On the recommendations of the Minister for Medical Education and Youth Services, SK Arora, a former KAS officer, was re-employed as the special assistant in his personal section. Fida Ali, a former KAS officer, has been re-employed as Officer on Special Duty with the Chief Minister on a contractual basis vide a government order dated August 1, 2013.
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Congress not poaching from other parties: Soz
Jammu, October 15 It, however, said the decision to induct them would be taken at an appropriate time. “It is just the beginning, wait for some time. Many leaders from other parties will join the Congress in the days to come,” an overenthusiastic Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief Saifuddin Soz told The Tribune. He was, however, quick to add that the Congress was not “poaching from other parties”. “People are themselves approaching to join the Congress. We are not luring them,” Soz claimed. The senior Congress leader added that there was a long list of leaders, who approached the party. “Very soon two functions will be held at Jammu and Srinagar respectively to welcome the prominent leaders from the PDP and the National Conference who joined the party recently,” he added. As reported earlier, 15 leaders, mostly from the opposition PDP, were inducted in the party by Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Monday. Sources in the Congress said over 20 leaders had approached the high command and expressed their desire to join the party. “The party high command has accepted suggestions of admitting 15 of them. The leadership, however, has refused to admit a prominent leader, who is a former minister,” a source said. Insiders said the party leadership was also in touch with the couple of MLAs, who were expelled from the BJP on the charge of cross voting. “A senior National Conference leader has also opened channel of communication with the Congress leadership, but it is too early to say anything on this development,” a party insider said. Sources said the party leadership has devised a strategy to field strong candidates on as many as Assembly segments in the coming elections, so as to get majority on its own. “Joining of leaders from other political parties is part of the strategy to get potential candidates on almost all the 87 seats in the forthcoming Assembly elections,” a source said. |
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Governor, CM want growth in farm productivity
Srinagar, October 15 Vohra and Omar, as per an official release here, asked the both the Vice Chancellors of the agricultural universities of the state to formulate a time-bound programme for multiplication and distribution of quality seed to the farmers along with the other required inputs for securing enhanced agri-production. The Governor and the Chief Minister said this while addressing the 25th University Council meeting of the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Kashmir, at Raj Bhawan last evening. The Governor, while reviewing the status of organic farming in the state, observed that all the required measures needed to be taken for the promotion and marketing of organic produce. Stressing the need for promoting plantation of quality high density plants, the Governor asked for production of quality plant material in adequate quantity and enlarging awareness among the farmers about the latest technical know-how and horticulture practices for maximising benefits of these improved approaches. He observed that this needed to be done in a “mission mode”. The Chief Minister, meanwhile, emphasised the need to lay greater stress on creating centres of excellence by focusing on the sectors with high growth potential on sustained basis for benefiting the state in a big way. Minister for Agriculture Ghulam Hassan Mir observed that initiatives had already been intensified to secure seed replacement of maize, potato and other crops, adding that the ongoing efforts would need to be enlarged. Minister for Horticulture Raman Bhalla, who was also present on the occasion, emphasised the importance of the growth of agriculture, horticulture and allied sectors. Minister of State for Animal and Sheep Husbandry Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi put forth several suggestions for growth of agriculture and animal and sheep husbandry sectors in the state. Meanwhile, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST, Kashmir, Tej Partap gave details of the initiatives taken for promoting the production of cold resistant varieties of rice, besides seeds of other crops developed by the varsity. |
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Vohra, Omar extend Eid greetings
Srinagar, October 15 In his message, the Governor hoped that the festival would strengthen the bonds of communal harmony, brotherhood, amity, tranquillity and the glorious pluralistic ethos for which J&K has been known. The Governor also prayed for peace, progress and prosperity in the state. In his Eid message, Omar said: “The holy occasion of Eid-ul-Adha imbibes in us the spirit of making sincerity and truthfulness a way of life. This holy day also teaches us to uphold the high principals of selfless service to the Almighty Allah and humanity.” “The Allah Almighty counts the sincerity and purity of our intention behind performing our service for His sake, and this alone earns us His munificence and forgiveness,” he added.
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PDP crumbling under its own weight: Rana
Jammu, October 15 Rana added that the process has begun earlier than expected. “Those raising their political edifice on the exploitation of people may flourish for some time, but not all the time,” Rana said during a felicitation function of Javed Rana at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan here. “The disillusionment of senior PDP leaders from their leadership speaks of the hollowness of the party that was finally crumbling under its own weight,” he said. The provincial president said the departure of eight leaders from the PDP was a trailer of a big picture, which will unfold itself much ahead of the 2014 elections. “The 2014 is going to be a crucial year in the state politics in which the role of NC will become more pronounced,” Rana said, adding the recent developments, especially in the wake of allegations of payoffs by different agencies, has opened up the eyes of people, who have now started differentiating between right and the wrong. He asked has the party cadre to close their rank and file and educate people about the “dirty politics being” played by dubious political characters in order to further the hidden agenda of communal and disruptive forces. Rana also cautioned the people against the machinations of the communal and fascist elements, hell-bent on vitiating the atmosphere by disturbing peace and harmony ahead of the elections. The NC leader, meanwhile, congratulated Javed Rana on his election as the Deputy Chairman and hoped that he will meet the expectations of the people and the party president Dr Farooq Abdullah and the working president Omar Abdullah. |
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Cop found dead at residence of Azad’s sister
Jammu, October 15 The deceased has been identified as constable Rajinder Singh, resident of Ghou Manhasan village. “Constable Rajinder Singh was found dead today by a driver at the residence of Syeda Begum, sister of Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad,” Bhatindi police post in-charge Anayat Ali said. The body of the 38-year-old was immediately shifted to the Government Medical College and Hospital in Jammu, where a board of doctors was constituted to conduct the postmortem, he said. He added that police has initiated inquest proceedings under section 174 CrPC. Though, the police didn’t find any suicide note from the spot, it seems that the INSAS rifle was used in the incident, he said.
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117 non-state subjects have resident certificates: Govt
Srinagar, October 15 “117 persons (with Permanent Resident Certificates) have been found non-state subjects by the State Subject Commission,” the government said in a written reply to a question by National Conference legislator Devender Singh Rana in the Legislative Council. It added that the commission has so far received complaints about 2,180 state subjects, out of which 1,150 cases are still pending for disposal. “As per the reports submitted by the J&K State Subject Inquiry Commission, out of 2,180 cases received by the Commission, 1,150 cases are pending for disposal before the Commission,” the Revenue Department revealed. About the action taken in 117 fraud cases, the Department said: “The Commission has recommended cancellation of state subject certificates of 67 persons as none of them appeared before it to defend their cases.” “Out of these, six have been cancelled by the government on the basis of the recommendations/findings of the Commission and the remaining are under investigation/examination before various authorities, including Special Tribunal, Divisional Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners concerned,” it added. The government, meanwhile, said in most of the cases, where Permanent Resident Certificates have been cancelled, the aggrieved parties have managed to obtain stay orders from the High Court. The cases are being contested.
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Govt mulls reducing waiting period for backward certificates
Srinagar, October 15 At present, the women, who get married to men from backward areas of the state, have to wait for 15 long years to get a Resident Backward Area (RBA) certificate in their favour. “A proposal is under consideration of the state government for reduction in the mandatory waiting period of 15 years for such women,” the government said in a reply to a question during the recently concluded autumn session of the Assembly here. However, the Social Welfare Department in a report produced in the Assembly said no survey has been undertaken by the government to ascertain how many such women in the state are awaiting the RBA certificates. There are still 2,178 backward villages spread across 22 districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Pertinently, the Legislative Council during the April session of the state legislature had directed the government to look into the matter of issuance of the RBA certificates to women, who get married and move to backward areas of the state. However, six months on the government is yet to moot a comprehensive proposal regarding the issue. |
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Surankote
Killings
Srinagar, October 15 In a statement issued here today, the group alleged that some security personnel recently took pictures of the witnesses in the case, which amounts to harassment. “Troops belonging to 16 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), Draba camp, Surankote, approached the witnesses on October 9. They were questioned on what they would be testifying in the case,” alleged the group in the statement. “They then lined up the witnesses and their families outside their houses and clicked their pictures. The witnesses felt intimidated and harassed,” read the statement, adding that 16 RR had no mandate to interrogate the witnesses. The case relates to the killing of 19 persons at Sailan village in Surankote, Rajouri, in 1998. On the directions of the high court, which is hearing a petition into the matter, an FIR was registered by the CBI at its New Delhi police station on September 10. The CBI has appointed Inspector Ashok Kalra as the investigating officer in the case, added the CCS.
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It is just the beginning, wait for some time. Many leaders from other parties will join the Congress in the days to
come — Saifuddin Soz, JKPCC chief