Anantnag, October 23
After remaining under the occupation of security forces for the past 24 years, Small Scale Industries Development Corporation Limited (SICOP) complex in Bijbehara town of south Kashmir was handed back to the corporation yesterday.

The keys of the complex were given to SICOP General Manager Javed Ahmad Rah in the presence of Anantnag Senior Superintendent of Police RK Jalla and officials from the District Administration.

The complex was presently housing the 90 Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

It was first occupied by the Border Security Force (BSF) in 1989 and since then it had been occupied by different security agencies, including the Indo-Tibetan Border Police.

Hundreds of unit holders, mainly cricket bat manufacturers, were displaced from the complex in 1989.

The removal of the security forces from the complex on October 22 comes exactly 20 years after the Bijbehara massacre allegedly carried out by BSF personnel of the 74th Battalion housed in the complex on the same day in 1993.

As many as 43 people were killed and 200 others were injured in the firing termed as “unprovoked” and “barbarous” by the magisterial inquiry ordered by the state government.

Terming the removal of the security forces from the complex a welcome step, Rah said the move would prove to be a boon for the industrial development in the area.

“The cricket bat industry has been the worst affected in the past two decades,” Rah said while talking to mediapersons on the occasion. “Resuming business here will surely be beginning of a new and fruitful era for them,” he added.

He expressed gratitude towards Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for being instrumental in getting the place vacated. Bat manufacturers, who were also present on the occasion, said they had been trying to get the complex vacated for more than a decade now.

“This indeed will prove to be a boon for the dwindling cricket bat industry of Kashmir,” said Nazir Ahmad Salroo, a bat manufacturer from Bijbehara.

He said the displaced manufacturers had been finding hard to survive at makeshift places.

“Moreover, the widening of the national highway has also displaced a big chunk of manufacturers,” said Bilal Ahmad, another manufacturer from Sangam area of the district. “We are happy that we can move back,” he said.

The SSP said the CRPF battalion displaced from Bijbehara had been shifted to an accommodation in the Uranhall area of Anantnag district.

Anantnag, October 23
Twenty years after 43 civilians were gunned down by the Border Security Force (BSF) personnel in Bijbehara town, the families of the slain still wait for justice.

Justice eludes the families even though the magisterial inquiry established that the firing was unprovoked and barbarous in manner.

On October 22, 1993, at least 43 civilians most of them teenaged boys were killed and 200 others were injured, some of them disabled for life, after the BSF personnel from 74th Battalion opened fire on protesters in this south Kashmir town.

“More than 15,000 civilians had gathered near the National Highway-1A, passing along the town, in protest against the siege of a dargah at Hazratbal, Srinagar, by the Army,” said a human rights activist of the area.

He said a unit of the 74th Battalion of the BSF fired indiscriminately on the protesters.

Recalling the horror of the day, Reyaz Ahmad Ganai said the forces repeatedly fired upon the people assembled on the national highway.

“Even the injured were not spared and were fired upon on the local hospital premises,” said Ganai.

Ganai received multiple bullet injuries on his abdomen and hands. However, he survived after undergoing several surgeries.

“I was only 13 at that time,” Ganai said. “A cousin of mine, even younger to me, was killed in the shootout,” he said.

Eyewitnesses said even the funeral processions were fired upon. “Unable to reach the graveyard, we were forced to bury our young children in a park in which they used to play,” said Reyaz Ahmad, a poet from the town.

The government ordered an inquiry and the then BSF Director General Prakash Singh suggested a commissioner to probe the massacre.

The inquiry report prepared by the magistrate, Bijbehara, and submitted to the government on November 13, 1993, asserted that the firing was unprovoked and barbarous in manner.

“The report called the massacre a well-planned one, and indicted BSF Deputy Commandant JK Radola for unstated approval given by him to the indiscriminate and unprovoked firing,” said the activist.

Meanwhile, a remembrance meet, amid a complete shutdown, was observed in the Jama Masjid lawns of the town.

Srinagar, October 23
A three-day drive to clean the Jhelum was launched today. The drive was launched after nearly two decades by the Jammu and Kashmir Ski and Mountaineering Association (JKSMA) for the conservation of this over 700-km-long river.

The last such drive was organised by the JKSMA in late eighties from Anantnag district in south Kashmir (from where the Jhelum originates) to Srinagar.

The drive is being carried out in collaboration with the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC). It was started from Zero Bridge of the Rajbagh area of Srinagar and would extend up to a stretch of 8-km at Chattabal area of downtown Srinagar city.

Satish Nehru, Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, flagged off the drive. Students from various schools, colleges, SMC workers and members of the JKSMA were taking part in the drive. The JKSMA has urged the city residents to volunteer for the clean-up drive.

Commissioner, SMC, GN Qasba said over the years, garbage and filth had accumulated on the river banks.

Qasba said, “It becomes imperative for the municipal corporation as well as the citizens to launch a joint awareness platform to revive the pristine glory of this river.”

“This drive will not only help in making the stretch garbage-free but also make the place most pleasant,” added Qasba.

The drive was given a go-ahead by the Urban Development and Urban Local Bodies Minister Nawang Rigzin Jora.

The drive is expected to use inflatable rafts and motorboats for the cleaning process in the absence of river transport in the city.

Muhammad Yusuf, president, JKSMA, said the association had been playing an active role for preservation of the environment since its inception in 1985. The association had launched an awareness programme and covered the entire length of the Jhelum from Anantnag to Wular Lake in late eighties.

Rauf Tramboo, an expert in tourism, said, “It is the duty of all tourist players to help keep the surroundings clean in the city, which is the hub of tourism in Kashmir.”

“Our lakes and rivers attract tourists to Srinagar, so we need to keep them neat and clean,” he said. The Jhelum remained in focus of tourists since ages for angling and other water-related activitie, he further said.

The driver will also educate the people living close to the banks of the river in down town Srinagar. The campaigners will advise people to desist from throwing polythene, waster, dead animals and other human waste into the Jhelum which cause health hazards in the entire Valley, particularly in low-lying areas.

Srinagar, October 23
Members of the Jammu and Kashmir Coordination Committee of Trade Unions (JKCCTU) here today protested against the Pension Bill that was passed by the Lok Sabha last month.

The protesters led by union president Mohammad Maqbool staged a demonstration at the Press Enclave area. Maqbool said there would be ‘no benefits’ for the employees once the Pension Bill was implemented.

He also termed the Bill “anti-labour” as it “took away” the rights of the employees while demanding that the same should be taken back.

Pertinently, the Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on September 4 amid protests from a few parties including the CPI-M.

The protesters said the trade unions would be holding country-wide protests against the Bill.

Meanwhile, Maqbool said they were also protesting to demand regularisation of casual workers and daily wagers working in various government departments of the Jammu and Kashmir.

Other employees’ bodies too have been staging frequent protests over regularisation of daily wagers and casual workers.

Srinagar, October 23
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has allowed the hotels that have installed sewage treatment plants (STPs) to operate for a month at Pahalgam and Gulmarg in order to ascertain the efficacy and efficiency of these plants by the Pollution Control Board (PCB).

The High Court, however, has stated that the hotels where the STPs do not function as per the rules and norms laid down in the Pollution Act, will be sealed.

These directions were issued by a Division Bench of the High Court comprising Chief Justice MM Kumar and Justice Muzaffar Hussain Attar in a PIL filed by Mohammad Rafiq Zargar wherein he had sought intervention of the High Court in safeguarding eco-sensitive areas of Gulmarg and Tangmarg from illegal constructions.

On October 10, the court had directed the Director General of Police to provide assistance in ensuring the suspension of commercial operation of hotels which were running without the consent of the PCB.

On October 4, the court had directed the PCB to identify hotels in Srinagar and Pahalgam which were operating in violation of the pollution laws and furnish the list on October 8.

Subsequently, in the list furnished by the authorities on October 8, it had been stated that the PCB had issued notices to 225 hoteliers in category ‘A’ and 55 hotels in category ‘B’. Later, many such hotels at Pahalgam and Gulmarg were sealed by the authorities.

However, the court today directed that three hotels at Pahalgam, which had installed the STP, be allowed to operate from October 28 for a period of one month in order to allow the PCB to ascertain the efficiency of such STPs.

The PCB in its fresh status report had submitted that 14 sealed hotels at Pahalgam had been given permission to set up STPs, out of which three hotels had already installed the STP.

The PCB also stated that five ‘A’ category hotels at Gulmarg which had been sealed after issuing notices to them, had sought permission to set up STPs, out of which two hotels had already set up the STP.

The court also allowed these hotels at Gulmarg to run for a month, which have set up STPs in order to ascertain the efficiency of such STPs by the PCB.

The court, however, states that any STP/soakage pit, which does not conform to the rules and norms, be stopped and such hotels be sealed again. It further directed the authorities concerned to demolish any minor or major constructions at Pahalgam or Gulmarg, other than those being carried out for installing STPs/soakage pits or septic tanks.

The court has also directed the PCB to file status report regarding all notices issued and the steps taken in compliance of such notices, sealing, permissions sought or granted to any hotelier for installing the STP by or before next date of hearing.

Srinagar, October 23
The State Cabinet today accorded sanction to the creation of five posts of lecturers in Government Higher Secondary School, Padum, Zanskar. They include lecturer physics, chemistry, botany, zoology and mathematics.

The Cabinet also approved the promotion of PG Dhar Chakraborty (IAS) to the fixed scale with effect from January 2, 2012.

The Cabinet accorded sanction to the promotion of Atal Dulloo (IAS) and Umang Narulla (IAS) to the Higher Administrative Grade of IAS with immediate effect. Upon their promotion, Atal Dulloo and Umang Narulla will be designated as Principal Secretaries to the government.

The Cabinet approved promotion of RS Sodhi, Director, Fire and Emergency Service, to a common pool post with immediate effect. It also accorded sanction to the promotion of Tasneem Maajid to the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service.

The Cabinet approved promotion of Ajay Singh Jamwal to the Special Scale of the KAS on notional basis with effect from October 19, 2011.

The Cabinet also approved promotion/regularisation of Rajesh Kumar Dogra, Joint Director, Fisheries, (presently working as in charge Director, Fisheries) as Director, Fisheries. It also approved promotion of Bashir Ahmed Wani (retd KAS) to the Special Scale of the KAS on notional basis. 

Srinagar, October 23
J&K Bank XI defeated their counterparts from the police department in a Super League match here today to advance to the semifinal stage of the J&K State Power Development Corporation Annual League Football Tournament.

Both the teams played some aggressive football, however, it was the Bank team, which took the lead in the 28th minute through Aiman Rashid.

Rohit Kumar then scored in the 40th minute to help his team finish the first-half at 2-0.

J&K Police tried to catch up in the second-half, with Gulzar converting the spot kick in the 50th minute, but that didn’t prove enough as the J&K Bank XI went on to win 2-1. 

Srinagar, October 23
Women continue to be at disadvantage and there is no considerable progress in gender justice despite legislations on the issue, Professor BB Pandey of Delhi University said here today.

Pandey was speaking during the inaugural session of a two-day seminar on ‘Gender justice: A way forward’, organised by the School of Legal Studies of Central University of Kashmir.

“Women continue to be disadvantaged since time immemorial and there has been no considerable progress in the field of gender justice in spite of so many legislations,” he said.

“In India the condition remains worst. More than 40 per cent of child marriages take place in India,” Pandey added.

The Dean Faculty of Law at Delhi University said though equality of sexes was guaranteed under article 14 and 15 of the Constitution of India, states tend to be vindictive towards women of the weaker section.

In this context he cited example of Mumbai, where the Supreme Court had to take notice of vindictive directives imposing a ban on dancing bars in low cost hotels, while allowing it in luxury hotels.

“This way state government tried to deprive 75,000 dancing girls of Mumbai of their livelihood,” Prof Pandey said.

Vice Chancellor, Central University Kashmir (CUK), Professor Abdul Wahid Qureshi on the occasion highlighted the impact of Kashmir conflict on gender justice.

“Though Jammu and Kashmir at present is at lower side of crimes against women, conflict has created a lot of problem for women. These include half-widowhood, trauma, rapes and economic dependence,” Prof Wahid said.

He emphasised that the seminar must establish why laws have failed to protect women and what measures can be taken at social level to rescue them from victimisation.

Law Minister Mir Saifullah, who was the chief guest on the occasion, said his party --- National Conference --- has been a supporter of gender justice right form pre-1947 days.

He also said the government was consistently taking steps for women empowerment through steps like passage of Criminal Law Amendment Act-2013 and reservation for women within state legislature and Panchayat Raj Institutions. 

Srinagar, October 23
As part of the ongoing ‘SMC Week’, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation today issued on the spot birth and death certificates.

Media relations officer of the SMC said a ‘public darbar’ was held on the office premises of the corporation to give prompt solution to the pending cases and grievances of the people.

“Besides issuance of on the spot birth and death certificates, registration of business establishments, backlogs on account of building permissions, revenue, drainage works and administration-related matters were addressed throughout the day,” the SMC official said.

Speaking on the occasion, SMC Commissioner GN Qasba said: “This kind of darbar shall be held regularly in order to bring efficiency and transparency in the disposal of cases related to the municipal activities.”

He said the SMC would also reach the doorstep of the people to address their problems.

Srinagar, October 23
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti today flayed Omar Abdullah for his recent comments over the ceasefire violation, saying the Chief Minister was trying to hoodwink people ahead of the forthcoming Assembly elections in the state.

“Ahead of the elections, the government wants to create instability and an atmosphere of fear, so that it can indulge in malpractices,” Mehbooba alleged.

“Omar Abdullah’s war mongering and advocating attack on Pakistan is part of this design and the present government can go to any extent to create a disturbed situation (in the state),” Mehbooba said in a statement. Omar, earlier this week, said Centre should explore other options if Pakistan continues to violate the ceasefire.

The PDP chief, however, said people of the state are fully aware of the “dirty tricks” and will give a fitting reply to “this most hated government” in the history of Jammu and Kashmir.

She also alleged that the coalition government has dismantled all the processes and procedures to enforce transparency in the selection of government jobs.

“The government created hype about providing employment to the youth and also announced ‘fast track recruitment’ through different institutions. The so called fast track recruitment has not even taken off in two years, since it was announced. Instead the ministers are appointing their favourites through back-door,” she said.

“The government collected several crore rupees as the cost of application forms, but nobody has so far been provided employment,” Mehbooba added.

She also claimed that the government was posting officers with known political leanings, as a last resort to stay in power by hook or by crook.

“The political leaders from ruling parties and ministers have some how started appointing their favourites through back door. Even though, it has no salary for thousands of casual and seasonal labourers and the daily wagers.”

“This is being done only to accommodate ruling party workers in an attempt to buy votes against favours, as the ruling parties have seen the writing on the wall about their eminent defeat,” she stated.

Referring to the report over the Gool incident, Mehbooba said: “The government has virtually turned justice on its head.”

Srinagar, October 23
The ruling National Conference (NC) today urged India and Pakistan to bring an immediate halt to the growing tension along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB).

Party’s additional general secretary Mustafa Kamal appealed the political and military leadership of the two countries to “immediately put brakes” on the tense situation on the borders.

Kamal also urged the people and the civil societies of the two countries to pressurise their respective leaderships to “come on dialogue table”.

“Without talks, there is no other option,” the NC leader said.

Kamal said the recent tension along the LoC and IB in the state had created problems for the people living near the borders.

“The bitterness in relations between the two neighbours has created problems for the people living in border areas,” he said. — TNS

Srinagar, October 23
The Army Goodwill School (AGS) at Hajin in Bandipora district of north Kashmir, which was set ablaze by protesters in July this year following the death of two youths in alleged Army firing, has been re-opened.

The reopening ceremony, held today, was attended by Congress leader Imtiyaz Parrey, Station House Officer, Hajin, Nisar Ahmed, and Principal AGS, Hajin, Gulam Mohiddin Wani.

The school children and their parents were also present during the function.

“The burnt classroom was reconstructed on the request of the villagers, who had launched a signature campaign for its reopening,” the defence spokesperson said here today.

“The burning of the classroom was a huge setback for young children of the area, who were otherwise deprived of quality education. There was wide spread condemnation by the locals for burning of school,” he added.

The spokesperson further said the parents, teachers and students of the school, along with Sarpanches and important personalities of the village, launched a signature campaign, requesting the Chinar Corps Commander for reconstruction of burnt classroom and reopening of the school.

“Army responded expeditiously and reconstructed the classrooms at a war footing. This saved one academic year of the affected children, which is so vital in today’s age of competitions. The efforts of the army were appreciated by the local population,” he said.

Srinagar, October 23
The annual day celebrations at Army Public School, Srinagar, concluded today, with Major General JS Cheema, Chief of Staff, 15 Corps, who was the chief guest on the occasion, hailing the staff and the children for organising a “high calibre” event.

Brigadier KK Pant, chairman of the school, and IGP Kashmir AG Mir were among the other dignitaries present on the occasion.

The theme of the function was “The Saga of Forgotten Era”.

The event was marked with some scintillating performances on stage by children who left the audience in awe.

Major General Cheema commended the school management and the participants for organising the event of such a high calibre.

Principal Sandeep Marhatta presented the annual report, highlighting the achievements of the school and the students.

Meritorious students in academics and co-curricular activities were felicitated on the occasion.

The chief guest also gave away the lifetime achievement award to Reeta Toshkhani, who served as a teacher in APS, Srinagar, for 30 years and retired on September 30.

Srinagar, October 23
West Bengal beat Kerala by 99 runs here today to set a semifinal clash with Jammu and Kashmir in the ongoing All India Postal Cricket Tournament.

Uttar Pradesh and Assam complete the semifinal line-up.

While Uttar Pradesh beat Tamil Nadu to advance to the next stage of the tournament, Assam defeated Andhra Pradesh by six wickets to book a place in the semis.

The league matches ended today and the semifinals will be played tomorrow.

Both the semifinal matches will be held at the Kashmir University (KU) grounds, an official of the Department of Posts (DoP), which is hosting the tournament, said.

The final is scheduled to be played on October 25.

Meanwhile in other matches of the day, Himachal Pradesh postal team beat Bihar by 143 runs, Delhi thrashed Kerala and Odhisa beat Himachal.

As many as 13 teams from across the country are participating in the inaugural championship.

The event was earlier inaugurated on October 21 by Minister for Medical Education, Youth Services and Sports, Taj Mohiuddin at the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium here.

Anantnag, October 23
The first floor of a food manufacturing unit in Anantnag was completely gutted last evening, inflicting heavy losses to the unit.

Sources said the factory of Welcome Agencies, the Kashmir unit of New Delhi-based Aggarwal Food Manufacturing Company, located in Nai Basti area of Anantnag town, caught fire at 8pm last evening. Fire tenders were pressed into service and the fire was brought under control.

However, by the time the fire was extinguished, the packaging unit of the factory and an adjoining bag manufacturing unit were completely gutted. Fire officials said the cause of the fire seemed to be an electric short circuit. The police has lodged an FIR into the incident and trying to ascertain the actual cause of fire.

“Timely action from the fire department and local residents ensured timely control over the blaze otherwise the losses could have been much higher,” said a police official from the area. — OC