Jammu, November 5
At a time when the historic Mubarak Mandi complex, the royal residence of erstwhile Dogra rulers in Jammu and Kashmir, is dying a slow death, the authorities appear to be missing no opportunity to ruin the Dogra heritage- courtesy the cryptic silence of the civil society and political representatives on the delay in starting the renovation work.

On the other hand, Mubarak Mandi Jammu Heritage Society (MMJHS), which was entrusted with the task of supervising the renovation project, has allowed local residents of a particular locality to convert a major portion of the complex into ‘paid parking’ and the latter, in connivance with the authorities concerned, are making good money out of it.

Earlier, the MMJHS had banned parking on this portion but the local residents managed to control the affairs and converted the complex into paid parking.

Under the paid parking system, local residents have been charging about Rs 500 per vehicle per month for parking of cars.

Unfortunately, the residents of other localities adjacent to the complex have been denied the parking facility as a ‘particular lobby’ of residents, which is controlling the parking on the complex, had been deciding as to who should be allowed for parking of his or her vehicle on the portion.

“It is an attempt to sell off the Dogra heritage and it is not possible with the connivance of officials at the helm of affairs. A particular lobby of residents has been calling the shots and they have been minting money out of this paid parking system. Where are Jammu-based leaders who had raised great hue and cry when a proposal was made to convert a portion into a five-star hotel under Public Private Partnership mode?” said a resident of Salathia Chowgan.

The complex, spread over 14 acres of prime land, is steeped in a history of 187 years. The oldest building in the palace complex dates back to as long as 1824. The renovation of the complex was started in 2008 but it was halted due to bureaucratic red tape about two-and-half-year-ago.

There are a total of 29 projects under the renovation plan and the Central Government had sanctioned Rs 52 crore under the 13th Finance Commission and Rs 16 crore under a mega tourism project. So far, a total of Rs 3.69 crore has been spent on the renovation of the erstwhile Army Headquarters and Foreign Office.

The Government of India had announced Rs 296 crore, including Rs 52 crore under 13th Finance Commission, for renovation of entire complex after the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) submitted a detailed project report on the complex.

Dineshwar Jamwal, president, Duggar Vikas Manch, said: “It is not the personal property of anyone and there should be a probe to expose those who allowed paid parking on the complex. Why were the residents of a particular locality allowed to park their vehicles and others denied the facility? It has been taking place in connivance with the officials concerned.”

He said they would move to court if the government did not ban paid parking on the complex.

Gulchain Singh Charak, former minister and chairman of Dogra Heritage Society, said: “I strongly condemn it and it is a clear cut conspiracy to damage the Dogra heritage, which will not be allowed at any cost. Whosoever is involved in this criminal act will be punished for their misdeeds.”

G A Mir, Minister for Tourism, was unavailable for comments. 

Batote, November 5
Notwithstanding the Indo-Pak border clashes, the managers of the hotels and the J&K Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC) at Patnitop, the hill resort of Jammu province, after suffering a huge loss due to the communal clashes and natural calamities in J&K and other states during the peak summer season, are now hoping of some respite with improvement in the situation albeit in the fag end of the season.

“Thank God the occupancy in the huts and the suits in Patnitop has reached around 20 per cent, which has started giving us a sigh of relief. Otherwise we would not be getting our salaries because the JKTDC is a public sector unit,” said Somdutt Sharma, Manager, JKTDC Tourist Complex, Patnitop.

“Our most prolific peak season was spoiled due to the Gool and Kishtwar riots, which worsened with the Uttarakhand calamity and then by the terror strike in Samba,” he added.

“The Amarnath Yatra, the Durbar Move and the daytime visitors have no effect here. However, our maiden effort this year to attract the shifting Durbar Move employees bore no fruit, except a little at Ramban,” he continued.

The occupancy rate in the hotels and the huts nose dived in July due to the riots in Gool. The decline was further aggravated following communal clashes and arson in Kishtwar on August 9. It worsened with the series of land slides at Kedarnath in Uttarakhand in June, which witnessed hundreds of deaths thereby spreading a wave of shock and panic in the entire north India.

The twin terror attacks in Hiranagar of Kathua and Samba districts on September 26 had proved the hardest blows on the in flow of tourists in the state, especially in the Jammu province.

“The peak season was like that of 2007 when the two-month long strike by the BJP and allied parties in Jammu had caused us a total business loss. But now there is only a negligible improvement and our hopes are now on Christmas Day, New Year and a good snowfall during winters,” said Kaushal Kumar, President, Patnitop Hoteliers’ Union.

Jammu, November 5
A large section of nearly 400 employees and another 300 contract workforce, who were on a flash strike from 26 October, 2013 at Leighton Welspun’s Chenani-Nashri Tunnel Project, expressed their willingness to resume work immediately today. A large number of workers and subcontract employees made approaches to the Company and confirmed they did not want to continue striking work. They had signed a memorandum stating that they would resume work, provided they are given assurance of their personal safety on commencement of work due to the ongoing threats being made against them.

Accordingly, the company had yesterday submitted a letter to the Divisional Commissioner’s office and the Police Authorities, providing signatures of about 700 workers who would like to return back to work. The company had said the workers were keen to commence work, but remained in fear of continued threats to their personal safety and security.

Jim Salmon, Managing Director, Leighton Welspun Contractors Pvt Ltd, had said “This illegal strike has given the project a major productivity setback and negative cost impact. Some equipment has been deliberately damaged and we are paying heavily for machinery and equipment that is lying idle. However, we are grateful that the local administration authorities and police have fully supported us and have taken the perpetrators to task, as per the due process of law. We have commenced production on Monday in the North Portal with about 220 workers and are hopeful that we will be able to start production in the South Portal on Tuesday with our returning employees.”

“Leighton is an international company and has implemented the highest level of work standards in Health Safety and Environment in India. Every employee is made aware of safety regulations and the Company insists upon workers wearing their Personal Protection Equipment, including dust masks, while on duty. Environmentally, we ensure that there is proper lighting and ventilation in the tunnel where ventilation fans continuously maintain the prescribed air flow quality and dust is controlled with the use of water,” he added.

A section of workers of the Leighton Welspun Company went on a flash strike on October 26 demanding that the nine former employees, whose employment was terminated, should be reinstated. The nine were dismissed as they were instrumental in inciting violence, causing damage to company property and injuries to staff and workers earlier in the year.

The matter was taken up according to the due process of law and the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, gave a clear order on September 13 that the decision of the management to terminate their services was justified. Subsequent to this, the Tehsildar office and the Divisional Commissioner had also confirmed that the Ministry’s order stood. Currently, the case is in the Sessions Court awaiting final disposition and therefore is sub-judice.

Jammu, November 5
The Union Ministry of Rural Development has emphasised upon the state government to put in place a robust mechanism to ensure adequate scrutiny of the district-level documentation to construct houses under the Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY).

Sources said the state authorities had also been instructed to send one consolidated proposal to the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) for each instalment, giving district-wise information required for the release of the instalment as required. Sources added that the ministry would continue to release funds to all the districts of the state directly on the basis of the consolidated proposal, till an alternative system is worked out.

“The first instalment shall be released in respect of all districts who have taken the second instalment in the previous year. The districts which have not received the second instalment of the previous financial year have to submit proposals for the first instalment, along with all the requisite documents required to be submitted for the release of second instalment of previous financial year”, a statement from the Ministry said.

Sources added that the second instalment would be released by the Ministry in favour of districts only after they fulfil certain conditions which included utilisation of at least 60 per cent of the total available funds, completion of 100 per cent of houses sanctioned more than three years ago and 75 per cent completion of houses sanctioned two to three years ago.

“A Utilisation Certificate or Audit Report and Bank Reconciliation Statement for the previous financial year have been received from all the districts and have been examined and found to be in order. The certificate will specifically mention that the Audit Report does not refer to any irregularities on which a report is required”, the Ministry maintained.

The state authorities have also been asked to nominate a senior official (head of department) to sign the proposal to be sent to the Government of India. Further, the state would have to nominate a nodal officer to monitor the progress of data entry in the AwaasSoft and ensure that the proposal is in line with the data.

Jammu, November 5
Minister for Higher Education Mohammad Akbar Lone today inaugurated the three-day J&K Women’s Science Congress at Government College (GCW) Parade here.

Minister of State for Science and Technology Feroz Ahmed Khan and Minister of State for Higher Education Manohar Lal Sharma were also present during the inaugural function.

The Science Congress, on the focal theme ‘Empowering Women through Science and Technology’ is being organised by Government College for Women, in collaboration with State Council for Science and Technology. It would also showcase the contribution of women in the areas of Science and Technology.

It will cover subject areas of life science, environment science, chemistry, physics, mathematics, earth sciences, biotechnology, microbiology, biochemistry, animal and veterinary sciences, applied and allied sciences.

Speaking on the occasion, Lone highlighted the need to identify avenues for enhancing the involvement of women in various science-related projects.

He said greater participation of women in science education would not only secure maximum possible utilisation of their potential but also ensure development of scientific approach in them, to cope up with difficulties they encounter besides ensuring their overall socio-economic development.

Earlier, the minister, along with both the Ministers of State, inaugurated the newly constructed college canteen besides inaugurating the children’s science exhibition in which students from various schools of Jammu showcased their science models, highlighting the application of science and mathematics in areas related to our daily lives. The exhibition had been hosted to encourage, popularise and inculcate scientific temper among girls and boys.

Poonch, November 5
With the rise in the demand for high agricultural production and increasing labour costs, the Department of Agriculture today organised a ‘Kisan Mela’ at Loran in tehsil Mandi to educate farmers about the latest techniques involved in the farming sector.

It was a farmers’ day out as there was an impressive display of modern farming machinery at the stalls, showcasing varieties of seeds, fruits, farm products, fertilisers and information on the latest farm practices.

Member of Legislative Assembly from Haveli Aijaz Jan, who was present on the occasion, said farmers should be briefed regularly on the new farm equipments and technological innovations.

New agriculture machinery tools were also introduced to the farmers and they were advised to avoid old and obsolete methods of farming and instead use the new methods and hybrid technology, by which more production can be achieved.

Jan advised the farming community to take maximum benefits of the various farmer-friendly schemes launched by the state and Central Government and use the latest agriculture technologies to boost crop productivity, including cash crop.

The Member of Legislative Assembly emphasised the need to introduce the latest technology in all productive sectors, like agriculture, horticulture and sericulture, to increase the socio-economic status of the farming community.

“This is the only key source to ensure economic growth of the state in general and farming community in particular,” Aijaz Jan said.

Chief Agriculture Officer, Poonch, Younas Choudhary said farmers now hold fewer apprehensions about using machines for their regular agricultural activities.

Farmers have already realised that machines work faster and more efficiently, resulting in higher produce, he said.

Younas also highlighted various schemes launched for the welfare of the farmer community by the government.

Inderjit Singh and Charanjeet Singh, agriculture experts, also spoke on the occasion.

Jammu, November 5
Council For Civil Liberties (CFCL) has decided to take up the case of Late Akshay Verma, on behalf of his parents. Akshay was allegedly murdered and his body was found near the Railway Track in the Channi-Himmat area.

CFCL Chairman Inder Mohinder Tar Singh, while briefing the media today, said the council would whole-heartedly support the family and take up the case so that the family could get justice.

“The parents of Akshay Verma approached us and narrated how their son, an IAS aspirant, was taken away by his friend during late evening on September 23, 2012. It was around 8 pm when his friend came to their residence at Suraksha Vihar, Ploura, Jammu, and took Akshay in his car, claiming that there was a party at his residence at Manda House, Karan Nagar”, Inder claimed.

“When Akshay’s mother contacted him, he told her that he was with his friend in Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, and would arrive back early next morning. But the next morning, his parents received a phone call that their son was injured and they should immediately rush to the Railway Track at Channi-Himmat. Subhash Verma, Akshay’s father, found the body of his son lying there under mysterious circumstances”, he added.

He further said as per Subhash, the J&K Police had not lodged an FIR in this regard and alleged that police was intentionally trying to shield the killers and denying justice to the bereaved family.

Tar urged upon the Chief Minister and Director General of Police to intervene and hand over the case to CBI for fair and transparent investigation.

Jammu, November 5
Dashmesh Club will lock horns with Young Star Club in the finals of the 1st Baba Fateh Singh Ji Memorial Hockey Tournament being organised by the Hockey J&K at the KK Hakhu Stadium here.

While Deshmesh Club overwhelmed Ajit Club, Gole Gujral, 3-0 in the semis, Young Star Club drubbed Bagh Bain Club 3-2 to seal a place in the finals.

In the first semifinal of the day, Deshmesh Club boys exhibited some great stick work as they made regular forays into the opponent’s half with Ravneet giving his team 1-0 lead in the 25th minute of the game.

He again went past the defences of Ajit Club goalkeeper in the 30th minute to make the score read 2-0 at the end of the first half.

Dashmesh Club affirmed their grip over the title with Tanveer Singh finding the back of the net in the 45th minute.

Meanwhile in another semifinal contest, Young Star Club defeated Bagh Bain Club in a thrilling contest to set the summit clash with Dashmesh Club.

Jaspreet Singh put Young Star Club 1-0 ahead in the 7th minute of the match, however, Bagh Bain Club scored the equaliser in the 25th minute through Jagjeet Singh.

With the scores level at 1-1 at the end of the first half, both the teams started off in aggressive manner in the second session. But it was the Young Star Club, which gained the upper hand through Satwant Singh in the 38th minute of the match.

Jaspreet again found the back of the net in the 63rd minute to make it 3-1 in favour of Young Star Club. Bagh Bain Club, however, did not lose hope as they tried to make a comeback through Jagjeet in the 67th minute.

They tried to equalize in the final few minutes, going on an all out offensive, but all their efforts to draw level were foiled by the boys from Young Star Club.

The matches were officiated by SP Singh, Jagjeet Singh, Amarjeet Singh, JS Reen and GS Bakshi.

The tournament is being played under the supervision of MS Reen, resident secretary, Hockey J&K.

Batote, November 5
As many as 23 youth of the National Conference (NC) and the Indian National Congress reportedly joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today before the former state BJP President and Member, BJP National Executive Committee, Dr (Prof) Nirmal Singh.

On the occasion, a new entrant Shahid Ahmed, a worker at Nashri road tunnel site, narrated his experience of brutal baton charge by the Ramban police on the peacefully protesting workers sitting on a dharna and the detention of 116 workers out of which 84, including him, were bailed out while as 32 were sent to the Udhampur jail.

While welcoming the new entrants into the party fold, Professor Nirmal flayed the brutal behaviour of the police and demanded immediate release of the arrested workers, reinstatement of the six terminated workers, implementation of Labour Laws, equal and indiscriminate payment of the minimum wages, overtime and safety allowances, facility of fool-proof safety mechanism for the workers and deduction of their Provident Fund.

Jammu, November 5
The Doordarshan Approved Drama Artists Association today said that a television acting workshop will be held at the KL Saigal Hall of the Abhinav Theatre here from November 6.

The week-long workshop will be organised with the help of Doordarshan Kendra, Jammu, and J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, the association said.

The members of the association, who had gathered at the Abhinav Theatre today to celebrate Diwali, also said henceforth all the festivals of the Jammu Division will be celebrated collectively by the Artists Association.

The artists, on the occasion, also took oath to fight for the Duggar Channel.

Prominent among those present on the occasion were Jagdish Singh Bably, president Doordarshan Approved Drama Artists Association, Surinder Goel, Madan Rangila, Janak Khajuria, Arun Bakshi, Kamal Sharma, Digvijay Singh, Harbans Sharma, Subash Jamwal, R Vijay Magotra, Suresh Sharma, Kaldeep Raj, Rakesh Khona, Sammi Dhamir, Neelam Malvia, Neelima and Archana.

Jammu, November 5
The inaugural Pulwama District Sport Climbing Competition would be held at tourism complex in Nowgam from November 7.

Over 100 boys and girls from various institutions in Pulwama district are likely to participate in the competition, organised by Sunridges Trekking and Mountaineering Club Ratnipora, Pulwama, under the aegis of Mountaineering Association of J&K. Interested climbers have been directed to contact the organising secretary of the event, Jameel Mustafa at 9797762788 for further details. Climbers can also register themselves on the spot at 8 am on November 7. The competition is being sponsored by the J&K State Sports Council.