The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

	Residents take to streets against power cuts Maisuma, Lal Chowk area to further plunge into darkness in winter Our Correspondent Srinagar, December 2 Peeved at the unscheduled power cuts in the city, scores of people staged a protest against the Power Development Department (PDD) at City Centre, Lal Chowk, on Monday. The protesters, majority being women from nearby Maisuma and Lal Chowk area, took to streets against the PDD department for erratic power supply in the area. Flaying the PDD department, they said after the power tariff was revised last year, they were shelling out more to continue receiving the electricity supply. "Even then the supply is erratic and far below our expectation," a protester said. "We are facing frequent power cuts everyday. The PDD seems to have turned a deaf ear to our woes," said one of the woman protesters from Lal Chowk. The protesters blocked the road for several hours, leading to traffic jam. They called off the protest only after a senior police official intervened. With mercury dipping further at the onset of winter, Kashmir Valley is set to reel under darkness for longer duration. The state PDD had recently issued a new power-cut schedule across the Valley in both metered and non-metered areas. The new schedule has more darkness in store for people, which has further agitated the local residents across the Valley. Officials said the power distribution system in Kashmir was under stress due to overload. While common consumers, including students, were bearing the brunt of the unscheduled power cuts, the crisis had hit traders the most, especially those associated with tourism.
	Challan produced against two officials booked for corruption Tribune News Service Srinagar, December 2 The Vigilance Organisation of Kashmir (VOK) produced challan (chargesheet) against two officials before the special judge, Anti-Corruption, Kashmir, here today. The challan was produced against Rafiqa, a resident of Karfali Mohalla Haba Kadal, Srinagar, and the then junior assistant, tehsil social welfare office, Chadoora; and Manzoor-ul-Haq, a resident of Kalwal Mohalla Rainawari, Srinagar and the then associate executive of J&K Bank, Chadoora. The two officials had been accused of misusing their official positions, hatching a criminal conspiracy and misappropriating Rs 16.15 lakh meant for widows, handicapped and old-aged persons listed with the tehsil social welfare office, Chadoora, in 2006-07. The duo had been booked under section 5 (2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2006, and sections 409, 468, 471, 491, 120-B of the RPC on July 18, 2008, an official statement said.
	Experts discuss methods to preserve Dal Lake Our Correspondent Srinagar, December 2 Scientists and experts from across the country attended a session organised at Kashmir University on Saturday to discuss strategies for development of Kashmir's Dal Lake. The meeting was attended by experts from various research organisations, faculty members of the university, scientists, members of Lakes and Water Development Authority (LAWDA), officials of the union ministries, besides representation from the local administration and Dal inhabitants. The meeting was organised by the Post-Graduation Department of Environmental Science University of Kashmir in collaboration with Indian Phycological Society and LAWDA. "Initiatives that aim at mobilising public support to preserve the Lake by bringing all stakeholders on a single platform are always effective," Kashmir University vice-chancellor Talat Ahmed said. He said unchecked deforestation in and around the Lake in the last two decades has marred its beauty. LAWDA vice-chairman Irfan Yasin, co-convener of the session, said that the project that was currently being implemented could be oriented towards achieving a life-long solution in restoring the Lake's glory. "The scientific meet aims at finding mid-term changes that could be made in the project to make the conservation initiatives more viable, keeping in view the interests of all stakeholders," Yasin said. Experts and scientists who attended the meeting said it was the duty of people from all walks of life to come forward for preservation of the Lake. "It is not only the responsibility of environmentalists or scientists to preserve the Lake, but people from all walks of life have to contribute in their own way," said DB Sahoo, secretary, Indian Phycological Society, New Delhi.
	Jalali House showcases Kashmir’s rich architecture Rifat Mohidin Srinagar, December 2 Jalali House in the old city's Zadibal area is an eloquent testimony to the ancient Kashmir's rich architecture. With paper machine and Khatam band, an ancient craft related to Kashmir woodwork, on the walls, time seems to have no impact on its charm. Syed Iftikar Hussain Jalali, 65, strolls every morning around his house to look after it. "This is a great asset. It is one of the oldest houses in Kashmir," said Tasawar Jalali, daughter-in-law of Iftikar Jalali. No changes have been made to the house in the past 15 decades except from turning a small room of the house into a modern bathroom. Built on an area of 18,000 sq ft, the house has three bedrooms, four small rooms, old baths and spacious halls for large gatherings. According to Tasawur Jalali, the foundation of Muslim Conference, which later divided into two factions one of which is now known as National conference, was laid in the house. "This house has a rich history. Muslim Conference had its first meeting in this house," she said. The house is an exquisite example of Kashmir's dying art "Daji Dewari", a rarity in the modern era. "A treat to the eyes, one hardly gets to see Daji Diwari these days. Such houses are also prone to earthquakes," Tasawar said. The house has also hosted meetings between Ali Muhammad Jinnah and British viceroys in early 1960s. "Many important events in the history of Kashmir have taken place in this house," she said. Though the owners don't stay in the house, they take proper care of it to keep the heritage alive. "My father-in-law and husband take immense care of the house as it's a priced possession. We receive lot of visitors every day," Tasawar said. Besides being a heritage building, the structure speaks volumes of the love and affection of an owner. Iftikhar Jalali, son of Aga Syed Hasan Shah Jalali - a rich landlord and social worker - had received the building as a share of his ancestral property from his father. True to its value, Jalali House remains one of the prime attractions for filmmakers, documentary makers, and historians. '7 Khoon Maaf', a Bollywood flick produced in 2011, and various heritage programmes for Doordarshan and ETV had been shot in the house.
	Speaker inaugurates health centre Srinagar, December 2 Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Speaker Mubarak Gul inaugurated Sangam Primary Health Centre here today. The centre has been built at a cost of Rs 1.57 crore in Eidgah. The Speaker dedicated it to Late Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah on his birth anniversary to be observed on December 5. — TNS
	Bank to hold blood donation camp on Dec 6 Tribune News Service Srinagar, December 2 HDFC Bank will organise a nationwide blood donation camp on December 6. The bank has been organising the camp every year for the past six years. For the purpose, blood banks are being set up in various districts, including Anantnag, Budgam, Ganderbal, Jammu, Kathua, Katra, Kulgam, Pulwama, Rajouri, Srinagar, Baramulla, Udhampur and Uri. A release issued by the bank said it would set up camps at nearly 1,400 centres, of which 496 would be set up on college campuses, in 725 cities throughout the country. The bank has tied up with local hospitals and blood banks for technical help.
	Traders up in arms against MC over anti-adulteration drive Tribune News Service Jammu, December 2 The business community is up in arms against the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) for the anti-adulteration drive launched two months ago. The traders allege that officials are harassing shopkeepers, especially the owners of eateries. Members of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) protested the methods adopted by the health officials. They claimed that the MC officials had created an "atmosphere of harassment" during the past two months and traders had not even received notices before their premises were sealed and fine imposed on them. "We received complaints from various quarters that the premises of traders and shopkeepers, especially those dealing inh eatables, are being sealed without giving any prior notice, warning or reason for the same," said CCI president YV Sharma. Sharma said there was need to create awareness about the Food Safety and Standards Act, but no efforts had been made to talk to traders and owners of eateries. A press note by the CCI said the chamber had also received representations from the traders whose premises had been sealed on the pretext of some violations. "We don't support any violation, but expect officials to act with due caution, balance and judiciousness and they should not appear to be taking action under excess official authority," says the statement. The CCI has claimed that there are reports that within two months there have been around 20 to 25 sealing operations, which has sent shock waves among the trading community. "We understand that sealing is the last punitive action available to the authorities and this has to be exercised in compelling circumstances where wilful violation is committed, otherwise there are other ways to punish the violators of law and rules," it claims.
	Shortlisted candidates protest delay in release of final selection list Tribune News Service Jammu, December 2 The candidates, who were shortlisted for the post of jail warden in the Prison Department, protested against the unprecedented delay in the release of final selection list here today. The candidates demanded the release of the final list, which has been pending for the last more than three years. The protesters also threatened to go on a hunger strike from December 2, if their final selection list is not issued by then. Ashwani Kumar, who led the protesters, said 43,000 unemployed youth had applied for the post of warden, advertised in local dailies in 2005, and 1,200 candidates were shortlisted for the interview, which was held in September, 2010. "Even after more than three years of the interviews, the final selection list has not been released," he said. "We approached the Chief Minister as well as his ministers, officials concerned and senior leaders of opposition parties, but got nothing except assurances," he rued, adding that a number of candidates were nearing age limit. Ashwani urged the Chief Minister to personally look into the matter for getting the selection list released. "No recruitment has taken place in the Prison Department since 1995 and there are more than 2,000 posts vacant in the department. The department is facing an acute shortage of manpower, but the government is delaying the final selection of the candidates," he said.
	Express Parcel Service launched Tribune News Service Jammu, December 2 The Department of Posts (DoP) launched the Express Parcel Service here today. The service was formally launched by Jagdeep Gupta, Director, Postal Services, J&K, at the newly established Express Parcel Centre in the city railway station. The Express Parcel Service was launched in 20 cities --- Agra, Bangalore, Bhubaneshwar, Chennai, Delhi (NCR), Patna, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Jammu, Kolkatta, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Mumbai, Pune, Parwanoo, Shillong, Surat and Thiruvananthapuram. Briefing about the new service, Jagdeep Gupta said, “The service is an air express parcel product providing time-bound delivery of parcels. These parcels will be transmitted through air or any other fastest mean available.” The Director, Postal Services, J&K, exuded confidence that the Express Parcel/Business Parcel Service would prove a boon for traders associated with the tourism industry as they dispatched a large number of artifacts, blankets, etc, to outside the state. The booking facility for the Express Parcel Service has been made available at Gandhi Nagar Head Office, Jammu Tawi Head Office and Railway Station Post Office.The booking facility for Business Parcel Service for corporate customers has been made available at Srinagar GPO, Jammu Tawi HO, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu Railway Mail Service (railway station), Udhampur HO, Rajouri HO, Anantnag HO, Baramulla HO, Leh HO, Katra Post Office, Kud Post Office, SR Gunj and Rainawari PO. On the payment options, Gupta informed that retail customers could make payment through postage payment, cash or through franking, while for corporate customers the advance deposit facility, credit facility and payment at the time of booking were available.
	Painting contest on ‘Conserve water, save Tawi’ held Tribune News Service Jammu, December 2 The State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) organised a painting contest for students of various schools to mark the National Pollution Control Day. The theme of the contest was “Conserve water, save Tawi”, wherein a number of students from Delhi Public School, Army Public School, Domana, Army Public School, Kaluchack, and Jodhamal Public School, Jammu, participated. The event was held at Bagh-e-Bahu, at the backdrop of the Tawi, in remembrance of thousands of human beings who lost their lives because of the Bhopal gas tragedy. The event was on the theme of water conservation in line with the international year of water cooperation, declared by the United National General Assembly. The objective was to highlight the disaster, which struck Bhopal on the intervening night of December 2 and 3 in 1984, because of the discharge of poisonous chemical methyl isocyanate as well as some other chemicals from the Union Carbide Chemical Plant, situated in the city.
	Voices from Kashmir: The debate is futile With BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi raking up Article 370 in his December 1 speech in Jammu, the debate on the special status of J&K has been rekindled. The Tribune gets reactions from eminent persons in the Valley What Modi said on rights of J&K women BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, while addressing a rally at Jammu on Sunday, argued that women had not been given equal rights in Jammu and Kashmir unlike in other parts of the country. To substantiate the argument, Modi referred to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's family and said, “If Omar Abdullah married outside Kashmir, his rights of being a citizen remain while his sister Sara loses the right for the same. Is this not discrimination against women in the state.” Although Omar was quick to react to Modi’s remarks, a debate has been generated on the issue throughout the country. “Women do not lose their domicile right by marrying non-state subjects regardless of the propaganda surrounding the issue,” Omar had reacted to Modi’s argument. “He (Modi) very conveniently used me and my sister as examples to illustrate a point that has no bearing in truth,” the Chief Minister said. BJP questioning the Constitution Basically, Modi is playing to the gallery when he calls for debating the special status of J&K or for that matter the Article 370. The Article 370 is clear and it is by the virtue of this Article that there exists a bonding between the Union of India and the state of J&K. By questioning the status of the Article 370 or calling for a debate over it, Modi is not only giving a weapon to separatists but also questioning the Constitution as it is the Article 370 which legally binds Kashmir to India. And if he (Modi) is now calling for a debate on the Article then why didn’t the NDA government discuss the autonomy resolution which was passed by the J&K Assembly when Modi’s BJP was in power at the centre. If the BJP is serious about having a debate over the special status of J&K, then let it bring it in their manifesto that it will discuss the Article 370 in Parliament and lend an ear to the NC’s autonomy resolution, which flows through the Article 370. Centre, NC eroded special status of J&K The debate on the Article 370 or the special status of J&K will achieve nothing. It will be a futile exercise, because the Article is a permanent feature of the Indian Constitution, which can neither be scrapped nor amended. And, I think that Modi on this issue (Article 370) is more led by his party agenda rather than the ground realities and the legal position. In the past, the BJP had been calling for scrapping the Article 370, which is not possible. The basic problem which needs to be debated and addressed is that the people of J&K have never been able to enjoy the true benefits of the Article 370, which over the time has been eroded by the Government of India with the help of the National Conference, which ruled J&K for most part of the time. I think both the Centre and the NC are responsible for exploiting and eroding the special status which J&K enjoyed. Modi’s statement that women in J&K do not enjoy equal rights is not correct. The Bill he is talking about never became law. What matters is right to self-determination As far as the Article 370 or a debate on it is concerned, that is not an issue for us because we are under occupation. The Government of India gave its commitment for having the right to self-determination for the Kashmiris, when on November 12, 1947, then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru spoke about it in his speech at Srinagar’s Lal Chowk. It is also a historical fact that it was India which took the Kashmir dispute to the United Nations, which has recognised that the state of Jammu and Kashmir is disputed and passed 18 resolutions on it, to which both India and Pakistan are signatories. Since 1947, people of Kashmir have made a lot of sacrifices and they will not settle for anything less than the right to self-determination. Therefore, the Article 370 or any talk about special status of Jammu and Kashmir is not an issue for us. Constituent Assembly will have to step in If we go by the speech of Modi at Jammu, he was mute and not as aggressive as Praveen Togadia. It appears he is trying to shed his previous image and it implied that he has stepped down from the previous position of the BJP on the Article 370, when it called for scrapping the Article altogether. The Article 370 can be revoked or scrapped only if the resolution for it is first ratified by the Jammu and Kashmir Constituent Assembly, which India says, has also ratified the Instrument of Accession. If a debate on Article 370 has to take place then there has to be a debate on the status of J&K as well, as the Article 370 is a temporary provision in the Indian Constitution because under the Article 253 (constitution order 1954) J&K state has not yet been disposed or the state has not achieved its final disposition. Art 370 cannot be amended, abrogated The Article 370 was intended to give maximum autonomy and rights and protection to the state of J&K, the efficacy of which has unfortunately been gradually eroded by the successive governments at the Centre and the J&K. What is the purpose of having a debate when the Article 370 can neither be abrogated nor amended. And if at all, you want to abrogate or amend it then the J&K Constituent Assembly, which was created in 1954 for framing the constitution of J&K, will have to recommend it first. But, that Constituent Assembly has ceased to exist after it adopted the constitution of J&K on November 7 in 1956, as constituent assemblies are created only for the purpose of formulating the constitution. Therefore, legally speaking, having any debate centred around the revocation of the Article 370 would be a futile exercise.
	Modi’s soft approach aims at demolishing the ‘great divide’ Arun Joshi Jammu, December 2 Bharatiya Janata Party’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi’s call for a debate over the merits and demerits of the Article 370 that grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir, instead of reiterating the traditional call of his party for the abrogation of the special provision of the state, was intended to close the differences between us (residents of the state) and them (residents of the country). The special status of Jammu and Kashmir has been a contentious subject between the Congress as also the regional political groups of the state and the BJP over the decades. Besides creating a concept of one nation and two systems in the country, it also has scared the outside investors, hence the state has been reduced to a basket case- the realty that Modi underlined when he said: “The state visits Delhi with a beggar’s bowl. If it doesn’t get anything, it abuses Delhi and if gets something then also it calls names to Centre.” A climb down from scrapping of the Article 370 to the debate over its merits and demerits was aimed at telling the people of Jammu and Kashmir that their state has vast resources to make themselves as part of the “super state instead of a separate state,” provided this stumbling block of the special status state is debated quite objectively. This political provision has not only kept the masses of the Himalayan state backwards and alienated, it has also deprived them of the progress that rest of the country has made during all these years. Such was the political sting of the statement that two major political rivals Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and PDP patron Mufti Mohammad, almost in a duet, came out in defence of the Article. Omar tweeted that Modi was “economical with truth”, while Mufti casts aspersions on Modi and his thought. Separatists, however, have distanced themselves from the Article 370 part of Modi’s speech, because they are demanding and asking for something more than retaining and restoring the special status of the state in its original form as it existed before 1953, when the state had control over all affairs barring defence, communications and foreign. Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s hardline faction of the Hurriyat Conference wants “accession of the state with Pakistan”, the moderate faction of the Hurriyat led by Mirwaiz too is not offering any reaction. The JKLF stands for independence. Now comes the question, why did Modi choose this time to send his message on the critical issue at this time; abrogation of the Article 370 would have shown him as a hardliner and made him skeptical of his motives, but the debate is that what no one can deny. “Debate is an essence of the democracy” that line has been towed by National Conference leaders, including its president Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on the fate of the autonomy report that was passed by the state Legislative Assembly in July 2000. The Centre had rejected that outright. Modi has played the ball back into the court of the parties that called for autonomy or self-rule in the state, and at the same time made the minorities, Gujjars, Bakerwals, Shias, refugees, other backward classes, Hindus and Sikhs that there are strong points in their favour in opposing the autonomy report which essentially revolves around Article 370.
	What Article 370 signifies for Jammu & Kashmir The Article 370 of the Constitution of India confers special status on Jammu and Kashmir within the ambit of India’s constitutional framework. It was worked out in late 1947 between Sheikh Abdullah, who had by then been appointed the Prime Minister of J&K by Maharaja Hari Singh, and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister. This is a temporary Article can be abrogated only after the approval from the J&K Constituent Assembly. It came into existence after the Instrument of Accession, under which only defence, foreign affairs and communications were ceded to the Government of India. Some of the Article’s features are as follows The power of Parliament to make laws shall be limited to those matters in the Union List and the Concurrent List which, in consultation with the government of the state, are declared by the President to correspond to matters specified in the Instrument of Accession. Provided that no such order which relates to the matters specified in the Instrument of Accession of the state shall be issued except in consultation with the state government. For the purpose of this Article, the government of the state means the person for the time being recognised by the President on the recommendation of the Legislative Assembly of the state as the Sadar-i-Riyasat of Jammu and Kashmir, acting on the advice of Council of Ministers of the state for the time being in office. In 1986, the President made an order under Article 370, extending to Kashmir Article 249 of the Constitution in order to empower Parliament to legislate even on a matter in the State List on the strength of a Rajya Sabha resolution.
	Article 370 biggest hurdle in extending Central schemes to weaker sections Dinesh Manhotra Tribune News Service Jammu, December 2 The BJP’s prime ministerial candidate’s, Narendra Modi, challenge on debate on the Article 370 has surcharged the political atmosphere in the winter capital of the state as propagators of this Article exchanged barbed with the BJP for raking up this issue. Women, Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) activists have opposed this Article, arguing that it is the biggest obstacle in extending various schemes formulated for their betterment in Jammu and Kashmir. 'Abrogation will help STs get benefits of schemes' Choudhary Anwar Hussain, advocate and leader, Gujjar United Front “The Article 370 is the biggest hurdle in extending various welfare schemes in the state. Abrogation of this Article will help the STs to get direct benefits of various schemes meant for them.” He pointed out that the successive state governments had been brazenly taking excuse of this Article to deny reservation rights to the STs in the state. “Abolition of this Article will help the weaker sections to avail benefits of schemes meant for them,” he said. 'Ruling elites abusing the Article' Tulsi Dass Langeh, president, state BSP unit “Ruling elites of the state have been abusing this Article to deprive the weaker sections of their constitutional rights. Unlike other parts of the country, OBCs are being denied of their reservation rights in the state.” He said SCs and STs were also victims of this Article. “The ruling class in the state is taking shield of the Article to deny constitutional rights to the OBCs here,” he said. 'We are not against the Article but it is against us' Dr Javed Rahi, scholar and researcher on tribal “We are not against the Article 370 but this Article is against us,” said Dr Javed Rahi. “Many constitutional guarantees for the STs are not directly implemented in the state due to this Article,” he said and added that the Forest Right Act, 2001, and the SC/ST Atrocities Act were yet to be implement in the state as approval of the state Assembly was must to extend these Acts in the state. OBCs bear maximum brunt Deepak Kumar, social activist working for OBCs in J&K “Although most of the weaker sections are victims of the Article 370, OBCs are bearing the maximum brunt of this Article,” he said and pointed out that the OBCs in other parts of the country were getting 27 per cent reservations as per the recommendations of the Mandal Commission but in Jammu and Kashmir, they were not even identified. “The Article 370 has been used as a shield by the ruling class to create hurdles in implementing the Mandal Commission recommendations in the state,” he said and supported the demand of having a debate on this Article. 'Special status abused by ruling class' RK Kalsotra, state convener, Confederation of SC,-ST-OBCs organisation “The questions raised by BJP leader Narendra Modi are not new,” he said, and added: “It’s a fact that special status has been abused by the ruling class of the state to deny constitutional rights to the weaker sections.” “I don’t want to indulge into this debate but the state government has to reply the questions raised by Modi on the impact of the Article 370 on the weaker sections.” 'The Article is irrevocable, permanent' Saifuddin Soz, JKPCC chief “Narendra Modi is factually wrong. He is not aware of the history of the state,” he said and accepted the challenge of Modi to have an open debate on the Article 370, which according to Soz is irrevocable. “Article 370 is permanent and even Parliament of India cannot change this Article,” he said and added that the Article was a bridge between Jammu and Kashmir and rest of the country. He said it was all due to the efforts of the Congress leadership that the Women Disqualification Bill was defeated in the Assembly. “Women married outside the state have the constitutional rights like other women of the state,” he said. 'Omar distorting facts to mislead masses' Jugal Kishore Sharma, state BJP president Accusing Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of distorting facts to mislead the general masses, Sharma today accepted his challenge to hold a debate on the Article 370 and the results that followed on the implementation of this Article. “He must come forward to hold a debate on the Article with any BJP leader,” he said, and added that both the Congress and the NC had consistently misused the Article 370 to deprive the people of the state of their fundamental rights and promote communalism, separatism and politics of regional discrimination. “It is because of this Article that the refugees from the West Pakistan could not obtain citizenship rights and the Supreme Court in 1980s regretted that it is because of the state’s special status that it could not dispose of writ petition in their favour,” he said.
	Article 370 nourishes separatism: Panun Kashmir Tribune News Service Jammu, December 2 The Panun Kashmir, a frontal organisation of the displaced Kashmiri Pandits, today said the Article 370 has provided a “constitutional justification” for “nourishing separatism” in the Jammu and Kashmir. It supported BJP prime ministerial nominee Narendra Modi’s assertion that there should be debate on its usefulness. “It needs to be clarified that the Article 370 is a temporary provision in the Indian Constitution. It was never intended to be a permanent statute,” Ashwani Kumar Chrungoo, president, Panun Kashmir. “In the debates leading up to the framing of the Constitution, members of the Constituent Assembly never favoured it as a permanent feature. Even Pandit (Jawaharlal) Nehru while referring to the article, said it will get eroded of its own over the period of time,” Chrungoo said. He added that the article has led to a belief that J&K can be put outside the constitutional organisation of the Indian Union. Chrungoo, meanwhile, said the so-called package for the return of the displaced Kashmiri Pandits has not taken into account the ground realities existing in the valley. “The package lacks in substance and is replete with infirmities. Separate homeland is the only solution to the miseries of the minority community in Kashmir,” he said. “Return and resettlement is a political issue which cannot be settled without taking into account the geo-political aspirations of the community and our experiences in Kashmir,” Chrungoo said. He also emphasised that Pandits need economic and employment packages while in exile for their day to day survival.
	Modi’s comments unacceptable: Tarigami Srinagar, December 2 The recently formed Awami Mutahida Mahaz (AMM) today termed BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi’s demand for a debate on the Article 370 as “totally unacceptable”. “The AMM is of the opinion that remarks made by Narendra Modi seeking abrogation of the Article 370 are not only unwarranted but totally unacceptable to the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” the group said in a statement. The statement signed by AMM convener MY Tarigami, who is also the state secretary of the CPM, demanded that a “concrete decision” be taken to restore the “eroded provisions” of the Article. “Modi’s speech in Jammu, we believe, was motivated to scuttle the constitutional guarantees to Jammu and Kashmir’s autonomous position enshrined in the Indian Constitution,” the statement said. The AMM was recently formed as a “third front” and is an amalgam of several political parties. — TNS
	Policeman injured in accidental fire Tribune News Service Srinagar, December 2 A police constable was injured in an accidental fire at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in here today. The constable was hit by a bullet, misfired from the service rifle of CRPF personnel, a police official said. Both personnel were on duty at the SKICC, located on the banks of the Dal Lake in Srinagar, he added. The police constable was hit in the arm and was shifted to hospital for treatment.
	Divisive politics biggest threat to democracy: Minister Tribune News Service Jammu, December 2 Minister for Finance Abdul Rahim Rather today said divisive politics posed the biggest threat to the survival of democracy in the country and described the elections as the heartbeat of a democratic system. “Democracy is all about initiating a healthy debate and seeking mandate on a manifesto rather than vitiating the situation by exploiting the religious and regional sentiments of the people,” the minister said while interacting with various deputations during a public hearing, restarted at the behest of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan today morning. The Finance Minister expressed concern over the emergence of divisive forces and termed the tendency as a bad omen for the healthy and vibrant growth of democracy. He exhorted the people to alienate not only the individuals who perpetrate myopic politics, based on hate and intolerance, but also the party they belonged to, at the strength of their vote. He said the process for the big democratic exercise had begun and the process for the parliamentary elections would be set in motion soon. “This is the time when people will have to make the right and conscious decision whether to vote for those who believe in politics of exploiting the religion or those above all these considerations,” he said and referred to the preamble of the Constitution, emphasising on secularism, socialism and democracy. Rather hailed the initiative of the Chief Minister of introducing the public hearing system and said this gave the functionaries a feel of the public issues through the feedback received from various quarters. Provincial president of the National Conference Devender Singh Rana said the party had been performing the role of a bridge between the people and the government. He said public hearings were not confined to the workers of the National Conference (NC) alone but to people in general as the party believed in the oneness of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
	Peer’s bail opposed by Crime Branch Says will provide ‘best medical aid’ to him in custody Ishfaq Tantry Tribune News Service Srinagar, December 2 The Crime Branch of the police today opposed the bail plea of ex-chairman of the Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (BOPEE) Mushtaq Ahmed Peer before the Special Judge, Anti-corruption Court, here. While pleading for granting bail to Mushtaq Peer, Peer's counsel Mohammad Abdullah Pandith cited health grounds, submitting that Peer is a heart patient as per the hospital documents and is also suffering from diabetes and hypertension. The Crime Branch has said Peer would be provided the 'best possible' medical aid while in custody. Peer is the prime accused in the alleged scam involving the sale of Common Entrance Test (CET)-2012 question papers. The defence counsel also sought to question the jurisdiction of the Crime Branch, saying it has no competence or jurisdiction to investigate the matter under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Pandith also alleged that the Crime Branch rather than producing evidence against his client was creating evidence against him, adding that the only thins against Peer is the confessional statement of his former aide, Farooq Ahmad Itoo, who while confessing his involvement in the scam, has said he had paid Rs 60 lakh to Peer for making available question papers of CET-2012. Rebutting the arguments and the allegations of Peer’s counsel, Chief Prosecuting Officer of the Crime Branch said Peer would be provided the best possible healthcare facilities while in custody. The Chief Prosecuting officer also sought to rebut the argument that the Crime Branch had no jurisdiction, adding that under the CrPC, the Crime Branch was a full-fledged police station, having jurisdiction to investigate cases related to corruption. However, as the prosecution could not complete its arguments, the court adjourned the matter till December 4. The Crime Branch, in its report to the court, has opposed the bail plea of Mushtaq Peer, saying he may try to “influence witnesses”. “During questioning, he (Peer) did not disclose the modus operandi and did not cooperate. He did not disclose the names of other brokers who sold distributed the question papers,” the Crime Branch said in a five-page report, submitted to the Anti-corruption Court on November 29. The Crime Branch started a probe into the case after it received a written complaint that 12 candidates had qualified CET-2012 after purchasing question papers from brokers.
	3 Lashkar militants trapped in Handwara gunfight Tribune News Service Srinagar, December 2 A firefight between militants and security forces broke out on today evening in a village near Handwara town of Kupwara district. The encounter started after security forces laid a siege of the area following information about the presence of militants in the area, a police officer said. When security forces were zeroing-in on a house, where the militants were believed to have taken shelter, they came under fire from the militants, triggering the encounter, he added. A police source said three militants, affiliated with the Lashkar-e-Toiba, are believed to have been trapped in the house. All three are said to be Pakistan nationals, the source said.
	‘Dream merchants’ projecting Sopore as hub of militancy: CM Tribune News Service Srinagar, December 2 Taking an apparent dig at the hardline Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, the Chief Minister today said “dream merchants” have hampered the growth of Sopore. “Dream merchants have sold many dreams to people without filling colour into any of these,” Omar said while addressing his maiden public meeting at Sopore, hometown of Geelani. Omar said instead of highlighting the natural wealth of the town, the “dream merchants” had plunged the town into despair. “Instead of showcasing the historic characteristics of Sopore, its natural wealth, scenic beauty and the world famous apple, this town has been introduced as the resort of violence, militancy and stone-pelting,” the Chief Minister, who was in the town to lay the foundation of a bridge over the Jhelum river at Mehrajpora, said. Estimated to cost Rs 13.68 crore, the 205-metre-long and 5.5-metre-wide bridge is expected to be complete by February 2016. Omar said it was for the people to decide how long they could wait for peace and prosperity. “It was my desire to address you here. Make you aware of the losses you and your progeny have suffered because of the negative politics,” he said. “…rise to the occasion and decide for yourself to make your destiny bright and prosperous,” Omar urged. He, meanwhile, disclosed that the security agencies were not in favour of him holding a public meeting at Sopore due its long history of disturbance. Omar, though, added that he “ignored the advisory” to talk to the people in Sopore. “I am talking to you because you are as dear to me as the rest of the people from across the state,” he said. “I want Sopore to be as developing a town as Srinagar, Anantnag, Shopian, Kulgam and other districts of the Valley,” Omar said. The Chief Minister added that despite the negative politics his government took all measures to ensure “equitable growth” in the area. “Despite the negative politics played in Sopore town and attempts to keep the people away from the development, my government has taken all the measures to ensure equitable growth in this northern town of Kashmir known for its horticulture produce,” Omar said.
	NABARD sanctions Rs 6.5 cr for Kargil Tribune News Service Jammu, December 2 The regional office of the National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development (NABARD) in the state has sanctioned Rs 651.97 lakh for Jammu and Kashmir for two rural roads and bridge projects in Kargil district from the Rural Infrastructure Development Front scheme. The projects were approved by the 138th Project Sanctioning Committee meeting held on November 7 last month. The projects, on completion, will provide connectivity to seven villages, which will have access to three market centres throughout the year.
	Fully geared to handle any situation: CRPF Tribune News Service Srinagar, December 2 With the apprehension of spurt in militant activities in the state, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has said it was “fully geared up” to handle any situation in Jammu and Kashmir. “We apprehend militant attacks in Kashmir may continue in the coming months, but we are fully alert to deal with the situation,” DK Pathak, Special Director General, CRPF, said on the sidelines of a function here on Saturday. Pathak said the CRPF was expecting militant attacks during the forthcoming parliamentary and the Assembly elections in the state. “…only time will tell. As infiltration has happened, we expect some attacks. Those who have infiltrated will target security forces,” the CRPF officer said when asked about the possible militant attacks during the elections. He maintained that militancy-related incidents have come down in comparison to the last year, but said the casualties of the security men have increased due to some daring attacks. The Special Director General, CRPF, meanwhile, insisted that there were “no lapses”, which resulted in high causalities among the security men.
	VIPs denied accommodation at Rajouri Our Correspondent Rajouri, December 2 Three VIPs and staff accompanying them to Poonch and Rajouri for public meetings were caught out when they were denied accommodation at the public works department (PWD) guesthouse in Rajouri late on Saturday night. The VIPs were minister of state for health Shabir Khan; Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee chief Saifuddin Soz; and member of Legislative Council Ravinder Sharma. Congress youth leaders Rahid Majid and Arif Hussain even entered into a verbal spat after discovering that all rooms had been occupied by the staff of roads and buildings (R&B) minister Abdul Majid Wani, who was also on an official trip to the area. After the health and R&B ministers intervened in the matter, security and personal staff of the VIPs were adjusted in private hotels. Meanwhile, Anuj Sharma, Wani’s public relations officer, adjusted all VIPs in the guesthouse. He said the VIPs were provided accommodation in the guesthouse and it was the duty of the department officials to adjust their staff and other senior officers.
	Hiranagar GDC win in kho-kho Tribune News Service Jammu, December 2 Government Degree College (GDC), Hiranagar, defeated Government Degree College, Bhaderwah, by one point in a league match during the Inter-Collegiate Kho-Kho Tournament at the University of Jammu grounds here today. The match between Government Degree College, Thannamandi, and Government Degree College, Rajouri, was not played as both teams failed to report at the playground. The only match of the day was officiated by Gagan Kumar, Anil Kumar, Ankush Sharma, Sunil Sharma and Abishek Sharma. The tournament is being played under the supervision of Prof Dhian Singh Bhau, Director, Sports and Physical Education, University of Jammu.