The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

Army remembers martyrs of 1971 war
Tribune News Service

GoC of 16 Corps Lt General DS Hooda pays tribute to martyrs at the Nagrota war memorial in Jammu on Monday. Tribune photos

Srinagar, December 16
The Army’s 15 Corps today celebrated the 42nd anniversary of its victory during the 1971 war, marked as Vijay Diwas or Victory Day, at the Badami Bagh cantonment in Srinagar.

“In its true tradition of remembering the heroes and martyrs, the Army celebrated the 42nd anniversary of its victory during the 1971 war with military customs and tradition,” a defence spokesman here said.

The spokesman said a “solemn yet impressive ceremony” was organised at the Badami Bagh cantonment, which was attended by Army officers.

General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 15 Corps (Chinar Corps) Lt Gen Gurmit Singh, Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir Shailendra Kumar and BSF DIG PS Sandhu offered floral tributes at the war memorial at the cantonment.

December 16 is celebrated as Vijay Diwas and commemorates the Indian Army’s victory in the 1971 war.

“GOC Lt General Singh, while speaking on the occasion, recounted the sacrifices made and the achievements of Chinar Corps during the conflict,” the spokesman said.

“The GOC congratulated all ranks, including the personnel of the Jammu and Kashmir Police and other paramilitary forces for putting in their best efforts to ensure peace in the Valley,” the spokesman said.

“The GOC of Chinar Corps, as a gesture to recognise and appreciate personal professionalism presented awards to two JKP, two CRPF and two BSF personnel, besides Army personnel,” the spokesman said.

Jammu: The Army’s Northern Command and former soldiers from Jammu and Kashmir today observed Vijay Diwas, marking the surrender of 90,000 Pakistani soldiers before the Indian Army in the Bangladesh liberation war of 1971.

A remembrance ceremony was observed at several places for the sacrifices made by thousands of officers and soldiers who died in the war with Pakistan.

The Northern Command commemorated the occasion with a wreath-laying ceremony at Dhruva War Memorial by Lt Gen HJS Sachdev, Chief of Staff, Northern Command.

Lt Gen Sanjiv Chachra, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command, highlighted the role of Indian armed forces in achieving major military victories during the war and in subsequent conflicts imposed on the country.

“This glorious day in the annals of the history of the Army was made possible due to the supreme sacrifices of valiant soldiers during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. Our Army changed the course of history with its undeterred courage, dedication and professionalism, bringing glory and honour to the nation,” Lt Gen Sanjiv Chachra said.

At Nagrota, Lt Gen DS Hooda, General Officer Commanding of 16 Corps (White Knight Corps), paid tributes to the martyrs by laying a wreath at “Ashwamedh Shaurya Sthal” war memorial.

A remembrance ceremony was also observed at Kargil Sabhagar, Amphalla, under the banner of the Akhil Bharatiya Poorav Sainik Sewa Parishad (ABPSSP), an organisation of former soldiers, during which the kin of martyrs from the Army and paramilitary forces belonging to J&K and the state police were honoured.

Former Director General (DG), Prisons, Ashok Bhan, was the chief guest on the occasion. Bhan praised the role of the men in uniform.

The function was presided over by Brig (retd) Suchet Singh, all-India vice-president of the ABPSSP.

At the Uniform Force headquarters at Reasi, a solemn ceremony was observed with traditional military honours. The General Officer Commanding placed a floral wreath at the ‘Wall of Remembrance’ war memorial at the Reasi Garrison.

Victory Day was also celebrated by the Romeo Force at Palma in Rajouri. At Akhnoor, Maj Gen Rustam Patnaik, General Officer Commanding, Crossed Swords Division, laid a wreath to honour the martyrs who laid down their lives in the historic war.

In Jammu, Maj Gen Ashwani Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Tiger Division, laid a floral wreath at Tiger War Memorial in Jammu Cantonment today.

Don’t run after govt jobs, CM tells youth
Our correspondent

Rajouri, December 16
Asking students not to run after the government jobs, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, “Our aim is to prepare the students to compete in the private sector and for this we will provide the best faculty.”

Addressing a function at the 10th Foundation Day of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU) yesterday, the Chief Minister, who is also the Chancellor of the university, said: “The students should not run after government jobs, as the income of the state government is Rs 6,500 crore while the expenditure is about Rs 17,500 crore, including Rs 13,500 crore salaries of the employees.”

The Chief Minister announced to introduce six new courses, including MA in English, MSc in computer science, zoology, botany, M.Ed and MA in economics and the admission for these courses will start from the next session. He also laid the foundation stones of seven projects on the campus.

Omar appreciated the efforts of the authorities in making the university as one of the best learning institutions in the state.

“Commitment to provide better education is the biggest achievement of this institution and the faculty has played a major role in this. The state government will provide every possible help for further development activities on the campus,” he said.

Higher Education Minister Akbar Lone, Wakf Council chairman Peerzada Mohammad Syaeed, Legislative Council vice-chairman Javed Rana and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University Vice Chancellor Prof SK Jain were among others present on the occasion.

The students should not run after government jobs, as the income of the state government is Rs 6,500 crore while the expenditure is about Rs 17,500 crore, including Rs 13,500 crore salaries of the employees.
—Omar Abdullah, chief minister

Slain youths’ kin challenge SIT formation
Unrest in Anantnag: Say new team has officials whose probe was questioned by High Court
Ishfaq Tantry
Tribune news service

Srinagar, December 16
The families of the slain youths, killed in the Khanabal area of Anantnag district in south Kashmir during the unrest in 2010, have challenged the newly formed special investigation team by the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

The Jammu and Kashmir High Court had last month ordered the constitution of a special investigation team (SIT), headed by an SP rank official, to probe the killing of the two civilians.

In their application before the High Court, moved through counsel Mian Qayoom, the petitioner families have prayed for staying the orders of the IGP dated November 30, 2012, on the ground that the new SIT team announced by the IPG comprises the same officers who had been investigating the case earlier and against whom the High court had raised eyebrows.

Bilal Ahmad Najar and Noor-ul-Amin Dagga were killed on September 19, 2010, when the police allegedly opened fire on a funeral procession of a youth in the Khanabal locality.

Unimpressed by the investigation into the killing of Najar and Dagga, the High Court had on November 27 directed the IGP to constitute a SIT to be headed by an officer of at least the rank of a Superintendent of Police for taking the probe to its logical conclusion.

“Pursuant to the direction of the High Court, the IGP, Kashmir zone, issued an order dated November 30, 2013, where under he constituted the investigating team of the same officers who had been investigating the case earlier,” the petitioner families have submitted in the application before the High Court, wherein they have challenged the constitution of the SIT by the IGP.

“Against (these officials of the SIT), the High Court has observed that the manner and method in which the investigation has been conducted does raise some eyebrows,” the petitioners submitted, adding that the said (SIT) team has already submitted its report, wherein it has wrongly stated that the case is politically motivated.

“For investigating the case, the IGP was required to constitute the team of officers other than those who were investigating the case previously,” the petitioners submitted while praying that pending disposal of the main petition, the orders of the IGP dated November 30 be stayed.

The petitioners have also prayed that the Director General of Police be directed to constitute a team of officers for investigating the case to be headed by an SSP rank officer and other than the officers whose conduct of the investigation has already been questioned by the court.

2010 Khanabal killings

Two youths, Bilal Ahmad Najar and Noor-ul-Amin Dagga, were killed on September 19, 2010, when the police allegedly opened fire on the funeral procession of Maroof Ahmad Nath. Nath had drowned in the Jhelum on September 13, 2010, while being chased by police and CRPF men.

On October 31 this year, the court, while observing that the manner in which the investigation has been conducted in the case “does raise some eyebrows”, had directed the SP, Anantnag, to continue with the investigation and conclude it within a “reasonable dispatch.”

Observing that the “concern of the court has not been registered by the respondents (police) seriously”, a single bench of Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey on November 27 directed the IGP, Kashmir zone, to constitute a (SIT) to be headed by an officer not below the rank of the Superintendent of Police to carry the investigation and take it to its logical conclusion.

Migrant body calls on Guv
Tribune News Service

Jammu, December 16
The All Migrant Camps Coordination Committee called on Governor NN Vohra at Raj Bhawan in Jammu today.

The committee apprised the Governor about issues confronting the Kashmiri Pandit community and requested him that the policy made for the return and rehabilitation of the Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley should incorporate confidence-building measures and time-bound removal of encroachments on land belonging to temples, shrines, orchards and other immovable properties of the Pandits in the Kashmir valley.

It requested the Governor to see that high priority was given to the eligible persons for getting government jobs under the Prime Minister’s employment package and the upper age limit be relaxed as a onetime measure, particularly in case of families with no serving government employee.

The Governor stressed the need for a well-coordinated approach among organisations fighting for the cause of the Kashmiri Pandits so that their issues could be resolved on an early basis. He inquired from the delegation about the electricity and sewerage facilities available at the Purkhoo migrant camp and the Jagti transition camp and allotment of flats to the Kashmiri Pandit migrants in new townships made exclusively for their rehabilitation.

The Governor told the committee to furnish specific cases of encroachment of immovable properties and land belonging to the temples and shrines in the Valley so that necessary action under law could be initiated.

Navin K Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor, was present on the occasion.

Vohra presented copy of Urdu Adab Mein Tanisyet
Tribune News Service

Jammu, December 16
Urdu author Dr Mushtaq Ahmed Wani today met the Governor NN Vohra at the Raj Bhawan here and presented to him a copy of his latest book, Urdu Adab Mein Tanisyet.

The 800 page volume is about the role and status of women Urdu writers.

Vohra congratulated Dr Mushtaq on the excellence of his research work and the book written by him.

He hoped that Dr Wani would keep up his contribution towards the enrichment of the Urdu literature and wished him success in all his future endeavours.

Ex-minister calls on Governor

Jammu, December 16
Former Minister for Medical Education RS Chib today called on the Governor NN Vohra here and briefed him about the issues relating to the implementation of developmental programmes in the RS Pura sub-division of Jammu.

He also highlighted the problems faced by the farmers of the border area and the status of agricultural activities there. — TNS

Bhaderwah students call on Governor

Jammu, December 16
A group of 25 students from Bhaderwah area of Doda district today called on Governor NN Vohra at Raj Bhavan here today.

The group, which was on a 12-day educational tour to Maharashtra from December 2, shared their experiences of the trip with the Governor.

They also expressed their gratitude to the 4 Rashtriya Rifles (Bihar) for conducting the tour and termed it as a lifetime opportunity, which they said brought more discipline in their conduct.

The Governor asked students about the places which appealed them the most. Majority of the students mentioned that they were delighted to visit the National Defence Academy, College of Military Engineering, and Nehru Planetarium.

The Governor later presented memorabilia to each of the students and wished them a bright future. Navin K Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor, and Officers of 4 Rashtriya Rifles were also present on the occasion. — TNS

Vohra apprised of issues concerning Budgam’s Khansahib constituency
Tribune News Service

Jammu, December 16
Member of Legislative Assembly from Khansahib, Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen today called on Governor NN Vohra at Raj Bhawan here and briefed him about various difficulties being faced by the people of his constituency.

Yaseen also apprised Vohra of the Umeed and various other Centre-sponsored schemes in his Assembly segment.

He also informed the Governor about issues relating to the ‘Model Villages’, an initiative of the government under its Border Area Development Programme.

Yaseen further discussed with Vohra the serious difficulties being faced by the people of his area on account of the power situation.

The MLA also apprised the Governor of his views on the firing range at the Tosamaidan in Budgam district.

Kousar Jaan tops Class X exams
First 20 positions shared by 269 students among which 186 are girls and 83 boys
Our Correspondent

Srinagar, December 16
Girls again proved their mettle in the Class-X Jammu and Kashmir state board of school education exams, the results of which were declared here on Monday.

They secured the first 20 positions in the board exams, secretary of Board of School Education (BOSE) Dr Renu Goswami said, adding that the first 20 positions were shared by 269 students among which 186 were girls, whereas 83 were boys.

The first position was bagged by Kousar Jaan of Iqbal Memorial School (IMI) Bemina, Srinagar, who scored 99% marks (495/500).

The second position was shared by three students Ritaish Raina, Meelad Mohammad Sheikh, and Aasima Khurshid Wani, who secured 494 marks each.

He said the overall pass percentage was 70.58%, for which nearly 55,000 students appeared. The pass percentage of boys was 73. 82% this year, whereas for girls it was 66.82%.

Dr Renu said: "Total 1,442 students scored A1 grade, 4,126 students scored A2 grade, 5,213 students scored B1 grade, 6,458 students scored B2 grade, 7,512 students scored C1 grade, 5,776 students scored C2 grade and 627 students scored D2 grade."

Police Public School secures 96% result

Out of 71 students of Police Public School, Srinagar, who had appeared in the Class X examination, 68 were declared successful, in which 25 secured distinction, while 31 got the first division. Deputy inspector general (DIG) of police, Central Kashmir Range, Afad-ul-Mujtaba congratulated the students and the faculty for their efforts.

The DIG in his message appreciated the pass percentage which had improved by 5% as compared to the previous year's results.

Proud topper ecstatic, thanks parents
Rifat Mohidin

Srinagar, December 16
Kousar Jaan not only brought laurels to her school, but made her parents proud as well as she topped the Class-X board exams, the results of which were declared on Monday.

For Kousar Jaan,16, her parents were her constant source of inspiration. A student of Iqbal Memorial Educational Institute, Kousar topped this year's list by securing 495 marks out of 500.

Kausar was ecstatic on her success and said it would not have been possible without working hard. "I gave my 100% and studied with full dedication," she said.

"I thank Allah and my parents, who supported me," she said.

Kousar's father, Muhammad Maqbool Rather, is a principal at a degree college. She said there was no magic wand and that proper planning was required to achieve the feat.

Kousar, now plans to take up medical and make her career in medicine.

"I want to study medicine along with mathematics and will work hard and prove myself in future as well," she added.

BJP eyeing major share in Assembly elections
Tribune News Service

Jammu, December 16
The BJP today said it was aiming at emerging as the single largest party in the state in the forthcoming Assembly elections.

The party also reiterated that it was working towards winning three out of six parliamentary seats in the state, besides strengthening its base in the Valley.

The mission of the sate unit of the BJP is to work with single minded devotion towards the “Congress-free-India” and achieve over 272 seats in the Lok Sabha, state BJP president Jugal Kishore Sharma said while announcing the appointment of Prof Hari Om as his political adviser.

Former dean of the department of social sciences at the University of Jammu, Prof Hari Om has earlier served the BJP as the state vice-president and chief spokesperson.

“The BJP is all set to win a minimum of three Lok Sabha seats in the state, two from Jammu and one from Ladakh, besides strengthening its support base in Kashmir where many nationalist Muslims are joining the party to enable it to promote mainstream politics and neutralise the baneful influence of the pro-autonomy National Conference, pro-self-rule Peoples Democratic Party and pro-separatist Congress party,” Jugal said.

“The mission for 2014 was not only to win a minimum of three Lok Sabha seats in the state, but also to emerge as the single largest party in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly by winning at least 35 seats, 28 in Jammu, two in Ladakh and five in Kashmir,” he said.

Jugal said the assessment was based on the changed ground realities in the wake of emergence of the “Narendra Modi phenomena” across the nation.

The BJP leader, on the occasion, also appealed to the people of the state to join the party’s crusade against corruption, misrule, separatism, communalism and the cult of gun.

“The BJP is the only party in the country which preaches and practises genuine democracy and secularism and believes in the principle of justice and equity,” the BJP state president said.

The BJP is all set to win a minimum of three Lok Sabha seats in the state, two from Jammu and one from Ladakh, besides strengthening its support base in Kashmir where many nationalist Muslims are joining the party to enable it to promote mainstream politics.
—Jugal Kishore Sharma, state bjp president

J&K to host Senior National Fencing Championship from tomorrow
700 fencers to vie for top honours
Tribune News Service

Jammu, December 16
As many as 700 fencers from across the country would fight it out for top honours in the 24th Senior National Fencing Championship being hosted by the J&K Amateur Fencing Association in collaboration with the J&K State Sports Council at Indoor Sports Complex, MA Stadium, Jammu, from December 18 to 22.

Talking to mediapersons here today, MJ Sharma, president of the association, said apart from fencers, technical officials and members of different associations were also likely to accompany their teams.

He added that the championship would be held in Epee, Foil and Sabre events. The J&K Amateur Fencing Association has selected 24-member team (including 12 boys and as many girls) for the upcoming championship.

Pertinently, in the previous edition of the championship which was held at Rohtak in Haryana, J&K had to be contended with third position by claiming bronze medal.

The association exuded confidence that the selected team would do its level best to bring laurels for the state in the prestigious sporting event. Association general secretary Vijay Sharma, fencing coach Chotu Lal and international fencer Rashid Ahmed were also present on the occasion.

Sports event

The 24th Senior National Fencing Championship being is being hosted by the J&K Amateur Fencing Association in collaboration with the J&K State Sports Council at Indoor Sports Complex, MA Stadium, Jammu, from December 18 to 22

West Pak refugees hold protest for citizenship rights
Tribune News Service

Jammu, December 16
Fed up with the repeated promises made by the successive state governments, hundreds of West Pakistan refugees today held a massive demonstration and blocked the traffic on the Tawi bridge here.

Living in Jammu since 1947, the West Pakistan refugees have been demanding citizenship and other constitutional rights.

Before protesters blocked the vehicular movement on the Tawi bridge, a rally was addressed by chairman of the West Pakistani Refugees Action Committee (WPRAC) Labha Ram Gandhi at the Maharaj Hari Singh park near to the bridge.

Gandhi, while addressing the rally, said these people who had migrated from West Pakistan during the Partition in 1947 and settled in the border districts of the Jammu region had not been considered state subjects of J&K so far, depriving them of all fundamental constitution, legal and statutory rights in the state.

The WPRAC chairman said the Supreme Court in 1987 had asked the J&K legislature to take action to amend the constitution and give constitutional rights to these refugees.

He said it was ironical that even after more than 25 years, no steps had been taken by the successive state governments to give the refugees their rights. He added that there was a mechanism in the J&K Constitution to grant permanent citizenship rights to the West Pakistan refugees.

Gandhi appealed to all political parties of the state to remove all legal disabilities which caused difficulties to the West Pakistan refugees in the state and to consider a one-time settlement for them as proposed by the government.

RP Singh, a social activist from New Delhi, Dineshwar Singh Jamwal, president, Universal Foundation, an NGO, and Pritam Sharma of the Kranti Dal were also present.

Those who addressed the rally included Sushil Kumar Gupta, Chhaju Ram Manhas, Joginder Pal, Lal Singh, Mohan Lal, Raspal Chand and Surinder.

Fight for rights

Chairman of the WPRAC Labha Ram Gandhi on Monday said the West Pakistan refugees who had migrated during the Partition in 1947 and settled in the border districts of the Jammu region had not been considered state subjects of J&K so far, depriving them of all fundamental constitution, legal and statutory rights in the state.

Wildfire near LoC in Kupwara doused

Kupwara, December 16
A wildfire which erupted on Saturday in the bordering area of Karnah in Kupwara district was brought under control today.

The wildfire destroyed about two dozen keil and deodar trees in 32 and 34 compartments of the forest division, Karnah, near the Line of Control (LoC), before it was brought under control following three days of hectic efforts by employees of the Forest Department.

A short circuit in the 33 KV line (supplying power to the bordering Karnah) is believed to be the cause of the fire, an official said.

“Fire-beaters, helmets and ploughs were used to douse the flames,” he said. “The fire was completely brought under control around 4 pm today. Locals and field staff of the Forest Protection Force also helped in dousing the flames,” he said. — OC

Omar lays foundation stone of JU exam block’s extension
Tribune News Service

Jammu, December 16
The University of Jammu (JU) would soon have better facilities for evaluation of answer sheets and modern record rooms for keeping official records as the varsity has undertaken the construction of a multi-storey extended building of the examination block.

The new portion of the examination block would be completed at an estimated cost of Rs 3.48 crore. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is the Pro-Chancellor of the Jammu university, laid the foundation stone of the new block here today. Minister for Higher Education Mohammad Akbar Lone and Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu, Professor Mohan Paul Singh Ishar were also present on the occasion.

Briefing the Chief Minister on the upcoming extending building of the examination block, varsity officials said there would be three floors in the block and it would have five examination halls, four code rooms, three rooms for officials, record rooms and stores, registration centre and a students facilitation centre.

The CM also received the brief account of the functioning of the Jammu university from the Vice-Chancellor and various heads of the departments.

Students have been facing umpteen hardships due to poor facilities regarding the examination system on the varsity campus and repeated demands have been made by the student community to improve the examination system and facilities for students.

Later, the CM also unveiled the old foundation stone of the New University Campus of the University of Jammu, laid by former Chief Minister and his grandfather late Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah on December 16, 1976.

Interestingly, the Chief Minister didn't utter a single word about his government's performance during the last five years, but a handout of over 600 words, issued by the state Information Department, highlighted the achievements of the Omar Abdullah government and his (Chief Minister) focused attention towards the welfare of student community in particular and the youth in general.

The handout claimed that the ruling National Conference-Congress coalition provided one lakh jobs to the youth in the past five years.

Srinagar records season’s lowest temp at -4.3°C
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, December 16
No relief is expected from the freezing cold weather for at least three days in state as it is likely to remain dry and cold, a forecast bulletin issued by the state meteorological department warns.

Srinagar recorded season’s new low overnight, as the mercury fell by more than 4 degrees Celsius below the freezing point. The temperature recorded last night was minus 3.8 degrees Celsius.

The mercury fell to a low of minus 4.3 degrees Celsius overnight, which was a departure of two degrees from the normal, marking city’s new low during the current season, an official of the department said.

The freezing weather condition in city has left the peripheral surface of Dal lake frozen and covered with a thin-icy layer. The valley is inching close to winter season’s harshest spell, which otherwise begins annually on December 21lasting for 40 days ending in January.

Pahalgam resort in south Kashmir remained the coldest with mercury falling to a low of minus 4.8 degrees Celsius, the official said.

In north Kashmir’s Gulmarg resort, famous skiing destination which received a spell of snowfall recently, the minimum temperature settled at minus 0.2 degrees Celsius.

In south Kashmir’s Qazigund town, the minimum temperature was recorded at minus 4.3 degrees Celsius, as the mercury fell to a low of minus 4.7 degrees Celsius in north Kashmir’s frontier Kupwara.

Leh town in the remote Ladakh region, which is located outside Kashmir valley, recorded an extremely cold night as the mercury fell to a low of minus 13.8 degrees Celsius, the official said.

Ladakh region, which remains cut-off from the rest of the state during the winter season, and the Zojilla pass, which connects Ladakh to Kashmir, remained buried under the white blanket. In Kargil, another district in Ladakh, the mercury fell to a low of minus 10.0 degrees Celsius overnight.

Single window for industry in Pulwama almost defunct
Our Correspondent

Pulwama, December 16
The Single Window Clearance System, announced by the Directorate of Industries and Commerce in its industrial policy, 2004, is yet to be implemented in spirit by the District Industries Centre, Pulwama.

The system is aimed at providing specific services in a time-bound manner to the aspiring entrepreneurs.

It offers four essential services with regards to the establishment of an industrial unit — registration of the unit with the District Industries Centre; allotment of land in industrial areas or estates managed by the District Industries Centre, Jammu and Kashmir State Industrial Development Cooperation and SICOP; a consent from the Pollution Control Board (PCB) and a certificate regarding the availability of power from the Power Development Department (PDD).

Under the Single Window Clearance System all these formalities must be completed within 31 days after the applicant fills up the Single Composite Application Form.

According to the policy, once the completed application form reaches the District Industries Centre, the department has to get clearance from the PCB and the Power development department and also help the entrepreneur in earmarking the land.

However, the unit holders here allege that they had to clear the formalities themselves and the District Industries Centre did not provide them any assistance as determined by the policy.

“It took me about one year to get clearance from the PCB and the PDD. Normally the clearance should have been given within 20 days,” said one of the unit holders, who has his setup at the Industrial Growth Centre, Lassipora, in Pulwama district.

“I even thought to quit the idea due to the delay,” he added.

Despite the orders to implement the Single Window Clearance System from March 2004, the District Industries Centre, Pulwama, has started calling regular district-level committee meetings for the clearance of the cases only since last couple of months.

General Manager, District Industries Centre, Pulwama, Jalaluddin Ganie also said it was the responsibility of the applicant to get clearance from the PCB and PDD before the case was being submitted to the district-level committee.

“We have started calling the meetings frequently. But prior to sending a case for clearance through the district-level committee, the applicant has to complete certain formalities, which include getting clearance from the PDD and the PCB and earmarking of land in the industrial estate,” Ganie said.

The policy

Once the complete Single Composite Application Form reaches the District Industries Centre, the department has to get clearance from the Pollution Control Board and the Power development department and also help the entrepreneur in earmarking the land.

Shopkeepers at Bahu Fort market oppose construction of langar hall
Amit Khajuria
Tribune News Service

Jammu, December 16
Shopkeepers at the ancient Bahu Fort market are averse to constructing a langar hall (community kitchen) near the Kali Mata temple, as they believe it will ‘destroy its appearance’.

The Jammu Development Authority (JDA) has started the construction work outside the temple at the fort with Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI’s) nod, but shopkeepers are opposing the move.

The hall is being constructed to move the kitchen outside the temple, as a portion of the 110 feet tall wall of the fort had collapsed on August 18 this year. After studying reasons as to why the wall collapsed, the department decided to shift the kitchen outside the temple. It was also creating sewage problem and damaging the fort walls, they said.

An ASI official said: “It has been decided to move the kitchen outside because the present kitchen located inside the fort is damaging the walls.”

Vivek Patihal, president of Bahu Fort Shopkeepers’ Association, said: “This hall will destroy the front look of the fort. The JDA has given the tender to their own contractor and are working under the influence of temple priests, who run the kitchen service.”

“We were shifted from the same place in 1991 citing same reasons, but we have not been allotted shops so far. Now, how can they construct any other structure at the same place? ” he questioned.

He said they got a stay to stop the construction of the langar hall from the high court, whereas ASI officials believe the stay would further affect the fort structure, as the present kitchenwould continue to damage the fort walls.

Mahant Jatinder Kumar, a senior priest at the Bahu Fort temple, said: “Shopkeepers are trying to create hurdles in the department works. They fear that the langar hall may affect their business, as we run full-day langar at the hall.”

Sources said the JDA had given Rs 15 lakh contract to Raman Kumar for constructing the hall.

Beautification project gets Rs 50 lakh more
Govt sanctions the amount to speed up work
Tribune News Service

Jammu, December 16
Facing criticism over the slow pace of Raghunath Bazaar beautification project, the government has sanctioned an additional sum of Rs 50 lakh to speed up the work on the project, which has missed several deadlines.

Officials said it was announced by Tourism Minister GA Mir during a review meeting of the project after several trader organisations expressed their disappointment the way work on the project was going on. The project was started to give a new look to one of the oldest and historic markets in the state.

Under the project initiated in 2008, 400 metres of the bazaar, established in 1856 by then Dogra rulers, was to be upgraded by improving power distribution network, shifting of cables, paving the entire road passing through the bazaar with heavy duty red tiles, interlocking blocks, installation of fire hydrants and providing benches.

Raghunath Bazar Businessmen Association (RBBA) president Baldev Khullar said the project was started in 2008-09, but it had missed several deadlines.

“We welcome the decision of sanctioning an additional fund but the project should be completed on fast-track basis. It is necessary to attract tourists to enjoy their stay and shopping experience,” Khullar said.

The project was estimated to cost Rs 6.67 crore, out of which Rs 3 crore had already been spent.

Some of the works like installation of ornamental lamp posts with antique chimney and paving the red sandstone tiles on pavements have been completed, but Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited has failed to provide underground cable connections to create wireless environment while the Public Heath Engineering Department is still to beef up water distribution network.

CIC removes red beacon from vehicle
Tribune News Service

Jammu, December 16
The Chief Information Commissioner (CIC), State Information Commission, GR Sufi and Commissioners Dr SK Sharma and Nazir Ahmed have voluntarily removed red beacons from their official vehicles.

Pertinently, the Chief Information Commissioner has the status equivalent to that of Election Commissioner of India.

Following the Supreme Court ruling that the red beacons should be used only by high constitutional dignitaries in the country, state's Director General of Police Ashok Prasad was the first high ranking officer who removed the red beacon from his official vehicle, before a campaign was launched across the state.

Conserve natural energy resources for future: Expert
Tribune News Service

Jammu, December 16
As a part of the Energy Conservation Week being observed at the Government College of Engineering and Technology from December 14, KR Suri, General Manager, Powergrid, NR-II, delivered a lecture on “Energy Efficiency: Challenges and Future Trends”.

In his lecture, Suri states that with depletion of natural energy resources, energy efficiency has assumed importance of high paramount. He elaborated on procedures required for reducing Green House Gases (GHGs) substantially-enough to slow down climate change, including both energy efficiency and renewable energy, carbon-neutral transportation fuels and possibly storing GHG emissions safely away from the atmosphere. He said, “Energy efficiency is the most abundant, cheapest and fastest approach that we have right now.”

He also showcased the efforts and technology that Powergrid employs in its working for bringing about energy efficiency. From development of smart grid to that of energy efficient homes all the concepts were elaborated by Suri with utmost expertise.

Annual Day celebrated at MHAC School
Tribune News Service

Jammu, December 16
MHAC School, Nagbani, celebrated its Annual Day with enthusiasm here recently. The theme of the programme was ‘Aao Sansar Sukhi Banayen’.

A ‘mahayajna’ was performed by the school management under the guidance of DAV Managing Committee, New Delhi, and Arya Pradeshik Pratinidhi Sabha, Delhi, to make the students aware of their culture, heritage and values.

Poonam Suri, president, DAV Management Committee, New Delhi, was the chief guest on the occasion. The programme commenced with the chanting of mantras. Students of Class VIII performed the ‘havan’ according to the Vedic rituals.

The cultural bonanza started with a welcome song by staff members followed by the DAV anthem sung by Class X students. A ballad depicting the life story of Swami Dayanand was enacted by the students followed by a mesmerising dance item ‘Ussi Ka Noor’ was presented by the students of class IX and X.

Five sewing machines and blankets were also donated to needy persons by the school. Punam Suri spoke high about the staff and management of the school. The programme ended with a vote of thanks and recital of ‘shanti path’.

Rs 71cr sanctioned for maternity hospital
Tribune News Service

Jammu, December 16
The Union Health Ministry has approved Rs 71 crore for the construction of a six-storey maternity hospital on the premises of Gandhi Nagar hospital, which will be at par with only maternity hospital of the region, Shri Maharaja Gulab Singh (SMGS) Hospital.

This was stated by Minister for Culture and Housing Raman Bhalla during a public grievances redressal meeting at Paloura.

The minister said the government had also approved Rs 4.77 crore for the construction of Primary Health Centres at Bhore camp and Lower Gaddigarh and Urban Health Centre at Trikuta Nagar to provide better medical services to the people.

While interacting with local residents, panches and sarpanches, Bhalla said the coalition government was working under a comprehensive plan to develop modern infrastructure facilities across the state. He said there was no constraint of funds under development and other sectors.

For providing better accommodation to slum dwellers, the minister said the government had earmarked Rs 19 crore for the construction of two-room flats at Sunjwan, adding that the project was under progress and would be completed within stipulated time frame. "Slum dwellers of Rajiv Nagar and Bhagwati Nagar would be accommodated there with all basic facilities," he said.

He called upon the people to avail benefits of Central and state government sponsored schemes. He said under MGNREGA, several development projects were under progress on war footing in rural and remote areas of the state.

Devly villagers protest against water crisis
Our Correspondent

Doda, December 16
People from Devly village in Doda today launched a protest against the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department and disrupted traffic for hours, following unavailability of potable water.

The protesters raised slogans against the PHE department and demanded restoration of the water supply at the earliest. The agitating villagers said the supply line to their village was damaged due the construction of the road, but the PHE department was not showing any urgency to repair it.

They, meanwhile, also called for a permanent solution to the scarcity of water in their village.

Earlier, massive protest triggered outside the PHE office in Doda with villagers raising slogans against the department and the government.

“We are facing great problem. There is no water in our village. After the water supply from Gadi to our village was snapped due to the construction of the road under the Pradhan Mantri Grameen Sadak Yojana we have been facing the shortage of water,” a protester said.

The villagers also alleged that the pipeline to their village has gone missing. “The entire pipeline, which supplies the water to our village, has gone missing, but department has turned a blind eye to our issues. It has not initiated any inquiry in this regard,” a villager alleged.

The protesters said in the absence of proper supply of water to their village, they were forced to walk large distance to fetch potable water.

“We have assured them of early restoration of the pipeline, but for now we have made temporary arrangements for them,” Assistant Executive Engineer, Doda, Sundeep Gupta said.

Panel to explore options for rehabilitation of rape victims
Tribune News Service

Jammu, December 16
The state government today constituted a high-level panel to deliberate upon the issue of formulation of a rehabilitation scheme for rape survivors.

The committee comprised Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Department, as the chairman, a representative of the Home Department (not below the rank of the Additional Secretary), a representative of the Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Department (not below the rank of the Additional Secretary), and a representative of an NGO to be nominated by the State Commission for Women, all members.

An official order issued by the General Administration Department said the panel was constituted in view of a writ petition (criminal) number 138 of 2013, titled Dharampal v/s State of Haryana and others (PIL), filed before the Supreme Court.

The committee would be served by the Social Welfare Department and explore options to formulate a rehabilitation scheme for rape survivors.

As many as 815 rape cases have been registered in Jammu and Kashmir in the last three years.

The incidents of crime against women have been on a rise in the state as 9,636 such incidents, including rape cases, have been registered since 2009.

Health minister for further reducing infant mortality rate
Meet to review physical, financial status of schemes
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, December 16
Stressing on the need to focus on reducing the neonatal mortality in state, state health minister, Shabir Ahmad Khan, said that there was need to improve facility-based and home-based newborn care in state.

He was addressing the chief medical officers and block medical officers of Kashmir division at a meeting here on Sunday. He said high neonatal mortality continued to be the area of grave concern in state.

He said the infant mortality rate may have decreased from 52 in 2006 to 39 in 2012, but the neonatal mortality rate in state still remained a matter of concern.

The minister stressed on the need to focus on reducing the neonatal mortality by improving facility-based and home-based newborn care.

“There is a need to reduce neonatal mortality rate (NMR) in state by taking secure healthcare measures," the health minister said.

The meeting was convened to review physical and financial status of several healthcare schemes implemented under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) and state plan in Kashmir.

Director health services, Kashmir, mission director, NRHM, director family welfare, controller drugs and food organisation were among other senior officers who attended the meeting.

Expressing concern over the shortage of manpower, especially in rural and far-flung areas, the minister stressed the need for rationalisation of staff strictly as per the work load of institutions.

He said under the NRHM the Centre has already made substantial increase in incentives of doctors and para-medics, who will serve in far-flung areas, adding that all gaps should be filled with the posting of manpower under the programme.

He also stressed on strict observance of guidelines, while implementing various components of the NRHM.

Laying stress on achieving the targets, the minister directed the officials to put in their best efforts for improvement of medical facilities at government health institutions.

Devotees throng Makhdoom Sahib
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, December 16
The foothills of Koh-e-Maraan (Hari Parbat) are witnessing a huge footfall as devotees have started arriving here to observe the annual Urs of city's revered sufi saint Sultan-ul-Arifeen Hazrat Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom Sahib.

The Urs commenced on Sunday and will be observed for 13 days. During the period, people from different faiths from all across the valley would visit the sufi saint's shrine located in the foothills of Koh-e-Maraan.

On Monday, devotees were seen engrossed in supplications throughout the day. Several stalls selling eatables have been set up outside the stairway leading to the shrine.

Devotees were also seen feeding the pigeons.

The Sufi saint, popularly known as Makhdoom Sahib and Sultan-ul-Arifeen meaning King of Gnostics, is the most venerated sage of the summer capital and his followers, Muslims and non-Muslims both.

The shrine is visited by devotees for nearly 500 years now.

A caretaker of the shrine informed that Makhdoom Sahib lived in the 16th century and originally hailed from Tujjar Sharif, in present day north Kashmir's Baramulla district. He said the sage, however, spent most of his lifetime praying at the mountain, where his shrine is located.

"The saint's followers seeking blessings pay obeisance at the shrine for 13 days ahead of the final day of Urs to fulfil their wishes," he added.

Meanwhile, the authorities have made adequate arrangements at the shrine, including setting up of a medical camp in view of heavy rush of devotees.

Najwa wins essay competition
Our Correspondent

Srinagar, December 16
A student of Women’s College,Srinagar, was declared the winner of an essay competition titled ‘What Role Can Youth Play in Making Multiculturalism a Success in Society’ organised jointly by the department of students’ welfare and British High Commission, New Delhi, on Monday.

Kashmir University Vice-Chancellor professor Talat Ahmad awarded Najwa Shabir.

The purpose of organising the event was to strengthen the existing relationship between the University of Kashmir and British High Commission and to give a chance to the winning student to have a firsthand experience of the UK society and to get acquainted with different aspects of multi-cultural Britain.

“It is a big achievement for me and my institution,” Najwa said, after receiving the felicitatio from the Vice Chancellor.

Najwa will get a week’s sponsored tour to UK, which includes visits to historical sites, academic institutions and cultural events along with peer group interactions.

Najwa, in her essay said that home was the basic unit to begin the struggle for multiculturalism.

Alex Bamford, head external political affairs, British High Commission also congratulated Najwa.

Total 51 undergraduate students from various affiliated colleges had participated in the competition.

After evaluation from three experts, seven best write-ups were finally shortlisted and sent to the commission office in Delhi for final selection of the winner.

Stock supply in Valley reviewed
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, December 16
The Minister for Social Welfare, Sakina Itoo, on Monday convened an officers' meeting here to take stock of basic facilities, including power, water, healthcare and road connectivity, available for residents in the Valley.

The Minister for Social Welfare urged the Power Development Department (PDD) authorities to adhere to curtailment schedule strictly without any discrimination so that residents' problems can be mitigated, an official statement issued here today said.

The Minister for Social Welfare asked Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department (CA&PD) officers to ensure adequate supply of basic facilities, including rice, sugar, wheat, kerosene oil, cooking gas, to the valley consumers.