The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

Three JeM militants killed in Sopore
Majid Jahangir
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, January 13
Three militants of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) were killed in a four-hour gun battle with security forces in a village near Sopore town of north Kashmir today.

Sources suspect that two militants who were part of the group managed to escape from the area. Two Armymen were also injured in the gunfight.

“Three militants were killed in the encounter,” said Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, AG Mir.

The militants have been identified as JeM divisional commander Qari Hassan, a resident of Pakistan, Muzamil, alias Farooq, and Rizwan. The police said Qari Hassan had replaced Qari Yasir after his elimination in 2013 in north Kashmir.

The outfit, sources said, was trying to strengthen its cadres in Kashmir.

Police sources said the encounter erupted around 1.30 pm when the Special Operations Group of the J&K Police and the Army’s counter-insurgency units zeroed in on a house in the Dooru area, 60 km from Srinagar, where the militants were hiding.

“The militant group, trapped inside a house in Dooru, included mostly foreigners. They jumped from the house and took shelter in a cowshed. In the encounter, which lasted for four hours, three militants were killed. Their bodies have been retrieved,” a source said, adding the group had earlier managed to escape from the Charhar and Marbal forests on Friday morning after a brief exchange of fire.

“We continued the searches in the forest area and various adjoining villages and finally we traced the JeM group to a house in Dooru. The information about the presence of militants was generated after intelligence and technical inputs,” said a police officer.

Defence spokesman Lt Col NN Joshi said two troops were injured in the gunfight. “Two jawans received minor injuries,” Lt Colonel Joshi said.

This is the first major encounter between militants and security forces this year. A police officer was killed and three policemen injured during an encounter in Sopore town on January 7. The militants had, however, managed to break the cordon. On the same evening, a Hizbul Mujahideen militant was killed in an encounter in south Kashmir.

Security experts in the region fear a turbulent year ahead as the NATO forces are scheduled to leave Afghanistan which might have an impact on the situation in Kashmir.

Year’s 1st big battle
The encounter erupted around 1.30 pm when the Special Operations Group of the J&K Police and Army’s counter-insurgency units zeroed in on a house in the Dooru area, 60 km from Srinagar, where the militants were hiding.
This is the first major encounter between militants and security forces this year. A police officer was killed during an encounter in Sopore town on January 7.

BJP to launch door-to-door campaign in Valley
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, January 13
The BJP has told its workers to start an active door-to-door campaign ahead of the Assembly elections as the party has so far failed to win any seat in the Valley.

National president of the party’s Minority Morcha Abdul Rashid Ansari told all workers to approach the masses by going door to door in order to garner votes. He said the BJP would take all measures to redress the problems of the public in the Valley and that the Kashmiri people should be given a chance to compete with the rest of the country’.

As per a statement issued today, Ansari made these remarks at a party convention held here yesterday.

State general secretary of the party Ashok Koul also urged the workers to approach all sections of the people while asserting that the BJP would emerge victorious in the parliamentary and Assembly polls.

BJP Muslim Morcha state vice-president Ramesh Arora claimed that the people were being “misguided and misrepresented” about the true facts about Article 370, which granted a special status to the state. He reiterated that the Kashmir unit of the party would “educate” people of the Valley about the Article by distributing its Urdu copies.

Meanwhile, media in charge of the BJP Altaf Thakur distributed certificates to those who had participated in the recent ‘Run for Unity’ organised by the party here on the banks of the Dal Lake on December 15 last year.

NC-Congress spat over new admn units may intensify
Arun Joshi
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 13
A showdown between two ruling alliance partners National Conference and Congress appears inevitable if the Congress ministers in the Cabinet Sub-Committee (CSC) fail to agree to the creation of the new administrative units in the state as recommended by the Mushtaq Ganai report.

If the report is not submitted by the end of next week then a showdown is inevitable.

The CSC was constituted more than one and a half years ago and to date there has been no consensus on the implementation of the Mushtaq Ganai report.

The urgency for the creation of the new administrative units is because of the rising demand of the people of all three regions --- Jammu, Ladakh and Kashmir Valley — to have an easy access to the power centres for the early redress of their grievances.

At the same time, the two ruling parties want to cash in on the same by sticking to their respective stand on the issue.

On the face of it, the Mushtaq Ganai report appears balanced and fair to all three regions. The Congress is opposed to it because it believes that the panel’s recommendations were based on considerations other than the population, area and terrain of the two major regions — the Kashmir valley and the Jammu region.

The report running into more than 400 pages has recommended 10 subdivisions for the Jammu region. The Kashmir valley has been allocated 12, and Ladakh 1, taking the new subdivisions to 23.

Of the recommended 57 new tehsils — the most important component of the power centre for the people --- 28 have been awarded to Jammu, 25 to the Valley, and four for Ladakh. The naibat allocation goes thus: 40 for Jammu, 34 for the Valley and five for Ladakh.

In the report, Jammu gets 29 community development blocks, the Valley gets 31 and Ladakh three. Patwar halqas have been distributed in the manner that Jammu gets 340, the Valley 385, and Ladakh 8.

The Valley has an area of 15,498 sqkm while Jammu has 26, 293 sqkm, which is mostly mountainous.

The Congress’s argument is that the districts like Rajouri, Poonch, Ramban, Udhampur, Doda and Kishtwar in the Jammu region having remote places where the connectivity is poor. Most of the areas remain blocked during winter.

Some of the areas in the Kashmir valley in Bandipora, Kupwara and Anantnag districts are equally remote.

Ladakh’s area is larger than these two regions but it is sparsely populated.

The Congress has termed the Mushtaq Ganai report as one-sided, which has been prepared “without any application of mind”. “This report is one-sided and it has based its recommendations with regard to creation of new administrative units on considerations other than the needs of the areas deserving such administrative units,” say a Congress source.

Ganai panel proposals
On March 1, 2007, a committee on Demarcation of Geographical Boundaries of the newly created administrative units was constituted under Dr Sudhir S Bloeria. Another committee headed by Mushtaq Ahmed Ganai was constituted on January 8, 2010
The Ganai committee submitted its report in July 2011. As Congress is not satisfied with the recommendations, a Cabinet Sub-Committee headed by Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand was constituted recently to examine demands for creating new administrative units

Govt misleading electorate about new admn units, says PDP
CPM says creation of new units must not reek of political gains
Azhar Qadri
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, January 13
As the two main partners of the state’s ruling coalition tussle over the formation of new administrative units in the state, the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) today questioned the timing of the proposed formation of these units and accused the Omar Abdullah led-government of playing “fraud”.

“The ruling parties desire to fool the electorate at this stage through creating some administrative units on paper only. This is nothing but another fraud,” senior PDP leader Muzaffar Hussain Baig told mediapersons here.

The ruling coalition partners — National Conference and Congress — are locked in a tussle over the creation of new administrative units in the state as the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah last week said he would go ahead with the creation “come what may”, despite opposition from the Congress. The new administrative units of tehsils, naibats and blocks are aimed at decentralising power centres and bringing the administration closer to the people.

Baig, a former deputy Chief Minister of the state, linked the timing of implementation of the committee’s recommendation on formation of new administrative units with the upcoming elections. “For some time now, as elections draw near, the ruling parties seems to have gone into an overdrive on the subject,” the PDP leader said.

The PDP leader said the exercise of the Cabinet Sub-Committee headed by deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand, which has the deadline of January 15 to submit its report, is “patently farcical” as they are working to meet a deadline given by the Chief Minister for “his obvious political interests”.

“The Cabinet Sub-Committee has made some cosmetic appearances at some select places for the so-called interaction to elicit people's views. It is beyond comprehension as to how common people or their representatives could offer their views without knowing the contents of the report or its recommendations,” he said.

Baig accused the National Conference and Congress of using “the exercise” as an attempt to put up a “facade for ruling parties’ designs to use the creation of new units for political purposes”. “Having failed on all fronts of governance, the ruling party is now desperately trying to subvert the system to secure some seats for some influential politicians at a huge price to the administrative system,” he said.

Baig also demanded that the state government should release the expert committee’s report before taking any decision. “There are very strong reasons for questioning the bona fides of the ruling parties in ordering new units at the fag end of its tenure,” Baig said.

Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir unit of the CPM today said the creation of new administration units should not be “embedded with political gains”.

“(The) creation of new administrative units should not be embedded with political gains. The process itself must be incremented through a proper follow-up in terms of providing adequate human resources and infrastructure besides effective public service delivery,” CPM state secretary Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami said in a statement.

Tarigami regretted that some areas where “governance on the doorstep is still a far-fetched dream” have been “neglected to the hilt” by the committee that prepared the delimitation report.

The report has ignored the demands of people living in far-flung areas where they have to tread long distances to see a government office, he said.

Use of polythene unchecked in Kashmir
Suhail A Shah

Anantnag, January 13
More than two months after the Jammu and Kashmir High Court stressed on the implementation of ban on use of polythene bags, its uses continues unabated in most parts of the Valley.

On November 4 last year, a division bench of the High Court comprising justice Muhammad Yaqoob Mir and Muzaffar Hussain Attar had maintained that despite repeated directions from the court the use of polythene had been continuing unabated in the Kashmir valley.

The bench, while keeping in view the hazardous effect of polythene on the eco-fragile environment of Kashmir, had issued fresh orders and suggested measures to be taken to implement the ban in letter and spirit.

But two months down the line, the use of polythene continues throughout the Valley, barring some parts of Srinagar city.

Reports say that the shopkeepers and other establishments continue to use the banned polythene bags right under the noses of the authorities.

“The only thing the Municipal authorities have been able to do is an occasional seizure of some polythene bags from the market,” said Adil Shah, a doctor and a member of the civil society in south Kashmir.

“Unless and until the manufacture and the import of polythene are not tackled by the administration, the problem will persist,” he said.

The High Court had also directed the concerned Deputy Commissioner’s to take stringent action against the menace. However, they too have failed to implement the orders.

The use of polythene was banned in the state on June 18, 2008, in accordance with the Jammu and Kashmir Non-Biodegradable Material (Management, Handling and Disposal) Act, 2007.

Ban orders

The use of polythene was banned in the state on June 18, 2008, in accordance with the Jammu and Kashmir Non-Biodegradable Material (Management, Handling and Disposal) Act, 2007.

A visit to Dal not free anymore
M Aamir Khan
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, January 13
A visit to the Valley’s famed Dal Lake is not going to be free anymore. The authorities have started charging Rs 10 per visit to the lake famous for its shikaras and houseboats.

“The entry fee to the Mughal Gardens is Rs 20 and we are only charging a nominal fee of Rs 10 with effect from January 1 for entry to the lake through its ghats,” Irfan Yasin, vice-chairman, Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA), told The Tribune.

Both tourists and locals usually take a shikara ride in the lake, while some also go for a swim there in the summers. The lake and its shikaras and houseboats have featured in several Bollywood movies, especially those shot before the eruption of militancy in the state and tourists make it a point to visit the place during their Kashmir trip.

Even as visitors to the lake would not feel the pinch, those living around the lake might not feel the same. The Lakes and Waterways Development Authority will also be charging Rs 100 per household on a monthly basis as sewage charges. The fee will be applicable to those households connected to the LAWDA sewage network.

Besides, hotels operating around the lake will be paying more to the authority. Yasin said hotels would be paying up to Rs 2,000 per month depending on the number of rooms they have.

Defending the decision, he said the charges collected would be used for the maintenance of the lake, which had always managed to remain in news mainly on account of its shrinking size or pollution concerns.

Over the last three decades, around Rs 500 crore has been spent on the preservation of the lake, which is located in the heart of the city and is surrounded by picturesque mountain on three sides.

The charges
The authorities have started charging Rs 10 per visit to the lake
Even as the visitors to the lake will not feel the pinch, those living around the lake may not feel the same
The Lakes and Waterways Development Authority will also be charging Rs 100 per household on a monthly basis as sewage charges

JDA park on Tawi banks a forgotten project
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 13
It was supposed to be tourist destination and morning walker’s paradise, but the much-hyped park on the banks of the Tawi has become a dumping yard, with dirty water filled portholes everywhere. The park was part of the Tawi beautification project launched about seven years back.

Although the project has missed several deadlines over the years, the park has been been totally neglected by the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) and Tourism Department.

The plan had provided for landscaping of both sides of the river by constructing walkways, gardens and recreation centres to replace the garbage dumps, which have come up over the years, but not much progress has been made.

Sources said there was no coordination between the Tourism Department, Jammu Development Authority (JDA) and Irrigation and Flood Control Department to complete their share of work on the project, which could have provided a picnic spot for the residents and given a fillip to tourism in the temple city.

“Jammu has a river running through the middle of the city, which could be made an attractive feature. Even the work on the lake project is going on at a slow pace,” said Gunjan Sharma, a law student.

Vice-Chairman, JDA, KL Khajuria was not available for the comment.

The foundation of the project was laid by Ghulam Nabi Azad when he was the Chief Minister of the state. Azad had given consent for the construction of two big parks along the river to be developed by the Jammu Development Authority (JDA).

PDP leader tours Samba constituency
Tribune News Service

Samba, January 13
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Sunny Sangral, accompanied by other party leaders and workers, today undertook a tour of the Samba constituency. They visited the Taloor and Reor areas and took stock of the prevailing situation.

Sangral said residents of both the areas were living in deplorable conditions owing to government apathy. People lacked basic amenities as well as other facilities, including education and healthcare.

He condemned the apathetic attitude of government officials, policy makers and local MLA Yashpal Kundal for making the lives of people hell by depriving them of the benefits of development. He demanded that all the basic amenities be guaranteed to residents of all the remote and far-flung areas of the constituency.

Earlier, in Reor, he was told by panch Vijay Kumar that healthcare and Educational institutions there were totally defunct.

Poor drainage system a nuisance for locals
Rifat Mohidin

Srinagar, January 13
Every time when it rains in the city, Lal Chowk turns into a wide-stretched pond of rainwater, while roads change into classical Venetian waterways, courtesy the “government apathy” for the outdated drainage system at Lal Chowk.

Waterlogging on roads create inconvenience to pedestrians. Traders in the city centre say though the government comes for a check, they turn a blind eye to the problems.

Most of the drains in the commercial hub of Lal Chowk, from Residency Road to Regal Chowk, are without cover, spreading stink and posing risk to commuters.

“These drains also pose a risk to children and elderly as they may fall into it and get injured. They should be covered,” said Bilal Ahmad, a local.

The traders alleged that the government had turned a blind eye towards the poor drainage system.

“They make tall claims of beautifying Lal Chowk, but the reality is in front of your eyes. They come for checks many a time, but do nothing,” said one of the shopkeepers at Regal Chowk.

Not only drains, but the condition of footpaths is also bad mostly at Regal Chowk.

“Even slight rainfall turns roads filthy and slippery. The footpaths and manholes are not repaired properly, creating problems for the general public and traders in the area,” said a shopkeeper.

The problem becomes worst during rain and snow. As the snow starts melting, drains start overflowing mostly at Maulana Azad Road, Polo View, resulting in waterlogging which hampers the vehicular and pedestrian movement.

The condition is no better in areas like Amira Kadal, Badshah Chowk and Jahangir Chowk, where due to poor drainage system, the roads have turned filthy and muddy.

Despite repeated attempts, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) officials could not be contacted for comment.

Motorcycle rally held to create traffic awareness
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, January 13
The traffic police, Srinagar, today organised a motorcycle rally of students and traffic police contingents as part of the ongoing “Road Safety Week”.

The rally was flagged off by SP, traffic, Haseeb-ur-Rehman at the Hyderpora bypass. The rally concluded at the General Post Office (GPO) after passing through various parts of the city.

Later, a cultural programme was organised near the GPO in which prominent artistes took part, a police spokesman said.

A “Nukkad natak” was also organised at Lal Chowk that was attended by locals. The programme carried traffic awareness messages.

The purpose of the rally and cultural programme was to disseminate traffic awareness messages among the public in general and commuters in particular, the police spokesman said.

The “Road Safety Week” had begun on Saturday.

Respite from cold as mercury rises in Valley

Srinagar, January 13
Residents of Kashmir Valley got some respite from the freezing cold as the minimum temperatures rose by several degrees in the region.

Srinagar recorded a minimum temperature of minus 1.1 degrees Celsius last night, almost two degrees up from the previous night’s low of minus 3 degrees Celsius, an official of the MeT Department here said.

The mercury in Qazigund - the gateway town to Kashmir Valley, increased by almost four degrees to settle at a low of minus 3.9 degrees Celsius as against minus 7.6 degrees Celsius the previous night.

Kupwara in north Kashmir registered a low of minus 3 degrees Celsius as compared to the previous night’s minus 4 degrees Celsius.

The night temperature in south Kashmir’s Kokernag settled at a low of minus 5.2 degrees Celsius as compared to the previous night’s minus 5.7 degrees Celsius.

The mercury in Pahalgam hill resort, in south Kashmir, went up by almost seven degrees from the previous night’s low of minus 12.4 degrees Celsius, to settle at a low of minus 5.6 degrees Celsius last night.

Leh continues to be the coldest place in the state with the mercury rising by over six degrees to settle at a low of minus 12.1 degrees Celsius as compared to the previous night’s minus 18.9 degrees Celsius.

The MeT Department has said the weather would remain mainly dry till January 17 and the minimum temperatures would continue to hover around the freezing point. — PTI

Leaders discuss creation of new admn units at cabinet panel meet
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, January 13
Leaders of various political parties, MLAs and representatives from the civil society held deliberations with the seven-member Cabinet Sub-Committee (CSC) led by Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand on the creation of new administrative units in the state.

These leaders were drawn from all three districts of central Kashmir, Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal. The meeting, in which the MLAs and leaders of various political parties put forth their suggestions on creation of the new administrative units, was held at the banquet hall here.

The Deputy Chief Minister presided over the meeting and was attended by other members of the cabinet sub-committee, including Minister for Urban Development, Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Sham Lal, Minister for Agriculture Ghulam Hassan Mir, Minister for Higher Education Akbar Lone, Minister for Labour and Employment Ajay Sadhotra and Minister for Law and Parliament Affairs Mir Saifullah.

There were reports of heated exchange of arguments between the legislators of the ruling National Conference, Nasir Aslam Wani, who is Amira Kadal MLA and the opposition PDP MLC, Mohammad Ashraf Mir.

The heated exchange of arguments began when PDP member Mohammad Ashraf Mir asked Wani to be Srinagar specific and not to talk about north and south Kashmir. The PDP leader sought creation of a new district in Srinagar as it had the largest number of eight Assembly constituencies.

National Conference representative of Khanyar constituency demanded tehsil and niabat for Khanyar while Congress representative of Eidgah demanded tehsil for Eidgah. Besides, representatives of Zadibal constituency demanded four tehsils for Srinagar and a niabat for Hawal.

The representatives of Ganderbal and Budgam districts gave their suggestions before the sub-committee.

Minister for Higher Education Mohammad Akbar Lone suggested to set up a block at Safapora so that the people are facilitated.

Senior leader of National Conference of Ganderbal Sheikh Ishfaq Jabbar demanded creation of development block for Sherpathri, Ganderbal, which comprises 30 villages and a population of about 80,000 educationally and economically backward people, a long pending demand of the people of the area. Besides, development block was also sought for Allaqa Phek, which is far off from the district headquarters at Ganderbal.

Demands
National Conference representative of Khanyar constituency demanded tehsil and niabat for Khanyar
Congress representative from Eidgah demanded tehsil for Eidgah
Minister for Higher Education Mohammad Akbar Lone suggested setting up a block at Safapora

City all set for Eid-e-Milad celebrations
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, January 13
Eid-e-Milad, the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad, will be observed with traditional fervour across the Valley tomorrow.

While religious functions related to Milad are observed at various mosques and shrines, the main gathering will be held at revered Hazratbal shrine on the banks of Dal Lake.

The distinct feature of Milad celebrations at Hazratbal is the display of the holy relic (hair strand of Prophet Muhammad) at the shrine.

Eid-e-Milad is observed on the 13th day of the Rabi-ul-Awwal month of the Islamic calendar. Devotees are seen thronging Hazratbal 12 days prior to the main function, when special supplications are held along with the regular five times’ prayers.

The authorities concerned have made elaborate arrangements for the convenience of devotees at Hazratbal as people from different parts of the Valley are expected to throng the shrine tomorrow during the course of the day.

Despite objections from the orthodox groups, Eid-e-Milad is being observed in the Valley for centuries now. Milad celebrations in the Valley had begun in the 18th century after the holy relic arrived here.

Bagh-i-Sadiqabad, where the holy relic was placed, came to be known as Hazratbal i.e. the abode of the Prophet. The shrine is also known as Dargah Shareef.

Rare artefacts don’t find favour with J&K
Only Rs 5 lakh kept for their purchase from private collectors
Sumit Hakhoo
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 13
Notwithstanding private collectors’ desire to hand over rare and ancient artefacts to Jammu and Kashmir, the state government appears to be unenthusiastic to buy them.

Every year, just Rs 5 lakh are kept at the disposal of the Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums for the purpose.

Though many private owners have collected them in a legal way or are part of the legacy of a particular family after the fall of the Dogra dynasty in 1947, the artefacts are scattered across the state.

A few years ago, J&K constituted a special state-level purchase committee (SLPC) for the purpose of evaluation and price fixation of the items given by collectors and its aim was to recover rare and ancient items of historical importance.

“Several rare manuscripts had come before us, but we didn’t have sufficient funds to buy them. We purchase only those that suit our budget. A majority of the rare items are returned to the collectors as their value is in lakhs,” said an official from the archives department.

Sources said in the absence of any clear-cut policy and negligence on part of the government, hundreds of people across the state were selling them outside the state and collectors at international level. Deputy Director and Member Secretary, SLPC, Archives, Archaeology and Museums, Peerzada Muhammad Ashraf said they were making all efforts to get important relics.

“In the past few years, we have been able to retrieve several rare artefacts, but funds are a problem. We have asked the government to sanction additional money for the purpose,” said Ashraf.

Ashraf said as per the policy, the material gifted or donated would be retained under the name of donor.

However, many private art collectors say the initiative might not prove a success as most of the artefacts in the museums of the state were lying in dilapidated conditions.

“Cultural heritage continues to be under threat mainly because of the apathetic government and no clear policy to preserve rich traditions of the three regions - Jammu, Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. The state has still failed to make a catalogue of manuscripts and many a time, coins had gone missing from the museums. How can they ensure that these procured items will remain safe,” said art collector Chaman Lal.

Governor, CM greet people on Eid-i-Milad

Jammu, January 13
Governor NN Vohra and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah have greeted the people of Jammu and Kashmir on Eid-i-Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) and expressed hope that the occasion would be a harbinger of harmony, progress and prosperity in the state.

The Governor said Islam taught us the values of brotherhood, simplicity, compassion and morality, all of which need to be inculcated in today’s world. Vohra prayed for the well-being and happiness of the people of the state.

The Chief Minister has also greeted people on Eid-i-Milad (SAW), wishing them happiness and prosperity. He said the birthday of Prophet Muhammad provided us an opportunity to pray and seek forgiveness and blessings from the Almighty.

“Let the day be a harbinger of peace and development for the state and the country.” — TNS

752 vacant flats in Jagti, official says only 600 available
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 13
The relief commissioner (migrant) office has given wrong information to the J&K Revenue and Relief Minister about the number of flats vacant in the Jagti Satellite Township, which indicates wrongdoing in the department.

Under the Prime Minister’s Reconstruction Plan, 4,224 flats were constructed in Jagti for Kashmiri migrants and out of which 3,472 flats were allotted till 2011. As per this information, 752 flats are lying vacant, but the relief commissioner (migrant) office is showing only 600 flats to be vacant.

Questions are being raised as where are the other 152 flats, which relief commissioner (migrant) RK Pandita hasn’t mentioned in his list submitted to Minister of State with independent charge of Revenue and Relief Aijaz Ahmad Khan some time ago.

Sources in the department told The Tribune that this list had been circulated to all, including the minister, and there was no mention of the remaining 152 flats.

“The relief commissioner office is going to allot remaining flats to non-camp migrants who are still taking relief from the department but don’t have their own accommodation. In 2011, applications were invited for non-camp migrants for the purpose of allotment of remaining flats at Jagti and the relief commissioner office received 15,000 applications out of which 549 were allotted flats, which came under scanner as migrants levelled corruption allegations against officials,” the sources added.

After that high court imposed stay on the list and asked to perform re-verification, the Revenue and Relief Department decided to issue the new list after completing the verification process.

“The new list is being prepared and some blue-eyed people are being adjusted in those flats not mentioned in the list submitted to the minister,” the sources added.

Pandita said, “Out of total 4,224 flats, we have only 600 flats left for allotment and the rest have been allotted earlier only”.

When asked that only 3,472 flats were allotted earlier and there should have been 752 flats available now, Pandita said, “Around 24 flats were left for hospital purpose and others were allotted earlier only. At present we have only 600 flats available.”

However, he was not able reply where are the other 128 flats. Meanwhile, there are allegations of embezzlement of money being generated from three community halls at Jagti by two camp commanders, who are performing the work of engineering wing on their own.

“These camp commanders have used around Rs 70,000 for whitewash of the three community halls without any written approval from the relief commissioner’s office. The money is pending in the accounts of these camp commanders, instead it should have been in the official account of relief commissioner,” the sources said.

Reacting to this, the relief commissioner said the camp commander was working after getting a resolution from the local residents.

‘Fudging’ figures
Under the Prime Minister’s Reconstruction Plan, 4,224 flats were constructed in Jagti for Kashmiri migrants and out of which 3,472 flats were allotted till 2011.
As per information, 752 flats are lying vacant, but the relief commissioner (migrant) office is showing only 600 flats to be vacant.
Questions are being raised as where are the other 152 flats, which relief commissioner (migrant) RK Pandita hasn’t mentioned in his list submitted to the Minister of State with independent charge of Revenue and Relief some time ago.

Probe ordered into construction of school building on forest land
Shyam Sood

Rajouri, January 13
Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri, Hemant Kumar Sharma has initiated an inquiry into illegal construction of a primary school building on forest land falling under the Manjakot education zone. He has directed the naib tehsildar concerned to submit a detailed report to him within seven days.

The Tribune had carried a detailed story about the illegal construction of the school building on December 24.

Additional Deputy Commissioner vide his office letter No. PS/ADC/115 dated 4/1/14 had conveyed to the naib tehsildar, Manjakot, that the Deputy Commissioner had directed him to conduct an inquiry into the matter.

In a complaint by Panjgrain villagers through Zakir Iqbal, naib sarpanch, to the Deputy Commissioner (a copy of which was also sent to the Deputy Chief Minister who is also the Education Minister) had alleged that since the start of the construction of the school building on the forest land on khasra No. 334, they had approached every authority concerned to stop the construction of the school building.

The construction was also declared illegal by the naib tehsildar concerned vide his office letter No. NTM/541 dated 12/3/2013 and by the forest range officer vide his office letter No. 420 dated 19/9/2012 after verification from the revenue department that Khasra No. 334 was forest land covering 1,725 sq ft.

Despite all this, the building was constructed in connivance with officials of the forest, revenue and education departments.

The divisional forest officer vide his office letter No. 2147/DFOR dated 20/9/12 had also directed the forest range officer to stop the construction work.

Moreover, on an complaint the matter was also investigated by the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) who had submitted his report to the Senior Superintendent of Police. In his report, the SDPO had mentioned that there were some discrepancies in the construction of the school building.

Hurriyat Split
Nayeem Khan terms his detractors disruptive elements
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, January 13
The war of words between the moderate faction of the Hurriyat conference and the rebel group continues. Senior Hurriyat leader and National Front head Nayeem Khan today termed his detractors in the Hurriyat as “disruptive elements” and accused them of issuing confusing and misguiding statements over the Kashmir issue.

Khan’s statement came a day after the moderate Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq defended his disciplinary action against three rebel leaders and said ‘individual opinion cannot override amalgam’s collective decisions’.

Mirwaiz had also termed the recent controversy surrounding his letter to the Hurriyat’s Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) chapter as a “media creation”.

The three Hurriyat leaders who have revolted against the Mirwaiz-led Hurriyat are Nayeem Khan, Shabir Shah and Azam Inquilabi.

Without naming Mirwaiz or his close aide Prof Abdul Gani Bhat, Khan in his statement issued today said: “The people of Kashmir have rendered tremendous sacrifices only to achieve freedom through plebiscite but some elements are using such a terminology only to create confusion and disruption.” “These statements are aimed at derailing the struggle,” Khan said in the statement.

He was addressing a meeting of his party workers here, the statement said.

In his letter to the Hurriyat’s PoK chapter, Mirwaiz had cited indiscipline and violation of the Hurriyat constitution as some of the reasons for not entertaining the leaders who he did not name in his letter.

Residents celebrate Lohri with fervour
Perform puja and dance through the evening around bonfires
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 13
Amidst chants of "Sunder mundariye ho, tera kaun vichara ho" residents of the city today celebrated Lohri with great fervour.

The day began with children asking for "lohri" from people in their neighbourhood. Though the custom of going from door to door and asking for "lohri' is diminishing, still a few children kept alive the custom. The children formed groups and went from door to door singing Lohri songs. People, in turn, gave them "lohri", which comprised candies, sweets, rewri, peanuts, popcorns and money.

In the evening, bonfires were lit in various colonies of the city. People gathered around the bonfires and took a "parikarma" around them. They then danced and sang. The day is auspicious for newlyweds and families having blessed with newborns.

Pandit Suresh of the Shiv Kalan temple said, "The focus of Lohri is on the bonfire. The traditional dinner with makki ki roti and sarson ka saag is quite essential. The prasad comprises of five main things - til gajjak, gur (jaggery), moongphali (peanuts), phuliya and popcorn. Pooja is performed, involving parikrama around the fire, when a bonfire is lit, followed by the distribution of prasad. Fire is associated with concepts of purifying life and health. Fire, like water, is a symbol of transformation and regeneration. It is the envoy of the Sun. It is capable of stimulating fertility and the growth of corn and wheat fields and the well-being of man and animals as well. The fire takes inspiration from the Sun and like magic reassuringly supplies light and heat. It is also an image of energy and spiritual strength. That is why the Lohri fire gets sanctified and is venerated like a deity."

Satchel organises art camp for kids
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 13
Satchel, an institution for the promotion of music, art and languages, organised an art camp on its office premises at Vikas Colony (Paloura) here.

The aim of the camp was to provide an opportunity to under-privileged children to showcase their talent in the field of fine arts, port painting, dress designing and floral arrangements.

In all, 65 children, including 43 in the junior group and 22 in the senior group, from different schools of the state participated in the camp.

Kritika and Akhil Sharma were adjudged best in water colour painting, while Laksha Dhalla was adjudged best in crayons. Sugara Fatima and Mehroon Nissa from Kargil were declared best in port painting.

The works of the participants were judged by Jyoti Tickoo and Deepika Sathu. Participants were awarded certificates by Anupama Bhat.

The children also expressed their feelings about environment, drug addiction, junk food, wildlife and conservation of water.

While addressing the participants, RK Mahaldar, patron of the institution, said vocational education and training should be made a part of the school curriculum. Nisha Suri, an upcoming choreographer, spoke about different forms of dance and advised the students to get involved into different cultural activities for a better growth.

Among others, Shashi Sharma, Samakisha Sahini, Rajat Pandita and Gazanfar were also present on the occasion. The programme was coordinated by Naina Razdan, while Sarita Raina presented the vote of thanks.

KS school celebrates annual day

Jammu, January 13
KS Public High School, Muthi, today celebrated its annual day with enthusiasm at the Government College for Women (GCW), Gandhi Nagar, auditorium.

TK Sharma, Director, School Education, was the chief guest, while Bal Krishan, Deputy Secretary to the state government, was the guest of honour.

The function began with "Nav Durga Vandana" and followed by Christmas dance, which enthralled the audience. Other cultural items were also presented by students, which were highly appreciated.

Principal of the school Seema Malhotra read out the annual report highlighting the progress of the students.

Chairman of the school Ramesh Sharma appreciated Sajan Sharma, a student, who scored 456 marks out of 500 marks in Class X board exams. Akshay Sharma, Ajay Sharma and Bhuvan, students of Class IX, got compliments for their achievements in karate.

The chief guest in his address lauded the efforts of the management of the school and advised the students to work hard to achieve their goals.

He also distributed prizes among position holders in sports, cultural activities, best handwriting, improved child in academics and most talented kids. Sushant Malhotra and Muskan Bhardwaj were declared best boy and girl, respectively. — TNS

Drug peddler arrested with 9 kg charas
Tribune News Service

The police recovers packets of charas from a car parked at Exhibition Ground in Jammu on Monday. PTI

Jammu, January 13
The Nowabad police arrested a drug peddler and recovered nearly 9 kg charas from his possession here today.

The arrested person was identified as Saif Ali, resident of Kura village in Kalakote of border district Rajouri.

The police said a police team, led by Sub-Inspector Vikram Manhas, intercepted Saif Ali at a checking point after his activities were found suspicious.

On his physical frisking, some packets of charas were recovered. On interrogation, he disclosed that he had concealed more packets of charas in a car parked inside Exhibition Ground. On his disclosure, the police recovered a total of 16 packets of charas from the vehicle.

“The man was taken into custody and the vehicle impounded. A case has been registered against him at the Nowabad police station,” the police said.

Saif Ali, however, is learnt to have told some mediapersons, who were present at Exhibition Ground, that he was arrested in the Narwal area late last night.

Police sources said Saif Ali had earlier also transported narcotics from one part of the state to another several times by dodging the police every time.

881 education volunteers promoted as teachers
Our Correspondent

Srinagar, January 13
To encourage the work of education volunteers in the Valley, Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand on Monday distributed teacher orders among 881 candidates for their services in the field of education.

The event organised by the Department of Education at Sher-e-Kashmir convocation centre (SKICC) was attended by the Director, School Education, Kashmir, all Chief Education Officers (CEOs), Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs), senior officers of the education department, School Education Employees Association and beneficiaries.

Addressing the function, the Deputy Chief Minister appreciated the work of education volunteers of the state, who served the department with zeal and honesty. He hoped that the teachers would keep this spirit up in future too and continue to work for the betterment of the student community.

Chand urged the teaching fraternity to put in all out efforts to upgrade the standard of education and make the students able to face the challenges and competitions at state, national and international levels.

He asked officers to arrange parent-teacher meet every week so that the liaison would benefit the students in their academic and extra-curricular activities.

The Deputy Chief Minister further said, "The government is committed to continue the encouragement of honest and sincere employees by way of promotion and other concrete measures."

The Director, school education, Kashmir also spoke on the occasion and assured that more education volunteers would be promoted as teachers in near future.

Road campaign in Doda to discipline violators
Our Correspondent

Doda, January 13
A campaign aimed at disciplining commuters and reforming violators kick-started at Doda today.

The campaign is part of 25 National Road Safety Week, observed across the country and the state from January 11 to 17.

The campaign has been titled ‘When on Road, Always Pehle Aap’.

Students, traffic policemen and local residents today took out a march from the Deputy Commissioner’s office at Doda which concluded at Dak Bungalow after passing through many areas. The message was to obey the traffic rules.

Additional District Development Commissioner, Doda, Gulam Nabi Balwan kicked off a traffic week in Doda and told the people to follow the traffic rules and not to mix drink and drive. He told the people to always use seat belt and not to use mobile phone while driving. "The campaign is aimed at making roads safer by disciplining drivers. The campaign would eventually bring down the number of accidents and casualties in the accident-prone area (Doda)," said a campaigner.

Lt Gen Chachra greets people on Eid-i-Milad
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 13
General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Northern Command Lt Gen Sanjiv Chachra conveyed his greetings to the people of the state on Eid-i-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW), which commemorates the birthday of Prophet Muhammad.

The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command said the occasion was a moment to rededicate ourselves to the ideals for which Prophet Muhammad (SAW) lived his life and gave us the message of compassion towards all fellow beings.

The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command wished that Prophet Muhammad’s enlightened message may guide all of us on the path of peace, goodwill and harmony and usher lasting peace, cohesion and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir.

State told to follow new fund release mechanism
Vikas Sharma
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 13
Having directed the Rural Development Department of the state to introduce electronic-fund management system, the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) has now instructed the authorities to follow the new fund release mechanism, expenditure-based fund release system.

These instructions were passed during a monthly video conference meeting with state rural development secretaries to deliberate on the implementation issues and for resolving field-level difficulties.

Sources said the physical progress of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) was reviewed and the state was urged to ensure that works should be opened as per demand in every gram panchayat.

Sources said the ministry had also sought revision of the labour budget and favoured early schedule of meetings. It was also decided that the labour budget meetings would be scheduled from the first week of February, besides completion of planning process of the MGNREGA in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Central ministry. The implementation of NREGASoft and the difficulties faced were discussed at length.

Further, MoRD said the State Rural Development secretary and the district programme coordinators would ensure that the assessment of the labour budget and demand for work on the basis of household survey should be done once in every five years. It made clear that the annual labour budgets for 2014-15 would be approved only when it was formulated on the basis of a survey of job card holders.

Sources claimed that the state had been asked to implement delay compensation system. Under this, the state is to identify processes, persons and period leading to payment of wages and enter details of its employees in the NREGASoft database as early as possible.

“Regarding core technical staff for NREGA works, the state was again informed to implement the directive issued in the matter giving first charge to the payment of technical staff in the administrative charges. The mobile interface to NREGASoft may be tried to improve the programme monitoring. The state was requested to organise camps for Aadhaar enrolment. The work of seeding the Aadhaar numbers in the database may also be taken on a campaign mode and completed by January 15,” a statement from the MoRD said.

NABARD holds financial literacy campaign
Our Correspondent

Doda, January 13
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) organised a financial literacy campaign at Bandera village in Kishtwar today.

Adarsh Gupta, district development manager, Kishtwar, who represented NABARD, told the gathering about the financial system of the country, its components and functions.

They were told about the need and the benefits of being associated with banks by having saving accounts, deposit accounts or current account with banks.

The villagers were told about various types of credit facilities available from banks like business loans, retail loans and agriculture loans. A special focus was given on Kisan Credit Cards.

The district development manager told people about the concept of self-help groups and its approach to address poverty.

The aim of the programme was to disseminate requisite knowledge that will help villagers in their future endeavours.

Protests over erratic power supply in Qazigund
Our Correspondent

Anantnag, January 13
Protesters blocked the Jammu-Srinagar national highway today for more than two hours near Qazigund over erratic power supply in the area.

Reports said people were persuaded to disperse after the intervention of the authorities. Hundreds of vehicles were stranded along the highway. Protesters said they were being subjected to power outages since the onset of the winter. They said they took to the streets because there had been complete blackout in their area for the last four days.

“It has been four days now and we did not get electricity even for a minute,” alleged a protester. They said the area was reeling under unprecedented power cuts but the Power Development Department was not doing anything in this regard.

“This is utter failure of the administration. We have been left to rot while politicians and bureaucrats are in Jammu,” said another protester. The highway blockade resulted in a traffic jam and it took the traffic police hours to clear the road.

The Valley, particularly the south Kashmir region, has been witnessing erratic power supply and people have time and again taken to the streets to launch their protest.

Youth electrocuted in Kupwara, villagers allege negligence
Demand action against power department officials
Our Correspondent

Kupwara, January 13
Electrocution of a youth due to the alleged negligence of the power department officials yesterday prompted strong protests in Awoora village of Kupwara district.

The protesters blocked the Kupwara-Awoora road and demanded immediate action against the officials.

“The erring employees responsible for the death of the youth should be dealt sternly under the law,” Mukhtar Ahmad, a resident of the village, said.

Zamir Ahmad Lone, 27, was charred to death while he was working on the connections on the newly installed 250 KV transformer at the village.

The family members of the deceased alleged that officials of the power department were having tea near the transformer when the incident took place.

“The power department officials present at the site asked Zamir to make connections on the transformer while they were busy having tea. At around 12.50 pm, a high voltage current pushed Zamir metres away and he died on the spot,” Ghulam Mohammad Lone, father of the deceased, alleged.

“The power department, especially the officials present there, are fully responsible for the death of my son and should be punished under the law. They (officials) were duty-bound to make the transformer fully functional, but their negligence pushed my son into the death trap,” he said.

The villagers said as per the curtailment schedule, the power supply was to be resumed around 1 pm.

Meanwhile, a police team reached the spot and pacified the protesters.

A case has been registered in this regard, a police officer said, adding that the body of the deceased was handed over to his family after the postmortem.

Army organises painting contest
Our Correspondent

Poonch, January 13
Rashtriya Rifles under the aegis of the Romeo Force organised a painting and drawing competition along with weapon display at Army Goodwill School (AGS), Potha, today.

As many as 60 students from various schools took part in the competition. The painting and drawing competition was organised for two categories, junior and senior categories. The theme for the painting competition was “People-friendly Army/ Selfless sacrifice”.

In the junior category, Vanshika Khajuria and Raja Sahil Ahmed won the first and second prizes, respectively, while in the senior category Mehraj Ahmed and Sayima Majid won the top laurels.

The event was graced by the presence of parents, alumni of the school and teachers from other participating schools. The winners and the runners-up in each category were given prizes and all the participants received consolation prize. The event concluded with interaction of participants, old students of AGS, Potha, and the teachers.

Air Marshal Soman visits Jammu

Jammu, January 13
Air Marshal SS Soman, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), Western Air Command, visited the Air Force Station, Jammu, today.

He was accompanied by his wife Rashmi Soman. They were received by Air Commodore Prashant Patange and his wife Mamta Patange.

He interacted with officers, Air Warriors and civilian staff of the Air Force Station. He inspected various units and expressed satisfaction over the way the Jammu Air Force Station was being maintained on operations, maintenance and administrative fronts. The Air Marshal also visited snow-capped forward locations of the Air Force Station.

Rashmi Soman visited various programmes being undertaken by the Air Force Wives Welfare Association and complimented them for being adjudged the best pro-active institution of the Western Air Command for 2012-13. — TNS

Teachers' training programme concludes

Doda, January 13
The District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Kishtwar, concluded its five-day training and workshop programme for teachers today.

The training-cum-workshop programme was organised by DIET, Kishtwar, for teachers working in various high and higher secondary schools of Kishtwar under the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan.

The Principal, DIET, gave details about the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, its implementation and utility. He urged the teaching community to work with enthusiasm. — OC

Mir is PDP zonal chief
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, January 13
President of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mehbooba Mufti today approved the election of Haji Ghulam Rasool Mir, a resident of Delina, as the president of the Peoples Democratic Party zone committee, Baramulla.

“Haji Ghulam Rasool Mir was unanimously elected as the zone president by the workers of Baramulla,” a Peoples Democratic Party spokesperson said here today.

Chess, carrom contests held

Srinagar, January 13
A zonal-level chess and carrom championship was held at the district Police Lines here today.

The final matches between the players, who had earlier qualified the district levels and later won the range-level chess and carrom competitions, were inaugurated by DIG, central Kashmir, SA Mujtaba.

Insha Afzal lifted the title in the female category of the carrom competition, while Mohammad Yaqoob won the title in the male category. Farhana Mehraj defeated Shaista Rashid to bag the title in female category of the chess championship, while Manzoor Ahmad Mir won the title in male category. — TNS

Illicit liquor seized
Our Correspondent

Doda, January 13
The Doda police today seized over 250 pouches of illicit liquor.

On a tip off, the police during a naka checking at Assar seized 252 pouches of liquor from the possession of Hazur Din of Bathri, Thathri. A case has been registered and further investigations are on.