The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

Soon, Ranjit Sagar Dam to be hotspot for water sports
State hastens process to introduce world-class adventure on the Ravi
Dinesh Manhotra
Tribune News Service

Basohli (Kathua), January 21
The Government has expedited the process for international-level adventure water sports at the Ranjit Sagar Dam, popularly known as Thein Dam.

The National Institute of Water Sports (NIWS), Goa, was engaged two years ago by the state government as consultant to study the potential and feasibility of water sports in J&K. The NIWS had recommended adventure water sports at Ranjit Sagar Dam and the Baglihar hydroelectric project.

For the last two years, the state government was virtually sitting on these recommendations.

“We didn’t want to compromise on quality. So, there was some delay, but now everything is clear,” said Director, Tourism, Jammu, Sojanya Sharma.

“The J&K Government has signed an agreement with State Trading Corporation (STC), a company of the Union Government, to purchase high-quality equipment for water sports,” he added.

Tenders were floated internationally for purchasing equipment some time ago. “The lowest tender was filed by a firm from Dubai but due to technical reasons, the agreement was not signed with that firm,” he said, adding that ultimately the J&K Government signed the agreement with STC to purchase equipment as per the specifications mentioned by the NIWS. “As soon as we receive the equipment, sports activities would be started at Thein Dam,” Sharma said.

The consultant engaged by the state government had recommended paddle boats, motor boats, speed boats and kayaks at Thein Dam.

The development of Thein Dam for adventure sports would help develop the Kathua-Doda-Kishtwar range as a tourist destination as the belt has huge potential for adventure tourism. In 2013, the state government had organised international rafting championship on the Chenab in Doda. Besides four foreign teams from Australia, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Nepal, teams from all over the country had participated in the contest.

The state government has already constituted tourism authorities in the region to divert the maximum number of tourists to this belt.

Tourist attraction

Adventure sports activities are already being held in other parts of the state. Skiing and heli-skiing attract a large number of tourists in the Kashmir valley, while river rafting on the Chenab in Doda and Reasi districts has received encouraging response

The authorities also organise rafting on some lakes in the state

Introduction of adventure sports at Ranjit Sagar Dam will boost economy of the backward hilly areas of Kathua districts

Work on abandoned Ganpat bridge in Doda to begin soon
Ranjit Thakur

Doda, January 21
If all goes well, the work on the much-hyped abandoned Ganpat Bridge over the Chenab in Doda district will begin in the first week of February.

The work on 263-metre-span bridge was started in February 2007 by then Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad. Its estimated cost was about Rs 29 crore and was to be completed within 25 months.

However, the construction company stopped the work after questions were raised on the geo-engineering stability of the bridge by the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, sources said.

Executive Engineer, Jammu and Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation, Doda, ML Thapa also said the work on the bridge will begin in the first week of February.

TK Basu, Jammu and Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation consultant, had presented a detailed report on various aspects of the bridge last year. He had said minor changes in design and reduced load made it clear that the bridge could become a reality without compromising on its safety.

“In order to ensure that the dream project of Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Ghulam Nabi Azad, doesn’t get delayed further, Minister for Roads and Buildings Abdul Majid Wani has instructed us to complete work on it within a specific time-frame,” Basu said.

“Modified designs of the bridge have been received, relevant machinery has reached the site and the work is going to start soon. The bridge will be completed within a year,” Executive Engineer of the Jammu and Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation said.

“It would be a double-lane motorable bridge. It will provide connectivity to Doda, Bhaderwah and Kishtwar and reduce the distance by several kilometres,” he said.

Power shutdown today for maintenance work
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 21
Several areas in the city will face power shutdown during morning hours tomorrow due to the maintenance of the Canal-Company Bagh low-tension line.

The areas include Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's residence and Residency Road, housing ministers and bureaucrats.

The Power Development Department (PDD) is on a "trimming" mission these days to keep its power lines safe to supply electricity in the city and has launched a huge exercise to trim grown-up trees close to its high-tension and low-tension power lines.

During the period, power supply to Jewel Chowk, Krishna Nagar, Chief Minister’s residence, Parade, Denis Gate, Smadhian road, Nehru Market, Ware House, Beli Charana and its adjoining areas will remain suspended.

In the recent past trees have become a major reason for the snapping of electricity supply and at times have led to short circuits and created a lot of problems for the staff to repair them.

“Trees that tower above the power lines create hazards that can result in fire or extensive damage to the distribution and transmission system. Branches need to be managed to ensure the safety and reliability of our electric system,” said a PDD official.

The falling of branches of trees are the main reason for the snapping of power lines during strong winds in the city and it is important that we cut down the extending branches of trees, he said.

“People have a responsibility of keeping property safe from dangers that exist from trees being too close to power lines. Their responsibility extends beyond their property too and they should inform the PDD about such dangers,” officials said.

Rights panel: Gaw Kadal probe to be completed next month
Bismah Malik
Tribune News Service

Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik addresses a gathering in Srinagar on Tuesday. Photos: Yawar Kabli

Srinagar, January 21
Twenty-four years on, hope has rekindled among families of the victims of 1990 Gaw Kadal “massacre” with the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) saying that the inquiry into the probe that was started on December 26, 2012, will be completed by next month. The inquiry was started following a petition filed by the International Forum for Justice and Human Rights, a human rights organisation.

SHRC member Rafiq Fida told The Tribune that the inquiry which was initiated last year into the Gaw Kadal “massacre” suffered various setbacks due to the failure on part of the police and the district administration, Srinagar, in completing the probe.

He said several notices were issued to the Director General of Police and the Srinagar Deputy Commissioner by the SHRC regarding the case, but the response from both the sides was disappointing.

Fida said, “The SHRC is conducting an interim inquiry into the case headed by the Superintendent of Police (SP), SHRC, and the probe will be completed by next month. However, it has been an extremely long wait for justice for the families of the victims, with successive governments and the police failing them continuously over bringing to the book those who perpetrated the crime.”

Many families from the old city (downtown area) of Srinagar have horror stories to share of the day when their family members walked all the way to the Gaw Kadal bridge to join the demonstrations.

“As the security forces opened fire on the protesters, many posed dead to save themselves. My brother Rauf Ahmad was among those who got killed. Several of my neighbours escaped alive, but the survivors live with that nightmarish experience,” Zuelehma, a woman survivor said.

Muhammad Shabir, a resident of Maisuma, Srinagar, who witnessed the incident, said his 17-year-old neighbour was also killed in the incident.

“The incident ruined the entire family. Naseer, 17, fell prey to bullets, following which his father too died, unable to bear the shock,” Shabir said.

Soldier hurt in mine blast along LoC
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 21
A soldier today sustained injuries in a mine blast near a forward post along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Krishna Ghati (KG) sector of Poonch.

The injured soldier has been identified as Naik Khubi Ram of 13 Rajputana Rifles.

“The soldier was on a patrol duty in the KG sector when he accidentally stepped on an unexploded explosive and suffered minor injury to his left heel,” Defence spokesperson Lt Col Manish Mehta said.

A Srinagar report quoting the police said three militants were arrested on Tuesday for their involvement in the killing of Station House Officer (SHO) Chadoora Shabir Ahmed in Budgam district last month.

Addressing a press conference, Irshad Ahmed, SP, Budgam, said soon after the killing of the SHO on December 2, the police had found out that a group of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militants operating in the area were responsible for the attack. The three militants have been identified as Ashiq Hussain Bhat, Reyaz Ahmed Dar and Basharat Mir.

Health certificate issued after February 1 valid
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 21
The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has approved the format of the existing compulsory health certificate for the Amarnath pilgrims and made no changes in it.

The decision was taken at a Board meeting held under the chairmanship of Governor NN Vohra yesterday.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the SASB Navin K Choudhary said the format of the compulsory health certificate had been uploaded on the website of the Shrine Board — www.shriamarnathjishrine.com — which could be easily printed by an intending pilgrim.

The certificate can be issued only by doctors or medical institutions, designated by the respective state governments and union territories (UTs).

All state governments and UTs in the country have been requested to publicise the list of doctors/medical institutions authorised to issue the certificates in their respective jurisdictions. The lists of authorised doctors so far received from the state governments and union territories are placed on the Board website. The list is being regularly updated.

The CEO said only a compulsory health certificate issued after February 1, 2014, would be considered valid for the yatra registration.

The Governor has written to all chief ministers and administrators of the UTs to expedite the list of doctors and medical institutions authorised to issue the compulsory health certificate. He has also requested them to ensure that the certificate is issued free of cost and in a hassle-free manner to the intending pilgrims.

Pahari community reiterates demand for ST status
Shyam Sood

Rajouri, January 21
The executive body of the J&K Pahari People Movement (JKPPM) has decided to meet the Prime Minister, other senior ministers, leaders of the Opposition and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal demanding ST status for the Pahari-speaking community.

In their executive body meeting here today, more than 400 activists registered themselves to assist the delegation, which was scheduled in the first week of February.

Shabaz Khan and Vijay Kochhar, senior leaders of the JKPPM, while talking to mediapersons said the community was fighting for their demand for ST status for the last more than 27 years.

“Our community is sharing the same culture, inhabitation and customs with those of the Gujjars and Bakerwals, who have been enjoying benefits under the ST status for the last more than 30 years and our unemployed youth are facing competition from students of urban and metropolitan cities,” said Shabaz Khan, chief executive, JKPPM.

Pahari speaking community from Rajouri and Poonch districts in Jammu Province and Uri and Karnah districts in Kashmir province have urged the state government and leaders of other parties to support them in their struggle.

“If the community will not get support, we will not cast vote in their favour and the community will field its own candidates in the forthcoming parliamentary and Assembly elections,” said Shahbaz Khan.

Former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah had approached the Union government on October 14, 1991, and recommended it to provide ST status to Paharis.

On December 26, 1993, the then Governor of the state, KV Krishna Rao, wrote to the then Union Social Welfare Minister, Sita Ram Kesri, recommending inclusion of the community in the ST category.

In 2005, J&K assembly also passed resolution to provide ST status to this community

Others prominent leaders who attended the meeting included Mohd Aslam Mirza, district president, JKPPM, Haji Talib Mirza, Vinod Kumar and Rajive Sharma, state president, Pahari Students Union.

Rural roads to go green under Central scheme
Vikas Sharma
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 21
The Rural Connectivity Division of the Ministry of Rural Development has directed the in charge, Pradham Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), J&K, to plant fruit-bearing and shelter-giving trees on either side of the roads being built under the scheme.

The initial expenditure for plantation and maintenance would be done under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in a convergence model.

Sources said the advisory was issued by the Union Ministry to meet environment concerns and to facilitate greening of the rural development programmes in the state.

Sources said the work would be executed by the MGNREGS implementing agency at the Gram Panchayat level. The project implementation unit for district level in the PMGSY will provide the technical inputs and the list of roads where the plantation is to be done.

“This would provide protection to roads, check soil erosion and more importantly mitigate the effects of climate change. The plant species should be selected according to the local agro-climatic conditions,” a circular from the Ministry stated.

“The foliage of trees should not obstruct the carriageway so as to ensure traffic safety. The technical details such as plant spacing, type of plantation, seasonality etc should be decided in consultation with the line departments with domain knowledge such as the Agriculture and Forest Departments,” the circular read.

Sources said the Rural Development Ministry had also directed the state to ensure active involvement of the local community in plantation, their upkeep and maintenance.

Once the plantation is done, the Gram Panchayat concerned will hold the ownership of the plants.

The PMGSY which covers other district roads and village roads was launched on December 25, 2000, to provide all-weather roads (with necessary culverts and cross-drainage structures, which is operable throughout the year) to eligible unconnected habitations in the rural areas.

The programme envisages connecting all habitations having a population of 500 and above (as per 2001 Census) in plain areas and in respect of the hilly state such as J&K under the integrated action plan as identified by the Ministry of Home Affairs/Planning Commission having a population of 250 and above (as per 2001 Census).

As per data available, out of total 1,984 road works covering 10,154.80 km of length sanctioned, the state has completed 775 roads covering 4,366.96 km of length (43 per cent).

Cabinet panel on admn units to meet today
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 21
The meeting of the Cabinet Sub-Committee (CSC) on the creation of new administrative units remained inclusive today as the members sought more time to go through various representations given by the people during their tour to different areas of the state.

Sources said in today’s meeting it was decided that the CSC would meet on Wednesday to continue its discussion on demands raised by people.

The committee had to submit its report on January 15, but the government extended the deadline to give more time to the panel to finalise its report.

Owners of two garment stores booked for cheating customers
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 21
Acting on the complaints of customers of being cheated by leading garments stores, officials of the Legal Metrology Department today conducted an inspection of a number of such stores in the Gandhi Nagar area.

According to Manoj Prabhakar, Deputy Controller, Consumer Protection, to attract customers various stores have put on sales and offering up to 50 per cent discount on garments.

The grievance of customers were that they were offered 40 per cent discounts on the maximum retail price (MRP), but in fact they were overcharged in the name of VAT, thereby not getting actual percentage of the discount offered.

On the inspection of a Kapson store at Gandhi Nagar, it was found that the owner prominently offered 40 per cent discount on the MRP marked on sweaters, but was charging 5 per cent additional VAT after giving discounts, thereby reducing the discount price.

According to the Deputy Controller, the MRP on any product is a price which is inclusive of all taxes, including VAT also, and if a trader offers any discount on the MRP, the reduced price also have the VAT component in it and any additional tax will automatically reduce the discount offered.

The store owner was booked under relevant provisions of law and was directed to charge the customers as per the lucrative sales offers.

In another case, the owner of a leading kids garment store was booked for not mentioning mandatory declarations like the address of the manufacturer, packaging date and MRP on the clothes. The trader was using self-made stickers to inflate the MRP.

On scrutinising the bills, it was found that the purchase price was less and the store owner inflated the MRP by 60 per cent and then offered 30 per cent discount to mislead customers on the pretext of a sale offer. The store owner was booked.

Sale scam

The owner of a leading kids garment store was booked for not mentioning mandatory declarations like the address of the manufacturer, packaging date and MRP on the clothes. The trader was using self-made stickers to inflate the MRP. On scrutinising the bills, it was found that the purchase price was less and the store owner inflated the MRP by 60 per cent and then offered 30 per cent discount to mislead customers on the pretext of a sale offer.

Natrang honours Asheish for directing ‘Richird-III’
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 21
Natrang today honoured Asheish Nijhawan for directing William Shakespeare's play "Richird-III".

Director, Natrang, Balwant Thakur honoured Asheish. Speaking on the occasion, Balwant Thakur said such an imaginative use of the space had never been witnessed by the city audience and similar experiments were all set to establish Jammu as an international destination for theatre. He said Natrang would present "Richard-III" at Amar Mahal here continuously for a month for the city audience.

Asheish Nijhawan started his acting career from Natrang and later got selected in the National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi, from where he did his postgraduation with specialisation in acting.

After his studied at the NSD, Asheish was selected as an artiste in its National Repertory company and worked there for over a year and travelled for his performances across India and abroad.

Till now, he has performed in more than 35 plays, prominent among them are "Begum Ka Takiya", "Acharya Tartuffe", "Ram Naam Satya Hai", "Andha Yug", "Richard The Third", "Trojen Women", "King Lear", "In The Jungle Of Big Cities", "The Father", "Mrichikatikam", "Court Marshal", "Final Solutions", "Yamgatha" and "Inkosazana".

The actor has also been associated with various international projects in India, South Africa, Uzbekistan and the UK, besides participating in international theatre festival at Beijing, China.

Currently pursuing his advance training in theatre with specialisation in Lecoq's Pedagogy at the London International School of Performing Arts, London, Asheish has also bagged the junior fellowship in theatre from the Union Ministry of Culture.

UGC grants recognition to SKUAST
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 21
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has granted recognition to the Sher-e-Kashmir

University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) here under Section 22 of the UGC Act, 1956.

The notification in this regard has been released by the office of the UGC, Bahadurshah Zafar Marg, New Delhi, in favour of SKUAST, Jammu.

The recognition by the UGC would enable the varsity to get financial assistance for various research projects, post-doctoral fellowships and other related grants under Section 12 B of the UGC Act, 1956. It may be mention here that SKUAST, Jammu, was established by amending the SKUAST Act in 1999.

14 colleges participate in ‘Jashan-e-Virasat’
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 21
Government Gandhi Memorial (GGM) Science College organised "Jashan-e-Virasat" here today.

Union Minister for Textile Industry KS Rao was the chief guest, while Illa Arun, renowned singer, and Zohra Chatterji, Secretary, Textiles, were special guests.

Earlier, Rama Pandey, CEO, Montage Films, Dr NK Resutra, Nodal Principal of the college, and Prof Hemla Aggarwal, Principal of the Government College for Women (GCW), Parade, welcomed the chief guests.

The programme started with cultural programme in which 14 government degree colleges participated. The colourful folk dances and melodious folk songs enthralled the audience.

Three dignitaries, CD Mangotra, Bashir Mastana and Dhian Singh, who had contributed in preserving the heritage of the state, were honoured with "Virasat Shree".

The chief guest appreciated the efforts of Rama Pandey and the participation of all colleges to make the mega event a success.

The chief guest and other dignitaries along with judges visited the various stalls put up by colleges depicting the cultural heritage of the state.

In the valedictory function, Kuldeep Khoda, Chief Vigilance Commissioner, was the chief guest, while Illa Arun presided over the function.

Govt medical college submits report on neonatal deaths
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, January 21
The Principal of Government Medical College, Srinagar, today submitted a report to the Secretary, Health Department, on the increase in fatalities of neonates in GB Pant and LD Hospitals.

He stated that a majority of neonatal deaths in November and December last year occurred within 48 hours of admission to GB Hospital.

As per the report, a majority of deaths (52 per cent in November 2013 and 34 per cent in December 2013) occurred within 48 hours of admission in GB Pant Hospital, Srinagar, which as per international norms are not attributed to the hospital.

“The causes of most of the neonatal deaths are prematurity/ low birth weights, which are mostly non-medical and social in nature and malnutrition among pregnant women is one of the major reasons. Inborn metabolic disorders and congenital heart diseases, which constitute around 10% of all neonatal deaths, are not preventable being genetic in nature. The progression of infection (sepsis) among neonates is usually subtle and goes undetected by parents till the child becomes sick. Similarly, late detection of neonatal jaundice leads to irreversible brain damage,” the report observed.

The report further says that for LD Hospital, a majority of neonate deaths occurred in cases where pregnant women belonging to rural areas and were admitted with pre-term labour, haemorrhage and pregnancy induced hypertension.

It says 14 out of 17 neonate deaths in November 2013 at LD Hospital occurred within 48 hours of patient’s admission, whereas 19 out of 43 deaths in December 2013 occurred within 48 hours of admission.

The report suggested remedial measures to check the neonate deaths. They include - Improved antenatal care with early registration, minimum three check-ups, iron and folic acid tablets as prophylaxis against anaemia, pre-conception folic acid for prevention of neural tube defects, early detection of high-risk pregnancies and timely and appropriate referral to first-referral units, which are equipped to handle such cases.

Week-long workshop on civil defence concludes
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 21
A week-long workshop organised by the Civil Defence, Jammu, at Tiny Tots Higher Secondary School concluded here today.

In the valedictory function, certificates were given to the students who successfully completed the training. Parveen Singh, DSP and Deputy Controller, Civil Defence, in his address to the students highlighted the need for training the society in civil defence and disaster management.

He also stressed the need for having refresher courses for the same. He along with with Principal of the school Dr Vikram Handa gave away certificates to the successful students. Gurpreet, Director of the school, presented a memento to Parveen Singh.

Brahmin federation forms cells
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 21
The Brahmin United Federation (BUF) constituted various cells and committees for the welfare and uplift of the Brahmin community.

Inderjeet Khajuria, president of the federation, said KK Proch had been nominated the chairman of the Legal Cell, whereas Devender Sharma its vice-chairman.

Rajesh Sharma had been nominated the chairman of the Rural and Youth Wing, while ML Sharma chairman of the Press and Publicity Unit. Ram Paul Seth had been nominated chairman of the Anti-Reservation Cell.

A 21-member governing body was also constituted. The members were Prof Devendra Sharma, KK Proch, Jagannath Sharma, OP Srikul, Satish Sharma, Prithvi Raj Sharma, ML Sharma, Hukum Chand Basotra, Dr Kasturi Lal Khajuria, Jagdish Sharma, Ghanshyam Shastri, Ram Paul Shastri, Mangu Ram Sharma, Rajeshwar Dubey, Mahesh Padha and Dayanand Sharma.

RM Public School holds ‘Bal Mela’
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 21
RM Public School organised a "Bal Mela"-cum-science exhibition on the school premises here.

The programme was inaugurated by Swami Hriday Nand Giri, Taj Mohiuddin, Minister for Youth Services and Sports, and Raman Bhalla, Minister for Horticulture, Floriculture and Housing.

The function commenced with the lighting of traditional lamp by the dignitaries, followed by colourful cultural items presented by students and staff of the school.

In the science exhibition, a total of 15 schools from the city participated, wherein students displayed their innovative models. Students also displayed their craft in an exhibition. A flower arrangement competition was the main attraction of the programme, wherein 20 schools took part. As many as 72 students of the school were awarded cheques for Rs 2 lakh, while 560 students were given scholarships.

Traders seek say in proposed recasting of Srinagar Master Plan
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, January 21
Traders of the city have sought their involvement in the proposed recasting of the Srinagar Master Plan.

“The constitution of the house committee by the government to look into the “unauthorised” constructions is a positive step to address the grievances erupted due to sealing of structures. We expect that the committee will take care of all aspects of the issue by involving the main stakeholders,” said Siraj Ahmad, chief spokesman of the Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA), an amalgam of various traders’ and hoteliers’ bodies.

He said the KEA had been for long demanding modifications in the master plan as it was ‘full of flaws’.

The House Committee of the Legislative Council headed by MLC Devender Singh Rana was constituted recently and during a meeting in Jammu had emphasised the need for recasting of the master plan.

As the committee is scheduled to meet again on February 17, the KEA called for speedy measures to “de-seal the sealed structures so as to relieve them (businessmen whose shops have been sealed) from further mental distress and financial losses.”

The KEA further urged the government to expose and punish the officials responsible for “creating this mess” while referring to the sealing drive.

As the SMC had sealed several business establishments, many eyebrows were raised with many quarters asking who had given permission to set up these structures in the first place. The sealing drive had also resonated in the autumn session of the state legislature and the matter is currently sub-judice.

Post-result stress: Suicidal tendencies among students increase in Valley
Over a dozen cases were reported after declaration of Class XII results
Rifat Mohidin

Srinagar, January 21
The Valley has witnessed a rise in the number of suicidal tendencies among students, post results. Experts say suicidal tendencies among students have gone up as they are burdened with greater expectations from the parents coupled with academic pressure. They say more and more students are taking the extreme step of suicide in a bid to end their misery after failing in their pursuit of professional excellence. The tendency has been found more among girls.

More than a dozen cases of suicide attempt were reported from several parts of the Valley after the declaration of Class XII results, which were declared recently.

In north Kashmir alone, a day after the results, four girls tried to end their lives, who were saved due to timely intervention. “We received 12 cases post Class XII results in two days. Among them, 11 were girls and one boy,” said medical superintendent, Sheri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) hospital, Dr Nazir Choudary.

There has been a sudden increase in the number of suicides in Kashmir over academic failure. During the Class XII exams in October, a 17-year-old boy ended his life in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district over poor performance in mathematics paper.

The psychiatrist said high parental expectations could be the reason behind students taking this extreme step. “This is basically the result of high parental expectations that is burdening these students. We have made literacy equal to goodness,” said Dr Arshid, a psychiatrist.

In two days, more than 11 girls tried to end their lives after they failed to qualify the exams. Doctors say the suicidal tendencies are predominant among females mostly in cases of failure in academics because they feel more “humiliated” due to societal pressures.

“Usually, girls take this to their heart, while the boys tend to overlook (the results),” he said. “Besides, in our society the burden of keeping the esteem of the family is more on girls than the boys. Boys can do anything and get away. However, that’s not the case with the girls,” Dr Arshid said.

Doctors’ body condemns thrashing of paramedics

Srinagar, January 21
Condemning thrashing of paramedics in central Kashmir’s public health centre by a cop, the Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) today threatened to close down all hospitals in the Valley if proper action was not taken against the accused.

According to the DAK, paramedics and a doctor, who were on duty at the public health centre, Kangan, were allegedly thrashed by a police personnel yesterday evening.

“The cop along with his wife and brother entered the hospital at 9 pm in inebriated condition, seeking consultation for his wife. He along with his brother started thrashing the doctor, nurse and nursing orderly on duty,” said president of DAK Dr Nissar-ul-Hassan.

Hassan said, “These incidents of hospital staff thrashing have become a routine in the Valley. It has become difficult for doctors to work in such a hostile atmosphere. How can they deliver efficiently in constant fear?”

He accused the government of failing to provide security to the hospitals.

“The DAK demands immediate arrest of the culprits and security to hospitals so that doctors feel safe and work in a fearless environment,” he said. The DAK threatened to go on strike if the culprits were not arrested and security not provided to hospitals. — OC

Three drug peddlers held

Srinagar, January 21
Three suspected drug peddlers were arrested with 15 kg of cannabis in Pulwama district of the Kashmir valley today, the police said.

Reyaz Ahmad Sheikh, Abdul Ahad Tantray and Mehraj-u-din Lone were arrested during separate raids in Awantipora area, 32 km from here, a police spokesman said.

He said while 12.5 kg of cannabis was recovered from the houses of Sheikh and Tantray at Bargam and Harpora villages, 2.5 kg of cannabis was seized from the poultry farm of Lone at Bonpora village. All three were booked under the NDPS Act and were being questioned. — PTI

Panel probing Shopian killings adjourns case

Srinagar, January 21
The one-man Judicial Commission, probing the killing of four youths in a firing incident in Kashmir's Shopian district last September, today adjourned its proceedings till Thursday.

The commission did not have a prosecutor for conducting the proceedings and, therefore the case had been adjourned till Thursday, said Justice ML Koul.

He said the public prosecutor for Shopian had been instructed to discharge duties of the prosecutor before the commission.

Justice Koul said the prosecutor needed some time to go through the documents which necessitated the adjournment. — PTI

Guv briefed on R-Day arrangements

Jammu, January 21
Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Shantmanu, along with Inspector General of Police, Jammu, Rajesh Kumar, called on Governor NN Vohra at Raj Bhawan here today.

The officials briefed the Governor about the arrangements made for the Republic Day celebrations and the Beating Retreat ceremony. — TNS

CM meets Sonia

Jammu, January 21
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called on UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi today evening and discussed with her various matters pertaining to the development process in J&K and the functioning of the coalition government.

An official spokesperson said Omar expressed gratitude to the UPA chairperson for the support extended by the Centre to his government for carrying forward the development process across the state. Omar had met Union Minister for Home Affairs Sushilkumar Shinde in New Delhi on January 17 and discussed security and development related issues with him. — TNS

Most panchayats operate without offices in state
Majid Jahangir
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, January 21
Almost three years after holding the panchayat elections, a majority of panchayats in the state are without panchayat ghars.

This is despite the fact that the government had set December 2013 as the deadline for the construction of nearly 1,700 panchayat ghars in the state. In the absence of panchayat ghars, local panchayats meet in rented rooms and members rued that this was in no way helping in the empowerment of Panchayati Raj institutions in the state.

“Panchayat ghars are the basic requirement for empowering the Panchayati Raj institutions, but almost three years after the panchayat polls were held in J&K, only 30 per cent panchayat ghars have been constructed,” said chairman, J&K Panchayat Conference (JKPC), Shafiq Mir. “The absence of panchayat ghars, which act as an office for panchayats, shows the seriousness of the state government in empowering the Panchayati Raj institutions,” he added.

However, the government claimed that there was no deadline for constructing panchayat ghars.

“There was no deadline for constructing panchayat ghars. We are, however, on the job,” Minister Rural Development Minister Ali Mohammad Sagar said. “The government had planned to construct 1,788 panchayat ghars across the state and so far 40 per cent have been completed,” he claimed.

The sources said in the first phase, nearly 400 panchayat ghars had been constructed.

“In various villages across the state, it took a lot of time in identifying land for panchayat ghars. In the second phase where the land has been identified, we will start the construction work soon,” said an official of the Rural Development Department.

The official said the minister had asked officials to construct panchayat ghars on a war-footing before December 2013 deadline.

“In Budgam district, Khansahib and Beerwah blocks, in Anantnag district, D Pora, Shahabad, Qazigund and Quimoh blocks, in Ganderbal, Kangan block, in Pulwama, all blocks and Srinagar block are showing poor performance when it comes to the construction of panchayat ghars,” he said.

Gaw Kadal killings a dark day in Kashmir’s history, says Omar
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, January 21
The commercial centre of the city today remained shut to commemorate the 24th anniversary of the 1990 Gaw Kadal “massacre” even as Chief Minister Omar Abdullah remembered the incident as a “dark day” in Kashmir’s recent history.

Shops and other business establishments in Lal Chowk and adjoining areas remained closed with separatist leaders calling for a complete shutdown.

As many as 52 people, who were a part of a demonstration, were killed on January 21, 1990, at Gaw Kadal when security forces allegedly opened fire at them.

“Today marks the anniversary of a very dark day in the recent history of Kashmir. The Gaw Kadal killings symbolise much of what went wrong,” Omar wrote on micro-blogging site Twitter.

“Though violence levels are at a record low, memories of incidents like Gaw Kadal reinforce why Kashmir has to be freed of violence and guns,” the Chief Minister added.

A complete shutdown was observed at Gaw Kadal, Maisuma, Lal Chowk, Medina Chowk, Residency Road, Court Road, Jehangir Chowk and Koker Bazar with policemen in riot gear deployed at critical junctions.

Strict security arrangements were particularly made in the adjoining areas of Maisuma where scattered clashes between protesters and police took place.

Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chairman Yasin Malik addressed a group of demonstrators at Basant Bagh, near Gaw Kadal, and paid tribute to the people who lost their lives in the 1990 incident.

Court to take up bail pleas of Peer, broker Sajjad today
Crime branch granted time to file objections

Srinagar, January 21
Granting the crime branch of the J&K Police more time to file its objections, the Kashmir anti-corruption court today adjourned the hearing into the bail plea of broker Sajjad Ahmad Bhat till January 22, when it is also scheduled to take up the bail application of prime accused and former head of Board of Professional Entrance Examinations Mushtaq Peer.

The court adjourned the matter after the crime branch, investigating the scam involving the sale of Common Entrance Test (CET)-2012 question papers for selection into medical colleges, sought more time to file objections.

“The hearing in the bail matter of accused Sajjad has been adjourned till January 22,” a senior prosecution official said.

Broker Sajjad Ahmad, along with main accused Peer and others, was produced before Special Judge, Anti-Corruption (Kashmir), Mohan Lal Manhas on January 18. The judge had posted the bail plea of Sajjad for further consideration on July 21 with a direction to the crime branch to file its objections to it.

In the chargesheet filed before the special judge on January 12, the crime branch had named 25 persons as accused, including Peer, Sajjad, 12 students who got admission in the MBBS course by fraudulent means in 2012 and nine parents.

The charge against Peer, who was arrested on November 23, 2013, is that he sold CET papers through his aide Farooq Ahmad Itoo and in turn received around Rs 60 lakh. — TNS

Shutdown in Anantnag village over Hizbul militant’s death
Suhail A Shah

Anantnag, January 21
A complete shutdown amid protests was observed today at Bulbul Nowgam village of Anantnag district as mark of protest against the killing of a Hizbul militant during an encounter yesterday in the Qazigund area of Kulgam district.

Reports said hundreds of people turned out to attend the funeral procession of the slain militant in his native village, Bulbul Nowgam.

“All commercial establishments remained closed in the area and no traffic plied on roads,” reports said.

Police and the CRPF were deployed on all roads leading to the village. Barricades were erected at many places to prevent people from entering the village.

Senior separatist leader and chairman of the hardline faction of the Hurriyat Syed Ali Geelani reiterated his poll boycott call while addressing the gathering.

The police was able to retrieve the body of the slain militant late Monday evening after protests by the locals were thwarted. A senior police official said a rifle was recovered from under the debris while the militant’s body was being retrieved.

Biometric enrolment of 15 lakh for NPR
Sumit Hakhoo
Tribune News Service

Aadhaar Card enrolment underway at Brij Nagar in Jammu. Tribune Photo: Inderjeet Singh

Jammu, January 21
After getting consent from the Ministry of Home Affairs last year, Jammu and Kashmir has completed biometric enrolment (BME) of 15 lakh people for the National Population Register (NPR) - Aadhaar cards - in the state.

As per the data, population of three districts has been fully covered under the BME, which includes Samba (91.1 per cent), Kulgam (89.66 per cent) and Shopian 81.28 per cent). The NPR will be an exhaustive database listing all the residents in the state, districts, blocks, villages and households.

In J&K, Aadhaar cards have been replaced by NPR smart cards keeping in view the sensitive security environment and preventing non-state subjects from taking benefits.

Though those enrolled will still have to wait till June to get the unique smart card entitling them for direct transfer of subsidy and using it as single identification document, private companies engaged in the project are likely to cover the entire population by mid of the year.

The work of 15 districts has been sublet to Comtech Info Solutions, an e-governance company, while the remaining seven districts have been covered by another private company, which has been engaged by the Registrar General of India.

Surinder Kumar, Deputy Director, Census, said the project was started in March last year in Samba and later it was extended to other districts. “We are closely monitoring the project and there is a double check of the data. Every agency is working in tandem to achieve the target,” said Kumar.

The state has signed an MoU with the Unique Identification Authority of India on July 14, 2010, but the Home Ministry had raised several security related queries leading to delay in its implementation.

Sheikh Imtaiz, Chief Executive Officer, Comtech Info, claimed that nearly 1,000 youth had been engaged in the process across the state. “Currently, the company is working in 15 districts for BME generation with a Hyderabad-based company and the Registrar General of India,” Imtiaz added.

Mission impossible

n As per the data, population of three districts has been fully covered under the BME, which includes Samba (91.1 per cent), Kulgam (89.66 per cent) and Shopian 81.28 per cent).

n In J&K, Aadhaar cards have been replaced by NPR smart cards keeping in view the sensitive security environment and preventing non-state subjects from taking benefits.

Slain militant not yet identified

Pulwama, January 21
The identity of the militant killed in an encounter with the Army at Ladyar Dadsora in Pulwama yesterday evening is yet to be ascertained.

The police said the body of the militant had been sent for a post-mortem and the report was awaited.

They said they had recovered an identity card from his possession which showed his name as Irshad and added that it could be his code name.

The police also claimed to have seized five magazines, about 250 rounds, two grenades and an AK-47 from his possession. — OC

Geelani refutes Jamaat’s claim

Srinagar, January 21
Hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman Syed Ali Geelani today said his former organisation had no legal authority over the property which he donated last week.

Geelani said the statement issued by the Jamaat-e-Islami laying claim over the property which he donated to a trust was “far from reality”.

“Jamaat-e-Islami has no legal or ethical authority over the property,” the separatist leader said. — TNS

EC to display names of voters who do not vote
Devinder Thakur

Katra, January 21
The Election Commission (EC) has decided to display names of electorate, who do not cast their vote in the forthcoming elections, at polling stations and panchayat ghars across the district.

“To ensure maximum voting in the upcoming elections, the EC has declared that it would display voters list at 351 polling stations and 147 panchyat ghars across the district highlighting who has cast his vote and who has not,” District Election Officer, Reasi, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary told The Tribune.

He added that though the voting has not been made mandatory, the EC wants to ensure maximum participation in the polls.

A special drive is also going on to include, delete or transfer names of voters from the voting list, Choudhary said.

Villagers protest erratic power supply
Our Correspondent

Pulwama, January 21
Residents of various villages in Pulwama district today blocked the Pulwama-Srinagar Highway protesting against the Power Development Department (PDD) for overnight raids and erratic power supply.

Residents of Gangoo village blocked the Pulwama-Srinagar highway in the morning for about three hours protesting against erratic power supply in the area. Protesters said they were getting only eight hours of power supply a day.

“We are facing serious power cuts, which has made the winters even harsher,” said Nadeen Hussian, a resident.

Residents of Wahibugh villages said they had been without electricity for the last 40 days. “We are living without electricity for the last one-and-a-half month. We have approached almost all PDD officials and politicians, but to no avail,” said Abdul Rasheed, a resident of Wahibugh, Pulwama.

Nazir Ahmad, Assistant Executive Engineer, PDD, Pulwama, said because of overload and illegal connections, curtailments were needed.

Keegam residents start hunger strike
Our Correspondent

Pulwama, January 21
After Littar residents ended their four-day hunger strike, Keegam residents in Shopian today started hunger strike in support of their demand for the grant of tehsil status for Keegam.

The residents said Keegam was granted ‘Nayabat’ in 1981 and deserved to be granted tehsil status as it had become a commercial hub in the area.

“About 56 villages of ‘Nayabat’ have submitted a memorandum to the coordination committee, Keegam, supporting grant of tehsil status,” Wali Mohammad Rather, president, Coordination Committee, said.

“We have been fighting for the tehsil status for the last 10 years. We have submitted a memorandum to the Divisional Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners of both Pulwama and Shopian, but to no avail,” Rather added. Meanwhile, strike at Littar entered seventh day today and the the normal life remained affected due to the strike. “We will not call off the strike until we get justice,” said Showkat Ahmad Mir, a Littar resident. He said they would intensify the strike if the government did not announce tehsil status for Littar. Terming the reorganisation of administrative units as a “mischief”, Ghulam Nabi Ratanipori, MP, said the reorganisation had divided the already divided society and spread chaos.

Coaches’ union to merge with sports council association

Jammu, January 21
The Coaches Employees Union has decided to merge with the J&K State Sports Council Employees Union. The decision was taken in the 39th general body meeting, held under the chairmanship of Vikramjeet Singh, president of the Sports Council Employees Union.

In the meeting, union members discussed demands, including implementation of the Government Employees Pension Scheme in favour of the council employees, regularisation of casual labours, proper transfer and promotion policy, etc. — TNS