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Asst surgeon rapes teenager, held
100 pc literacy: Past was ahead of present
Valley experiences coldest night
India-Pak Talks
Computer education hits roadblock in schools
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Now, Chadura flares up over degree college
Karra promises people-friendly budget
Use of Red Light
Foundation Day of Indian National Congress Stray cattle menace plagues town
Parties for SC quota in state Assembly
Akhnoor bridge inauguration on Jan 15
School distributes uniforms
JeM commander shot dead
Riyaz Punjabi is Kashmir varsity VC
Anganwari workers demand better wages
Jammu, Dras to have Army hospitals
Army holds medical camp
Play on Christ staged
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Asst surgeon rapes teenager, held
Srinagar, December 29 Handwara SP Haseeb Mughal said Dr Ajaz Rasool Bhat, an assistant surgeon, raped a teenaged girl, who had to be admitted on Thursday to a government dispensary when her condition deteriorated while travelling from Sopore to Handwara. The victim told the police that she felt acute renal pain and passengers stopped the private vehicle near the dispensary and admitted her there. “I was provided immediate first-aid and dextrose by duty doctor Ajaz Rasool Bhatand then admitted to general ward,” she told the police. The doctor apparently exploiting her medical condition and lack of consciousness raped her in the night, she alleged. “I found myself in his room and he asked me to leave the hospital immediately,” the SP said quoting her complaint. Mughal said the girl suffered from acute vaginal pain and bleeding. She later lodged a complaint with the police. The SP said the doctor did not even made due entries in the hospital as he had hatched a scheme to sexually abuse her. Medical reports have conformed the rape and Mughal said they had adequate evidence to prosecute the doctor.
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100 pc literacy: Past was ahead of present
Jammu, December 29 Maharaja Hari Singh, the erstwhile ruler of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, had passed an Act in 1928 which made primary education compulsory for all in the state. According to archival records available with the state archives department, children were compelled to attend primary school classes. Education was also nicknamed Jabri Taleem (compulsive education), as parents who refused to send their children to school were severely dealt with. The records state that Maharaja Hari Singh constituted a committee, constituting two courtiers of his time, Ghulam Sadiq and Baldev Sahi. The committee was disappointed with the status of primary education and in its report submitted to the Maharaja recommended that primary education be made compulsory in the state. “At that time the people, especially children did not went to school, so they were made to attend the classes forcefully,” said Peerzada Mohammed Ashraf, assistant director, archives department, Jammu. He added, “People named this type of education as Jabri Taleem or education by force, as they preferred to work and thought attending school was a waste of time.” The records also state that people who showed reluctance to attend school, later rose to the highest-levels in the state bureaucracy. “Many people, who were forced to have their primary education in such Jabri Schools, later rose to the highest level of state bureaucracy and held prominent positions in the state,” informed Peerzada. The system of compulsory primary education continued till independence and following the accession of Jammu and Kashmir with the Union of India, this system of education was later abolished. “There is no denying the fact that the Maharaja had the conviction to provide compulsory primary education to the people. Despite opposition by the people themselves, he made primary education compulsory,” said Parminder Singh, a research scholar in Archival studies.
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Valley experiences coldest night
Srinagar, December 29 The temperature dipped to minus 5.6 degree, resulting in the freezing of the banks of Dal Lake. However, the frozen parts started melting as the day progressed. Meanwhile, power generation in local hydel projects has dropped after considerable fall in the water level in rivers because of almost dry weather for the past three months. The government is importing power from different states, including Jharkhand, to meet the local requirement. The people at several places complained of water shortage. The prices of woollens and other warm clothes have increased, while coal, which was Rs 180 per bag last week, is being sold at Rs 250 to Rs 300 per bag. Similarly, firewood, which was being sold for Rs 120 to Rs 150 per quintal in November, is being sold Rs 300 per quintal. Meanwhile, people shivered under the on going cold wave. — UNI
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India-Pak Talks
Jammu, December 29 Everybody has been guessing about his statement, which indicates that the settlement has reached a decisive if not the conclusive stage. Barring the BJP, most of the mainstream political parties have maintained a studied silence on the issue. Besides, some smaller groups like the Panun Kashmir and the Jammu State Morcha have already raised questions as what he actually meant “without the knowledge of the people of the state”. Narayanan’s remarks need to be viewed in the context of his observations about the future of Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf. Musharaf had suggested a four-point agenda for resolving the Kashmir issue, joint management, self-rule, demilitarisation and soft borders meaning frequent interaction of people across the line of control without altering the existing borders. The self-rule has already found echo in the People’s Democratic Party, a coalition partner in the government, which has been suggesting self-governance. It is more or less same as that of the greater autonomy being demanded by the National Conference. Even the moderate section of the All-Party Hurriyat Conference, led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, has not outrightly rejected the Musharaf formula. The government of India has so far been ambiguous towards this formula. But it has too frequently been indicated that the solution could be found out within the orbit of these suggestions only. Particularly when Musharaf had himself suggested that the borders were not needed to be withdrawn. Significantly, Musharaf had also stopped harping on United Nations resolutions calling for a plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir. In fact, except the hardline faction led by Sayeed Ali Shah Geelani not may separatists have been insisting on the implementation of the resolutions passed over 50 years ago now. While self-rule and demilitarisation are understandable, questions and apprehensions are being raised about the “joint management of the state”. Because that happens to be the most important and significant aspect of the agreement that seems to be “cooking up”. How the “joint management” of the state is implemented at the ground level nobody has been able to make out. Even the issue of demilitarisation also happens to be sensitive. May be some concessions might be offered on the issue of self-rule, even in the face of strong opposition from several quarters, which can always be interpreted in terms of greater autonomy but demilitarisation amounts to withdrawal of troops would be too difficult for India to accept. In the context of peace talks with Musharaf, Narayanan has said: “I think there are things in the pipeline, things which are cooking, which are half cooked or three quarters cooked, which we would like to carry forward.” This has led to guessing game whether the settlement about the Kashmir issue is in the offing. While it remains a mystery so far, everything will depend on the post-election scenario in Pakistan and the grip and hold Musharaf is able to retain in his new avatar as President Musharaf without being the general.
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Computer education hits roadblock in schools
Thanamandi (Rajouri), December 29 The end result - the much-hyped computer education programme for making students computer-savvy could not take off. This is not because the state government did not provide computers for education, but it forgot to provide UPS sets for running them. Thus the government of India-sponsored computer education scheme, Institute of Computer Training (IST), could not take off even after more than two years of its conception. Students are now keeping their hands off from the subject which has become quite popular in urban centres. Highly placed sources within the school administration revealed that the state government as part of its efforts to educate students in government-run higher secondary schools, had provided six computers to the school in August 2005. However, more than two years have passed but the government has not provided UPS sets for running them. Sources said the school administration provided a UPS set for one computer, which was used to educate 40 students enrolled for computer and IT course, but a majority of the students desirous of seeking enrolment in these courses cannot get the same. They said the school administration on many occasions had written to the higher authorities for providing UPS sets but the latter failed to provide the same. “Though I want to know more about the computer world, but as the number of students seeking admission in computer course is too large and with only one computer working here, I couldn't manage to get admission,”said Shazia Kouser, a student. A senior officer in the district education department on the condition of anonymity said there were about 31 higher secondary schools in the district and many had not been provided with UPS sets. “It is true that though we have provided computers in most of the schools, we have not provided UPS sets in about 40 per cent of such schools. This is because the firm supplying such sets didn't provide the same,” he said.
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Now, Chadura flares up over degree college
Srinagar, December 29 Markets remained shut in Chadura and residents said they would intensify their protest in the coming days if the authorities concerned did not accede to their demands. The valley has seen a number of protest in various parts since the Ghulam Nabi Azad-led government announced the setting up of a number of degree colleges across the state. Many areas where people wanted that a college be constructed, but the government did not include their names in the list, have witnessed a series of protests in the last fortnight. Master Md Maqbool Shogami, a Congress leader in Chadura, said his area had been discriminated against and the degree college meant for it had been allotted to Khansahab, a subdivision 40 kms from there. “The MLA of Khansahab is a minister in the state government and he has snatched what was rightfully ours. We have no grievance against a college there but we should be given a college too,” he rued. He and several other local leaders have formed a joint action committee to press for their demands. Najim Ahmed, a local youth, said Chadura had been a block for past 40 years, while Khansahab had been elevated to a sub-division status. “There should be a proper system for developmental projects. It seems that those who can lobby get whatever they want, while we are denied what is due to us,” he said. People in Charar-e-Sharif and Magam had already been agitating for the past five days. Shogami said Magam was near Chadura, while Charar-e-Sharif was 15 kms away from it. Last week violent clashes occurred between the public and the police in Magam, which left one youth dead and dozens injured. People in Magam had also been demanding a degree college. Recently, the present government announced that 42 degree colleges would be constructed. While there are many who seem to be happy with decision, those left out have taken to streets at several places.
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Karra promises people-friendly budget
Jammu, December 29 Barring a few items like petrol, diesel, tobacco and liquor, the coalition government by and large would try to avoid levying fresh taxes on the people. Talking to The Tribune, finance minister Tariq Hamid Karra said: “As of now I can not say as to what type of budget we would be presenting next year but certainly it would be people-friendly. “Pre-budget discussions to know the pulse of people from trade and commerce have already been done separately at Jammu and Srinagar.” When asked whether sops would be doled out in the people-friendly budget due to the upcoming elections, he said: “There is no connection between the election and the budget but I assure you that it would be people-friendly.” However, sources in the finance and planning department said: “The coalition government can not afford to annoy people and hence barring few items like petrol, diesel, tobacco and Indian-made foreign liquor and other essential commodities may largely be kept out of the purview of fresh taxes.” After completing discussions with the representatives of political parties, commerce and industries and other experts for evolving balanced budget proposals, the finance minister would discuss the central outlays for various sectors. “To play safe the government, which had introduced the concept of separate power budget, would not consider increasing the power tariff as it has already invited sharp criticism from various quarters after introducing electronic meters and hike in power rentals,” said a senior official. The installation of tamper-proof electronic meters and hike in power tariff had already drawn sharp criticism and protest demonstrations from people in the state. He said: “Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, finance minister Tariq Hamid Karra and power minister Nawang Rigjin Jora would seek increase in the central aid for the power sector.” Jammu and Kashmir is the only state that gets 90 per cent grants and 10 per cent loan unlike other states that get 30 per cent grants and 70 per cent loan.
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Use of Red Light
Jammu, December 29 The state government had issued a fresh order in 2006 entitling ministers, chief secretary, principal secretaries, senior police officers, high court judges and session judges to use the facility. However, the order is being violated with impunity by lower-rank officials, retired officials and office-bearers of different political parties. Talking to The Tribune, a senior official of the GAD on the condition of anonymity said, “The order was issued last year after intervention of the state high court and the facility was extended up to the principal secretary level in the civil administration and session judges in the judiciary besides, extending it up to the rank of ADIGs in the police department.” “However, despite government orders, influential people who otherwise don’t fall in the category, have been indulging in the malpractice,” he added. “Not only former ministers, former MLAs and retired government officials are illegally using red lights but even office-bearers of political parties, including the Congress, the Panthers Party and the National Conference are indulging in the malpractice,” he said. Preceding to 2006 government order, the National Conference government in 1998 had issued an order vide number 1256 of the GAD dated September 28, 1998, wherein only ministers and chief secretary were entitled to use
red lights. It is pertinent to mention here that a couple of years back, the son of a cabinet minister in the PDP-led coalition government had tried to abduct a young girl from Janipur in the official vehicle of his father. Talking to The Tribune, leader of the opposition in the state legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather said, “It appears that the law of jungle prevails here. Despite being a sensitive issue and standing government order, people have been illegally using red lights and flags on their vehicles.” “None should be above the law but paradoxically this government itself is violating it,” he said, adding “The government has become a mute-spectator to the nuisance.” Rather admitted that such vehicles can be misused in the turmoil-hit state and strongly advocated stringent measures to keep a check on them. Such vehicles hardly undergo checking at different check posts in and around the winter capital. However, despite repeated attempts, deputy chief minister Muzaffar Hussain Beig, who also holds the law portfolio and his deputy, Prem Sagar Aziz, could not be reached for their comments. Beig in 2003, during his first stint as finance, law and parliamentary affairs minister of the ruling alliance had assured to come up with harsh measures to check the menace.
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Foundation Day of Indian National Congress
Jammu, December 29 In a message on the 122nd anniversary of the foundation of the INC today, the Chief Minister said the party successfully led the nation in the struggle for freedom from foreign rule and in the post-Independence era laid a firm foundation of a secular, modern and democratic India. He said the party was credited with steering the country out of the most difficult times and party stalwarts like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and Ali brothers did the pioneering work in setting the agenda for the country’s freedom and pursed it with conviction and
dedication. He said the sacrifices of Congress leadership along with those of the millions of common masses ultimately brought fruit of freedom to the people. Describing the Congress as a people’s movement and not merely a political party, Azad said pursuing its secular agenda the party had always carried along all sections of the society and worked tirelessly for their welfare, progress and prosperity. The war against untouchability and inequality always remained high on the party’s agenda. He said the history of the party was a testimony that it always worked for cementing relationship between different communities and put forward leaders of impeccable character irrespective of their religious background. He said not many people knew that apart from Maulana Abul Kalam Azad who twice headed the party, as many as seven other prominent Muslim leaders, including Badruddin Tyabji, Rahimtulla M. Sayani, Nawab Syed Mohammad Bahadur, Syed Hasan Imam, Hakim Ajmal Khan, Maulana Mohammad Ali and Mukhtar Ahmad Ansari had been the presidents of the Congress during its illustrious life. The Chief Minister underscored the need for strengthening the party at all levels, saying its vision and outlook on national and international matters would make India more strong and economically vibrant country.
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Stray cattle menace plagues town
Jammu, December 29 Officials at the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) stated that they had taken measures to control the menace of stray cattle in the city, but added that people who kept these cattle did not seem to obey the rules. Health and sanitation officer, JMC, Sanjay Mahey said, “We have issued directions to our staff to check the menace of stray cattle in the city.” Despite claims of the JMC that measures had been taken to check the menace of stray cattle in the city, roads can be seen dotted with stray cattle. “We have deputed two vehicles to lift the stray cattle from the city. These vehicles patrol the city and lift stray cattle,” said Dr P.R. Bharti, veterinary officer, JMC. Adding he said, “On an average, we lift more than 20 stray animals, which are brought and kept in our sheds. The owners later pay fine and get them released.” He informed that in the past nine months, Rs 4 lakh had been recovered by the JMC as a fine from the owners of stray cattle which were caught by them. “Stray cattle cause two to three accidents daily and in the past, many people had lost their lives and many more were injured when these stray cattle came in front of their vehicles,” said a police officer. The major culprit according to JMC officials is the presence of numerous dairies in residential areas in the city, where people after milking their cattle, leave them out in the open. Residents said appropriate measures should be taken so that problems created by these stray cattle can be contained, before any major untoward incident takes place. Mayor, JMC, Narinder Singh told TheTribune, “We have been and we would continue to take preventive measures to contain the menace of stray cattle in the city.”
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Parties for SC quota in state Assembly
Jammu, December 29 A copy of the resolution has already been received by the Assembly secretariat and Panthers Party MLA, Harsh Dev Singh. The need for Amendment to the constitution has risen because the is silent over the reservation of quota for the Scheduled Caste in the upper house and in the council of ministers. Members of the Assembly from the Jammu region are also in favour of supporting a resolution seeking Amendment to Section 47 of the in order to ensure equal distribution of Assembly segments between the Jammu and the Kashmir provinces. The move is aimed to garner support from Dalit voters and from a majority of people of the Jammu region who had been clamouring over continued regional discrimination. Those from the Kashmir valley may not oppose the resolution seeking reservation for SC in the Upper House and the council of ministers, but they may not support the resolution seeking increase in the number of Assembly seats in the Jammu region from 37 to 46.
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Protest in Narbal for tehsil status
Srinagar, December 29 A large numbers of residents of the locality held demonstration against the government and blocked road. Shops and commercial establishments were also closed as a mark of solidarity. Local officials calmed the protesters and said they would forward their demands to the Chief Minister. “It is injustice,” said Prof Syed Abdul Rashid, chairman of the Markazi Welfare Committee Narbal (MWCN). He said Narbal block, established in 1952, was the oldest bock in Budgam district. “We have met the Chief Minister and he assured us of corrective measures but nothing has been done so far,” he said, adding that they provided all necessary documents which would justify tehsil status for Narbal, which has 55 villages.
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Akhnoor bridge inauguration on Jan 15
Jammu, December 29 He said the work on 280-m long and 12-m broad second bridge over the Chenab was being completed at an estimated cost of Rs 21.04 crore. The minister also conducted an extensive tour of Sidhra, Bain Bajalta, Janipur, Bhalwal, Barn, Ranjan, Agore and Akhnoor to inspect the ongoing works on different roads. At Bain Bajalta, Charak inspected construction work of 38-km long double lane road being completed at an estimated cost of Rs 39.90 crore by December 2008. Interacting with the villagers, Charak said on the completion of Sidhra-Surinsar road, the journey time to Mansar, Surinsar and Samba districts would be reduced.
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School distributes uniforms
Jammu, December 29 Pandit stressed upon the children to equip themselves with latest knowledge and strive to become the bright future for the nation. He also distributed uniforms from the school mutual benefit fund among poor children besides awards.
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JeM commander shot dead
Srinagar, December 29 Pulwama ASP said they received a tip-off about the presence of militants and launched a search operation jointly with the 44 RR of the Army. He said the militants were hiding in the house of one Mohammed Abdullah Ganai. The slain insurgent was identified as Abdul Gani Dar Jangvi of Pulwama, who was an “A” category militant wanted in several militancy cases. The police recovered one AK rifle and some ammunition from the killed militant.
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Riyaz Punjabi is Kashmir varsity VC
Jammu, December 29 In an order issued by the state Governor, Lt-Gen S.K. Sinha (retd), in his capacity as the chancellor of the university, in exercise of powers vested in him under Section 12 of the Kashmir and Jammu Universities Act, 1969, Professor Punjabi has been appointed as the vice-chancellor for a period of three years with effect from the date he takes over the charge. The terms and conditions will be notified separately.
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Anganwari workers demand better wages
Jammu, December 29 Dar apprised Charak that anganwari workers and daily-wagers had demanded that their wages be enhanced and anganwari workers be promoted as supervisors. Dar also put forth the demand of increasing the retirement age of government employees from 58 years to 60 years at par with the Central government employees. Charak assured the deputation that their genuine demands would be looked into on a priority basis. He said the government was fully aware about the problems of employees.
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Jammu, Dras to have Army hospitals
New Delhi, December 29 “The government of India has already given a go ahead for nine hospitals which will be in place in three to four years. One hospital in Kargil is expected to be commissioned by October 31, 2008,” said Lieut-Gen Yogendra Singh, director-general, Armed Forces Medical Services. The hospitals will be located in Jammu, Dras, Bhuj,
Lucknow, Tezpur (Assam), Suratgarh (Rajasthan) and Mhow in Madhya Pradesh, he
said. — IANS
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Army holds medical camp
Jammu, December 29 More than 500 persons, including 200 women, benefited from the camp. Routine health check-up of all those present as well as schoolchildren were carried out and free medicines were distributed.
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Play on Christ staged
Jammu, December 29 A play “God became man”, depicting the love of God for human beings was staged to mark the occasion.
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