The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

	Outsiders elbow out local candidates for Chenani seat Dinesh Manhotra Tribune News Service Chenani, November 2 Although the Congress has yet not finalised its candidate for the Chenani Assembly constituency, resentment is brewing among residents as “outsider candidates” are being given the mandate by main political parties. The residents are of the view that local candidates should be given the mandate for this Assembly seat, which is reserved for a Scheduled Caste (SC) candidate. The Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) has already announced to retain its sitting MLA Faqir Nath, while the BJP has finalised the name of Dina Nath, a retired officer of Forest Department, for this Assembly constituency. Faqir Nath, who had won the seat in the 2002 elections, belongs to Jammu district, while as Dina Nath belongs to Udhampur tehsil. The BSP has also decided to field Kapoor Chand, also an outsider, from this seat. “In the two successive elections we were represented by outsiders and this is the main reason for the prevailing backwardness in the area”, Ravinder Singh, a resident of Chenani town, said. He regretted that three main political parties had once again imposed “outsiders” on them. Echoing a similar view, Bua Ditta opined that only a local person could address people’s problems. “During the past six years, we hardly met our MLA as he belongs to Jammu district and visits us occasionally”, he alleged. Local resident Arvind Kumar said: “We are not against any candidate but political parties should keep in mind people’s aspirations, while deciding candidates”. Meanwhile, due to the growing resentment among locals against outsiders, the Congress leadership is thinking to give its mandate to a local candidate. In the 2002 elections, the Congress lost the elections by a narrow margin. “This time we don’t want to take any chance. Discussions are going on within the party to field a strong candidate”, a senior party leader, said.
	If voted to power, NC to give stipend to unemployed Tribune News Service Jammu, November 2 National Conference provincial president Ajay Sadhotra today claimed that there has been a strong wave in favour of the NC and the party would form the next government under Farooq Abdullah. Addressing a public meet at Gajansoo near here today, Sadhotra said the people of the state had a bitter experience of the six-year rule of the Congress-PDP combine. While the erstwhile coalition government brought miseries to the people, the BJP has been exploiting them in the name of religion and region, he added. He asked the people to defeat such forces, which are trying to exploit them in the name of religion and region. He also played the unemployment card saying that NC has accorded top-most priority to address the issue of unemployment and if we come to power the party has certain plans up its sleeves. “Till the time youth does not get employment the party would provide stipend to such unemployed youth,” he said. He said the party would also strive hard for giving a OBC status to the Jats and Jogies. In the meeting, a large number of workers of the BJP and Congress joined the National Conference.
	BJP leader says no to politics Our Correspondent Jammu, November 2 Prof Hari Om has opted for political sanyas after quitting the BJP recently. He said here today that "I have decided not to join any political party though some had approached me after I resigned from the BJP where I was functioning as the party's vice-president." He said "I have decided to delink myself from any political activity." He said he would be devoting full time to writing columns in regional and national newspapers and magazines. Hari Om used to be considered an important member of the BJP think-tank as he would feed the party leaders with ideas for berating its political rivals. The BJP leader said he had felt disillusioned when some senior BJP leaders started demanding the party ticket for their wives and children for the forthcoming elections.
	Visit of US, Israeli army chiefs suspicious: CPM Srinagar, November 2 Expressing apprehension over the visits of the US and Israeli army chiefs to Jammu and Kashmir, the CPM has said such a nexus was suspicious. CPM state secretary Mohd Yousuf Tarigami also came down heavily on the Centre for being oblivious to the continued harassment and undue detention of Muslim youths across the country whenever any terrorist attack took place. Addressing a party convention at Nipor in Devsar in South Kashmir today, Tarigami expressed dismay over the Kashmir situation being dealt only by force and harsh administrative measures. He said it was at such a time that the Israeli army chief visited Kashmir in the first week of September, followed by the visit of the US army chief to Ladakh. He said the police and the state machinery were allegedly targeting the muslim community in the country. Tarigami said: “It is unfair to denigrate the entire Muslim community because of alleged involvement of some youths in undesirable activities.” About the recent arrest of separatist leaders under the Public Safety Act (PSA) in the valley, he expressed unhappiness and demanded their immediate release in the interests of the ongoing democratic process. At the same time, he also cautioned the elements coercing people to stay away from the electoral process. — UNI
	80 security cos deployed in Poonch Jammu, November 2 With a view to ensuring incident-free elections in Poonch district in the first phase of polling, 80 companies of paramilitary forces and the police have been deployed there, the police said. Poonch district, which falls in the category of militancy-prone belts in Jammu and Kashmir, has over 70 per cent of the sensitive and hyper-sensitive polling stations. The forces have already taken positions on hilltops and sensitive places in the district, they said. There are 373 polling stations in the district of which 119 are hypersensitive and 105 sensitive. Fortysix candidates are in the fray in the Poonch-Haveli, Mendhar and Surankote assembly segments. As many as 2,59,580 voters, including 1,32,107 men and 1,27,473 women, will cast their votes during the first phase of polling. — PTI
	Malegaon Blast Conspiracy against Hindu outfits: RSS Tribune News Service Jammu, November 2 The RSS today termed the recent moves made by the Mumbai ATS in connection with the Malegaon blast case as a "conspiracy to malign the image of Hindu outfits" in the country. Interacting with the media, RSS national executive committee member Ram Madhav said the Congress and some of its allies, which were "siding with the known terror outfits like SIMI and Indian Mujahideen, were trying to create a myth of Hindu terror". He said SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav openly supported SIMI which was banned by the Supreme Court for its "terrorist activities". He said it was unfortunate that even army officers were being doubted and fingers were being raised on a reputed institution like Bhosala Military School, Nagpur, in the Malegaon blast case. He admitted that Sadhvi Pragya Singh was associated with the ABVP in 1997, but said she had no direct links with any of the RSS outfits after that. Apparently referring to votebank politics, he said politics being played over the issue would end on its own after the forthcoming elections. On the coming Lok Sabha poll, he said the way the people were feeling threatened today in the wake of rising terror strikes they would certainly look for an alternative in the next elections. Lauding the nationalist forces in Jammu for their success in the Amarnath land agitation, Madhav said it had sent a clear message to the Centre as well as the state government that the "appeasement of separatist forces in the valley will no longer be tolerated". He strongly advocated abrogation of Article 370, stating that "only separatists and militants have got its advantage". Article 370 had hurt interests of the Jammu and Ladakh regions and it was the root cause of all ills afflicting the strife-torn state, he charged. On a query regarding the widening rift between the Jammu and Kashmir regions after the land row, Madhav said: "The rift is only between the patriotic people of Jammu and secessionists in the Kashmir valley and that tension will always remain there." He said the land agitation was not against any religion or any particular section of society. On the land row becoming an electoral issue, Madhav said the agitation should indeed be one of the main poll issues and all parties should come clean on their stand over it.
	Separatists’ Arrest Violent protests continue Srinagar, November 2 Tension gripped parts of interior city as groups of youths took to streets to protest against the arrest of separatist leaders and indulged in stone-pelting today, prompting security forces to fire teargas shells and use batons to restore order, official sources said. Shouting “pro-freedom” slogans, angry mobs appeared at Saraf Kadal, Rajouri Kadal, Nowhatta, Bohrikadal and adjoining areas in the close vicinity of historic Jamia Masjid in downtown Srinagar and pelted stones on police and paramilitary personnel, the sources said. They said the police initially used batons to disperse the swelling crowds. As the baton charge proved ineffective, police fired tear gas shells to restore law and order, the sources added. At least 50 persons, including 29 security personnel were injured in violent clashes on Friday in the sensitive localities, considered as the stronghold of chairman of the moderate faction of Hurriyat Conference Mirwaiz Umer Farooq. The latest clashes forced the local shopkeepers to pull down the shutters, while the traffic was diverted to other routes, the sources said. The authorities yesterday slapped the Public Safety Act on JKLF leader Mohammad Yaseen Malik, arrested on October 23 for taking part in the separatist anti-poll campaign. Besides Malik, over 12 prominent separatist leaders including Shabir Shah, G N Sumji, Nayeem Khan, Nissar Rather, Asiya Indrabi, Hakeem Abdul Rashid, G M Hubi, G M Khan Sopori and Moulvi Shoukat Ahmad Shah have been arrested in recent weeks following the announcement of elections in the state. Meanwhile, CPM leader M.Y. Tarigami today demanded the release of separatist leaders, including JKLF leader Mohammad Yaseen Malik, who have been arrested in recent weeks for taking part in an anti-poll campaign. “We are unhappy over the recent arrests of leaders particularly under the Public Safety Act and demand their immediate release in the interests of the ongoing democratic process,” the party state secretary said while addressing a rally at Nipora in the Devsar constituency in Anantnag district. Tarigami alleged the Kashmir situation is "dealt only by force and harsh administrative measures" by the Centre. He also accused the Centre of being “oblivious” to the harassment of Muslim youths. — PTI
	Farmers unhappy, won’t get whole of land back BSF realigning fence near zero line Ravi Krishnan Khajuria Tribune News Service Jammu, November 2 The BSF’s move to relocate fence close to the Zero Line on the 187-km-long international border has failed to cheer up farmers in the Bishnah tehsil, on whose agricultural land the fence was once erected. Earlier, when the fence came up, farmers from Kaku-De-Kothe, Rakh, Chanana, Pindi Kadwal, Pindi Camp, Pindi Chadkan, Jabowal, Trewa, Kotla Camp and Chak Gorian villages were the main sufferers. The BSF did set up gates and fixed the timings to enter the fields but it was a difficult proposition for farmers to cultivate their land in a fixed way. Now, when the BSF has started realigning the fence, many farmers say they will still be a loser as in certain pockets the fencing would be realigned some 150 to 200 metres from the Zero Line. Talking to The Tribune, former MLA from Bishnah Ashwani Sharma said the BSF though had been relocating the fence, it was not being done properly. Besides apprising the BSF authorities, we had taken up the matter with Jammu divisional commissioner Sudhanshu Pandey and Jammu deputy commissioner, said Sharma. Since actual work had started well before the announcement of polls in the state we would shortly give a representation to Governor N.N. Vohra, he added. However, the BSF explain that they could not move the fence to the Zero Line as international conventions didn’t allow such a move. J.B. Sangwan, DIG BSF Jammu Frontier, admitted that farmers close to the IB have suffered, following which we have been relocating the fence under government instructions. “But the fence can’t be taken to the Zero Line because international conventions doesn’t allow the same,” he said. Some land has to be left and fencing work is being done some 70 metres to 80 metres short of the Zero Line, he said, adding that in certain areas the distance was 100 metres. Presently, in some areas close to the IB piece of land as big as 2 square kilometers have been fenced out but we are now relocating the fence for the convenience of farmers, the DIG said.
	Pulwama to have world Sikh varsity Tribune News Service Jammu, November 2 The World Sikh foundation has taken up an ambitious mission to construct a "world Sikh university" at a whopping cost of Rs 500 crore at Tral village in Pulwama district. The university aims at educating people with the basic teachings of Guru Granth Sahib and the 10 Sikh Gurus, besides providing education in other subjects. Quality of education will be on the pattern of Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, Stanford and Yale universities, said Jaswant Singh Mann, president of the World Sikh Foundation, who has also elected president of the university. Besides studies in Sikh religion, the university will include faculties in humanities, science, commerce, management, law, medicine, engineering, biotechnology, interfaith study in Islam and other world religions. Besides the main campus, the university would have many regional campuses in other districts of the valley Mann said.
	ABVP begins students’ awareness march today Tribune News Service Jammu, November 2 The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarathi Parishad (ABVP) would organise the students’ awareness march from Poonch and Kishtwar to Jammu on November 3. State ABVP secretary Suresh Magotra said here today said the aim of the march was to raise basic problems of the student community in the state. After beginning from Poonch, the rally would pass through Surankot, Rajouri, Kalakot, Nowshahra, Sunderbani, Chocki Chora, Khod, Akhnoor, Jourian, R.S Pura, Samba and would conclude at Jammu. Meanwhile, the rally from Kishtwar en route to Jammu would cover areas like Bhaderwah, Doda, Ramban, Udhampur, Katra University, Ramnagar, Mahanpur, Kathua and Hira Nagar. He said the parishad demanded a separate competent authority for equal sharing of seats in professional colleges like MBBS, engineering and others. The other demands of the parishad, included formation of an education commission in the state to deal with education without any political interference.
	Physically challenged rue raw deal Ashutosh Sharma Tribune News Service Jammu: For the past over 20 years, J. Chatrapal has not been able to board any public transport vehicle. Reason: he is physically challenged and the footboard of buses is 2 to 2.5 feet high, making it impossible for people like him and elderly to travel in public transport vehicles. A newsreader at Radio Kashmir, Chatrapal said: “In passenger vehicles, seats are not reserved for the disabled. No efforts are being made to bring the disabled into the mainstream. The government should sensitise the masses.” “Although there are standing instructions from the government that all new government buildings should be built keeping in mind the welfare of disabled, guidelines are not being followed in our state to provide facilities to the disabled”, Chatrapal said. He further alleged that the Department of Social Welfare had never created awareness among masses for the disabled. According to the 2001 census, there are as many as 3,03,670 persons with disabilities in the state which constitutes for 3 per cent of the total population. This includes 208,713 persons with visual disabilities; 14,157 with impaired hearing; 16,956 with speech disability; 37, 965 with locomotor disability and 24, 879 with mental disability. Dr Ashvini Jojra, founder president of the Serving All Humanity Yearning Over the Globe (SAHYOG), an NGO working for the rights and welfare of physically and mentally challenged, said the government should initiate measures for the welfare of the disabled. “Most of the welfare policies are only on papers and the disabled are unaware of their rights and privileges”, Jojra said. He said the public transport system did not adhere to the norms as seats meant for the physically challenged were not reserved. “Most of the hospitals, colleges, schools, auditoriums and other buildings of public use are being made without taking into consideration the physically challenged,” Jojra said.
	Shortage of milk products Tribune News Service Jammu, November 2 Owing to the festive and marriage season, there is a shortage of milk products in city markets. Though there has been no decline in the production of milk and milk products in the city, the demand for the same has increased manifold. According to milk producers, more than 90 per cent of the products are being consumed in marriages and other functions. Production of sweets on Diwali has also added to the shortage, they say. Meenakshi Bhat, a resident of Barnai, said: “Cheese is not available at dairy shops in our area. As far milk is concerned, you have to be content with black tea if you get up late. “The shopkeepers would show empty vessels just within an hour of opening of their shops,” she adds. Radika Soni, a resident of Jewel Chowk, said: “Due to shortage, we have opted for the milk powder for the time being.” An owner of a dairy shop at TalabTillo said: “These are marriage days. Milk, curd and cheese (Paneer) are consumed in bulk on these occasions. We have advance bookings made by customers for these occasions.” “With no increase in the production, the shortage is to be felt by the common people. But this is a temporary phase. Every thing would be normal within a fortnight,” he added. Other dairy shop owners at Rehari and Janipur expressed similar views.
	150 cataract patients examined Tribune News Service Jammu, November 2 A free cataract detection camp was organised by th National Youth Child and Women Empowerment Society at Jinder Melu village in the R.S. Pura area today. About 150 persons were examined by a team of doctors headed by Kamal Gupta and were given free of cost medicines. The camp is part of a five-day free medical checkup camp organised by the NGO in collaboration with the chief medical officer (CMO), Jammu. NGO president Suman Kapil said efforts were being made to reach out to the far-flung areas of the Jammu region where people were not getting regular medical help. Kapil said more such camps were being planned in the entire border belt and necessary preparations were being made for the same. A social worker from the area, Garu Ram Mottan, while appreciating the work of the CMO and the NGO, urged them to provide more facilities to the poor and downtrodden. About 1,000 persons will be examined during the five-day camp. Sushil Kumar, executive member of the NGO said such camps would also be organised in other districts of the state.
	Age bone of contention; HC orders fresh inquiry Legal Correspondent Jammu, November 2 Allowing a criminal revision filed by Mohd Kalam, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court has directed the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Jammu, to hold fresh inquiry into the age of petitioner at the time of commission of offence. Kalam produced a birth certificate issued by ex-medical officer, Durgapur steel plant, and another certificate of registrar, Durgapur Municipal Corporation, to support his contention that he was a juvenile at the time of alleged commission of offence. During course of inquiry, the CJM, Jammu, got the accused examined from Standing Medical Board of Government Medical College, Jammu, which certified him to be more than 20 years of age. Acting on the opinion, the CJM, held petitioner to be more than seventeen years of age at the time of commission of offence on February 11, 2002, which came to be challenged in the criminal revision. The high court held: “The learned CJM has determined petitioner’s age without taking any steps to examine functionaries of the medical board, which had given opinion regarding age of the accused or providing any opportunity to accused to cross-examine authorities which had opined his age more than sixteen years at the time of occurrence.
	Power shortage rued Tribune News Service Udhampur, November 2 The state JD (S) has expressed concern over the poor power supply in the Sartangal area of Bhaderwah tehsil in Doda. In a statement issued here today, acting president of the JD (S) Mast Nath Yogi said though work on a power project in the area had been initiated during the regime of Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad, the project had failed to deliver due to rampant corruption prevailing in the system. Yogi claimed that recently more than Rs 27 crore had been spent to rectify the machinery etc for ensuring smooth power supply but the efforts did not prove fruitful. Yogi further called for high-level inquiry into the matter and demanded early restoration of work on the mini power projects already sanctioned at the Attalgar and Bhalla areas of Bhaderwah.
	Show-cause notices to hotels Jammu, November 2 The Pollution Control Board (PCB) has issued show-cause notices to 42 hotels and restaurants in Katra. “We have issued show-cause notices to 42 hotels and restaurants in Katra over the spread of water pollution”, a PCB official said on Sunday. The notices were given to hotel and restaurant owners over failure to obtain statutory consent under Section 25 and 21 of the Water Prevention and Control of Pollution Act and the Air Prevention and Control of Pollution Acts, respectively, from the board. The failure to adopt anti-pollution devices and prevention measures by these hotels and restaurants, the PCB has given them show-cause notices as to why these hotels and restaurants should not be sealed. They have been given a 15-day time to file their response or they would be sealed. — PTI