Bomai (Sopore), March 27
About 1,500 students up to Class XII studying in different schools in this sleepy village with a population of over 15,000, are a relaxed lot following the process of shifting of an Army camp from their locality.

This followed the tension that gripped the village for over a month after two youths were killed and another seriously injured in an unprovoked firing by troops on February 21.

The incident had led to demonstrations in the area and elsewhere, as the residents demanded action against those guilty and shifting of the Army’s camp of 22 RR.

It is for the first time in the history of violence in Kashmir that the authorities had to accept the public demand for shifting an Army camp.

“The camp located between two leading schools had been a cause of concern for the students,” says a resident here. He adds that most of the times the students had to surrender their identity cards that would be returned only after they got purchases for the men in uniform from local shops. The school students now feel relaxed, says a youth.

“Now, these girls play freely in the school lawns,” points out a teacher of local Government Girls High School, which has a roll of more than 200 from class VI to class X. He points towards the backside wall of the school ground where the view from the other side was blocked with the erection of long tin sheets.

This blockade was created after the trouble started in the village last month, with the residents claiming that the troops at the camp with bad intentions had been peeping through.

Udhampur, March 27
The condition of centuries-old Krimachi Pandava temples negates the claims of the authorities to promote the cultural heritage and tourism.

The temples that withstood the vagaries of time are presently virtually shouting for their recognition among the common masses. Standing tall amidst eerie silence, the group of seven ancient temples that are a wonderful piece of craftsmanship give unforgettable experience to people visiting the place.

Ironically, this historically significant place that is one of the most appropriate sites as far as heritage tourism is concerned has been deprived of the basic infrastructures like the road connectivity and the drinking water facility. Although some steps have been taken to repair the damaged parts of these historical temples, the administration has so far done nothing to provide the road connectivity to the tourist spot.

The group of ancient temples surrounded by the picturesque locations is located at Krimachi, a small hamlet on the Udhampur-Pancheri Road in Udhampur district. Dating perhaps to the eighth century AD, the complex consists of five large and two small shrines dedicated to the Lord Shiva situated on the banks of the two rivulets namely Birunala and Krimachi.

Despite being preserved as monument of national importance and presently managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for the last over 50 years, the place is still waiting for its proper development, which is the reason why a number of tourists drop the idea of visiting these monumental structures.

But it is astonishing and painful to note that the agencies concerned do not care to take up any of these, except some renovation and preservation work at the complex site by the Department of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and few photographs published in some pamphlets of the Tourism Department in the name of publicity and exploration.

As the managing agency of the complex, the ASI is trying its best to preserve the pristine glory of the ancient monuments for which the restoration work is still going on.

“The carving and fixing of stones for some portions of the temples, which got worn out with the passage of time, is being done by some local craftsmen currently and the raw material for the purpose is being exported and excavated from Dansoo Nallah near Kishanpur in the Dansal area,” said Prem Chand, a monument attendant and a resident of the nearby village Mansar.

Resident of adjoining Dabreh village Ranjit Singh, who came here along with his family to pay obeisance, told that the development of the heritage site could not be achieved until and unless a proper road connection is evolved and added that the government seldom speaks regarding the pilgrim-tourism promotion at these ancient stone made Pandava temples.

Jammu, March 27
Jammu and Kashmir is again warming up to elections. Just three months after the Assembly elections, the residents, all political parties and the government are in election mode.

Most of the parties continue putting up same candidates whom they think have a higher probability to win. Some parties have chosen candidates who rode some popular wave and have become fresh public figure. While some parties are thinking to nominate younger candidates.

Each candidate puts his best foot forward in convincing the voters that he is the best. However, voters are the best judge. They may think someone who lost last elections did better job in raising their issues than those who were victorious. There would be many who think winning candidates did better job as they raised people’s voice at the highest level.

As far as the sitting MPs are concerned, there are ample means in this age of free flow of information to judge their performance.

PRS Legislature, a Delhi-based research organisation, has provided to The Tribune the detailed data of actions of the six sitting MPs of Jammu and Kashmir. These include Abdul Rashid Shaheen from Baramullah, Chaudhary Lal Singh, who is favourite to be re-nominated by the Congress for the Udhampur-Doda seat, Madan Lal Sharma from Jammu (also set to be re-nominated by the Congress) and Thustan Chhewang from Ladakh.

Two MPs who resigned from the Lok Sabha and won the Assembly elections are Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti. Omar represented the Srinagar seat while Mehboba won from Anantnag. Against the national average of 30 questions asked by a given MP, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of the National Conference has the dubious distinction of not asking a single question in his almost five years tenure in the Lok Sabha. He resigned on January 6 this year.

His counterpart, Mehbooba Mufti of the PDP can’t boast much either on this ground. She asked only eight questions. She also almost completed five years as she resigned on January 13 to contest the Assembly elections.

Ladakh MP Thupstan Chhewang, an independent candidate, was little better as he asked 24 questions. However, the national average is 169 questions asked by an MP.

Abdul Rashid Shaheen from Baramullah can hold his head high in this sphere. He asked whopping 353 questions, almost double the national average.

Congress MP Madan Lal Sharma from Jammu was almost at par. He raised his voice by asking 170 questions. Another Congress MP, Ch Lal Singh asked 40 questions, falling far below the national average.

Attendance in Parliament is another parameter used to evaluate the performance of MPs. All MPs, barring Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, were present more than an average MP was in Parliament.

Omar and Mehbooba’s attendance was only 48 per cent whereas the average attendance is 69 per cent. National Conference MP Abdul Rashid Shaheen was again the best with 81 per cent attendance.

Participation in debates is another benchmark in performance evaluation. Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti and Thupstan Chhewang took part in far less debates than the national average of attending 30 debates.

While Omar took part in six debates, Mehbooba in 14, the Ladakh MP attended 16 debates. Only one MP, Ch Lal Singh moved a private member Bill in Parliament.

Jammu, March 27
In view of the rising threat of global warming, countries around the world will observe Earth Hour on March 28 by switching off lights from 8.30 p.m to 9.30 p.m.

Earth Hour 2009 aims to reach more than one billion people in 1,000 cities around the world, asking the communities, businesses and governments to switch off the lights for one hour on March 28, the last Saturday of the month. With film stars and cricket players pleading with the masses to join the campaign, many Jammu residents vowed to observe the day by switching off the lights for one hour.

Talking to The Tribune, a cross-section of the city promised that they would observe the hour by joining hands with the world community. Ankush Sharma, a student, said this was a good example to save energy, which would eventually help control global warming. “We will observe Earth Hour. It will create a consciousness among the masses”.

Sahil Koul, another student, said, “Earth provides us with all the essentials of life and this should be our responsibility to protect, care and make her more beautiful.” Some feel such campaigns should become regular. Rimmi Bhat, a resident of Barnai, said: “We should adopt a new vision to make the world a better place to live in.”

Jaishri Pantida, a resident of Patoli, said, “If the billons of people of the world are contributing to it, then why not we. We will also observe the day, as it is our prime responsibility to do a little for Mother Nature.”

Swaranjeet Kour, a resident of Digiana, said she would observe Earth Hour for future generations. “Yes, we will observe the hour. At least, the global community should realise that there is a dire need to save our planet.If the phenomenon of the global warming continues to spread as it is now, then not only our lives but also the lives of all creatures would be in danger.”

Assar (Ramban), March 27
After the sinking of a 200 metre stretch between Assar and Trungal on the National Highway 1-B, the authorities have constructed an alternative track to connect Doda and Kishtwar districts with the rest of the world as an emergent measure.

The alternative track was constructed on a war-footing, as due to the blockade, inhabitants of both the mountainous districts were facing a shortage of essential commodities and restoration of traffic was must to ensure supply of ration in the cut-off areas.

The alternative track constructed between Trungal and Assar via Ugana Chamkala seems to be unsafe, as soil erosion is going unabated in this belt. Many portions of this highway are experiencing soil erosion and there is a fear among the people that the track would be blocked after first rainfall of the season.

“It is just a cosmetic arrangement. There is a dire need to construct alternative road through safe zones”, said Mushtaq Ahmed of Assar, who pointed out that many points on the road have already developed some cracks. The geological experts have already identified some spots on the highway, including the newly constructed track between Trungal and Assar, which are prone to landslides.

Mushtaq Ahmed informed that the alternative track was constructed without taking preventing measures to arrest the soil erosion.

Echoing similar views, Abdul Rashid another resident, said the track from Trungal and Pul-Doda has been already declared unsafe and some spots near Koura Pani and Jathi have been experiencing continuous soil erosion and sinking of the highway.

Some spots between Kouri Pani and Khelani have already developed cracks due to continuous seepage of water in the rocks. After sinking of the stretch between Trungal and Assar, a team of the geological experts had conducted survey of the Batote-Kishtwar National Highway and declared 30 km portion of this highway as unsafe. For the last one month, this road started sinking at Koura Pani, Naibli, Gagla, Jathi, Khelani, Kashi and Pul-Doda. Sources informed that due to the filling of the reservoir of the Baglihar hydroelectric project, seepage of water started in this belt, thereby resulting in the weakening of the soil.

Jammu, March 27
The Government Girl’s Higher Secondary School, Rehari Colony, lacks basic facilities of potable water and toilets, due to which students and teachers are facing hardships.

Though there is one water cooler installed in the school premises, that too is defunct. There are around 800 students and 57 teachers in the school. The school needs immediate attention of the government and the authorities.

“During the summer, we have to beg for a drop of water from people who reside here or have to remain thirsty”, said a student of Class X.

Principal of the school Ravinder Kour Raina said, “During the summer, the problem gets worse, as the students and the staff face trouble due to the scarcity of the potable water in the school premises.”

“We are managing the affairs by getting water tanks from the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department after so many pleadings but that also comes to an end within two days. Immediate and permanent solution is required for solving this problem”, she said.

“We have appealed several times to the PHE Department for daily supply of the water in the school but they are not considering our issue seriously,” added Raina.

Senior assistant of the school Vinod Bala said though the PHE Department has laid pipes in the school but water comes after three or four days forcing the students to get potable water from the people who reside near to this school.

Another major problem confronted by the students is that the toilets of the school are in pathetic condition. Stink emanates from the toilets making it almost difficult for the students to use the toilet in the absence of water.

A student of Class XII said, “The toilets are in broken condition and in the absence of water it becomes difficult for us to use the toilets as foul smell comes out from these”.

School’s sanitation condition was also not good, as the garbage was scattered here and there in the school premises. The school does not have dustbins for dumping garbage.

Meanwhile, repeated attempts to contact the director school education Zahida Khan proved futile.

Should the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) impose house and sanitation tax? SUNAINA KAUL asks a cross section of residents. Here is what they have to say:

Srinagar, March 27
Depicting agony and struggle of a newly married couple, who have been ostracised by society for their revolt against elders, the play “Local Taxes Extra” won rounds of applause by audience at Tagore Hall here during the eight-day annual drama festival 2008-09.

The play depicted how tranquility, happiness and joy of a couple are time and again shadowed by “maalik-e-makan” (house owner), who gives his house on rent to the couple and derives extra benefits, besides rent from them.

The couple in stage-play finds no alternative, but to reconcile with the situation. The character of the couple was played by well-known actors, Shadi Koul (as Bushan Lal) and Shaheen Reshi (as Usha Rani). Shafi Khan (as Gashi Ram) played the role of a servant and Farooq Sheikh, the house owner. Written by Dr Sohan Lal Koul, the play was produced by Kalidas Theatre, Srinagar.

The sets of the play were designed by Iftikhar Hussain, while costume, make-up and music by Shabir Bhat, Arshad Nowshehri and Mudasir Ali, respectively.

Ayash Arif, director of play, said, “The play was performed 30 years back and today it was re-enacted”.

Describing theatre as “one of the greatest medium that helps in purgation of feeling emotions” he said comedy, one of important genres of theatre, served dual purpose.

“It works as satire to ratify ills of society, fight social evils, imbibe human values and also helps in catharsis. The play is an attempt at achieving both.”

Mehboob Cultural Society’s production, “April Fool” focused on awakening public consciousness on the preservation of water bodies in the state, in a satirical form. Holding human greed responsible, the play conveyed a message that if people didn’t rise above their vested interests, they would be responsible for leaving behind a legacy not welcome by future generations.

The play, “Hawas”, produced by Maqbool Theatre Kralawari-Budgam, depicted how a king used money of state exchequer to satisfy his personal needs. Apart from the element of entertainment, romance and tragedy, the play staged ways and means of corruption and social evils at various levels.

Feroz Cultural Forum’s production “Ye Kyuth Samaj” staged a story of father-daughter becoming victims of cruelty and injustice with son waging war against society in order to take revenge of his father and exposing evildoer, was a scathing attack on hoardings, cheating and hypocrisy.

“Adhoray Khaab”, the only drama in Pahari in the festival, was a social play that carried a contemporary story of an average tribal family.

Roshan Art Centre’s “Archekaal” depicted some new experiments in theatre art and was related to various historical aspects also.

Actors Creative Theatre’s play “Taqdeer Saaz” was a satire on society and exposed corrupt practices prevalent in society.

Jammu, March 27
Reliance Communications has opened Reliance mobile stores (RMS) in Jammu division. Arvind Kumar, regional hub head of the company, said customers could avail both prepaid and postpaid services with solutions to their queries at these stores and pay up their bills and buy all Reliance products. Jammu will have three RMS whereas Katra, Udhampur, Samba and Kathua will have one each. — TNS