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Shopian Case
Gloom descends on victims’ family
Bodies likely to be exhumed today
Govt ultimatum to SRTC staff
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PDP sets forth debate on self-rule
Pak invitation for Hurriyat Conference
Security up around Sewa power project
A typical Gujjar hut in Jammu and Kashmir. The community has invited AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi to stay with them in these huts.
Photo: Inderjeet Singh
Migrants suspend stir
Scam in CAP Department
First MC coffee house for Jammu
Trapped militant escapes with wife
Rs 72 lakh more for militancy-hit
Governor, CM greet people on Dussehra
‘Return, rehabilitation separate issues’
World Tourism Day celebrated
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Doc sent fictitious slides to lab: CBI
Srinagar, September 27 The doctor from Pulwama district hospital, who was part of the team for the second post-mortem examination, was questioned by the CBI team camping here during which she told the investigators that no vaginal swab was ever taken of the two victims - Neelofar (22) and Aasiya (17), sources said today. The doctor broke down during the questioning and narrated the entire sequence of events to the CBI officials, sources added. The doctor had taken samples from the gloves used in the gynaecological ward of the district hospital and prepared a slide that showed presence of semen. The CBI reportedly conducted searches at the hospital late last night and seized various pairs of gloves and records available at the hospital. While the CBI was officially tightlipped about the case, sources said the woman doctor told the CBI that she had done that as the public pressure was mounting. The CBI team that searched the hospital last night was accompanied by the doctor. The exhumation of bodies was expected to be undertaken tomorrow. The family members of the victim had given permission for the same. The CBI took over the investigation into the case on September 17 and a team headed by DIG Satish Golcha has been camping here since then. The agency’s Special Director SC Sinha also visited here recently to take stock of the situation. Last month, it came to light that the forensic evidence relating to vaginal swabs of the two victims did not match with that of - Neelofar and Aasiya. The special investigating team (SIT) headed by Farooq Ahmed, at present IGP (Kashmir), had sent these to CFSL for making a DNA profile of the tissue cells. According to the daily diary report in the case, the slides, prepared at the district hospital in Pulwama, were taken to the residence of the doctor, questioned by the CBI, where these were sealed and handed over to the FSL. It may be mentioned that Nazia Hassan, a doctor in the first medical team, had deposed before the Justice Jan Commission that she could not conduct vaginal examination of the victims because of “rigor mortis” (stiffness in the body after death). The second woman doctor had stunned everyone by claiming that she had been able to take vaginal swabs and also prepared slides for the forensic examination. — PTI
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Gloom descends on victims’ family
Shopian, September 27 The bodies of Shakeel’s wife, Neelofar (22), and his sister, Asiya (17), were recovered from the Ranbiara rivulet on
May 30. This resulted in widespread demonstrations seeking identification and stern action against the culprits. Shopian observed a complete shutdown for 47 days in protest against the
incident. After about four months of the incident, the family now once again feels to have been faced with “yet another mourning” ahead of exhumation of the bodies for investigations being conducted by
the CBI. The CBI formally took over the case 10 days ago from the SIT of the police. The state government had earlier also appointed a judicial commission under former Justice Muzaffar Jan to look into the case. The Ahangar family has pinned hopes on the CBI investigations to find the real culprits behind the rape and killing of two women. “We have cooperated with all investigating agencies,” said Shakeel Ahmad Ahangar adding that the exhumation was yet another “distressing” situation for the family, which had been in a state of mourning. He said the family was convinced that the CBI probe would help making public what had been left by the earlier investigations. Shakeel’s elder sister, Aayisha from Pulwama, recalls her last visit to her parents’ house on the day when her younger sister, Asiya, and sister-in-law, Neelofar, had left for
the orchard in the nearby village. The two never returned and for the past four months it had been a long wait to know about the real culprits and the action taken against them. The innocent craving of two-year-old Sozain, Shakeel’s son, has not died down for his mother,
she says. Neelofar’s father, Syed Abdul Hai, laments that nobody had taken pains to solve the case adding that the government was trying to hush it up. The coordination committee spearheading the agitation on the issue is also hopeful of positive results following the exhumation of the bodies as part of the CBI investigations. “This is the only way out,” said Mohammad Shafi Khan of the committee.
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Bodies likely to be exhumed today
Srinagar, September 27 The CBI had taken over the case on September 16 from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the state police, which was investigating it under the supervision of IG, Kashmir range. A 12-member team of the CBI has been camping here since September 17, after the government directed it to hold investigations. After the CBI took over and started fresh investigations into the four-month-old case of the rape and murder of Neelofar and her 17-year-old sister-in-law, it has already got the consent of the family for exhumation of the bodies.
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Govt ultimatum to SRTC staff
Jammu, September 27 Meanwhile, SRTC, Jammu, employees have refused to call off their agitation and said they were ready to take the government head on. SRTC Managing Director Anup Kannaw said, “The situation has gone to the extent where common people and devotees from other states are getting badly affected, which the state administration cannot tolerate. We will have to be tough on the protesters now. But if they come to the negotiating table, we are ready to go four steps forward to resolve the impasse.” He did not clarify as to what he meant by tough measures. Provincial president, SRTC, Ashok Mehra said though the government was ready to pay them pending salary of the past four months, they would not accept the offer unless it was paid as per the Sixth Pay Commission package. Kannaw said the government had given Rs 14 crore to pay two-month salary to the employees, but he had managed to arrange for their salary for two more months. Kannaw has welcomed the readiness of SRTC employees to opt for VRS. “The state government is ready to pay to employees opting for VRS, as it has kept aside Rs 58 crore for the purpose. Sadly, none is coming to us for it.” He also refuted rumours about the closure of the SRTC wing at Jammu. Ashok Mehra said they would not go to state government to beg. The government should invite them, he added. |
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PDP sets forth debate on self-rule
Srinagar, September 27 The self-rule formula was grounded in the contemporary realities of the sub-continent but takes into account the historical context of the problem without getting bogged down by the decades-old baggage of hatred, wars, violence, political deceit and unkept promises, he said “We will have to cut through the frozen mindsets to lead our state out of the miseries without compromising our dignity, self-respect or economic interests,” Mufti said. Expressing anxiety over the current “downslide” in Indo- Pak relations, Mufti asked India and Pakistan to accede to the aspirations of people of the state. He hoped that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would take measures that are aimed not just to secure the gains of the peace process so far, but widen its scope to make a real difference in the lives of people. Speaking on the occasion, PDP president, Mehbooba Mufti said as a first step to the realisation of the concept of self- rule it was necessary to completely revoke AFSPA and demilitarise the civilian areas of the state. She said the government itself had placed the number of active militants in the state at 700 and it was not understandable as to why the establishment was keen on retaining the same level of troops in the state. She said people here would continue to simmer with anger and discontent until the civil society was not provided unrestricted space for asserting its rights without the security forces breathing down their necks. The day-long seminar, inaugurated by the party president Mehbooba Mufti, was attended by senior party leaders and representatives of the civil society, including intellectuals, academicians, professionals, prominent citizens and the youth of the area. |
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Pak invitation for Hurriyat Conference
Srinagar, September 27 The invitation was extended by Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi to the APHC chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq in New York, on the sidelines of OIC foreign ministers’ meet. A spokesman of the APHC said Mirwaiz held meetings with the foreign ministers of various member countries of the OIC and discussed the Kashmir issue. He has also reported to have met the Afghanistan-based UN representatives in New York. In his address at the OIC meet, the APHC chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq put forth eight-point agenda for a “peaceful and political solution to the Kashmir issue” and reiterated his stand for a “meaningful dialogue” between India, Pakistan and the leadership of Jammu and Kashmir. These included demilitarisation through phased withdrawal of troops of both India and Pakistan from the area under their respective control, and a complete withdrawal of India’s military presence from Kashmiri towns and villages. Mirwaiz also sought an immediate repeal of some laws, including Jammu and Kashmir Disturbed Area Act, Public Safety Act and Armed Forces Special Powers Act. He also sought an end to human rights violations, restoration of the right of peaceful association, assembly and demonstrations, release of all political prisoners, freedom of all political leaders to travel abroad etc. Mirwaiz held that Kashmir was the main cause of tension between two nuclear rivals, India and Pakistan. “Because of its impact on relations between these two neighboring countries, it directly affects the peace and stability in the region,” he said in his address, the copies of which were circulated here.
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Security up around Sewa power project
Jammu, September 27 The security in the area has been tightened and the project site kept out of bounds for the general public on the pretext that some of the components of the project were very sensitive, requiring special security and vigil. An order to this effect has been issued by Kathua DC Sanjeev Verma. The order, however, said while the security should not be compromised, the convenience of the local population should also be taken care of. The DC has directed the project authorities to put up a check-post at the entry point leading to Gatti village and regulate the movement of villagers by issuing them identity cards. The card would be issued by the Bani SDM. The centrally sponsored Rs 665-cr project is being executed by the National Hydro Power Construction Corporation (NHPCC). While the powerhouse and the switch yard are located at Mashka village, the dam site and the reservoir along with other allied structures fall in Gatti village. Meanwhile, an official of the NHPCC denied that security had been tightened in view of recent militant threats to cause damage to the project. “Since the components of the project like pressure shaft, value house and surge shaft are highly sensitive in nature, these need special protection,” he said. The official maintained that work on the underground tunnel was also in progress at Gatti village. “Penstocks are being erected near Draman village and any public movement could hinder their execution,” he added. |
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Gujjars invite Rahul Gandhi to their huts
Jammu, September 27 The community members, in a letter sent through Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation, a premier organisation on Gujjars, invited Rahul to be a part of their tough nomadic life for at least a day. Dr. Javaid Rahi, national secretary of the Tribal foundation said: “To have a feel of the difficulties we have been facing, we have urged Rahul Gandhi to come and stay with us. Our tribe has faced two decades of turmoil, but no one has visited us till date.” He said it was another unfortunate that ever since Partition they were living a marginalised life in a Muslim majority state. “Our glorious tribal identity is on the verge of extinction. So is our language - ‘Gojri’ - and culture, which needs a last look from you (Rahul),” the letter mentions. The letter reminds Rahul that former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, and Indira Gandhi had a strong footing among Gujjars in Jammu and Kashmir, but the links were broken during the last few decades and need immediate revival. The Scheduled Tribe Muslim Gujjars and Bakerwals, who constitute around 20% of total population of state, are mostly nomads and practice primitive cultural traits. Along with livestock, they have been migrating to the upper reaches of Himalayas since times immemorial. The Foundation said since Rahul Gandhi chose to spend a night at a remote village in district Shravasti in Utter Pradesh while sharing meals with Dalit villagers, they invite him to do the same with the Gujjars. |
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Migrants suspend stir
Jammu, September 27 The migrants were demanding implementation of PM’s employment package, enhancement of cash assistance from Rs 33 to Rs 100 per person and one-time stipend of Rs 25 lakhs to overaged educated youth so as to enable them to start their self-employment ventures. Surrinder Bhat, who was leading the agitation in Mishrewala migrant camp, said: “We have suspended our agitation after the minister assured us that the state government is committed to solving our problems immediately and that he will take up all issues in the cabinet with Chief Minister Omar Abdhullah.” “In the package it is mentioned that the government will provide only Rs 5 lakh as stipend to overaged educated youth if they return to the valley. There should be no condition on it and the government should provide Rs 25 lakh and that too in the present place of stay,” said Roshan Lal, who was leading the agitation in Purkhoo migrant camp. However, the migrants at Nagrota camp have not suspended their agitation as yet and their protest entered its 42nd day today.
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Udhampur residents to monitor ration supply Dinesh Manhotra Tribune News Service
Udhampur, September 27 A decision in this regard was taken during a meeting of prominent citizens of Udhampur, which was held under the chairmanship of BJYM state president and former president of the Udhampur Municipal Committee Pawan Khajuria. During the proceedings, it was alleged that most of the depot holders have been openly selling ration in the market. Most of the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category families alleged that ration meant for them was being sold in private shops runs by the depot holders. “As large scale misappropriation and bungling have been established in the CAPD department we have decided to monitor supply of ration from the depots on our own,” said BJYM state president Pawan Khajuria. “As a first step, we will monitor supply of ration in two or three depots,” he added. He pointed out that the CAPD minister and officers concerned have been giving contradictory statements regarding the supply of ration. The CAPD minister, while interacting with a delegation of residents, had claimed that quota allotted for Udhampur has been supplied but the officers denied the same. For the last six months, residents of Udhampur district have not got adequate ration from the government-run depots. What has compounded the problem is the fact that farmers could not cultivate their lands due to drought conditions this year. It was alleged that due to a nexus between officials of the CAPD and depots holder, ration meant for poor people was being sold the in open market. It was after these complaints that the Crime Branch conducted raids and detected bungling worth lakhs.
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First MC coffee house for Jammu
Jammu, September 27 In 1991, Indian Coffee House had opened its branch in Jammu but they could not manage to run it and it was sold out. The coffee house built this time is situated just opposite to the hospital and is designed in such a way that it immediately attracts attention. For the purpose, the corporation had provided land to a private company, which had paid Rs 1.1 lakh as premium. The company would also give Rs 2,000 per month as rent to the corporation. “We have plans to open more coffee houses in the city and waste lands near municipal parks will be provided for the purpose,” said Mayor Kavinder Bushan Gupta. The MC would soon start construction of another coffee house at Circular Road, near the DC office. “The survey for other sites is on,” said Charandeep Singh, chief revenue officer of the corporation. “Prices at these coffee houses will be lesser than the market price”, he added. “Now we can enjoy a cup of coffee here itself. Earlier, I used to go to TRT cafeteria for the purpose but we could not sit for long there,” said Mohit Sharma, a resident of
Ambphalla. |
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Trapped militant escapes with wife
Udhampur, September 27 On late Saturday night, security forces had claimed that HM commander Rashid Sheikh alias Arslam and his wife Rubiba, were trapped in the area that was cordoned off by the cops. The HM commander was reportedly trapped in Kaliharn village, which was virtually sealed by the security forces. Additional cops were also rushed to the spot to ensure that the trapped militant did not escape. However, this morning when security forces started the operation they had to return empty handed as the militant managed to escape along with his wife. Reports said that on Saturday evening some locals had spotted Rashid Sheikh along with his wife in Kaliharn village near Doda. Villagers immediately brought the information to the notice of the police. |
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Rs 72 lakh more for militancy-hit
Srinagar, September 27 These districts include
Anantnag, Baramulla, Kupwara, Srinagar and Shopian. An amount of Rs 100 lakh was released to other
DCs, bringing the total releases to Rs 172 lakh. Meanwhile, Minister for Rural Development,
Panchayats, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Ali Mohammad Sagar today visited Refugee-II, a remote village of
Gurez, and distributed relief among the fire-affected. He was accompanied by Minister of State for Housing, Relief and Rehabilitation Nasir Aslam Wani and local MLA Nazir
Gurezi. The Divisional Commissioner had already ordered dispatch of relief material from the Red Cross Society and the Disaster Management Department for the fire-hit. A number of structures belonging to 30 families had recently got completely destroyed in a fire incident at Refugee-II, around 40 km from Dawar in
Gurez. |
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Governor, CM greet people on Dussehra
Srinagar, September 27 The Governor added that festivals are a glorious heritage of our pluralistic traditions, which further strengthen the spirit of communal harmony, brotherhood and amity. He prayed for peace, progress and prosperity in the state. The Chief Minister while felicitating the people on ‘Mahanavami’ hoped that the day would be harbinger of peace and prosperity for the state and its people. In his message, the CM said the state has a tradition of celebrating such occasions in the highest degree of communal amity, brotherhood and love. Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand has also greeted the people of the state on ‘Mahanavami’ and hoped that the day would be a harbinger of peace, development and prosperity for the people.
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‘Return, rehabilitation separate issues’
Jammu, September 27 Repeating the demand that the return and rehabilitation are two separate issues, Ashwani Kumar Chrungoo, president of Panun Kashmir, said: “The Centre should stop the state government from any misadventure in the name of return.” Meanwhile, a newly framed Kashmiri Migrant Action Front (KMAF) demanded immediate implementation of employment package for the Kashmiri youth at their present place of stay. |
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World Tourism Day celebrated
Srinagar, September 27 Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Tourism, Nawang Rigzin Jora, said the state has plenty of diversity in terms of its geographical landscape and climate, art forms, culture, language and literature, and offers distinct and diverse destinations unparalleled in the country. He said the state with its composite culture, diverse people and their lifestyles, imparts a unique character to the tourism industry, which has no match in the entire sub-continent. |
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