|
|
Despite ban, pre-paid phones remain functional Sanitation drive ahead of darbar move Shopkeepers protest rude behaviour of cops Soaring onion prices worry residents |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
NPP leader flays bias against Jammu region Four children hurt in accidental blast Sikhs told to register names with forum Crime File Manch to hold rally on Nov 3 Ruksana’s village wears deserted look 9 schools selected for state-level competition Controversy over
inter-faith marriage
DCC seeks UT status for Ladakh region Militants kill cop 20 cassettes seized from slain ultra Gurpurb 700 MW bought daily from
Northern Grid Career counselling workshop
|
|
Despite ban, pre-paid phones remain functional Jammu, November 1 As dealers of pre-paid mobile phones were worried that the amount spent by them on purchasing recharge cards and e-recharge vouchers would get wasted, they had offered certain recharge options to the subscribers to increase the validity of the SIM cards. Yesterday, long queues were seen outside recharge outlets as people were busy extending the validity of their pre-paid connections. “This is strange, yesterday I thought that my pre-paid SIM would stop functioning from midnight, so I exhausted all the money that I had in my phone. But the connection is still functional,” said Gurdyal Singh, a resident of Gangyal in Jammu. Notably, there are as many as 40 lakh pre-paid subscribers of various telecom operators in the state with a turnout of more than Rs 100 crore per month. “Every pre-paid connection holder is not a militant; before banning the services proper verification of documents should be done and the defaulters should be punished as per law,” said Inderjit Kumar, a dealer of pre-paid SIM cards. He said a blanket ban on sale and use of pre-paid SIM cards would snatched the livelihood of thousands of dealers. In the chaos, some mobile operators in the state had asked their customers to recharge their connections before November 1. “I got a message from my service provider that no recharge would be available from November 1. There is total chaos and we don’t know the future of prepaid phones in the state,” said Kulwant Singh, a subscriber. |
|
Sanitation drive ahead of darbar move Jammu, November 1 The councillors of the wards, the commissioner, secretary, health officer and the field staff of the corporation accompanied the Mayor during the drive. The Mayor pulled up the supervisory sanitary staff posted in ward number 4 and directed them to gear up for better sanitation. Gupta also directed the staff to repair the manholes through mobile-welding machines fitted with generator. The night scavenging has also been streamlined for better sanitation of the areas. The food inspectors were directed to ensure effective implementation of the PFA Act in their respective areas. While continuing their anti-encroachment drive, chief enforcement officer SD Tak and Enforcement Officer KC Chadha visited the areas of Indira Chowk, BC Road, New Plot, Janipur, Paloura, Top Sherkhania, Patta Bohri and Talab Tillo. They seized articles like wooden counters, blankets, sheets, pillows, LCD, quilts and signboards found placed on payments, footpaths and part of roads. The team also seized polythene bags and charged Rs 3,000 as fine from the defaulters. |
|
Shopkeepers protest rude behaviour of cops Jammu, November 1 The shopkeepers alleged that the cops use foul language and take away their belongings after holding them responsible for encroachment. “We have filed complaints with the higher authorities a number of times, but no action has been taken yet,” said Baldev Khullar, president, Raghunath Market Businessmen Association. “Cops treat us like criminals and always use foul language. Now, we are in no mood to suffer further,” said a shopkeeper. The protesters warned that if the authorities remain apathetic they would intensify the stir. On the other hand, the police said removal of encroachments was necessary for the smooth flow of traffic. |
|
Soaring onion prices worry residents Jammu, November 1 A few days ago, onion was being sold at the price of Rs 15-20 and now these are selling at the price of Rs 25-30 per kg. “The supply of onion has also dropped in the region as most of the onions were imported from states like Maharashtra,” Manoj, a wholesale vegetable dealer, said. “The monsoon had its effect on the production of onion. The production in the onion-producing states had dropped this year and this is the reason that we had to purchase onions at much higher prices,” Manoj said. Meanwhile, residents of Jammu say that increasing prices of onion have hit them hard and there seems to be no respite as the prices would further see an upward trend in the coming days. “The prices of onion have increased. The onion which was available at a cost of Rs 15 a few days ago is now being sold at almost double the price,” Anita Kaul of Nai Basti, Jammu, said. Greengrocers in the city say that following the increase in the prices of onion the demand of the same had already gone down so they buy less stock from the main mandi. |
|
NPP leader flays bias against Jammu region Jammu, November 1 In a statement issued here today, Harsh Dev Singh pointed out that the Chief Minister has released an amount of Rs 250 crore for the construction of flyovers in Srinagar city while for the Jammu region only 76 crore has been announced. Castigating the CM for the step-motherly treatment with Jammu region, former Education Minister said there was acute traffic congestion in Jammu city which necessitated the construction of flyovers linking different parts of the city, including Ambphalla Chowk, Janipura, Jewel Chowk, Talab Tillo, Jewel Chowk, Satwari, Gole Market, Apsara Road, besides appropriate measures to de-congest traffic in Kachi Chawani and city areas. He deplored the dilapidated condition of Jammu city roads dug by NBCC and ERA, which has
caused a lot of problem for the general public. |
|
Four children hurt in accidental blast Jammu, November 1 One of critically injured child has been rushed to the Government Medical College Hospital, Jammu, for treatment. The injured have been identified as Maruf Hussain Shah (7), Shahin Fatima (6), Zahin Fatima (5) and Irshad Hussain Shah. Nona Bandi village is located around 40 kilometres from Poonch town. According to reports, the children were playing in the field near their house when the incident happened. The condition of Maruf and Shahin Fatime is stated to be critical and the former has been referred to Jammu hospital. A police team, led by a senior officer, rushed to the spot and evidence suggested that the grenade was abandoned by militants. |
|
|
Sikhs told to register names with forum Jammu, November 1 According to a statement issued here, Prem Singh Raina, president, said: “Displaced Kashmiri Sikhs have 10 per cent quota in 3,000 posts declared by the government, and in order to enable the forum to forward genuine cases to the Relief Department, the community members should register their names with the it.” Col Sheetal Singh, chief patron of the forum, thanked Minister for Relief, Revenue and Rehabilitation Raman Bhalla for taking interest in implementing the package in letter and in spirit. |
|
|
Crime File Jammu, November 1 In another incident, a couple allegedly tried to commit suicide. A boy of Katwalt village and a student of Class XII and a girl of Majuna village and a student of BA (first year), consumed some poisonous substance in the latter’s house. Both were admitted to the Ramnagar hospital and after that they were referred to district hospital, Udhampur, where the girl was declared brought dead by the doctors. In another incident, Ashok Kumar of Kathua, Gulzar Begum of Tararu Kalakote and Sanjay Singh of Ransoo village, Reasi, were admitted to the Government Medical College and Hospital, after they consumed poison, the police said. One killed, 21 hurt in mishaps
One person was killed and 21 others were injured in different road accidents in Jammu. According to the police, Shashi Kumar of Jeevan Nagar was hit by an unidentified vehicle at Bag-e-Bahu on Saturday. He was admitted to the Government Medical College and Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Two die in Jammu
Vaishno Devi, a resident of Palwan village, Akhnoor, was found dead at her home under mysterious circumstances. A case has been registered. The police said they were yet to ascertain the cause behind the death. In another incident, Mohammad Afzal, a native of Chitarn Doda, fell down from the roof of the house of his relative and was severely injured, the police said. He was rushed to the district hospital in Doda, where the doctors declared him brought dead. A case has been registered. The body was handed over to his family. |
|
|
Manch to hold rally on Nov 3 Jammu, November 1 President of the organisation Parveen while addressing mediapersons said the memory of the genocide was still fresh in the minds of Sikhs and other religious minorities as the perpetrators of the crime hadn’t been punished so far. “Those who led the brutal assault on Sikhs have not been punished.Instead, they have been rewarded by the Congress”, he regretted. Parveen called upon all progressive, secular and democratic forces to join the rally. |
|
|
Ruksana’s village wears deserted look Shahdra Shrief, November 1 Many families have left the village in panic while others are threatening to follow suit. A visit to Ruksana’s house in Mohra Kalsi on Saturday presented a grim picture. Most of the houses were locked whereas some were left with women or elderly people who were visibly in the grip of fear. On the other hand, security forces were seen erecting bunkers and fortifying the house of Rukhsana. There were also reports that the Special Operation Group of police allegedly picked up some youth of the village, while several others were roughed up by the Army. “We are planning to migrate if such incidents continue. Militancy has resurfaced after six years. Militants and Army men both suspect us and subject us to atrocities,” said Mohd Afzal, a shopkeeper near the famous Shahdra Sharief where people from all religions pay obesiance. “After the militants were killed last month, the number of visitors has declined. Ruksana has got everything, but the poor like us are paying a heavy price,” he rued. Ninety-year-old Sain Faizal Alam said the police roughed up his son Mushahid Khan and picked him up with other youth of the locality, including Jameel, Tazamul, Master Zahoor and Shafayat. His grandson Aizaz Ahmed, a student of fourth class, did not go to school. “My brother was kicked and punched in the stomach. He was also caned on the back,” he said. An elderly lady, Sharifa Begum, was visibly perturbed by the increase of militant activities. “Jameel (50) was brutally beaten up by militants 6-7 years ago. They left him with the impression that he was dead. However, he survived, but has lost mental balance. This morning security personnel thrashed him once again. We are being made a scapegoat by both the sides,” she rued. An Army officer, on condition of anonymity, said as its was winter season, some people had moved down from the upper reaches while others had gone out for fodder. ASI Kanshi Ram, who witnessed the militant attack, said: “The first volley of fire came from the house of Jameel. Both the grenades were lobbed from his house so the police has picked him up for questioning.” SSP Rajouri, SA Watali, admitted that the DC got a call from the villagers alleging that security forces were thrashing them. “We cannot rule out panic migration, but instead of leaving their houses, civilians should approach the authorities and report such atrocities,” he said. “Jammel was picked up and later released as he opposed the security forces while they were installing wires around Ruksana’s house,” he said while adding that no other person was picked up. |
|
|
9 schools selected for state-level competition Jammu, November 1 The students were selected in the 17th National Children Science Congress (NCSC), which was organised at Paawan Saraswati Vidyalaya Panjtirthi yesterday. The theme was “Planet Earth-Our Home: Explore, Share and Care”. Participants gave a detailed report about the rising level of air, water and noise pollution, its adverse impact on the earth and its solution by utilising natural resources. The selected students are from Government Higher Secondary School, Sohanjana; Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Gandhi Nagar; Carmel Convent School, Kunjwani; Heritage Public School, Sainik Colony; Shiksha Niketan, Jeevan Nagar; Jodhamal School, Channi Himmat; K.C. Public School, Muthi; Air Force School, Satwari Cantonment and Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Satwari. The primary objective of the Congress was to make a forum available to children between the age group 10- 17 to exhibit their creativity, innovation and ability to solve the problems. The NCSC was organised by the Public Technocrats Society and inaugurated by secretary of schools, Vilakshan Singh. Around 35 government and private schools of the district participated. The programme was supported by the Rashtriya Vigyan Evam Prodyogiki Sanchar Parishad, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India and the NCSTC Network. |
|
|
Controversy over
inter-faith marriage Jammu, November 1 This time it has angered members of the Sikh and Hindu communities in the Jammu region, who say that the marriage was solemnised at “gunpoint”. A few days ago, a Srinagar-based Sikh girl had appeared in court and said she had married a Muslim boy in Srinagar on her own. However, Sikh and Hindu organisations in Jammu today said the girl was threatened by some anti-social elements to make such statement before the court of law, otherwise, her family would be eliminated. “The girl made the statement under pressure,” claimed Mohinder Singh, state president of the Akali Dal Badal, while addressing mediapersons in Jammu. “The girl is not being allowed to meet her parents, who are receiving constant threats. We demand that her family along with her should be shifted to Jammu and her statement should be recorded in Jammu in a safe environment,” Virinderjeet Singh, chairman of the National Sikh Front, said. “We are serving a 24-hour ultimatum on the government to shift the girl from Srinagar to Jammu to record her statement.Otherwise, all Sikh and Hindu organisations in Jammu would launch a massive protest,” Singh said. Srinagar: Many Sikh religious leaders and various politicians have let out an anguished cry over what they described as an attack on their identity. “It is not about legality. It is about mutual coexistence. We are a minuscule identity. We ask Muslims not to support inter-religious marriages, which are a threat to our way of life,” Gurjeet Singh, president of the Sikh Sangat, Kashmir, accompanied by Charan Singh Bali, provincial president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal), and many others at a press conference. The girl is presently lodged in a woman police station on the court’s directions. Sikhs would wear black badges tomorrow to mark their protest. A police official said they had acted promptly and Sikhs’ reaction was more of an emotional outburst. “We registered a case of kidnapping and arrested the boy and recovered the girl. Now the matter is in court. But the most important thing is the statement of the girl in boy’s support,” he said. |
|
|
‘Moorkh Mitra’— A hilarious comedy Jammu,November 1 As the name of the play suggests, it is a story of a foolish person, who with a motive to help his friends,spoils every precious moment of theirs. Naseem and Safdar are postgraduate students of a university. Jameela is putting up in the girls’ hostel whereas Naseem and Safdar live in a rented accommodation. Despite having been engaged, Naseem and Jameela hardly find any place to meet each other to share their feelings. Jameela’s warden is very strict and hardly allows her to move out and Naseem’s friend, Safdar, seldom leaves him alone. The attempts of both to meet each other are in vain. Mustering courage and pulling in all resources, they plan their outing on Friendship Day. The moment they step out, Safdar makes an unwanted entry and offers to escort them. Both of them try to convince him that they can move on their own, but the foolish friend is not ready to buy their argument and forcibly accompanies them. His intrusions irritate them and the moment he sees that they are irritated, he tries to be more closer to them with the intention to ease out tension and conflict between them. Rohit, portraying a foolish friend, was applauded repeatedly for acting.The lovers were played by Rahul Singh and Anita Dhar. Music was scored by Gaurav Jamwal whereas Mojit Sharma designed and executed the lights. The show was coordinated by Mohammed Yaseen. |
|
|
DCC seeks UT status for Ladakh region Leh, November 1 The resolution, which was recently passed at a public meeting in Leh, assumes significance in view of the centre’s move to hold talks with a cross-section of people in the state. The People Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehboba Mufti and its senior leader Muzafar Hussin Beag had been recently toured Leh and Kargil districts of Ladakh region to build public opinion on the self-rule formula proposed by the PDP. “We have urged Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Home Minister P Chidambaram to involve people of Ladakh in the proposed talks. We have also cautioned the Prime Minister, Home Minsiter, UPA chairperson and state Chief Minister that we are determined not to settle for anything less than Union Territory status,” said District Congress Committee president Rigzin Spalbar. “The Ladakh Union Territory Front (LUTF) has been asked to hold rallies and public meetings on the demand for UT status,” he added. Meanwhile, LUTF has also welcomed DCC’s resolution. “Ladakh, from all aspects, fulfills the criteria for a Union Territory status and has nothing common, linguistically, culturally, historically and geographically, with other parts of Jammu and Kashmir,” the resolution stated. |
|
|
Militants kill cop Srinagar, November 1 Official sources said it could be a revenge attack by militants as many of their associates have been killed by police and security forces in recent weeks. Srinagar has seen a spate of terror attacks in recent months. Two CRPF jawans were shot dead on August 31 and one CRPF jawan and one cop were killed on August 1. Militants had also exploded a bus carrying police personnel in Srinagar detonating a car bomb, which had left three cops and a woman civilian dead. Shooting of uniformed personnel have been sneak attacks in which militants fire from pistols and merge into crowds or escape on motorcycles. |
|
|
20 cassettes seized from slain ultra Jammu, November 1 Mohammed Farooq, alias Abbu Talla, of the LeT was gunned down by security forces today in the Bhall Angrala area of Mahore in Reasi district. Besides a large quantity of arms and ammunitions, one tape recorder and over 20 audio cassettes were seized from the possession of the slain terrorist. Though senior officers are tightlipped over these cassettes, police sources disclosed that speeches of dreaded militants were recorded in the cassettes. Furthermore, some religious songs and speeches of religious leaders were recorded in these cassettes, aimed at joining the jehad. Abbu Talla, who was a local militant, had been assigned the job to recruit the local youth. Sources said a dairy was also seized from the possession of the slain militant in which names and phone numbers of many people had been written in code words. “We have been trying to decode the addresses and phone numbers,” sources said. On August 25, Abbu Talla was trapped along with two other militants in the Chapra Nullah area of Mahore. Two militants were killed in the gunfight but Abbu Talla had managed to give a slip. Since August 25, the security forces have been looking for Abbu Talla who had let loose a reign of terror in some parts of Mahore. On Saturday evening, the security forces got information about presence of Abbu Talla in the Angrala area. A team of Special Operation Group of the local police along with the security forces launched a joint operation in that belt and after a brief encounter the militant was gunned down by the security forces today. |
|
Gurpurb Jammu, November 1 In a message, the Governor described Guru Nanak Dev as an apostle of peace and tolerance, and added that his teachings would continue to inspire generations, leading them to the path of righteousness and brotherhood. He hoped the auspicious occasion would further strengthen brotherhood, communal harmony, amity and secular traditions and would be a harbinger of peace, progress and prosperity in the state. CM Omar Abdullah has also felicitated people on Gurpurb.He described him as a great Guru who preached and taught high values of humanism, brotherhood and amity.In a message, the Chief Minister wished peace and prosperity to the state and the country. |
||
|
700 MW bought daily from Northern Grid Srinagar, November 1 Interacting with prominent citizens of Baramulla on Friday, the Minister of State for Power Shabir Ahmad Khan said once the ongoing power projects were completed the state would become self-sufficient as far as power availability was concerned. Giving details of the present power scenario of Kashmir division, the minister said due to the dry spell, water level in rivers had decreased and power production from existing projects had come down to 120 MW instead of total capacity of 750 MW. He informed that the valley’s daily power consumption was 1,250 MW but due to overloading, the government was purchasing 700 MW of power from the Northern Grid. “Because of misuse by some consumers, power cuts become necessary to check financial losses accruing to the department,” he said. |
||
|
Career counselling workshop
Jammu, November 1 Vikas Dutta, centre head, Career Khoj Consultancy and Horizon Institutes of Competition, conducted the workshop with the main focus on career options that are available after senior secondary, keeping in view the limited resources these orphan children have. The children were informed about various fields.
— TNS |
||
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | Suggestion | E-mail | |
Jammu, November 1
Shahdra Shrief, November 1
