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Militants losing local support: Lt-Gen Roy
Pathankot Blast Case
Central Universities |
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Shopian Case
Peace must for regional growth: Governor
Senseless bloodshed must stop: Mehbooba
Tribune journalist bereaved NDRF unit sought in valley
Thieves steal LPG cylinders meant for midday meal
Spurious Drugs
Highest number of top militants killed this year: DGP
Distributors to help check sale of spurious drugs
Kids learn firefighting techniques
A fireman displays firefighting techniques before children in Jammu on Wednesday. Tribune photo: Anand Sharma
Jawan dies in accidental fire
12 farm technocrats hurt in lathicharge
The police uses water cannon to disperse farm technocrats in Jammu on Wednesday. — PTI
Militants gun down girl
Vohra, CM greet people on Losar
Minister snubs doctors, staff at Udhampur hospital
Man run over by train
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Militants losing local support: Lt-Gen Roy
Jammu, December 16 Lt-Gen Roy said the security forces had become more capable to deal with any type of situation. “The security situation in the state has imporved this year,” Lt-Gen Roy said. He ruled out that top militant commanders were recruiting new cadres in the state. He said: “They are scared to come here, as they know they will be eliminated.” There were reports that the militants were facing a manpower crunch, as younsters were getting disenchanted with jihad and were not joining the ranks of terrorists. Lt-Gen Roy also ruled out the presence of the Taliban in the state and said the Army was capable of tackling any militant threat. “I must assure you that there are absolutely no confirmed reports of any Taliban presence in the state or any other part of the country,” he said. “If at all any such thing happens, we are capable of tackling any kind of fighters of any category,” he said. Asked whether there was any change in the attitude of Pakistan in terms of facilitating and abetting cross border terrorism, Lt-Gen Roy said: “Pakistan is still following its old policy of aiding and sponsoring terrorism. We are hopeful that one day it will change.” On the Pakistan army’s track record of human rights violation, he said the Pakistani army was resorting to massive human right violations on their own people. Commenting on Vijay Diwas, Lt-Gen Roy said: “It is a historic day not only for the Army, but also for the country. After World War II, this was the biggest achievement any country had, as on this day in 1971 the Army made 91,000 troops of Pakistan to surrender, paving the way for the creation of Bangladesh.”
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Pathankot Blast Case
Jammu, December 16 They said Balbir along with some accomplices was involved in a bomb blast in Pathankot on April 6, 1997, that caused some casualties. Subsequently, a case under sections 302, 307, 427 of the IPC was registered against him and his accomplices. However, when the Pathankot police party raided Balbir’s house in Nanak Nagar, he managed his escape. The sources said though the Punjab Police had arrested three others -- Attarjeet Singh of RS Pura, Ravinder Kour of Simbal Camp and Shahbaz Nawaz, aka Shamsher Singh, a Punjab court later acquitted them. The local police confirmed the raid and said the Police Police had duly informed it. However, it has been reliably learnt that Balbir had moved a court pleading innocence.
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Central Universities
Srinagar, December 16 The state government has identified three such sites each in Jammu and Kashmir divisions for the purpose and the final selection of sites would be done by the Central team. After the state was granted a central university in January this year, political pressure from the Jammu region led to the establishment of separate universities for the two divisions. Sources here said the government had identified three sites in Ganderbal district, near here, which is the home constituency of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. However, the final location would be given an assent only after the central team visited the state next week or in later days. The standard area set by the HRD Ministry for the establishment of a central university is around 5,000 kanals. But none of the three sites identified in Ganderbal district has the standard size. It is believed that any of the two sites in and around the Tulamulla area in Ganderbal would be either interlinked or conjoined to make the standard size. These sites include an area of 2,900 kanals near Tulamulla, which needs to be conjoined with Rakh-e-Rabtar or Tulamulla extension. One of the suggestions, according to the sources, is that the patch of 2,100 kanals of government land at Rakh-e-Rabtar would be expanded to the standard size with the addition of around 2,000 kanals of adjacent private land. In that case the state government would have to purchase the land to make it available for the central university. The government has finally zeroed in on Ganderbal district though some other sites had earlier been considered elsewhere in the valley. These included a site at Ompora in Budgam district (central Kashmir), Sopore area of Baramulla district (north Kashmir) and some sites in Pulwama district of south Kashmir.
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Shopian Case
Jammu, December 16 In a statement issued here, Arora said it was painful that doctors had brought disrepute to their profession by giving the false report and stern action should be taken against them. Lambasting the PDP for contradicting the CBI report, he said this party always supported the propaganda against India. “In fact, leaders of Kashmir have lost credibility. They may be termed as blackmailers. They are not only supporting Muslim fundamentalism,but also trying to blackmail the Central government in the name of terrorism,” he said, adding that terrorism had become an of profit making industry.
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Peace must for regional growth: Governor
Jammu, December 16 The Governor said this at the concluding session of the three-day international conference on “Policy, People and Peace - Democratisation of Foreign Policy in Parliamentary Democracies: Canada, India and Beyond” being held at Jammu University. The topic for the valedictory round table today was ‘Policy, People and Peace: Afghanistan’. The Governor dwelt on the historical perspectives and the genesis of the situation, as it obtained in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and the factors and forces which had led to the birth of the ISI and the Taliban. He said opposition to India playing even a developmental role in Afghanistan would engender a negative outcome for regional peace and stability. Referring to the situation in Pakistan, the Governor said growing instability in our neighbouring country was a cause of concern for everyone in India. He added that India’s present and future interests lay in Pakistan being a secure and stable country, enjoying peaceful relations with India. “Our larger region comprises one-third of the world population, which also comprises the largest single segment of poverty, unemployment, lack of shelter, hunger, disease and other problems,” he said. The countries in our region could not afford to live in an insecure environment, he added. Vohra said, “We want peace all around and a peaceful neighbourhood.” He emphasised that no mentionable growth and meaningful development could be achieved without sustaining peace and normalcy. “Peace is imperative for progress and prosperity of the people of this region.” Referring to the conference, the Governor appreciated the efforts of Jammu University in organising useful interactions among specialists and experts which need to be carried forward for securing deeper understandings that formed the bedrock of sustaining peaceful relations. Varun Sahni, Vice-Chancellor of Jammu University, gave details of the assistance being given by India to Afghanistan for infrastructure building. He also suggested providing scholarships to the increasing number of students from Afghanistan to pursue their studies in India, as this would contribute to the socio-economic development of that country. |
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Senseless bloodshed must stop: Mehbooba Srinagar, December 16 She said the killing of Sheeraza in Shopian was the third killing of a woman attributed to “unknown gunmen” in the area this year. The inability of the law enforcing agencies to nab culprits in most of the cases had created a free for all situation and there was no fear of the authority or the rule of law, she added. The PDP president said even as the administration could not claim any achievement in investigations any where in the state, Shopian seemed to be emerging with the dubious distinction of being the worst affected. The unsolved murder of Asiya Jan and Neelofar Jan was followed by the murder of Aijaz Hussain, a businessman who was also closely associated with the demand for a transparent investigation into the death of two Shopian women, the PDP president said.
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NDRF unit sought in valley Srinagar, December 16 Officers demanded a unit or company of the NDRF in the valley. It was decided that table talks would be held a day prior to the actual mock drill, Aamir Ali, head of the Disaster Management Kashmir, said during a programme organised by the Divisional Administration Kashmir in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), here today. Brig VK Khanna, senior specialist, NDMA said, “We are coming out with a NDRF unit at Pathankot. The demand for setting up the unit in the valley would be taken up with the authorities. Mehraj Ahmad Kakroo, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, said, “We deserve more consideration as the valley falls in the seismic zone V. A battalion should be here.” R K Verma, Deputy Commandant, NDRF, spoke about the facilities available with the NDRF.
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Thieves steal LPG cylinders meant for midday meal
Udhampur, December 16 In such situation, the school authorities fear recurrence of more such thefts as inaction on part of the police is likely to embolden thieves involved in such incidents. Hapless authorities have now given instructions to the schools to devise own ways to prevent the menace. This included use of iron chains to tie up the cylinders or take them home to be brought next day for cooking meal. Going by the indifference of the police in registering cases, many affected shied away from lodging complaints, sources said. The latest spree of thefts has been reported during last month from three schools of Udhampur Zone. Cylinders were stolen not only from schools situated away from populated areas but also from the densely populated Udhampur town. Government Middle School, Housing Colony, Udhampur town, where theft occurred last month is the case in point. This showed the audacity of the thieves for which only the police was to be blamed, a senior official of the Education Department alleged. The authorities alleged that the police did not entertain complaints whenever headmasters or any other representatives of the affected schools approached the police stations concerned for lodging complaints. In the latest case of Government Primary School, Chak, where thieves decamped with two cylinders allotted to it as well as utensils and foodgrain, Chief Education Officer (CEO) SK Gandotra said he sought the intervention of SSP, Udhampur, Surinder Gupta over the phone as the SHO of the Police Station, Remble, did not lodge the complaint. Interestingly, the SSP feigned ignorance about having received any such complaint. These thefts have been going on for the past two years. Earlier, Government Middle School, Barrian, and Government Middle School, Jakhani, in Jib Zone of the district in 2007 were targeted. In both cases, though an FIR was lodged at the Police Station, Udhampur, but hardly any investigation was done. The stolen items had not been recovered so far, sources said.
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Spurious Drugs
Jammu, December 16 According to the Controller, Drug and Food Control Organisation, J&K, Jammu, the reward scheme shall be applicable to the whistleblowers in the areas of drugs, cosmetics and medical devices, and a maximum of up to 20 per cent of the total cost of consignment seized will be payable to the informer/officials which should not in any case exceed Rs 25 lakh in each case. The eligibility of the informer and the quantum of the cash rewards shall be decided by the expert committee handling the case and the identity of the informer will be kept secret. Any clarification/information in this respect may be had from Dr VJ Somani, Deputy Drugs Controller (India), Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation, Directorate General of Health Services, Government of India, FDA Bhavan, ITO, Kotla Road, New Delhi-110002, phone No. +91-11-23236965/ 23236975, Mobile No. +91-9971755566, Fax No. +91-11-23236973 and e-mail address: dci@nb.nic.in. |
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Highest number of top militants killed this year: DGP
Jammu, December 16 This is the highest number of area commanders killed in the last 20 years in the state. Till this year, area commanders had managed to survive for long periods, and used to regroup quickly to relaunch militant activities in an area. District or divisional commanders are mainly local recruits, trained in the PoK. The police often announces cash reward for killing or nabbing them. Police records accessed by The Tribune state that by November 25 this year nearly 80 district and divisional commanders were shot dead in encounters this year against mere 24 last year. Also, 315 low ranking militants were killed last year, while this year about 150 such ultras were shot dead. Talking exclusively to The Tribune, DGP Kuldeep Khoda said the number of militants killed was less this year, as there was less recruitment by militant outfits. Most of the militants were killed in Doda and Reasi this year. The DGP said the success was because of the focused police strategy targeting the leaders of the militant groups. “It takes a lot of time for Pakistan-based planners of militants to replace an effective person. This brings down militancy incidents and contribute to peace in the region,” he said. The DGP hailed the role of intelligence and field staff saying “we get pinpointed intelligence input about the whereabouts of the area commanders. Besides, local people is also helping immensely. People are fed up with militancy and many are coming out to help us.” The Tribune had asked the DGP specifically on militant commanders as local newspapers reported every other day the killing of an area commander. Doubts were raised whether some militants were specially named area commanders by policemen to get more reward. . The DGP said rewards in the police were always in proportion to work done. "There is regular appraisal of work and it was as per the manual. Senior officers themselves analyse and appraise work of subordinates." |
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Distributors to help check sale of spurious drugs
Jammu, December 16 He appealed to Minister for Health and Family Welfare Sham Lal, who was also present at the function, to carry out a special drive and keep a watch on tea stalls and general merchant stores in Lakhanpur and Kathua, as these were the only means of getting spurious and toxic drugs supplied from Punjab. Sham Lal announced that no spurious drugs were produced in the state. He appreciated the role of the association in checking the menace with active cooperation from the Drug Control Department.
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Kids learn firefighting techniques
Jammu, December 16 As many as 72 pre-nursery students were taken to the headquarters of the Fire and Emergency Service Department at Gandhi Nagar, where firemen and other officers presented a live demo before them today. “The aim of this programme is to create awareness among the kids about fire and safety measures. It will also help parents in educating their children about disaster management and firefighting measures,” Vasundara Kapoor, a teacher of Model Academy Humming World School, said. “We are not only displaying techniques of firefighting, but also teaching the kids how to make their homes and families safe,” an officer of the department said. “After imparting practical training to the kids, we will take feedback from their parents in this regard,” Vasundara said.
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Jawan dies in accidental fire
Jammu, December 16 As per sources, the accident occurred when the guard was taking part in the night change and a bullet got fired accidentally from his rifle and hit Paramjeet Singh, who was the guard commander. Paramajeet was rushed to the Army Hospital, where he was declared brought dead. Confirming the report, Jammu-based PRO of the Ministry of Defence Lt-Col Biplab Nath said, “As of now, it appears to be an accidental firing from the weapon. A court of enquiry has been ordered.” In another incident, Deepak, a soldier of the Maratha Light Infantry and resident of Maharashtra, was found dead under mysterious circumstances at the Noushera Brigade camp in Rajouri district last night, sources said. A case has been registered. |
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12 farm technocrats hurt in lathicharge
Jammu, December 16 “We were taking out a peaceful rally. The police used force and water cannon to quell the protest while we were on way to the office of the Divisional Commissioner to submit a memorandum of our demands,” said All J&K Agricultural Technocrats Association secretary Rajiv Sharma. Reports said at least 12 protesters were injured in the lathicharge. The injured included association leaders Rajiv Sharma and Khurshid Ahmed, besides Ved Prakash, Vishal Kumar, Amit Gupta, Divakar Anand, Vinod Salathia, Anirudh Bhat, Anurag, Sarfraz and others. The reports said the farm technocrats tried to block traffic at the ever busy Dogra Chowk and the police resorted to the cane charge to disperse them. Meanwhile, another technocrat Charan Singh, who had been on fast for the past four days, was shifted to the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) here.
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Militants gun down girl
Srinagar, December 16 A group of militants turned up at the house of Mohammad Maqbool Mir and lined up family members, official sources said. They then called out for Sherazah. As she stepped forward, they fired several bullets at her. She was separated from her husband and it is not clear as to why she was targeted by the militants. SP, Shopian, Shahid Mehraj said the killers were from the same group which had shot dead at least six civilians, including two schoolgirls and a three-month-old boy, this year. A top commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen, Saqib, was shot dead along with an accomplice by the police on October 26, and many believed that it would put an end to their reign of terror in the rugged and mountainous terrain, which stretches across the Pir-Panjal range, giving militants a safe passage. The police said the slain militants’ accomplices were behind the killing. The exact motive behind Sherazah’s murder is not clear, but the militants killed young girls like her in the past with an aim to impose their puritan culture that goes against their Islamist worldview. |
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Vohra, CM greet people on Losar
Jammu, December 16 In his message of felicitations, the Governor said the festival of Losar symbolised the high traditions of love, tolerance, amity, communal harmony and brotherhood, which the people of Ladakh had cherished and nurtured over the centuries. He wished people a Happy Losar and prayed for peace, progress and prosperity in the state. The CM also extended greetings, especially to people of Ladakh, on the eve of Losar. |
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Minister snubs doctors, staff at Udhampur hospital
Jammu, December 16 In a surprise visit to the district hospital here, he found patients forced to buy costly medicines from outside. During the surprise visit to the district hospital, the Health Minister was dissatisfied with the helm of affairs. Accompanied by the Director (Health Services) and the district administration, he went for a extensive round of all wards, operation theatres, drug stores and enquired about the facilities being given to the patients. Sources revealed that he got irritated when patients told him that they had purchased syringes, glucose bottles and costly injections from outside. A patient from the remotest area of Jangal Gali village told the Minister that his attendants had purchased antibiotic injections for Rs 150 per head as prescribed by the doctor and were spending a huge amount on medicines every day which they are not able to afford. “When we have antibiotic injections of the same salt composition in the hospital store, why this poor fellow was prescribed and forced to spent money? This is unfortunate,” Sharma said, and ordered penalising the doctor as well as sought written explanation or face consequences. After finding the drugs in the store not kept in proper condition, he directed the Director (Health Services) to immediately transfer the storekeeper amongst other staff members to far-flung areas. Talking to mediapersons in the hospital, he said for the past 11 months he had been humbly requesting all to adopt missionary approach while dealing with poor and sick patients, but now he would enforce service conduct rule. |
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Man run over by train
Jammu, December 16 Girl abducted
A young girl was abducted by a youth in the Chanderkote area on Wednesday. The police said Ritu Devi of Nashri in Chanderkote was kidnapped by Puran Chand of Kabi in Ramban. Meanwhile, another girl Sunita Devi of Digiana Pulli has reportedly been missing from her home since December 5. |
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The Governor, NN Vohra, said today that India’s centuries old relations with Afghanistan were deeply embedded in commonalities in the civilisational and cultural context. Referring to the purposeful support being provided by India to assist the Afghanistan government in infrastructure building, the Governor observed the historical relations between the two countries could not be easily thwarted by vested interests.
Jammu, December 16
Jammu, December 16
