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Justice Saghir Ahmed report triggers protests
Tea with The Tribune Devender Singh Rana, political adviser to the Chief Minister. Tribune photo: Anand Sharma
Pressure to perform
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Police station encroaches upon MC land
PAHL helps poor kids take first step in learning
Singer out to promote Kashmiriyat
Less snowfall plays spoilsport in Kashmir
Six go missing every month in Jammu district
srinagar diary
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Justice Saghir Ahmed report triggers protests
Jammu, January 8 The report has provided much ammunition to supporters of the reorganisation of the state. Such political and social organisations, which had lost their relevance after 2002 Assembly, have again become active, as the recommendations of the group have rejected any such demand. The Jammu State Morcha, demanding separate state for Jammu region, has intensified its activities in Jammu region. Similarly, supporters of the Union Territory status for Ladakh have also become active, as the report termed their demand as anti-national. As soon as the recommendations were submitted to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Ladakhis thronged Jammu - the winter capital of the state - after covering a distance of more than 400 km, to lodge their protest against, what they called, discriminatory report. Terming the recommendations as a cruel joke on the multi-region, multi-ethnic and secular character of the state, patron of the Ladakh Union Territory Front (LUTF) Thupstan Chhewang observed that Justice Saghir Ahmed prepared the report individually without incorporating wishes and aspirations of all religious and ethnic groups of the state. Chhewang termed the report as “damp squid” and alleged that Justice Ahmed had inordinately delayed the report. Chhewang, who himself was member of the same working group, observed that Justice Ahmed had violated the sanctity of the exercise, the aim of which should have been to reach a consensus. “Regrettably, he has gone alone by his own pre-conceived notions, showing a distinct lack of knowledge about the existing ground situation and historic
perspective,” he pointed. This report has once again brought the pro-Jammu and the pro-Ladakh organisation on a same platform, as the same thing happened in the mid 90s, when agitation in Ladakh for UT status was at its peak. “We have decided to provide every possible support to the cause of Ladakh people,” announced Dr Nirmal Singh. Dr Singh, a national executive member of the BJP, admitted that one sided and biased recommendations of working group report has united ethnic and religious majorities of the J&K. Dr Singh observed that aspirations of all ethnic and religious majorities were ignored in the recommendations. He especially mentioned that all communities, including Gujjars, Paharis, Ladakhis and Dogras have been opposing these recommendations, and warned that if any attempt were made to implement the report, it would be disastrous for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The report has also provided an opportunity to the BJP to regain its lost ground. Desperately looking for some emotive issues to strengthen its base before the civic bodies elections, the BJP has been strongly raking up this report to cash in on pro-Jammu sentiments in the region. |
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Tea with The Tribune
Devender Singh Rana, political adviser to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, did not rise to this post overnight. Behind it were years of labour and ups and downs.
He was the first person in his family to adopt a political career.
A graduate in engineering, he took a profession in 1987 that was considered lowly at that time. He opened a Maruti service station and washed a car himself to have a feel of the job. The Tribune team talked with him on various issues and phases of his professional and personal life over a cup of tea. Two students of class XI from Saint Mary’s Presentation Convent School also asked him a number of questions confronting the youngsters in particular and the state in general. Following are the excerpts: Jupinderjit Singh: You have largely risen on your own in the political and business circles. What is your success mantra? Devender Singh Rana
(DSR): I have learnt three lessons in life and I follow those. They are: If you want to run towards your goal, then just run; if you don’t run, others will run and they will run better than you; if you stop running, others will run over you. This is my life’s motto.
I did my civil engineering in 1986 and on July 22, 1987, I opened a Maruti service station, but at that time it was not considered a good profession, I even used to wash cars myself. I used to work 19-20 hours a day. Later, I opened a restaurant but it was quite a failure. JJS: Any regrets like missing quality time with your family. DSR: My children know that their father is not wasting his time. My family understands that life is about working and you need to work and work very hard. Sunaina Kaul: How do you de-stress yourself? DSR: I don’t take stress. In fact, I think I de-stress everyone around me (chuckles). I keep on cracking jokes on myself. I de-cluster my life so there is no burden on my conscious, the conscious needs to be clean, you can lie to the entire world, but not to yourself. Yes, before going to bed, I read some book. That probably helps. Tejinder Singh Sodhi: The Omar government has completed one year in office, how do you look back at the period? DSR: We have seen the best years of governance. One has to understand the situation when Omar came to power. It was the aftermath of the Amarnath land row agitation and regional tension had build up. Today, you find a calmer state. He never made a statement that would de-stabilise the situation. He has taken everybody along. He took a holistic view of issues, took all people along, he was not a politician who is self-centered. For the first time in the state, a government has addressed the issue of unemployment by coming out with a package. The CM has said it was not a final document and changes are welcome. A matriculate can get a loan of Rs 3 lakh for business, a graduate can get Rs 5 lakh and a postgraduate can get Rs 7 lakh. We are tying up with the J& K Bank for the purpose. Dinesh Manhotra: How did you weather the political and personal storm faced by the CM after Shopian and alleged sex scandal? What was your advice to him? DSR: The sex scandal issue was very unfortunate, and Omar Abdullah is one of the clean politicians in the country. So he did not bother about his job and resigned from the position. He stood tall and took the decision himself. Regarding the Shopian case, the matter is sub-judice, so I cannot comment and the CBI report is with
the Vibhuti Narania (student): Sir, you talked about loans to the unemployed. You were also the director of the J&K Bank. Please tell, why do students have to deposit Rs 2 lakh for availing a bank loan? DSR: I will ask the chairman of the bank to look into this. I am hopeful if there is an anomaly, it will be sorted out. Nirupama Jamwal (student): Sir, But why do we always have to ask the Centre for money? DSR: All states are largely dependent on the Centre government for funds. It is here that the local or cottage industry has to chip in. We had a booming copper utensil industry once. We consume 1,500 crore of meat and chicken every year. Most of it is imported. We can produce all that here. The government can offer schemes. It is up to the public to do it. We are providing a congenial atmosphere for it. VN: It is a lesser known fact that the students were the worst suffers of the SRTC strike. For over 100 days, students had to travel in mini-buses. Why did it take so long for the government to resolve the crisis? DSR: The SRTC problem was complex. The government had agreed to give them a package of Rs 13 crore a year and rest they had to generate the money for their salaries, but the corporation exhausted the package in three months. The employees wanted the benefits of the Sixth Pay Commission, but it could not be given to a loss-making PSU. There are eight employees against each bus in the SRTC. The government wanted a long-term solution to the problem and it took some time. NJ: But why are there so many agitations in the state? Every day employees are protesting… DSR: See, we have to understand that the government cannot provide jobs to all. The government is encouraging the private sector in this regard. The problem is that everyone wants government jobs only. Now, when an employee is required for a Rs 500-job, he insists that his services should be regularised. What can the government do? It was beyond my comprehension how a civil engineer can be without work when the last decade saw boom in the real estate sector and the next decade may see more infrastructural growth. Then, there was a youth who on the recommendation of Omar Abdullah got a private job worth Rs 12,000. After few days, he lands up in our office, seeking a government job even if it was worth Rs 500. Ravi Krishnan Khajuria: Justice Sagir Ahmed in his report endorsed autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir. Do you think the state will ever get it in the backdrop of allegations of discrimination with the regions of Jammu and Ladakh? DSR: The National Conference as a party feels that autonomy is a lasting solution to Kashmir imbroglio, but having said that the NC is also clear that if there is another widely acceptable formula that the people of the state can think of, we can discuss that as well. JJS: Is there any point in the report that the NC does not agree with? DSR: The report is with the law department and they are studying it. I can’t comment on it at this point. However, Justice Sagir does strongly feel that autonomy is the main solution to the problem. Archit Watts: Can an autonomous J&K sustain itself? DSR: See, the defence, foreign affairs, currency and communication would be with the Centre. We would continue getting grants. And we have ample resources to sustain ourselves with the growth in the private sector… JJS: But outsiders cannot invest in the state. .. DSR: Article 370 is not an impediment in attracting investments. The issue had been taken care of long back. There is a provision for 99 years of lease in the article. We do not want fly-by-night investors. We want investors, who stay here for long and contribute to the growth of the state. DM: You are considered as trouble shooter for Omar Abdullah. How do you manage political crisis as political adviser of the Chief Minister? DSR: Omar is himself competent enough to manage crisis situation. During the alleged sex scandal episode, he proved himself as a man of integrity. DM: The Congress and the National Conference have ideological differences on many issues, especially on greater autonomy. The Congress insists on India-Sheikh record and the NC on autonomy. How do you strike the balance? DSR: Although we have some ideological differences with the Congress, we are running the government on several common issues. As far as the centre-state relation is concerned, demand for greater autonomy and Indira-Sheikh Accord is almost same. TJS: There are reports that the Chief Minister is not satisfied with the performance of some senior ministers and he wants to replace them with young energetic people like you. DSR: First, I want to make it clear that these reports are not true. Omar has nice blend of young as well as experienced leaders. There is no need for any replacement. Secondly, I am satisfied with my present job. Ashutosh Sharma: Your brother was the face of Amarnath land row agitation in Jammu. Do you have ideological differences? DSR: Every one of us, means my family, has been a thinker. Both of us evolved in a secular atmosphere at home and we are free to follow our own ideologies. Only time will tell the consequences. AW: Would you like your children to take political career? DSR: I did not inherit politics and business. I would like my children to do what they want to do best. I wanted to be a lawyer but became a businessman and a politician. I once asked my daughter what she wants to become and she said she would become what she wants to. We cannot force our decision on them. AW: In your busy schedule, do you manage to do some exercise? DSR: No. Actually, I do not have the intent. The reason behind my “healthy frame” is that I eat a lot of chocolates. Even now I have a piece of chocolate gifted by Omar’s son (takes out the chocolate and eats). |
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Parents’ support vital, say reality stars
Sunaina Kaul Tribune News Service
Jammu, January 8
Talking to The Tribune, Priya Raina (25), a mimicry artiste who participated in a TV reality show recently, says parental support is necessary to maintain a balance between studies and talent. She says parents appreciate children who participate in talent hunt shows, but when it comes to their own children, they put pressure on them for concentrating more on academics instead of their respective talents. Priya, who is presently doing Masters in English from the University of Jammu, appeals to the aspirants of reality shows/talent hunt shows that they should broaden their vision. “Talent is part of life but not the life. We should take an easy approach to life. Some consider ambitions more important than life, which is wrong. It is necessary not to combine emotions with ambitions,” says Priya. Similary, Ameek Singh Raina (13), another participant of the same reality show, is of the opinion that family is biggest strength of reality stars. He is studying in class VIII and is continuing his training in singing as well. “It is not difficult to maintain a balance in studies and talent when we have support of our parents,” says Ameek. Expressing grief over Neha’s suicide, he says pressure for doing good in academics and in the field of respective talent always remain on contestants, but parents’ support helps to reduce it. “Ameek started singing when he was six. He is excellent in academics as well,” said Neena Kaur, Ameek’s mother while talking to The Tribune. Striking a balance between studies and dance/singing classes puts tremendous mental pressure on the participants of various reality shows/talent hunt shows, but cooperation of parents helps to overcome this obstacle easily, she adds.
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Police station encroaches upon MC land
Jammu, January 8 Now, the circumstances have changed and the state is turning towards normalcy. Still, officials concerned of the Jammu and Kashmir Police are seemed to be in no mood to vacate the encroached land. The police station is situated in the heart of the city and the cost of the prime land runs into crores. The land is near to the bus stand, MA
stadium and just opposite to the Dogra chowk. The existence of a police station on the encroached land had raised questions before the police and the administration too. Because these two agencies were the main tools to remove encroachments from the city, but here the picture was altogether different. “How the public can expect justice from the police, if it has encroached upon the land of the MC, itself,” said, an official of the MC on condition of anonymity, adding that by doing these unlawful acts, the police had not only lost respect among the public, but also invoked others to do similar illegal activities. It was actually the state exchequer, who was suffering losses by such activities. “On one hand the MC, the Jammu Development Authority and the police are carrying out demolition drives in the winter capital, on the other hand the police itself has encroached upon MC’s land and the officials concerned are merely watching the things to take place, without taking any action against the offender,” said a professor of Jammu University. Kawinder Gupta, Mayor, MC, said: “We have discussed the matter during our house meetings and have also requested the police many times to vacate the land. Only, if they give us the cost of this land then the matter can be solved”. However, repeated attempts to contact Jammu SSP Basant Rath turned futile. |
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PAHL helps poor kids take first step in learning
Jammu, January 8 Sangeeta lost her mother when she was just five days old. She was a rag picker and used to spend most of her time in streets collecting garbage from drains to make her ends meet. These days, she is inspiring children in her vicinity to take to learning and is a role model for many others in her company. At least, 99 students from different areas of New Mohinder Nagar are attending regular classes and have learnt social etiquettes in a short span. Before enrolling at PAHL, a majority of these children aged between three and five, were rag pickers and never went to school. PAHL has initiated efforts to introduce modern teaching aids, including animated lectures, nursery rhymes and musical alphabets, in the classroom so that students are able to learn while they play. Onkar Nath Chandra, chairman of the sanstha, said after the opening of the modern classroom, the next step would be to equip children's laboratory with computer. "We are planning to use modern teaching aids to enable students to learn while they play," he said. He added for the purpose, they were planning to start a short-term module for senior students to make them computer literate and develop their interest in the field. |
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Singer out to promote Kashmiriyat
Jammu, January 8 `` As an artist, I feel my prime job is to restore confidence among the people and promote the idea of Kashmiriyat. My bhajan singing is a humble step in that direction'', Gulzar told The Tribune. The top-grade artist from the valley said Kashmiris by and large are peace-loving citizens and believe in co-existence. ``The region has historically been an important centre for Hinduism and Buddhism. Islam was introduced in the medieval centuries, and Sikhism also spread to the region in the 18th and 19th centuries. Kashmir has a significant place in mythology and history of all four religions'', he said Gulzar, chairman of the Kashmir Glokar Society, said: During the past 20 years of turmoil, he had trained about 100 valley-based singers to promote the idea of Kashmiriyat by rendering ``vaakhs'' of Lal Ded and ``shrukhs'' of Nund Rishi. ``We are making a conscious effort through our cultural activities and social programmes to revive Kashmiriyat which carries the long-standing conviction that any and every religion will lead to the same divine goal'', Gulzar said. Gulzar is all praise for Kashmiri Pandits who carried on with their traditions and kept the spirit of Kashmiriyat atop even while living in exile. `` Kashmiri Pandits specially call me to participate in their social gatherings where I render bhajans and leelas in praise of Hindu gods and goddesses. `` I have recently released an album ``Wal Wasav Ganpatyaar'', which carries bhajans in praise of Ganesha Shiva, and Krishna'', he said. ``My ``Ustaads'' Mohd Abdullah Ganai and Abdul Rahim Bhat passed the baton of Sufi singing to me and I am trying my level best to come up to their expectations'', Gulzar of `` Tahaan'' fame said. `` Tahaan'' is a Hindi movie, featuring Anupam Kher and carries a typical Kashmiri song sung by Gulzar. The folk singer from Kashmir said despite a number of attempts by divisive forces to erode the spirit of Kashmiriyat, the peace-loving people of Kashmir have every time rejected such elements. `` |
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Less snowfall plays spoilsport in Kashmir
Srinagar, January 8 For the Kashmiris, it is only an unending wait for a heavy snowfall this winter, reminiscent of the “good old days,” when the weather gods had been kind enough to the cold environs of Kashmir. The heavy stock of snow accumulated in the upper reaches of the valley during winters, melts due to the summer heat, and fills the rivers and the streams. The process helps in irrigation as well as in the generation of power from hydel power projects. The snowfall in winters also helps in better fruit and agriculture production. The elders recall how the valley witnessed heavy snowfall during the winter months, with huge mounds of snow accumulating in the yards of houses, making it difficult to walk. The residents clad in pheran (Kashmir long robe) holding the firepot or kangri, while wading through the snow bound streets, was a common sight at that time. Over the past few decades, the fresh vegetables, locally grown or transported from the warmer region of Jammu, have become common in the Kashmir
households. So far, the valley has witnessed only one spell of rainfall and snow, although, snowfall was witnessed in the upper reaches and parts of south Kashmir last week. Most people in other parts of the valley are yet to experience snow. Though the upper reaches like Gulmarg and Pahalgam got covered under thick snow last week, the valley still awaits its share of snow. The winter days so far, have been sunny and freezing temperature prevails during the nights. The only hope of a heavy snowfall, for having a water-rich summer season ahead, is still on. Kashmir had good snowfall in the 1990-91, and January 1995, though heavy snow had been witnessed over the two decades, during the fag end of the
winter season. |
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Six go missing every month in Jammu district
jammu, January 8 "What I feel in such cases is that families don't keep track of the activities of their wards and hence they go astray", Jammu SSP Basant Kumar Rath told The Tribune. Once they are into a love affair such people flee to neighbouring states like Punjab, Himachal , Haryana and Delhi to escape the wrath of their families,
he added. The SSP, however, felt that the youth going missing in the militancy-infested districts of Rajouri, Poonch, Doda and Udhampur had high chances of getting involved in subversive activities. "Largely, love affairs and some times illicit relations were responsible for such incidents," said SP (Rural) Mohan Lal. Such people appear to be mentally dissatisfied, a state of agitated mind, which forces them to flee their homes, he added. The officer recalled how a 20-year-old youth from Digiana remained missing from his house for two years before being spotted in a temple in the interior of Jammu. "He had become a sadhu", said the SP. But at the same time one could not rule out the possibilities of such youths joining militants in militancy-infested areas. There had been numerous instances where youths, who had gone missing from their houses, had later joined militant outfits. In the month of December last year at least six persons, including 19-year-old girl Pupinder Kour of Kartholi in Bari-Brahmana, a final year student of BA, a Alka Bhat(34) of Gole Gujral, Ravinder Singh(16) of the Nagrota migrant camp, nine-year old Rahul of Channi Himmat and a youth Ravinder Singh of Ashok Nagar were reported missing from their houses. Though missing reports were lodged with the police in most of the cases, they have not been trace d as yet Meanwhile, the Samba police on January 3 found the body of
28-year-old Ashok Singh of Chann Khatrian village in Hiranagar tehsil of Kathua district. The deceased had been missing
since December 25 last year. Sources said Ashok was into an affair with a girl from Googad village in Samba district. The family of the deceased has levelled a murder charge against the girl's family. |
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Stone pelting common feature
Stone pelting on police and security personnel in protest against any arrests or lack of essential supplies like power has become a common feature in Srinagar and elsewhere in Kashmir. (See pic). While these protests have been going on almost every Friday, these were witnessed in the heart of Srinagar city following the suicide attack in Lal Chowk on Wednesday. The police had tough time chasing away youths from adjacent localities like Maisuma, Kokar Bazar and Abi Guzar. Though traffic movement towards Lal Chowk was blocked from the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) crossing to thin the public movement around the site of the encounter, restrictions did not make the job of the police so easy. They had to chase away demonstrators who continued pelting stones to make the police job tough. Even the dry winter chill did not stop the youth from taking to the streets frequently. Traffic week alone not enough
Simply observing the traffic week is not going to help. Officials have to realise their duties and citizens their responsibilities. Traffic rules and guidelines ought to be followed in letter and in spirit. Above all, the Traffic Department needs to rise to the occasion. To overcome the day-to-day problems faced by commuters like overloading and reckless driving and making travel safe and comfortable, both public as well as the administration have to work together to set things right. The penalty on violators has to be increased and rules have to be made effective and stringent so that functioning of the traffic system is well-regulated and improved at various levels. The Traffic Department needs to be equipped with human resource and modern facilities. Besides, steps ought to be taken to generate awareness about traffic rules and safety measures so that road accidents, which have become a regular feature now, are minimised. (Contributed by Ehsan Fazili and Afsana Rashid)
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Devender Singh Rana, political adviser to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, did not rise to this post overnight. Behind it were years of labour and ups and downs.
He was the first person in his family to adopt a political career.
The recent suicide case of
11-year-old reality star, Neha Sawant of Mumbai, a class VII student, has brought into focus tremendous stress on such
children. Two Jammu-based youngsters, who have made a mark in various reality shows and have been through all such circumstances, feel the cooperation of parents is vital.
Priya Raina
Jammu, January 8
Jammu, January 8
Stone pelting on police and security personnel in protest against any arrests or lack of essential supplies like power has become a common feature in Srinagar and elsewhere in Kashmir. (See pic). While these protests have been going on almost every Friday, these were witnessed in the heart of Srinagar city following the suicide attack in Lal Chowk on Wednesday. The police had tough time chasing away youths from adjacent localities like
Maisuma, Kokar Bazar and Abi Guzar.
