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Human rights’ violators won’t go scot-free: CM
Beware of rumour-mongers: CM
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Evolve mechanism to end discrimination with Jammu region, parties to PM
Farooq fumes at poor services of Indian Airlines
PM’s relief package
Talab Khatikan residents set example of communal harmony
Skin diseases rampant in Baramulla village
Army help changes woman’s fortunes
‘Clean Devika Drive’ launched
District status for Bhaderwah demanded
MC drive to beautify Temple City on fast track
Protecting environment a
challenge: Vohra
3 soldiers die in road mishap
Drive against unlicensed medical shops
Cloudburst claims five lives
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Human rights’ violators won’t go scot-free: CM
Srinagar, June 6 During the meeting, he reiterated his government’s commitment to zero tolerance against human rights violations. “The violators of human rights will not be allowed to go scot-free,” he asserted at the meeting. Matters pertaining to the rehabilitation policy for youth who have crossed the LoC but not indulged in violence and intend to return to the state, were discussed in the meeting. The Chief Minister also got appraisal of Machil incident, Amarnath Yatra arrangements, human rights issues and maintenance of law and order in the state. The Army authorities assured full cooperation to the police in the investigation into the Machil incident, an official spokesman said. The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand, GoC-in-C Northern Command Lt-Gen BS Jaswal, GoC 14 Corps Lt-Gen SK Singh, GoC 15 Corps Lt-Gen NC Marwah, GoC 16 Corps, Lt-Gen Rameshwar Rao, GoC 9 Corps Lt-Gen DS Thakur, Chief Secretary SS Kapur, Financial Commissioner, Home, Samuel Vergees, Director-General of Police Kuldeep Khoda and other senior civil and security personnel. Meanwhile, ahead of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's two-day visit to Kashmir from tomorrow, Gujjars of the state have sought a comprehensive socio-economic package to resolve their pending demands. The demands include opening of a tribal university, inclusion of Gojri language in Eighth schedule of the Constitution and a special Census of nomadic Gujjars and Bakarwals. However, Scheduled Tribe, a community that constitutes 20 per cent of the total population of the state through the Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation, listed its demands that stood unresolved since long and needed immediate intervention of the Prime Minister. |
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Resolve Kashmir issue early, says Sikh panel
Srinagar, June 6 It also urged Dr Manmohan Singh to hold direct talks with real representatives of the state- either separatists or leaders of regional and national parties- instead of interlocuters. Delaying the peace process had affected people as it had hit the economic development , deprived youth of quality education, restricted women to limited education and led to a lack of employment, Jagmohan Singh Raina, Coordinator of the APSCC, said in a statement. He asserted that Sikhs were ready to contribute their role in bringing early peace in the state. |
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Beware of rumour-mongers: CM
Srinagar, June 6 Speaking after the inauguration of the Rs 18 crore Sangarmal shopping complex , constructed by the Srinagar Development Authority (SDA), here yesterday, the Chief Minister cautioned people not to get carried away by emotional propaganda. Citing the killing of a boy from Maisuma in Srinagar last year, Omar said on a mere rumour, the city witnessed trouble for three days. “When truth came to the surface, it was found that the boy was killed by his friend and the allegation against the police was false. We should exercise calm and not get carried away by emotional propaganda”, he asserted. The Chief Minister said yesterday there was a false rumour about the desecration of a holy shrine. “Even a blind person will not say that the picture was of Kabba Sharief”, he said, and added he immediately asked the police to ascertain the facts and the rumour turned out to be baseless. The Chief Minister said a conducive and peaceful atmosphere was imperative for the state’s development. He said a comprehensive development programme had been started for making Srinagar a model city and asked the people to cooperate with the government in carrying forward its agenda. “We should help cultivate peace and not indulge in activities as would harm the tranquility and hamper the development process”, he said. Omar said that some people nurtured their politics on disturbance and violence. He said the common man had to bear the brunt of disturbances. “Our shopkeepers, small traders, Sumo drivers, labourers and poor daily wage earners were severely hit by these tactics”,he said. |
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Youths clash with police
Srinagar, June 6 The police had to
resort to a cane-change, lob teargas
shells and fire in the air after the youths indulged in stone throwing. It said it examined the products and found there was no depiction of any holy
city on these. Meanwhile, some youths held a march in Maisuma and tried to enforce a shutdown, but the police prevented them from coming to the main road. |
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Evolve mechanism to end discrimination with Jammu region, parties to PM
Jammu, June 6 The Jammu-based political parties have urged the Prime Minister to evolve a mechanism for solving the problem of discrimination with the region. Cautioning the Prime Minister against the gimmicks of Kashmir-centric parties and separatist groups, BJP spokesperson Nirmal Kamal said instead of revoking the Armed Forces Special Power Act, the government should give more powers to the Army to discourage the anti-national forces. She said the Prime Minister while addressing issues related to the Kashmir problem, should keep in view the aspirations and wishes of people of Jammu and Ladakh regions also. She stated that these two regions had been facing discrimination since 1947 as the successive state governments had meted out stepmotherly treatment with these two areas. She said Jammu had more area and more population, but still the region had less Assembly seats, adding that instead of announcing another economic package, some concerted steps should be taken to fulfil aspirations of both regions. Welcoming the Prime Minister’s visit, the Jammu State Morcha (JSM) said the Centre should realise that problems were not confined only to the valley as wishes of people of both Jammu and Ladakh should be taken into consideration while announcing any solution. JSM leader Anil Gour stated that without taking Jammu region into consideration, lasting solutions for Kashmir problem was not possible. Panthers Party chairman Bhim Singh hailed the Prime Minister’s visit to Kashmir and described the visit as a great gesture for the welfare and development of the state. He made an appeal to the angry leadership in the valley to talk to the Prime Minister, who was coming to talk with all sections of political groups in the state. He said a 21-member delegation of the JKNPP would call on the Prime Minister tomorrow to express their solidarity with his initiative to start a new era of dialogue with all sections of political parties in the state. |
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Farooq fumes at poor services of Indian Airlines
Jammu, June 6 He said it was unfortunate that a Union Minister like him had to wait for more than two long hours. “I don’t know what problems commoners have been facing due to inordinate delay in the flights of Indian Airlines,” he wondered and said the government-run airlines had to provide good services to the passengers to compete with the private players. When asked whether he has taken up the matter with Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel to improve the services of Indian Airlines, Dr Abdullah reacted, “I have taken up the matter with Parful Patel a number of times.” The Union Minister, who was schedule to address an annual day function of Kawa Institute, could not reach in time due to delay in the flight of Indian Airlines. After reaching the venue he expressed his anguish over the functioning of Indian Airlines and suggested some immediate measures to streamline it. He said the Centre had done its bit by sanctioning Rs 800 crore and Rs 500 crore on two occasions for improvement of its services. On the controversy surrounding the Indian Premier League (IPL) in which name of Union Agriculture Minister Shard Pawar has been dragged, Farooq refused to comment. He said a decision on the future of students studying in private institutes should be taken once for all. He stressed on the need of imparting job-oriented education to the students to solve the problem of unemployment in the state. Addressing students, Dr Abdullah assured the students that he would take up the issue with Minister of Higher Education Abdul Gani Malik. He, however regretted that educational institutions had been turning into teaching shops and instead of providing quality education these were minting money from students. Stressing on the need of creating an adequate infrastructure in private institutes, Farooq Abdullah mentioned the scandal in the Medical Council of India (MCI) through which recognitions were accorded to undeserving medical colleges across the country. “I don’t know what kind of doctors have been produced by such medical colleges which used fraudulent means to get recognition, he said. Vice Chancellor of Jammu University Prof Varun Sawhney also addressed the annual day function of Kawa Institute. |
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PM’s relief package
Jammu, June 6 Appreciating the concern showed by the Prime Minister for rehabilitation of the displaced community, the Review Committee underscored some inadequacies in the package, which needed to be made up. Addressing a press conference, the JKNM leaders said since the exodus of the community was primarily owing to the failure of the government’s security arrangement in 1990, its return, therefore, hinges on foolproof security of life and property for the returnees. “The package is silent on that count. It does not focus on the need of reversing the socio-political conditions that vitiated peaceful coexistence of people in the valley,” the leaders said. They said the package envisaged only makeshift arrangement as it left the issues of return, rehabilitation and retention of the community in the valley as an integral and inclusive factor of the Kashmiri civil society. However, the committee has recommended that instead of dispersed rehabilitation, the option of a township of inclusive character and contours in the valley as a viable formula for the rehabilitation and retention of displaced persons should be placed before the government. |
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Talab Khatikan residents set example of communal harmony
Jammu, June 6 Locals of Talab Khatikan raised the demand for a water cooler near the Jama Masjid, as it was necessary, particularly during the Friday prayers. Cutting across party affiliations, a large numbers of people belonging to both communities turned up at the function to give the message of brotherhood and communal harmony. Addressing the gathering, Khajuria said the BJP was a secular party, which propagated the theory of equal treatment to all sections of society. He said the party was committed for the overall development of the state, but regretted that Jammu had been facing discrimination at the hands of Kashmir-centric governments, adding that the government had failed to provide basic amenities to the masses in Jammu, who had been facing acute shortage of drinking water and electricity. A deputation of Muslim Federation under the leadership of its president Abdul Majid and the locals demanded that the road adjoining the Jama Masjid to the Deputy Commissioner’s office should be widened. Khajuria said he would take up the issue with concerned authorities and get the road widened, adding that he would work for other developmental works in the area as well. |
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Skin diseases rampant in Baramulla village
Mattipora (Singhpora), June 6 “Chest and skin diseases and intestinal infections are common here. These are mostly found among children followed by women. Contaminated water is responsible for these diseases,” says Dr Mohammad Maqbool, a physician working with the Aman Public Charitable Trust, New Delhi, in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Research and Development Trust. “The river flowing nearby is polluted and the hand pump water too is not good,” he added saying villagers had no alternative water source for drinking purpose. The trust is working in the area for the last six years to improve the health profile of the villagers. It has observed lack of awareness and poor hygiene among the villagers. Rivers and other open water bodies are the only source of water for drinking, washing and other purposes. Even animals drink the same water. “A water tanker comes rarely to the village. Besides, villagers don’t boil water,” says Sajad Hussain, adding that “ophthalmic problems are widespread here. Carpet weaving and lack of nutrition are responsible for this. Young women are more involved in carpet weaving and are thus more exploited and malnourished”. Hussain said women’s health was not the priority here. “People have no idea about health, hygiene and nutrition. Initially, women did not turn up at the health
centre. Certain inhibitions prevented them, but things improved later,” he added. Dr Muneera Wani, a gynaecologist, says “health isn’t a priority for them. Women mostly face social problems followed by medical problems. They mostly suffer from malnutrition”. She added that being financially weak, illiterate and unaware“women approach us only when they face problems”. The area sans any transport facility and the literacy rate too is not encouraging. Abdul Rahman Bhat, headmaster of Government Middle School, Mattipora, said out of the population of 3,000 in the village, there was only one woman graduate and five or seven male graduates. “At the most students study up to the middle level, a few go up to the secondary level and many drop out. Lack of financial resources and quality education are responsible for all this. They don’t get what they want. It is a faulty system,” he said, adding “women have now started coming forward for higher education”. The headmaster said society here was conservative and lacked health awareness.
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Army help changes woman’s fortunes
Srinagar, June 6 Whatever she used to learn at the centre during the day she taught to her husband in the evening and within couple of months he, too, started stitching clothes on a borrowed sewing machine. Later, she purchased a new machine and opened a tailoring shop with her husband and now they have enough resources to provide good education to their children. She was also appointed as an instructor in the very centre where she had received the training. This further increased her family income. The couple, Hamida and Bashir, is now thankful to the Army for providing them help which led them to live a happy life now.
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‘Clean Devika Drive’ launched
Udhampur, June 6 DIG, Udhampur-Reasi Range, Gulzar Singh Slathia, who was the chief guest on the occasion, formally launched the drive in which prominent citizens, NCC and NSS volunteers, senior police officers, civil defence functionaries, social workers and MC employees participated. DIG Slathia called upon people to come forward and contribute towards this noble cause realising their responsibility to make their respective surroundings neat and clean for the sustenance of a healthy society. He added even after the cleanliness drive was formally over, efforts should continue to keep the sacred rivulet and its surroundings pollution free. Slathia said his department, in collaboration with other agencies, would also launch a comprehensive plantation drive during the ensuing monsoon season to make the vicinity of the Devika green. He emphasised the need to create awareness among people to ensure maximum participation in the drive. Principal, Shivalik College of Education, Udhampur, Dr Vikram Gulati and advocate Surinder Khajuria also gave valuable suggestions for the purpose. Social activist Sunil Badyal, Deputy Controller, Civil Defence, Bodh Raj presented the welcome address and vote of thanks, respectively. |
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Comedy play ‘Bemaar’ staged
Jammu, June 6 The play revolves around the main character ‘Kumar’ who is not feeling well even after taking some medicines. He becomes an opportune laboratory testing “ specimen”. Despite having cough, he is suggested to eat sour things like tamarind, lemon, etc. The reason: age old wisdom: diamond cuts diamond. He is also made to consume rotten vegetables and a lot of weird items. This further deteriorates his condition. The play suggests in a very humorous manner that one should not be so naive that he gets carried away by anybody’s suggestions. Mohit Sharma, who played the character of ‘Kumar’, reflected his versatility as an actor, he was equally supported by Rohit Verma as ‘Madhoo’, Vikram Sharma as ‘Rashid’, Pankush Verma as ‘Bedi’, Rajni Bhatti as ‘Aapa’, Bela Thappa as ‘Sarita’ and Gaurav Jamwal as ‘Narayan’. Lights were operated by Gaurav Jamwal. |
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District status for Bhaderwah demanded
Jammu, June 6
He said population of Bhaderwah was more than the newly created Kishtwar district so the region deserved to get the status of district. Roa said overall development of the Bhaderwah belt was possible only by granting the district status to this region. He also demanded that delimitation of the Lok Sabha and Assembly segment before the next elections to give representation to all regions and sub-regions of this belt. He said the Member of Parliament from this segment could not do justice with people because it was not possible to cover an area stretching from Lakhanpur to Paddar. |
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MC drive to beautify Temple City on fast track
Jammu, June 6 However, municipal corporation’s Commissioner Mubarak Singh directed the enforcement wings to keep a constant vigil on the defaulters and to take action against the guilty. Under the painting process, the corporation has covered areas, like Bikram Chowk, Jewel Chowk and Indira Chowk. Talking to The Tribune, chief revenue officer of the corporation Charandeep Singh said, “We have started the anti-defacement drive, under which we have painted public walls at many areas and have removed defacements from the walls. The areas include MAM College’s roadside wall, Jammu University’s main gate and Indira Chowk”. He said, “We will soon start the painting work at Bus Stand and Reshamgarh colony, near the flyover”. He said people should remain alert and help the corporation in making the drive effective. “People should inform us on our helpline number (0191-2571308), when they notice any defacement in their areas, so that we can take action against the defaulters,” Singh said. He further appealed to residents that they should not give their roadside walls on rent to any business establishments for painting or for affixing advertisements. |
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Protecting environment a
challenge: Vohra
Srinagar, June 6 Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said ensuring the protection of the environment was the most crucial challenge worldwide to sustain life. In this context, he said it was important to create awareness among the people for their involvement in the effective management of ecological issues. He added that publications like the “ICELA Message” could contribute significantly towards spreading it.
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3 soldiers die in road mishap
Jammu, June 6 Those killed included lancenaik Satinder Pal (30), hawaldar Mohd Triq and lancenaik Jaswant Singh (30). According to the police, two died on the spot, whereas the third died at hospital this morning. The injured were rushed to the Military Hospital,
Satwari. However, the bodies were sent to the Government Medical College, Jammu, for the postmortem. |
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Drive against unlicensed medical shops
Kathua, June 6 However, its owner Roshan Lal was immediately taken into custody and booked under various provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940, the sources said. The licenses of Royal Medicos and Mansotra Medical Hall, functioning near Kathua sub-district hospital were also suspended for not maintaining sale purchase record of drugs, it added. |
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Cloudburst claims five lives
Srinagar, June 6 Three boys, identified as Naseer Ahmad and his brother Muneer Ahmad and Hanif Ahmad, all residents of upper Gharkote, were killed due to the cloudburst in the upper reaches of Bani Behak in the Uri area of Baramulla district. The police and locals brought the bodies to Gharkote village. Two girls, Safina and Nighat, were killed while another girl Shagufta was injured in another cloudburst. The three were residents of Lach Mawar village in the Handwara area of Kupwara district. The police said Shagufta had been hospitalised.
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Reviews security ahead of PM’s visit
