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One killed, 4 injured
in CRPF firing
Tenth day passes off peacefully
Kalakote villages rich in coal mines, yet power starved
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1.47 lakh register for Amarnath yatra
World Refugee Day
Ganesh mahotsav yagya from Sept 11
Cong displays strength in NC stronghold
Mughal Road Car Rally to kick off from June 25
Pak using Border Action Teams to refuel militancy
Conference on Gandhian thought
Traffic regulations on Leh highway
from June 25
Marching orders for Srinagar SSP
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One killed, 4 injured
in CRPF firing
Srinagar, June 20 The trouble started this morning when people returning after the burial of a youth,Mohammad Rafiq Bangroo,who died in hospital last night after sustaining head injuries in a clash between the police and protesters on June 12, targeted the CRPF bunker at Noorbagh. The demonstrators threw stones and later tried to set the bunker on fire,prompting the force to open fire,CRPF spokesman Prabhakar Tripathy said. Five persons were injured in the firing and rushed to a hospital where Malla succumbed to his injuries. Tension gripped most parts of the city after the incident, leading to demonstrations against the security forces at a number of places. Several persons were injured in the clashes that followed as the protesters attacked vehicles and pickets of the police and forces. Earlier, the residents claimed that Bangroo who died last night was severely beaten up by CRPF personnel. However, CRPF spokesman denied that there was any involvement of the force in the incident.He clarified that the youth was injured when a stone hit him in the June 12 clash. Both factions of the Hurriyat Conference, the JKLF and other separatist organisations condemned the firing and called for a bandh tomorrow. Meanwhile, the University of Kashmir has postponed examinations scheduled to be held in Kashmir division tomorrow, a spokesperson of the university said. However, the examinations of Jammu chapter would be held as per schedule, he added. Several other educational institutions, mainly private schools, would remain closed tomorrow and examinations postponed in view of the ongoing trouble. The situation in rest of the valley remained peaceful. The authorities have appealed to people to remain calm and beware of rumour mongers. PDP, CPM condemn killings
Several political parties, including the PDP and the CPM, have condemned the fresh spree of killings at the hands of police forces in which at least three youth have died during a period of less than 10 days. PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said it seemed the state had declared a war on its own people. CPM state secretary MY Tarigami also condemned the recent killing of the youth in Kashmir. |
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Tenth day passes off peacefully
Jammu, June 20 The day passed off peacefully. The police deputed outside the temple, was ordered to observe the movement of people, as there were some chances of any untoward incident. Due to the tension prevailing over this issue, earlier the residents of Nayi Basti and various other political and non-political organisations had lodged their protests in different parts of the city and also blocked the highway for nearly four hours. To show their resentment against the alleged failure of the police in Shalin’s killing and releasing one of the accused during initial investigations, the enraged public burnt and damaged the house of one accused Darbinder Singh, who lives in the victim’s neighbourhood. On the one hand, where a large number of people were present in the hall, to offer condolences to the aggrieved family, on the other hand no senior politician, police officer or any bureaucrat came to condole Shalin’s parents. A senior police officer said though there was no call from any organisation or Nayi Basti residents for protest, “ we tried our best to ensure security arrangements”. The arrested accused, Darbinder Singh and Gagandeep Singh are under the police custody and have been put in the lock-up of Gandhi Nagar police station.
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Kalakote villages rich in coal mines, yet power starved
Kalakote, June 20 The boy has a cult following among the children of the village. For them he is a magician who can light up even fuse bulbs discarded by people of the town. At home, Mushtaq has artfully created a mini “electric circuit” of his own using wires and miniature bulbs (which are usually fitted in the bottom of cigarette lighters) placed within the discarded light bulbs. Mushtaq lights small bulbs with the help of wires connected to the radio batteries. “One bulb is sufficient for a person to read, write or eat his dinner,” said his father, Abdul Rashid, with a hint of pride. Known for its coal mines, Kalakote tehsil has several “dark continents”, as the only thermal power station was wound up several years ago. Since the closure of the plant the power supply has dwindled while some villages remain un-electrified. Locals strongly feel that they are being robbed off their natural wealth as mining is still on but they are not getting any share of the excavated coal. Every month truckloads of coal are ferried from this place. “What we get? Nothing,” a group of locals at the tehsil headquarters said. They added, “The thermal plant should be recommissioned. We want electricity.” Past is nearer to people than the present. “When the thermal plant was functional, electricity would be supplied to various nearby areas of the tehsil also. There were no power cuts. Now the scenario is altogether different,” said a local. While the road connectivity, besides other basic amenities are yet to reach Danti, mobile phone services of at least three companies are very much there. How do they charge their cellphone batteries? Villagers are all grateful to the Army that used to camp at the village some months ago. During its short stay, the Army gifted a set of solar light panel and a battery to the village mosque. Since the battery is out of order now, the solar panel is in the possession of villager Jameel Ahmed. Not only from Danti but also from nearby un-electrified villages like Faki, Saleri, Tali, Mangrote, Sadda, Tangyoat and Sonchal people visit Jameel’s home for charging the batteries of their mobile phones. Citing reasons for the closure of the power plant, tehsildar, Kalakote, Sachin Dev Singh said, “It is said that the indigenous coal was not suitable for power production and the coal had to be imported from outside the state. So it would increase the cost of production of electricity.” “We have been excavating coal from six mines; four in Rajouri district and two in nearby Reasi district. At least 85-100 metric tonnes of coal is excavated from these mines on a monthly basis,” said Chief Mining Engineer Suresh Kumar. However, enquiries revealed that since the closure of the plant in 1982, the government had still been giving salaries to nearly 250 employees of the plant without any operations.
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1.47 lakh register for Amarnath yatra
Srinagar, June 20 According to Saugat Biswas, Additional Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), the pilgrims have been asked to adhere to the precautions laid down by the board. Every pilgrim should obtain a valid permit after registration as per the procedure. The board has already issued instructions which are printed on the reverse of the permit. Biswas said as the Yatra traversed high mountains, the pilgrims should carry adequate woollen clothing, small umbrellas , wind-cheaters, raincoats, sleeping bags and waterproof shoes. DIG holds meeting with cops, jawans Jammu: To make the Amarnath Yatra peaceful, DIG (Jammu-Kathua Range) Farooq Khan today held a meeting with senior cops and jawans at the district police lines here. Later, he heard the grievances of police officers and assured them that their problems would soon be solved. The DIG further exhorted them to exhibit civilised behaviour, alertness and vigilance and properly treat the pilgrims during the yatra period. |
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World Refugee Day
Jammu, June 20 While addressing the gathering, Dr KN Pandita, convener of the Jammu Kashmir Nationalist Movement, demanded that Kashmiri Pandits living in exile should be given proper nomenclature of internally displaced persons and facilities recommended for this category of refugees should be given to them. Prof AN Sadhu, president of the Kashmiri Pandit Sabha, while commenting on the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits said the Kashmiri Pandits should be rehabilitated in accordance with the norms set forth by the United Nations Human Rights Charter. AK Diwani, president of the Jammu Kashmir National United Front, lambasted the state as well as the Central Government for terming Kashmiri Pandits as migrants instead of internally displaced persons. Kids hold rally
To observe the World Refugee Day, Kashmiri Pandit children on Sunday held a protest rally to highlight the plight of Kashmiri Pandits. According to a statement issued here, the children were carrying placards in their hands. The Shehjar Research Foundation (SRF) demanded setting up of an inquiry commission to know the reasons for their exodus from their homes and hearth over 20 years ago. “On this World Refugee Day, we ask the central and state governments to remember countless displaced people, including displaced Kashmiri Pandits, who are surrounded with innumerable hardships,” said Sanjay Bhat, member, SRF. |
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Ganesh mahotsav yagya from Sept 11
Jammu, June 20 During this mahostav, a 12-feet-long idol of Bhagwan Shri Ganesh will be brought from Mumbai for prayers. The yagya will begin with Shri Ganesh Prarambh on September 11, which will be followed by Ganapati Murti Sthapna. Special aarti will be performed between 6 pm and 7 pm. A detailed programme has been drawn up for the 12-day function at which prominent religious scholars will deliver sermons. The programmes include Gyan Ganga Snan, Shri Ganesh Katha, Krishan Raas Leela, Harinam Sankirtan and Evam Katha daily and Puranahuti on September 22. —
TNS |
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Cong displays strength in NC stronghold
Nagrota, June 20 Interestingly at Nagrota, the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief, Saif ud Din Soz, asserted that strengthening of the Congress was must to ensure stable coalition in the state. “Only the Congress can ensure stable coalition regime in the state, so strengthening of our party is must for the overall development of the state,” he said. Although the PCC chief did not mention the name of any party, he repeatedly stated that the Congress was the only party, which could protect interests of all three regions of the state. He claimed that despite vicious campaign against this party, the Congress had been emerging as biggest political forces in the state and mentioned that in the Kashmir Valley a large number of people had enrolled themselves as members of the party. “We have been organising rallies in the valley and not even a single incident has been so far taken place during our rallies,” he said and added that the party had been receiving over-whelming response in the valley. He said a strong Congress was guarantee for a strong and stable coalition in the state and exhorted the party men to strengthen the party to ensure smooth and strong coalition in the state. “The Congress holds the key for unity and integrity of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh because of its secular policies and as it respects the sentiments of people of different sections of the society of all three regions of the state”, he said, adding “The Congress can never betray the people or go against the wishes of the people of the state.” As the Congress has to regain its lost ground in Nagrota, the PCC chief along with Lok Sabha member Madan Lal Sharma and the ministers in the coalition government announced a number of schemes in this belt to mitigate miseries of the common masses. Veteran leader Mangat Ram Sharma, three ministers namely, Taj Mohi ud Din, Sham Lal Sharma and RS Chib along with other senior leaders addressed the rally. During the last two elections, BJP candidate Jugal Kishore Sharma has emerged victorious from this belt and the NC remained as a runner up. The NC has a reason to stake claim on this seat as in 1996 the party had won this seat and it had strong hold in this belt. By organising rally at Nagrota, the PCC chief had not only asserted before the NC, he also gave a message to the dissidents that he would project parallel leadership in their areas. Dissident leader Choudhary Hamid had contested the two successive Assembly elections from Nagrota as the Congress candidate but today’s rally was organised by Shiv Dev Singh who owns his loyalty towards pro-Soz faction.
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Mughal Road Car Rally to kick off from June 25
Udhampur, June 20 The state government’s very own motorsport event - the Mughal Road Car Rally - will be held for the first time on June 25-26 to primarily show that tourism is thriving in Kashmir. The J&K Tourism Department is the principal sponsor for the event. In all, 40 rally cars will run a total distance of 819 km from Srinagar to Jammu and back. Manjeev Bhalla, vice-president of Himalayan Motorsport Association, said no traffic would be allowed during the competitive stages of the rally to avoid any mishaps. However, it will not be the case in transport stages where average speed of cars will be limited to 45 km per hour due to high density of traffic. “Given its novelty factor, we expect great public interest. Those along the entire course could watch the rally from the places above the roadside. Nobody would be allowed to cross the road, not even sheep or goats, in the competitive stages in which buntings will also be put up,” Bhalla stated. To ensure all this, help is being sought from the police and civil administration. The Jammu Divisional Commissioner has directed the administration to take required steps so that the event passes off without a hitch. Official measures apart, the organisers have already drawn up the rally map. A total of 25 radio-connected and GPS-fitted cars will be tracking the movement of the rally at different points of the course. “After the flag-off at Srinagar at 5 am, the first racing car is expected to reach Daksum around 7 am. After a night halt at Jammu, the rally will resume at 6 am the next day and end at Srinagar the same evening en route the Mughal Road,” he added. As of now, the exercise to prepare the residents along the rally route is on. The organisers are meeting chiefs of villages and institutions so that they take care of their children and the cattle while the rally passes through their areas.
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Pak using Border Action Teams to refuel militancy
Jammu, June 20 “Though Pakistan had created BATs well before Operation Parakaram, they now look desperate to go full throttle to meet their ulterior motives,” Defence sources said. Having lost top leadership of various militant outfits this year, a desperate Pakistan is now applying every possible ploy, they added. BATs, a mix of militants, Pakistani Rangers and regulars from the Pakistan Army, work on two-pronged strategy - to find out gaps at the borders, particularly at the 749-km-long LoC, to push in armed ultras; and at the same time resort to IED blasts and firing at the borders. However, not the battle-hardened troops adequately trained in psychological warfare continue to foil nefarious designs of the enemy, sources said. Pakistan indulges into such misadventures mostly at the LoC as compared to the IB as the 229-km-long International Border, mostly in plains, is guarded by the BSF while the Army has the operational responsibility of the 749-km-long LoC in hilly and rugged terrain. “The killing of BSF DIG OP Tanwar near Ballard post on International Border in Samba sector on November 16 last year followed by the killing of a soldier, Hambi Rao, at Lohara Gali on the LoC in Mendhar sector yesterday, besides incidents of triggering IED blasts, clearly show desperation on the part of Pakistan,” they added. Last year, the Army had foiled 30 intrusion bids at the LoC and had killed 73 militants.
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Conference on Gandhian thought
Srinagar, June 20 Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister said the world had recognised the doctrine of non-violence propounded by Mahatma Gandhi and had attained universal strength. He said all scholars acknowledged that the solution of all kinds of turmoils and disturbances was the concept of love, amity and strong belief in human approach. He said that when the subcontinent was burning amidst the frenzy of communal violence, Jammu and Kashmir kindled the hope of national integration which was appreciated by Mahatma Gandhi. Tara Chand lamented that there were forces bent upon dividing the people in the name of religion, region and caste to spread hatred. He added that a majority of people had strong faith in humanity and love and had the capacity to defeat communal, racial and other divisive forces. MLA, Kulgam, M. Y. Tarigami, in his address appreciated the GGF for holding the conference in the state. He said Gandhi worked for the progress and prosperity of people and sacrificed his life for maintaining brotherhood, communal harmony, unity and national integrity, and added the need of the hour was to spread his message of love and teachings. Chief Commissioner, J&K Scouts and Guides, Farooq Renzu also spoke and assured the GGF that the J&K Scouts and Guides Association would provide full support to it. Ex-Chairman, Public Service Commission, Mohammad Shafi Pandit, President, GGF, S. P. Verma, and other prominent GGF delegates also spoke.
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Traffic regulations on Leh highway
from June 25
Srinagar, June 20 This was decided at a meeting of officers of the Transport Department, the traffic police and the Beacon Project of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) held at Sonamarg yesterday under the chairmanship of Minister for Transport and CA&PD Qamar Ali
Akhoon. The meeting decided that vehicles from Kargil to Srinagar would be allowed to move at 4
a.m, from Drass at 6 a.m and from Gumari 10 a.m. so that they crossed the Zojila Pass by 11 a.m. From Sonamarg towards Kargil and
Leh, the traffic would be allowed from 3 p.m. onwards. The meeting was informed that from 11 a.m. to 3
p.m, the Beacon project authorities would maintain the road. Priority would be given to the movement of light and passenger vehicles. It was further decided that the weigh bridge would function daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Sonamarg and would provide printed receipts, besides stickers for load carriers. A deputation of local transporters also met the minister and submitted their demands, including a parking slot at Baltal during the yatra period and exemption of entry fee to be charged by the shrine board. The minister visited the Baltal base camp and took stock of the arrangements for the forthcoming
yatra.
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Marching orders for Srinagar SSP
Srinagar, June 20 The meeting reviewed the law and order situation and more heads are expected to roll. The CM directed Divisional Commissioner Tanveera Jahan to probe into the incident and submit a report within a week. Omar said the government was committed to zero tolerance against any human rights violation and the violators would not be allowed to go scot-free. The CM also stated that the government was committed to protect the dignity of its people and security agencies should take necessary measures in this direction. “The perpetrators of stone pelting disturb law and order in parts of Srinagar city and exploited the innocent for vested interests. They shall be identified and booked,” he said adding that the guilty could not be allowed to disturb the normal life process and hamper the development and education of the students. The meeting, among others, was attended by the Minister for Finance, Minister for Rural Development, Minister for
PHE, Financial Commissioner (Home), DGP Kuldeep Khoda, Additional Director General (CID) K
Rajindra, ADG CRPF and other senior police officers.
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Violence broke out in downtown Srinagar today when a mob tried to set afire a mobile bunker of the CRPF, prompting the paramilitary force to open fire, resulting in
the death of a youth and injuries to four others.The deceased was identified as Javed Ahmed
Malla.
