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Chidambaram to visit state on Thursday
Govt gives clean chit to CRPF
Warm welcome to Queen’s Baton on entering state
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Commonwealth Express draws enthusiastic crowds
AIDS: State tops in creating awareness
Amarnath Yatra
Jammu varsity sells 1,400 admission forms on day one
Morcha regrets delay in VC’s appointment
VHP demands dismissal of Omar govt
Special children meet Governor
Put a stop to honour killings: NGO
Two held for killing man
Militant hideout busted in Kishtwar
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Chidambaram to visit state on Thursday
Srinagar, June 28 The visit assumes significance as the state government which yesterday blamed the CRPF for the killing of youths in firing, sought the Centre’s help to restrain the troops. After the death of another youth, Bilal Ahmad Waniu, in firing in Sopore town of Baramulla district in north Kashmir last evening, Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Ali Mohammad Sagar alleged that there were “bad elements” and “black sheep” in the forces. Following the youth’s death in Sopore yesterday, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah spoke to the Union Home Minister last night and expressed concern about the recent death of civilians in CRPF firing. The Home Minister and the Chief Minister agreed to put immediate end to the cycle of violence, an official spokesman said. The Home Minister assured the Chief Minister the Centre and the state government would deal with the situation together. Chidambaram said the Centre was committed to supporting the government in its endeavour to maintain peace in the state and shall do everything possible in this regard. During his visit to the valley early this month, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had said that the security forces had been strictly instructed to respect human rights of civilians. “We will act to remove any deficiency in the implementation of these instructions”, the Prime Minister had said.He had also pointed out that “attempts to disturb the lives of people in the valley” were being made from across the Line of Control. “Whenever such incidents happen, they spread terror and cause disruption . Our security agencies are forced to act in the wake of such incidents. During the process sometimes innocent civilians have to suffer, but whenever such incidents happen, it becomes necessary to act against those responsible for them.” |
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New Delhi, June 28 He also said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was handling the situation “to the best of his ability”. “In a place where curfew is imposed, people break curfew, go ahead and attack police posts, CRPF posts. I don’t think you can call them by any stretch of imagination innocent civilians,” Pillai said. Asked about the death of a nine-year-old boy in the latest incident of firing in Sopore, he said the person killed was a 17-year-old youth. “Now, the organisers of these mobs are in one way willing to put teenagers in front.And teenagers should realise that they are being exploited by those who are doing this,” the Home Secretary said. To a question on whether the separatists were fanning public sentiments, he replied in the affirmative. He appreciated the CRPF for using restraint in dealing with the situation and said the incident was videographed and shown to the CM. — PTI
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Warm welcome to Queen’s Baton on entering state
Jammu, June 28 Shera, the official mascot of the Commonwealth Games, also got everyone’s attraction. A cultural programme was organised in which a number of Dogri, Kashmiri and Pahari cultural items were presented. On way to Jammu, the Baton received a warm welcome at a number of places, including Kathua, Hiranagar, Samba and some villages.It later reached Jammu around 1.45 pm, where Chib again welcomed it in Kaluchak. A number of politicians were also present there to take it to the M A Stadium, where a public gathering was held in the evening. Welcoming the Baton, Chib said: “It is a symbol of peace which has come to Jammu carrying a message of progress and normalcy.” In the evening, a rally was held which was flagged off from the Stadium by Chib and culminated at General Zorawar Singh Auditorium in Jammu University here.Sportspersons, including Nipu Jamwal, winner of the Asian Judo Championship, politicians and youngsters participated in it. “It is for the first time that the Queen’s Baton Relay for the Commonwealth Games has came to the state and it is a matter of proud for us,” said Rangeel Singh, President, J&K Olympic Association and member of the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee. At the auditorium, a senior state minister carried it and took it inside the auditorium, where a cultural extravaganza was held. Tight security arrangements were made on the National Highway 1-A and other Baton routes. The Baton will leave for Srinagar tomorrow by air where Minister for Science and Technology, Aga Syeed Rouhallah, will receive it at Srinagar airport. After a two-day halt in the state, the baton will leave for Chandigarh on June 30. |
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Commonwealth Express draws enthusiastic crowds
Udhampur, June 28 The train is being jointly run by the Department of Information Technology and Ministry of Railways. Before the arrival of the train,a huge crowd comprising mostly youth and students gathered at the platform.Minister of State for Cooperation, Stationary Printing, S&T, Planning & Finance Departments Manhor Lal Sharma, who was the chief guest, formally declared the exhibition open. Students of different educational institutions presented a cultural programme.Pardeep Chopra, a veteran sportsperson of Udhampur, was felicitated by the Sports Officer, Northern Railway, for his contribution to sports. MLA, Chenani, Krishan Chander Bhagat, District Development Commissioner (DDC), Udhampur, Baseer Ahmed Khan, Senior Director, Ministry of Information Technology (MIT), Government of India, S.P. Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police, Udhampur, Surinder Gupta, Sports Officer, Northern Railway, B.M. Bhullar, Superintendent, Northern Railway, Udhampur, and officers of the various departments were present. Wishing the organisers a grand success, the minister said the train combining the ideas of sports and IT would go a long way in showcasing “our capabilities as a nation”. Describing the arrival of the train as a landmark day for Udhampur, the DDC said the aim of the exhibition was to disseminate information about the significant achievements in sports and IT. He also spoke at length about major initiatives already taken in the district to provide basic assess to the consumers at the doorstep under the information technology sector. |
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AIDS: State tops in creating awareness
Jammu, June 28 Not only this, the state today has the lowest prevalence rate of HIV infection among High Risk Group (truckers, sex workers, drug addicts and STD patients), that is .3 per cent and it again has the lowest prevalence rate of .01 per cent among Low Risk Group. In the latest sentinel survey, we again recorded lowest prevalence rate of HIV infection among HRG and LRG, project director of the State AIDS Prevention and Control Society (SAPCS), MA Wani told The Tribune. The state had 1,410 HIV persons in 2007 and the number rose to 1,594 in 2008, and a year later now, the figure reached to 2,300. “Because of our concerted efforts the state has been doing a commendable work in spreading awareness among the people,” said Dr Wani. “A layman may say that when the number of HIV people is constantly rising then how we can boast of a good job, but bringing hidden epidemic to the surface for proper care and support is our task and I think we have done a good job so far,” he said. He said: “Bringing to the surface hidden cases and then covering them under the umbrella of care, support and treatment is a success for the society.” Out of 7,000 samples collected at our testing centers last year none was tested positive, he said. In Jammu and Kashmir, the infection was completely static and under control, said Dr Wani, who said besides 24 voluntary counselling and testing centers (VCTC), the SAPCS is going to open 10 more very soon. “Preventing the infection is not the task of government alone and every individual has to contribute his or her bit,” he said. Out of the 121 blocks in the state we have already covered 20, Dr Wani added. |
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Amarnath Yatra
Udhampur, June 28 Though the district administration has identified over 20 sites for the free langar, there is a rush of requests from prospective organisers Around 23 langars will be organised between Tikri and Kud, the yatra stretch passing through the district. “We are still processing the requests. I may not be able to give the exact number as these are still pouring in,” said Gurvinder Singh, Assistant Commissioner, Revenue, Udhampur. Baseer Ahmad Khan, District Development Commissioner (DDC), Udhampur, had recently chaired an inter-department meeting to deliberate on the arrangements to be made for the yatra. He had also issued instructions to ensure comfortable stay of pilgrims at Udhampur town and its outskirts on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. As for the normal boarding and lodging arrangements, owners of various private banquet halls had volunteered their premises. As per sources, pilgrims showed distinct preference to stay at these private halls due to the facilities available there. The administration has, however, identified 15-18 schools en route, which are closed for summer vacations, for the purpose as well.Arrangements have also been made for drinking water and power supply in these schools apart from medicare, sanitation, construction of temporary toilets, transport, traffic regulation and security. “We are now doing final checking of all these facilities,” Singh added. A special control room has also been set up at the PWD Dak Bungalow on the NH-AI, which would function round-the-clock for the assistance of pilgrims. Besides, the Assistant Commissioner (Revenue) has been designated as the Nodal Officer to oversee yatra arrangements. Civil Defence Organisation, Udhampur, has put services of 40 of its volunteers at the disposal of the
Udhampur SSP. |
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Jammu varsity sells 1,400 admission forms on day one
Jammu, June 28 According to the authorities concerned, the first merit list would be declared on July 19. The desiring candidates could purchase forms and could submit the same in the respective PG departments till July 12. The admission form costs Rs 175. While talking to The
Tribune, Prof RD Sharma, Dean, Academic Affair, said, “the last date for the sale and the submission of admission forms is July 12.” He said the students could get and submit the same with late fee of Rs 50 till July15. According to one of the university officials, with the rising number of candidates, more sale counters would be opened to facilitate admission seekers. Due to hot weather and congestion at sale counters, majority of candidates faced a lot of difficulties while purchasing forms. Standing in queues, candidates had to wait for long hours to purchase forms. Only one water cooler was installed near sale counters. “I get my turn to drink water after standing there for more than 10 minutes,” said Reetu Rani, a
candidate who was standing in a queue to get admission form. Meanwhile, majority of the candidates were excited to take admission in the university. Many of them standing in groups were discussing about their
subject combinations and for what subject they should choose. “We all have good percentage in the history subject. So we have jointly decided to take admission in the History department,” said a group of candidates together. The canteen area situated near the sale counters, also witnessed a huge rush of customers throughout the day due to heavy inflow of admission seekers. |
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Morcha regrets delay in VC’s appointment
Jammu, June 28 While all other universities established under the same legislation have started their academic session, the lackadaisical attitude vis-ŕ-vis Jammu Central University has led to dissension and unrest among different sections of society here, said JCUM leaders in a statement issued here today. It may be stated here that JCUM had launched an agitation against the appointment of an outsider as VC of Jammu Central University. The leaders urged the union government to address the issue positively. |
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Traffic expert panel sought at Sunder Bani
Sunder Bani, June 28 The committee also demanded a flying squad of the traffic police to check rash driving on the 250-km-long Jammu-Poonch National Highway, a large part of which runs through hilly terrain, to ensure strict implementation of the traffic norms. The committee said in the absence of such a committee and the traffic police, drunken driving, overloading and other such practises that contravene norms, traffic scenario could not be improved at all. Bhagwan Dass, an executive member of the committee, said a committee comprising officials of the traffic police, the Road Transport Department and the civil administration should be framed so that the spurt in road accidents could be averted. “Drivers plying vehicles on the highway or through the populated areas halt vehicles wherever they wish to. Haphazard parking at the roundabouts leads to traffic congestion,” said other committee members, adding, “Drivers do not mind honking horns loudly which puts people to a lot of inconvenience.” “There is a need for educating drivers about traffic norms, besides ensuring that drivers do not drive vehicles while drunk,” they said. Maintaining that several worn-out vehicles were playing on the highway, they said: “There should be a
proper time line for vehicles to check the vehicular emissions.” The committee further appealed to the authorities concerned to realign the highway at the point of
blind curves. |
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7 students hurt as minibus overturns
Jammu, June 28 However, the driver of the minibus fled from the scene, leaving the vehicle (JK-02-M-8193) on the spot, the police added. The police further said the minibus carrying the girl students, who appeared in their ETT exam at various centres, was coming to the city around 4.30 pm. “The driver lost control over the vehicle when he was trying to overtake another vehicle leading to the mishap,” said a police officer. Three girls were rushed to the Government Medical College and Hospital. Others were taken to Government Hospital, Gandhi Nagar. A case has been registered in this regard. |
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VHP demands dismissal of Omar govt
Jammu, June 28 Talking to mediapersons here today, VHP state president Ramakant Dubey said Omar Abdullah had not only failed to control the law and order situation in the state, but also his ministers. Law Minister Ali Mohammed Sagar had reportedly castigated the CRPF for the present imbroglio in Sopore while Omar ordered an inquiry to be headed by SHRC chairperson Justice Bashir-ul-Din into Sopore killings. “We request the Governor to dismiss the government headed by Omar Abdullah for not only his failure on the law and order front but also in checking his ministers from speaking against the security forces”, said Dubey. Further, setting up of a commission was nothing but a clear attempt to defame and demoralise security forces, who had been fighting a proxy war against militants and underground anti-national elements, he added. While the Chief Minister was worried over deaths of civilians, why he maintained silence on the loss of a brave officer, Col Neeraj, he asked. Dubey also accused Ali Mohammed Sagar of having said the CRPF in the state had gone out of control, he said.Such statements would demoralise the forces battling militants. With law and order in a chaos and separatists calling the shots,”we appeal to the Governor to immediately dismiss the present coalition government “, he said. |
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Special children meet Governor
Srinagar, June 28 First Lady Usha Vohra was present on the occasion. The Governor and the First Lady evinced keen interest in various articles prepared by the special children and appreciated their creative talents and abilities, an official spokesman said. The Governor announced that an outlet each would be set up at Nunwan and Baltal base camps during the ensuing Amarnath yatra for marketing products prepared by special children so that the sale proceeds were utilised by the NGO for their education and welfare. The Governor presented a cheque of Rs 50,000 to HelpLine and assured all heldp for the empowerment of the physically challenged children. Earlier, school Principal Musarat Tabassum introduced the children to the Governor and the First Lady.
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Put a stop to honour killings: NGO
Jammu, June 28
Even some panchayats whose job is to look after the welfare of the people are indulging in honour killing, which is uncivilised and brutal.” The NGO chief said in a country like India where live-in relationships had been legalised by the Supreme Court, why were couples being targeted by panchayats in the name of honour killing. Members of the WEF appreciated the efforts of Shakti Vahini, a Delhi-based NGO which has filed a case in the Supreme Court to provide police protection to such couples. Goswami appealed to human rights activists and intellectuals to raise their voice against honour killings. She also pressed for stringent laws to check this crime. |
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Two held for killing man
Jammu, June 28 Both brothers attacked Purshottam, when he was working in his fields. In the scuffle, Purshottam received injuries and was later declared dead by doctors, a senior police officer said. The police said the body was handed over to the family of deceased after conducting the autopsy. Both accused were arrested. A case has been registered. |
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Militant hideout busted in Kishtwar
Jammu, June 28 They also seized 13 UBGL grenades, 800 rounds of AK ammunition, two AK magazines, two Chinese radio sets and two batteries (radio set) from the hideout. |
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Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram will arrive here on a two-day visit on July 1 after a series of violent incidents during the past about three weeks.
The visit assumes significance as the state government which yesterday blamed the CRPF for the killing of youths in firing, sought the Centre’s help to restrain the troops.
