Jammu, April 26
With the state witnessing an alarming decline in the sex ratio during the last one decade, the government has decided to appoint more Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) to keep a track of all pregnant mothers to check the menace of female foeticide. Though the system of tracking pregnant mothers and their babies is already in place, the state Health Ministry has decided to make it more effective so as to ensure a total check on female foeticide.

The child sex ratio (0-6 years) is the most realistic indicator of the trend of female foeticide and continuing discrimination against the girl child. Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a steep fall in the sex ratio during the last one decade, especially the child sex ratio. In the year 2010, the child sex ratio (0-6 years) was 859, down from 941 in the year 2010, indicating a variation of 82. The national average of the child sex ratio is 914. The decision of the government to track pregnant mothers was aimed at minimising this widening gap and ASHA workers had been assigned the job of registering all pregnant mothers.

“We already have 9,500 ASHA workers on the job but our aim is to make it sure that every village has at least one worker so that each and every pregnant mother could be registered for tracking them till the time of delivery,” Director, National Rural Health Mission (NHRM), Dr Yashpal Sharma told The Tribune.

Sharma said all pregnant mothers would be tracked under the new programme, but special attention would be paid to the mothers who already had a daughter as their first child. “It has come to our notice that usually those women go for female foeticide who already have a daughter as their first child,” he observed.

He added that the government had already announced more incentives for the ASHA workers for tracking pregnant mothers in their respective areas. The ASHA workers had been assigned the job of tracking pregnant mothers from three months of pregnancy till the time the child is fully immunised.

In the urban areas, the government has already announced severe punishment for those who were found violating the Pre-Natal Diagnostic Technique (PNDT) Act. “Clear instructions have been given to all ultrasound clinics to maintain a record of all patients,” Dr Sharma said.

Furthermore, the state government has also decided to introduce a software “e-mamta” from next year to track the pregnant mothers. A unique ID would be given to all pregnant mothers.

Jammu, April 26
Expressing shock over the attitude of the PDP in attempting to hide its hypocrisy by indulging in mudslinging and perpetuating falsehood, an NC spokesman today rubbished the charge of harassment behind the apology tendered in the Legislative Assembly by PDP legislator Nizam-ud-Din Bhat for accusing Chief Minister Omar Abdullah of wrongdoing in the Ratle Power Project, that was circulated by PDP president Mehbooba Mufti.

“Nizam-ud-Din Bhat, MLA, Bandipora, had tendered an unconditional apology to the Chief Minister in the Assembly in the presence of the House, the Press and public galleries for raising fingers towards the Chief Minister at a press conference, causing damage to his reputation as a public leader and as the head of the government. No member or the PDP president uttered even a single word about it during the full session,” the spokesman said.

He added that the PDP president’s present statement spoke of her sheer frustration for the exposure of the falsehood of the party.

The NC spokesman said one could understand the frustration of the PDP over the success of the coalition government on the development front and progress on the resolution of the Kashmir issue through dialogue and peaceful means as per the aspirations of the people of the state.

“Who does not know that the then Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, was responsible for making the state the second most corrupt state in the country. Had he not been replaced by Ghulam Nabi Azad, the Mufti government would have made Jammu and Kashmir the number one corrupt state in the world,” he added.

He said instead of extending support to the Omar-led coalition government in curbing corruption by way of implementing the Public Service Guarantee Act 2011 and other measures taken by the present government, the PDP wanted to live on a deceitful political mode.

“Carrying out a false propaganda against the NC and its leadership has become the trait of the PDP. It has survived on deceit and falsehood so far. Now, the party is fully exposed before society,” he added.

Jammu, April 26
The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages today announced the names of candidates who had been selected for the state’s highest literary award, Best Book, for excellence in literature written in each of the nine languages mentioned in the Sixth Schedule of the state’s Constitution. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 51,000, citation, shawl and a memento.

The writers, who have been selected for the award for the year 2010, included Khalid Bashir Ahmad for his book “Deeda-e-Aab-e-Rawan”. Written in Urdu, the book tells the story of Kashmir through ages. In the Kashmiri language category, a book of short stories by late Bashir Akhtar, “Anni Gatee Nani Kath”, has been selected. The stories record the pain and agony of the present day Kashmir.

In Dogri, Prof Lalit Magotra’s “Cheten Diyaan Ghaliyaan” has been selected. The book is based on his personal experiences. In his book, Magotra has made a comparative analysis of the present day Jammu and Kashmir with that of his childhood days.

Gojri writer Mohammad Mansha Khakee has been selected for “Nassar Bahar”. The book is based upon the history of Gujjars, their language and literature.

In English, Ghulam Nabi Khayal’s “Leaves of Chinar” has been adjudged for the award. It has articles written on different subjects ranging from language to the cultural heritage of Kashmir.

Pahari writer Mir Hyder Nadeem’s book “Pahraas” has also been selected for the award. The book is a research work on Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahari tribe, their folklore and modes of living. Baljeet Singh Raina’s book “Sudhish Pachouri Ne Kiha See” has also been selected in the Punjabi language category. The book is a collection of short stories and brings to the fore the impact of technology and modernism on the lifestyle of the present day man.

Hindi poet Agnishekhar’s “Jawahar Tunnel”, a poetry book based on the issues of displacement, extremism and its impact on society, has also been selected. Nawang Gyasto’s “Losal Ga Pheng” has been selected as the best book in the Ladakhi language category. The book is about the Ladakhi language and its grammar.

Jammu, April 26
The All J&K Megh Sudhar Sabha (Bhagat Samaj) today came out in support of BJP MLA Prof Garu Ram Bhagat, who, along with six other legislators of the party, was suspended by the party leadership for allegedly voting in favour of the candidates of the Congress and the NC in the Legislative Council elections.

In a statement issued here today, the sabha condemned corruption in any sphere of life. It said parameters adopted by the BJP high command to suspend the seven party MLAs and give clean chit to four MLAs was unjustified.

However, leaders of the sabha were of the view that a few MLAs were made scapegoats due to the prevailing factionalism in the state unit of the BJP. “The elections to the Legislative Council were held on secret ballot and there was no identification mark to authenticate that four MLAs, who got clean chit by the party, were not involved in the cross-voting,” the sabha said.

It urged the BJP high command to adopt a judicious system to identity the “black sheep” in the party and demanded a narco test and brain mapping of all 11 MLAs to identify the culprits.

Extending support to Prof Garu Ram, the sabha said the suspended MLA was a man of integrity and was known for his honesty and sincerity.

Nagrota, April 26
In a stark contrast to the resumption of bilateral talks between India and Pakistan, around 400 militants are waiting in wings at various launching pads across the Line of Control (LoC) to infiltrate into the state.

However, despite eliminating top commanders of various militant outfits in the recent times, nearly 200 militants are still active in south of the Pir Panjal range.

Responding to media queries on the sidelines of the Aman Jyoti Yatra here today, Major General Om Prakash, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 25 Infantry Division, also known as the Ace of Spades Division, said the Army with the active cooperation of the people had virtually broken the backbone of militancy in the south of the Pir Panjal, which was evident from the killing of top terrorists, including top militant leaders Musa and Zulqarnain, two days ago in Ramban district.

“The way the Army has been working in tandem with the people, I am hopeful that in a short span of time peace may be restored in the state,” the GOC said. He said still 200 militants, including hardcore and dormant, were present in the area.

On the mutually-brokered ceasefire in 2004 between the two countries, he said the Army abided by the guidelines, but last year there were several truce violations by Pakistan, resulting in heavy exchange of fire between the two sides.

“Yes, in the past two to three months, there has been a decline in intrusion bids, but still militants are attempting to infiltrate. Whenever they tried they failed. It is not possible without the involvement of the Pakistan army, which provides them logistic support,” Major Gen Prakash said.

The past analysis and activities along the LoC suggested that the intrusion bids would increase with the melting of snow, but the Army was well prepared, alert and vigilant to meet any eventuality, he added.

Nagrota, April 26
The Aman Jyoti Yatra, undertaken by the Ace of Spades Division of the Army, which started from Poonch on April 20 and in which 40 youths from the terrorism-affected villages of Poonch, Mendhar, Rajouri and Nowshera participated, culminated here today.

The participants carried the “Aman Jyoti” all along the 314-km route and were welcomed by locals with great enthusiasm.

The closing ceremony kept 1,000 spectators enthralled with a variety of cultural programmes on national integration by schoolchildren, a para free fall display, dog show and a “Know Your Army” equipment display.

Addressing students from various schools after receiving the “Aman Jyoti” at Sainik School here this afternoon, Lt-Gen JP Nehra, GOC of 16 Corps, also called the White Knight Corps, said the motive of the Army was to wipe out terrorism and restore peace to the state.

He said, “Don’t trust those who spread canards against the Army. See yourself the work being done by the Army in the state”. He also inscribed “may peace prevail in this beautiful state” on a signature canvass at the venue.

Reiterating the Army’s resolve to wipe out Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and restore peace to the state, Lt-Gen Nehra said the Army was tough enough to protect the borders and face any eventuality with full might.

He also appealed to the people to discard elements, who spread canards against the Army. He applauded the splendid endeavour of the Ace of Spades Division to integrate the youth of border regions into the mainstream of the state.

Lt-Gen Nehra urged the youth to spread the spirit of the “Aman Jyoti” to all corners of the state and defeat the nefarious designs of extremists. “Every human being wants peace in the country so as to carry on with his daily life without any hassles,” he said while referring to a famous quote by Rabindranath Tagore, “Where the mind is without fear”.

“Every religion preaches non-violence, peace and brotherhood, so I ask the students to believe in time-tested values and take the country to the right direction,” he added.

Jammu, April 26
Describing the youth as the future leaders, who have to discharge their responsibility towards nation-building in varied fields, Governor NN Vohra called upon them to spread the message of peace, harmony and brotherhood.

The Governor was interacting with a group of 40 students from various areas of the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch, who called upon him at Raj Bhawan here today.

The students in the age group of 13 to 18 years participated in the week-long “Aman Jyoti Yatra” organised by the 25 Infantry Division of the Army from Poonch to Nagrota. The Governor interacted with the students and enquired about their experiences and impressions about the yatra. He congratulated them for getting associated with such a laudable mission of promoting peace and harmony.

The Governor presented gifts to the students and wished them a bright future ahead. The students presented a memorandum of peace to the Governor on the occasion. The memorandum reads: “We, the youth of Poonch, Mendhar, Rajouri and Nowshera and proud citizens of India, on behalf of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, humbly submit our thoughts, feelings and aspirations for peace to prevail in this paradise so that Jammu and Kashmir can once again sparkle as the crown of India.

“We, the youth of this region, say, since time immemorial in the land of Sufis and saints, people have practised various religious faiths and have been living in utmost harmony until the seeds of partition and disharmony were sown by the colonialists. We realise that the fundamentalist and extremist forces having wicked intentions have disturbed peace and stability in the state. Prolonged instability and insecurity created by outside forces have deprived us the rightful progress and prosperity. Some of our youth, who are still astray, are sure to be attracted to the development agenda if the state strides on the path of progress. Let there be justice, liberty and opportunity to all.

“Finally, we reiterate our solemn pledge of strengthening the borders of our beloved country and maintaining peace and communal harmony in the region. We hope that with the “Aman Jyoti Yatra” we are successful in stimulating minds of our people to strive hard to make the state the paradise that it once was”.

The students were accompanied by Brig Rajeev Sirohi, Commander, Tithwal Brigade, Col SS Chhillar, CO, 21 Rajput Battalion, and Major Ritesh Singh.

Srinagar: The Dawat-ul-Sunnah International Islamic Conference organised by the Tehreek Karwaan Islami was held here on Sunday. It was attended by about one lakh devotees from various parts of the Kashmir valley, including religious scholars from various parts of the world.

The conference commenced with “Quraan Khawaani and Naat Khawaani”. Later, the religious scholars delivered speeches regarding the Islam, faith and teachings of Prophet Mohammad. — TNS

Udhampur, April 26
The president of the J&K Indian Style Wrestling Association and an organiser of wrestling competitions in the state, Shiv Kumar Sharma, hailed the laying of the foundation of a multi-purpose sports stadium at Katra by Governor NN Vohra.

In a press note issued here today, Sharma, who is also a member of the J&K State Sports Council, expressed gratitude to the Governor on behalf of the people of Katra, especially the sports fraternity, for setting in motion the process of the construction of the stadium.

He also thanked Sports Minister RS Chib for taking a keen interest in getting the proposal of the stadium cleared. Sharma said the stadium would prove a boon to budding sportspersons of the district and the surrounding areas.

He urged the state government to make a provision of “Mud Akhara” to facilitate coaching of the traditional form of wrestling along with modern infrastructure at the upcoming stadium.

Srinagar, April 26
As snow starts melting along the Line of Control (LoC) on the high mountains, militants are “desperately trying” to sneak into Kashmir to create trouble in the state.

IG, BSF, Kashmir Frontier, Baljit Singh said this while talking to newsmen on the sidelines of the passing-out parade of 180 recruits at the Subsidiary Training Centre (STC) at Humhama, near here, today. He said the BSF and the Army were maintaining a strict vigil along the border to foil any attempt at infiltration. Armed militants mostly infiltrate during summer soon after the snow starts melting.

Earlier, the 180 trained constables took oath while the IG took the salute at the parade. These recruits from different parts of the country successfully completed 42 weeks of rigorous basic training involving physical fitness, weapon handling, map reading, minor tactics, anti-terrorism and insurgency operations and the respect for human rights.

Speaking on the occasion, the IG congratulated the fresh recruits for the excellent parade and wished them good luck for future. He also lauded the role of the officers and the training staff of the STC in shaping these young men to shoulder the responsibility. The parade was commanded by Recruit Constable Pradeep Panwar. The IG gave away medals to best cadet constable Ukade Kiran, best shot to constable Nikhil Goswami and best physical endurance to constable Mulnule Bhushan of the batch.

Srinagar, April 26
The 434-km Srinagar-Leh highway, which remains closed to traffic during winter due to a heavy accumulation of snow on the high peak Zojila Pass, is being reopened to traffic during summer early next week.

Minister for Transport and CAPD Qamar Ali Akhoon visited the snow-bound Zero Point Zojila, 22 km from Sonamarg on the highway, yesterday. He was informed that five dozers, two Robellas and one JCB machine had been pressed into service for snow clearance from the highway and the road had been cleared up to the link.

The minister directed the agencies concerned, including the Beacon project of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), which looks after the highway, and its engineers to make every effort for restoring traffic, as the people of both sides of the Zojial Pass were facing severe problems of communication.

Srinagar, April 26
The Kashmir Committee headed by Ram Jethmalani has refuted the statements of the Central government and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah that the Kashmir Committee had no locus standi as far as the government was concerned.

“The Kashmir Committee, which was constituted 10 years ago, has never sought nor obtained the patronage of any government, and its credibility is built entirely on its relationship with the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of India,” a spokesman for the committee said. “Therefore, the statements of the Central government and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah that the Kashmir Committee has no locus standi as far as the government is concerned are meaningless,” he added.

The spokesman for the six-member committee constituted a decade ago, which has started its activities afresh, said it had nothing to do with the government or its bureaucrats. “Nor do we align with or represent any political party,” he added. This was a “group of concerned citizens supplementing the work of all others who have the same commitment and are engaged in pursuing the goal of peace with Pakistan and an honourable and viable settlement of the Kashmir problem. We reiterate that the powers that be in New Delhi have had no role in activating the reconstituted Kashmir Committee “as a parallel forum of a public dialogue with Jammu and Kashmir” as misreported in a section of newspapers in the state. Other members of the committee are MJ Akbar, VK Grover, Shanti Bhushan, Waheed Ur Rehman and Madhu Purnima Kishwar.

The spokesman also stated that the committee did not see any conflict between the Central government-appointed interlocutors and the Kashmir Committee. “Our press statement stated categorically that if their report is found acceptable to the people of J&K, we would gladly lend it our full support. Their failure to establish rapport with a section of Kashmir leadership is not the reason why we have revived the Kashmir Committee,” he added. There was need for civil society initiatives even if the Centre’s interlocutors had managed a talk with a spectrum of Hurriyat leaders, he pointed out.