The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

	Another spell of heavy rain forecast in Jammu region Archit Watts Tribune News Service Jammu, August 22 The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forewarned the state government about another spell of heavy rain in the next 24 hours similar to the downpour last week that caused heavy losses due to flash floods. Heavy rain claimed 15 lives and damaged property worth Rs 20 to 25 crore across the region last week. Talking to The Tribune over the phone, Sonam Lotus, in-charge of the IMD, said, “The monsoon is reviving and another spell of heavy rain may start in the next 24 to 48 hours.” He said they had informed the authorities concerned to take preventive measures so that the losses due to flash floods could be minimised. He added that, “As per the fresh data, heavy rain will lash almost all parts of the region and will continue for a longer period.” Being a hill state, the weather forecast is more important here and the administration always follow the IMD’s suggestions. Even the vehicular movement on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway depends upon the weather forecast. Meanwhile, the administration has started taking preventive measures to save the low-lying areas from floods. Last time, heavy rain triggered landslides and damaged roads, bridges and uprooted a number of trees. A number of houses also collapsed. Pawan Kotwal, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, said, “We have told the officials concerned to get ready to tackle any untoward situation due to rain. The restoration work for the roads and the bridges damaged last week is also in full swing.”
	Jairam assures Omar of funds for rural road projects Tribune News Service Srinagar, August 22 Union Minister for Rural Development Jairam Ramesh called on Governor NN Vohra and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah here last evening. During their meeting, the Governor and Jairam discussed important issues relating to the implementation of various flagship rural development schemes and programmes in the state and reviewed the achievements under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), drinking water and sanitation schemes. The Governor urged Jairam to provide extra technical and financial support for Jammu and Kashmir, which was emerging as a front line Panchayati Raj state. Jairam also met the Chief Minister and discussed with him matters relating to the PMGSY, the establishment of the Panchayati Raj system, empowerment of panchayats and other Central schemes in the rural development sector. Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Rural Development Ali Mohammad Sagar, Minister of State for Rural Development Ajaz Ahmad Khan and various senior officials of the Central and state governments were present at the meeting. Stressing the importance of a well-knit rural road network in a hill state like Jammu and Kashmir, Omar said in order to link up 1,400 habitations left out under the PMGSY, the state required a Central assistance of Rs 700 crore. He urged Jairam to get the proposals under the PMGSY cleared on a fast track. Assuring the Centre’s full support, Jairam said his ministry would do everything possible in getting the funds released to Jammu and Kashmir under the PMGSY. He said his ministry was rolling out an ambitious programme, ‘Himayat’, in the state in December, where over one lakh youth would be provided training for enhancing their employability in the private job market within five years. Omar said the economy and the development of the rural, far-flung areas were directly dependent on a good road network. “While the state government is focusing on the upgrade and the construction of highways and roads across the state, the PMGSY is the flagship programme to link up the cut-off areas with the main roads,” he said. Matters pertaining to the empowerment of panchayats and the involvement of the grass-roots level democratic institutions in the development process, besides centrally-sponsored programmes under implementation were also discussed.
	Hold impartial probe into unmarked graves: Mehbooba Tribune News Service Srinagar, August 22 Reacting to the revelations regarding unmarked graves containing more than 2,000 bodies at 38 places in the Kashmir valley, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti has demanded a high-level probe by an impartial agency to establish the identity of the deceased. According to a PDP statement issued here today, Mehbooba demanded that DNA tests be conducted on the bodies immediately “to give justice to the families of the victims”. The PDP chief expressed surprise that in spite of a downfall in the graph of militancy, fake encounters were still taking place in the state. She alleged that since the formation of the NC-Congress government in the state, the number of encounters on the Line of Control had increased suddenly and there was an apprehension that the majority of such encounters were fake. Referring to the Machail fake encounter, which had led to unrest in Kashmir last year, Mehbooba recalled the killing of a 70-year-old beggar, Habibullah Khan, who was dubbed as the oldest militant in the state. She regretted that except cosmetic exercises, nothing concrete had been done to punish those responsible for the killing of innocents. She demanded that an inquiry committee be constituted as it had been established that the Pathribal encounter was fake. The PDP chief also urged the civil society to come forward and take up such issues and help the people in getting justice.
	Video shows Army ‘killing’ trapped ultra Srinagar, August 22 A video purportedly showing an injured militant, trapped under the debris of a house, being shot dead allegedly by the Army and the police in Kashmir has been posted on the Internet. The 88-second video clip is available on popular video sharing site “youtube”. According to the information posted along with the video, an encounter took place between the militant and the security forces on July 8 in Pulwama district. The militant was caught under the debris of the house, where he was hiding and was calling for help. As the Army and the police reached the spot, they asked the militant where was he from. As soon as the militant responded to the question, the security forces allegedly pumped bullets into him instead of arresting him. Defence spokesman Lt-Col JS Brar said Ehsan Bhai was a “foreign militant, who was trying to inflict casualties on the security forces even in that (trapped) state”. “He had a grenade in his hand and tried to carry out a fidayeen attack on the security forces,” Lt-Col Brar said, adding that, “He was killed in the return fire”. IGP, Kashmir, SM Sahai was not available for comment as he was out of the town. — PTI
	Motorised ropeway over Chenab inaugurated Tribune News Service Udhampur, August 22 The daily movement of several thousands of people across the Chenab at Marsoo in Doda is set to become convenient with the opening of a motorised ropeway (cradle box) over the river yesterday. District Development Commissioner (DDC), Doda, Farooq Ahmed Khan formally inaugurated the ropeway constructed by the PWD (R&B) at a cost of Rs 43 lakh. It was funded by the JKPDC, Chanderkote. About 12 villages and hamlets of the Rajgarh and Saraz areas, having a population of about 10,000, would be the beneficiaries. The DDC said the main aim of the construction of the ropeway was to provide a viable connectivity to the people living across the Chenab, who were facing immense problems due to the lack of a good road communication. The newly-constructed ropeway is the first of its kind in the entire erstwhile Doda district. The cradle box has a capacity to carry four persons at a time and takes about two and a half minutes to reach the other side of the river. It is fully backed up by a generator, which could be utilised in case of a power failure. A safety trolley has also been attached to it which could be utilised in case of an emergency and will be functional round the clock. The need for this facility arose after a 72-metre footbridge over the Chenab got submerged in the waters of the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project, Chanderkote, disrupting the only available communication link between Roght and the left side of the Chenab. The people of the area were facing hardships while crossing over the river, as there was no other proper and viable communication system up to Pul-Doda and downstream up to Ramban and hence it became necessary to develop a viable communication system for the affected people, added the DDC. About 12 villages and hamlets of the Rajgarh and Saraz areas, having a population of about 10,000, will be the beneficiaries It will provide a viable connectivity to the people living across the Chenab The cradle box has a capacity to carry four persons at a time A safety trolley has also been attached to it which could be utilised in case of an emergency
	Cross-voting row hurdle in BJP’s anti-corruption drive Dinesh Manhotra Tribune News Service Jammu, August 22 The cross-voting controversy continues to haunt the state BJP, which has launched a campaign against corruption with much fanfare. Notwithstanding the claims of the leadership, party workers here are questioning the credentials of the leaders, who have started the anti-corruption campaign to expose scams of the state and Central governments. Since the beginning of the campaign, the BJP leaders have been facing questions from the party workers with regard to the anti-corruption campaign. At Poonch and Rajouri, where the party had organised anti-corruption rallies, the workers flayed the party leadership for its failure to keep a check on the MLAs, who voted in favour of the candidates the Congress and the NC in the Legislative Council elections in April. Party sources said during a closed-door meeting, the workers from Poonch and Rajouri districts told the visiting central party leaders that after the cross-voting controversy, the party had lost the faith of the masses. The inability of the high command to take action against the MLAs responsible for cross-voting had further dented the party image, they added. Although the high command had singled out seven legislators for cross-voting, the MLAs had questioned the parameters adopted by the high command to fix responsibility on them. They alleged that instead of taking action against the culprits, the party leadership acted against them in a vindictive manner. “All the 11 party MLAs are under the scanner as the high command has failed to convince the party workers about the method adopted to single out those responsible for cross-voting,” said a veteran BJP leader from Rajouri. He added that it was impossible for the party leadership to regain the faith of the people. However, state president of the BJP Shamsher Singh Manhas said the high command had been looking into the cross-voting controversy and action would be taken soon. “We have suspended six MLAs and expelled one from the party. The decision on the fate of the suspended MLAs will be taken by the high command,” Manhas said. He added that the party had been receiving an overwhelming response to the campaign against corruption.
	Army holds iftaar for villagers Tribune News Service Jammu, August 22 The Rashtriya Rifles Battalion under the aegis of the Headquarters Counter Insurgency Force (Romeo) organised an iftaar for the people of Khorinar village in Poonch district here today. An Army press note said in keeping with its pursuit of maintaining peace and tranquillity in the area, the Army took yet another people-friendly initiative during the holy month of Ramzan. Locals, including prominent personalities of Khorinar and the surrounding areas, attended the iftaar. Meanwhile, the 10 Rashtriya Rifles unit, Bhagwah, in Doda district organised an iftaar yesterday. Army officials informed that a special arrangement was made for offering namaz after breaking the fast. The Company Commander of the 10 Rashtriya Rifles thanked all the guests at the iftaar.
	Magotra reelected president of Dogri Sanstha Tribune News Service Jammu, August 22 In the triennial election of the Dogri Sanstha, Jammu, held yesterday, Prof Lalit Magotra and Prof Veena Gupta were unanimously reelected president and general secretary, respectively. A press note issued by the sanstha said the other reelected office-bearers were: Vice-presidents -- Pradyuman Singh Jindrahia and Chhatra Pal; secretary -- Dr Nirmal Vinod; literary secretary -- Virender Kesar; treasurer -- Chaman Arora; and publicity secretary -- Gianeshwar. At a meeting of the general council of the sanstha, the members decided to reelect the entire previous team of office-bearers. Earlier Prof Veena Gupta, general secretary, presented a report on the sanstha’s activities for the last three years. Reelected president Prof Magotra said though the Dogri language faced many challenges, there was no dearth of opportunities in the present age of information technology and mass communication. He agreed to the suggestion put forth by the members that a regional office of the sanstha be opened at Kathua.
	Army donates computers, furniture to school Tribune News Service Jammu, August 22 Under Operation Sadhbhavana, the Army donated three computers and furniture to Government Primary School, Kura Gujjaran, today. An Army unit located in the Kalakote area of Rajouri took up the project An Army spokesperson said the project was undertaken to uplift the standard of education in the remote areas of Rajouri on the request of the teachers of the school and the people of Kura Gujjaran. The project would help in providing the basic computer education to the poor and needy students. The furniture comprised computer tables and chairs.
	Janamashtami celebrated with fervour Tribune News Service Jammu, August 22 While the skyline was dotted with colourful kites all through the day, devotees celebrated Janamashtami with religious fervour and gaiety in the city today. All the prominent temples of the city were decorated and a huge rush of devotees was seen at the temples at Purani Mandi, City Chowk, Gandhi Nagar and Talab Tillo since early this morning. The historic Raghunath Temple drew a large number of devotees, who observed a fast and performed prayers. Women dressed their children as Lord Krishna. In the evening, shobha yatras were carried out in various parts of the city. One such yatra was taken out from Shri Krishna Temple, Basant Nagar, Janipur, by the Jhanki Samaroh Committee for the 25th year consecutively. A large number of devotees participated in the yatra and offered prayers at the Krishna Temple. Meanwhile, to thwart any untoward incident, the police had made elaborate security arrangements in and around the temples and busy marketplaces. At the ISKCON Temple, Dream City, Muthi, thousands of devotees took the blessings of Sri Sri Gaur Radha Krishna. The devotees were seen chanting “Hare Krishna”. Earlier, the programme started with a “Mangal Aarti”, followed by a day-long “Akhand Kirtan”. In the evening, “Gaur Aarti” was performed with “kirtan” and the devotees were seen dancing on “bajans”. Students of various schools performed cultural programmes based on Lord Krishna’s life. Addressing the gathering, HG Sarvabhaum Battacharya Dasa highlighted the teachings of Lord Krishna. Later, a “Matki” ceremony was performed, which was followed by a “Falahar Prashadam”. The enthusiasm among the youth, who were flying kites, was remarkable. Standing on the rooftops in groups, they started flying kites early in the morning and continued till late in the evening. Meanwhile, students of Shiksha Niketan Higher Secondary School held a cultural programme to celebrate the occasion.
	BSF jawan goes missing in Doda Raju William Tribune News Service Udhampur, August 22 A jawan of the 68 Battalion of the BSF, stationed at Samba, has been missing since last Thursday from his native place in Doda district, where he had gone on leave. After failing to know jawan Subhash Chander’s whereabouts, his brother Swami Raj lodged a missing report at Khellani police station in Doda. The complainant said Subhash (39), at present living at Khelleni, had left his house on the morning of August 17 without the knowledge of any family member. Originally from Bulandpur Ranka village in Doda, Subhash had built a house at Khelleni and was living there with his wife and two children. Swami said he had looked for his brother at various places, but to no avail. Subhash had come home on leave and was to report on duty on August 20. However, he did not reach his place of posting. The complainant said Subash had been mentally disturbed for the last about two years. The family has informed the BSF authorities about the incident.
	Woman killed, husband injured in crossfire Ehsan Fazili Tribune News Service Srinagar, August 22 A woman was killed and another person was injured in the crossfire between militants and the Army in a forest area of Handwara in Kupwara district last night. According to the police, a group of heavily armed militants reached the Padlu Bahak meadow in a forest area in Handwara on Saturday night. According to the police, the militants had visited a meadow in the Padlu area, where four to five families lived in a dhok, and demanded food from them. The militants had asked the villagers to guide them towards Brinjal and Ghalali areas, which the former refused. Taken aback by the reaction of the villagers, the militants asked them to provide food for another day also. After having food, the militants left the dhok last night. However, the militants were intercepted by the Army, a police spokesman said. He added that the militants ran back towards the dhok, and started indiscriminate firing at the troops, triggering an encounter. In the exchange of fire, two civilians, Saleema and her husband Abdul Rashid Paswal, received bullet injuries. Saleema, who was seriously injured, was admitted to the SKIMS Hospital, Srinagar, where she died. Paswal was admitted to the Handwara hospital and was stated to be out of danger.
	Woman SI’s Death Relatives allege foul play, demand probe Tribune News Service Jammu, August 22 Relatives of a woman probationer sub-inspector, who was found dead in her hostel room at the Sher-e-Kashmir Police Academy, Udhampur, yesterday, demanded a probe into the incident today. The probationer police sub-inspector, Parneet Kaur (26), was cremated at her native place in lower Gadigarh this morning. The relatives said the woman was courageous and would have never committed suicide under any circumstances. “It was her aim to join the police force and she had prepared for the entrance test of the sub-inspector out of her own will,” they said. “There is some foul play behind her death and the Police Department must order a high-level inquiry into the incident,” they demanded.
	Four arrested for decamping with police weapons Srinagar, August 22 Two policemen, along with two others, were arrested for allegedly deserting their duties and decamping with weapons provided to them in Kulgam district today. “We have arrested two SPOs and two others, who had absconded with four AK series rifles and other ammunition on August 9,” Mubasir Latiefi, SP, Kulgam, said. Gul Mohammad and Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Ganie, both SPOs, Shakeel Ahmad Bhat and Bashir Ahmad Bhat were hiding in an orchard, the police said. Four AK 47 rifles, 15 AK magazines, 435 AK rounds, and two grenades were recovered from them. — PTI