The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

	Cong’s preoccupation with Anna’s fast State Cabinet reshuffle delayed further Dinesh Manhotra Tribune News Service Jammu, August 25 The much-awaited state Cabinet reshuffle has been delayed further due to the preoccupation of the Congress with the fast of social activist Anna Hazare. For the past one-and-a-half year, the reshuffle has been delayed due to one or the other reason. “The Congress high command has made it clear that it is not possible to finalise the names of those who will be included or excluded from the Cabinet. Therefore, the scheduled reshuffle has been postponed for an indefinite period,” a senior party leader told The Tribune. He said a number of Congress leaders aspiring to get berths were camping in Delhi as the high command had earlier given a hint about the reshuffle after Ramzan. “ However,all the leaders have returned to their native places in the wake of Hazare’s fast,” he said. Sources in the party said last month, Congress legislators indulged in hectic lobbying to get ministerial berths. “No senior Congress leader now has the time to discuss the Cabinet reshuffle in the state,” the sources said. They predicted that no major change would be made in the present Council of Ministers in the coming days due to the prevailing situation. “There is a remote chance of a reshuffle before the Assembly session, which is going to start from September 26,” the sources said. They added that the Congress high command was likely to take a decision after December when Omar Abdullah would complete three years as the Chief Minister. The state unit of the Congress was also particular about the reshuffle because of the resentment brewing among the party workers due to the “discriminatory policies” being adopted by the coalition partner,National Conference. The recent remarks by senior Congress leader Muzaffar Parray reflected the resentment anger among the party workers. Further, the Congress leadership wanted to take back the Roads and Buildings (R&B) portfolio, which was earlier given to the party as per an agreement. However, after the resignation of the then R&B Minister, GM Saroori, the ruling NC was holding the portfolio, they added.
	State BJP supports strong Lok Pal bill Tribune News Service Jammu, August 25 Even as the central leadership of the BJP is yet to make its stand clear, the state unit of the party today supported a strong Lokpal Bill to curb the menace of corruption. In a joint statement here, state unit president Shamsher Singh Manhas and chief spokesperson Jitendra Singh said the party had sought to dispel reports in a section of the press that its response on the issue of the Lok Pal bill was guarded. While Manhas said the BJP’s campaign against corruption had been going on for the last one year and the party had clearly condemned the treatment meted out to Anna Hazare by the UPA government from the day he was arrested from his house on August 16, Singh reiterated the national leadership’s official position that the party was in favour of an effective strong Lok Pal Bill that had the Prime Minister’s Office under its ambit with the exclusion of certain areas related to security. Both Manhas and Singh expressed concern about the health of Anna and appealed to him to end his fast. They also castigated the UPA for mishandling the situation and not being able to read the public mood. The BJP line on the issue was clear, said the two senior leaders,and added that it was, in fact, the Pradesh Congress and its coalition partner, the National Conference, who had been directly or indirectly opposing a strong Lok Pal Bill as well as the Hazare campaign.
	Human rights panel report on unmarked graves Mehbooba Mufti calls for action against guilty Tribune News Service Srinagar, August 25 The PDP, led by its president Mehbooba Mufti, held a procession here today to press for the identification of those buried in unmarked graves, whose number, according to a report of the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC), was more than 2,100. The PDP president also called for strict action against those responsible for the mass murders. Speaking on the occasion, Mehbooba said it was shocking that political parties, the establishment and the civil society had almost abandoned Kashmir and its residents. It was obvious from the lack of any reaction to the detection of the mass graves that Kashmir was not only a cause for concern, but had also been ignored when something of the proportion of a national shame had taken place here, she said. She added that at a time when millions across the country had mobilised themselves into an effective anti-corruption campaign, the state presented a challenge to the conscience and idea of the country by not evoking a single voice of concern and solidarity. Mehbooba asserted that because of uncertain conditions in Kashmir, corruption here had been promoted as a state policy along with official repression. Terming the government’s announcement to release 12 political prisoners on the eve of Eid as a cosmetic exercise, Mehbooba said most of the detainees and youth were still in jail for no fault. Senior party leader Moulvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari, general secretary Mohammad Dilawar Mir, former minister Qazi Mohammad Afzal, Deputy Speaker of the State Assembly Mohammad Sartaj Madani, MLAs AR Veeri, Rafi Ahmed Mir, Peerzada Mansoor, Mohammad Khalil Band, Syed Bashir Ahmad, Zahoor Ahmad Mir and Mushtaq Ahmed Shah also sat on the dharna along with the party president. Earlier, addressing the party workers and members at the party headquarters, Mehbooba termed the present government a complete failure in protecting the rights, dignity and life of people. Expressing solidarity with mediapersons,she said, “Media professionals are being ruthlessly beaten by cops and this is now a routine. They are also being prevented from carrying out their duties. Nobody is safe. We are demanding an assurance of safety for the citizens of the state”.
	Forum resents delay in regularisation of in-charge lecturers Tribune News Service Jammu, August 25 The All J&K Plus Two Lecturers’ Forum has expressed concern over the delay in the regularisation of the services of in-charge lecturers. Addressing a central executive committee meeting here, president of the forum HD Qureshi said the delay in the regularisation of the services of the in-charge lecturers was a matter of concern and flayed the department for maintaining a criminal silence on the issue. Qureshi said despite an announcement by Minister for Education Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed, no action had been taken so far in this regard. He appealed to the Minister for Education and the Commissioner/Secretary, Education, Naseem Lanker, to take up the issue of the regularisation of lecturers’ services on priority. He said the forum had intensified its efforts in this regard and a state-level delegation led by Manzoor Ahmed and comprising Charan Dass, NS Jamwal, Bashir Ahmed, OP Katoch, Imtiaz Kazami and Arunesh Kumar met Peerzada and Lanker and discussed various issues confronting them. Qureshi said the main issues discussed at the meeting included the reorganisation of the department. The forum resented the appointment of college teachers in the areas of school education.
	Bhim Singh appeals to Anna to end fast Tribune News Service Jammu, August 25 Panthers Party chief Bhim Singh said today that Anna Hazare should end his fast in view of appeals made to him by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj. He said Anna should end his fast as the cause which he had undertaken had been duly registered by the government. The Panthers Party chief appealed to the youth of the country, who had been supporting the cause taken up by Hazare, to appreciate the speech made by Prime Minister in Parliament this morning endorsing the movement against corruption and to build a strong India and bring a strong Lokpal Bill to check the menace of corruption at all the levels. “Let the youth of the country and supporters of Anna, who are his well-wishers, request him to end his fast and support Parliament in enacting a strong Lokpal Bill,” Bhim Singh said.
	Global tenders invited for Pakal Dul hydroelectric project Tribune News Service Doda, August 25 Finally, the process for the execution of the prestigious 1,000 MW Pakal Dul Hydroelectric Project over the Chenab in Kishtwar district was set in motion with the state government inviting global tenders yesterday. The state-owned Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited invited sealed tenders through international competitive bidding for providing consultancy services on pre-commencement works, design and the turnkey execution of the project. It has been estimated that the state has a potential of generating 20,000 MW, of which about 16,000 MW has been identified so far, including about 10,215 MW on the Chenab alone. Officials informed that after its successful completion, testing and commissioning, the Pakal Dul project, which had crossed the three-year deadline, would be handed over to Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited. The company was formed by the state government in a joint venture with the JKSPDC, the NHPC and the Power Trading Corporation (PTC) in 2010. As part of its efforts to speed up work on the hydroelectric projects, the government has approved three projects in the state. The 600-MW Kiru project, 520-MW Kawar project and the 1,000-MW Pakal Dul project were to be implemented through this joint venture company. Notably, political representatives, NGOs and the public in Kishtwar district have for long been demanding that the work on these projects be started as they are expected to contribute significantly towards the economic development of this backward mountainous district. “It is especially important as development has taken a backseat in Kishtwar, one of the worst militancy-affected areas,” said Noor Hussain Malik, president of the Peoples Progressive Forum, Kishtwar.
	Lt-Gen Nehra visits military hospital Tribune News Service Jammu, August 25 Lt-Gen JP Nehra, General Officer Commanding (GOC), White Knight Corps, and his wife, Nirmala, chairperson, White Knight Family Welfare Organisation, visited the military hospital here today. Lt-Gen Nehra was received by Brig AS Bansal, Brig Med White Knight Corps, and Col Shashi Bhushan, Officiating Commandant of the 166 Military Hospital. Col Shashi Bhushan, Officiating Commandant, conducted the visit of the GOC. Lt-Gen Nehra was apprised of the new hospital project and functioning of the ECHS. Nirmala Mehra also visited wards and interacted with patients and their family members. She also interacted with war widows who were being treated in the hospital and assured them of the best possible help from the hospital. She distributed sweets and presented gifts to the patients.
	Governor, CM greet people on Jumat-ul-Vida Tribune News Service Srinagar, August 25 Governor NN Vohra and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah have greeted people on the eve of Jumat-ul-Vida,the auspicious last Friday of Ramzan,which will be observed in the state tomorrow. Conveying his greetings,the Governor hoped that the auspicious occasion would be a harbinger of communal harmony, peace, progress and prosperity in the state. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah highlighted the significance of the day for the Muslims observing fast and controlling all human instincts to please Allah and seek his forgiveness and blessings.The Chief Minister prayed for peace and prosperity of the state.
	Stadium in Jammu Protest in Doda against Kashmir Cricket Club chief’s statement Tribune News Service Doda, August 25 Under the banner of the Young Star Cricket Club (YSCC), Doda, local cricketers, including students of Government Degree College and other educational institutions, held a protest against the president of the Kashmir Cricket Club (KCC) here today for his reported statement against the construction of an international cricket stadium at Bajalta in Jammu. The protesters decried the statement of the KCC president and former general secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) ML Nehru for giving a call for stopping the work for the stadium as the area was flood-prone. The protesters also burnt an effigy of the KCC president. Addressing the protesters, patron of the YSCC Manzoor Ahmed Batt termed the statement as misleading. He said nobody would be allowed to derail the stadium project in Jammu. “Our protest was not against the development of the cricket infrastructure in Kashmir,” he added. Batt thanked Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for giving land for the stadium and Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy and JKCA president Farooq Abdullah for approving the project for the promotion of cricket in Jammu. Batt appealed to all the cricket clubs affiliated to the JKCA as well as the non-affiliated clubs to support the project.
	‘Need to preserve heritage buildings in Ladakh’ Tribune News Service Srinagar, August 25 Minister for Tourism and Culture Nawang Rigzin Jora inspected the ongoing work at the Central Asian Museum at Tsas Soma, Chuterantak in Leh, yesterday. Speaking on the occasion, the minister said adequate funds would be provided for the completion of the museum. He added that he would release the funds for landscaping around it. Jora stressed the need to preserve and conserve the ancient heritage buildings in Ladakh. He held that the Tourism Department was committed to giving all the help for the purpose, an official spokesman said. The minister said it was important to have such a museum at the centre of Leh that would boost tourism and serve as a testimony to the history and culture of Ladakh for the future generations. Mainly sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the museum is at present being built at the Tsas Soma Garden, where the caravans used to camp. Ladakh King Senge Namgyal gave permission to some traders to build Leh’s first mosque at the garden. Designed in the shape of the Tibetan-Ladakh fortress tower, with a contemporary edge, the square ground plan is based on ancient Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim places of worship, with a circumambulatory corridor that becomes a passage to the upper floors. Each of the four floor levels has a different architectural interior, reflecting the thematic organisation of the building. Mainly traditional Ladakh construction material of stone, timber and mud have been used. Each piece of granite stone has individually been shaped by masons at the site.
	Public Information officer fined Rs 25,000 Srinagar, August 25 The state Chief Information Commissioner (CIC), GR Sufi, has imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on a Public Information Officer (PIO) of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture Sciences and Technology here for not providing information to an applicant under the Right to Information Act. Sufi imposed the fine on the PIO, Abdul Kabir Najar, on a complaint filed by Nasarullah Shah, Sampat Prakash and others under the RTI Act. The CIC found no reasonable reason for not providing information on the RTI application from October 1, 2010, till date, an official spokesman said here yesterday. “Najar has been found defaulting in terms of Section 17 of the Jammu and Kashmir RTI Act, as he has not provided information even after the commission was seized of the matter after having received a complaint from the information-seeker,” he said. In his observation, the CIC noted that, “The PIO is thus guilty of showing scant respect and total disregard to the provisions of the Act, which is mandated for bringing transparency in the system and society.” — PTI
	Bus Driver’s Murder Angry protesters block Tawi Bridge Tribune News Service Jammu, August 25 Members of the Katra Bus Union placed the body of a driver on the busy Tawi Bridge here today and blocked the road for nearly an hour demanding the immediate arrest of those who assaulted him in Katra on August 20. They also demanded adequate compensation to the driver’s family. As bus driver Ved Prakash, a resident of Gadigarh in Miran Sahib, died at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) here, hundreds of drivers and transporters first staged a protest on the hospital premises and later placed his body at the Tawi Bridge and blocked traffic for nearly an hour. SHO, Nowabad, Ajay Bhat, however, said the protesters blocked the bridge for half an hour. Members of Ved Prakash’s family along with several bus drivers gathered at the bridge, demanding the immediate arrest of those who attacked him, leading to his death, said the SHO. He added that senior police officers led by SP, North, JS Johar reached the bridge and tried to pacify the protesters. Eyewitnesses said the police officers had a tough time mollifying the protesters, who relented and lifted the blockade only after they were assured of strict action against the culprits. The Katra police had picked up at least eight suspects in connection with the case. “We were expecting some vital clues from Ved Prakash, but, unfortunately, he died today. However, we are still confident of cracking the case,” said Bhat. Ved Prakash was allegedly assaulted by three persons while he was driving the bus during the wee hours of August 20. After attacking Ved Prakash with sharp-edged weapons, the assailants fled, leaving him in a pool of blood. The driver was initially admitted to a Katra hospital and was later shifted to the GMCH here.
	Man held on rape charge Tribune News Service Jammu, August 25 The Nowabad police arrested a man on a rape charge while he was trying to flee to his native place in Uttar Pradesh today. Giving details, SHO, Nowabad, Ajay Bhat said around 6 am today the accused allegedly raped a nine-year-old girl, who lived in a slum in New Mahinder Nagar, near the Canal Head, here. He was identified as Nanka, 25, a painter and native of Rampur in Uttar Pradesh. He was at present living in Vijaypur here.
	Two killed, 13 injured in Valley grenade attacks Tribune News Service Srinagar, August 25 Two persons, including a BSF jawan, were killed and 13 others injured in two grenade attacks in Baramulla and Srinagar today. The police said militants threw a grenade at BSF personnel at a market in Baramulla, 55 km from here, this afternoon. Fourpersons, including two BSF jawans were injured in the explosion. Later, Abdul Ghani Gojri, a salesman belonging to Handwara, and hawaldar U. Halder of the 9th Battalion, died in hospital. In another incident, suspected militants hurled a grenade at a bunker of the security forces in the Batamaloo area here.The grenade missed the target and exploded on the road,injuring 11 persons.The injured were taken to SMHS Hospital where all of them were stated to be out of danger.No militant outfit has so far claimed responsibility for the attacks. In Budgam district, a live grenade was recovered by labourers digging a drain in Bugroo village in the Khan Sahib area. The bomb disposal squad later defused the explosive. Meanwhile, Independent MLA from Langate Abdul Rashid has demanded a thorough probe into the grenade explosion in Baramulla. He said the police and the people had made different claims about the incident. “While the people claimed that there was no militant attack and the civilian was killed by a grenade which exploded in the hands of a BSF jawan,the police claimed it was a grenade attack.This should be probed,”he said, and added the militants should also make their stand clear on today’s attacks as they had been claiming that they would not target civilians. Later,the MLA visited Ganaipora village and met the family of the salesman killed in the Baramulla blast.
	Leopard beaten to death by villagers Poonch, August 25 A leopard was lynched by villagers who beat it with sticks and rods in the border district of Poonch. The leopard had entered Sanie village in the district and injured Mushtaq Hussain in an attack last night, the police said here today. Villagers carrying sticks and rods caught the leopard and beat it to death, it said, adding that the officials of the Wildlife Department rushed to the spot and seized the animal’s body. A case has been registered against the villagers under the Wildlife Act and the injured person has been admitted to a hospital. — PTI
	2 get 10-year jail for possessing heroin, opium DS Chauhan Jammu, August 25 The Third Additional Sessions Judge, Jammu, Sanjay Parihar, yesterday awarded 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment to Yash Pal and Arjun Singh, facing trial under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, for possessing a commercial quantity of heroin and opium, and also imposed a fine of Rs 10 lakh each on them. Another accused, Devi Singh, has already been declared an absconder. On February 21, 2010, 7.10 kg of heroin was seized from Yash Pal while 7.93 kg of heroin and more than 1 kg of opium were seized from Arjun. Accordingly, a case under Sections 8/21/23 of the NDPS Act was registered and after the investigation, a chargesheet was presented in court. The Third Additional Sessions Judge, Jammu, after initiating proceedings under Section 512 of the CrPC against accused Devi Singh, held Yash Pal and Arjun Singh guilty of the commission of offences under Sections 8/21(c) of the NDPS Act and sentenced them.