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Table Justice Sharma Commission’s report in state Assembly: BJP
Cabinet approves report on empowerment of panchayats
Jammu State Morcha cautions people against CM’s policies
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Reorganisation of power department sought
Interlocutors’
report to include separatists’ stand
BJP rebels to launch new party on October 25
Those misusing Red Cross emblem to be fined, says government
HC suspends sentence of storekeeper
Transporters’ strike hits life
Indo-Pak talks should be result-oriented,
says PoK ex-PM
Preparations in full swing
for Navratra festival
Bhalla reviews Navratra arrangements
Chidambaram to chair North Zonal Council meeting
Five killed in Valley accidents
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Table Justice Sharma Commission’s report in state Assembly: BJP
Jammu, September 21 Addressing a press conference here, state BJP spokesman Ramesh Arora said the government should table the report of the commission, which was appointed to enquire into the cause of death and forcible cremation of the body of Kuldeep Verma against the wishes of his family members and that, too, at night, during the Amarnath land row. The commission was also asked by the state government to enquire into the shifting of the body from the government hospital twice and to fix the responsibility. The state government should table the report in the House as one month had passed since it was submitted, Arora said. He added, “The report has pointed out the responsibility of the police officers of the rank of SSP and SP with observations that after the inquiry, it found these officers responsible for attempting to cremate the body at Bishnah”. Arora said the report also pointed out the failure of the administration in dealing with the situation due to which there was resentment among the people of Jammu. “The public is eagerly waiting to know the outcome of the report, but the government appears to be non-serious,” he added. “The minimum requirement was the publication of the report to make its working transparent. Unfortunately, till date, nothing has happened and the public is being kept in the dark about the submission of the report,” he said. Kuldeep Verma’s wife, Shilpi Verma, secretary of the state BJP, was also present. |
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Cabinet approves report on empowerment of panchayats
Srinagar, September 21 The decisions were taken at a Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, an official spokesman said. The Cabinet approved the report of the committee, headed by Chief Secretary Madhav Lal regarding the empowerment of the panchayats, and directed the Planning and Finance departments to issue the necessary orders on the recommendations for operationalising functions at the three-tier panchayat-level and the release of funds. This is after almost three decades that the elections were held to the panchayats and now with this devolution of powers, the Panchayat Raj Institutions fundamentals have been strengthened in the state. This indeed is a great leap forward in the process of empowering the common man at the grass roots level. The Cabinet also cleared amendments to the State Vigilance Commission Act to harmonise it with the Central Vigilance Commission Act, the spokesman said, adding the Bill would be introduced in the ensuing session. The Cabinet also cleared the draft of a Bill for giving property rights to the permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir, who lived in slums under the Rajiv Awas Yojna. In another decision, the agreement between a government committee and employees on the payment of arrears on account of the Sixth Pay Commission was also approved. The Cabinet also approved the transfer of the Commissioner-Secretary in the Labour and Employment Department, Farooq Ahmad
Pir, as Commissioner-Secretary, Rural Development, in place of Yedullah.
Key decisions
The Cabinet approved the report of the committee, headed by Chief Secretary Madhav
Lal, regarding the empowerment of the panchayats It directed the Planning and Finance Departments to issue the necessary orders on the recommendations for operationalising functions at the three-tier
panchayat-level and the release of funds The Cabinet cleared amendments to the State Vigilance Commission Act to harmonise it with the Central Vigilance Commission Act. It also cleared the draft of a Bill for giving property rights to the permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir, who lived in slums under the Rajiv Awas Yojna |
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Jammu State Morcha cautions people against CM’s policies
Jammu, September 21 Addressing a joint press conference here, leaders of the JSM said the statements and policies of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah signalled dangerous consequences for the people of the Jammu region and for national integrity. “The grant of amnesty packages to the families of terrorists, rehabilitation of the terrorists, who had crossed over to the other side of the border to get arms training to fight the Indian establishment, the demand for the withdrawal of AFSPA and the demand for clemency to Afzal Guru are some of the actions of Omar Abdullah, which question his bona fide as a Chief Minister,” said Virender Gupta, convener of the
JSM. “His recent suggestion for the constitution of a truth and reconciliation commission is another deplorable act, particularly when the insurgency is continuing and about 400 militants are trying to find an opportunity to infiltrate from across the
LoC,” he added. The JSM leaders said the Centre’s interlocutors were going to submit their report to the Union government before October 12. They alleged that the interlocutors were trying to placate a particular section of the Kashmiri society that had always challenged the accession of the state to India. “The credentials of two of the interlocutors, Prof Radha Kumar and Dileep
Padgaonkar, who participated in ISI-sponsored anti-India seminars in different parts of the world are questionable,” he said, adding that “Dileep Padgaonkar also advocates clemency for Afzal Guru.” “There are apprehensions that the report is going to ignore the aspirations and interests of the people of the Jammu region, who have faced humiliation and discrimination at the hands of the Kashmir rulers and the
Centre,” the JSM leader said. |
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Reorganisation of power department sought
Jammu, September 21 Addressing a press conference here, Jai Gopal Sharma, Provincial Secretary of the union, said, “The PDD requires
three times more staff than its present strength. All the newly framed receiving stations, sub-stations and grid stations are facing an acute shortage of staff.” He added, “Daily-wage workers are working hard and proving to the backbone of the department.So, they must be regularised.” The union leaders also demanded an increase in the risk allowance from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5
lakh.
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Interlocutors’
report to include separatists’ stand
Srinagar,
September 21 Disclosing this here today, the head of the
three-member team, Dileep Padgaonkar, said the report had “enough
documentation on what separatists stand for”. He added that, “We
have included their stand in our report”. The team would submit its report to the Centre before the expiry of its term on October 12,he said. Padgaonkar said the main focus of the recommendations would be on addressing the political aspirations of the people. Giving
an overall view of the year-long exercise, Padgaonkar said, “No
political settlement will be possible without making the welfare of the
people as the main focus of our endeavours”. He said the main concern was to seek a political solution to Kashmir within the framework of the Constitution. When
asked about the views of the people on the other side of the LoC,
Padgaonkar said during interactions with a cross-section of society,
views were expressed by many to take on board the feelings of the people
on the other side. Padgaonkar said the report would focus on the
welfare of all the people and would be based on humanity, justice and
dignity. The team expressed its gratitude to all those who
facilitated its task, including Governor NN Vohra, Chief Minister Omar
Abdullah, leaders of political parties, heads of the security forces and
representatives of civil society groups. |
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BJP rebels to launch new party on October 25
Jammu, September 21 A formal announcement in this regard will be made during a rally in Jammu on October 25. A former Union Minister, Gupta was expelled from the BJP in May this year after seven party MLAs allegedly voted in favour of National Conference and Congress candidates in the Legislative Council poll. Sources close to the rebels said the programme to launch the new party had been finalised and a rally would be held on October 25 as a show of strength. Anil Gupta, a rebel leader and former vice-president of the state BJP, said their supporters were pressuring them to launch a new party to aggressively pursue the pro-Jammu agenda.“A formal announcement will be made on October 25,” he said. Sources said due to the anti-defection law, the six suspended BJP MLAs would not officially join the new party, but would render every possible make the rally a big success. Some of the suspended MLAs had already directed their supporters in their respective constituencies to attend the rally. Although the BJP high command had been trying to win over all the suspended MLAs to isolate Chaman Lal Gupta, only two MLAs had responded so far. Despite the high command’s repeated assurances to the MLAs that their suspension would be revoked, it was felt that it was a gimmick to break the group to bring it under the purview of the anti-defection law. After the cross-voting episode, seven of the 11 BJP MLAs, including the leader of the party in the state Assembly, Chaman Lal Gupta, were placed under suspension and show-cause notices were issued to them.When the suspended MLAs questioned the parameters adopted by the party, the leadership expelled Gupta from the party for six years on May 31.However, the suspended legislators continued to treat him as their leader in the Assembly. |
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Those misusing Red Cross emblem to be fined, says government
Srinagar, September 21 “The misuse of the Red Cross emblem shall not be tolerated,” Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Abdul Majid Mir said while chairing a high-level meeting of officials here. The misuse of the Red Cross emblem was going on despite protests by the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Not only civilians, but also some government officials, including those from the Health and the Police departments, had been accused of misusing the emblem. Mir directed the Red Cross Society to create awareness among the public to stop the misuse of the symbol. “Any vehicle found displaying the Red Cross symbol should be fined,” Mir said. As per the provisions of the Geneva Convention Acts, 1949 and 1960, the unauthorised use of the emblem was a punishable offence in the country, with a fine of Rs 500. Besides, the vehicles and goods on which the emblem had been used without authorisation were liable to be seized. —
PTI
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HC suspends sentence of storekeeper
Jammu, September 21 The High Court further ordered that the accused be released from custody on furnishing a personal bond and surety of Rs 20,000 each to the satisfaction of Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Jammu. According to the prosecution, on the basis of a complaint, the Vigilance Organisation, Jammu, had conducted a secret inquiry against the accused, Ashok Kumar Sharma, the then storekeeper of the Public Health Engineering Ground Water Division, Jammu, and found that the accused by illegal means had built a palatial house at Shanti Vihar, Patta Paloura, besides possessing others items and bank accounts, disproportionate to his known sources of income. The accused was also found to possess a bus and a scooter. The Vigilance Organisation, Jammu, accordingly registered a case and on completion of the investigation, presented a charge sheet in the Court of Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Jammu. The Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Jammu, challenged the legality of the judgement dated September 10, 2011, before the High Court through a criminal appeal in which the High Court while suspending the sentence observed that “In view of the challenge made by the appellant to his conviction and sentence and the fact that the appellant’s appeal may not be heard at an early date, a case for suspension of sentence pending hearing has been made out.” The High Court accordingly suspended the sentence and the fine imposed by the Trial Court with the order to release the petitioner from custody. |
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Transporters’ strike hits life
Jammu, September 21 Private buses, mini-buses and autorickshaws were off the road in the city. “We were compelled to go on a two-day strike after the government failed to announce a hike in passenger fares despite an increase in fuel prices,” Anil Chopra, vice-president of the All-Jammu and Kashmir Transporters Welfare Association (AJKTWA), said. “We had earlier submitted memorandums to the government with regard to a hike in the passenger fares, but nothing was done,” Chopra said. In view of the strike,the State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) plied its buses on various routes. “We increased the frequency of the services and plied over 250 SRTC buses in the Jammu region so that the passengers didn’t face any problems,” said SRTC General Manager (Operations) SS Jamwal. He said two additional buses were pressed into service, keeping in view the rush of passengers at the general bus stand in Jammu. Similarly, two buses were making frequent trips between Jammu and Akhnoor and between Jammu and RS Pura. “We also pressed into service three buses between Jammu and Nagrota and two between Jammu and Samba,” he said. The General Manager said the department had also increased the service between Jammu and Katra and Jammu and Pathankot so that Vaishno Devi pilgrims did not face any hardship. He, however, admitted that the SRTC’s arrangements could not be of much help to the people. The strike also had its impact on various educational institutions and government offices. Some of the private schools and colleges declared a holiday today while the University of Jammu wore a deserted look. Meanwhile, the owners of some autorickshaws fleeced the people. “I had to reach the Jammu Railway Station to catch a Delhi-bound train. The autorickshaw owner charged me Rs 250 from Rehari Chungi against the normal fare of Rs 150,” said a passenger. Meanwhile, after the failure of their talks with government representatives,the striking transporters decided to continue the agitation tomorrow. Official sources said the negotiations between the government and the striking transporters remained inconclusive. “Since there was no headway in the talks, we have decided to continue the strike tomorrow ,” Chopra said. He, however, said the government had invited them for the next round of talks tomorrow. The meeting would also be attended by Transport Minister Qamar Ali Akhoon also. Chopra said at the meeting today, the government had offered a 14 per cent increase in the passenger fares against 50 per cent being demanded by them. |
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Indo-Pak talks should be result-oriented,
says PoK ex-PM
Srinagar, September 21 “When I reached here for the wedding of a relative, I had tears in my eyes and smile on my face,” Chaudhary said while interacting with mediapersons. During his stay here, the senior leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) met a cross-section of leaders, including separatists, members of the Bar Association and some officials. He also visited the martyrs’ graveyard at Eidgah and Pahalgam. He said he had a chance meeting with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at the wedding. About his visit to Pahalgam,he said it was a dream come true to visit scenic spots in Kashmir. Chaudhary said his party was in favour of talks between India and Pakistan and added that unless the Kashmir issue was discussed, the dialogue would not be fruitful. “We want the dialogue to be result-oriented,” he said. He added that there were certain bottlenecks on the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service and the cross-LoC trade, which needed to be removed. He said the LoC should be made irrelevant and people should be allowed a hassle-free movement. He also favoured a multiple visa system instead of the permit system for the cross-LoC travel. On his visit to the martyrs’ graveyard, Chaudhary said much blood had been spilt in Kashmir over the years and it was due to the “sacrifices” of the people that the Kashmir issue had reached the parliaments of foreign countries like Norway and Britain. He also referred to the problem in Afghanistan and said the conflict had its roots in the Kashmir problem. “Unless the Kashmir issue is resolved, the Afghanistan issue will remain there,” he added. |
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Preparations in full swing
for Navratra festival
Katra, September 21 To celebrate the festival, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), in association with the Tourism Department, has started preparations to organise a number of cultural and religious events. Besides, there will be decoration and illumination of the town, the Bhimgarh Fort in Reasi, the historic Raghunath Temple and the Bahu Fort in Jammu. So far, the number of pilgrims to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine this year has crossed the 7,14,977 lakh mark. With the nine-day-long Navratra festival, the number of pilgrims is set to increase and break the previous records. The administration is also making efforts to attract a large number of pilgrims. For this purpose, various cultural shows, religious processions, a freestyle wrestling competition with special participation of wrestlers from England and Canada, a devotional song competition and the recitation of Bhagwat Katha would take place at different venues as part of the festival. “Thousands of pilgrims visit the holy cave shrine during the nine-day Navratra festival, so various arrangements are being made in this regard. As a special attraction, we are organising a comedy show in which a number of performers will come from other states this year,” said Arvind Kotwal, Deputy Director, Tourism Department. He added, “We are also organising a devotional song competition and a drama competition for the children.” Sham Lal Kesar, president of the Hotels and Restaurant Association, Katra, said, “We have decided to give 30 per cent discount to the pilgrims on room tariffs during the Navratras.” Meanwhile, the security arrangements have also been beefed up for the festival. “We are conducting meetings with CRPF personnel.Night patrolling has been started,” said KR Chaurasia, SSP, Reasi. Chaurasia added, “We are always ready to serve the people. If any pilgrim finds any unattended baggage or box, he or she should inform the police. Gearing up The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, in association with the Tourism Department, has started preparations to organise a number of cultural and religious events There will be decoration and illumination in the town, the Bhimgarh Fort in Reasi, the historic Raghunath Temple and the Bahu Fort in Jammu The number of pilgrims to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine this year has crossed the 7,14,977 lakh mark and with the nine-day-long Navratra festival, the number is set to increase Various cultural shows, religious processions, a freestyle wrestling competition with special participation of wrestlers from England and Canada, a devotional song competition and the recitation of Bhagwat Katha will take place at different venues as part of the festival
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Bhalla reviews Navratra arrangements
Jammu, September 21 A number of senior officials belonging to the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), the Jammu Development Authority (JDA), the Power Development Department (PDD), the Public Health and Engineering (PHE) Department, the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department, the Tourism Department, the Floriculture Department, the Health Department and the Police and Traffic Departments accompanied the Minister. Bhalla also asked the R&B officials to immediately start the renovation work on the link road to the Bawe Wali Mata temple. He asked shopkeepers to sell hygienic and quality eatables to the pilgrims. |
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Fire breaks out in Civil Secretariat
Jammu, September 21 Officials of the Fire and Emergency Services said the fire broke out in the control room in the complex due to a short-circuit. One of the three panel boards was gutted and the wiring damaged in the fire. Six fire tenders were pressed into service to control the flames. |
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Chidambaram to chair North Zonal Council meeting
Srinagar, September 21 The council will focus on areas of common interest and seek a solution to the pending issues among the neighbouring states. Top Central and state government officials will also take part in the deliberations, an official spokesman here said. |
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Five killed in Valley accidents
Srinagar, September 21 Towheeda Khursheed (6) and her brother, Wamiq, were hit by a vehicle in Baramulla district, a police spokesman said. Towheeda was taken to hospital where she died, while her brother was in a serious condition, he said. In Sopore town, a cab overturned, killing two persons, including a 25-year-old woman, and injuring four passengers, the spokesman said. A man was killed when the car he was travelling in skidded off the road and fell into a gorge in Anantnag district, he said. In Srinagar, a load-carrier overturned at the Foreshore road in which three persons,including Mohsin Ahmad Bhat, were injured.Bhat later died in hospital, the spokesman added. — PTI |
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Morcha (JSM) today called upon the political leadership and the people of the Jammu region to take cognisance of the recent developments and the developing situation that was going to affect the future of the people.
The Jammu and Kashmir Central Non-Gazetted Electrical Employees Union today demanded the reorganisation of the Power Development Department (PDD), saying the department was facing an acute shortage of staff.
Srinagar,
September 21
