The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

	Farooq comes to Omar’s defence, rubbishes Opposition charges Dismisses PDP demand for their resignation as a political stunt Ehsan Fazili/TNS Srinagar, October 6 Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah here today defended his son and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the case of NC worker Sayeed Mohammad Yousuf’s death, which has led to a political row in the state. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has been in New Delhi for the past two days, while Farooq Abdullah arrived here yesterday in the wake of the crisis that has hit the coalition government after the death of Yousuf in police custody last week. Farooq convened a meeting of senior party leaders, including ministers and MLAs, at the party headquarters, Nawa-i-Subh, here today. Talking to mediapersons after the meeting, Farooq Abdullah described the opposition PDP demand for his and Omar’s resignation as a “political stunt”. Everything would be clear after the judicial inquiry is conducted, he added. The PDP has been demanding the resignation of Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and Minister of State for Home Nasir Aslam Wani to ensure a fair probe into the death case. “We have nothing to hide,” Farooq said, adding that both he and Omar had “nothing to do with it”. He maintained that the truth would come out after the judicial inquiry as the state government had already approached the high court to appoint a sitting judge to hold an inquiry into the death of the NC worker. Taking about the opposition PDP, the NC president said they (PDP leaders) did not want the NC-Congress coalition government to stay and “only want power”. When asked about the recent allegations levelled by Abdul Salam Reshi, one of the three workers in the controversy, about money transactions for ministerial berths or MLC seats, Farooq maintained: “Anyone can mention anybody’s name. You cannot stop anyone. This is a democratic country, not an autocratic country.” He said the NC had always selected people on the basis of merit and money had never been a factor. “There are MLAs and ministers here, ask them if they have paid anything. The NC has never asked for money and it will remain the same in future as well,” he said on the allegations of “political payoffs”. Yousuf was among the three NC workers who had approached the Chief Minister’s Office here last week in connection with the “political payoffs”. The two other workers were Abdul Salam Reshi from Kokernag in Anatnag district of south Kashmir and Mohammad Yousuf Bhat from Ganderbal district, the home constituency of the Chief Minister.
	Congress too backs Omar Tribune News Service New Delhi, October 6 At a time when Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is under attack from the opposition parties in home state for the custodial death of a ruling NC worker, Syed Mohammad Yousuf, the Congress which is sharing power with the National Conference both at the Centre and the state has stepped forward to defend Omar. Congress spokesman Abhishek Singhvi in defence of the Chief Minster said: “Omar Abdullah as a sitting Chief Minister gave a formal statement and a clarification though he was not obliged to. He has asked the Chief Justice to conduct a judicial inquiry, implying that Omar had nothing to hide in this case.” However, maintaining a safe distance from the controversy simultaneously, Singhvi said: “Besides, if his detractors have any material evidence, let them give it to the judicial commission. There is absolutely nothing which can't be given there. So don't have speculation in advance.”
	Jobless paramedics want to be part of NRHM Tribune News Service Udhampur, October 6 The unemployed Male Multipurpose Health Workers (MMPHW) and pharmacy diploma holders of Doda district today demanded that they should be absorbed in the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) scheme on the pattern of other paramedical staff. Under the banner of the Unemployed Para Medical Association (UPMA), Doda district, the paramedics today organised a district-level meeting at Doda, chaired by its vice-president Javed Iqbal Sheikh. Sheikh criticised the state government, particularly the Health Minister and Director NRHM for not fulfilling the demand of unemployed multipurpose health workers and diploma holder pharmacists. Sheikh claimed that last year a delegation of the UPMA had met Health Minister Sham Lal Sharma, who had assured them that unemployed paramedics would be adjusted under the NRHM, but no action was taken as a result of which a large number of unemployed paramedics were facing hardships. He alleged that other paramedics like laboratory assistants, x-ray assistants, Operation Technology (OT) diploma holders of Jammu and Kashmir were being given the benefit, but the same was being denied to multipurpose health workers and diploma holder pharmacists, amounting to discrimination.
	Pakistan-based Amanullah to lead united JKLF Two factions of front announce formal unification Ehsan Fazili/TNS Srinagar, October 6 The JKLF chairman, Mohammad Yasin Malik, here today announced the formal unification of its two groups, one led by Malik in the state and the other led by Amanullah Khan in Pakistan. “The two main functionaries of pro-independence Kashmiri organisation Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) have been merged into each other following a meeting of their respective heads Amanullah Khan and Muhammad Yasin Malik”, declared the statement read out simultaneously by Malik here and Amanullah Khan in Islamabad today. The two leaders had held a meeting in this regard in Islamabad on August 12. According to the agreement reached between the two sides, after frequent meetings of the members, it was decided that Amanullah Khan would be the lifetime “supreme head” (SH) of the JKLF. “The office of the SH shall specially and specifically remain assigned to Amanullah Khan, who shall be the most respectable personality to every member, office-bearer and leaders of the JKLF,” it has been stated. Malik would be the chairman of the JKLF until the central convention is held after the formation of the supreme council, it has been stated. Talking to mediapersons on the occasion, Malik said the death of National Conference worker Sayeed Mohammad Yousuf was unfortunate.
	State expects bumper yield of paddy, maize Archit Watts Tribune News Service Jammu, October 6 With a favourable monsoon this season, the Agriculture Department is expecting bumper yield of summer crops paddy and maize. The monsoon, which had arrived well before its scheduled time this year in the state, proved extremely good for the growth of both these crops. There was nearly 900mm of rain during the rainy season. SS Jamwal, Joint Director, Agriculture Department, said: “This year, we had distributed hybrid seeds to farmers, which have given good results. As per a fresh survey, the crops are ready for harvest and the total sowing area of these two crops has increased as compared to the past.” “This season, paddy was sown in 1.12 lakh hectares in Jammu division, which is expected to give a yield of 2.05 lakh metric tonnes,” he added. About the maize crop, Jamwal said it was sown in 2.08 lakh hectares and was expected to give a yield of 4.2 lakh metric tonnes in Jammu division. Hopeful of getting a bumper yield this year, the farming community is also in a joyous mood. “The timely rains and advisories of the Agriculture Department have given us a good result. The harvest season has started and the quality of grain is much better than the previous years,” said Dharam Singh, a paddy grower at Dablehar village. Another farmer, Suraj Sharma, at Bishnah said: “The short spell of rains proved good for maize, as longer rains can prove detrimental to the crop.” Meanwhile, Ajay Khajuria, Director, Agriculture Department, said: “In the past few years, we have done extensive work in seed development and farming practices. The favourable monsoon and hard work of farmers, field officers have given a boost to the production.” The next year, the department will take some more initiatives to improve the quality of paddy and maize, he added.
	Fun, fervour, traffic snarls mark end of Ravana Ashutosh Sharma Tribune News Service Jammu, October 6 Three towering effigies of demon king Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarana, and son Meghnatha went up in flames and crackled in fiery splendour, symbolising the victory of the good over the evil, amidst thunderous applause at the historic Parade Ground and Gandhi Nagar this evening. While the markets wore a festive look, the traffic was thrown out of gear posing problems to commuters. Thousands of people had converged on both the venues to witness the event. At Parade Ground, the event was organised by Sanatan Dharam Sabha while Sanatan Dharam Sabha, Narayan Mandir, which organises a Ramlila at Nai Basti, held a similar function at Dasehra Ground on the Apsara road. At sundown, the effigies were set on fire by artistes who enacted the role of Lord Rama and Lakshmana in Ramlila during the Navratra festival. The firecrackers lit up the sky and the crowd bursts into cries of joy as the effigies went up in flames, marking the end of summer and the onset of winter. At Parade Ground, Health Minister, Sham Lal Sharma was the chief guest while Medical Education Minister RS Chib, BJP MLA Ashok Khajuria and Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Pawan Kotwal were among a large number of dignitaries present on the occasion. Earlier, processions were also taken out by organising committees of Ramlila, which after taking a round of the city culminated at the venue. Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Raman Bhalla and Congress leader Gulchain Singh Charak were the main guests of the function at Dasehra Ground in Gandhi Nagar. Similar events were organised at all district headquarters. At certain places Ramlila committees held wrestling competitions to mark the day with traditional fervour and great fanfare today. A number of religious functions were also held on ‘Vijayadashmi’, which also symbolises the triumph of the Goddess Durga over buffalo demon Mahishasura. During the day, a large number of people took out processions with idols of the goddess in bedecked vehicles. After passing through various parts of the city, the idols were immersed in the Tawi.
	Special cover on Siachen released Tribune News Service Udhampur, October 6 The Army and the Indian Postal Department has issued a commemorative special cover on Siachen and Khardung La at a function organised at the Siachen base camp and the Forward Landing Base (FLB). Col Rajesh Kalia, PRO, Northern Command, said the special cover on Siachen and Khardung La was released by Lt Gen KT Parnaik, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, and John Samuel, Chief Post Master General (CPMG), J&K circle, at the Siachen base camp. Col Kalia termed the occasion as a historic moment, as it is for the first time that a Carried cover was released in Jammu and Kashmir since Independence. The Army Commander and the CPMG took the Siachen Carried Postal Cover by a helicopter from the base camp to the FLB and handed it over to the Commanding Officer. The Carried cover has a very high philatelic value. The history of the Carried Postal Cover dates back to ancient times when letters and messages were sent through pigeons, parrots and slowly graduating to elephants, camels and horsemen. This was probably the first time in the world a cover was released at such an altitude. The Army Commander also inaugurated a philatelic exhibition, first-of-its kind, at the Siachen base camp. He said the gesture of the Jammu and Kashmir Postal Department highlights the commitment of the Department of Post and the Army Postal Service to deliver mails in each corner of the country irrespective of the altitude, terrain and challenges involved.
	Ladakh children meet GOC Tribune News Service Srinagar, October 6 A group of 25 children from the distant area of Batalik in Kargil district, as a part of their Sadbhavana tour, interacted with GOC (15 Corps) Lt Gen SA Hasnain here today. The Army aims at providing adequate exposure to children of the remote areas of Ladakh. To provide an opportunity to the children to know about the cultural diversity and economic development of the country, a motivational tour to Srinagar, Jammu, Chandigarh and Dharamsala was flagged off from Biamah, a defence spokesman said. The tour began with a visit to Srinagar, the scenic city of lakes. In Chandigarh, they witnessed weapons display by the Army and visited the Fun Republic Mall and the Sukhna Lake. During their visit to Dharamsala, they visited Macleodganj and the War Memorial.
	Militant hideout busted Srinagar, October 6 The security forces busted a militant hideout and seized a cache of ammunition dumped in a forest in Kupwara district, the police said today. One Chinese grenade, 10 AK-47 magazines, 252 rounds of AK ammunition, 19 Pika rounds and two radio set antennas were seized from the hideout in the Dever area of Kupwara yesterday. A Chinese grenade was also recovered from a stream in Kandhar village in Kupwara, the police said. — PTI
	Camp held at Gharana wetland Archit Watts/TNS Jammu, October 6 As part of the ongoing wildlife week celebrations, the Department of Wildlife Protection, Jammu, today organised a rally-cum-interaction programme at the Gharana Wetland Conservation Reserve near RS Pura here. The awareness programme was organised in collaboration with a local NGO, Global Green Peace, and Environment Protection Middle School, RS Pura. A large number of students from various schools in the adjoining areas participated in the programme. During the event, the Range Officer, Wetlands, Vijay Singh, educated and sensitised children and other people about the wildlife sanctuary, wetlands and their flora and fauna.
	J&K Bank opens four more ATMs Tribune News Service Jammu, October 6 To provide banking facilities to the people at their doorsteps in the state, J&K Bank has pressed four more ATMs into public service in Jammu and Kathua districts. The City Square Mall and Paloura got one ATM each while two teller machines started operations in Kathua district. Besides, a business unit was also inaugurated at Mishriwala in Jammu, amid a gathering of a good number of customers, senior citizens, traders and local residents. After the inauguration, OP Sharma, president and zonal head of J&K Bank, Jammu (Central), spoke about the branch and ATM network expansion policy of the bank. He said, “The inauguration of more ATMs is a step towards achievement of the bank’s expansion plan for the current fiscal, wherein a total of 120 business units are envisaged to be established across the country, besides the installation of at least 600 ATMs by the end of the current financial year.” The areas of the state that have so far remained un-banked as well as under banked shall be focused in the plan, he added. The vice-president, Jammu (Central), Nishi Baru, who was also present on the occasion gave brief details of various schemes, tailor-made by the bank for different sections of society and urged the people to avail the benefits of these schemes. The people present on the occasion appreciated the efforts of the bank for showing dedication towards the people of the state and wished it success for its future endeavours.
	Div Com inspects railway tunnel Srinagar, October 6 Abdul Majid Mir, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, inspected a railway tunnel under construction at Qazigund along with Kifayat Hussain Rizvi, Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag, and Ishwar Chand, Deputy Chief Engineer (Railways) yesterday. Mir also convened a meeting of the collectors of the land acquisition at Khanabal and reviewed the progress of the land acquisition of the national highway. — TNS
	Manjusha wins song contest Tribune News Service Jammu, October 6 Manjusha of Reasi district bagged the first prize in the All-India Devotional Song Competition, which was organised by the Department of Tourism and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) (Katra) during the Navratra Festival. Lata of Jalandhar and Suresh Kumar of Jib Udhampur clinched the second and third prizes, respectively. Pawan Kotwal, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, who was the chief guest on the occasion, gave away Rs 1 lakh in the form of gold to the winner and cheques of Rs 25,000 and Rs 15,000 to the second and third position holders. Bollywood personalities Mukesh Bhatt and Madhur Bhandarkar were part of the judges’ panel.
	Three held with 4 kg of charas Jammu, October 6 Three persons from Kashmir were arrested with four-and-half kg of charas at Jhajjar Kotli today. A Tata Sumo was on its way to Jammu when it was intercepted at a checkpoint near Domail. The police said:“During the checking, the three smugglers tried to escape but were apprehended.” The accused have been identified as Rafiq Ahmed Bhat of Kheram Bijbehara, Ifthikhar Ahangar and Shabir Ahmed of Seer Anantnag. The vehicle and the contraband have been seized. A case under Sections 8, 20 of the NDPS Act has been registered and an investigation is going on to ascertain the source of the contraband. — TNS
	Family, 3 girls rescued from Dal Lake Tribune News Service Srinagar, October 6 The river police rescued a tourist family and three girls from the Dal Lake when a shikara they were riding capsized due to a windstorm here yesterday. Rajesh Kumar from New Delhi along with his family and three girls, Fatima, Kaniz Fatima and Rukaya, residents of Kargil fell into the Dal Lake when their shikara capsized due to a windstorm. However, the police’s timely action rescued all of them, a police spokesman said.