The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

CBI to probe defence land scam

New Delhi, November 27
The CBI has decided to initiate a probe against “unknown” officials of the Defence Ministry and revenue personnel of the state government for alleged irregularities in the sale of land near the high-security Srinagar airport.

CBI sources said the preliminary enquiry (PE) was registered last evening against officials of the Directorate General of Defence Estates (DGDE), following a request from the Defence Ministry to probe the sanction of the No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the sale of land around the airport to private persons, which is one of the strategic installations in the Kashmir valley.

The sources said a team of the CBI would now examine all the records of the DGDE and revenue records of the state government.

Defence Minister AK Antony had recently informed Parliament that on receipt of a complaint, a preliminary enquiry was conducted during which it was found that prima-facie there had been irregularities in the issuance of NOCs, which may have wider implications.

During a preliminary probe by the Defence Ministry, it was found that more than 70 NOCs were issued by the Defence Estates Department in Srinagar during the last four years.

The NOCs were issued to private parties to buy more than 200 acres near the high-security military installations in Srinagar.

The Defence Ministry’s probe report states that land belonging to it remains in the name of private persons or the state government in the revenue records, which is a cause for concern, as some persons could take advantage and enter into fraudulent sale and purchase transactions.

The DGDE looks after the land for training, ranges, depots, airfields, quartering, camping and offices for military activities. The Ministry of Defence owns nearly 17.53 lakh acres, out of which approximately 1.57 lakh acres is situated within the 62 notified Cantonments and about 15.96 lakh acres is outside these Cantonments. — PTI

Congress pays tributes to GL Dogra
Tribune News Service

Jammu, November 27
Rich tributes were paid to Girdhari Lal Dogra, former Minister and Member Parliament, on his 24th death anniversary at a function organised by the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) today at Dogra Chowk. A large number of Congressmen participated in the function.

The function was presided over by PCC chief Saifuddin Soz and attended by Ministers, legislators and functionaries of the party.

While paying tributes to Dogra, Soz said the best tributes to Dogra would be to strengthen the Congress at the grass-roots level because Dogra had dedicated his entire life for strengthening the Congress party and working for the uplift of the weaker sections.

Recalling his long personal association with Dogra, Soz described him as a true Gandhian and a staunch believer in secularism, socialism and democracy. He said Dogra worked for the welfare of the poor and the weaker sections of society in addition to serving the state in various capacities.

Soz said Dogra played a vital and important role to bring the railway line to Jammu and its further extension to Udhampur. He stressed that a book should be written on the life of Dogra for the benefit of the younger generation.

Minister for Medical and Technical Education RS Chib in his address said Dogra had worked for the welfare of the “Aam Aadmi” and dedicated his entire life to the service of the people. Minister for Health Sham Lal Sharma described Dogra as a symbol of honesty and simplicity.

Minister for Revenue Raman Bhalla, described Dogra as a true Congressman, who had worked for the unity and integrity of the state.

NC supports FDI in retail
Says move won’t hurt small traders, to benefit farmers
Dinesh Manhotra
Tribune News Service

Jammu, November 27
Even as the Trinamool Congress has opposed 51 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail, the National Conference (NC), another constituent of the Congress-led UPA government, today came out openly in support of this decision of the Union Government.

Addressing a public meeting in the Basholi area of Kathua district, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Farooq Abdullah, who is also the president of the NC, said those creating uproar in Parliament on FDI in the retail sector were behaving in an irresponsible manner while the common masses were suffering since the former were not letting Parliament function properly. “I don’t think there is anything wrong in allowing FDI in multi-brand retail,” he argued and added that farmers would be benefited with this step of the government.

Seeking to ally apprehensions created by the Opposition, Farooq Abdullah said more than 10 million jobs would be created by this move and moreover, small shopkeepers would not be affected by FDI in retail.

While pointing towards reports on the concentration of Chinese soldiers in some borders areas, Abdullah admitted that China had been trying to disrupt peace on the border. He, however, said India was competent enough to face any challenge. He said India had always favoured a dialogue and cordial relations with its neighbours.

Abdullah, who was addressing a public meeting in connection with the ongoing programme of the party to counter the “vicious” campaign launched by the Opposition, availed the opportunity to attack the rival PDP for “exploiting the sentiments of the people”.

In an obvious reference to PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, Abdullah castigated the PDP for gimmickry and politicking to befool the people. “Their only aim is to exploit the sentiments of the people on one or the other issue. Their trait lies in ‘tamasha baazi’ and slogan-raising just to seek public attention for gaining popularity,” he said.

“The people are well-versed with their political style and exploitation. They have rejected this party once for all,” he said, adding that the public in the state was well aware of the fact how the PDP sabotaged the then coalition government led by Ghulam Nabi Azad. “This was aimed at grabbing power by exploitation mechanism the PDP is known for,” he added.

He said the coalition between the NC and the Congress would grow further which would help realise the goal of peace and prosperity in the state.

Remove ‘corrupt’ official, VC urged
Tribune News Service

Jammu, November 27
The Jammu Youth Morcha (JYM) has asked the vice-chancellor of the Central University of Jammu to remove the OSD (administration), Dr PS Pathania.

JYM President Sanjay Sharma alleged, “There are several cases of corruption pending against Dr Pathania in the University of Jammu (JU). The cases are now being probed by a high-level enquiry committee, headed by Chief Secretary Madhav Lal. In view of the pending inquiry, Dr Pathania should not be given this important post in the Central University, till he gets a clean chit”.

He said if their demand was not met, the JYM would stage a demonstration in front of the VC’s office.

Ultrasound clinic sealed

Srinagar, November 27
Officials of the Health Department in Jammu and Kashmir sealed an illegal ultrasonography clinic in Shopian district yesterday, as part of its ongoing drive to curb the female foeticide in the state.“Khansa Diagnostic Centre, an ultrasonography clinic in Shopian was sealed yesterday for functioning illegally. It was earlier sealed in April, 2011, but had started unauthorised operation a few weeks ago,” the spokesman said.

A case has been registered against the owner of the diagnostic centre, he said.
The state government launched a massive drive against illegal ultrasonography centres, after the Census 2011 revealed a drastic dip in the child sex ratio in the state. Over 150 such clinics have been sealed for the misuse of ultrasound to determine the sex of the foetuses.

Meanwhile, a special squad of the Drug and Food Control Organisation sealed two shops at Chadoora in Budgam district, after they were found involved in the illegal sale of psychotropic drugs. — PTI

MLA criticises govt for ignoring peple’s problems
Tribune News Service

Jammu, November 27
Criticising leaders of the ruling coalition for not paying due attention to several burning issues facing the common man, former Union Minister and MLA Chaman Lal Gupta has said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his colleagues were working overtime for raising controversies like AFSPA, which have little relevance with the prevailing situation. Moreover, making security related matter an issue of public debate amounted to demoralising the forces, he added.

Pointing to problems being faced by the public, Gupta said the traffic had become chaotic, especially in the capital city of Jammu. Yet, it was surprising that no serious effort was being undertaken to overcome this problem which was affecting the people in many ways like wastage of time and fuel and a rise in pollution levels.

“To overcome this serious situation, a number of measures were required to be taken up. These also include the need to construct flyovers. But strangely enough many such approved projects are being shelved just to protect the interests of certain elements,” he said. Other issues include the faulty public distribution system, soaring prices, growing unemployment, sanitation, poor condition of roads, erratic power and drinking water supply and lack of quality education, he said, adding that all these needed to be rectified with special attention of the government.

CPM urges traders to resist move

Jammu, November 27
State secretary of the CPM and Kulgam MLA MY Targiami has made an appeal to the trade organisations in the state to make the bandh call given by the Confederation of All India Traders (CIT) on December 1 a success through massive participation. The CIT has given the call to oppose Centre’s decision to allow FDI in multi-band retail, he said.

Tarigami said the decision would destroy the livelihood of crores of small retailers countrywide. “Since J&K is primarily a consumer state, the FDI here will hit thousands of retailers who have set up enterprises in the wake of growing unemployment,” he said.

Showing its anti-people character, the UPA seemed eager to meet the demand of MNCs like Wal-Mart, Carrefour etc at the cost of its own people, he alleged. — TNS

Play takes a dig at corrupt politicians
Tribune News Service

Artistes enact a scene from Hindi play ‘Topian’ which was staged at Natrang Studio Theatre in Jammu on Sunday. Tribune photo: Anand Sharma

Jammu, November 27
Natrang today presented a Hindi play, “Topian” at its studio theatre in Sunday Theatre Series here.

The play, written by Mani Madhukar and directed by Balwant Thakur, is based on the story of two neighbours who pledge to change the corrupt political system. Every time they come across a politician, they find the latter sporting a different cap and a different manifesto.

Over a period of time, they find that nothing is changing, the divide between rich and poor is widening, the quality of life is deteriorating day by day and the security of life and property is at the mercy of God.

The playwright has successfully portrayed that the politicians remain the same; they only change their caps and “colours” just to befool the people. The play takes a dig at corrupt politicians who can do anything to remain in power.

According to the playwright, the mission of politicians is to befool the public and for that they have the requisite theatrical art, know-how, expertise and the excellence to transform themselves according to the circumstances.

The young actors of Natrang who enacted the play included Syed Fardeen, Pankaj Anand and Sunil Bhardwaj. The lights of the play were designed by Ankush Lakhnotra, Rahul Singh scored the music, Neeraj Kant coordinated the show and the presentations were done by Sumeet Sharma.

Army holds medical camp
Tribune News Service

Jammu, November 27
The Army organised a medical camp under the aegis of the Budhal Sector Headquarters at Gadyog village in Rajouri district today.

A team of Army doctors along with civil doctors from the Primary Health Centre at Khawas and their staff conducted the camp. At least 609 males, 418 females and 188 children benefited from the camp.

On the occasion, Officiating Commanding Officer of the Rashtriya Rifles Battalion, Samote, emphasised on the villagers to avail of the opportunity. Pregnant and lactating mothers were educated about the benefits of breast feeding, prenatal care and the care of newborn babies.

Haj fraud case
Confiscate property of operator: Enquiry officer

Srinagar, November 27
The enquiry officer, investigating the Haj fraud case in Kashmir, has recommended the confiscation and auction of the immovable property of the accused tour operator to compensate the duped Haj aspirants.

“The enquiry officer has recommended that the immovable property of Arsalan Wahid Gilkar, owner of Hajeej India, be confiscated and put to auction, after completing the legal formalities,” an official spokesman said here today.

Additional Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Muhammad Akbar Ganai is the enquiry officer in the case.

Hajeej India, a private tour operator, has allegedly duped 500 Haj aspirants of lakhs of rupees, on the pretext of taking them to the Haj pilgrimage this year.

However, hours before the scheduled departure on October 27, the tour operator informed the aspirants that their visa applications had been misplaced and they could not proceed on the pilgrimage.

The duped Haj aspirants later lodged a criminal case against the private tour operator.

The accused, including the owner of the company, were arrested from Delhi and Mumbai recently. All the 500 passports of the Haj aspirants have also been recovered from them. — PTI

Migratory birds throng Valley

Srinagar, November 27
With winter setting in the Valley, over 6 lakh migratory birds from Europe and Central Asia have flocked to the Hokersar bird reserve and other wetlands in the Valley. Every year, thousands of migratory birds from Siberia, the Philippines, Eastern Europe, China and Japan fly long distances to escape the extreme winter conditions in their native places and come searching for food.

Besides Hokersar, the winged visitors have also flocked to the Wullar lake and other wetlands, Hygam, Shalibugh and Mirgund in the surrounding areas.

“Over 6 lakh birds have already arrived in the Valley and 4,000 to 5,000 birds are arriving daily...If this trend continues, we might have an all time high arrival of migratory birds in the wetlands this year,” Wildlife Warden Abdul Rauf Zargar said.

Last year, nearly 8 lakh winged visitors arrived in Kashmir.

Brahminy Duck, Tufted Duck, Gadwall, Garganey, Greylag Goose, Mallard, Common Merganser, Northern Pintail, Common Pochard, Ferruginous Pochard, Red-Crested Pochard, Ruddy Shelduck, Northern Shoveler, Common Teal, and Eurasian Wigeon are some of the most sighted birds in the wetlands.

Meanwhile, wildlife officials and locals are concerned about the sudden rise in the population of Moore and Swamp Hen in Hokersar.

“Rise in the population of Moore or Swamp Hen reflects the growth of large reeds and weeds in the wetlands...It is not a good sign,” Ishtiaq Ahmad, a local resident, said.

The other worrying factors are encroachments and induced willow and poplar plantation in the wetlands.

“These are a fatal blow to the wetlands. The government should frame a policy for removing the encroachments, induced willow and poplar plantations and illegal paddy cultivation from wetlands in the Valley,” a wildlife official said.

Meanwhile, the Wildlife Department has formed special anti-poaching squads to check bird hunting, banned in 2001 in the state, both inside and outside the wetlands.— PTI

Inmates seek better facilities at Pahari Hostel in Rajouri
Tribune News Service

Jammu, November 27
The Jammu and Kashmir Pahari Students’ Union (JKPSU) has demanded the renovation of Pahari Hostel in Rajouri.

In a meeting held at the University of Jammu here today, Abdul Qadar Khan, president of the union, said it was unfortunate that even after protests by inmates over poor facilities at Pahari Hostel, Rajouri, nothing had been done.

“The inmates have been living in pathetic conditions. Cleanliness is a far cry the hostel and there is no menu for lunch and dinner. The issue has already been brought to the notice of the authorities, but no action has been taken so far,” said Abdul. He demanded improved facilities at the hostel.

He added that if their demands were not met soon, they would launch an agitation.

Air show delights people in Doda
Raju William
Tribune News Service

Udhampur, November 27
The first-ever air show in Doda district turned out be a major attraction at the ex-servicemen rally-cum-fauji mela organised by the 10 Rashtriya Rifles (RAJPUT) at Sports Stadium, Doda, under the aegis of the 4 Sector Rashtriya Rifles.

A large number of locals, especially youth and children, ex-servicemen as well as “veer naris” (widows of martyrs) were present. The mesmerising show by helicopters of the Aviation Squadron, combat demo by troops of the 10 Rashtriya Rifles (RAJPUT), a dog show by 23 Army Dog Unit, Udhampur, and a military band enthralled the spectators.

“The air show, which displayed how the Army evacuates people in emergency, was educative as well for the people of the district. The Army has a number of times saved precious lives by airlifting accident victims to Jammu,” said Mukesh Parihar, a BA-1 student of Government Degree College, Doda.

Another Doda resident, Manzoor Ahmed also appreciated the event, although its main aim was to address grievances of ex-servicemen and to highlight resettlement opportunities available to them as well as other welfare schemes.

Doda MLA Abdul Majeed Wani formally inaugurated the event. He along with Deputy Commissioner Farooq Ahmed Khan addressed the gathering. Both assured the ex-servicemen of continuing support by the district administration for their welfare.

Khan told The Tribune that the event attracted a large number of ex-servicemen at one place. “We have listened to their grievances and will find ways to redress them at the earliest,” said Khan who is also chairman, District Sainik Welfare Board.

Col. VS Guleria, Commanding Officer, 10 Rashtriya Rifles (RAJPUT), who assured the ex-Servicemen of early redressal of their problems, felicitated the “veer naris” by extending monetary assistance and presents.