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Government depts in tussle over proposed road in forest area
BJP high command tells state leaders to mend their
Speculations rife over next JU Vice-Chancellor
Mirwaiz appeals to religious heads to fight ‘conversions’
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BSF celebrates 47th Raising Day
College marks literacy day with symposium
Damage to crops by Army movement
FCI trade unions go on strike
Vigilance books CAPD storekeeper
Army School principal, students awarded
Panel for fresh probe into Doda forest fires
M.Ed students given farewell
YAC continues dharna against corruption
Lt Gen Swamy visits forward areas
Shias protest power cuts during Muharram
days
Panel for fresh probe into Doda forest fires
Militant hideout busted in Kishtwar
Private schools open despite govt order
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Government depts in tussle over proposed road in forest area
Jammu, December 2 Meanwhile, the Chief Engineer, R&B Department, Tehseen Mustafa, clarified this evening that the department officials, who went to the Mahamaya area, did not know that it was a wildlife area. The R&B Department officials have come up with a map of the proposed 1-km road aimed at connecting the Har Ki Paudi Circular road with the road linking the national highway with the historic Mahamaya temple located in the dense forest area. When the Forest Department officials asked the R&B Department officials to show the approval letter for the construction of the road in the eco-sensitive area, the latter reportedly tried to impress upon them that it had been approved by Forest Minister Mian Altaf. However, a senior official of the Forest Department contradicted the version and said, “We have not received any order from the Forest Ministry regarding the construction of the road in the forest area.” “It’s about law versus lawlessness. The law prohibits construction work in a forest area, which is a habitat of wild animals,” said the official. He added, “The R&B Department has deployed men and machinery for the construction of the road without any approval. However, we did not allow them to carry out the work as they could not produce a written permission from the higher authorities concerned.” “This road is not needed as there is no habitation in the area. Besides, a motorable road connecting the national highway with the Mahamaya temple is already there,” he said. “The area is home to many animals like leopards, peacocks, monkeys and rabbits etc. If a road is laid there, the wildlife will get affected and the forest cover will come under threat,” said the Forest Department official. He added, “Our department is developing a huge herbal garden there, besides digging watersheds.” The Tribune had yesterday reported that Revenue and Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Raman Bhalla and Forest Minister Mian Altaf had visited the forest area. Bhalla had claimed that all issues with the Wildlife Protection Department and the Forest Department had been resolved. However, the Chief engineer, R&B Department, said, “My categorical instruction to the department is that it’s a wildlife area and we cannot venture into it. There are strict guidelines of the Supreme Court prohibiting construction work in a forest area.” “About seven years ago, the department gave some money to the Forest Department for the clearance of the road work. The work could not take off due to some reasons. The officials, who went to the area today, did not know that the area came under the Wildlife Protection Department,” the Chief Engineer clarified. He added, “We will not undertake any construction work in the area till the necessary approval comes from the authorities concerned.”
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BJP high command tells state leaders to mend their
Jammu, December 2 Despite expelling seven legislators, including veteran leader and former Union minister Chaman Lal Gupta from the party, the credibility of the BJP is at the lowest ebb because not only the people of the Jammu region but the cadre too is feeling “cheated” by their leaders who “have done nothing to spread the nationalist agenda of the party”. National general secretary of the party J P Nadda, who was here to review the functioning of the party, snubbed some local leaders when they made tall claims about the “encouraging response” received by the party in the recently concluded 10-day-long Jan Jagran Yatra. Sources in the party said Nadda bluntly told some senior leaders in the Jammu region that they had lost faith as well as credibility of the people due to their behaviour. He warned that it was high time they mended their ways otherwise the party’s sway in the Jammu region would take a severe hit. Nadda has reasons to snub party leaders because he was himself present at the function at Jourian in Akhnoor on November 11 where the yatra concluded. Less than 100 people were present at that public meeting, which was attended by all senior leaders of the state unit of the party. Sources said the high command had taken a serious note about the shrinking base of the party and failure of some senior leaders to improve their image. “The BJP leadership has approached leaders of some Sangh Parivar organisations to seek their help in reviving the party in Jammu but the Parivar has flatly refused to render any help this time,” sources said, adding that the Sangh Parivar was annoyed as its choice had been ignored when the new president of the state BJP was appointed two years back. Riding on the Amarnath agitation wave, the BJP had won 11 seats (all-time high) in the 2008 Assembly elections but the party leadership has failed to maintain the position due to infighting in the party as well as some leaders’ cordial relations with the ruling coalition. The infamous April 13 cross-voting episode has further dented the image of the BJP because seven party legislators had allegedly voted in favour of Congress and National Conference (NC) candidates in the legislative council elections. Although the high command has taken action against these seven “detractors” by expelling them from the party, they (detractors) claimed that instead of taking action against the real culprits they were made scapegoats only to shield a blue-eyed boy of a senior party leader who enjoys important position in the party at the national level. The “detractors” have been giving evidence to expose the “cozy understanding” between BJP loyalists and the ruling NC and such disclosures have been lowering the morale of the committed party cadre. |
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Speculations rife over next JU Vice-Chancellor
Jammu, December 2 Sources said the incumbent VC, Varun Sahni, was still trying hard to get his term extended. Sahni had been granted special permission to conduct interviews till his term ended, the sources claimed. A JU teacher, on condition of anonymity, said: “There is an air of uncertainty in the university as only one week is left for Professor Sahni to complete his term but the selection committee has not yet announced any names. Teaching staff are having apprehensions about decisions on pending issues concerning their promotions, postings or extensions.” The postponement of the interviews for departmental promotions of the teaching staff, which were scheduled for November 29, was also disturbing, he added. Another senior professor at JU revealed, “The teaching staff are given promotions under the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS). Even as the assessment work for the CAS was done and the interviews were scheduled for November 29 and 30, the sudden suspension of the same has created a worrisome situation.” “The aspirants were happy because the assessment work, which is the biggest hurdle, was over. But now they are worried because they do not know whether this assessment criteria will hold good with the new VC.” “Earlier the selection committee had expedited the search process but as Professor Sahni’s term is nearing culmination, they have maintained silence. Such delays are never good for any institution as they give space to speculations and dispirit the employees,” he added. The other question doing the rounds is whether the new VC will be a local. The officials here are divided over the matter, but the majority want a non-local VC. “A local has already been appointed as VC of the Central University of Jammu. So, appointing another local at JU will set a wrong precedent,” said a professor from the JU administration. |
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Mirwaiz appeals to religious heads to fight ‘conversions’
Srinagar, December 2 “We are not against any religious belief, but the manner in which our youths are being deviated by offering money is not acceptable to us. I appeal to all ulemas (religious scholars) and imams (prayer leaders) to render unsuccessful the plans of the anti-Muslim elements in a united manner,” the Mirwaiz said while addressing a gathering in Anantnag district. The Mirwaiz’s statement comes a day after he assured a team of the National Commission for Minorities that his conglomerate would ensure that the minorities did not face any problems in the Valley in the wake of the reports of the alleged conversion of youths to Christianity. The conversion controversy had come to the fore after a video showing local Muslim youths being allegedly converted to Christianity appeared on social networking sites last month. Meanwhile, the Mirwaiz reiterated that the Centre should implement the four-point proposal of the Hurriyat Conference to create a conducive atmosphere for the resolution of the Kashmir issue.
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BSF celebrates 47th Raising Day
Jammu, December 2 On the occasion, C Vasudevan, DIG, highlighted the achievements of the BSF during the past few years which included foiling several infiltration attempts on the international border. He also appreciated the developmental works undertaken by the BSF to help the residents of the border villages. Vasudevan expressed satisfaction over the medical camps organised by the BSF for the people living in the remote areas. In the series of events, the BSF, Jammu, in collaboration with the Department of Blood Transfusion, Government Medical College and Hospital, also organised a voluntary blood donation camp. At least six officers, 10 SOs and 55 other personnel donated blood. Vinod Kumar, Commandant (Medical), Frontier Headquarters, BSF, Jammu, was also present on the occasion. |
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College marks literacy day with symposium
Jammu, December 2 The topic of the symposium was “Computer
Literacy: Today and Tomorrow”. About 25 participants from more than 15 colleges expressed their views on the topic. DIG Abdul Quayom
Manhas, who was the chief guest on the occasion, highlighted the significance of
computer education in the present times. He appreciated the quality of the programme and informative presentations made by students from different colleges. Prof Vinod Sharma from University of Jammu, who was the guest of honour, extolled the participants’ hard work and presentation of their papers. Principal of the college Ajeet Angral also lauded the efforts of the participants. He impressed upon the students to participate in such events to improve their communication skills as well as knowledge. Head of the BCA department Shujat Ali Khan presented the keynote address while Prof Mansi Duggal delivered the formal vote of thanks. Gurleen Kour, a student of the BCA department, anchored the programme. Tanvi Bhargav of MAM College; Vinee Mahajan of Government Women College, Gandhi Nagar; and Ambika Sambyal of
Government Degree College, Samba; won the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes, respectively. |
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Damage to crops by Army movement
Jammu, December 2 “According to respondents, the petitioner was not entitled to any more amount because whatever was payable to him as compensation for the damage caused to his crops stood paid to him in the first instance itself. It is stated that the board constituted to ascertain the damage caused to the crops of the farmers, who were disabled to cultivate their land, had not found the petitioner to have been disabled to cultivate his land in any manner whatsoever and he was, therefore, not entitled to any further amount by way of ex gratia or compensation,” the court said “The petitioner’s case is stated to be dissimilar to those who were disabled to cultivate the land where mines had been embedded,” held the court The Central government had sanctioned the compensation and ex gratia amount to farmers whose crops were affected by the Army’s movement on the Indo-Pak Border. The petitioner, Bodh Raj Khajuria, whose crop was also damaged in the said operation had received the first and third installment of the ex gratia. The second installment of the ex gratia is stated to have been withheld by the respondents without any justification. He, therefore, sought directions to the respondents for the release of the second installment of compensation or ex gratia along with the interest on the withheld amount. The Central government contested the claims of the writ petitioner, stating that the payment of ex gratia was a one time payment, which was admissible to those who had suffered damage to their crops during the operation. The money paid by way of the compensation on the second and the third occasion is stated to have been released only in favour of those who were either not paid earlier or were disabled to cultivate their land because there were mines in the fields, which had disabled them to use it. The HC while dismissing the writ petition observed that, “The claim set up by the petitioner in his writ petition that he was entitled to the second installment of the compensation, which according to the respondents, he was not entitled to, as there were no mines in his land, which would disable him to cultivate the land, has not been substantiated by the petitioner.” |
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FCI trade unions go on strike
Jammu, December 2 The strike call has been given in view of the detention of three employees of the FCI by the crime branch of the police last evening in connection with a case. “The police had come to the FCI regional office in connection with some investigation yesterday. The employees were cooperating with the police but they were arrested in the presence of the officials of the vigilance branch of the FCI,” said a statement. “All unions of the FCI in the state have taken a serious note of the incident. They have unanimously decided to go on an indefinite pen down strike till our detained colleagues are released unconditionally and action is taken against the erring police officials,” it added. |
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Vigilance books CAPD storekeeper
Jammu, December 2 After securing search warrants from the court of Special Judge, Anti Corruption, Jammu, searches were carried out at Jugal’s houses in Kishtwar and Jammu and some incriminating records pertaining to the case were seized. Offences under Section 5(1)(e), read with Section 5(2) of the Jammu and Kashmir Prevention of Corruption Act 2006, were made out and, accordingly, a case was registered against the storekeeper. —
TNS
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Army School principal, students awarded
Jammu, December 2 At least 3,000 students from 150 schools from all over the country had participated in the competition. Arti Bhau, art teacher of the school, has also been conferred with the Kalashree award, while 11 students have been given the Best Artist award for their paintings and handwriting.
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Panel for fresh probe into Doda forest fires
Jammu, December 2 The Committee, which met here under the chairmanship of MLA Rafi Ahmad Mir, reviewed the functioning of the SFC and the action taken report on observations of the CAG’s audit. Legislators MY Taing, Kafil-ur-Rehman, Jugal Kishore, Irfan Ahmad Shah, Charanjit Singh, Aijaz Ahmad Jan, Feroz Ahmad Khan, Zulfkar Ali and Mohammad Amin Bhat gave their suggestions to make the SFC more viable and profitable. The Committee stressed on speeding up marking, extraction of timber and its transportation. |
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M.Ed students given farewell
Jamumu, December 2 Director, DDE, Dr Meenakshi Kilam was the chief guest on the occasion while coordinator of M.Ed Programme Dr Jaspal Singh presided over the function. The Gagandeep Kaur and group organised the function and various activities performed included songs, dances, speeches and games. — TNS
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YAC continues dharna against corruption
Jammu, December 2 As many as 10 social and non-governmental organisations took part in the protest. The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, the Young Lawyers Association, Jammu, the Dogra Kranti Dal, the INA Freedom Fighters Association participated in the dharna. The major demands of the protesters included the introduction of a strong Jan Lokpal Bill, repatriation of black money stashed in foreign banks and electoral reforms. Speaking on the occasion, YAC leader Sanjay Verma criticised the government for its indifference towards rising corruption. He said the YAC would intensify its struggle if the government failed to initiate remedial measures. Prominent among others present on the occasion were Shyam Lal Sharma, Rohan Nanda, Sunny Sambyal, Rakesh Sharma, Raghav Kesar, Balbir Singh, Vipin Sharma, Ranbir Singh Chib, Aman Bali, Rohit Manhas, Varun, Sahil, Narinder Singh and others. |
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Lt Gen Swamy visits forward areas
Jammu, December 2 While addressing the officers, JCOs and jawans of the regiment, Lt Gen Swamy complimented them for their bravery and dedication towards their duty of guarding the country in a difficult condition. He exhorted them to remain alert and maintain the high standards of the regiment. During his two-day visit, Lt Gen Swamy interacted with Maj Gen Surinder Singh, GOC, Tiger Division, and Maj Gen KH Singh, GOC, Ace of Spades Division. |
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Shias protest power cuts during Muharram
days
Srinagar, December 2 “It is unfortunate that the government has failed to provide regular power supply during this holy month. During the winter, the power supply does take a hit, but we have never come across such erratic power supply during Muharram days. Power cuts have also affected our evening religious gatherings,” a protester said. The shopkeepers at Gowkadal closed their shops after the protesters burnt tyres and disrupted the movement of traffic in the area. Meanwhile, a police party reached the spot and the protesters dispersed peacefully. Incidentally, the state government had last month sought an additional
allocation of 500 MW to the state to meet the increased demand of power during the winter. |
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Panel for fresh probe into Doda forest fires
Jammu, December 2 The Committee, which met here under the chairmanship of MLA Rafi Ahmad Mir, reviewed the functioning of the SFC and the action taken report on observations of the CAG’s audit. Legislators MY Taing, Kafil-ur-Rehman, Jugal Kishore, Irfan Ahmad Shah, Charanjit Singh, Aijaz Ahmad Jan, Feroz Ahmad Khan, Zulfkar Ali and Mohammad Amin Bhat gave their suggestions to make the SFC more viable and profitable. The Committee stressed on speeding up marking, extraction of timber and its transportation. —
TNS
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Seminar on Punjabi literature held
Jammu, December 2 The Vice-Chancellor of Punjabi University, Patiala, Dr Jaspal Singh, was the chief guest on the occasion, whereas the chairman of Kashmir Times, Ved Bhasin, presided over the function. |
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Militant hideout busted in Kishtwar
Jammu, December 2 Acting on a tip-off, troops of 11 Rashtriya Rifles and the police launched a search operation in Majargam forest in Chatroo belt of Kishtwar district and busted the hideout, said official sources. During the search, one RPG, one 12 bore gun, a Chinese pistol, four grenades, a rocket launcher and 53 rounds of AK assault rifle were recovered.
Private schools open despite govt order
Srinagar, December 2 However,
private schools said they were forced to keep the institutions open as
the government had issued the order at a short notice. “The students
are going to be home for the next three months and we have not even
assigned them the syllabus to be covered during that period. We will
close the school from next week after completing this exercise,” said
Farooq Ahmad, a teacher at a private school here. The government had on
November 29 ordered the closure of schools up to Class VIII. In order to
make up for the academic loss due to the unrest during the summer last
year, the state government had ordered the schools to remain functional
till December 31. In-charge, Director School Education, Kashmir,
Mushtaq Ahmad said the decision to close schools early was taken in view
of the sub-zero temperatures in the Valley. — PTI
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Officials of the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department, accompanied by personnel of a private contractor, today reached the Mahamaya forest area along with a heavy earthmover.
Worried over the sagging morale of the cadre and the eroding votebank of the party in the Jammu region, the BJP high command has directed state leaders to mend their ways and connect themselves with the masses so as to improve the “badly dented” image of the party in the region.
The BSF celebrated its 47th Raising Day with pomp and show at its frontier headquarters at Paloura, near here, yesterday. A dinner was also hosted at the BSF Officers’ Institute which was attended by senior officers of the Army, the civil administration and the police.
The BCA department of Government MAM College organised an inter-college symposium to commemorate World Computer Literacy Day here today.
KCS Mehta, principal of Army Public School (APS), Akhnoor, has been honoured with the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Gyanpeeth Active Principal Award for the outstanding performance of students of his school in a painting and handwriting contest.
Jammu, December 2
The Shia community staged protests here today against the erratic power supply in the Kashmir valley during Muharram month.
The protesters from different areas of the city assembled in the Gowkadal area in the morning and raised slogans against the government for its “failure” to provide regular power supply in view of
Muharram. Shias observe the first 10 days of the month as a mourning period and hold religious functions, especially in
the evening.
