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Army says ‘no’ to tattoos
Wular Lake to get new lease of life
Geelani up in arms against Farooq’s remarks on liquor
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Danger of epidemic as MC fails to lift garbage
Municipal waste spread on a road near Valmiki Chowk in Jammu on Tuesday. The JMC has no specific place for dumping garbage. Tribune photo: Inderjeet Singh
Governor launches collection drive
Governor NN Vohra launches a collection drive for the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund by contributing to it at Raj Bhawan in Jammu on Wednesday. A Tribune photograph Govt biased against Jammu people: BJP
Seven killed in road mishaps
CIC Sufi calls on Governor
PDP, BJP two faces of same coin: NC
Hideout busted, arms seized
Man electrocuted
PDP indulging in doublespeak on AFSPA issue, says Omar
Gang of vehicle lifters busted, 3 arrested
Civil society holds candlelight vigil
Man hurt in bear attack
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Army says ‘no’ to tattoos
Jammu, December 7 Names, peacock, cupid, arrows piercing the heart, holy signs etc. were among the more popular tattoos. Some of the young men admitted that they had gone in for the tattoos because they believed it gave them a macho look. “Several prominent people, sportspersons, wrestlers and film stars sport tattoos and I believe they look attractive on the skin,” said Sushil Sharma. Munazzar Hussain from Rajouri, who had a tattoo on his right arm said, “ I was not aware of the harmful effects of tattoos and it would be disappointing if my tattoo results in my disqualification. I had gone to a fare with my friends and we got ourselves tattooed because it appeared cool.” Brigadier Vinod Raizada, SM, DDG Recruiting (Punjab and J&K), told The Tribune, “We had recently received instructions from headquarters that individuals with tattoos should not be recruited. And we were forced to reject many applicants on that ground, “ he said, adding, “ because tattooing has proved hazardous to health.” “ Such instructions would have been issued only after recommendations made by the medical branch of the army,” explained Raizada while musing that exposure to TV programmes might have encouraged the tattoo culture. In the ongoing recruitment rally meant for the five districts of Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri and Poonch, about 30 per cent of the candidates were found sporting tattoos and were disqualified, he informed. “The seven day recruitment drive started on December 4 and 15,000 candidates have reported so far, out of whom we have shortlisted 1000 candidates for the next levels,” he added. A majority of those sporting tattoos, hailed from Jammu, Samba and Kathua whereas those from remote areas were mostly without tattoos. |
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Wular Lake to get new lease of life
Srinagar, December 7 The lake faces environmental threats, including the conversion of large parts of the catchment areas of the lake into agriculture land, pollution from fertilisers and animal wastes, hunting of waterfowl and migratory birds and weed infestation in the lake itself. This is one of the six Indian wetlands designated as the Ramsar site. The lake, which is fed by the Jhelum, according to a conservative estimate, has been 14-metre long and 7 km in breadth. Commissioner-Secretary, Forests, Shant Manu said the conservation plan had been prepared with the help of the world famous Wetlands International-South Asia and approved by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests. He added the 13th Finance Commission had granted Rs 120 crore for the project and the Union government had approved the funding in a phased manner with an initial allocation of Rs 30 crore for year 2011-12. The Wular Conservation Management Action Plan envisages a survey demarcation, catchment conservation, water management, biodiversity conservation, eco-tourism development, sustainable resources development, the enhancement of livelihood earning capacity and institutional development. The Chief Minister, while addressing a function after launching the plan at the Wular Vintage Park, near Bandipore, termed the preservation of the water bodies as a necessary ingredient for the sustenance of life. He added the protection and conservation of the ecology and environment of the state was a national duty for all of us to perform. “Preserving the water resources and biodiversity of the state amounts to safeguarding our future,” he said, adding that all of us had to contribute to pass on a palatable environment to the next generation. He underlined the need for joint efforts by all in the direction. The Chief Minister said the management plans and conservation strategies put in place by the government for the preservation of the water bodies and green wealth were ambitious programmes aimed at maintaining the ecological balance and restoring the pristine glory of natural beauty and water resources of the state. Omar said mass awareness about this important subject “holds the key for the success of the plans and the programmes launched in the state for the protection of environment, water bodies, green wealth and biodiversity. He asked the departments concerned to involve public, particularly students, in the awareness programmes. Highlighting the importance of the Wular Conservation Project, the Chief Minister asked the executing agencies to ensure employment to locals in various works on the project. He added the locals operating Sumos, tippers and other vehicles should be given the full opportunity of employment in the project, wherever required. |
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Geelani up in arms against Farooq’s remarks on liquor
Srinagar, December 7 The cinema halls and liquor shops have remained closed in the Valley since the eruption of militancy in 1989. Since then several unsuccessful attempts have been made to reopen cinema halls in Srinagar and some other towns of the Valley. Seeking a total ban on the use of liquor, Geelani in a statement here today called for a campaign against the assertions of Farooq Abdullah by holding “peaceful demonstrations” after Friday prayers on December 9. Geelani also asked the imams (those who lead prayers) to deliver special sermons on the issue. He declared that the campaign would continue till there was a total ban on the use of liquor in Kashmir. Farooq’s assertion had “jolted the conscience of the people of the state”, the Hurriyat chairman added. Farooq’s comments on the reopening of liquor shops and cinema halls in the Valley had come during his address at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) on the occasion of its founder’s day on Monday. The National Conference celebrates the birth anniversary of its founder leader, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah,
every year on December 6. The Union minister’s statement on the reopening of cinema halls and liquor shops to boost tourist inflow evoked sharp reactions from various religious and separatist organisations. Cinema halls and liquor shops were closed during the early militancy days in 1989 in the Kashmir valley. At least eight cinema halls in Srinagar and few others in Anantnag, Baramulla, Sopore and Kupwara were shut down as part of the tirade against “immoral and unIslamic centres of activity”. |
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Danger of epidemic as MC fails to lift garbage
Jammu, December 7 Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Taj Mohi-ud-Din had given strict instructions to the urban civic body, forbidding it from using the Tawi for dumping municipal waste. While the JMC has been ill-prepared to tackle the emergent situation, the city has turned into a big dumping ground as municipal vehicles loaded with filth and garbage could be seen parked here and there while at many places garbage has started stinking. Meanwhile, JMC officials preferred silence or evaded questions on the issue. “You better talk to the Municipal Commissioner,” said a senior JMC official. On the other hand, Municipal Commissioner SC Sawhney did not attend to phone calls. The Chief Transport Officer of the JMC also did not respond to calls by this correspondent. It was learnt that the JMC had identified a piece of land in the Kangryl area on the city outskirts for solid waste management, but the same was yet to be used for dumping garbage and other waste material. Deputy Chief Minster Tara Chand, who also heads the Department of Urban Bodies, said, “We have been searching for a suitable site for dumping waste but whatever spot we select, people oppose it. A joint team of the JMC and the Irrigation Department is looking for an appropriate spot.” Asked about the possibility of an epidemic outbreak in case of delay in clearing waste from the city, he said, “Some people are unnecessarily making an issue out of it.” Asked about the Kangryl site to be used for dumping garbage, Tara Chand said it could not be used for dumping waste as it had been reserved for a solid waste management project. Asked about any other site selected for the purpose, he said, “You better talk to the Municipal Commissioner.” Taj, however, said, “The Kangryl site is meant for dumping municipal waste. The JMC has identified about 200 kanals and it should use the land for dumping waste.” “We will not allow the JMC to dump garbage in the Tawi. The JMC had also tried to use the Makhwal area, near the international border, as a dumping site but the Army raised objections to it,” he added. |
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Armed Forces Flag Day Fund
Jammu, December 7 The Governor said this while launching a collection drive for the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund by making his contribution to it at a function at Raj Bhawan here today. He said for creating awareness among the people about the significance of Armed Forces Flag Day, besides publishing suitable articles in newspapers, the screening of documentaries on the armed forces, cultural shows, panel discussions and various other programmes should be organised in December. He added besides generating resources for the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, this would make the people more aware about the armed forces. The Governor said the Army formations in the state should be associated with this effort and suitable programmes should be organised in educational institutions for the benefit of the students. Appealing to the people to contribute generously to the fund, the Governor lauded the crucial role of the armed forces in the state, both during war and peace times. He said their sacrifices bore a testimony to their bravery, devotion and dedication. This day was a solemn occasion to express our gratitude and solidarity to the brave soldiers and their families, he added. Among those present on the occasion were RS Chib, Minister for Medical Education, Madhav Lal, Chief Secretary, BR Sharma, Principal Secretary, Home, RK Goyal, Principal Secretary to the Governor, Maj Gen GS Jamwal (retd), president of the Jammu and Kashmir Ex-Services League, Brig RS Langeh (retd), Director, Sainik Welfare, J&K, Maj Gen SK Sharma (retd), Brig KS Kotwal (retd), Brig RS Jamwal (retd) and other retired Army officers. |
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Govt biased against Jammu people: BJP
Jammu, December 7 In a statement issued here today, state secretary of the BJP Vibodh Gupta said Shahid Bhatt, a constable from Rajouri, was allegedly murdered in Jammu but the authorities had adopted a casual approach in the case. He said the government was not serious about getting the “murder” probed and demanded a time-bound inquiry into the case. Taking a dig at Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Gupta said had the killing taken place in Kashmir, the situation would have been different. As the person belonged to Rajouri, the government was not taking the case seriously. Meanwhile, BJP activists, led by district party president Rajesh Gupta, held a protest against the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) for its failure to lift garbage from various collection points in the city for the last four days. Speaking about the functioning of the JMC, Rajesh said there was a nexus between the JMC officials and officials of the Urban Development Ministry and as a result there was no accountability and the people were made to suffer. He said the JMC had not lifted garbage from the collection points in different areas of Jammu city. Everyday around 400 quintals of garbage and house waste got compiled and in the last four days it had gone up to around 2,000 quintals, which was a matter of concern, he added. |
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Seven killed in road mishaps
Srinagar, December 7 The deceased have been identified as Bashir Ahmad Khari (45), Noor Jahan (40), Sharafat Ali Khari (15) and Mohammad Qasim Deedad (60). In another incident, M Ismail (35) was killed after a Tata Sumo collided with a load carrier at Nayi Basti Anantnag. In Kulgam, Imtiyaz Ahmad Khanday (30) was killed after he slipped from a vehicle. In yet another incident, Parvaiz Ahmad Gonchi (18) was killed after he fell from a tractor at Akhal in Ganderbal.
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CIC Sufi calls on Governor
Jammu, December 7 During the meeting, the Governor, the CIC and the SICs discussed several important matters relating to the vital role of the State Information Commission in furthering the interests of good governance by exposing deviations from norms and enhancing accountability. The Governor said corrupt practices in different arenas and at various levels would reduce significantly if the commission effectively discharged its responsibility. Sufi briefed the Governor about the measures being taken for creating greater awareness among the people about their rights under the J&K Right to Information Act, 2009.
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PDP, BJP two faces of same coin: NC
Jammu, December 7 Addressing a function to welcome Chain Singh Dehati, a prominent leader of the Panthers Party, into the NC, Gupta said while the BJP indulged in communal politics, the PDP preached divisive politics and both the parties could go to any extent for petty political gains. Dehati along with hundreds of his supporters joined the NC at the function, which was also attended by Devender Singh Rana, political adviser to the Chief Minister, and Poonch MLA Aijaz Jan. Gupta said it had been the endeavour of the BJP to divide Jammu and Kashmir on regional and communal lines as also divide the Jammu region on communal lines while the PDP was playing divisive politics of religion, region, subregion, ethnicity, caste and creed. He said the unprecedented development activities across the state and landmark decisions taken by the Omar Abdullah-led government to bring transparency and accountability in governance had unnerved the Opposition and it was now coming out with frivolous, baseless propaganda. The provincial president said the PDP leadership was indulging in brazen double speak. “While they say something in Kashmir, they say something else in Jammu and when in Delhi they take an absolute U-turn.” Gupta said: “Mehbooba Mufti spits venom against the Army in Kashmir while the same Mehbooba in Delhi says that the sanctity and honour of the Army was a matter of faith for her and her party. Which statement to believe and which to discard? The onus lies on Mehbooba Mufti and her father to clarify.” Gupta welcomed Dehati and his supporters into the party fold. |
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Hideout busted, arms seized
Jammu, December 7 A joint column of the Army and the police launched a search operation in the Chorgala area this morning. During the operation, arms and ammunition hidden by militants were seized, many of which were reportedly rusted. The seizure included one pistol, one pistol magazine, 94 rounds of AK-47, one satellite phone and one ammunition pouch. |
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Man electrocuted
Reasi, December 7 Shabir was rushed to the district hospital, Reasi, where doctors declared him brought dead. The body was handed over to the aggrieved family after a post-mortem. |
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PDP indulging in doublespeak on AFSPA issue, says Omar
Srinagar, December 7 The Chief Minister was addressing a function after the launch of the Comprehensive Management Action Plan for preservation and conservation of the world-famous Wular Lake near Bandipore today. This lake is one of the largest fresh water bodies in Asia . Taking the PDP to task, Omar said the party was politicking on the AFSPA by indulging in doublespeak. “While the party favours its revocation in the Valley, it keeps mum in Jammu, and in New Delhi says the AFSPA should be removed only after the Army wants to do so,” he said, adding that this political adventurism and doublespeak was only aimed at deceiving the people at all three places. |
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Gang of vehicle lifters busted, 3 arrested
Jammu, December 7 The recovered vehicles were produced before mediapersons at Janipur police station today. The arrested persons have been identified as Rahil Kapahi, alias Cheeku, a resident of Malhotra Mohalla, Akash Malhotra, a resident of Purani Mandi, and Javed Ahmed Nengroo, a resident of Karamdi Gaoni, Bijbehara in Anantnag district. The accused, according to the police, would first develop acquaintance with the people and then take their vehicles on some pretext. “They would return the vehicles only after getting duplicate keys. Thereafter, they would wait for the opportune time to steal the vehicle,” the police added. “There has been a sudden increase in the number of vehicle thefts in and around the city. The accused had also adopted a new modus-operandi to lift vehicles,” said SSP, Jammu, Anand Jain. He added, “The trio would steal vehicles of the people they had got acquainted with. Eventually, they sold the stolen vehicles in Anantnag district, where they had some connections. They are drug addicts and have admitted that they were doing it for easy money to buy drugs.” The SSP said a special squad had been constituted to check vehicle thefts. “With the arrest of the trio, the police has worked out 22 cases registered at different police stations,” the SSP said. He added, “The arrested persons are being put to sustained interrogation to ascertain their involvement in other cases and identify their other accomplices. More disclosures and recoveries are expected.” |
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Death at In-laws’ House
Srinagar, December 7 Shazia, a mother of three-year-old girl, who worked as a librarian at the Islamic University of Science and Technology, was found hanging at her in-laws’ house at Bagh-e-Mehtaab on November 6. Alleging that Shazia was a victim of domestic violence, her family and civil society members staged a dharna in the Press Enclave area here this afternoon.
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Snowfall in upper reaches of Kashmir
Srinagar, December 7 While the 300-km Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained open to traffic despite mild snowfall at some places, several other link roads in the Valley were blocked due to a heavy accumulation of snow, officials here said. The Srinagar-Leh highway, which had been closed to traffic since December 1, recorded six to 10 inches of snow at Zojila Pass, which separates the Valley from the Ladakh region. Three other road links connecting far-flung areas with the Valley had been closed to traffic due to heavy snowfall on high peaks through which the strategic roads pass. These included the Bandipora-Gurez road, the Kokernag-Simthen road and the Kupwara-Tangdhar road. However, all flights operated normally, an official spokesman here said. According to the officials, five inches of snow was recorded in the tourist resort of Gulmarg, four inches in Gurez, six inches in Sedow and five inches in Hirpora in Shopian district. The Mechanical Engineering Department started snow clearance work on the Gulmarg-Tangmarg road early this morning. Snow was also cleared from roads at Sedow and Hirpora in Shopian district. The Mughal Road, which passes through Shopian, had also been temporarily blocked. Meanwhile, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Asgar Hassan Samoon at a meeting of officers of various departments here today reviewed preparedness for snow clearance in view of the forecast of rain and snow. He along with other officers inspected the Power Grid Station at Bemina and the Snow Control Room at Shalteng and interacted with the officials posted there. Samoon asked them to work with zeal and dedication. He ordered the clearance of snow from roads leading to the Public Health Engineering plants, including at Rangil, Alastaing, Doodganga and Nishat, should be taken up on priority. He also advised the Electricity Department to keep a squad in readiness to repair any faulty transmission lines. The meeting was informed that the Valley had been divided into three zones for the purpose of snow clearance and 93 equipment, including snow ploughs and snow cutters, were available with the department. |
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Man hurt in bear attack
Srinagar, December 7 In another incident, the police recovered the body of a tractor driver, Mushtaq Ahmad Ganaie (26), from Hanjan in Pulwama. — OC
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Jammu, December 7
Jammu, December 7
Governor NN Vohra has emphasised the need for organising month-long activities for Armed Forces Flag Day to effectively highlight the significant role of the armed forces in safeguarding the territorial integrity of the country and during peace time giving valuable support to the civilian authorities in providing succour to the people affected by natural calamities.
