The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

	Government committed to revoking AFSPA: Omar Tribune News service Srinagar, December 29 Chief Minister Omar Abdullah inaugurated the vital 220 metre-long Shadipora Bridge over the Jhelum, connecting Ganderbal and Bandipore districts about 20 km from here today. The bridge has been constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 14.40 crore. The Chief Minister assured the gathering that he was committed to restoring peace and normalcy to the Valley. “I am committed to bring normalcy in the Valley and all laws like the Armed Forces Specials Powers Act (AFSPA) will be removed during our government,” he said. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ali Mohammad Sagar, Speaker Mohammad Akbar Lone and some NC leaders were also present in the function. The Chief Minister questioned the credibility of the leaders, accusing his government of losing the confidence of the people. “Are they not aware of the remarkable achievements of the government, which includes the successful conduct of the panchayat elections? This is a clear proof of the creditability and confidence that my government enjoys among the people. They coined words like ‘trust deficit’ only to conceal their own deeds,” Omar Abdullah said without naming any leader. He added during 2010 the whole summer witnessed unrest, but in 2011 people of the state fully supported all the endeavours of the government to restore peace, which helped in boosting the tourism. About 8 lakh people visited Kashmir this summer. Omar said he was confident that the people would continue to support his peace endeavours, enabling Jammu and Kashmir to emerge as an exemplary state in respect of development and prosperity. He said he would continue his mission to construct bridges like Shadipora in the state. The Chief Minister addressed a gathering of 40,000 people, who had come from all parts of Sonawari and Ganderbal belt. The foundation stone of the bridge had been laid by the then Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah in order to connect lakhs of people of Bandipora and Ganderbal districts, but in 2002 the work was stopped by the government for political reasons, Omar said. He said immediately after he took over the work was resumed on the bridge and completed within the shortest possible time. “Today this historical bridge is ready and will benefit lakhs of people of the twin districts,” he added. While referring to Anna Hazare’s movement in other parts of the country, the Chief Minister said: “What Anna is demanding today our state has already promulgated such laws long back.” He referred to the Right to Information Act being implemented with utmost transparency in the state. He said Jammu and Kashmir was the first state, which had implemented the Public Service Guarantee Act, which brought the Revenue, the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD), the Transport, the Housing, the Power and Public Health Engineering (PHE) Departments under its ambit. “In case the officials concerned of these departments fail to provide services to the people in a time-bound manner they become liable to cash penalties, which will be deducted from their salaries” the CM informed. He said the Accountability Commission was also functional in the state. Reiterating his resolve to make the state self sufficient in electricity generation, Omar lashed out at the PDP and said during their three-year rule they were not able to launch a single power project, while it was Farooq Abdullah, who had started the Baglihar and Jhelum hydro power projects. Lambasting the elements (PDP), accusing the government of losing the confidence of the people, Omar said, “I do not believe in hypocritical approach of those who brandish their green flag and try to befool the people through their pen and inkpot and speak dual languages, one in the Valley, another in Jammu and take an absolute u-turn in Delhi.”
	Rapid strides in education sector Varun Suthra Tribune News Service Jammu, December 29 Despite some unwarranted controversies, 2011 was the year of happenings and some beginnings in the field of education in Jammu and Kashmir, as many new proposals and some major decisions were finally implemented. The University of Jammu (JU) for the first time conducted the Jammu University Entrance Test (JUET-2011) for admissions to 42 postgraduate and diploma courses. About 21,220 candidates had appeared in the entrance examination, which was conducted at Jammu, Kathua, Reasi, Udhampur, Poonch, Rajouri, Bhaderwah, Srinagar and Leh. The JU also had the distinction of organising a state-level “Virasat-e-Riyasat”, a students’ festival of music, dance and drama in February at General Zorawar Singh Auditorium here. However, the event was also mired in controversy after some students’ organisations alleged financial bungling in the organising of the event and demanded a high-level probe. Consequently, the government had constituted a four-member committee to probe into the issue of alleged irregularities in the university functioning in the past few years. The committee included the Chief Secretary, the Principal Secretary (Planning and Development), the Commissioner Secretary Finance and the Commissioner Secretary Higher Education. In a significant move the university administration had also annulled the affiliation of a private college, Priyadarshani Institute of Management Sciences after its management was exposed for conducting fake examinations of Bachelors in Business Administration (BBA). Dr Ranjit Kalra, Assistant Director, Academic Staff College, University of Jammu, became the first member from the university faculty to be elected as a member of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Notably, the three year term of Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jammu Varun Sahni ended on December 8 and he was not given an extension. But he is still holding the charge, till the new incumbent assumes office. Another landmark achievement in the education sector was the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor (V-C) of the Central University of Jammu (CUJ). After two academic sessions went down the drain, the CUJ got its first Vice-Chancellor on August 8. Former state Chief Secretary Sudhir Singh Bloeria was appointed the Vice-Chancellor of the university. The CUJ was caught in a controversy as some political, students’ and social organisations had demanded the appointment of a local Dogra as the V-C while they had opposed the appointment of Prof Amitabh Mattoo as the V-C of the CUJ in 2010. However, Mattoo had turned down the offer. Dr Sheikh Bashir Ahmad was appointed the Chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (BOSE) on June 4 after it remained headless for a long time.. The Class X results for the Jammu Province had also brought to the fore the sorry state of affairs in the government run schools, as not even a single student from these schools featured in first 20 positions, which were however shared by 84 students from private schools. Meanwhile, another controversy was triggered when the HRD Ministry disclosed that hundreds of madrassas across Jammu and Kashmir were being funded every year while the madrassa heads concerned denied receiving any financial assistance. The issue was later sorted out, following the intervention of the Education Minister, who had ordered an inquiry.
	Ferry service on Jhelum to ease traffic jams M Aamir Khan Our correspondent Srinagar, December 29 The government is mulling over launch of a ferry service on the Jhelum to counter growing traffic jams in the city. “A comprehensive plan of Rs 323 crore has been formulated and submitted to the authorities concerned for approval. The plan envisages plying of vessels for passenger transport as an alternative to road transport owing to frequent traffic jams and conjunction in greater Srinagar city,” an official said after a meeting held here earlier this week to review beautification of the Jhelum. The meeting was chaired by Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Asgar Hassan Samoon. Under the plan sent for approval, land water transport facility has been proposed from Pampore in Pulwama district to Chattabal Wier here in the city. A corridor for plying of passenger vessels is purported to mitigate the flood threat to Srinagar city to a large extent. The official said bundhs would be developed on the Jhelum from Sonawar to Dubji Ghat and 12 terminal buildings have been proposed to be constructed from Pampore to Chattabal. Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism would provide two motor boats on an experimental basis for start of water transport facility from Sonawar to Chattabal Wier. The department would also provide streetlights along the river banks.
	J-K to take back Salal, Uri power projects from NHPC: CM Srinagar, December 29 Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said the state is all set to become self sufficient in its energy needs as the government has decided to take back Salal and Uri power projects from NHPC. The state government has made up its mind to take back Salal project in Jammu and Uri Power Project in Kashmir from NHPC by paying for compensation sought by the power generator for these two projects, Omar said, at a largely attended public meeting in Ganderbal district, amidst loud cheers. "Our state is all set to become self sufficient in electricity and we will not only be able to meet our local power needs but can sell the same to other states as well," the Chief Minister said. However, he cautioned people that state is suffering huge losses as a result of power pilferage and thefts and appealed them to cooperate with the government in checking power thefts. Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated 220-meter Shadipora bridge which was completed at a cost of Rs 14.40 crore. Omar said although the foundation stone of the bridge was laid 13 years ago by then Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, the work was stopped in 2002, when PDP-Congress coalition came to power, for political reasons. "It was 13 years ago that the foundation stone of the bridge was laid by Farooq Abdullah in order to connect lakhs of people of two districts of Bandipora and Ganderbal, but in 2002 the work was stopped by than Government for political reasons," he said. Omar said after he came to power, it was ensured that the work is resumed on the bridge and completed within shortest possible time. Apparently taking a dig at opposition PDP, the Chief Minister said, "I do not believe in hypocritical approach of those who brandish their green flag and try to befool people through their pen and inkpot and speak dual languages, one in valley, another in Jammu and take absolute U-turn at Delhi." "During their rule they never talk about the removal of APSFA and today when I am committed to remove this law from the State they tell the Centre that there is no such need," he added. The Chief Minister assured the people that he still stood by what he has said. "I am committed to bring normalcy in the valley and it will be during our government that all laws like AFSPA will be removed coinciding with the prevailing of normalcy and peace." — PTI
	Kangri is the Kashmiri’s antidote to biting cold Ehsan Fazili/TNS Srinagar, December 29 Every other person in Kashmir, rich or poor, has his own protective shield against the bitter chill- the traditional firepot known as Kangri. In Kashmir valley, the Kangri has been saving human lives by emitting heat and facilitating the digestion process in chilly winter conditions under all circumstances. This firepot, which is commonly used to warm up by keeping inside the Phiran or long robe is the quintessential method of the Kashmiri to fight intense cold, which passes through the 40-day-long Chillai Kalan, beginning on December 21 every year. Though other means like the Hamaam and wooden panelling in houses, modern gadgets like LPG gas heaters, power heaters, blowers and the radiators are adopted, Kangri continues to remain at the centre of the anti-chill armoury. With the onset of every winter, the demand for Kangri increases and it is found in abundance in every marketplace. Many people prefer to get it locally from producers in their areas, mainly found in selected pockets in villages across the Valley. “The Kangar (Kangri) is a basket with a handle, containing a red vessel or earthenware about the size of 42 lb shot, into which a small quantity of lighted charcoal is put,” writes GT Vigne, a foreign author. The making of this traditional firepot involves people from different walks of life as it is an age-old cottage industry in Kashmir. The potter, making various earthenware tools of day-to-day life, makes the earthenware or “Kundal”, around which the Kangri is woven. This earthen bowl-shaped pot makes for the basic core of the Kangri, in which live charcoal is kept for emission of warmth for the user. The weaver, who knits the fine twigs of Pohu around the earthen pot to give it a shape, contributes to protection from direct heat and makes it easy to handle. Nearly 50,000 seasonal workers are involved in making of the Kangri. The life span of a Kangri varies from a year to three-four years, depending on the use and the quality. The cost varies from Rs 100 to Rs 200 and in case of the decorative items being kept in drawing rooms in Kashmir, outside the Valley and abroad, the cost is higher. Three areas in Kashmir are famous for their respective types of the firepot- Anantnag in south Kashmir, Chrar-e-Sharief in Budgam district of central Kashmir and Bandipore in north Kashmir. According to an estimate, around 2 million Kangris are prepared every year in Kashmir.
	Socio-economic census begins in Kulgam Our correspondent Srinagar, December 29 The Socio-Economic and Caste Census-2011 began in Kulgam district of Kashmir today. To carry out the census exercise 217 enumerators along with an equal number of data entry operators (DEOs) have been deployed, an official said here. He added the entire district had been divided into 217 enumeration blocks and 42 supervisor blocks. Ten charge officers, including three tehsildars and seven executive officers of the local Municipal Committees have been appointed to monitor the census operation. All the enumerators and DEOs have been trained by the Bharat Electricals Limited.
	BJP flays ERA for dilapidated roads, lanes Ravi Krishnan Khajuria Tribune News Service Jammu, December 29 Commenting on the workshop organised yesterday by Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA) on “Road Asset Management”, BJP state spokesperson Ramesh Arora today said that it will not yield any result and cannot even create any awareness and understanding of the system. “To understand the working and management of roads and problems faced by public, they (ERA officials) should have involved the stakeholders in the workshop. The workshop was a futile exercise but an attempt was made to glorify the working technology and claims of the department and its agencies,” he said. Arora further said that unless and until theory of development or blueprint is not introspected by taking into account practical difficulties and actual outcome, it will tantamount to waste of time and money by organising seminars in self-praise. “The slow pace in carrying out execution has completely disturbed normal life in Jammu city and the seminar has not taken out into consideration this aspect,” he said, adding that ERA has no specific plan to execute and complete work in the given timeframe. “The time which was initially fixed is already over but still, roads and lanes are in a dilapidated condition,” he added. Arora felt that a serious note should have been taken of the working of National Buildings Construction Corporation and other sub-contractors. “It was found that specifications are not followed properly, there is misuse of funds and corruption in carrying out the execution,” said the BJP leader. He said that a separate set-up should be created to address the grievances of public and there should be co-ordination between different agencies. “The roads and lanes are being dug everyday and there seems to be no system in place for their time-bound completion,” he said.
	flashback 2011 jammu & Kashmir From Prez to Dalai Lama, VVIPs visited the state Arteev Sharma Tribune News Service Jammu, December 29 The year 2011, which, among other things, was marked by major controversies surrounding politicians, including those involving Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in politically sensitive Jammu and Kashmir, also had the distinction of witnessing a large number of high-profile visits of VIPs and VVIPs. The frequent sorties of VVIPs virtually gave sleepless nights to security agencies as they remained busy throughout the year to ensure foolproof security arrangements in a militancy-hit state. The first high-profile visit of VVIPs was marred by controversy when Leaders of Opposition in Parliament, both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, were stopped at Jammu Airport on January 24, ahead of BJP’s plans to hoist the Tricolour at Srinagar’s historic Lal Chowk on the Republic Day. Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley, along with the party’s national general secretary Anant Kumar, were arrested from Jammu Airport and were shifted to Madhopur in neighbouring Punjab. The year also brought smiles on the faces of thousands of internally displaced Kashmiri Pandits, who were living in different migrant camps, when the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh inaugurated the satellite township at Jagti near Nagrota on March 4. The PM also addressed the third convocation of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) Jammu at General Zorawar Singh auditorium here. On May 23, the UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi visited Basohli town in Kathua district and laid foundation of J&K’s first 592-metre-long cable-stayed bridge on river Ravi. The bridge would provide an additional strategic route to J&K, for quicker access to Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. She was accompanied by Union Ministers AK Antony, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Farooq Abdullah, M Pallam Raju and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. On September 17, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan occupied Kashmir Barrister Sultan visited Kashmir Valley and accepted the state government’s hospitality. Five days later, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat started his five-day-long visit to Jammu and Kashmir on September 22. The state also hosted the high profile two-day visit of Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi on September 26 and 27. Rahul visited Kashmir Valley and interacted with Kashmiri students. Before concluding his visit in Jammu, he also visited border district Rajouri. Jammu and Kashmir also hosted the visits of Tibetan Spiritual leader Dalai Lama and former Deputy Prime Minister of India Lal Krishan Advani on November 16. While the Tibetan Spiritual leader visited the ancient Buddhist site of Ambaran near Akhnoor, Advani addressed ‘Jan Chetna Yatra’ rally in Gandhi Nagar area here. In the last week of the penultimate month of the year, the President of India Pratibha Devisingh Patil visited Jammu for three days. She became the first President to visit the holy cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi in Trikuta hills. The President had also addressed the third convocation of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University in Kakryal. MAJOR CONTROVERSIES IN 2011 n The government faced criticism for foiling the BJYM’s much-hyped plan to hoist the Tricolour at Srinagar’s historic Lal Chowk on Republic Day. n April 13: Seven BJP MLAs cross-voted in favour of the ruling NC and Congress candidates in lieu of cash during Legislative Council elections, leading the party high command to expel them. n June 9: Senior NC leader TS Wazir was arrested for his alleged involvement in Chopra murder case. n August 13: Controversy over the killing of a youth in a fake encounter at Surankote area of Poonch district on August 13, put government and security agencies in the dock. n August 31: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s tweet on Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, seeking clemency for him, created a nationwide political storm. n September 28: Resolution on Afzal Guru was stalled in Legislative Assembly. n September 30: NC worker Haji Mohammad Yousuf allegedly died in police custody after being handed-over to the Crime Branch at CM’s official residence in Srinagar. n October 21: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s announcement for partial revocation of Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) from the state didn’t go down well with Congress leaders, who accused him of taking ‘unilateral decisions’. n November 18: The BJP disqualified six MLAs for cross-voting during LC elections.
	Sikhs demand better deal Tribune News Service Srinagar, December 29 The All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC) has urged the state and Central governments to constitute an inquiry into the Sikhs affairs, which had been ignored so far. They threatened to launch an agitation in case the demands were not fulfilled soon. A meeting of the APSCC members held under the chairmanship of Jagmohan Singh Raina highlighted the demands of the Sikh community in the state. These include minority status to Sikhs, employment package on a par with migrants, immediate issuance of State Subject Certificates, compensation for horticulture and agriculture losses suffered during the last 22 years of turmoil in the Valley and introduction of the Punjabi language at the University of Kashmir and filling of posts of teachers in Punjabi, in schools and colleges. The meeting expressed concern over the apathetic attitude of the authorities, related to the problems of the Sikh community in the state. Despite repeated reminders to the authorities concerned from time to time.
	Retired Lt Col booked in ‘fake PRC’ scam Tribune News Service Jammu, December 29 The state Crime Branch has filed a case against a Lt Col (retd), who obtained a ‘fake’ Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) to get land leased out in his favour at Sainik Colony, Jammu. An official spokesperson of the Crime Branch said it had received a written complaint from SS Jamwal, a resident of ward number 13, Tara Nagar, Kathua, who alleged that Lt Col Rajeshwar Singh (retd) of Sainik Colony in connivance with his sister-in-law, Usha Khosla, of Sainik Colony had fraudulently obtained a ‘fake PRC’. “The complainant said the fake PRC was issued by the then tehsildar of Nowshera. On the basis of the fake PRC, Singh had managed to get plot number 80-B at Sainik Colony, Jammu, registered in his name by way of a sale deed whereas he originally belonged to Ladodi village in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh,” he said. It was further alleged that Usha Khosla had managed to obtain a fake PRC in favour of Rajeshwar Singh through her father late Chander Udhay Singh, who was the tehsildar of Nowshera in 1960. The spokesperson added, “It was found that Rajeshwar Singh in connivance with revenue officials and some relatives had obtained a fake PRC. By the certificate, he had managed to get land leased out in his favour at Sainik Colony. The deed of the land was registered before the Court of Sub-Registrar, Jammu, on April 18, 2002.”
	Spiritual Centre hosts cultural event of Trikuta Hills Devinder Thakur Katra, December 29 Dogri dance ‘Jagarna’ featured prominently on the 3rd day of the ongoing cultural show of Trikuta Hills and was organised by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) at its newly built auditorium in the Spiritual Growth Centre, Katra. The Board is currently showcasing the performing art and traditions of its hills for the visiting pilgrims. The show, designed and directed by Balwant Thakur, director of Natrang, aims at preserving, documenting and promoting the rich heritage of the hills of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. On Thursday, Jagarna, a traditional dance of Trikuta Hills was performed by women folk in Trikuta Hills. In these hills during marriage celebrations when all the male members of the village would join the groom in ‘Barat’, the village would be left with women folk only. Scared the women folk used to gather at groom’s place and be up all night. Such a situation gave birth to a very powerful performing tradition, which has the rich elements of music, dance and theatre a well. This performance which continues for the whole night is known as ‘Jagarna’. These programmes will be staged daily at 11.30 am, 1.30pm, 3.30 pm and 5.30 pm till January 5, at the auditorium of the Spiritual Growth Centre. The pilgrims who witnessed the show said they were enthralled and excited by the performances and thanked the Shrine Board for making this possible.
	Lt Gen Parnaik visits troops on LoC Tribune News Service Udhampur, December 29 As part of his two-day visit to the Valley, GOC-in-C of the Northern Command Lt Gen KT Parnaik visited the troops on the Line of Control (LoC) in Baramulla sector today. As per the PRO (Defence) of the Northern Command, Lt Col Rajesh Kalia, the Commander was received by GOC of the Chinar Corps Lt Gen SA Hasnain at Badami Bagh Cantonment, on his arrival in the Valley yesterday. Lt Gen Parnaik was briefed in detail on security-related issues, including the strategy for the ongoing winter season and summer 2012. This was followed by the Army Commander’s visit to the troops on the LoC today. Lt Gen SA Hasnain accompanied him. Lt Gen Parnaik was briefed about the operational preparedness and the situation on the LoC followed by his interaction with the troops deployed in the high altitude areas. The Army Commander complimented all the troops for their outstanding vigilance and state of preparedness throughout 2011. He also conveyed his appreciation for the manner in which the troops had respected all the human rights norms, which showed their understanding of the sensitivities of the people. He also conveyed his best wishes for the New Year to all the ranks, their families and people of the Valley, added the PRO.
	Ministers thanked for supporting Temples and Shrines Bill Tribune News Service Jammu, December 29 The Pandit Prem Nath Bhat Memorial Trust today thanked Minister for Agriculture Ghulam Hassan Mir, CPM MLA, MY Taragami and Dr Jatinder Singh chief spokesperson of the BJP in the state for supporting the cause of the trust for the passage of the Temples and Shrines Protection Bill. In a meeting of the trust held here today under the chairmanship of Dr AN Pandita, the trust expressed gratitude to Revenue Minister Raman Bhalla for his repeated assurances to the Kashmiri Pandit community that the Bill would be moved by the state Cabinet in the forthcoming Assembly session. Mir had assured the Pandit community in a function on December 27 that the state Cabinet would introduce the Bill and get it passed in the Assembly. He had said the Kashmiri Pandits were an inalienable part of the composite culture and heritage of Kashmir and the concept of Kashmiriyat. The trust also thanked retired District and Sessions Judge Bhushan Lal Saraf for presenting the case of the migrant community and for highlighting other problems of the community in a highly convincing manner.
	Political reservation demanded Jammu, December 29 The Gujjar Mahasabha has demanded political reservation for the Gujjar community in the state. In a handout issued here today, president of Mahasabha Eshfaq Ur Rehman Poswal said had the government been serious about the community, it would have made the tribal ministry functional in the state. He said, “We are demanding a separate sub plan for the SC and the ST community and various centrally-sponsored schemes should be fully implemented.” — TNS
	KC International celebrates Annual Day Tribune News Service Jammu, December 29 KC International School celebrated its Annual Day here today. A cultural programme was presented by the school children, which depicted the rich cultural ethos of the state. Principal of the School, Subhendu Sarkar, in his annual report gave a brief account of the vision and achievements of the school. Minister for Tourism and Culture Nawang Rigzin Jora, who was the chief guest on the occasion called upon the teaching community to mould the students so that they could compete in the national level competitions. He also released ‘Rendezvous’, magazine of the school.
	Refresher course ends Tribune News Service Jammu, December 29 A valedictory function was organised on the conclusion of a refresher course in computer applications organised by Academic Staff College (ASC), University of Jammu, in collaboration with the Department of Computer Sciences here today. Professor ML Garg was the chief guest on the occasion. About 25 trainees from different parts of the country participated in the 21-day event, which started on December 9. Dr Ranjit Kalra, Assistant Director of ASC, said 54 theory lectures and 14 practical sessions were held during the duration of the course. Prof Devanand and Prof Neelam Saraf were also present on the presidium.
	Woman found hanging in forest Devinder Thakur Katra, December 29 Kanta Devi (34), wife of Kamal Singh, a resident of Dera Bawa was found hanging from a tree in the Kangli forest area of Reasi district on Thursday. As per villagers, Kanta Devi was last seen on Wednesday evening when she had left for the forest area to get wood and feed for the cattle. The incident was reported to the Reasi police by the villagers. A case has been registered in this regard. The police took the body into custody and shifted it to District Hospital, Reasi, for a postmortem. The police sources said Kanta was reported missing on Wednesday by her husband. However, no foul play was suspected and the death was believed to be a suicide.
	2 bovine smugglers arrested Jammu, December 29 The Nagrota police has arrested two bovine smugglers and rescued 13 bovines from a Kashmir-bound truck. The police said acting on specific information regarding smuggling of bovines to Kashmir, the cops intercepted a truck and rescued the bovines. Two persons, identified as Aijaz of Kulgam and Showkat Ali of Anantnag, were arrested. — TNS