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‘Unfair’ means case
ACCIDENTAL KILLING OF YOUTH
75 pc Kashmiri youth prefer peaceful protests over gun: Survey
Governor for focus on youth’s problems
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Youth must get chance to express themselves: Panelists
Bandh call hits life
in Valley
Asstt Commissioner of Revenue fined Rs
5,000
Dance and music talent hunt by state police
Seminar on ‘Green Earth’
Shiv Sena Hindustan holds protest against govt
ASHAs made aware on HIV and AIDS
Governor for facilitating entrepreneurs
Live shell found in Akhnoor, defused
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‘Unfair’ means case
“There is nothing further on the Peerzada Sayeed matter except that the portfolio that he was holding of Education has been withdrawn. He continues to be a minister in my Cabinet and that’s the end of the matter,” Abdullah said. Education Minister Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed, who resigned from the post on Friday evening after his foster son was found involved in using unfair means in the 2009 secondary school examinations, today claimed that the All-India Congress Committee chief and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi had rejected his resignation and asked him to continue as minister. “Being a soldier of the Congress, I had offered my resignation to Sonia Gandhi because some charges were levelled against me. I have come to know that the Congress leadership has not accepted my resignation,” Peerzada told mediapersons at his residence this afternoon. Mohan Prakash, AICC general secretary and in-charge of Jammu and Kashmir Congress, told The Tribune over the phone from Uttar Pradesh that Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed’s portfolio had been changed. “After some initial discussion on this issue, the Congress leadership has decided to listen to Peerzada’s viewpoints also on this controversy,” he said. “As the controversy was related to the Education Department, the portfolio of the minister has been changed,” he added. After learning that the party high command had not accepted his resignation, Peerzada took a U-turn and asserted to work towards strengthening the Congress-National Conference coalition. “I don’t want to create hurdles in the functioning of the coalition. I will work overtime for the smooth functioning of the coalition in the state,” he said. On Chief Minister Omar Abdullah divesting him of the education portfolio, Peerzada said: “I am not aware of this development. It is the prerogative of the Chief Minister.” The beleaguered minister also tried to play the emotional card by calling the boy involved in the controversy “not my real son”. “The boy’s father was killed in a militancy-related incident and I have rehabilitated the family,” he said, adding that the boy had already disowned him as his father. While Peerzada kept away from speaking against Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, terming him the leader of the coalition, he did not cite any reason for bypassing the Chief Minister while submitting his resignation. “I am a nominee of the Congress in the government, so I decided to send my resignation to the Congress president only,” he said. Meanwhile, the ruling NC has taken a serious note of Peerzada’s decision to bypass the Chief Minister. “It is a glaring example of violation of the coalition edict as well as Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir,” observed NC leader Mustafa Kamal, who is Omar Abdullah’s uncle. “Democracy does not work this way. Being a member of the Cabinet, Peerzada should have submitted his resignation to the Chief Minister,” Kamal said, adding that the action had set up a wrong precedent in the state. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had divested Peerzada of his portfolio on Friday evening. While Peerzada was holding two departments earlier, he now holds the portfolio of Public Enterprises Department after being divested of the Education Department portfolio. |
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ACCIDENTAL KILLING OF YOUTH
Srinagar, February 11 General Hasnain apologised for the incident and offered all possible assistance to the family, including a job in the army. The state government has also announced a financial package while instituting an inquiry. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that the inquiry would ascertain whether the contingent of Rashtriya Rifles had followed the standard operational procedure. According to a defence spokesperson, a column of Rashtriya Rifles had cordoned off an area at Laser village around 9 pm on Friday following a tip off on movement of militants. The presence of the jawans caused a commotion and some panic, during which a single bullet was ‘accidentally’ shot by a jawan, which killed the young man. The General Officer Commanding, Minister of State (Home), Jammu and Kashmir, and the DGP also met a delegation from the village and confirmed that the death was due to the accidental discharge of a weapon. They empathised with the family and while paying their condolences assured them of compensation, including a job for a male member of the family. The tense situation was defused by the timely visit of the high-ranking military, state and police officials, their admission of the innocence of the deceased and promise of necessary and timely compensation. The Army has also instituted a military court of inquiry, while the Minister of State (Home) announced a parallel magisterial inquiry into the incident. The inquiry would also look into measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents, the Defence spokesman said. Meanwhile, official sources here said the government had sanctioned an ex gratia to the next kin of the deceased and a job for one member of the family. |
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75 pc Kashmiri youth prefer peaceful protests over gun: Survey
Srinagar, February 11 The survey, “Media Impact on the Kashmiri Youth”, was released at a one-day seminar chaired by Governor NN Vohra here today amidst a galaxy of journalists, intellectuals, students and members of the civil society. The survey, having a sample of youth aged between 15 and 35 from six districts - Anantnag, Budgam, Bandipora, Baramulla, Kulgam and Srinagar - reveals lack of governance as the main concern. As many as 33 per cent of around 1,500 youths have ranked corruption as the most important issue facing Kashmir at this juncture. The second major concern is the violation of human rights, with 15 per cent of the respondents listing it in the survey. In what may bring cheer to the Kashmiri Pandits, who were forced to leave the Valley in the early 1990s, as many as 67 per cent of the respondents believe the Pandits “should” return to the Valley. Though, only 18 per cent of them have revealed that they have publicly supported their return by either taking part in a public rally, posting online, via a political party or Hurriyat. The report presented by Navnita Chadha Behera, honorary director, IRIIS, specifically mentions that among the 29 per cent respondents opposing the return of the Kashmiri Pandits, over 41 per cent are under 19 years of age, which meant they were born after the exodus of the KPs from the Valley and had little exposure to the secular traditions of Kashmir. Their interest in happenings in neighbouring Pakistan is also waning. The perception about Pakistan of being a friend, philosopher and guide has diminished in the minds of today’s youth, as only 16 per cent listen to news about Pakistan. Only in Bandipora, the figure is high at 42 per cent. The youth do not have an encouraging connect with India either. Not more than 26 per cent follow news on India from different sources. A significant 54 per cent youth list “azadi” as the final political status of Kashmir. But their notions of “azadi” vary. Nearly 20 per cent say it means political rights, while 14 per cent say it is civic rights. For just 11 per cent, “azadi” means freedom from India, while a whopping 30 per cent say it implies partition of Kashmir. Further, 10 per cent say it is about withdrawal of Army and eight per cent see it as sovereign Kashmir, including the PoK. For just 1 per cent, it means merger with Pakistan. Also, television and radio are the most popular source of news and entertainment for the Kashmiri youth, the report adds. The state-run DD News/DD Kashir, All-India Radio and Radio Kashmir are watched by 74 per cent of the youth. Local channels, many of which have been banned from telecasting news, are viewed by 49 per cent, while 43 per cent view western channels and 41 per cent watch Indian private channels. Nearly 60 per cent Kashmiri youths read both English and Urdu local dailies, while only 17 per cent opt for national dailies. The survey says Internet, especially Facebook, is fast gaining popularity, with as many 101 Facebook pages on Kashmir coming up in recent times. |
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Governor for focus on youth’s problems
Srinagar, February 11 “We need to do many things in the state... and if things (particularly in certain sectors) do not improve, it will result in frustration among the youth,” the Governor said while chairing a panel discussion here. The panel discussion on “Kashmiri Youth & Media: A Perception Survey” was organised by the Institute For Research on India and International Studies, a Delhi-based NGO. The Governor observed that it was the responsibility of the civil society and media to take stock of the issues concerning the youth of the state. Citing the example of the Kashmir youth, Shah Faesal, who topped the Civil Services Examination in 2010, the Governor observed that a number of aspiring youngsters were working hard to get into such services and needed material support. In her observation, Navnita Chadha Behera, honorary director of the IRIIS, said the study had become necessary as the youth comprising 48 per cent of the population of the state “hold the key”. She highlighted the salient features of the findings of the survey and the methodology adopted to conduct it. She added that it was a first step and more such studies needed to be conducted. The study was undertaken in six districts of the Valley, including Srinagar and Budgam districts of central Kashmir, Baramulla and Bandipore in north Kashmir, and Anantnag and Kulgam in south Kashmir, with the help of 64 investigators and 12 supervisors. The Census-2001 data was used to create the research sample involving 200 youngsters from each district and later involving 1,500 youth in all six districts. The panel discussion was followed by a question-answer session. Prominent among those present were Tej Partap, Vice-Chancellor, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir; AH Samoon, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; Raj Chengappa, Editor-in-Chief, The Tribune; mediapersons, intellectuals, academicians, businessmen and social activists. |
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Youth must get chance to express themselves: Panelists
Srinagar, February 11 The findings of the research regarding the notion of “azadi” among the “inward looking generation” of local youth and their “growing” interest towards Islam topped the debate that was held here during a function chaired by Governor N N Vohra. Bashir Manzar, Editor, Kashmir Images, said the inclination of the Kashmiri youth towards Islam was not a new phenomenon, as the population of the Valley was predominantly Muslim. However, he said, the younger generation was more vocal in making statements over their religious beliefs. Riyaz Masroor, a BBC correspondent, blamed the state for infusing religiosity and “sponsoring religious thoughts” on the people here, maintaining that the Valley had traditionally followed “Sufi Islam”. Objecting to the use of word “Muslim” in the research findings, Masroor said the word “religion” should have been used instead. “Inclination towards religion is a national phenomenon, not confined to Kashmir, and is a cause for concern for secularists,” he added. On the focus of youth’s interest on Kashmir affairs, Manzar said the present generation had grown up in a period of turmoil, where worrying about their safety was the main concern. Stating that the local media, too, focussed mainly on Kashmir affairs, he claimed that the media had not given a “true picture” to the youth. However, he lauded the local media for working in difficult times when militancy had erupted in the state. Asserting that the youth should be given more chances and means to express themselves, Manzar also pointed to the concerns of the Kashmiris who had come across bitter experiences outside the state. “They (youth) have complaints and they should be treated on a par,” he added. Masroor also advocated “more space” for the youth so that their voices are heard on the national and international platforms. While Manzar admitted that “azadi” had different meanings for the youth, Professor Neera Chandhoke of the Delhi University said there was “nothing radical” about secessionism. However, she gave instances where secessionism had not worked for the people who were of the opinion that freedom from a particular nation would resolve all of their issues. “Formation of a new state does not solve problems….there is a need to look beyond. However, secession is a right but one needs to go through certain procedures,” she added. Chandhoke underscored the need for “reverting” to the Sufi way of Islam in Kashmir. Contesting the claims of groups that held India as a “sham” democracy, she said: “India is not a sham democracy but there are certain grey areas like Kashmir and Maoism.” Chandhoke blamed “biased” national private news channels for only offering heated debates and not “informed discussions”. Meanwhile, all three speakers were of the view that the IRIIS research was a good and first-of-its-kind initiative to get an understanding of the Kashmiri youth. Later, a question and answer session was held, wherein local students, academicians and businessmen presented their views. |
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Bandh call hits life
in Valley
Srinagar, February 11 The JKLF chairman, Mohammad Yasin Malik, who was held by the police along with two leaders here yesterday continued to be under detention, in view of the prohibitory orders in force. Malik and two other leaders of the JKLF were arrested when they were trying to take out a march towards the UN office here to submit a memorandum seeking the handing over of the mortal remains of Butt. All the shops and business establishments remained closed and public transport was off the roads across the Valley today. However, private vehicles were seen plying in some areas of the city while traffic on the inter-district routes was adversely affected. The police sealed off the central Lal Chowk area since early morning today to prevent any protest rally or march by the JKLF. Barbed wires were laid and barricades were erected to block the movement of the people in the area. |
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Asstt Commissioner of Revenue fined Rs
5,000
Jammu, February 11 He announced the penalty while deciding a complaint filed by an RTI activist Raman Sharma. Raman Sharma, had on March 28, 2011, sought some information on land grabbers who had allegedly encroached upon the government land in Jammu district. He had also sought to know the total area of land belonging to the Revenue Department in the entire Jammu district which was in illegal possession of individuals and land mafias. The complainant had further sought information regarding names and addresses of all the land mafias and encroachers and the steps taken by the district administration to vacate the encroached land from January 1, 2011, to the date of filing of the RTI application. The CIC judgment said Raman Sharma, who had applied to seek information on March 28, 2011, did not receive any response till June 13, 2011, and then approached the commission. Moreover, the complainant did not file the first appeal before the 1st Appellate Authority stating that the PIO had failed to inform him about the full particulars of the 1st Appellate Authority as is mandatory under Section 7 (8). During investigation, the CIC found that PIO Inderjeet Bhagat had not passed an order under Section 7 within the statutory period. The PIO had also admitted that no part of information sought fell under any prohibitory provisions of Sections 8 and 9. Not satisfied with the respondent’s reply, the CIC came to the conclusion that the PIO did not follow the procedures laid down in the Act and became active only after he was informed that the complainant had already filed a complaint before the commission, the judgment said. |
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Dance and music talent hunt by state police
Katra, February 11 The police has been promoting sports activities and has now endeavoured to contribute its bit in encouraging cultural activities. With this in mind, the police organised a song and dance talent hunt, in the state to provide a platform to budding singers and dancers of the state. After holding an inter-zone level singing competition, a district level competition was held here today evening. In all 72 contestants from Reasi district took part and performed under three categories viz. junior, senior and master’s level. A large number of song and dance lovers were present on the occasion to encourage the performers. The programme was divided into two rounds and lasted for more than three hours. Additional Superintendent of Police, Reasi, MS Chouwhan, who was the chief guest at the function gave away trophies to the winners of the contest. He said the state police, apart from its professional duties, had taken a keen interest in promoting the rich traditional culture of the state. The activity has been started with the aim to identify hidden talent from rural as well as urban areas, he added. Chouwhan said these budding singers would be provided a platform to exhibit and refine their talent so that they could compete at the state and national level and earn a good name for the state. The police would provide them every possible help to promote their talent, which would help in preserving our rich cultural traditions. He added that the campaign had also been launched in the other districts of the state and in Kashmir zone the activity had reached the zone level. ASP, Reasi, Azidha Begum; Director Akram Khan, prominent citizens and many police officers were also present on the occasion. |
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Seminar on ‘Green Earth’
Jammu, February 11 Kiran Bakshi, Principal of the college, told The Tribune that the seminar would help in providing a platform to discuss strategies for the prevention, control or abatement of different types of pollution and to suggest remedial measures thereof. It would also help to collect and disseminate information relating to pollution, global warming, ozone depletion, climate change, loss of biodiversity, contamination of foodstuff etc. and counteractive methodologies among the audience. Sub themes of the seminar included water quality and water borne diseases, public participation in management of environment and health problems, air pollution and respiratory illnesses, solid waste management, indicators of human and ecosystem health, noise pollution, wildlife protection and environment education. The speakers included Prof DN Sahi, Zoology Department, University of Jammu; OP Sharma Vidyarthi, expert on Forestry and Prof GM Bhat, HOD, Department of Geology, University of Jammu. |
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Shiv Sena Hindustan holds protest against govt
Jammu, February 11 Led by the state president of the Shiv Sena Hindustan, Rajesh Kesri, activists shouted slogans against the government for its incompetence, in checking frequent road mishaps. Speaking on the occasion, Kesri said despite the demand of the SSH to appoint more traffic personnel on the accident-prone roads, the government had failed to take any concrete steps. He also blamed the Traffic Police Department, which he said had been turning a blind eye to over loading in the vehicles, plying on the accident-prone roads. “Nineteen persons were killed in a road mishap yesterday in the Gandoh area of Doda district. But the government seems least bothered about the loss of innocent lives in road mishaps, which have become a routine in the state,” he said. A two minute silence was also observed during the protest, in the memory of those killed in the Gandoh accident. Kesri also demanded Rs 3 lakh compensation to the next of the kin of those killed in the Gandoh accident. He also asked the government to provide treatment free of cost to the injured person. |
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ASHAs made aware on HIV and AIDS
Jammu, February 11 Dr Arun Sharma, Medical Superintendent of Government Hospital, Sarwal, Jammu, who was also the master trainer on HIV and AIDS had a detailed interaction with more than 110 social health activists present there. He gave them detailed information regarding HIV and AIDS. Women activists also interacted with Dr Sharma and had their myths and misconceptions removed.
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Governor for facilitating entrepreneurs
Srinagar, February 11 He was interacting with entrepreneurs during his visit to the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) at Pampore near here last evening. Vohra said the youth of the state possessed talent and skills at par with the youth of the country and given an enabling environment they could successfully compete and excel in any field. He said a truly entrepreneurship-friendly climate must be created in the state so that potential entrepreneurs do not have to face harassment in setting up their ventures. In this context, he said the JKEDI must be established as an umbrella organisation, which ensures that the entire process of the clearance of detailed project reports (DPRs), sanctioning of loans and monitoring of the ventures is carried out in a smooth manner. He called for the establishment of an Empowered Task Force, comprising representatives from all the core departments and the JKEDI to ensure that all approved DPRs secure loans within a specified period of not more than 100 days. Further, to ensure that entrepreneurs don’t have to waste months in securing clearances of the district authorities concerned for establishing a unit, it would be necessary to appointment a Nodal Officer, who would collect applications and see that the required clearances and certificates were issued within a specified period, not exceeding 60 days. The Nodal Officers should be answerable only to the Deputy Commissioners, who would see whether the Nodal Officers deliver their responsibilities fully. |
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Live shell found in Akhnoor, defused
Jammu, February 11 |
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The day after a 22 year old young man was killed by an ‘accidental fire’, the Minister of state (Home) and the 15th Corps commander General Hasnain visited the bereaved family to offer their condolences.
Jammu, February 11
The survey further states that the current generation is different from the predecessors, as the present lot is more inward looking. They have fixed their political gaze on developments within Jammu and Kashmir. Nearly 70 to 90 per cent youths like to watch or read news about Kashmir than anything else.
At the same time, the Governor cautioned against the growth of fundamentalism among the youth.