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PDP takes corruption issue to streets
OBCs push for 27% quota in state
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cheer for Chenab Valley
LoC Permits
Farooq’s fake Twitter account deleted
Railway Budget
Gojri writers for preservation of culture
Bail pleas of jailer, constable dismissed
NAAC team completes review of JU college
International theatre workshop begins
Protest by panchayat functionaries
JKPC reiterates demand for Panchayati Raj Act
Wild animals maul three minors
Minor gang-raped in Jammu, two held
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PDP takes corruption issue to streets
Nagrota (Jammu), February 26 During a public meeting at the Khanpur area of the Nagrota assembly segment, PDP leaders minced no words in attacking the ruling party for “legalising corruption in the state by adopting a casual approach towards the recent exposure of corruption cases involving senior ministers of the coalition regime”. Besides attacking the ruling coalition, former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed did not spare even pro-Jammu parties like the BJP and the Panthers Party for maintaining silence during the debate on corruption in the Assembly. “Our members were not agitating for any controversial issue, we wanted a debate on the corruption issue, which is very important for all political parties,” he said. “I failed to understand why BJP and Panthers Party members were acted as mute spectators on the issue,” he added. Mufti asserted, “The question is of the credibility of the government in the eyes of the common man. Due to the recent exposures, the credibility of the government has reached the lowest level.” Mufti asserted that his party would not remain a mute spectator to the corrupt practices of the present government. “Being the Opposition we will vociferously oppose corruption in the state government in and outside the Assembly,” he said. He said even the office of Chief Minister was under scanner. “From where can one expect justice when office of Chief Minister is under a cloud,” he observed, exhorting the people to support the PDP for a transparent and accountable system that would give justice to all sections of society. “During the last three years, the system has totally collapsed because all institutions in the state have been weakened by the government. The prevailing anarchy and chaos in the state is the result of the failure of the system,” he said. Former Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Beigh, who had got into a verbal dual with the Speaker in the Assembly on Saturday, also attacked the ruling coalition for indulging in corruption. He alleged that huge amounts sanctioned by the Central government for poverty alleviation programmes were being siphoned off by ministers and members of the ruling parties. He alleged that ministers had amassed wealth during the last three years because corruption had been legalised in this part of the country. Meanwhile, Rameshwar Dutt, who is the block president of Dansal block of the Nagrota Assembly constituency of the National Conference (NC), thanked the people of the Nagrota Assembly constituency for boycotting the public meeting of the PDP, which was held today. In a statement issued here, the NC leader claimed that even the people of the locality, where the public meeting was organised did not participate in it, which was a major blow to PDP leadership. Dutt said the poor participation of the people of the Nagrota constituency in the gathering was a befitting reply to the PDP and its leaders Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Muzaffar Hussain Beigh and others, who participated in the meeting. He said nervousness of the local leadership of the PDP, who had been preparing for this meeting for the last two months came to the forefront when people were ferried in buses from Batote, Udhampur, Mansar, Kathua, Samba, RS Pura, Akhnoor, Bathindi, Gujjar Nagar, Sunjwan and Chowadi etc to take part in the public meeting, which was by all means a flop show. |
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OBCs push for 27% quota in state
Jammu, February 26 As part of its campaign to convince the state government, an OBC convention was held today in the Swankha Morh area of Samba district in which Devinder Singh Rana, Adviser to Chief Minister, and Minister of Industries and Commerce were invited to apprise them of the constitutional demands of the OBCs. The vice-chairman of the OBC Advisory Board was also present at the meeting. During the convention, the leaders demanded enhancement of reservation from existing 2 per cent to 27 per cent as per the recommendation of the Mandal Commission report. They also demanded due representation for the OBCs in district development boards so that the aspirations of this section of the society could be effectively highlighted. Labha Ram Gandhi, senior leader of the OBCs, said they had decided to intensify their campaign to get their constitutional rights. |
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Avalanche: A chilling threat to the Valley
Srinagar, February 26 While recent avalanches led to the death of 18 Army men in Bandipore and Ganderbal districts, news of civilians being rescued from avalanche-prone areas have become the order of the day. Today, 11 persons were evacuated during a joint rescue operation by the Air Force, Army and district administration of Ganderbal at Sonamarg, said Coordinator of the Natural Disaster Management Cell Aamir Ali. In a similar operation at Sonamarg, nine civilians were rescued on Friday. Even as the body of one jawan, who was trapped in an avalanche at Gurez in Bandipore on Friday, remains untraced, the authorities say much cannot be done over the natural phenomenon other than taking preventive measures. “We issue regular warnings telling people not to venture near areas prone to avalanches. It is a natural phenomenon that cannot be prevented as there has been a rise in temperature following heavy snowfall this winter season,” Ali told the Tribune. Besides telling people to avoid going near steep slopes, the authorities are also undertaking artificial triggering of avalanches at the upper reaches. “Artificial triggering is being done on a regular basis at the upper reaches to avoid eventualities, and at some places in Gurez a few families have been shifted to safer places,” Ali said. While it may not be possible for the authorities to undertake artificial triggering of avalanches across the Valley, the people living at the upper reaches have no other option but to avoid venturing near the steep slopes. The snowfall and avalanches have also damaged houses at many places across the Valley causing a lot of inconvenience to the people, who have already been suffering due to the frequent closure of the Jammu-Srinagar national highway -- Kashmir’s only surface link with the rest of the country. The areas most prone to avalanches are the higher reaches of Chowkibal, Tangdhar, Keran and Machhil, the Gurez areas close to the Line of Control (LoC), Sonamarg and upper reaches of Baramulla district in north Kashmir. Seven Army and Border Security Force (BSF) personnel were swept away by an avalanche at Pharkian Gali near the LoC on January 24. Ten persons, including seven foreign tourists, had come under an avalanche at Haptkhud in Baramulla on January 21. While all were later rescued, two tourist guides and four foreigners had sustained injuries during the incident. Artificial triggering
The authorities say much cannot be done to tackle avalanches, a natural phenomenon, other than take preventive measures. Besides telling people to avoid going near steep slopes, the authorities are also undertaking artificial triggering of avalanches at the upper reaches. Artificial triggering is being done on a regular basis at the upper reaches to avoid eventualities |
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cheer for Chenab Valley
Udhampur, February 26 It was initially proposed to acquire a piece of land measuring 40 kanal for the facility, but for want of space, it was decided to set up the mandi on a piece of land measuring 16
kanal. Once the necessary formalities are completed, the owners of the land will be given compensation by the Assistant Commissioner (Revenue),
Doda, within a week, he added. With this, a large number of fruit growers will no longer have to sell their produce at far-off places like Jammu. In the absence of a facility, small growers, in particular, were at the mercy of unscrupulous middlemen. Besides
Doda, the growers of neighbouring Kishtwar, too, will be able to avail of the facility. “A substantial increase in the production of fruits in the district necessitated the setting up of the
mandi. Proper marketing has been a major handicap in giving a boost to the horticulture sector,” said Khan. As per the data available, the total production in 2011-12 stood at 10,579 metric tonne (MT) as compared to 14,773 MT the preceding year. Though the production decreased due to seasonal problems, it was still much better than 2009-10, when the production stood at just 5,285 MT. Several factors, including massive awareness campaigns, plantation drives and fruit exhibitions, which attracted buyers from outside are believed to have contributed to a spurt in the production of fruits, which include apple, pear, citrus, olive. |
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LoC Permits
Also, over 1,800 applications from PoK residents and 564 from Indians who wished to travel on the permit were
under verification. Moreover, no application has ever been received or processed for grant of LoC permits to individuals other than
the members of divided families. On the status of opening of the Jammu-Sialkot, Nowshera-Chinger and Tattapani routes for trade and travelling, the minister said there was no such proposal pending before the state government. The details further revealed that over 700 passengers visited India from the PoK in 2011 by crossing over at Kaman on the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road. Also, over 1,250 crossed over from Chakan da Bagh, Poonch, while 65 crossed over from Teetwal. |
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Farooq’s fake Twitter account deleted
In a goodbye message posted on the site, the user, who is yet to be identified, apologised to the minister for the inconvenience caused to him. Farooq had registered a complaint with the Delhi Police yesterday against unknown persons for opening a fake Twitter account in his name and posting “some objectionable, indecorous and intemperate things” on it. In his two final messages on the Twitter account the user apologised to the Union Minister and his family. “I had no intention, whatsoever, to tarnish the image of Mr Abdullah or to cause any harm to his image. This account was purely meant for fun,” the anonymous user said. While the police has said they would be able to trace the account at the earliest and proceed against the accused, the page was off the Twitter within minutes after posting the final two tweets around 1 pm today. |
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Railway Budget
Jammu, February 26 On March 25, 2011, the then Railway Minister, Mamata Banerjee, had announced a railway bridge factory in Jammu and Kashmir and Institute for Tunnel and Bridge Engineering at Jammu. YB Sharma, president, Chamber of Industries and Commerce, says: “We have not seen anything on the ground yet. They should fulfil what they have promised.” After the announcement of the railway bridge factory and the institute, industrialists and residents of Jammu had hoped that these would help create employment in the state. Even the railway officials of Jammu are clueless about the status of the projects. A official at the Jammu railway station says: “We have no idea about these projects. The status of these projects can be confirmed by the higher authorities only.” Also, several other projects initiated by Northern Railway in Jammu have not been completed so far. The vital 25.2-km Udhampur-Katra rail link has been under construction since 2004. While the authorities have set December, 2012 as the deadline for the project, official sources say it may be extended to March, 2013, as the project involves construction of several bridges, viaducts and tunnels. |
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Gojri writers for preservation of culture
Jammu, February 26 The event was organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, culture and Languages (JKAACL) at Surankote. Dr Javaid Rahi, chief editor of the
JKAACL, said Poonch was the main seat of the Gojri and writers of the Pir Panjal area had contributed a lot towards the development of the Gojri culture
and language. Rahi impressed upon the writers and poets to draw benefits of the ongoing schemes of the JKAACL, like subsidy for book
publication, financial assistance for NGOs working in cultural field and pension scheme for writers, who were suffering financial crisis. Prominent writer Nazir Qureshi said the Gojri had a very strong tradition
of literature. Those who presented papers on Gojri included Noor Mohammd Noor, Khadam Qammar, Naseem Poonchi, Fazal Mushtaq and SH Tariq. A ‘Mefil-e-Mushaira’ programme was also held on the occasion. Those who recited their latest compositions included Syed Imtiaz Naseem,
Mastoor Shad, Azad Ahmed Azad, Raiz Sabar, Lal Hussain Gohar, Jamal Din Jamal, Zahoor-ud-Din, Bashir Marhoti, Ayaz Saif, Jalal-ud-Din Fani, Sadiq Wasil, Abdul Ghani, Bashir Khaki, Mir Mohammd Mir, Shakeel Rahi, Qasim Kohli and Syed Imtiaz Shah. |
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Bail pleas of jailer, constable dismissed
Jammu, February 26 The judge observed that the jailer had involved himself in hatching a criminal conspiracy to commit murder while being in office. He was supposed to take reformatory measures for the welfare of undertrials and other prisoners. However, he colluded with undertrials, such as Nagar Singh and Sunny Baba, besides taking his PSO Surinder Kumar’s services in the criminal act, he observed. “Arranging a contract killer, Sunny Baba, on Nagar Singh’s behalf to eliminate Sudershan Singh Wazir speaks volumes about the criminal mentality that he has been infested with. It is not expected from a man of such a stature to involve himself in contract killing,” the judge said. Had Sunny Baba along with the other accused succeeded in killing Wazir, in pursuance of the hatched criminal conspiracy, the conspirators would have certainly been made liable for commission of offences under Sections 302 and 120-B of the Ranbir Panel Code, the judge added. |
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NAAC team completes review of JU college
Jammu, February 26 The NAAC team comprised its Chairman, Prof NS Gajbhiye, Vice-Chancellor, Dr Hari Singh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar; Prof MSK Khokar, Head, Rural Technology and Dean of the College Development Council, Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur, and Prof U Subba Rao, Bhim Rao Ambedkar Open University, Hyderabad. The assessment and evaluation was done by the NAAC team for the curricular aspects of various training courses conducted by the Academic Staff College. While speaking at the exit meeting of the NAAC team, Prof NS Gajbhiye expressed satisfaction over the nature, design and conduct of various training courses by the college. He also suggested some changes and reforms, including introduction of credit system. The team stressed the need for upgrading the available infrastructure and impressed upon the authorities concerned for inviting more eminent resource persons from across India for training participants. The team also emphasised upon making the courses diverse and need-based and said a marked improvement was visible in the performance of the college. |
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RCC clinch JPL-I trophy
Katra, February 26 The matches of the Jammu Premier League, Phase-I, for Reasi district were conducted under the aegis of the Headquarters, Counter-Insurgency Force (Uniform), here. During the valedictory function, the Minister for Youth Services and Sports, RS Chib, was the chief guest. He distributed prizes among the players of the winning team. Sheetal Nanda, Deputy Commissioner, Reasi, officers of the civil administration and prominent citizens were also present. Students from various institutions presented a cultural programme, including gatka and bhangra, besides a band display by the Army. At least 16 teams participated in the tournament. With the win, the Reasi Cricket Club has qualified for the Jammu Premier League, Phase-II, scheduled to be held in April at Jammu. |
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International theatre workshop begins
Jammu, February 26 Speaking on the
occasion, Natrang Director Balwant Thakur said this initiative by the Natrang was aimed at establishing Jammu
as a global centre and an international theatre destination. “Sarah is currently working with a London-based theatre
organisation, Lyrebird Theatre Company, and she focuses on originally created works,” said Thakur. Ashish Nijhawan, a graduate of the National School of Drama, was coordinating the workshop. |
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Protest by panchayat functionaries
Udhampur, February 26 Led by Fazal Alam Wani, sarpanch, Chiralla, and general secretary of the Thathri Block Sarpanches Association, the elected representatives demanded the holding of BDC elections as enshrined in the Act. They also urged the government to bring the state under the purview of the 73rd Amendment to ensure proper implementation
of the Act. Wani said they would be forced to launch an agitation if the state government enacted any law empowering MLAs or MLCs to interfere in the working
of panchayats. Besides, the protesters demanded salaries on a par with other elected representatives. — TNS |
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JKPC reiterates demand for Panchayati Raj Act
Jammu, February 26 Shafiq Mir, convenor of the JKPC, said similar protests were held in other district headquarters wherein protesters handed over memorandum to the deputy commissioners concerned. They threatened to widen their agitation, if Panchayati Raj was not completely implemented in the state, at par with other states of the country, including Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan. |
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Wild animals maul three minors
Srinagar, February 26 Those injured have been identified as 2-year-old Ayoob Ahmad, 17-year-old Mudasir Ahmad Lone and 15-year-old Asia Bano. They have been shifted to a hospital for treatment. |
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Minor gang-raped in Jammu, two held Jammu, February 26 The police said the three youth, identified as Sandeep Singh, a resident of Shama Chak in Ramgarh, Akbar Ali, a resident of Greater Kailash, and Ajay Jasrotia, a resident of Hiranagar, had kidnapped the girl when she was returning home from school. “The girl used to go on outings with them (youth), but she didn’t know their intentions. On February 23, they kidnapped the girl and took her to an unknown place in a Safari car. The girl has alleged that they gang-raped her,” Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), DSP, Naresh Jamwal told The Tribune. Jamwal said the police has arrested Sandeep Singh and Akbar Ali while Jasrotia was still at large. A case under Section 363, 376 and 109 of the RPC has been registered. — TNS
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Theatrics in House High-voltage drama, theatrical protests, walkouts and heated exchanges between members have become the norm in the ongoing Budget session. However, rarely has someone reflected on the stark reality behind the unfolding drama, both in the Assembly or the Council. One such member of Legislative Council tried to soothe the fraying tempers by comparing the Assembly to the Shakespearean stage and members to actors whose strings were in some invisible hands. “We are all actors of the ‘rangmanch’ (theatre) with a director behind the scenes,” he remarked while trying to explain the situation. Compulsive friends
After the cross-voting controversy, the “loyalist” and “traitor” legislators of the BJP stopped talking to one another. However, the seating arrangements in the Legislative Assembly for the current Budget session has once again brought these MLAs “together”. Rebel leader Chaman Lal Gupta, who was expelled from the party, has been sharing his seat in the front row with “loyalist” MLA Ashok Khajuria. Although Gupta and Khajuria have been sworn enemies for long, the cross-voting controversy had created further differences between the two. They had levelled serious allegations against each other and were not on talking terms. However, the two have been sitting right next to each other in the current Assembly session. Also, Jugal Kishore Sharma, Legislature Party leader of the “loyalist” group, is seated next to rebel Jagdish Raj Sapolia. Similarly in the last row of the Assembly, “loyalist” MLA Sukhnandan Choudhary shares his seat with “traitor” MLA Master Lal Chand. After the cross-voting controversy of the Legislative Council elections in 2011, the BJP had singled out seven, out of its total 11, MLAs as “traitors” and expelled them from the party. Girl power
After Jammu lass Piya Raina made a mark on television show “Comedy Circus ka Naya Daur”, yet another local girl, Sohi Sharma, is set to make waves on the entertainment show “Chhote Miyan Chapter 3”. Eight-year-old Sohi is a student of Delhi Public School, Jammu, and has figured in plays like “Ghumayee” and “Bawa Jitoo” directed by Natrang. She is the youngest of all contestants and will showcase hilarious takes on current topics while portraying different characters. As the date for counting of votes in five states where Assembly elections were held is drawing near, the speculation about the collapse of the National Conference- Congress coalition is rife here. One can find civil society members and officials at the Civil Secretariat --- the seat of power in Jammu and Kashmir - busy whispering about the possible fallout of the election results. Furthermore, growing differences between the coalition partners are giving an opportunity to people and the civil society to presume that the Congress may withdraw its support to the ruling National Conference soon after the declaration of results of Assembly elections.
— Contributed by Varun Suthra, Dinesh Manhotra, Sonika Raina & Arteev Sharma |
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‘Lone’ ranger
Debate needed
The state government had announced the new drug policy with much fanfare claiming it was aimed at discouraging the proliferation of spurious medicines in the market and for bringing transparency in the procurement and distribution of drugs. The government also said the policy would help curb the activities of drug mafia and eliminate the unfair means of drug prescription. However, it has evoked sharp criticism from the pharmaceutical traders who claim that it would hit the livelihood of 10 lakh people associated with the business. They have also threatened to shut down the ‘entire pharma trade’ in the Valley if the government persisted with its decision to implement the drug policy.
Therefore, it is imperative that the government initiates a broad debate over the issue instead of forcing the implementation of the drug
policy. — Contributed by M Aamir Khan
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Jammu, February 26
New Delhi, February 26
Sajad Lone had created a stir in 2009 by becoming the first ‘separatist’ to contest the parliamentary elections. However, he had disappeared into oblivion after losing from the Baramulla-Kupwara constituency. After contesting the election, he lost the ‘separatist’ tag but, at the same time, not much was heard of his ‘mainstream politics’ plans. But of late, Lone through his Peoples’ Conference (PC) party has been issuing regular statements to the local media that have given clear indications that he is trying to build a base for the next assembly elections. Lone recently blamed both the NC and the opposition PDP for ‘decades of misgovernance’, saying that the people ‘deserve change’. His allegation against the NC and the PDP may be right but his insinuation that his party would bring about the desired change seems a little far-fetched right now. Lone has to walk many a mile before comparing his party to
the two main political parties of the state — the NC and the PDP.