The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

	Pakistan President Zardari’s visit to India Bring likes of Hafiz Saeed to book, says Farooq Dinesh Manhotra Tribune News Service Jammu, April 7 Ahead of Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to India, Union Minister for New and Renewal Energy Farooq Abdullah today asserted that people like Hafiz Saeed should be brought to book, while hoping that the President’s visit would help improve relations between the two neighbouring countries. “I am hopeful that the visit of Pakistan’s President will be fruitful and both the nations will further strengthen their relations,” Farooq Abdullah told mediapersons at a press conference here today. The Union Minister said he was hopeful that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari would be able to break the ice. When asked whether India should take up the issue of Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind of 26/11 Mumbai attacks, with Zardari, Dr Farooq said the involvement of the JuD chief in the Mumbai attacks had already been established. “People like Hafiz Saeed should be brought to book,” he observed. Replying to another question, Farooq said Ghulam Nabi Fai, the US-based separatist Kashmiri leader, was funding anti-national activities in Jammu and Kashmir. Fai was last month sentenced by a US court to two years of imprisonment. “Those who were demanding mercy for Fai were actually getting funds from him,” he said and added that Fai was the front man of the ISI in the US. He was also funding separatist leaders of the Kashmir valley. On the controversy over the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) scam, Farooq said the probe had begun. “We have written to the BCCI to conduct an inquiry by an independent audit to properly investigate the case,” he said and added that an independent investigation had been going on in the case. Farooq Abdullah, who is the president of the JKCA, said that no further activities of the JKCA would be held before the completion of the inquiry. “The function to lay the foundation stone of an international cricket stadium near Jammu has been postponed due to the on going investigation in the JKCA,” Farooq said.
	CM wants focus on CBMs Dinesh Manhotra Tribune News Service Jammu, April 7 Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today called for sustained Indo-Pak dialogue to restore lasting peace in the region and resolve all issues between the two neighbouring countries. Ahead of Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari’s day-long visit to India on Sunday, Omar emphasised the need for state-centric confidence building measures (CBMs) during the meeting of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with President Zardari. “We don’t have many expectations. It is a system. I think we ourselves weaken the system when we think that one meeting will solve all problems. We only hope that this dialogue process continues between the two neighbouring countries,” Omar told mediapersons on the sidelines of a function. “We would also like that Jammu and Kashmir-centric CBMs, especially the cross-LoC bus service and trade matters be discussed apart from other ongoing issues. We would like that the rehabilitation policy for the return of Kashmiri youth from the PoK and infiltration across the LoC also comes up for discussion so that benefits trickle down to the state,” he said, adding “We are in favour of a sustained dialogue in an amicable atmosphere to address all big and small issues.” He reiterated his demand that the present barter system of the cross-LoC trade should be replaced and all trading facilities must be provided to traders. On April 4, the Assembly had endorsed suggestions of the Chief Minister, in which he had urged the Prime Minister to discuss the issue of the cross-LoC trade with Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari. On Union Home Minister P Chidambaram’s scheduled visit to the state, the Chief Minister said his was a routine one. He said issues relating to the security scenario, the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, interlocutors report and reduction of forces etc would come up for discussion during the talks with the Union Home Minister.
	Mirwaiz pins hopes on visit Ehsan Fazili Tribune News Service Srinagar, April 7 In view of Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari’s proposed visit to India, separatist Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has said it would be a step forward in relations between the two neigbouring countries. He, however, warned that the two countries would not be able to further develop their relations in case the Kashmir issue was ignored. The Mirwaiz was addressing the Friday congregation at the Jamia Masjid here yesterday, first after returning from a two-week-long tour abroad during which he met various leaders of the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC), the UN and Saudi Arabia. “We (APHC) are for better relations between the two countries and believe that the Pakistan President’s visit is a step forward in this direction,” Mirwaiz Umar said. He held that the claims on the improvement in the Kashmir situation were misleading and contrary to the ground situation. No improvement in the situation could be possible without the withdrawal of troops and the AFSPA revocation, he added. Referring to his visit abroad, the Mirwaiz asserted that the institutions like the OIC and the UN in principle supported the cause of the people of Kashmir. “I have impressed upon the leaders of the OIC and the UN that the Kashmir issue is a major hurdle in the relations between India and Pakistan,” Mirwaiz said. He urged the world bodies to play an effective role and pave way for the resolution of the Kashmir issue. Mirwaiz Umar pointed out that the OIC was ready to extend all help to India and Pakistan for resolution of the Kashmir issue, provided the two neighbouring countries involve separatist leadership in the exercise.
	Trade, travel links important for Indo-Pak ties: Rather Tribune News Service Jammu, April 7 Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs Abdul Rahim Rather today called upon the External Affairs Ministries of India and Pakistan to broaden cross-LoC trade by removing all impediments to make it hassle-free and a mutually beneficial economic activity. Rather said the cross-LoC trade was a major confidence building measure (CBM) to bring the two neighbouring countries closer. He added that the cross-LoC trade also involved cultural and emotional attachments of people, living on both sides of the border. “Not only the cross-LoC trade but the cross-border travel restrictions also need to be relaxed to reunite divided families of the 1947 Partition,” Rather said while speaking at a function organised to release a survey report on the cross-LoC trade, based on the opinion poll and experiences of traders. The event coincides with the 7th anniversary of opening of the LoC for travel between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad, which was later opened to trade on October 21, 2008. The survey report has been formulated by the Indus Research Foundation, in association with the Centre for Peace, Development and Reforms, based at Mirpur, PoK, and supported by the Conciliation Resources, a London-based peace building organisation. Rather said people on both sides of the Indo-Pak border were geographically and culturally akin to each other, adding that time has proved that six decades of man-made partition couldn’t diminish their emotional and cultural attachments. He said given the significant developments on global liberalisation, time was ripe for rulers of both the sides to ponder on the yearning of the people for peace and coherence and remove all restrictions for free movement and trade across the borders.
	Penning emotions for folks across border Varun Suthra/TNS Jammu, April 7 Even in the age of Internet, residents of Kargil continue to have pen friends in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, on the other side of the border. They have maintained the tradition of sharing feelings through letters, which they claim is the best way of preserving the Balti and Sheena cultures. Sadiq Hardasi, a Balti writer, who is in Jammu to attend a literary programme, told The Tribune that they were in touch with their natives living in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir through the age-old tradition of letter writing and exchange of literature. “Around 70 per cent people from the Balti community were separated from us in 1947, when the Pakistan army attacked Kashmir. Most of our families were also displaced during the 1965 and 1971 wars with Pakistan. These incidents lead to a split in our society but we remained connected through literature,” he added. Exchange of letters helped serve many purposes for the Balti people as they not only shared their feelings but also became aware of the developments in society on the other side of the border. “I used to send books and letters to my natives and friends there to make them aware about our life and works. I recently sent five editions of Sheeraza, a quarterly magazine published by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, across the border.” Akbar Ali Khan, a Balti poet, said another tradition that had developed over the years was the mourning of loss of life in calamities and mishaps.
	45% dip in militancy this year: DGP Arteev Sharma Tribune News Service Jammu, April 7 Director General of Police Kuldeep Khoda today claimed that the state had witnessed a 45 per cent decline in militancy related incidents during the first quarter of the year as compared to last year. He attributed the constant dwindling number of militants to better synergy and coordination among security agencies. “Following better coordination and synergy among security agencies, the state has witnessed a decline of around 45 per cent in militancy related incidents. In the first three months of this year, 26 such incidents took place in the state, while the number for the same period last year was 46,” the DGP told mediapersons here. The overall decline in militancy related cases in 2011 was 47 per cent. Going by the other parameters of militant activities in the state, Khoda said the state had also witnessed a decline of 50 per cent in the number of civilian causalities at the hands of militants. “The security forces had suffered no loss while fighting militants in the first three months of this year. Last year, three security personnel had lost their lives in various encounters during the same period,” he claimed, adding that the number of militants killed this year was also more. The DGP also gave credit to the people for their cooperation in maintaining peace.
	SIT to probe Fai’s ‘anti-national’ role Will also look into Hafiz Saeed’s Kashmir links: DGP Arteev Sharma Tribune News Service Jammu, April 7 Days after a US court sentenced Kashmiri separatist Ghulam Nabi Fai to two years of imprisonment on charges of illegally working for the Pakistani intelligence agency, the ISI, the Jammu and Kashmir Police today said it would constitute a special investigation team (SIT) to probe his alleged anti-national activities during his stay in the state. The police said it would also issue red corner notices to Fai and others for their alleged involvement in anti-national activities. “We are constituting an investigating team under the Budgam SSP to carry forward the cases of these people (Fai and others) who figured in various anti-national crimes, anti-national cases or activities connected with our state,” Director General of Police Kuldeep Khoda told mediapersons at the Police Headquarters here this morning. The DGP was responding to a query on if there was any case pending against the 26/11 mastermind, Hafiz Saeed, against whom the US had announced $ 10m bounty, and others, including Ghulam Nabi Fai, in Jammu and Kashmir. “These cases will be carried forward and investigated to reach a logical conclusion, including issuance of red corner notices and other steps that are required to be taken in this regard,” Khoda said. “We have to carry forward cases of these people, whether it is Hafiz Saeed, Syed Sallauddin or Ghulam Nabi Fai, as they have figured prominently in these cases over the years.” On if the police was contemplating action against those who had written letters pleading Fai’s innocence, the DGP said: “We have certain records that indicate towards his involvement in anti-national activities before he disappeared from Jammu and Kashmir in the early 80s.” “During the course of investigation, the SIT will find out if action needs to be taken under the law. We can’t pre-decide whether someone is culpable and not. All this is based on evidence that comes to notice during the scrutiny of records and understanding of the legal implications of those actions,” he maintained. On if the SIT would deal with the issue of Fai’s links and activities in Jammu and Kashmir, the DGP said: “It has been constituted for all - Fai and other associates - who figure during the scrutiny of records of various activities that have taken place.” “I will not bind them (SIT) with any sort of do’s and don’ts. Let us see how it proceeds,” he remarked. A warrant under the Public Safety Act (PSA) issued by the then District Magistrate, Budgam, on August 4, 1980 against Fai for his alleged involvement in anti-national activities in Kashmir was still pending with the police. Responding to a question regarding the status of investigation in the multi-crore Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association scam, Khoda refused to divulge details, saying: “The police is investigating the matter and it will share all necessary details with the media once the investigation is completed.”
	National parties abetting crime, corruption, says Mehbooba Dinesh Manhotra/TNS Jammu, April 7 Expressing concern over “criminal silence” maintained by national parties on corrupt practices being adopted by the Omar Abdullah-led coalition government, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti today regretted that national parties were adopting double standards on corruption in the state. “Instead of highlighting corruption in the state, leadership of national parties has maintained a silence on the issue,” Mehbooba said while addressing a press conference at Jammu. “Be it the BJP or Congress or any other party, they have adopted different yardsticks while dealing with corruption in the state,” she maintained and regretted that corruption had crossed all limits in the state, but national parties were facilitating “crime-corruption” nexus in this part of the country. To substantiate her allegations, Mehbooba said that her party had vociferously taken up the issue of corruption in the just concluded Assembly session, but members of other political parties, especially the BJP, had maintained a silence on the issue. She cautioned that the silence of national parties on corruption in Jammu and Kashmir would be disastrous for the state. “Resentment has been brewing among all sections of society, especially among youth, because this government has indulged in large-scale backdoor appointments,” Mehbooba said and alleged that during the last three years hundreds of people had been appointed through backdoors by ignoring deserving and meritorious candidates. She mentioned about the large-scale backdoor appointments in the Housing and Urban Development Department and circulated some documents among mediapersons to substantiate her allegations. Coming down heavily upon the coalition regime for not paying wages to daily wagers and casual labourers, Mehbooba said the government had been giving the excuse of financial crisis, but more than 200 senior officials had been given extension in various departments at the cost of the state exchequer. The PDP chief today said the report prepared by the Centre’s Interlocutors on Kashmir was incomplete because they had not formally met some people. In an obvious reference to Hurriyat leaders, who have not met the three Interlocutors, she said some people whose role was important in the resolution of the Kashmir issue had not met the Interlocutors.
	Curbing Power Losses Govt jolt to legislators MLAs, MLCs told to spare Rs 25 lakh from development fund quota Sumit Hakhoo Tribune News Service Jammu, April 7 With transmission and distribution (T&D) losses in electricity crossing 63 per cent, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has asked the MLAs and MLCs to give Rs 25 lakh from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to improve high-tension/low-tension (HT/LT) lines and other infrastructure in their constituencies. Officials said the government wanted to ensure that the public representatives were held accountable for improving the supply system and curbing electricity theft, which was the main reason for the losses. Under new directions, the CDF grants of elected representatives have been enhanced from Rs 1 crore to Rs 1.5 crore from this fiscal year and an amount of Rs 25 lakh will be required to be spent on improving HT/LT lines. Though MLAs are not happy with the directions, the government has set a condition that if they are unable to adhere to the norm, the government will hold back its share. “The MLAs and MLCs have been vocal about the failure of the government in curbing power thefts and poor infrastructure. This move will involve them in the process of improving the distribution system,” said an official. The state is expected to suffer a loss of Rs 2,600 crore during 2011-12 fiscal on account of T&D losses, said Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather. During fiscal 2010-11, the state had suffered a loss of Rs 2,500 crore due to T&D losses, controlling which had become a major challenge for the Omar Abdullah-led coalition. The government has blamed the losses on theft and misuse of power by public, which, according to the Power Development Department (PDD), has been hampering the projects to streamline power in the state. Rather said: “We cannot take electricity losses anymore. Improving infrastructure is one of the ways to curb these. The cooperation of MLAs and MLCs is necessary.” Rather said a sum of Rs 1,665.27 crore was being spent under the flagship programme of the Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (R-APDRP) in 30 towns of the state with population of 10,000 and above (as per 2001 Census) to strengthen the sub-transmission distribution system, including the HT/LT system. A plan has already been formulated to extend the R-APDRP to 288 towns and other areas having population of 4,000 and above (Census 2011), for which detailed project reports have been formulated and are being sent to the Government of India for funding.
	Air service to Kargil from Srinagar, Jammu soon Tribune News Service Srinagar, April 7 Union Ministry for Civil Aviation has decided to operate a 78-seater Q-400 SpiceJet airplane from Srinagar to Kargil and Jammu to Kargil for which trial landing at the Kargil airport would start soon. This was stated by Minister for Transport Qamar Ali Akhoon after a detailed discussion with Union Minister for Civil Aviation Choudhary Ajit Singh in New Delhi today, an official spokesman said. The Union Minister told Akhoon that this decision had been taken by the Ministry on the basis of favourable reports submitted by teams headed separately by Director General, Airport Authorities of India (AAI), Bharat Bhushan and Deputy Director, AAI, Lalit Gupta, who in consultation with the Commissioner, Civil Aviation, Jammu and Kashmir, S Katoch, visited the mountainous district of Kargil last year to inspect facilities at the local air base for operating the passenger services. Ajit Singh said the 78-seater Q-400 SpiceJet airplane had been specially procured by the ministry to add it to the fleet of SpiceJet for operating exclusively in the snowbound areas like Kargil. He added that the Q-400 SpiceJet aircraft was highly suitable for Kargil, in view of its geographical and topographical conditions. While expressing his gratitude to the Central government for operating the proposed air service to Kargil, Akhoon requested to the Union Minister to constitute a committee in consultation with the state government for preparation of flight schedules and finalising of formalities for trial landing of the SpiceJet aircraft at respective places. The Union Minister has assured the state Transport Minister that the matter would be addressed at the earliest. Akhoon has thanked the Union Ministry on behalf of the Chief Minister of the state and people of Kargil for meeting their long-pending demand. He said the air service was the need of the hour, as the area remained landlocked during the winter months due to heavy snowfall. He said the people of Kargil, Drass and Zanskar were facing problems due to the closure of the Zojila pass so air service was important for the people of these areas.
	Shifting of darbar Chief Secy reviews arrangements Tribune News Service Srinagar, April 7 Chief Secretary Madhav Lal reviewed arrangements for the shifting of the annual darbar from Jammu to the summer capital later this month, by convening a meeting with senior officers and visiting the Civil Secretariat here yesterday. The Chief Secretary was informed that the Estates Department had arranged 1,285 residential quarters, out of which 780 were being provided to the employees, while 166 rooms were being allotted to senior officials by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation at TRC, Kanposh and Heemal hotels. Besides, 43 huts at Cheshmashahi were also being acquired to accommodate senior officers of the state. He was also informed that 115 hotels had been identified, having 3,287 rooms, to accommodate the officials. The Chief Secretary directed the officers concerned to speed up the construction projects so that they were completed within the stipulated period for the convenience of the employees. He also directed the officials to ensure uninterrupted water supply and proper sanitation in the residential quarters of the employees. He asked the CAPD authorities to make LPG cylinders available for the staff moving from Jammu to Srinagar, besides making adequate security arrangements. The meeting was attended by Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Asgar Hassan Samoon, Kashmir IGP SM Sahai and officials from tourism, information, transport and engineers departments, an official spokesperson said. During his tour of the Civil Secretariat, the Chief Secretary took stock of the renovation works being carried out. He also inspected the newly constructed additional block on the Civil Secretariat premises, besides the newly setup six offices and three meeting halls there.
	Ladakh body helps students cope with stress Malvika Sharma/TNS Jammu, April 7 Coming from a cocooned place like Leh where cultural norms are different from what is followed in cities, students from this region who study in other cities depend on the guidance provided by the Ladakh Student Association. Talking to The Tribune, president of the Ladakh Student Association Jigmet Rabgyas spoke about the emotional stress that students from Ladakh go through when they move out of their homes at an age of 16 or 17 years. The Association helps and provides counselling to these students. “We mostly provide counselling to students, who are out of school and looking for higher studies in various cities. It becomes difficult to choose the right subjects or courses sometimes, so we step in and provide free counselling to them. They are helped by experienced teachers and sometimes a psychologist,” said Dorji Amchuk, former president of the Ladakhi Student Association. While some students find solace in music and other activities to cope with home sickness, others cannot bear the separation from families. Some students take to alcohol, cigarettes and in rare cases use drugs to sustain themselves in new environments. “Since the education system is not as competitive as it is in other major cities, these students often fall into depression when they fail in entrance tests for graduate courses in various colleges,” added Norphel, a member of the Ladakh Student Association. Students argue that if the Ladakh region had strong infrastructure and adequate facility in schools the problem of moving out for further studies wouldn’t exist. The people in Ladakh have no other option but to send their children to other cities for good education that would help them get a good job later. Even as students have been demanding a Central University for the Leh region, the number of students stepping out of the region is increasing with each passing year. “We have around 5,000 students under the association. At times it becomes difficult to keep in touch with all of them, but we are trying our best to keep in touch with each student so that they do not feel neglected. Every year almost 200 to 300 students go to Chandigarh, Delhi, Jammu or Srinagar for higher studies. It is important to properly guide them so that they can cope with academic and cultural pressures,” said Rabgyas.
	Devotees throng Sufi shrine at Aishmuqam Srinagar, April 7 Thousands of devotees thronged the shrine of Khwaja Zain-u-Din Wali at Aishmuqam in south Kashmir on the annual Urs and offered special prayers inside the sacred cave. People from all parts of Kashmir and Kishtwar had assembled in large numbers to pay obeisance to the Sufi saint, who during his lifetime meditated and offered prayers at Aishmuqam. The people from all the areas light wooden torches to remember the occasion when Hazrat Zain-u-Din Wali defeated darkness and evil forces. Vice-Chairman of the Waqf Board MY Qadri was also present on the occasion. Earlier, Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag, Kifayat Rizvi personally monitored the arrangements of the Urs today. — TNS
	Man injured in shootout Katra, April 7 One person was injured in a shootout in the Parthal area on the city outskirts, police officers said here. They said Kewal Krishan, a resident of Parthal, was injured after his neighbour Vijay Kumar fired several rounds at him outside his house yesterday evening. Krishan was profusely bleeding and was immediately shifted to a hospital. The police officers added that preliminary investigations suggested that the reason behind the shootout was a land dispute. The accused has been arrested and a case has been registered. — OC
	Woman commits suicide Tribune News Service Srinagar, April 7 A woman committed suicide by hanging herself at her residential quarters inside the airport at Quail in Pulwama district of south Kashmir. The victim hails from Dadkhanda Khushsoor in Karnataka. Her husband is an employee at the airport, the police here said. Tourist injured A foreign tourist, Chuwing Cheong, from Hong Kong was injured when he was hit by a Maruti car on the Gagribal road, near Nehru Park. The injured was shifted to SKIMS, Soura, while the driver along with the vehicle fled the scene. House gutted A house suffered extensive damage when a fire broke out in a house at Buchoo village in the Kokernag area of Anantnag district in south Kashmir.