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Tamper-proof number plates
BSF women constables to man gates along border
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Baisakhi celebrated with fervour in Valley
Chhota Amarnath
Shah Rukh’s detention
not a big deal, says Omar
‘Examine KPs’ demands for reviving Dyaneshwar yatra’
NRHM staff in Doda demand pay hike
4 of family washed away in Chenab
Service Commission mulls recording KAS interviews
Guv bids farewell to agri varsity VC
Governor pays tribute to Ambedkar
Militant hideout busted in Kupwara
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Tamper-proof number plates
Jammu, April 13 Official sources said the department had sought explanation from the firm on the delay in setting up embossing stations and affixation centres-a prerequisite for fixing tamper-proof number plates. “The firm has been asked why its contract should not be cancelled. It (firm) has yet to initiate the process of setting up embossing and affixation stations, though the deadline for starting the process of fixing the HSRNPs is drawing near,” sources added. The state government had awarded the contract for the job to Hyderabad-based Promuk Horffmann International Limited (PHIL) in November 2011. Sources said the PHIL authorities were far behind schedule in the initiation of the process for providing over nine lakh vehicles with HSRNPs. The Transport Department would also initiate suitable legal action if it found any “laxity and slackness” on the part of the PHIL, sources added. Transport Commissioner and Chairman, State Transport Authority, Mehraj Ahmed Kakroo said the department had shot two notices to the firm, seeking explanation for “delay in the process”. “We are awaiting their response. We are determined to start the process of fastening tamper-proof plates according to the deadline fixed by the Supreme Court,” Kakroo asserted. On February 7, the Supreme Court had directed the states and Union Territories to start the tamper-proof number plate system by April 30 for new vehicles and June 15 for old vehicles. The HSRNP system is being introduced in compliance with the Supreme Court directive whereby all vehicle owners in the state would have to get their vehicles fitted with specially designed number plates. The Supreme Court had issued contempt notices to the governments of Jammu and Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh and Haryana for their failure to implement HSRNP system on August 30. Following the court ruling, the state government had filed an affidavit, seeking more time for the implementation of the system.
the misuse
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BSF women constables to man gates along border
Jammu, April 13 “The process to recruit women in the BSF across Jammu is still on. Once they complete their training, they are likely to be deployed at various gates on the fence so as to frisk women who have to go to the fields on the other side of the fence carrying food and water for their men daily,” said a senior BSF officer. It may be stated here that hitherto the BSF had been managing the affairs with the help of few selected women from forward villages but by and large the BSF jawans were manning the gates, much to the discomfort of women commuters. Security aspect apart, unplanned and hasty border fencing had heaped misery on poor farmers living close to the international border, whose agricultural fields had been fenced out. The restrictions in the form of fixed timings imposed by the BSF to go to their fields had also adversely affected their livelihood. The Tribune had already reported the issue mentioning names of villages like Pindi Camp, Pindi Chadkan, Kaku-De-Kothe, Rakh, Chanana, Pindi Kadwal, Changiya, Jabowal, Trewa, Kotla Camp and Chak Gorian in Bishnah tehsil where women faced problems in going to their fields on other side of the border fence. “The border fencing by the BSF had already hit us hard as major chunks of our agricultural fields have been fenced out, leaving us at the mercy of the BSF to take up cultivation. The minuscule presence of women on the gates has added to our problem,” said Mangal Dass of Changiya Village. He said the government had not so far compensated the farmers for the land occupied by the BSF for raising the fence. “Like in case of Kashmir Valley where rentals and compensations is being paid for the orchards and lands occupied by the security forces, the state government has so far failed to provide us any relief,” he added. The BSF had already re-aligned some portions of the border fence in the Jammu region, moving it close to the Zero Line in a bid to retrieve fenced out agricultural fields. |
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Communal harmony is warp & woof of state culture: Omar
Poonch, April 13 Speaking at a Baisakhi Mela at Dera Sant Pura Nangali Sahib in Poonch, Omar said celebration of festivals and holy occasions in unity and amity had been the characteristics of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said extending greetings to each other on different festivals added colour to the celebrations besides strengthening the bonds of love. Today’s Baisakhi festival that also marked the 313th foundation Day of Sikhism was celebrated in Poonch with fervour and gaiety. The main function was held at Dera Sant Pura Nangali Sahib where religious sermon and a fair were organised. Mahant Manjeet Singh, head of the dera, presented a sword and “siropa”
to Omar Abdhullah on the occasion. Dera also presented a charter of demands to the CM, demanding minority status to the Sikhs in the state, backward area status to Poonch district and ALC status to Poonch town. It also demanded permission to run university on the pattern of Baba Gulam Shah Badhshah University, Rajouri, and bring the Dera Nangali Sahib in state tourism map. The CM said some of the highlighted demands were already under serious
consideration of state government and action would be taken in that regard in near future. Thousands of pilgrims from Jammu, Srinagar, Punjab, Haryana and other parts of the country attended the religious sermon held on the occasion. The gurdwara has a historical background. It played an important role in spreading Sikhism in the region. A large number of followers of the dera are now settled in different parts of the world. Every year, on the eve of Baisakhi, most of them came to this place to pay obeisance. The fair began in the morning when the ashes of Sant Bhai Mela Singh (founder of Dera Sant Pura Nangali Sahib) were shown to the public. The ashes are displayed publicly only once a year on Baisakhi. Guru ka langar was also organised on the occasion. MoS, Home, Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Haveli Ajaz Jan, MLC Jahangir Mir, Poonch DDC AK Sahu and Poonch SSP Ashkoor Ahmed Wani were among the prominent persons present on the occasion. |
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Tunnelway project brings education, healthcare facilities
Jammu, April 13 Once completed, the 9 km-long tunnel will connect Chenani in Udhampur district with Nashri in Ramban district. The regional head and vice-president of Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services Transportation Networks Limited, an extended arm of CNTL, Col (retd) Maqbool Shah, said Parivartan is a unique initiative in the state offering need-based interventions in education, employment and empowerment for development to the communities along the roads being built by the company. “We have launched the project in Jammu and Kashmir with a focus on education enhancement, skills development and health support - three important elements that can sustain, provide for and empower a better quality of life for the communities along the Chenani-Nashri stretch of the Kashmir highway,” said Shah. Over 40 schools, including 22 primary schools and two higher secondary schools, have already been identified along the Chenani-Nashri stretch where we will be augmenting their infrastructure by providing computers, furniture, water and hygienic toilets besides enhancing educational skills of the teachers, added Shah. He said interventions via “digital classrooms” will enable the students to learn better with the new-age technology. “Innovative programmes in English and Maths along with building teacher capacity will equip the schools towards sustainable education,” he added. He said, “In due course of time, more government schools in the area will be roped in under Parivartan.” On April 7, World Health Day, we launched Parivartan mobile health clinic, which will complement the primary healthcare facilities of the government and provide the community easy access to quality health services, he said. The mobile health clinic costing Rs 1 crore and operated by Wockhardt Foundation has a patient’s bed, doctor’s chair, stretcher, basic diagnostic equipment and general medications, said Shah. The van is being manned by an MBBS doctor and a para-medic to provide free health check-ups, medications and diagnostic tests for typhoid, dengue, malaria, diabetes, haemoglobin and hepatitis. As many as 12 Parivartan points have been identified along the Chenani-Nashri stretch where the van will visit as per a fixed time-table. TUNNEL TO DEVELOPMENT
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Martyrs remembered on Rajouri Day
Rajouri, April 13 The chief guest of the function was Brig TK Chawla, Station Commander, Rajouri, who paid homage to the martyrs during wreath-laying ceremony held at the Gujjar Chowk in presence of gathering of senior Army and civil administration officers, schoolchildren and locals. Brig Chawla highlighted importance of the day and exhorted all for a similar display of patriotism towards the nation. He stressed on the Army’s commitment towards maintaining peace in the region. Speaking to the media on sidelines of the function, Brig Chawla said, “It is an important day for people of Rajouri. We have organised 10-day celebrations with the coordination of civil administration and schoolchildren.” The war memorial at the Gujjar Mandi is opened for two days, which strengthens the bond between the Army and public, he said. Number of students participated in various cultural activities like patriotic songs, Punjabi folk dance and cycle race with great enthusiasm. The main function of the Rajouri Day celebration is on 14 April, in which Core Commander AS Nandal will be the chief guest. |
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Baisakhi celebrated with fervour in Valley
Srinagar, April 13 The white-marbled shrine, located 3km away from the Hazratbal shrine, is a hub for the religious gatherings of the Sikhs in the Valley. “The Chattipadshahi Gurdwara has historical significance for us. The sixth Guru of Sikhs Guru Hargobind Sahib had visited this gurdwara during the Mughal period. He also visited the Chattipadshahi Gurdwara at Baramulla (in north Kashmir),” All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee chairman Jagmohan Singh Raina told The Tribune. “Even though every household of the Sikh community in Kashmir celebrates the Baisakhi in nearby gurdwaras, the main functions take place at the Chattipadshahi gurdwaras at Rainawari and Baramulla,” he added. Traditionally, after prayers at the gurdwaras, Sikhs and members of other religious communities used to visit the Mughal Gardens of the city like Nishat, Shalimar and Harvan located on the banks of Dal Lake. However, rainy weather dampened Baisakhi celebrations at these gardens. Earlier, the government used to throw open the doors of the Mughal Gardens on Baisakhi, but this year, the gardens were opened more than a week in advance in view of the inflow of tourists. |
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Chhota Amarnath
Jammu, April 13 Interacting with a delegation of Sharda Mata Trust, Bantalab, the Governor directed the Chief Executive Officer of the board, Naveen Choudhary, to study the feasibility of throwing open the shrine for pilgrimage, which has remained closed since the eruption of militancy in the Valley. Dyaneshwar Cave is one of the Shivdhams along with Amarnath, Sureshwar, Harsheshwar and Mahadev Peak. The cave shrine is popular with Kashmiri Pandits, particularly those who cannot visit the Amarnath shrine in the upper reaches of Pahalgam. A 50-foot-long passage leads to the cave where a “Shivling” is located. The delegation led by former Minister Usman Majid also submitted a memorandum suggesting that the yatra be allowed to commence from July 31 to August 3 this year. The delegation urged the authorities to ensure proper facilities, including medicare, tents, security, etc. for the pilgrims at Sharda Mata Temple at Kalusa and Narayan Nag, besides the Maha Dyaneshwar cave. |
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Shah Rukh’s detention
not a big deal, says Omar
In an apparent reaction to the excessive coverage given to Shahrukh’s detention, Omar tweeted: “Honestly what’s the big deal? This airport detention thing happens all the time and
to all sorts of people. Get over it.” His comment drew interesting reactions from his followers on the micro-blogging website, Twitter. While those who were not aware of the detention episode sought details from the Chief Minister over his tweet, another follower, Ashutosh Deshpande opined that Omar for the first time ever had posted a “pro-nation” tweet. “That tweet regarding SRK was perhaps your only decent and pro-nation tweet in ur history. Keep it up and start improving,” he said. However, Omar took
the comment on a lighter note, responded by tweeting: “Damn, now that you have certified it I regret tweeting it.” Shahrukh was reportedly detained at a New York airport for over two hours by immigration officials after arriving from India in a private plane with Nita Ambani, wife of industrialist Mukesh Ambani. |
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‘Examine KPs’ demands for reviving Dyaneshwar yatra’
Jammu, April 13 While interacting with a delegation of the Sharda Mata Trust, Bantalab, the Governor directed the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), SASB, Navin Kumar Choudhary, to check the feasibility of throwing open the shrine for pilgrimage which has remained closed since the eruption of militancy in the Valley. The Dyaneshwar cave is one of the Shivdhams along with Amarnath, Sureshwar, Harsheshwar and Mahadev Peak, which is revered by the Kashmiri Pandits since ancient times. The cave shrine has been popular among Pandits, particularly living in north Kashmir, who would not be able to visit the Amarnath in the upper reaches of Pahalgam on the occasion of Shrawan Purnima. Delegation led by former minister Usman Majid also submitted a memorandum suggesting that the yatra be allowed to commence from July 31 to August 3 this year. The delegation urged the authorities to ensure proper facilities, including medicare, tents and security, for the pilgrims.
— TNS |
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NRHM staff in Doda demand pay hike
Udhampur, April 13 The demand was raised in a meeting organised at Doda on Tuesday under the chairmanship of district president, NRHM Workers’ Association, Dr Hamid Parray, who highlighted various problems being faced by NRHM staff. He urged the Union Health Ministry and the state authorities concerned to enhance the salary of doctors, paramedics and other NRHM staff. Dr Parray said the doctors working under this Centrally-sponsored scheme were being paid Rs 35,000 per month in other states as compared to just Rs 19,000 in Jammu and Kashmir. “We want an early end to this step-motherly treatment to the doctors and other staff members, who are working in adverse geographical and climatic conditions in Jammu and Kashmir,” he added. General Secretary of the association Dr Saba Khanam alleged that rural area incentive was not being given to those working in far-flung areas of the mountainous district. The association demanded that 2,500 vacant posts in the Health Department should be filled.
— TNS |
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4 of family washed away in Chenab
Ramban, April 13 The police said five members of a family were on their way to Maitra from Ramban town via the Karol Bridge when their vehicle skidded off the road and fell into the Chenab. A woman, who was among one of the family members, had a miraculous escape as she fell out of the vehicle before it met with the accident. The deceased were identified as Shiyad Begum (45), her daughter Rizwan (22) and son Shabir Ahmed (7), and Tanvir (24). The lone survivor was identified as Siba Bano (24). The police said the district administration pressed into service Quick Reaction Teams and volunteers of the Red Cross Society and Civil Defence to retrieve the bodies. |
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Service Commission mulls recording KAS interviews
Jammu, April 13 In the 2011 J&K Combined Competitive Examination, more than 2,500 candidates had appeared in the main examination. Out of them, 503 qualified for the interview. The Committee on Subordinate Legislation, which submitted its report on the floor of the Assembly on March 29 this year, made a number of suggestions to ensure selection of meritorious and deserving candidates in the competitive examination popularly known as KAS. Although decisions on other suggestions made by the Assembly panel are yet to be taken, the JKPSC has been seriously considering conducting audio-video recording of interviews. “Last year also, a similar proposal was made, but we could not adopt that. This year, the JKPSC is considering the option of recording interviews,” said JKPSC Additional Secretary Ghulzar Ahmad Dar. |
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Guv bids farewell to agri varsity VC
Jammu, April 13 Others present at the function included First Lady Usha
Vohra; Dr AR Trag, VC, Islamic University of Science and Technology,
Awantipore; Prof RNK Bamezai, VC, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University and Dr Tej
Partap, VC, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir.
— TNS |
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Governor pays tribute to Ambedkar
Jammu, April 13 He also recalled Dr Ambedkar’s contribution towards nation-building, particularly in regard to the uplift of the weaker sections of society.
— TNS |
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Militant hideout busted in Kupwara
Srinagar, April 13 The arms and ammunition recovered included one AK 47, 234 AK rounds, a pistol magazine, an IED switch, four AK 47 magazines, one Chinese pistol, two Chinese grenade and 12 detonators.
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Jammu, April 13
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