The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

	A first for CISF: Troopers to don riot gear Army training paramilitary force jawans in controlling mob in Valley Tribune News Service Srinagar, June 2 Six months after the Buniyar incident, in which a teenager was killed after Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) men opened fire in Baramulla district, the paramilitary force personnel are now being trained in controlling mob. The Army, which performs the dual role of guarding the Line of Control (LoC) and countering militancy in the hinterland of the Valley, is imparting the training to the CISF men. “After the firing incident at Buniyar, a need was felt by the security establishment to train the CISF men in the Valley in handling mob. A small incident involving any security agency can spark a cycle of protests. So we decided to train the CISF men,” Maj Gen Bipin Rawat, GOC, 19 Infantry Division, told The Tribune. This is the first time that the CISF, which is not directly involved in any counter-insurgency operation or handling of law and order situation in the state, is getting trained to handle protests. The CISF provides security and protection to various installations of national importance across the country and in Kashmir, it has been deployed to protect two National Hydro Power Corporation projects in Baramulla district. In the first phase, 30 jawans of the CISF, deployed at Uri-I — a 480 MW hydroelectric power station — are being trained. They will further train the other personnel. The jawans are being trained in dealing with street protests and stone throwers using minimal force and non-lethal weapons. “They are also being taught about the standard operating procedure to be followed while handling the protesters,” an official said. The CISF trainees are being trained at the 15 Corps Battle School at Khrew in Pulwama. On January 2, CISF men guarding the Uri-I power house had opened fire on people protesting against power cuts. An 18-year-old student, Altaf Ahmad, was killed in the firing. Almost a month later, the J&K police had filed a charge sheet in court, charging the CISF men under Sections 304 and 308 of the Ranbir Penal Code. The police had alleged that the CISF men had opened fire without provocation. The J&K Police had later arrested five CISF personnel, out of whom four were released on bail. The CISF and the state government were at loggerheads over the indictment of five CISF men for the killing. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had also hit out at the CISF over the killing by calling it a “murder”. The CISF had termed the action of the J&K Police against its men illegal, as they claimed that they were protected under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). The teenager’s death had triggered protests in Baramulla district. However, the situation was brought under control with the timely intervention of the police and the civil administration.
	Amarnath pilgrimage Governor conducts aerial recce of tracks Tribune News Service Srinagar, June 2 Governor NN Vohra today undertook an aerial reconnaissance of the Pahalgam-Sheshnag-Holy Cave-Panjtarni-Baltal circuit to assess the status of snowmelt along the two Amarnath yatra routes and at various camps along the tracks. He also reviewed the progress of the ongoing work on the clearance of tracks and management of logistics at various camps for the smooth conduct of the yatra, which is slated to begin from June 25. The Governor, who is also the Chairman of the SASB, accompanied by Navin K Choudhary, his Principal Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, flew to the holy cave but could not land there because of accumulation of snow on the helipad near the shrine. The Governor surveyed the Panjtarni and Sheshnag camps, which were still under the snow. Aerial survey could not take place in the morning from both Baltal and Chandanwari sides due to bad weather. The survey of the entire route was subsequently conducted in the afternoon, an official spokesperson said. A team of officials and engineers of the SASB as well as a group of state police officials also undertook a ground survey to assess the likely time frame within which men and material could be moved to establish vital facilities for the yatra. The Governor directed the deployment of additional manpower for the clearance of tracks and for putting in place various yatra-related facilities. He directed the CEO to ensure that all arrangements were made according to the timeline and reiterated the need for close coordination at all levels to facilitate the visiting yatris. From Baltal, the Governor drove to Domel and reviewed the track-clearance work, construction of entry gate and shelter by the Sonamarg Development Authority under the Disaster Management Plan. He also inspected additional toilets being set up at the Baltal base camp.
	Sarpanch injured in militant attack Tribune News Service Srinagar, June 2 Unidentified militants shot at and critically injured a sarpanch in Shopian district of south Kashmir yesterday. The police said Ishtiyaq Ahmad Paswal (30), a resident of Shalidar-Zrakan village and sarpanch of Halqa Zrakan, was attacked by unidentified militants near Vishroo in Keller yesterday night. “Paswal received multiple bullet injuries in his both legs and was taken to District Hospital, Shopian, by members of his family. He was later shifted to Bone and Joints Hospital in Srinagar,” said a police officer in Shopian. No militant outfit has so far claimed the responsibility for the attack. A case has been registered and the police has launched a hunt to nab the militants involved in the attack. There are around 33,000 sarpanches and panches in the state.
	Cong ministers in damage control mode Dinesh Manhotra Tribune News Service Jammu, June 2 Congress ministers have finally started establishing a direct link with party workers by visiting the party office to “inquire” about their problems, after the resentment shown by grass-root level workers against the non-serious attitude being adopted by party nominees in the government. Minister for Medical Education RS Chib, who reached the Congress headquarters this afternoon, faced some tough questions, as a number of Congress workers complained that party ministers had completely ignored grass-root level workers. Some of the Congress workers alleged that instead of giving importance to party workers, party ministers were giving preference to their blue-eyed boys. They said if such attitude of the ministers continued, the party would face problems in the near future. “It is a good beginning. We have been demanding that ministers should regularly visit the party office to inquire about the problems being faced by the workers,” senior vice-president of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee Dharampal Sharma said. He said the issue was raised by the party workers in the recently held conclave in Srinagar. “Ultimately the ministers have started the process,” he said and hoped that in the coming days more ministers would visit the party office and establish a direct link with the party workers. In the presence of senior leaders, the party workers openly expressed their anger against the party ministers. A Congress worker after participating in an interaction with the minister said since the formation of the National Conference-Congress coalition regime in the state, the party ministers were avoiding visit to the party office. “Instead of establish a direct link with the party workers, the ministers have confined their activities to their respective constituencies,” he said.
	Acting DGP for better synergy among forces Tribune News Service Srinagar, June 2 Acting Director General of Police K Rajendra today asked the officers of the Jammu and Kashmir Police and other security agencies to evolve a joint mechanism to ensure a peaceful Amarnath yatra. “There is a need for greater synergy at all levels to gain people’s cooperation and maintain law and order in the state during the yatra,” Rajendra said while chairing a meeting of police, paramilitary and intelligence officers. The meeting was convened prior to the visit of Union Special Secretary (Home) IS Chadda, who is arriving here to take stock of the arrangements made for the yatra. Rajendra also sought reports from the officers about the deployment of manpower drawn from the state police and other paramilitary forces. A detailed PowerPoint presentation was given by IGP (Kashmir Zone) SM Sahai, informing the officers that efficient arrangements would be made to keep the routes leading to the cave safe for pilgrims.
	Corruption rampant in state, says Rajnath Tribune News Service Srinagar, June 2 Former BJP president Rajnath Singh today said corruption was rampant in the state, as the party had received several complaints in this regard. Rajnath Singh, head of a party delegation on a study tour, while talking to mediapersons here, said the group would submit its report within three months. He said a number of delegations that had met the team had complained of “rampant corruption” in the state. He also pointed out that there were complaints of discrimination among the three regions of the state - Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh. Without divulging the details of the report, which he said would be submitted within three months, the senior BJP leader said all issues would be dealt with in the report. The party, seeking a resolution of the Kashmir issue within the framework of the Constitution, has also been favouring its resolution within the ambit of “humanity and justice”. The party leadership has been reiterating the stand of the former Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, who had during his Kashmir visit in August 2000 sought the resolution of the Kashmir issue “insaniyat kay dairay mein” (within the ambit of humanity). On the Indo-Pak talks, Singh held that the two neighbouring countries were talking about the menace of terrorism. The BJP delegation comprising MPs and MLAs arrived here yesterday and had series of meetings with various delegations as part of its study tour. The team also called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah here today. The team comprises Ravi Shankar Prasad, V Raj Patil, Ashok Khajuria and Shamsher Singh.
	Justice delivery system set to change: New CJ Saurabh Malik Tribune News Service Chandigarh, June 2 The new Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, Justice MM Kumar, is all geared up to oil the justice delivery mechanism to make it more effective. “One of my foremost priorities will be to organise the way the two Benches of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court function,” said Justice Kumar while interacting with The Tribune. Acting Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Justice Kumar’s name has already been notified as the Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court. He is expected to take oath as the Chief Justice sometime next week. Justice Kumar’s assertion is significant as the Jammu Bench and the Kashmir Bench currently have three judges each. Of the six Judges, two are brothers. It is believed that it becomes tough for either of the two to sit on the judgment seat against the orders passed by the other, while taking up appeals. The preparation of roster of duties and management of Benches, no wonder, is not an easy task. “The options are limited,” said Justice Kumar. “Moreover, shortage of Judges and pendency of cases are other issues that need attention,” he added. “As against the sanctioned strength of 14 Judges, there are just six judges in the Jammu and Kashmir High Court. Already the effect of the shortage is showing. Around 80,000 cases are pending adjudication there. I believe six names have been recommended for elevation as High Court Judges. It is to be seen when they actually join.” “We had a proactive approach while dealing with environmental issues in the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Heading the Green Bench, we have actually gone deep into the issues. It is heartening to see the Jammu and Kashmir High Court replicating the pattern as well,” he added. Citing an example, Justice Kumar said: “The Bench has recently displayed hands-on approach while dealing with a matter pertaining to the death of infants in the state. My efforts will be to ensure that active and fearless approach continues to be adopted while dealing with such issues.” Justice Kumar also made it clear that the scales of justice were tilted in favour of change, for the betterment of the state. Justice Kumar minced no words in saying that he was all set to bring about a change in the way justice was delivered to the masses. “The emphasis will not just be on the disposal of cases, but also on ensuring the delivery of quality justice,” he asserted, while indicating that the orders would be beyond just directions to the respondents to decide representations. The post of Jammu and Kashmir High Court Chief Justice had fallen vacant after the elevation of Justice FM Ibrahim Kalifulla to the Supreme Court. Justice Kumar is known for his impeccable integrity, calibre and administrative experience; and was elevated to the Bench on July 2, 2001. 15 Judges may attend ceremony At least 15 Judges and around 100 lawyers are expected to reach the Valley for Justice MM Kumar’s oath-taking ceremony as the Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court
	Srinagar Book Fair CM for inculcating reading habit in youth Tribune News Service Srinagar, June 2 Concerned at declining reading habit among the younger generation, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today underlined the need for inculcating book reading in youngsters to keep this culture alive. The Chief Minister said advancements in technology and growing influence of television channels, Internet and computers had driven the younger generation away from the habit. He was addressing a gathering of writers, educationists, students and lovers of literature after inaugurating the Srinagar Book Fair at SP College here. The Chief Minister welcomed the holding of the fair by the National Book Trust of India in Srinagar after 1986 and said it would help revive the habit of book reading among people. He said it was observed that the present generation was not so fond of reading books. “They instead watch television or remain busy on the Internet or play video games on computers,” he said, while stressing the need for developing the culture of book reading among young boys and girls. The Chief Minister said universities in the state and the National Book Trust of India could join hands in organising such fairs. Gani Malik, Minister for Higher Education Abdul; Mohammad Yousuf Taing, Deputy Chairman, Legislative Council; Talat Ahmad, Vice-Chancellor, Kashmir University; and Nazir Ahmad Gilkar, principal, SP College, were also present. Around 110 publishing houses from the state and outside have displayed books on various subjects in around 175 stalls set up at the arena. The highlights of the fair include interaction of prominent writers with students, seminars and “Mahfil-e-Gazal”. The fair will conclude on June 10.
	Lt Col Dhoni goes on front foot Wishes to serve the armed forces after hanging up boots Darshan Bharti and Ranjit Thakur Poonch/Rajouri, June 2 Captain of the Indian cricket team Mahendra Singh Dhoni today visited the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch and interacted with soldiers deployed on the Line of Control (LoC). It was his first visit after being appointed as the honorary Lt Col in the Territorial Army. Dhoni visited the forward posts at Hamirpur in Bhimber Gali to understand ground realities, the strategic importance of the posts and to boost the morale of soldiers deployed on the LoC. Dhoni also visited Rajouri and interacted with soldiers. “Today I got an opportunity to visit the forward posts to understand their strategic importance and to meet the soldiers. I am pleased to be here and I want to serve the Army actively. But cricket which brought me here is my first responsibility. After my retirement from cricket I will love to serve the Army on the forward posts,” Dhoni told mediapersons. On being asked whether Pakistani cricket team should visit India for a cricket series, Dhoni said, “We need to take an initiative, as cricket has played a key role in strengthening neighbouring relations. As a player I have to play for my country and perform. Both India and Pakistani cricket boards have to decide the dates.” On Sachin’s nomination as a Rajya Sabha member, Dhoni said, “It is a start to a new career for him and he will really contribute.” In his one-hour stay at Hamirpur, Dhoni met soldiers deployed on the posts in forward areas along the LoC. He also visited the forward posts near the fence and assessed the situation. Soldiers who met Dhoni said his visit to the LoC had recharged and encouraged them. They said these events boosted their morale and also inspired youngsters to join the Army.
	‘Army is my first love’ On a visit to Rajouri, Dhoni said, “The Army is my first love. My dream was to join the Army and serve the country before I started playing for India.” “My dream was fulfilled eight months ago when I joined the Territorial Army,” he said. “I had never expected that I would play for India. But I was quite sure that I would join the Army one day,” he said “It was a great experience for me to visit the border areas of Jammu and Kashmir. I was quite excited about this tour and wanted to meet the soldiers, who are ready to sacrifice their life for the country,” Dhoni said while interacting with the media. While speaking about cricket in the state, Dhoni said, “The Board of Control for Cricket in India is helping all the states by providing funds for improving infrastructure. As far as representing the nation, local players need to show their mettle on the field by playing good Ranji Trophy matches and other cricket matches.” During his month-and-a-half break, Dhoni will travel to Jammu, Rajouri, Uri, Srinagar and Leh and also visit the base camp of the Siachen glacier. Dhoni, who got commissioned as an officer in Parachute Regiment of the Territorial Army last year, will stay with the soldiers in their bunkers and camps during the tour till June 7. Meanwhile, a grand function was organised by Ace of Spades 25 division. Commanding Officer, 101 Infantry Battalion, Rajeev Thakur appreciated Dhoni’s role in the international cricket.
	Visit cancelled Srinagar, June 2 Amid fears of trouble, the proposed visit of Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni to witness tomorrow’s final of the Kashmir Premier League (KPL) at Baramulla has been cancelled. Dhoni will, however, interact with select KPL players at Thimaya Hall, Baramulla. — TNS
	2 arrested in Sopore grenade attack case Srinagar, June 2 The police claimed to have solved a case by arresting two suspected militants involved in a grenade attack on the Sopore police station. On May 19, a grenade was lobbed towards the Sopore police station in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district around 10 am, which exploded at the main gate of the police station, injuring four policemen and six civilians. The police initially suspected the involvement of Lashkar-e-Toiba in the attack. It is now blaming Hizbul Mujahideen militants for the attack. “We have arrested two militants involved in the grenade attack,” said SP, Sopore, Imtiyaz Hussain. He said during the course of investigation it surfaced that Hizbul militant Javid Ahmad Matoo alias, Saqib, a resident of Khushalmatoo, Sopore, had handed over a grenade to Ishfaq Shafi Kana of Jamia Qadeem, Sopore, on May 18 at his house. “Kana along with Saleem Mushtaq Beigh of Sopore had jointly hurled the grenade, which exploded near the main gate of the Sopore police station. On the basis of the testimony of eyewitnesses, the duo was identified and subsequently arrested,” the SP said. — TNS
	Rajendra, Khoda call on Governor Srinagar, June 2 Kuldeep Khoda, who retired as the DGP on May 31, called on Governor NN Vohra and briefed him about achievements of the police and targets to be achieved. The Governor also received Ashok Prasad, Additional Director, Central Intelligence, who is tipped to take over as the DGP of the state. K Rajendra, the acting DGP, called on the Governor and discussed internal security management issues, including security and traffic arrangements for the Amarnath yatra. Rajendra assured the Governor that the police would deploy efficient officers for the management of the yatra. — TNS