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Admn foils Saffron bid to start Amarnath yatra
GB Pant Hospital
Iranian Ambassador calls on Governor
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Farooq asks JKCA treasurer to manage affairs in his absence
Women panchayat members barely empowered
PDP MLA meets protesting youth corps volunteers
Teachers call for secretariat gherao as employees mull indefinite strike
Lt Col Dhoni meets Northern Command chief
Work hard, Mahi tells local cricketers
Militancy on the wane in Bandipore, development gets boost
State panel to monitor
Centre-sponsored projects
Doda road project clearance hailed
Stone for water project laid
Local support for Hazare-Ramdev campaign
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Admn foils Saffron bid to start Amarnath yatra
Jammu, June 3 Nearly 400 activists were detained in Jammu and Kathua districts, as they were adamant on undertaking the pilgrimage. The authorities had imposed Section 144 of the CrPC in both the towns late last night, restricting the assembly of more than four people. Sources said the administration had deployment more CRPF and IRP personnel along the Kathua-Punjab border to foil attempts by VHP and Bajrang Dal activists to undertake the yatra before the fixed date. “All entry points along the Kathua-Punjab border have been sealed and all vehicles entering the Valley through Lakhanpur are being thoroughly checked,” the sources said. An official spokesperson of the SASB said there was a heavy accumulation of frozen snow on routes leading to the cave shrine and it would not put the lives of pilgrims at risk by allowing them to undertake the yatra. The Board has announced that the Amarnath yatra would start from June 25 and will conclude on August 2. In Jammu, nearly 700 VHP and Bajrang Dal activists, including women from various parts of the country, assembled at Parade Chowk this morning and demanded that the pilgrimage should be extended to 60 days, commencing from June 3, instead of 39 days fixed by the SASB. They took a dig at the state government for hurting the sentiments of people by not allowing them to start the yatra from June 3 as per the “traditional calendar”. They continued their protest for over two hours and later decided to take out a procession in the winter capital before leaving for Kashmir. The activists also had a minor scuffle with police personnel after the latter stopped them from marching towards the Raghunath temple. The activists were detained for violating prohibitory orders and were taken to Yatri Niwas at Bhagwati Nagar in 10 State Road Transport Corporation buses. Governor NN Vohra, who is the Chairman of the SASB, had yesterday conducted an aerial reconnaissance of the Pahalgam-Sheshnag-Holy Cave-Panjtarni-Baltal circuit to assess the status of snowmelt along both the yatra routes and at various camps along the tracks. The police detained 62 VHP, Bajrang Dal and BJP activists near the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Kathua after they attempted to board buses from Kali Bari towards Srinagar. Deputy Commissioner, Kathua, Zahida Parveen Khan said they had specific inputs that some miscreants could disrupt peace. “We have not imposed Section 144 of the CrPC for pilgrims. It has been enforced to restrict the assembly of those who are bent to disrupt peace. It will remain in force for the next couple of days,” she said. Reports said similar protests were witnessed in Reasi and Samba districts, where the police detained some VHP and Bajrang Dal activists. The VHP has decided to make another attempt tomorrow to start the yatra. |
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GB Pant Hospital
Srinagar, June 3 The government has been facing severe criticism following the death of 483 infants at the hospital since January this year. “The Chief Secretary is directed to fill all vacant post in the hospital within three months. Till the appointments are made, the government should take all appropriate measures to improve the functioning of GB Pant Hospital,” the court order said. The High Court is hearing two public interest litigations (PILs) seeking directions to the state government to order an inquiry into “exceptionally high rate” of infant deaths in the hospital and provide compensation to the families of the victims. The state government had submitted a status report about the hospital in the court on Friday. The report suggested that most of the 111 sanctioned posts of doctor were lying vacant in the hospital. The government report also revealed that 87 infants had died in the hospital in January, 98 in February, 101 in March, 87 in April and 110 in May. A public outcry over the high number of infant deaths in May had forced the government to attach the then Medical Superintendent, Javed Chaudhry. Due to the increasing number of neonatal deaths, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had ordered a probe into the matter. The probe is being conducted by Showkat Zargar, Director, Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), who is yet to submit his report. |
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Iranian Ambassador calls on Governor
Srinagar, June 3 During the hour-long meeting, the Governor and the Iranian Ambassador recalled the centuries old historical and cultural relations between the two countries. The Iranian Ambassador also called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah this morning. Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Qamar Ali Akhoon and Minister for Animal Husbandry Aga Syed Ruhulla were also present. Also, Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand called on the Governor and discussed issues related to the implementation of various Centre-sponsored schemes for urban development and urban poverty alleviation. “The Governor stressed the need for ensuring planned development of Katra and its surrounding areas. The Deputy Chief Minister briefed the Governor about the factors delaying the Dal Lake Project and informed him about the envisaged time frame for the long-pending elections to the municipal bodies,” an official said. |
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Farooq asks JKCA treasurer to manage affairs in his absence
Jammu, June 3 Sources said Farooq who was on a visit to the Valley recently, took this decision before leaving for a month-long tour to London. The sources said the JKCA chief after receiving the preliminary internal inquiry report from the in-house probe committee had expressed shock over the misuse of BCCI funds by some JKCA officials. Farooq approached Wazir and offered him the assignment. Initially, Wazir expressed his inability to take the responsibility, especially in the backdrop of the ongoing probe into the scam, but Farooq somehow managed to convince him. Wazir while confirming the development said, “Yes, I have been entrusted the responsibility by JKCA president Dr Farooq to run the affairs of the association during his absence.” “It is indeed a matter of great pride for me that JKCA president has reposed faith in my abilities and asked me to ensure smooth running of affairs of the association,” he added. “Strengthening of the working committee and to ensure accountability of office-bearers are among the top priorities,” the JKCA treasurer said, adding “It is a great challenge to accomplish the task, especially when the probe in the multi-crore cricket scam is in full swing.” “Right now our main focus should be on making everybody accountable for their tasks in the association. This will help improve the tarnished image of the JKCA,” he said. “The JKCA will soon conduct a meeting to decide the future course of action.” |
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Run to promote philately
Srinagar, June 3 The race, in which around 200 students from 12 different schools of the summer capital participated, was flagged off by Chief Post Master General, J&K Circle, John Samuel. The 3-km run started from the banks of Dal Lake, near the Floating Post Office, and concluded at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre. In the boys’ category, Nadeem Azad of Green Valley School finished first, while Iram Imtiyaz, from the same school, bagged the first position in the girls’ category. “It is an attempt to bring the post office closer to schoolchildren and promote philately among them,” said Samuel on the holding of the run. The department had organised school stamp shows across the city over the past one month to promote philately among students. |
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Women panchayat members barely empowered
Jammu, June 3 “As I am a housewife, my male colleagues usually visit my home to get my signatures on decisions taken by the panchayat,” she said while admitted that she was not aware of the rights of the panchayat members. Anu Radha is not an isolated case, as a majority of women panchayat members, who were part of an orientation programme organised by the ruling National Conference, were not aware of their rights. Some of them were not even aware of the name of gram sewaks of their respective panchayats. Neelam Devi, a panchayat member from Jagto Chak, said: “I have rarely attended a meeting of the panchayat in the past one year, as the other members seldom inform me about the meetings.” Garo Devi, another panchayat member, said: “For a housewife like me, one year is isn’t enough to learn the intricacies of the system. I used to avoid getting involved in the functioning of the panchayat earlier, but I have become more active now,” she said. “The people of my village have reposed faith in me, so it is my duty to live up to their expectations,” she added. Another member, Arti Devi, opined that the government should start a special orientation programme for women members to educate them about their rights. “Training programmes exclusively for women members should be started,” she suggested. |
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PDP MLA meets protesting youth corps volunteers
Srinagar, June 3 PDP MLA from Bandipora Nizamuddin Bhat visited the protesting volunteers, who have been camping in the Press Enclave area, here since Monday. “The volunteers are on a hunger strike for a week, but no minister has come to meet them so far. This authoritarian attitude will bring disaster to the state….The employees’ union too should join them so that their demands are met,” the PDP MLA told mediapersons. Flaying Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for “failing” to empower youth, he said: “The claims of the Chief Minister that he represents the youth are turning out to be false. Instead of spending money on Cabinet meetings (in rural areas), the government should utilise the money to safeguard the future of the youth.” Bhat was referring to the government’s recent decision to hold Cabinet meetings in rural areas of the state. He said the PDP would take some steps for the NYC volunteers, if the government continued to overlook their concerns. The NYC volunteers are on a hunger strike to seek extension of their contracts. They were engaged as National Youth Corps volunteers in 2010 and posted in various departments like Rural Development, Youth Services and Sports, Tourism, Finance and Social Welfare. “We do not want regularisation of our services. We want that we should be allowed to continue our services,” a protesting NYC volunteer said. He said they would continue their hunger strike as long as the government does not reach out to them and address their concerns. |
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Teachers call for secretariat gherao as employees mull indefinite strike
Srinagar, June 3 “On Teacher’s Day last year, Chief Minister (Omar Abdullah) had promised us that our issues would be addressed. If no action is taken by June 25, around 50,000 teachers will march to the secretariat for the gherao on June 26,” JKTF chairman Abdul Qayoom Wani said while addressing a press conference here. The JKTF demands include filling of vacant posts in the Education Department, regularisation of Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) teachers and Education Volunteers (EVs) and increase in their remuneration besides implementation of transfer policy for the ReT teachers. “The ReT teachers and EVs are given a monthly remuneration of Rs 1,500 and Rs 1,000, respectively. How can they make both ends meet?” Wani said. The Joint Consultative Committee (JCC), an amalgam of various employees’ bodies, has already called for a fresh secretariat gherao programme from June 13 to 15. Meanwhile, Wani, who also is a senior JCC leader, threatened that the employees might go on an indefinite strike if the government failed to address their demands. “We have given a breather to the government and we may even go for an indefinite strike if the government continues its step-motherly treatment,” he said. However, Wani said the educational institutions would be exempted if the employees decided to go on an indefinite strike. The JCC demands include release of arrears recommended by the Sixth Pay Commission, enhancement of retirement age from 58 to 60 years and regularisation of daily wagers and casual workers working in various departments. |
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Lt Col Dhoni meets Northern Command chief
Udhampur, June 3 During his brief stay, Dhoni called on Lt Gen KT Parnaik, GOC-in-C, Northern Command, and his wife. He also interacted with Army officers, jawans and a large number of students of Army Public School. The students were excited to have a glimpse and autograph of the cricket star. An honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the elite Parachute Regiment of Territorial Army, Dhoni in his brief formal address to the gathering appreciated the valour of the Army in protecting the borders with unmatched commitment and patriotism. He left for Srinagar to visit the forward areas in the Kashmir valley. He will later visit Leh and the base camp of Siachen, world’s highest battlefield, and interact with the troops deployed there. |
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Work hard, Mahi tells local cricketers Baramulla, June 3 And an honorary Lieutenant Colonel Dhoni, like a true Army commander, not only suggested them ways of making it big in cricket, but also told them the secrets of achieving success. “You have to work hard to get noticed. You do not have to wait for opportunities, instead you have to snatch them,” Dhoni told a group of local cricketers and students during a 40-minute interaction at Thimaya Hall, Baramulla. Dhoni was scheduled to witness the final of the Kashmir Premier League (KPL) in the town today, but the programme had to be cancelled reportedly due to security concerns. The KPL was launched last year by the Army in collaboration with the state government to provide a platform for cricketers of the Valley. The Indian cricket team captain told the youngsters that the situation in Kashmir and its harsh weather should not deter them from making their mark in cricket. “The weather conditions in England are harsher than those in Kashmir, but the cricketers have been doing exceptionally well there,” he added. For youngsters who had gathered for the interaction, it was a dream come true.
“Dhoni is an icon for the youth and getting a chance to interact with him has boosted our morale,” said fast bowler Mehraj-ud-Din Dar, from Sopore, a separatist bastion. Another cricketer Muzzaffar Ahmed from Baramulla said he had been waiting to meet the cricketer for quite some time. “We had expected Dhoni to witness the KPL final, but it did not mature. But we were still lucky to have got a chance to listen to his advise, which would keep us in good stead,” he said. Interacting with mediapersons, Dhoni reiterated his stance in favour of Indo-Pak cricketing ties. “It is up to the two boards now to decide the schedule for the matches,” he said. Dhoni also praised the Indian Army and said it was the most motivated and professional Army in the world. “I met jawans at the Kaman post along the Line of Control and their motivation level was very high. We shared our experiences with each other,” he said. On Sachin Tendulkar’s new innings as a Rajya Sabha member, Dhoni said: “I am sure Sachin will do well and contribute there also.”
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Militancy on the wane in Bandipore, development gets boost
Bandipore, June 3 A 57-km-long winding road along the Jhelum and the peripheries of the Wullar Lake from Srinagar to Bandipore district headquarters shows that it has been neglected by the civil administration for two decades. Even as the repair work has been started on the road, it doesn’t seem to be enough. Development issues are getting the attention of the authorities in the district and militancy is also declining. There has been just one infiltration attempt in the Bhagtore area of Gurez sector in August last year, which was foiled by the Army. Thirteen militants were killed in the incident. “The situation is under control,” said Brig Anil Puri of 81 Mountain Brigade. He said separatists across the LoC did not want the situation on this side to be under control. “The sector has been nonporous since last year,” said Brig Puri, adding that no attempts have been made by militants along this line since the infiltration attempt last year. “We have to ensure that they (militants) do not get in,” the Army officer said. Seven militants were killed in the lone encounter with militants which took place in the Chhandaji area in October 2010. Due to its proximity to the LoC, the area has witnessed a huge influx of armed militants since the eruption of militancy in 1989, making it a transit route for militants, people in the security forces believe. They say the number of militants present in the area could be only five, out of whom at least two are believed to be foreigners. “They are on a survival (passive) mode, as militant leadership in and around the area has been wiped out,” said Brig Puri. A number of top militants and their leaders were killed in the Lolab and Rajwar areas of Kupwara district adjacent to this sector during the recent months. While the police, CRPF, other security agencies and the civil administration have put their best foot forward to ensure peace and overall development, there has been a “sea change” in the situation. “We are using soft power to help people in all possible ways,” Brig Puri said, asserting that various programmes have been undertaken to help educated youth. “The educated and unemployed youth need to be engaged and their energy needs to be channelised into constructive activities, as they are a ready recruit for separatist elements,” Puri said while commenting on the ongoing skill development programme ‘Auth Roat’ (helping hands). “Now, people are more interested in development issues than militancy,” he said and added that the people were “shunning militancy” on their own. |
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State panel to monitor
Centre-sponsored projects
Jammu, June 3 The committee headed by Chief Secretary Madhav Lal and senior officers of the Planning Department aims to create better understanding with Central agencies for completing schemes directly being implemented by the Union government. The PMRP has three components --- state sector projects to be implemented by J&K, Central projects to be implemented by the state, and Central projects to be executed by the Union government. A senior officer from the Planning Department said the delay has been mainly due to the technical problems on account of hiccups at the local level. The delay in projects, mostly related to power schemes, setting up of tourist villages and lake conservation, has led to escalation of costs. “The total cost of these projects is around Rs 6,341.35 crore. The funding of such projects is directly controlled by the Union ministries and the state has no say,” said a Planning Commission official. Chief Secretary Madhav Lal said: “We have created a monitoring mechanism to keep track of the works being executed. Most of the projects taken up by the state are running smoothly, but there’s concern about Central sector projects.” Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during his visit to the state in 2004 had announced Rs 27,000-crore reconstruction plan comprising 67 projects, broadly aimed at expanding the economic infrastructure and income generation. The state has so far received three extensions. The five-year term had expired in 2008-09 and was extended by the Centre for 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12 financial years. |
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Doda road project clearance hailed
Udhampur, June 3 In a meeting organised at Doda under the chairmanship of the working president of the District Congress Committee, Doda, Mohammad Hanif Shah, district and block level leaders along with sarpanches and some former councillors highlighted the contribution of MLA Doda Abdul Majid Wani for conceiving and pursuing the project aimed at ensuring infrastructure and economic development of the region. The need for the construction of an alternate national highway had been highlighted for a long time to link Udhampur district to the Kashmir valley via Chenani, Mantalai, Sudhmahadev in Udhampur district and Marmat, Doda-Dessa in Doda district and Kapran in the Kashmir valley. Wani said this would help decongest the Jammu-Srinagar national highway, which remained clogged throughout the year, especially during the annual tourist season and the Amarnath yatra. Due to traffic jams, the normal 7 to 8 hour journey takes almost double the time to reach
Doda, Bhaderwah and Kishtwar. Wani observed that the road project would provide a new tourist circuit to people visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine and the Shri Amarnath shrine via Doda district. |
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Stone for water project laid
Rajouri, June 3 The scheme, which is expected to cost Rs 4.78 crore, will cater to the drinking water requirements of over 10,000 people living in the border area. Addressing a public gathering, the minister said the government had taken several steps to push forward the development of the state, with special focus on upgrading infrastructure in vital areas. The minister said power infrastructure in the Panjgrian border area would be upgraded. A project report of Rs 1.1 crore had been submitted to the Centre for approval under the R-APDRP. Also, work on constructing a power station at Gambier Brahmana was under way and would cost Rs 2.62 crore. The area would get improved power supply once the project got completed, he added. He said several projects in key sectors like PHE, R&B, education, power and health were already under way. He also laid the foundation stone of a middle school building at Chanba. The building will come up at a cost of around Rs 15 lakh. |
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Local support for Hazare-Ramdev campaign
Rajouri, June 3 At least 40 people under the banner of Patanjali Yogpeeth, Rajouri unit, headed by Kastori Lal Sharma, submitted a memorandum to District Development Commissioner Sawjat Biswas as a show of support. They raised slogans in support of the two activists outside the District Development Commissioner’s office and demanded action against those involved in corruption. Anna Hazare and Baba Ramdev sat on a fast in the national capital today, demanding stronger action against corruption, the return of black money stashed away by Indians abroad as well as a stronger Lokpal Bill.
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