The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

	Army chief, Omar discuss security Gen visits forward posts along LoC, praises troops Ehsan Fazili/TNS Srinagar, June 16 Army Chief General Bikram Singh today called on Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and discussed security situation in the state with him. The Chief of Army Staff also visited forward posts along the LoC and interacted with officers and troops. “Various matters relating to prevailing security situation in the state were discussed during the meeting between Gen Singh and the Chief Minister GoC-in-C Northern Command, Lt Gen KT Parnaik and GoC 15 Corps Lt Gen Om Prakash were also present in the meeting, an official spokesman said. Visiting the forward posts later in the day, he laid stressed on secular and apolitical ethos of the Army. The General praised the troops for their state of preparedness and high morale. “Gen Singh was appreciative of the initiatives undertaken by the Northern Command and in particular the Chinar Corps for maintaining peaceful environment in the Valley,” a defence spokesman said. Addressing the officers at the Chinar Corps, he exhorted them to continue to do their duties with added zeal while scrupulously upholding the law of the land, respecting human rights and undertake synergised people-friendly operations. The General arrived on a two-day visit yesterday, his first to the Valley after taking over as the Army Chief.
	3 cops held for links with militants Majid Jahangir Tribune News Service Srinagar, June 16 The Jammu and Kashmir Police has arrested three policemen for their alleged links with militants. The arrested policemen, associated with the Intelligence Wing of the police, were under the scanner for their “involvement in recent militant attacks”. It is believed that they had “provided logistic support” to militants, who carried out attacks in Srinagar recently. A police spokesman said the three policemen were taken into custody and a case was registered. “During the course of the investigation in a case registered under Section 10,13 and 18 of the Unlawful Prevention (Activities) Act and Section 3 of the Police Enhanced Penalties Ordinance of the Shergari police station, it surfaced that a police constable was also involved and was in touch with anti-national elements. Further investigations revealed that two more constables were involved in such activities. The three constables have been taken into custody and their conduct is being scrutinised,” the spokesman said. While senior police officers are silent about the detention of the three policemen, the police admits the trio was being questioned for their role in militant activities. A police officer privy to the investigations told The Tribune that “they were rogue policemen and were working for militants to earn money.” The officer said they were questioning the trio to establish whether it was an isolated incident or an organised network. Sources said the three selection grade constables of the CID were “planted” in militant ranks for gathering information and to establish contacts with militants and their over ground workers. The policemen were also supposed to keep an eye on militants, who were trying to launch attacks in the city. They were also supposed to keep there officers well informed about the militant plans. The lid on the nexus was taken off few days ago when a police constable was picked up on suspicion, after it was found that he was in touch with a militant commander in the Tral area of south Kashmir. “After the policeman was arrested, two more arrests were made,” the sources said. It has been found during the investigations that these policemen had managed to establish contacts with militant modules and some of them were in contact with top militant commanders. “These policemen had gone astray and were working for militants. We are investigating whether they had any role in the recent militant attacks in Srinagar. We are also trying to find out whether any more policemen are a part of the nexus,” sources said. “We may question more people in the coming days,” they said.
	Govt to provide full support to PSUs in state: Omar Srinagar, June 16 Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today assured full support of the government to public sector undertakings (PSUs) in the state to make corporations viable and profitable ventures. “We would like you to stand on your own feet, earn profit and decide about your perks and allowances,” the Chief Minister told functionaries of the Jammu and Kashmir Industries (JKI) and industrialists. He said financially sound and profit earning ventures were within their rights to enhance their salaries and other allowances. Omar was addressing functionaries of the JKI and industrialists in the private sector after inaugurating a sales-cum-marketing centre of Kashmir silk products at the Silk Factory in Rajbagh here today. He said modern designing and consumer interests should be factored in the production of heritage handicraft items for which Jammu and Kashmir was renowned. The Chief Minister said the government undertakings were presently in competition with the private sector and they had to exhibit their skill and managerial capacity to make a mark in the open market and ensure economic viability. On the recent improvement shown by public undertakings under the industries and commerce sector, the Chief Minister said the movement of government corporations on road to progress was highly encouraging. “The considerable forward movement you have shown during the last three years is worth noting,” he said. He appreciated the Industries Minister and his team for infusing new energy into public sector undertakings. Omar told the JKI to involve the Tourism Department in opening retail outlets for selling their products at various tourist places so that visitors could purchase products hassle-free. He told the JKI officials to explore the possibility of such a sale centre in Gulmarg near the gondola. “This would not only enhance your sales, but also showcase the handicrafts of the state positively,” he said. — TNS
	Meeting finalises arrangements for Bhaderwah fest Udhampur, June 16 A meeting was held at the Dak Bungalow in Bhaderwah to finalise the arrangements for a four-day annual Bhaderwah tourism-cum-cultural festival being organised by the Bhaderwah Development Authority (BDA).The festival is being held in collaboration with the Tourism Department from June 24 onwards. Besides SDM, Bhaderwah, RK Bharti, who chaired the meeting, CEO, BDA, Kalyan Singh, tehsildar and SDPO of Bhaderwah attended the meeting. It was decided that the inaugural function would be held at Government Higher Secondary School (Boys). Various government departments and private stakeholders will set up stalls at the venue to provide first- hand information to people regarding various government schemes. Cultural activities, including a national-level Mushaira, will be organised on June 24 at Bhaderwah by J&K Academy of Art Culture and Languages. Various sports and adventure activities, including paragliding, river crossing, rappling, tree climbing and monkey climbing, will also be held. Adequate boarding and lodging facility will be provided to the visitors. — TNS
	Tax levied on Vaishno Devi pilgrims illegal: Minister Devinder Thakur Reasi, June 16 Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Taj Mohiuddin today said the tax charged by the Municipal Committee, Katra, on pilgrims for the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in the Trikuta hills was illegal and should be removed immediately. He directed officials to lodge an FIR against the authorities concerned. The Minister, who is also the Chairman of the District Development Board (DDB), Reasi, was here to chair an annual review meeting of the Board. He said the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine area was not within the limits of the Municipal Committee. He also directed the Labour Commissioner to look into the matter. MP Choudhary Lal Singh from Udhampur-Doda and others alleged during the meeting that the MC, Katra, had imposed tax on the amount payable on account of hiring the services of mules, mazdoors and dandi, which was unfair to labourers and devotees visiting the shrine. On April 4, 2012, the state government had ruled out charging any tax on pilgrims for the cave shrine. Minister of State for Finance Manohar Lal Sharma had told the Legislative Council that it was not correct that the Katra Municipal Committee was charging tax from pilgrims for the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, but it had imposed tax on the amount payable on account of hiring the services of mules, mazdoors and dandi. Replying to a calling attention motion by MLC Jugal Kishore, the Minister had said the amount collected was an important source of revenue for the Municipal Committee and was used for various development activities and providing myriad civic services, including sanitation and solid waste disposal. He had said the Municipal Committee as per the powers vested with it under Section 77 sub-sectors of the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Act, 2008, and with prior approval of the government had imposed the tax at 12 per cent on prescribed rates on hiring the services of mules, mazdoors and dandi with effect from April 1, 2001. Even though the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Act, 2008, has been repealed and replaced by the Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Act, 2000, the provision to Section 311 (1) (d) protects all the actions taken or orders issued pursuant to the earlier Act.
	Tension in Bandipore after desecration of holy book Ehsan Fazili/TNS Srinagar, June 16 Tension gripped parts of Bandipore district, including Gurez valley, of north Kashmir today following reports of alleged desecration of a holy book by unidentified persons. Clashes between protesters and the police resulted in injuries to four persons, including an ASI. The incident of the alleged desecration took place at Tragbal, around 15 km from the district headquarters on Bandipore-Gurez road last evening. A minor clash was also reported but the situation was brought under control. “A case under Section 295 of the RPC and senior officials are monitoring the situation,” said police spokesman here. The trouble started in Bandipore this morning when the reports of the alleged desecration reached the town. Markets were closed and protesters resorted to stone throwing in some areas in which four persons, including were hurt. They were shifted to the District Hospital. The ASI, who suffered from multiple fractures in his lower leg, was shifted to the Bone and Joints Hospital later. "Senior officers are monitoring the situation which is so far under control," the spokesman said Social activists, politicians and Imams across the board have issued appeals for observing peace and restraint. At the same time, they have demanded an immediate probe into the alleged incident.
	Cabinet reshuffle to take time Cong divided over choice of minister from Doda belt Dinesh Manhotra Tribune News Service Jammu, June 16 The much-awaited Cabinet reshuffle has got delayed further as consensus eludes within the Congress to select a minister from the erstwhile Doda district. The reshuffle was to be held after opening of the Darbar at Srinagar. It has been more than a month that Darbar has opened but the reshuffle is yet to take place. It is now being said the reshuffle would be held after Presidential polls. Sources said the Congress leadership is finding it difficult to select a minister from five legislators of the erstwhile Doda district where party had won five out of total six seats in 2008 Assembly elections. While two legislators are first-timers, the remaining three are former ministers. All of them are staking their claim on the ministerial berth. Earlier, Ghulam Mohammad Saroori was made a minister from the belt but he was forced to resign after name of his daughter was figured in the infamous MBBS impersonation case. Now, there is no representative from erstwhile Doda in the Cabinet. Saroori represents Inderwal Assembly segment while two other former ministers, Abdul Majid Wani and Mohammad Sharief Niaz, who represent Doda and Bhaderwah Assembly segments, respectively, are also staking their claims on the ministerial berth. Saroori, Wani and Niaz were also ministers in the previous coalition government. Interestingly, all three senior Congress legislators, staking claim on ministerial berth, are loyalists of Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad. Mohammed Sharief Niaz is cousin of Azad. Sources said that loyalists of Soz have made it clear that they would vociferously oppose any attempt to re-induct Recently Niaz had given a veiled warning to the high command against neglecting erstwhile Doda district in ministry. Niaz had stated that workers exerting pressure on the legislators to quit the Congress as this party has failed to protect interests of the people.
	Employees’ march foiled; dozens arrested Tribune News Service Srinagar, June 16 The government today foiled an attempt by employees to march towards Raj Bhawan. Most of the government offices and schools remained closed in the Valley due to a lock-down call. The police used coloured water cannons to disperse protesting employees, who had gathered at Sher-i- Kashmir Park, to march towards Raj Bhawan. The police stopped the protesting employees from marching ahead. “As the employees kept regrouping, we swung into action and arrested many employees,” said a police officer. A senior leader of the Joint Coordination Committee (JCC), who is spearheading the protests in the state, said 300 employees were detained and many where injured in police action. “Despite government restrictions, we came out to take out a march towards Raj Bhawan. Nearly 300 employees were arrested, including many senior employee leaders,” said the senior leader of the JCC. “Our agitation will continue because the government is turning a deaf ear to our demands.” The employees have been observing strike in phases from the last three months. This is the fourth phase of the ongoing protests and today a lock-down was observed in all offices. The employees are demanding enhancement in retirement age from existing 58 to 60 years, increase in house rent allowance & regularisation of contractual and daily wagers.
	Police clueless over killing of NC worker Tribune News Service Srinagar, June 16 A day after a ruling National Conference worker Abdul Rahman Ganai was shot dead in Natipora locality, the police said it was yet to identify the group responsible for the killing. "We are working on various leads, but so far nothing substantial has emerged during the investigations," said a police officer. No militant outfit has so far claimed the responsibility for the killing. The 65-year-old NC worker was shot dead on Friday afternoon while he was on way to a local mosque for Friday prayers. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said the killing was evident of "mounting frustration" among militants. "Militants' growing frustration is evident from the the fact that they are hitting at soft targets," Omar said
	Designer wear from Pakistan wows Valley Local entrepreneur takes cue, launches his line in collaboration with Pak designers M Aamir Khan/TNS Srinagar, June 16 The huge demand for Pakistani designer wear, which has been put on display at a shopping festival held here, has propelled an entrepreneur to launch his own range of clothing in collaboration with Pakistan-based manufacturers. “The designs will go from here but the products will be manufactured in Pakistan. The line will be a fusion of Kashmir and Pakistan designs. We will be launching it soon,” said managing director of the Alkhuddam Group of Companies, Sheikh Feroz. While lower range Pakistani clothing have always been a hit in Kashmir, Feroz’s showroom, Finesse of Tradition, has attracted a lot of buyers. The shop was thrown open on the inaugural of the 11-day long shopping festival at the Sangarmal Mall on Sunday. The showroom has got internationally renowned Pakistani brands like Bareeze, Cheynere, Working Woman, Junaid Jamsheed. The range starts from Rs 2,500 and goes up to Rs 12,000. “I was worried that the high prices may prove to be a dampener for customers but they have been thronging here. Right now, I have a mid-range collection but due to the huge demand, I am planning to import high-end clothing ahead of Eid,” Feroz said. He also plans to attract customers looking for cheaper products. Feroz said he got the idea of importing Pakistani designer wear after visiting an exhibition in New Delhi in May last month. “Later, I flew to Pakistan and placed orders at Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore,” Feroz added. While women have been vowed by the lawn (fine cotton) varieties of Bareeze, Junaid Jamshed’s kurta pyjama have been a hit among the youth. The customers, who cannot afford Pak designer-wear, are thronging other showrooms at the Sangarmal Mall for cheaper varieties. Eves - a showroom managed by Nafila Jeelani - has put on display Pakistani brands like Lala, Orient and Gul Ahmed in a price range of Rs 600 to Rs 7,000. “There has been no let-up in the demand for Pakistani clothing ever since the festival started,” Nafila said.
	Exchange visits good for varsities: Guv Tribune News Service Srinagar, June 16 Prof SD Muni, visiting research professor, Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore, called on Governor NN Vohra here today. The Governor and Prof Muni discussed benefits, which emerge from collaborations between universities for sharing research outcomes and experiences in varied arenas. The Governor, who is the Chancellor of the University of Jammu and the University of Kashmir, observed that the exchange visits of faculties, scientists and students between various institutions of higher learning from within the country and abroad could be immensely beneficial. Prof Muni, who is here for a seminar at the University of Kashmir, presented a copy of his latest book, “A Resurgent China: South Asian Perspectives” to the Governor.
	Army’s toy plane crashes Jammu, June 16 Panic gripped border belt of Akhnoor sector last evening after a small-sized Remotely Piloted Vehicle (RPV) crashed in a field in Nandpur border area. Official sources said some children playing in a near-by field were the first to notice the RPV going down. The police rushed to the site and found a camera attached to the RPV with pictures related to the border belt and security bunkers, making it clear that the device belonged to the Army. — TNS