|
|
|
|
|
Militants hurl grenade at secretariat in Srinagar
Militancy almost wiped out from Jammu: CRPF
BJP mobilising opinion on Kashmir problem
Disaster preparedness mock drill for Amarnath yatra
|
|
|
|
J-K takes steps to check spread of HIV infection
cricket association scam
Resident doctors’ strike hits healthcare at SKIMS
Passenger vehicles violate government order
Indo-PoK traders’ federation settles 25 disputes
Omar for introducing market-oriented subjects in colleges, universities
Body buried in Awantipora not of missing engineer: Police
Jammu-Valley rail link to be ready by 2017
|
|
Militants hurl grenade at secretariat in Srinagar
The new Assembly complex and the J&K High Court are also adjacent to the secretariat. Incidentally, state legislators would be casting their ballots in the Assembly complex for the presidential election tomorrow. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was not present inside the secretariat at the time of the grenade attack. But several of his ministers and senior bureaucrats were present in the complex. The grenade was fired at 11.20 am from the the Shaheed Gung locality and it was noticed by the secretariat security staff, the Superintendent of Police, civil secretariat, Masood-uz-Zaman said. The grenade was noticed by the security staff when they saw a hard object hitting the ground near the cafeteria, he added. “The security staff first suspected that a stone had been thrown in the area from outside, but soon we noticed that it was a rifle grenade,” Zaman told The Tribune. “We cordoned off the place and called the bomb disposal squad, which took the rifle grenade and defused it,” he said. Eyewitnesses said that had the grenade exploded, it would have caused damage as many civilians and employees were near the cafeteria. “There was no panic in the secretariat due to the incident,” said an eyewitness. No militant outfit has so far claimed responsibility for the attack. A top police officer said that soon after the attack security in and around the civil secretariat was beefed up. “We have beefed up the security following the attack,” he said. The attack on the highly guarded civil secretariat comes a day after the General Officer Commanding of 15 Corps, Lt General Om Prakash, said that there were “inputs from various intelligence agencies that militants were being directed to step up attacks.” The rifle grenade attack in the civil secretariat came almost three weeks after militants fired two rifle grenades on an Army camp in Tatoo Ground near Batamaloo in Srinagar. The Tatoo ground is within range of 1 km from the secretariat. Recent militant attacks
|
|
Militancy almost wiped out from Jammu: CRPF
Jammu, July 18 He, however, said 50 to 60 militants had been moved close to the LoC in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). These militants were desperate to infiltrate into the state. Singh was talking to mediapersons here today after flagging in a contingent of schoolchildren back from a Bharat Darshan tour. “Militancy has almost been wiped out from the Jammu region but 10 to 15 militants are still active in the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch. Security forces are on the job to deal with them,” the IG said. He said 50 to 60 militants had been moved to launch pads on the other side of the LoC. “They will certainly try to infiltrate but we have a multi-grid security apparatus in place. We are fully alert to the situation,” said the IG. On the recovery of a powerful IED in Banihal recently vis-à-vis the ongoing Amarnath yatra, the IG said it was detected well in time by the CRPF. Though the yatra always faced a threat perception from militants, adequate security arrangements are in place to ensure an incident-free pilgrimage, he said. To a specific query about the recent attacks in Srinagar city from where the state government had recently removed bunkers of security forces, including the CRPF, Singh described it as a policy decision. “It is a policy decision but the situation can be reviewed and, if needed, the bunkers can be rebuilt,” he said. |
|
BJP mobilising opinion on Kashmir problem
Jammu, July 18 Although the party has not officially announced any programme to send its leaders to different parts of the country, BJP leaders from the state have been to different states to educate the people about the Kashmir problem and its solution. Besides BJP leaders, some pro-Sangh Parivar intellectuals have also been deputed to spread awareness on the issue in various parts of the country. A newly floated Jammu and Kashmir Study Centre has been arranging tours of BJP leaders and pro-Sangh Parivar intellectuals in different parts of the country. The Study Centre has set up its network all over the country and has been organising workshops and seminars to “educate” people about the “proposal of the Centre to grant more concessions to Jammu and Kashmir”. Incidentally, neither the Centre nor the state government has taken any decision so far to implement recommendations of the three interlocutors. Chief spokesman of the state BJP Jatinder Singh had gone to South India to address workshops and seminars on Kashmir, while another BJP leader, Chander Mohan Sharma, was sent to Gujarat to address about half a dozen seminars and workshops. |
|
Disaster preparedness mock drill for Amarnath yatra
Srinagar, July 18 An official spokesman said the mock drill exercise was attended by Camp Director, Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), Baltal, Ashok Pandita, Camp Director, SASB, Nunwan, Amit Sharma, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal, Mohammed Haroon and Additional Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag, Nissar Hussain, in their capacity as Assistant Yatra Officers. Brig BK Khanna, senior specialist,
NDMA, |and Aamir Ali, OSD with Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, and coordinator, Disaster Management, conducted the mock
exercise. |
|
J-K takes steps to check spread of HIV infection
Jammu, July 18 “Though the state as of today has 3,213 HIV positive patients and 2,700 full blown cases of AIDS but still we are a low prevalence state in the country,” Dr Deepika Thakur, Deputy Director of Information, Education and Communication, State AIDS Control Society (SACS), told The Tribune. She disclosed that in a bid to effectively check the spread of HIV infection, the state government had recently opened three more Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) centres in Kathua, Udhampur and Rajouri districts. Earlier, we had only two ART centres in the twin capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar but recently we opened three more ART centres where 1,666 HIV positive patients are getting free treatment, she said. Dr Thakur said the SACS had been spearheading the awareness campaign across the state, which has brought the hidden disease to the fore. “To create awareness, we have also roped in religious leaders of all faiths in the state. At the same time we have also started adolescent education programme targeting schoolchildren,” she disclosed. The SACS also conducts seminars and symposiums in colleges and universities in the state to educate youth about the HIV/AIDS, she added. The official divulged that with the help of NGOs, the SACS is focusing on drug users, migrant labourers, truckers, slum-dwellers and men having sex with men. “Likewise, creating awareness among the rural masses via folk media has fetched us a tremendous response”. |
|
cricket association scam
Jammu, July 18 This was revealed by the JKCA in-house advisory (probe) committee in its interim report, which it submitted to JKCA president Dr Farooq Abdullah recently. The report claimed that a transaction of Rs 6,09,45,674 had been made in one account and Rs 15,000 in another. Further, a loan of Rs 1.90 crore had been raised against the FDRs of the JKCA Kashmir wing loan account No 1097 and credited to private account No: CD 90605 in the name of Ahsan Ahmad Mirza. The JKCA in-house panel visited both the Khanyar and Air Cargo branch of the JK Bank to know about the financial transactions. During the visit of the probe committee to the Air Cargo branch of the JK Bank, it was learnt that two bogus saving bank accounts -11554 and CD account 3793 were being operated by office-bearers in addition to the regular account No SOD-17. The in-house probe committee comprises Arvinder Singh Mickey, Shyam Saroop Kalsotra, Mohammad Ashraf Bhat and Ashwinder Koul. The probe committee further claimed that in SB account 11554, a transaction of Rs 18, 53,60,711 had been done, and the account was subsequently closed. The interim report added that the perusal of bank records and other related documents revealed misappropriation and embezzlement to the tune of Rs 40,53,48784. The report claimed that Chartered Accountant Altaf, who was summoned by the probe committee, for detailed discussion admitted that the audited statement for 2010-11 had been prepared by him on the basis of the statements furnished to him by former treasurer Ahsan Mirza through Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din and Gulzar Ahmad. The Chartered Accountant informed the committee that despite a lot of persuasion, the actual cash certificate receipts (CCRs) or any other information about any other bank account of the association was not furnished by Mirza to him and that is why he recorded a certificate on the first page of the audited report that all figures and statements given in the audited accounts are subject to physical verification and confirmation. He said it was therefore mandatory upon the chairman, secretary and the treasurer to verify the CCRs and bank balances before signing the audited statements, which are required to be put before the Working Committee, for passing the same and are also required to be sent to the BCCI in order to enable the association to get funds in future. The interim report said the Chartered Accountant had claimed that all three office-bearers had signed the audited statement of 2010-11. |
|
|
Resident doctors’ strike hits healthcare at SKIMS
Srinagar, July 18 Barring emergency services, the functioning of other departments at the hospital, which is located in the Soura area of the city, have been badly affected, forcing patients to return, official sources said. They said surgeries too had been suspended and no new patients were admitted since Monday. The strike called by the Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) was triggered by an altercation between two doctors and the hospital security staff over car parking on Friday. Following the incident, the RDA registered an FIR against two employees of the hospital, alleging that they had roughed up the two doctors. “During the argument between the security guards and the doctors, two employees attacked the doctors with iron rods and sticks causing them grave injuries,” RDA president Dr Asif Meraj told The Tribune. However, a counter FIR was also registered against the doctors later, who also have been accused of beating up the security staff. The doctors then went on a strike from Monday, alleging that the SKIMS administration had failed to provide them security and had not taken up the matter seriously. While the SKIMS administration yesterday filed a charge sheet against the two employees, who were accused of beating up the doctors, the Non-Gazetted Employees’ Association (NGEA) and paramedical staff of the institute too suspended work demanding rollback of orders. While the strike of the non-gazetted employees and paramedical staff worsened the functioning of the hospital today, they later called off their strike in the afternoon. “We called of the strike as the charge sheet was withdrawn,” a NGEA member said. However, the RDA has now decided to take a final call tomorrow. “So far, we have suspended work only from 10 am to 4 pm, but we may go for a complete strike from tomorrow and shut down emergency services, if our issues are not addressed. We are aware that the patients are suffering, but the administration has to ensure that the doctors are provided security,” Dr Asif said. He also flayed the SKIMS administration for not taking any action, as the police was now probing the matter. “The administration is telling us they would not take further action as the matter is sub judice. However, we have consulted our legal team and we will decide the future course of action tomorrow,” he said. |
|
|
Passenger vehicles violate government order
Srinagar, July 18 And to add to the apathy, Traffic Police officers claim that they are not aware of any such order issued by the Transport Department. “I have no idea about the order issued by the Transport Department,” said SP, Traffic Haseeb-ur-Rehman. “Before issuing the order, we should have been told about it, as we have to implement the order on roads,” he said. On June 19, the Transport Commissioner and Chairman, Transport Authority, had issued an order, saying that, “If the drivers fail to display the attested photocopy and details of their driving licences on the windscreen of their vehicles, it will entail appropriate action under the law.” The government had also asked conductors to keep a licence. The violation of the directive is evident, as no driver of the passenger and commercial vehicle has displayed a photocopy of his licence on the windscreen of his vehicle. “I am not aware about any such government order,” said Abdul Aziz, the driver of a passenger vehicle in the Batamaloo area of Srinagar. People say that a number of road accidents are caused by unlicensed commercial vehicle drivers. Locals alleged that the Traffic Police was showing laxity in implementing the government order. “It is the police, which has to ensure that the rules are implemented,” said Tufail Ahmed, a college student from Srinagar. Commissioner, Transport, Mehraj Ahmed Kakroo said the directions would be strictly implemented in the days ahead. “But before implementing the order strictly, we will organise awareness programmes for the drivers,” Kakroo said. |
|
|
Indo-PoK traders’ federation settles 25 disputes
Poonch, July 18 With the intervention of the federation, all pending trade disputes were settled, including cases which dated back to 5 years, in a cross-LoC traders’ meet at the Chakan-da-Bagh trade point in Poonch. Sources said 100 traders from both countries, which included 49 traders from India and 51 from PoK, met at Chakan-da-Bagh, Poonch, and settled 25 pending trade disputes
and agreed to clear all pending dues. This was the first meeting of the cross-LoC traders after the resumption of the cross-LoC trade, which remained suspended for two weeks, followed by firing on the LoC in Krishna Ghati in Poonch district last month. Members of the Indo-PoK Joint Traders’ Federation discussed issues and problems being faced by them in trade. They also discussed the future course of action of the federation, which was constituted recently. Pawan Anand, president of the cross-LoC Traders’ Association, said, “A 60-member committee of the Indo-PoK Traders’ Federation was constituted, with 30 traders from India and 30 from PoK (15 from Chakoti, Salamabad, and 15 from Chakan-da-Bagh) to strengthen relations among the traders across the LoC.” Some of the members met at Chakan-da-bagh today and decided that no violators would be allowed to do trade on both the sides. If a dispute emerges, it would be settled immediately. “We also decided to convene a grand meeting next month on the LoC to exert pressure on both the governments for further strengthening the Jammu and Kashmir PoK trade via Chakoti, Salamabad, and Chakkan-da-Bagh. We also appeal to both the governments to keep a strong vigil on the traders so that no trader can cheat others,” Anand said. Abdul Hamid, custodian, Poonch-Rawalakote trade, said, “The meeting
was organised in a peaceful manner and over 25 cases were settled amicably. Traders from both
the sides were satisfied with the meeting. They demanded banking facilities. We have already written to the higher authorities about it,”
said Hamid. |
|
|
J&K to get its first cable-stayed bridge by 2014
Jammu, July 18 Lt Gen Shankar had last week inspected the ongoing work on the 592-metre bridge which is being constructed across the Ravi at Basohli. After the civil work, the cable was laid and the testing is going on, he said, adding that quality control checks were currently being conducted. The bridge is being constructed under Project SAMPARK of the BRO at a cost of Rs 145 crore. “It will be the first such bridge of its kind in the entire northern India and the third such bridge in the country, after the Hooghly and Mumbai bridges. It will open up an alternative route to the National Highway 1A and to the Kashmir valley via the Basohli, Bani, Bhaderwah, Kishtwar, Chhatroo and Anantnag areas,” said Lt Gen Shankar. As of now, there is no direct route from Basohli to Pathankot and the only route available is via the Ranjit Sagar dam, Riyalta and the Lakhanpur area which covers a distance of 72 km. Once the Ravi Bridge is constructed, the distance will be reduced to 46 km. Thus the new bridge will not only cut the distance by 26 km thereby reducing travel time between the two places, but also prove to be a tremendous boost to the socio-economic development of the area. It will give a boost to tourism and commercial activities by reducing distances to important tourist places like Dalhousie and Chamba. During the visit of the Director General, BRO, the Chief Engineer, Project SAMPARK, UC Mehta briefed him about the progress of construction of the bridge. After inspection of the ongoing works on the abutments of the bridge, the Director General expressed his satisfaction over the progress of the work and reiterated the commitment of the Border Roads Organisation to ensure the completion of the bridge six months before the scheduled date of September 2014. The contract for the construction of the bridge has been awarded to IRCON-SPS Construction Pvt Ltd. UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi had laid the foundation stone of the bridge on May 23 last year. The bridge will also open up avenues for commercial mining of materials like gypsum and lime stone in the Doda-Kishtwar belt. Bridging Distances
|
|
|
Omar for introducing market-oriented subjects in colleges, universities
Srinagar, July 18 “There is a need to impart subjects of present and future relevance to students in universities and colleges so that they are easily absorbed in the open job market. We have to develop a new generation of capable and knowledgeable human resource, which will fit into the changing scenario of scientific advancement,” Omar said after reviewing achievements and functions of the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora, in Pulwama district of south Kashmir. The Chief Minister, who is also the Chancellor of the university, interacted with the students. “Had a very productive visit to the Islamic University of Science & Technology. Great interaction with some of the students as well,” Omar tweeted after the visit. “The Chief Minister during his one and a half hour interactive session with the students of the university replied to questions on various subjects, including social, development, health, education, employment, employability and skill development,” an official said. Stating that befitting faculties and infrastructure are a necessary part in the growth and development of higher education, Omar said his government was concentrating on the issue vigorously. The Chief Minister was presented a detailed brief about the functioning and progress of the university by the IUST vice-chancellor Prof Abdul Rashid Trag. Later, Omar laid the foundation of two buildings at the campus. The buildings are being constructed at an estimated cost of about Rs 10.86 crore. |
|
|
Body buried in Awantipora not of missing engineer: Police
Srinagar, July 18 The police received the DNA report few days ago from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), Delhi. “A police officer was sent to Delhi to collect the DNA report. The contents (findings) in the report are negative,” said a police officer in south Kashmir. “The DNA report clearly shows that the body buried in Awantipora is not of Bali, who is missing since February 18.” The family of the missing engineer, however, claimed that they had not been informed about the DNA report. “We have not yet been told anything about the DNA findings by the police,” said RPS Bali, uncle of the missing engineer. “But if the body buried at Awantipora is not of Bali, then where has he vanished?” he asked. The family suspects that Bali has been murdered and reiterates its demand for a probe into the case by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or the state crime branch. “Since Bali went missing, the police has done nothing to trace him,” said Sukhbir Kaur, wife of the missing engineer. “We demand a probe either by the CBI or the state crime branch, which will look into all aspects of the case.” Bali, an executive engineer in the Public Health Engineering Department, went missing on February 18 after he left his Magarmal Bagh home in Srinagar. A missing report of Bali was lodged with the police in Srinagar next day. On April 17, an unidentified body was fished out of the Jhelum in Awantipora. His family suspected that the fished out body was that of Bali. Bali’s family moved an application before the District Magistrate, Pulwama, for exhumation of the body. The body was exhumed on April 21 and the DNA samples of Bali’s children were also taken. |
|
|
Jammu-Valley rail link to be ready by 2017
Abohar, July 18 Muniyappa said work on the prestigious project had got delayed due to geological surprises, including seepage of water, encountered during tunnelling in the fragile mountainous terrain. He said the project was a marvel as it consisted of the world’s highest bridges and longest tunnels. The 11-km-long tunnel was being constructed under the Pir-Panchal range to connect the rail line with the Valley. He described the rail project as the “most difficult” that had ever been taken in hand by the Indian Railway. It was far more difficult than the rail line that China has laid up to Tibet. Muniyappa said the government was serious about completing the project within the stipulated time but several hurdles had cropped up due to the topography and the limited working season in the mountainous area. Tunnelling has come as the biggest challenge as unexpected situations were being faced during the execution of work. He said the rail line was being constructed through the areas that had remained a hotbed of terrorism. However, residents of these areas were providing cooperation to the construction staff as the rail link would provide connectivity to
the hinterland. |
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | E-mail | |
Srinagar, July 18