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Flood alert as rain batters Jammu
Multi-crore JKCA scam
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Delay in extension of 73rd Amendment
Go green, says HC Chief Justice
Shrine Fire
Jethmalani to move SC over Geelani’s house arrest
Finally, help arrives for shooting victim
Contractors allege shortage of funds in government treasuries
Pandits revive pilgrimage to ancient shrine in Valley
Separatist leaders take up people-centric issues
Allegations levelled against me a part of conspiracy: Minister
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Flood alert as rain batters Jammu
Jammu, August 4 At least 25 persons were rescued from the Ujh, Basantar and Tawi rivers after they remained trapped in flash floods for hours. Around 100 families were shifted to safer places in Kathua and Jammu districts as all major rivers were flowing close to the danger mark. Heavy rain also caused the rivers to breach their embankments at several places. The 300-km Jammu-Srinagar national highway, the only road link connecting the Kashmir valley with the rest of the country, also remained closed to vehicular traffic for 12 hours due to massive landslides at over 10 places. Thousands of vehicles, including passenger buses, remained stranded on the highway, which was reopened to one-way traffic in the evening. The highway was again closed to traffic after remaining partially open for two hours. The traffic police cleared over 2,000 stranded vehicles before the highway was closed in the evening. Ramban SP Anil Magotra said landslides struck at over 10 places between Dhalwas and Panthial on the highway, resulting in a huge traffic jam on both sides of the stretch. A landslide near the Kowbag police check post also caused extensive damage to a shopping complex-cum-hotel and a restaurant. “Water levels in all major rivers are gradually receding. But we have sent a wireless message to all Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police to remain on high alert,” said Jammu Divisional Commissioner Pardeep Gupta. Kathua Deputy Commissioner Zahida Parveen Khan said: “Around 15 persons were trapped at Khadwal, Kot Punnu, Chambey Chak and Pandori villages located on the banks of the Ujh following overnight rain. The river was flowing above the danger mark in the morning, but the water level receded significantly in the afternoon. We rescued all those trapped with the help of the Army, civil defence and police personnel.” The Deputy Commissioner, who along with the SP supervised a seven-hour rescue operation, said several families of Khadwal village in Hiranagar tehsil were shifted to a safer place and were being provided shelter in tents after cracks developed in a bundh (protection wall) constructed on the Ujh. “We have sounded high alert and villagers have been advised to keep away from the banks of the flooded Ujh and Ravi,” she said. Reports said traffic on the Bani-Basohli main road in the district also remained suspended for two hours due to landslides. Road connectivity between Billawar-Machadi, Billawar-Katli, Basohli-Dhar Mahanpur and Basohli-Hutt Mashka also remained affected for the fourth consecutive day due to fresh landslides, cutting off dozens of villages from the district headquarters. Samba Deputy Commissioner Mubarak Singh said: “The district administration reacted swiftly to a distress call after three persons got trapped in the Basantar. They had gone to extract sand and gravel from the river. They were rescued with the help of civil defence and police personnel. We have sounded high alert and are keeping a close watch on the situation.” Official sources said the Jammu administration had shifted 35 families to safer places from the Belicharana area following a rise in the water level of the Tawi. Two persons were airlifted from the Pouni Chak area after they were trapped in flash floods. “The Chenab was flowing close to the danger mark after the release of water from the Salal hydroelectric project. If it rains intermittently, the water level may cross the danger mark of 35 feet,” said Ashwani Kumar, chief engineer, Irrigation and Flood Control Department, Jammu, adding that the Tawi was also flowing near the danger mark in the morning hours. Traffic on the Budhal-Rajouri and Rajouri-Mughal roads also remained affected for over two hours following landslides and uprooting of trees. Three buffaloes were killed after they were hit by lightning. Several mud houses in Rajouri district collapsed due torrential rain since last night. Mobile and broadband services of the BSNL also remained affected in the district. The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted medium to heavy rain in the next 24 hours. (With inputs from
RK Kichlu in Ramban and Ranjit Thakur in Rajouri) Grim Reality
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Multi-crore JKCA scam
Jammu, August 4 The cricket activities had come to a halt in the aftermath of the infamous multi-crore cricket scam. The JKCA president Dr Farooq had constituted a 12-member Province-Level Committee to kick start the activities in both the provinces. Shambu Nath Sharma, vice-chairman, JKCA (Jammu Wing), said, “Like Kashmir province, where the cricketing activities have been resumed, we also want to move ahead. We are convening the meeting to start conducting tournaments.” The JKCA vice-chairman, however, expressed concern over the weather. “The weather might play a spoilsport because it is very difficult to conduct tournaments in monsoon when the ground is wet,” said Sharma. “The JKCA in the better interest of its cricketers will try its best to organise more tournaments,” he said. When asked about the venue of the meeting, JKCA vice-president said, “The venue has not been finalised yet, but the meeting will most likely be held at GGM Science College Hostel Ground,” he added. Sources said the JKCA was criticised for not taking any major initiative for the resumption of the cricket activities in the state. It was only after the state cricketers expressed resentment over the grim scenario, the association decided to kick start the activities. The sources said the JKCA had moved court for the release of funds to conduct activities and the court had allowed to it to spend Rs 40
lakh. |
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Respite from heat wave in Valley
Srinagar, August 4 While light rainfall was recorded on Friday evening in many parts of the Valley, the summer capital received regular showers today causing a significant dip in temperature. Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 21.4°C as compared to 33°C yesterday, an official of the Meteorological Department said. The city recorded 10.6 mm of rainfall from morning till 5.30 pm today while the minimum temperature stood at 19.2°C. The dip in temperature brought cheers to all, especially those who have been observing a 16-hour-long fast during Ramadan. The past one month witnessed temperature above 30°C, which was two to three degrees above normal. While people were complaining about intense heat yesterday, the atmosphere turned almost chilly by today evening. Some residents, especially aged persons, were seen wearing light woollens and jackets. Other parts of the Valley also received rain causing a dip in temperature. Qazigund, the gateway town of Kashmir, recorded 31 mm of rainfall during the day and the maximum temperature recorded was 19.7°C. |
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Delay in extension of 73rd Amendment
Jammu, August 4 The government claims that it has delegated “enough” powers to strengthen the Panchayati Raj institutions in the state. The panchayat members said the delegation of powers without extending the 73rd Amendment was an “exercise in futility”. “The state government has been trying to hoodwink the panchayat members by making false announcements regarding delegation of powers,” said Subash Sharma, general secretary, Maha Panchayat, while addressing a joint press conference with other office-bearers here today. “Instead of strengthening the Panchayati Raj institutions, the state government has been indulging in deceit tactics. Such tactics have already shattered the confidence of the people,” said Sharma and regretted that no sincere effort had been made to delegate powers at the grass-roots level even a year after the completion of panchayat elections. Sharma said the indifferent attitude of the government had forced them to boycott the elections. “Our main demand is to extend the 73rd
Amendment to the state but the government is adopting delaying tactics,” he regretted. To elect these four MLCs, the electoral college comprises sarpanches and panches. With two seats allotted each to Jammu and Kashmir provinces, 15,726 voters will elect the MLCs from Jammu, while 18,123 electorate will elect the MLCs from Kashmir province, which includes the Ladakh region. The Maha Panchayat members said they would intensify their campaign to force the government to establish the three-tier
Panchayati Raj system in the state. “It is unfortunate that the faith of the people has been shattered due to dictatorial approach of the state
government,” Sharma said and cautioned the government against undermining democratic institutions in the state. |
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An apology for a ‘model’ village
Anantnag, August 4 A number of villages in south Kashmir were identified by the Rural Development Department (RDD) to be developed as Model villages. The mission was a part of the Prime Minister’s Reconstruction Project. The aim of the project, which was taken up in every block of the district at an estimated cost of Rs 1.20 crore, was to improve the basic infrastructure of the village. This included improvement of sanitation and health care, construction of lanes and drains and introduction of drinking water schemes among other things. The villagers say the government has been giving the status of Model village to one rural township after the other but only on paper. The villages under this ‘ambitious’ scheme still lack basic requirements. The residents say the only thing that has been done so far is the erection of signages that term the villages as Model villages. “The womenfolk of our so-called Model village have to still tread a long distance to fetch drinking water,” said a sarpanch of one of the Model villages in the Kokernag area. Those residing in these villages say proper healthcare facilities remain a distant dream. The Primary Health Centres (PHC) are devoid of medicines, leave alone infrastructure. In May this year, the State Level Evaluation Committee (SLEC) had in a survey found that the RDD had been utilising the funds meant for the Model villages casually. According to its survey, the SLEC had found that the RDD had been unable to provide the post-installation maintenance mechanism for the infrastructure. The Commissioner/Secretary to the J&K Government, RDD, Farooq Ahmad Peer, said the funds allotted for the Model villages were too little. “The Model villages in the north-eastern states were sanctioned Rs 8.5 crore but here, we got only Rs 1.20 crore. It is not possible to develop a village on all fronts in such little money,” he said. Peer added that the assets, once installed, had been transferred to the panchayats who had been entrusted with their maintenance. |
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Go green, says HC Chief Justice
Jammu, August 4 The Chief Justice, J&K High Court, MM Kumar, along with Justice JP Singh and Justice Hasnain Massodi spearheaded the plantation drive by planting saplings of ornamental plants. Principal District & Sessions Judge, Subordinate Judiciary members and lawyers were also present on the occasion. The Chief Justice, while appreciating the efforts of the Bar Association, said, “The initiative aims at raising awareness about the importance of healthy and green environment among all, with a pledge to promote planting of more trees and adopt an eco-friendly life. The tree plantation drive is yet another step in the ongoing efforts to preserve and protect our precious flora for future generations.” Bar Association president BS Slathia said, “Protecting the existing tree cover and planting more trees is essential and part of the national obligation as the country is facing rapid and asymmetrical climatic
patterns.” While addressing the Bar Association members, Slathia said, “I hope what you learnt today will remain with you for a long time to come and you will imbibe the spirit of conservation and spread the message amongst your friends and society.” |
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Shrine Fire
Srinagar, August 4 The two-day disaster preparedness training, which ended today, for the employees of the J-K Muslim Waqf Board posted in various shrines of the city was held by the Divisional Disaster Management Authority in association with civil defence, and fire and emergency services. The training was imparted on the orders of Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Asgar Hassan Samoon, said Disaster Management Cell coordinator Aamir Ali. Ali said the training was imparted to the employees working at 15 shrines and mosques across the city. He said local volunteers also participated in the sessions. The government move to train the board members comes more than a month after a fire gutted the Dastgeer Sahab shrine, located in Khanyar neighbourhood of the old city. The June-25 fire had led to shutdown in the Valley for four days, as people mourned the damage to
the shrine. Several other shrines located in different parts of the Valley have also suffered damages in similar incidents in the recent past. Ali said the participants were trained in extinguishing fires and administering first aid to prepare them for any eventuality at shrines. The participants also went through a mock drill wherein they were taught ways to deal with emergency situations, he added. |
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Jethmalani to move SC over Geelani’s house arrest
Srinagar, August 4 Jethmalani made this announcement after he called upon Geelani at his Hyderpora residence today. He is in the Valley to inspect the site from where Hurriyat leader and Geelani’s close aide Ghulam Mohammad Bhat was arrested on January 2011 in connection with a Hawala case. Bhat, who is facing trail in the case, is currently lodged in Tihar Jail, Delhi, and Jethmalani is representing his case before Delhi courts. “Geelani thanked Jethmalani for taking up the cases of Kashmiri prisoners and also apprised him of his house arrest,” Hurriyat spokesman Ayaz Akbar said in a statement issued today. “The APHC chairman told Jethmalani, who called on him today morning, that he has not been allowed to offer Friday prayers since April 2012 and that he was not even allowed to attend his grandson’s marriage by the authorities.” Ayaz said the senior Supreme Court lawyer expressed his shock over Geelani’s unlawful detention. |
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Finally, help arrives for shooting victim
Jammu, August 4 “After going through the report in The Tribune, District Social Welfare Officer Babu Ram and Rajpura naib tehsildar Lekh Raj Sharma visited our village to provide relief to Vijay Kumari and Balwan Singh today,” said Hari Singh, a local resident. “We provided a new wheelchair to Vijay Kumari at her house in Chachwal. She is already getting the monthly pension meant for the physically disabled,” said naib tehsildar Lekh Raj Sharma. He said the girl would also be provided with a In 1997, Vijay Kumari, a class VI student then, was hit by a stray bullet fired by Pakistan Rangers when she was working in her fields, rendering her physically disabled for the rest of her life. Her legs were paralysed because of the bullet injury. Vijay Kumari’s father Tarsem Singh is a retired Army soldier and works in his marginal landholding at Chachwal to eke out a living. The naib tehsildar said the department also handed over a cheque for Rs 1,600 to another physically disabled man, Balwan Singh. “He will also get a pension of Rs 400 every month,” he said. |
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Contractors allege shortage of funds in government treasuries
Srinagar, August 4 While government officials deny facing any cash crunch ahead of Eid, which falls on August 18 or 19, the contractors allege that the treasuries are running dry from the past more that 15 days. “No payment of any contractor has been released by the government treasuries since July 14. Every day we go to treasuries in Srinagar with a hope that our payment would be released, but the officials inform us that they cannot release our payment as treasuries were running dry,” said a contractor from Srinagar. Another civil contractor alleged that people were facing problems due to the lack of funds in treasuries. “We had submitted our bills after we completed the construction of a link road in city. I have been waiting for the release of the payment so that I can pay the labourers and masons before Eid, but every day I have to cut a sorry figure before them as I return empty handed from the Sadder treasury,” he said. Director General, Treasuries, Wali Mohammad Bhat said there was no cash crunch in the government treasuries. “We have released crores of rupees in the last two days, clearing various bills and cheques. Bills and cheques pertaining to salary, pension, and wages are being cleared regularly,” said Bhat. He added that the payment of contractors would also be released in a phased manner. “We will release their payment in the coming days in a phased manner,” he said. Bhat denied that the treasuries were empty ahead of Eid. |
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Pandits revive pilgrimage to ancient shrine in Valley
Jammu, August 4 The pilgrimage to the holy cave was restarted in 2008 after more than 20 years. The main function at the shrine was held on ‘Shravan Puranmashi’ on August 2. “With the efforts of the local administration and members of the majority community, we are trying to revive our ancient caves,” said ML Malla, president of the Devasthan Prabandhak Committee, Bijbehara tehsil. Malla is heading the batch of pilgrims, which left for the ancient shrine. He said the pilgrimage to the shrine was stopped after militancy started in the Valley. “As the situation improved, the yatra to the holy cave was restarted in 2008. But it is for the first time that a large number of pilgrims are visiting the shrine,” he said. He said the shrine was connected with the Amarnath yatra. Before 1989, hundreds of pilgrims would visit the cave shrine on ‘Shravan Puranmashi’ every year. Malla appreciated the efforts of the majority community and the local administration, which offered all possible help for the smooth conduct of the yatra. Malla said those who could not perform the Amarnath yatra used to perform this pilgrimage. |
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Separatist leaders take up people-centric issues
Srinagar, August 4 While moderate separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has raised the issue of scarcity of water, Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) leader Mohammad Yasin Malik has voiced his views about extension of summer vacations to schoolchildren. Mirwaiz, during his Friday sermon delivered from the pulpit of the historic Jama Masjid, said: “Instead of solving the problems of the people, their demands are being ruthlessly suppressed.” “It was the duty of the administration to provide basic facilities to the people, who are craving for water and electricity in this sacred month. It reflects failure of the administration at all levels,” the Mirwaiz said. In his address to people at Hajin, Sonawari, in north Kashmir, JKLF chief Yasin Malik chose to take on the administration for its unwillingness to extend summer vacations. “The rulers have ordered the opening of schools despite hot and humid weather conditions because they want the participation of children in the August 15 functions,” Yasin said. In a bid to keep himself abreast of the situation, chairman of the hardline faction of Hurriyat Conference Syed Ali Geelani is hosting an iftaar for journalists at a hotel in the city on August 6. With separatists playing out on “new turf”, Kashmir watchers term this change a reflection of increasing realism in the Indo-Pak relations, adding that separatists need to take people along to have a “leverage”. “Separatists speaking on common issues is a reflection of the changing Indo-Pak relations. Of late, Pakistan has been conducting its relations with India in more realistic terms,” says Dr Gul Mohmmad Wani of Political Science Department at Kashmir University. “Realism on part of Pakistan will have its impact on Kashmir,” he adds. |
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Allegations levelled against me a part of conspiracy: Minister
Jammu, August 4 In an exclusive interview with The Tribune, Sharma contested the claims made by his detractors in the recent past. The Minister said the allegations levelled against him that he had used government vehicles for his personal travel were baseless. “I am surprised that my strength is being seen as my weakness. Yes, I accept that I have been touring mostly, but my tours are official and meant for the welfare of the state. A Minister is entitled to some vehicles and I have used what the government has allowed me to use,” he stressed. Asked about touring Rajouri and Bilawar on the same day, he accepted the fact and said a Minister is not confined to his constituency only. He said, “I have streamlined the work of my departments and need to sustain that, so I keep on making surprise visits. I have even covered the farthest and remotest areas of the state, including Leh and Kargil districts, by road.” On using the vehicles of the Jammu and Kashmir Cooperative Supply and Marketing Federation Limited (JAKFED), Sharma said he was the Chairman of the institution and used the vehicles in the interest of the state. “JAKFED vehicles have more mileage in comparison to the state garage vehicles, so I try to use them more. I think the practice should be appreciated. I am moving with my officials both within and outside the state,” he said,” adding, “All the ministers are accompanied by a cavalcade and it is not a crime.” On other allegations, including the alleged irregularities and nepotism in the JAKFED, he said it was an attempt to tarnish his image. Sharma said, “I have revived the dead units after I joined as a Minister and in the last three years I have ousted corrupt people. I have launched a “safai abhiyan” to wipe out corrupt people from cooperatives and other units and I am sure that these people have a political backing. They have been using such means to tarnish my image, but I have become proactive in implementing welfare plans.” He said he would not pay heed to any baseless allegations and would not hesitate in implementing stern rules to improve the situation. “When I took over, JAKFED was running in losses. 1.35 crore was its total income while the salary burden was Rs 4 crore. Employees were awaiting salaries for past 31 months. And now the profit is over Rs 6 crore and a hike of 15 per cent has been given to the employees. Anyone can see the facts and judge my work,” the Minister said. |
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The state administration has sounded flood alert after intermittent rain battered the Jammu region, triggering landslides and flash floods.
