The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

	Heavy rain leaves 7 dead in Jammu region Over three dozen houses flattened; traffic on Basohli-Kathua highway disrupted for 10 hours Arteev Sharma/TNS Jammu, August 25 Seven persons, including four minors, were killed today and 12 others sustained critical injuries in separate rain-related incidents across the Jammu region. Overnight heavy rain flattened over three dozen houses, besides snapping road connectivity to various tehsil headquarters. At several places, residents had to battle the problem of waterlogging as flood waters gushed into their residential and commercial complexes. Official sources told The Tribune that three persons, including two minors, were killed in two incidents of house collapse. In the Bathindi area of the district, three mud houses on a hillock got damaged due to a landslide triggered by heavy rain this morning. A woman and a girl were buried alive, while three others suffered critical injuries in the incident. The deceased have been identified as Rafiqa Bibi (45), wife of Khalid Hussain, and Aamana (6), daughter of Abdul Rabani. The injured are Hafiza Bibi, Junaid and Qasim Jan. In another incident, a six-year-old boy, identified as Sahil Singh, son of Punjab Singh, a resident of Choi village in the Hatli panchayat, was killed in a mud house collapse. “Sahil got buried in the debris. Villagers retrieved his body,” sources said. Similarly, a woman, identified as Kamlo Devi of Kaintha village in the district, suffered critical injuries when a cowshed collapsed. Vehicular movement on the Basohli-Kathua highway remained suspended for 10 hours following flash floods in Kandroh Nullah. “The flash floods due to heavy rain in the upper reaches of the district caused damage to the Basohli-Kathua highway and it remained closed for traffic for 10 hours as flood waters from the nullah got diverted and started flowing on the road near Basohli turn at Lakhanpur. Students of Kendriya Vidhalaya on the Basohli road couldn’t reach school,” the sources said. Zahida Parveen Khan, Deputy Commissioner, Kathua, said three people were killed and at least 10 houses had collapsed due to overnight rain in the district. “I visited the Bathindi area and personally monitored the rescue operation. The critically injured had been shifted to the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Jammu. I have directed all tehsildars to assess the loss of property due to the rain in their jurisdiction and the affected people will be compensated suitably,” she said. In yet another tragic incident, a woman and her two sons were buried alive and five other members of the family suffered critical injuries after a house caved in in the Barmeen area of Ramnagar tehsil of Udhampur district. The deceased have been identified as Rita Devi (36), wife of Atma Singh, and their two sons, Sahil (13) and Sanjay (7). The sources said the family was asleep when their mud house collapsed around midnight. Four persons — Atma Singh and his three daughters, Shivani (3), Pooja (12) and Sharda (16) - were injured critically and were shifted to a nearby hospital by neighbours. Reports from Rajouri district said four persons were injured when a house collapsed at Soit village. In Samba district, over a dozen kutcha houses were damaged due to overnight rain. An unidentified body was found from the distributary of a check dam at Khokyal village in Kathua district this evening. Heavy rain in the upper reaches also led to a rise in the water level in all major rivers, including the Chenab, the Ujh, the Basantar and the Tawi. The administration has asked the people to remain away from the banks of the rivers.
	In the Valley, dry spell ends Bismah Malik Tribune News Service Srinagar, August 25 Kashmir heaved a sigh of relief as Srinagar and its neighbouring areas experienced light rain this evening, ending a prolonged spell of hot and dry weather. Light to moderate rain is likely to last till tomorrow, which will bring down the temperature by a few notches. “We are expecting more spells of rain in the next 24 hours across the Valley. But there is no likelihood of any heavy rain. Humidity will also increase due to light to moderate thundershowers,” said Sonam Lotus, Director, Meteorological Department. Temperatures have been on a steady rise over the past week, adding to the woes of the people across the Valley. As rain lashed the city, residents ventured out to enjoy the pleasant weather. A large number of congregations have been held in the past few weeks, with people hoping for a break in the dry spell across the Valley. “We hope the rain lasts for a while and end the unusually hot weather that have been experiencing. The farmers are especially worried since their crops have been badly hit due to the dry spell. A day or two of rain is not enough,” said Ghulam Muhammad, a local farmer. While temperatures have been staying 2-3 degrees above normal, high humidity has been causing discomfort to people. “Humidity stayed in the range of 80-90 today. After August 27, it is expected to increase further, so people will have to brace for more dry and hot conditions. Though a few more spells of rain are likely to occur tomorrow,” said a Meteorological Department official. The statistics with the department suggest that the Valley has been remained rain deficient this year, as it has received just 17 mm rainfall so far in comparison to the normal range of 72 mm. Feeling the heat Temperatures have been on a steady rise over the past week, adding to the woes of the people across the Valley. A large number of congregations have been held in the past few weeks, with people hoping for a break in the dry spell
	Four held for Eid violence Majid Jahangir Tribune News Service Srinagar, August 25 The Jammu and Kashmir Police has arrested four persons between the age group of 17 and 25 for allegedly setting a police vehicle ablaze and attacking policemen after Eid prayers on Monday. Those arrested have been identified as college student Burhan Lone (19) of Noor Bagh, Srinagar; Mohammad Younis Sheikh (21) of Dana Mazar, Safa Kadal; Abid Beg of Mahraj Bazar, Srinagar; and Hilal Ahmed Sofi (25) of the old city. “We have so far arrested four persons for the violence and setting a police vehicle on fire on Eid,” said a police officer. “The four were arrested after analysing the video footage and photographic evidence,” he said. Soon after the mob violence on Eid, a case was registered in the Safa Kadal police station against unknown persons, who were charged under Sections 147 (punishment for rioting), 148 (rioting, armed with deadly weapon), 149 (every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object), 152 (assaulting or obstructing a public servant when suppressing riot), 307 (attempt to murder), 436 (mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy house, etc), 427 (mischief causing damage) and 511 (punishment for attempting to commit offences punishable with imprisonment for life or other imprisonment) of the Ranbir Penal Code. “While four persons have been arrested in the case, many youngsters of various old city localities in Srinagar are being summoned to the police station where the case has been registered. Over 20 persons were involved in the violence on Eid and we are looking for the other accused,” a police officer said. After the conclusion of Eid prayers, a mob had set ablaze a police vehicle at Eidgah in the old city. Three policemen, including in charge of the Qamarwari police post Ghulam Hassan (ASI) were also injured in the mob assault.
	Custodial Death of Youth File status report within week, HC tells Divisional Commissioner Ishfaq Tantry Tribune News Service Srinagar, August 25 The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has given the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, one week to file his status report in a case involving the custodial death of a youth, who died while serving detention under the Public Safety Act (PSA) at a Kupwara jail. In the report, the Divisional Commissioner has been asked to explain what action has been taken on the magisterial inquiry which has indicted the Kupwara jail authorities, failing which he has been ordered to appear in person before the court. Sajjad (22) from Sangrampora Sopore in north Kashmir died in the SKIMS, Srinagar, on March 22 while serving detention under the PSA at the Kupwara sub-jail. The report of the magisterial inquiry, which was ordered by the District Magistrate, Kupwara, on March 3 this year, has held the Kupwara sub-jail authorities and the jail medical staff guilty of “negligence”. As the case came up for hearing before Justice Mansoor Ahmad Mir, it was brought to the notice of the court that Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Asgar Samoon has not filed his status report as directed during the last hearing. “Justice Mansoor has directed the Divisional Commissioner to file his report, explaining the action taken on the magisterial inquiry report, within one week, failing which he has been asked to appear in person before the court,” said Mian Rouf, counsel associated with the case. The matter is listed for consideration next week. In his status report, the District Magistrate, Kupwara, has submitted that the magisterial inquiry report in Sajjad’s custodial death has already been forwarded to the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, for “necessary action”. Quoting the magisterial inquiry report, the counsel representing the victim’s family has been demanding action against the Kupwara jail authorities, citing their indictment by the magisterial inquiry. Besides, they are also demanding the registration of an FIR against the authorities for “causing the death of Sajjad due to negligence”. Though Sajjad died serving detention under the PSA, his habeas corpus petition challenging his detention is still pending before the court. Findings of magisterial probe Sajjad was lodged at the Kupwara sub-jail and died at the SKIMS, Srinagar, after being referred for treatment on March 22. However, Sajjad’s family has accused the police of his death Incidentally, the magisterial probe has concluded that the deceased was physically unfit, having acute problem and a head injury. Though he needed special treatment, he was not provided sufficient treatment, which led to his death
	Union Home Secretary visits forward posts, interacts with troops Ehsan Fazili/TNS Srinagar, August 25 Union Home Secretary RK Singh today visited forward posts in Gulmarg sector to review the security situation at the ground level in the state and interacted with troops deployed there. The Union Home Secretary, who was accompanied by senior officials, concluded his two-day visit and returned to New Delhi today. During his visit to the state, he halted in Jammu and arrived in the Srinagar in the evening yesterday. He had meetings with Governor NN Vohra, senior security forces officers, including the Director General of Police, Ashok Prasad, and the GOC of the Srinagar-based 15 Corps of the Army. Singh had a detailed meeting with the officiating GOC, 15 Corps, Maj Gen Rajesh Arya, at the Chinar Corps headquarters last evening. During an hour-long meeting, the Home Secretary was briefed about the security situation along the Line of Control (LoC) and in other border areas, sources said. He was also briefed about the activities of militants, particularly during the recent months in the Valley, said the sources. The meeting at the Corps headquarters was attended by DGP Ashok Prasad and senior security forces officers. Before leaving for New Delhi, the Union Home Secretary had a separate meeting with DGP Prasad at Police Headquarters today afternoon. Senior police officers and officials of the Home Department attended the meeting. During his meeting with the Governor at Raj Bhawan, the two discussed matters relating to the border management, obtaining external security situation and issues relating to internal order. An official spokesman said matters relating to the trans-LoC trade and securing sustained peace and normalcy in the state also came up for discussion during the meeting.
	Can’t bring undertrial to Srinagar court, says Gujarat Govt Azhar Qadri/TNS Srinagar, August 25 The Gujarat Government has said it cannot bring a Kashmiri undertrial, dubbed as “Pepsi-bomber”, to a Srinagar court as it fears his “removal” from the Vadodra Central Jail has “likelihood” to disturb “public order”. Srinagar resident Bashir Ahmad Baba, who has been charged with being associated with the Hizbul Mujahideen militant outfit and being in contact with leaders of the outfit, remains lodged in the Vadodara Central Jail after his 2010 arrest. He has been dubbed as “Pepsi bomber” on the basis of charges that he can assemble a bomb in empty Pepsi cans. The Gujarat Police has charged him with motivating “2002 riot-affected Muslim youth” to take “revenge for the post-Godhra carnage” and sending them to Pakistan for arms training. Baba has another case under the Explosives Act pending against him in a Srinagar court for which he was to be brought by the Gujarat Police to a Srinagar court for today’s hearing. However, in a written reply, the Gujarat Government today said Baba “shall not be removed from the Central Jail, Vadodara”. Baba’s lawyer here said they would contest the Gujarat Government’s order.
	2 youths held near LoC Our Correspondent Poonch, August 23 The Army apprehended two Kashmiri youths, who were allegedly trying to cross over to Pakistan for arms training, from the Gountrian area in Shahpur sector near the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district last evening, Army officers said. The two youths were moving close to the LoC under mysterious circumstances in the Gountrian area last evening. After questioning, the Army handed them over to the police, said defence PRO Col RK Palta. The arrested youths have been identified as Hilal Ahmed and Gulzar Ahmed, both residents of Budgam district. “During the preliminary investigations, the arrested youths revealed that they had hired a Tata Sumo from Poonch town for Islamabad in Anantnag district, but the Sumo driver who didn’t know the place brought them to Salamabad in Gountrian sector, where they were arrested,” said Poonch SP Shamsheer Hussain. “They are being questioned in police custody. We are also investigating the matter in Budgam,” the SP said.
	Soz slams BJP for parliamentary deadlock Tribune News Service New Delhi, August 25 President of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee Saifuddin Soz today slammed the BJP for causing the parliamentary deadlock and blamed it for preventing legislators from performing their main function of lawmaking. “It is so tragic that the BJP has gone too far in causing a deadlock in both houses of Parliament. The deadlock has particularly halted the process of important legislation, which is the main task of parliamentarians in both Houses,” Soz said in a statement. The Jammu and Kashmir Congress chief blamed the BJP for a delay in the passage of critical laws, including the Whistleblowers Protection Act, which is aimed at safeguarding whistleblowers and checking various kinds of corrupt practices. “This Bill was listed continuously for six working days in the Rajya Sabha during the past two weeks. However, even such an important legislation could not come up for discussion. I was a listed speaker. I was particularly wanting to pay tributes to the illustrious sons and daughters of India - from Manju Nath to Shehla Masood - who laid down their lives for the cause of truth and justice. However, I had to mark my retreat on each working day in utter disgust,” Soz said.
	Hearing in Machil fake encounter case adjourned Ishfaq Tantry Tribune News Service Srinagar, August 25 A sessions court in Baramulla today adjourned hearing in the Machil fake encounter case, involving the alleged staged killing of three youths of north Kashmir on April 30, 2010. The case is now scheduled to come up before Principal District and Sessions Judge, Baramulla, Kaneez Fatima in the second week of September. On July 27, while allowing the Army authorities to court-martial the accused Army officers in the Machil case, the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), Sopore, had bifurcated the charge sheet against the accused Army soldiers and officers and the other three accused, including two civilians. On the same date, however, the CJM had also committed the case of these three accused for trail to the sessions court, Baramulla. Though the case was listed before the Principal District and Sessions Judge, Baramulla, today, it could not be taken up for hearing. “All listed cases were adjourned today as Kaneez Fatima assumed her office as the new Principal District and Sessions Judge, Baramulla, today itself. So, all court business was postponed,” a court official told The Tribune. The Machil fake encounter case relates to three youtha - Shezad Ahmad, Riyaz Ahmad and Mohammad Shafi - hailing from Nadihal village of Baramulla, who were allegedly killed by Army officers of the 4 Rajput Rifles at Machil on April 30, 2010, in a staged encounter and later passed off as foreign militants. On July 15, 2010, the police presented a charge sheet against the accused under Section 302 in the case before the CJM, Sopore. The accused The accused Army men charge-sheeted in the case include Col DK Pathania, Commanding Officer of the 4 Rajput Rifles, Major Moriya (Adjutant), Major Upendra Singh, Subedar Satbir Singh, Havildar Bir Singh, Sepoy Chadraban, Sepoy Nagendra Singh, Sepoy Narinder Singh Besides the accused Army personnel, the other accused named in the charge sheet and facing trail before the Baramulla Sessions Court are Bashir Ahmad Lone, Abdul Hamid Bhat, both civilians, and rifleman Abbas Hussain Shah