The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

	Legislative Council elections Coalition offers united fight, but ground reality different Lack of coordination between NC, Cong workers at grass-roots level Dinesh Manhotra/TNS Jammu, November 20 The campaign for elections to four Legislative Council seats has begun, but coalition partners the National Conference (NC) and the Congress have failed to present a “united face” while campaigning for four coalition candidates. Both parties have fielded two candidates each in Jammu and Kashmir regions. Although the joint coordination committee of both parties has been constituted to ensure the victory of the coalition candidates yet at the grass-roots level, local leaders of the NC and the Congress are campaigning only for candidates of their respective parties. Today, when Independent candidate Rajinder Kumar Sharma withdrew his nomination, he announced his support only to Congress candidate Sham Lal Bhagat. Senior Congress leaders, including former minister Ramesh Lal Sharma, were also present when Rajinder Kumar announced his withdrawal. “Senior Congress leaders convinced me to withdraw in favour of the Congress candidate. So, today I announce my support to Sham Lal Bhagat,” Rajinder Kumar said while adding that he would start a campaign from tomorrow to ensure the victory of the Congress candidate. Similarly, some panchayat members, who are Congress supporters, are campaigning only for the Congress candidate in Jammu province. For two seats from the Jammu province, the NC has fielded Shehnaz Ganai and the Congress candidate is Sham Lal Bhagat. The NC has fielded Ali Mohammad Dar and the Congress has nominated Ghulam Nabi Moonga for two seats of the Kashmir valley. A senior Congress leader said on condition of anonymity that it was really difficult for party workers to campaign with NC activists in many parts of the Jammu province. He cited the example of Vijaypur Assembly segment where NC leader and Minister for Industries and Commerce Surjeet Singh Slathia and Congress leader and former minister Manjeet Singh have been working overtime to undermine each other. Both leaders are openly luring voters from each other’s camps. After joining the Congress on January 22, 2010, Manjeet has been taking every opportunity to attack Slathia publicly. Slathia, too, has launched an aggressive campaign in this belt to rope in some Congress-backed panchayat members. Sources said the leadership of both parties had given directions to their cadre to ensure victory of the coalition candidates but on the ground these directions were unlikely to be implemented due to competition and rivalry between workers of both parties.
	NC, Congress alone can ensure strong panchayat system: Farooq Union Minister kick-starts poll campaign Tribune News Service Srinagar, November 20 The ruling National Conference on Tuesday launched its election campaign for the four seats of the Legislative Council. The campaign was kick-started by Union Renewable Energy Minister Farooq Abdullah, who is the president of the ruling party. Farooq met sarpanches and panches at the party headquarters here in the city and urged them to vote for the coalition candidates. “The NC-Congress coalition can alone ensure that panchayats become a strong and vibrant institution. Everyone should work hard to make the four coalition candidates successful,” Farooq told panchayat members. “You should ensure that both the coalition partners work as one unit for the victory of coalition candidates. We have given the mandate to people who will work for the rural areas, they know your problems, they are grass-roots workers and know the problems of the people in far-flung areas,” Farooq said. National Conference spokesman Tanvir Sadiq said Farooq’s meeting with the panchayat members at the party headquarters here was the launch of the party’s campaign for the Legislative Council elections. He said the campaign would now move to other districts of the Kashmir valley from Wednesday onwards where leaders of the party will hold meetings with panchayat members. Ali Mohammad Dar of the National Conference and Ghulam Nabi Monga of the Congress are contesting the Legislative Council poll for the two Legislative Council seats from the Kashmir region. Dar faces a tough competition from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Peer Mohammad Hussain while Monga will have to mainly compete with the PDP’s Yasir Reshi. Sixteen nominations were filed from the Kashmir region for the two seats of the Legislative Council, all of which were cleared after scrutiny last week. Poll Call The National Conference and its coalition partner Congress have each fielded two candidates for the four Legislative Council seats. The two coalition partners are jointly contesting the elections for the four seats. Thousands of panchayat members will vote in the Legislative Council election from the panchayat quota on December 3
	BJP begins campaign in Jammu Tribune News Service Jammu, November 20 To mobilise the support of panches and sarpanches in favour of party candidates, Uttam Singh and Rashpal Verma, BJP leaders, today started a campaign in various areas of the Jammu province. Uttam Singh, accompanied by MLA Jugal Kishore, MLA Sukhnandan Choudhary, Karan Singh, Chaman Lal Kanathia, Omi Khajuria, Suraj Singh, Kuldeep Sharma, Rajinder Singh, Harjeet and Sukhdev, held a series of meetings at Khour, Akhnoor, Bhalwal and Marh blocks. Similarly, Rashpal Verma, accompanied by local leaders of Kathua, held meetings at Hiranagar, Barnoti and Kathua, where a large number of sarpanches and panches were present. The BJP claimed that the panches and sarpanches of these blocks had assured the party that they would cast their votes in favour of its candidates as they had been fighting for the cause of panchayats. Addressing gatherings at various places, the party MLAs, Jugal Kishore Sharma and Sukhnandan Kumar, said the BJP had a justification for seeking votes for its candidate as it was not only a political party but a mission with a very clear motive of strengthening nationalistic forces, raising a voice against region-based discrimination and prevailing corruption in the state. They said without the implementation of the 73rd Amendment of the Indian Constitution, the panchayats across the state were rendered powerless. They said the BJP was fighting for the rights of the panches and sapanches in and outside the Assembly.
	Tourism is not a barometer of normalcy in J-K: Omar Tribune News Service Srinagar, November 20 Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said ‘as if pre-militancy days’ had returned to Kashmir and cautioned people against linking the tourist footfall with normalcy. He was addressing a seminar titled ‘Sustainable Tourism-Environment and Infrastructure’ here. “It seems as if pre-militancy days have resumed this year as we were getting calls for hotel bookings….Even (former CM) Farooq sahib (Abdullah) used to get calls for bookings….but it is wrong to link tourism to normalcy,” said Omar. The seminar was organised by the Kashmir Hotels and Restaurant Owners Federation and the Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Association. “Tourism is not a barometer of normalcy but that of economic activity. Increased tourism does not mean that issues are resolved,” he said. The Chief Minister said Kashmir needed to be promoted as a safe tourist destination. Stating that over 13 lakh tourists had visited Kashmir this year, Omar batted for qualitative tourism, saying he was not in favour of setting targets of receiving 25 lakh tourists. He regretted ponywallas attitude, who were habitual of inconveniencing tourists, saying it would send a negative signal. Urging stakeholders to build tourism infrastructure by constructing hotels, Omar said the government attempts towards running hotels had failed. “Our duty is to maintain peace, given loans and construct roads,” he said. The Chief Minister urged the stakeholders to endeavour towards roping in conventional and high-end tourists into the state. Omar underscored the potential of tourism to provide employment and suggested establishment of restaurants and home stay facilities for tourists. He also emphasised on upgrade of transport facility and accommodation for quality tourism. Omar said he had received complaints from tourists that there were not many eating joints in the Valley.
	Tourism industry looks for some ‘Chiru magic’ Want Minister of State for Tourism to give a boost to the sector Tribune News Service Srinagar, November 20 As southern megastar K Chiranjeevi came here after 20 long years and this time as Union Minister of State for Tourism, stakeholders of Kashmir's and Uttaranchal's tourism industry are hoping for some “magic” to boost the sector. “We want you (Chiranjeevi) to wave a magic wand for tourism just like the kind of magic seen in your movies,” Kashmir Hotels and Restaurants Owners Federation (KHAROF) president Faiz Bakshi said while addressing a function held here. The southern megastar, who has shot scenes for around 50 films in Kashmir, had come here to attend a seminar titled “Sustainable Tourism-Environment and Infrastructure”, organised by hoteliers of Kashmir. Speaking on the occasion, Uttaranchal Tourism Minister Amrita Rawat too looked at Chiranjeevi when she said her state as well as the Kashmir valley were hilly areas and faced similar problems vis-à-vis expansion of tourism. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah too hoped that the megastar would ‘make a mark’ in development of tourism infrastructure just like he had ‘made a mark’ in films. And when Chiranjeevi spoke, he promised that he would extend all possible help. Recounting his experiences in Kashmir, he said: “I have wonderful experience here of shooting for about 50 films.... I have visited Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Pahalgam, Dal Lake and the Mughal gardens.” Stating that the state had passed through “hard times”, Chiranjeevi congratulated the state for reviving tourism in the Valley. He welcomed the lifting of travel advisories by some European countries while asserting that Kashmir was being promoted as part of the “365 day travel” destinations of the country. He also underscored the need for developing rural tourism in the state. Talking to reporters later, Chiranjeevi described Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan's recent visit as a good beginning of the film industry's tryst with Kashmir. He said he was happy to be back in Kashmir while adding that the Valley was a good place to shoot films.
	Polyclinic for ex-servicemen in Poonch Our correspondent Poonch, November 20 As part of the Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), phase-II of expansion plan, polyclinic type E was inaugurated near Christ School at Poonch today. Maj Gen KH Singh, GOC of Ace of Spades Division, who was the chief guest, inaugurated the polyclinic. In the presence of a large number of ex-servicemen, the GOC talked about the benefits of the scheme which is helping Army veterans and their dependents living in remote areas with focused quality medicare. The scheme is a boon for retired soldiers, widows and dependants as it brings much needed succour to remote areas not covered by either service or government hospitals. With the opening of the polyclinic, the ambulance vehicle, which will soon be made available along with medical officers, will visit Surankote, Mendhar and Mandi areas on designated days. They will provide medical care to ex-servicemen on their doorstep. It will ensure maximum clientele satisfaction as aged veterans will not have to trudge long distances to seek medical help. The GOC appreciated the Civil Administration for providing support and also appreciated efforts put in by Poonch Brigade in establishing the polyclinic and making it functional in time. Those who were present at the inaugural ceremony included Brig MK Mago, Commander, Poonch Brigade; Brig Hemant Kumar; AK Sahoo, Deputy Commissioner, Poonch; Shamsheer Choudhary, SSP, Poonch; Col Nagender Singh, Director, Regional Centre, ECHS, Jammu; and Maj Prem Singh (retd), Zila Sainik Welfare Officer, Poonch.
	Speed up process to improve cross-LoC relations, says Mufti Tribune News Service Srinagar, November 20 PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has said despite setback to the resolution and reconciliation process in the last many years, it was clear that India and Pakistan would have to again pick up threads and speed up the process of improving the cross-LoC relations. Addressing a meeting of party workers in Bandipore today, Mufti said the lack of follow-up at the state level was one of the reasons for the slowing down of the process. “Instead of building up on initiatives of 2003-2005, the present government is only raising slogans on seeing the electoral mood building up,” he said. He said the PDP’s idea of change was not just about changing the government but it encompassed the resolution of the Kashmir issue through democratic means, economic revival and establishment of institutions which could ultimately empower people to take their own decisions. He said the present mood among the people indicated that the state was ripe for such a change. Mufti said the reopening of traditional routes had special significance for areas like Bandipore which were important centres of trade with Central Asia before the Partition. He said the reopening of roads like Bandipore-Gilgit could usher in a new era of prosperity and cultural revitalisation for the people who had been pushed into a dead end following the Partition. “With its immense natural assets, Bandipore could genuinely claim a place on the tourist map of the world but unsettled conditions and lack of interest by the successive NC governments in developing infrastructure has relegated such prime spots to oblivion,” he said.
	Science conference for women from Dec 11 Tribune News Service Srinagar, November 20 Women scientists, academicians, research scholars and science students from the state will get together to discuss science in the first ever J&K Women’s Science Congress to be held from December 11 to 13 in Kashmir. The J&K State Council for Science and Technology, in collaboration with the Department of Biotechnology and water management will organise the three-day conference. It is aimed at promoting women’s interest in various fields of study in science and celebrate distinctive achievements of women scientists from the state. The conference will also address the issue of under representation of women in science, breaking the cliché of science being a man’s world. Research outcomes of women scientists will be shared with science enthusiasts in the conference to make them well-versed with various facets of science study and train them on research grounds. During the conference, women academicians, research scholars and students will submit their research papers on case studies in the context of life sciences, earth sciences, physical and material sciences, applied sciences, social sciences and allied sciences. Women science professionals will formulate strategies during the congress to address issues concerning them ranging from economic to social problems. Recommendations made at the end of the congress will be forwarded to agencies concerned for framing the action agenda necessary for ground implementation. Desirous participants can also submit their posters and research papers in the conference. The best paper or poster will be awarded at the end of the congress.
	India must snap ties with Israel: CPM leader Tribune News Service Srinagar, November 20 State secretary of the CPM Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami on Monday demanded that the Central government should end its military ties with Israel to protest against the Isreali attack on Gaza. Tarigami in a statement said the Central government should “snap its ties with Israel”. The communist party leader said he “strongly” condemned the Israeli air strikes in Gaza in Palestine. He urged the Central government to condemn the Israeli air strike “in strongest words”. “(Israeli) military air strikes have not only killed people but also destroyed hard gained infrastructure,” Tarigami said. He also called upon the world community to “rise to the occasion” to ensure no further “genocide against helpless Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. “The last five days of onslaught on the Gaza strip has consumed over 73 lives. The entire world needs to rise above all political or economic considerations and condemn these military strikes,” Tarigami said. He said the 1.7 million people of Gaza continue to remain “under a brutal siege” which is affecting “even basic necessities such as food and medicine”. Earlier, politico-religious Jamaat-e-Islami had "denounced" the Israeli attack on Gaza.
	PDP slams NC over panchayat powers Our Correspondent Rajouri, November 20 President of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mehbooba Mufti today said the National Conference (NC) government was a failure on all fronts and election of panches and sarpanches was a farce. While addressing a public gathering in the Kari area of Rajouri district today, Mehbooba said, “The panchayat elections held in the NC-Congress tenure were an effort of the ruling coalition to win the four Legislative Council seats under the panchayat quota.” She slammed the NC for its failure to empower the panchayats. She said, “The Sheikh family has a history of corruption by grabbing prime land in meagre amount at the Gupkar road in Srinagar.” She said there was rampant corruption in all the departments. “The PDP has earned the credibility of the people through its convictions and commitments. We want to change the present system with the support and cooperation of the people,” she said. “The PDP has emerged as a strong and effective alternative to the NC in the entire state.” “It was during the PDP-led regime that all the regions of the state were empowered and there was an equal distribution of power,” Mehbooba said, adding, “The people of the Jammu region have realised that only the PDP has the vision to solve their problems.”
	Cop shot at by militants in Baramulla Tribune News Service Srinagar, November 20 A special police officer (SPO) was critically injured when militants fired at him in north Kashmir’s Baramulla town this afternoon. The police said SPO Mushtaq Ahmad was injured when militants opened fire at him from a point blank range in the main market of Baramulla town around 3 pm. It said Mushtaq received three bullets, one in the abdomen, and was rushed to District Hospital. “The doctors, however, shifted him to a hospital in Srinagar where his condition is stated to be serious,” the police said. The police said the shootout created panic in the area and the militants managed to escape. “The SPO was the personal guard of office-bearer of the National Conference Irfan Ahmed Banday who was shopping in the market when the attack took place,” the police said. No militant outfit has so far claimed the responsibility for the attack. A police spokesman in Srinagar said a case has been registered at the police station in Baramulla. “The investigations have been started,” the spokesman said.
	Search for militants continues in Kupwara Tribune News Service Srinagar, November 20 The Army and the Special Operations Group of the police continue to carry out searches in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district for the third consecutive day today where an encounter had erupted on Sunday afternoon. Police sources said a joint search operation was going on in the Warnow forests in Lolab, Kupwara, where the security forces suspected the presence of four to six militants. “The holed up militants are firing intermittently. That is why the search operation is taking much time. We are maintaining a tight cordon in the forest to ensure that the militants do not escape,” said a police officer. The police said it suspected Qari Mohammad, one of the most wanted Lashker-e-Toiba militant commanders of north Kashmir, was hiding in the forests. There are no reports of casualties from either side so far. The police said the operation to flush out militants from the forests may take some more days as the militants were hiding in inaccessible dense forests.