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Kashmir’s lone children hospital to tag babies
Governor, CM pay tribute to Sheikh Abdullah
All-weather border fence can ensure zero infiltration: DGP
LC poll exposes chinks in NC-Cong alliance
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Geelani declines Pak
invite
Vast scope for adventure tourism in Kashmir: CM
Tour de India: European cyclists feel safe, at home in Kashmir
Curfew relaxed in Srinagar
Deal firmly with Yasin for criticising judiciary: Lawyers
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Kashmir’s lone children hospital to tag babies
The G B Pant Hospital here, which has infant patients coming from across the Valley, has introduced separate colour-coded identity bands for baby-girl and baby-boy patients. “Neonates admitted in the hospital will be tagged with patient identification bands, a pink identity band for girls and blue for boys, a practice that adheres to the identification system used internationally,” said Deputy Medical Superintendent of G B Pant hospital Saleem Khan. He said the tags having the baby’s vital information, including parentage, time of birth and identification marks, will help the hospital authorities convince the attendants not to enter critical areas of the hospital. This will help prevent the spread of infection. So far, it has been hard for the hospital authorities to convince attendants, whose presence at the Intensive Care Unit created the danger of introducing or spreading infection, to leave their ill children alone. “They feared that their child could get swapped. Though such a case has not happened here so far, the parents would express this apprehension. Now, we can convince them that their child is safe,” Khan said. He said the coloured water-proof tags would end any apprehension of “exchange”, “mismatch” or swapping of the children. “The tag once fastened on a child’s leg or wrist cannot be broken. It can only be cut by a scissor and will only be removed once the child is discharged,” Khan said. The hospital has taken several radical measures in recent months to improve health care after the facility was hit by a major controversy earlier this year over a large number of infant deaths. Following the controversy, the state Medical Education Department had appointed a leading doctor as an inquiry officer to look into the causes of the high rate of infant deaths at the hospital. On basis of the report submitted by the Director of the SK Institute of Medical Sciences, who conducted the inquiry, the government amidst a public outcry had attached the Medical Superintendent of the G B Pant Hospital on May 17. The report had blamed the high rate of infant deaths in the hospital on lack of manpower, equipment and overall mismanagement of the services provided by the hospital. A staggering 3,828 infants had died in the last four years in the hospital. Khan said the infant deaths in the hospital, where on an average 20 children were admitted every day to the intensive care unit, had sharply come down to 27 neo-natal deaths last month from 80-100 deaths in a month earlier.
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Governor, CM pay tribute to Sheikh Abdullah
Jammu, December 4 In a message, the Governor recalled Sheikh Abdullah’s major contribution towards the all round development of the state, adding that he was among the tallest leaders of his time in the country, who worked with eminent leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru for strengthening the values of secularism and democracy. Describing Sheikh as a politician with a far sight, the Governor recalled his commitment to protecting the pluralistic ethos of the state at the time of Partition when communal frenzy had engulfed the country. He also referred to the historic land reforms and schemes like Rehbar-i-Sehat and single-line administration introduced by Sheikh Abdullah, which helped in placing the state on the path of growth and development. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, while paying rich tributes to Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, described him as a symbol of amity, unity and progress in Jammu and Kashmir. “He denotes the state’s high traits of pluralistic ethos and communal harmony. He nurtured and strengthened this characteristic and cemented the bonds of love between various sections of society and regions of the state,” said the Chief Minister. “The slogan, ‘Hindu-Muslim-Sikh-Ithad’, preached and practised by the Sher-i-Kashmir throughout his life, still reverberates in the valleys, plains and mountains of the state. The universal harmony cultivated by him has become an integral part of the state’s quality,” Omar said. The Chief Minister said Sheikh Abdullah was the epitome of sacrifices and had always fought for the cause and dignity of people. “His target was the empowerment of the common man and equitable development of the state. His vision of ‘Naya Kashmir’ embedded holistic and comprehensive development of all sections and regions,” he said. |
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All-weather border fence can ensure zero infiltration: DGP
Jammu, December 4 At present “90 per cent of the militancy” is coming from across the border and if an all-weather fence comes up, it will result in zero infiltration and hence zero militancy in the state, the DGP said while answering media queries here this morning. An all-weather fence was one of the most significant measures being mulled by the Centre with the state government to ensure lasting peace in J-K, he said. “The Centre wants engineers to look into its feasibility. The fence is already there and we are not going to build anything new. We just have to see how it can be upgraded, strengthened and strategically relocated,” he said. The DGP said the objective of such a fence would be to purely stop the infiltration of militants from across the border. The issue had been discussed on various occasions at the higher level, he added. The fence could be relocated in areas where it did not exist at present, but that again had to be decided by experts, he said. On sectarian violence in Srinagar, he said such incidents were not confined to Srinagar or the state; they occurred in other parts of the country also. “Our experience says that more than 90 per cent of the people in the Valley do not want a troubled atmosphere. At the time we have taken some stringent measures. I assure you that we will not let the situation go out of hand,” he said. On Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin’s latest threat to fuel violence in J&K, Prasad said: “The police is prepared to take care of his threats. 96 per cent polling for four seats of the Legislative Council was an apt answer to his threats.” |
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LC poll exposes chinks in NC-Cong alliance
Jammu, December 4 Senior leaders of both the parties, while attempting to downplay simmering differences between the coalition partners termed the “anti-coalition partner” acts as “stray incidents of minor variations (differences) at the constituency-level”. However, the National Conference has taken strong exception to incidents, wherein Congress leaders allegedly ensured that its votes didn’t go into the kitty of National Conference candidates, contesting the Legislative Council elections. It has decided to take up the issue with the Congress high command, besides deliberating on it at its own level to chalk out a future strategy. Differences within the two parties assumed significance in the wake of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s assertions that the National Conference (NC) and the Congress could contest the next Assembly elections jointly. Sources said the second line leadership of the two parties virtually worked against each other during polling at various block headquarters despite the fact that the coalition partners had decided to contest the four seats together. “The vulnerability of the NC-Congress alliance was visible to all when not only the second line leadership but also senior leaders of the two parties tried to influence voters (sarpanches and panches) to vote against their coalition partner,” the sources said. A sarpanch, who owns allegiance to the Congress, said, “The ruling party has repeatedly been trying to create hurdles in the implementation of the 73rd Amendment of the Indian constitution in Jammu and Kashmir. I voted in favour of Sham Lal Bhagat but I didn’t cast my second vote which was supposed to be cast in favour of the NC candidate. Ideological differences between the two parties didn’t allow me to vote in favour of the NC candidate.” A Congress MP had reportedly ensured that his party’s votes didn’t go to the NC candidate Dr Shahnaz Ganai, contesting on the J-2 seat. Similarly, the ruling NC workers allegedly tried their best to restrain electorate from voting in favour of the Congress candidates. Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Ali Mohammad Sagar admitted that there were some complaints wherein workers of the two parties worked against each other. “The high command of the two parties will look into the issue but the coalition had made united efforts and their leaders worked together in these elections,” said Sagar. Congress chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma said by and large there was complete coordination between the two parties and “stray incidents of minor variations at the constituency-level” should not be seen in the form of a “discord” between them. “There could be some instances where workers and leaders of the two parties couldn’t have coordinated. But the two parties, to my satisfaction, worked in complete coordination and it will be reflected in the results. As far as some reservations expressed by NC leaders are concerned, we will verify the instances,” Sharma said. On November 12, the NC and the Congress had decided to contest the Legislative Council elections together on all the four seats. It was decided that each party would contest on two seats each (one from Jammu and another from Kashmir). Results tomorrow Srinagar: While the elections to four seats of Legislative Council were completed peacefully on Monday, the coalition partners are keenly awaiting the results. The counting of votes for two seats from Kashmir will be held here on Thursday. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah the state Congress chief Saifuddin Soz have expressed their optimism over the results. “Good to see the turnout yesterday especially after “experts” had written the obituaries for Panchayati Raj in the state”, tweeted the Omar on Tuesday. The counting of votes for the two seats from Kashmir will be held at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC). The EVMs from 59 blocks have been shifted to the SKICC. The counting will start at 8 am on Thursday and the results are expected by the afternoon. |
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Geelani declines Pak
invite
Srinagar, December 4 The separatist amalgam’s spokesman said Pakistan had accepted Kashmir’s right to self-determination and had been extending “moral, political and diplomatic support”. “The real dispute of Kashmiris is with the Government of India,” Hurriyat spokesman Ayaz Akbar said, quoting the minutes of the meeting. He said the decision not to visit Pakistan was taken during a two-day executive body meeting of the amalgam which was chaired by Geelani. “It was decided in the meeting that since the Pakistan government and people are fully aware of the Kashmiri people’s stand, aspiration and sacrifices, so instead of the Hurriyat Conference’s Pakistan visit it is important for the leadership to continue with its fight without changing its stand,” the spokesman said. The hardline Hurriyat further said Pakistan was about to go to poll and no government can take a major decision at the end of its tenure. The decision of the hardliners to boycott the Pakistan visit, which will begin later this month, places them directly opposite the moderate separatist camp which has decided to visit Pakistan and begun a series of meetings with traders, intellectuals, experts and the civil society in the run up to the visit.
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Vast scope for adventure tourism in Kashmir: CM
Srinagar, December 4 “Many countries like Japan, Germany and Britain have already modified their travel advisories...our effort is to present the beauty of Kashmir in a new style. Kashmir is the best destination for adventure tourism, be it skiing or white water rafting. There is an immense scope for adventure tourism and through today’s event we want to show that there is a scope to play host to competitive and recreational cycling,” Omar said on the sidelines of the second leg of Tour de India that was held here today on the banks of the Dal Lake. The summer capital hosted an international cycling event for the first time today, in which 68 foreign cyclists among a total of 102 participated. The Chief Minister said he was hopeful that the event would become an annual affair and more international cyclists would take part in the future. He made the comments after Kashmir witnessed a record arrival of more than 14 lakh tourists so far this year. The government is now hosting a whole lot of sporting events that would attract more tourists, especially foreigners. Kashmir had also hosted a national Whitewater Slalom Tournament for the first time in September-October earlier this year. Asserting that Tour de India would put Kashmir on the ‘cycling map’, Omar while speaking at the inaugural function of the event, said: “Initially, I was sceptical about holding the event as cycling is not a traditional sport here...youngsters seldom look beyond cricket...but now I must compliment the organisers.” He also expressed his satisfaction that the Valley, where sporting and tourism activities had taken a hit after the eruption of militancy in the state, was now hosting international events. “There was a time when we could not even imagine hosting domestic events,” Omar said. The event was organised by the Union Sports Ministry, state government and the Cycling Federation of India. The last leg of the cycling event is scheduled to be held in Greater Noida later this week. |
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Tour de India: European cyclists feel safe, at home in Kashmir
Srinagar, December 4 “During the first leg in Mumbai (on December 2), the weather conditions were hot but here it’s just like home... weather and scenery is the same... we are feeling safe and we would like to come here again,” said a cyclist from Ireland, Ian Richardson. “I have cycled in many other European countries and the surroundings here are the same.... Moreover, I am noticing much larger crowds here,” he added. Richardson along with 68 foreign cyclists from various countries, mostly European, is here to take part in Tour de India, the second leg of which was held here today. A total of 102 cyclists, included one local, took part in the race held on the banks of the Dal Lake. Barrick Parkes, a cyclist from Dublin, said he was feeling “safe” here and Kashmir had the potential of playing host to other international cycling events as well. The weather conditions here were similar to that of European countries, he said, adding that the holding of Tour de India would augur well for the promotion of cycling activities in Kashmir. Meanwhile, besides promoting cycling, the authorities say the cycling event was good from the tourism angle as well. “The event is good from the tourism angle as it will showcase the beauty of Kashmir on an international level. We have already witnessed a record tourist season and this event, which is the first international cycling event to be held here, is another feather in our cap,” said Minister for Youth Services and Sports R S Chib. He said the event would also encourage local youth to take up cycling. International Cycling Federation (ICF) Managing Director Aqil Khan said Tour de India would be telecast on Doordarshan Kendra, Srinagar, besides 20 national and international channels. The last leg of the event is scheduled to be held in Greater Noida later this week. |
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Srinagar, December 4 A police spokesman said the curfew was lifted for two hours in these areas at 4 pm. “The situation remained peaceful during the relaxation period,” he said. The curfew was imposed on Wednesday in the areas under police stations, Nowhatta, MR Gunj, Safakadal, Khanyar, Rainawari, Nigeen, Lal Bazar, Zadibal and Parimpora, in the old city after reports of alleged act of sacrilege at Magam in Budgam district of central Kashmir. The curfew was lifted from all these areas on Saturday morning. But as fresh clashes broke out between two groups on Saturday at Sazgaripora in the jurisdiction of the Zadibal police station, the curfew was reimposed in Zadibal and Nowhatta. The moderate Hurriyat Conference today took out a march from Rajouri Kadal to Zadibal, stressing for unity among various groups. The march passed off peacefully through various areas of old Srinagar city. — TNS |
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Deal firmly with Yasin for criticising judiciary: Lawyers
Jammu, December 4 The BAJ also termed the JKLF leader’s statement as “seditious and contemptuous” as he had attempted to cast aspersions on the court while facing charges of sedition. “The government should deal firmly with those who castigate the judicial system as any laxity on the part of the government can encourage subversive forces active in the state to discourage judges and judicial officers from performing their duty without fear or favour,” said BAJ president BS Slathia during a meeting here. Slathia while reacting sharply to Yasin’s statement said the judicial system in the country was an independent institution, working towards justice dispensation and had emerged as a last ray of hope for those seeking justice. He stressed that the verdict of the court could not be allowed to be protested on streets. “The state government should not become a mute spectator to the seditious and contemptuous statements issued by the likes of Yasin Malik who is attempting to cast aspersions on the courts while facing charges of sedition,” the BAJ president said. He said the BAJ stood by the independence and supremacy of the judicial system and urged the state government to strictly deal with such elements. On Monday, a TADA court convicted two JKLF men and awarded lifers to them for killing a BSF inspector in Srinagar in 1990. Soon after the verdict, Malik called for a shutdown on December 10 against the “Government of India’s new policy” of announcing life sentence to Kashmiris. — TNS |
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Srinagar, December 4
Srinagar, December 4
