Jammu, February 4
The enforcement wing of the Power Development Department (PDD) has been ineffective in dealing with the menace. Without police help or adequate trained staff, most of the employees engaged by the department avoid going to conduct checks in areas notorious for power theft. Political interference stops them from acting against influential persons.

An officer associated with the wing said there is no protection for people who visit the areas and in some cases they face threats from the consumers, which has led them to avoid many localities to avoid any violent situation.

The Minister of State (MoS), Power, had recently set the target to collect Rs 1,500 crore from the consumers during the present fiscal year and had asked field functionaries to identify un-registered power connections and illegal power users.

“In other states there is a separate officer of the rank of the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) associated with the enforcement staff which not only provides protection but also take legal action against defaulters. We don’t have such arrangement,” said an officer on the condition of anonymity.

Though under the J&K State Electricity Regularity Act, there is provision of legal action against those who misuse electricity and indulge in illegal acts, but the state has failed to set up separate police stations or depute personnel to strengthen the enforcement wing.

“Losses due to illegal domestic connection are the biggest challenge for the government, but till the members of enforcement wing are provided protection and training to deal with defaulters nothing can be achieved. Most of the officials are only concerned about showing recoveries to save their skin,” a field worker said.

Facing flak for its failure to act against people involved in power theft, the PDD claims to have recovered Rs 7.11 crore as fine from defaulters during the current financial year in Jammu region. However, crores of rupees are still unaccounted for as thousands of consumers have failed to submit their bills.

As per data, 29,131 inspections were conducted after directions from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah last year, as part of reform process in the electricity sector.

Rajouri, February 4
President All Jammu and Kashmir Kissan Mazdoor Party, Sardar Kalu Khan Hamdard has demanded relief and basic amenities for people living in the snow-affected areas of Rajouri and Poonch.

Kalu Khan today said life has come to a standstill due to heavy snowfall and rain in the two districts. Heavy snowfall and rain has blocked roads at many places in Rajouri and Poonch over past few days.

Khan has urged the state government to take immediate steps to provide relief to people living in the snow-bound areas like Kotranka, Darhal and Thanamandi, Dharal and Surankote tehsil who have suffered huge losses due to snowfall. He said disruption in power supply has made the situation worse in many areas.

He said over 600 electricity poles, 100 transformers and other electric towers have been damaged at Thana Mandi, Bafliyaz, Chanaimad, Dugra Pashna, Rajdhani, Ajmatabad, Pangai, Shahadra Sharif, Kotranak and several adjoining areas where as power supply has not been restored in many areas.

While death of animals and loss of mud houses has also triggered major loss of locals, he added. “Rajouri city has also been facing 15 to 18 hour long unscheduled power cuts daily, which has become a cause of concern for businessmen.”

Rajouri, February 4
The magisterial inquiry ordered by the state government of Jammu and Kashmir in the tragic death of two school children, identified as Shazeena Kousar (9) and Khursheed Mehmood (6), children of late Lal Hussain, residents of Bruen, who got killed in a powerful blast at Bruen village in Dera Mangota area, about five kilometers from Thanamandi in Rajouri district on January 30, has received a setback owing to heavy rainfall and snow since past two days.

Additional District Magistrate (ADC) Matloob Khan, who is the head of the three-member committee constituted for inquiry, said, “The inquiry will take more time, as we have to collect evidences from the spot where the incident took place. Photographic evidence, recording of statements of eye witnesses, versions of the Army and police is to be collected.”

“We are facing problems due to heavy snowfall in Bruen village, where there is hardly any connectivity, we have to track on foot miles to reach the village, which is quite difficult in the prevailing weather condition,” Khan said.

Tehsildar, Thanamandi, Farooq Khan said, “We have started an inquiry since yesterday, when Additional District Commissioner Matloob Khan visited the tehsil and met police officers, senior citizens and people of Bruen village and family members of the deceased children.”

However he said, “The ADC had assured people about an impartial inquiry over this incident to give justice to the family.”

Farooq Khan said after the announcement of Rs two lakh as the compensation by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Rs 20,000 was given to the family by Minister for Forests Mian Altaf on the instruction of CM on his recent visit to family to offer condolence.

He admitted that no job appointment letter has been give to family, despite the announcement made by the Chief Minister. Farooq said, “We are still preparing their documents and looking for an eligible candidate for the job,” he added.

Jammu, February 4
To protest against the shortage of ration in government-run depots, activists of the BJP Mahila Morcha led by Priya Sethi held a demonstration here today.

A large number of activists of the Morcha took part in the protest and shouted slogans against the government for its failure to ensure supply of ration and to contain prices of essential commodities. The activists also demanded 12 subsidised LPG cylinders be given to consumers.

Priya Sethi said widespread anger and resentment prevails among the people against the rising prices of essential items, inadequate supply of wheat flour, rice and sugar at government depots and cap on the subsidised cylinders at nine. She said the price rise has become a matter of routine during the Congress regime. Similarly, the decisions of the Congress directly threaten the survival of a common man. She said, “Ours is a society which has the tradition of joint families with even 30 to 40 members and their cooking activities cannot be met with the supply of just nine cylinders in a year.”

She also criticised the government for bringing down the scale of ration supply to the people of Jammu. She said whatever decision the government has taken regarding ration supply has also invited resentment. 

Jammu, February 4
Academic work was affected at the University of Jammu today as the students and research scholars boycotted classes and held a demonstration against the recent notification of the varsity authorities to hike "The fee and other charges to be paid by the students or institutions for various services".

Hundreds of students, under the banner of National Panthers Students Union (NPSU) and Progressive Students Association (PSA), assembled separately on the campus and raised slogans against the varsity authorities for taking a "unilateral" decision on increasing the fee and other charges.

A group of students, who boycotted their classes under the banner of NPSU, held a demonstration near the Central Library.

Addressing the students, Virender Singh, president NPSU, Jammu University, flayed the authorities for increasing the fees for hostels, examination and various forms which, he alleged, was "totally illogical and unnecessary burden" on the student community.

He also demanded that the University authorities must clarify based on which criteria they had hiked fees.

Later, they also met Vice-Chancellor Professor Mohan Pal Singh Ishar and apprised him of their demands. Prof Ishar said the issue would be discussed at the joint meeting of the officials of the Jammu University and Kashmir University on February 8.

Meanwhile, another group of students, led by the PSA held a demonstration in front of the Dean Students Welfare and Vice-Chancellor Secretariat and demanded immediate rollback of fee hike and other charges. Later, they stopped traffic outside the main gate of the Jammu University for some time.

Professor Naresh Padha, Registrar, Jammu University, said the decision to hike fee was taken in the University Council meet. “It was decided that the fee structure of both the Kashmir University and Jammu University should be at par. We will hold a joint meeting with the Kashmir University officers on February 8 to review the fee structure. We will try to rationalise the fee structure wherever the needs be,” he said.

Jammu, February 4
Taking a tough stance against the poor performers, the Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Sham Lal Sharma, today attached an AEE of the City Division with the Chief Engineer. He also sought an explanation from two executive engineers of the City Divisions I & II for poor performance on their part.

During his maiden surprise inspection of the City Division, Gandhi Nagar and Sitli Division, after taking the charge of PHE here today, the Minister asked the officers and employees to ensure work culture and accountability in their functioning. Anybody found lacking in his performance would face action as warranted under the law, he warned.

He said the department has already issued an advisory after an introductory meeting of the officers to improve work culture and efficiency in the offices and these instructions should be followed strictly.

He stressed on the need to rationalisation of staff in different divisions for their smooth functioning. He said those indulging in corrupt practices and skipping duties will face strict action. Every head of the institution will be accountable for the functioning of their establishments and they have to maintain transparency and efficiency in the overall functioning, he said.

During inspection of Sitli Division and Filtration Plant, the Minister issued instructions to the officers concerned to take preventive measures to safeguard the plant from flood. He said water samples must be checked regularly to ensure supply of safe drinking water to the people.

Jammu, February 4
Expressing concern over the pathetic performance of sportspersons from the state who continue to cut a sorry figure in the national championships, the J&K State Sports Council has put the entire blame on their coaches.

The association claims that the coaches were not discharging their duties with dedication. The Sports Council had recently issued a circular to both State/Sports Authority of India (SAI) coaches to tighten the noose around them.

“It has been observed that the working of the coaches at different centres has been criticised as most of the coaches do not work with honesty, dedication, devotion and sincerity to achieve the targets and optimum performance of the budding youth,” the circular stated.

Sources said the aim behind notice on the managers, in-charge and assistant managers concerned was to inform that the axe was likely to fall on those coaches who failed to deliver goods. The circular stated the coaches would impart coaching in both morning and evening sessions as per the schedule submitted by them and that too in proper kits during coaching hours.

The coaches are also directed to seek the proper permission from the competent authority to take the assignment outside their coaching centres. Further, they are also advised to maintain proper register of the trainees of their respective coaching centres besides making the attendance of the trainees during coaching.

The Sports Council also took a serious note regarding delay in submission of monthly work diary.

Sources said it was found that the coaches were not completing their work diaries and were misleading the authorities concerned. But now, all the coaches have been instructed to submit the monthly work diary before the third of every month to the respective manager/in-charge and assistant manager. The coaches have also been told to avoid attending parents of their trainees and guests while imparting coaching.

The coaches have also been cautioned not to talk to the media and be active during coaching hours.

The circular states, “All the Sports Council/SAI deputed coaches are as such directed to adhere to the directions in letter and spirit in future, failing which disciplinary action as warranted under the rules shall be initiated.”

Jammu, February 4
The Jammu Marathon will be held on February 17 and will invite participation of around 25,000 people, including 10 celebrities.

Minister of Sports Taj-Mohi-Ud-Din informed this in an interactive meeting with a deputation of managing committee of the marathon.

The meeting was informed that the race would start at 9 am from the MAM stadium, go through the BC Road, Kachi Chawni, Parade, Gumat and culminate at the MAM stadium.

Appreciating the initiative, the minister asked the organisers to attach a slogan for the marathon so that more and more people feel inclined to it.

Taj directed the Sports Council secretary to facilitate conduct of the race in a hassle-free manner.

The minister said the state government was very keen to inculcate sports culture among youth of the state and organising such events would go a long way in this direction. He said the state government was contemplating more events to benefit youth.

Sports Council secretary Dileep Thusoo and representatives of the managing committee were present in the meeting. 

Jammu, February 4
As many as 100 Ladhaki scholars will share their views about aspirations 
of youth of the region in ‘Ladakh 2013-New 
Issues, Young Voices’ at India International Centre, New Delhi.

The Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS), one of the prominent think tanks in south Asia, in collaboration with India International Center (IIC), New Delhi organised a one-day conference.

The conference was inaugurated by Urban Development Minister Nawang Rigzin Jora. Dr Sudhir Singh Bloeria, Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Jammu, Ghulam Hassan Khan, Member of Parliament from Ladakh, Prof Siddiq Wahid, Director, UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Institute of Kashmir Studies, University of Kashmir and former Vice-Chancellor, Awantipora University, Dr Kavita Suri, associate professor, University of Jammu and Tashi Morup, well-known journalist from Ladakh, who is also the Project Director, Ladakh, Art and Media Organisation, were the resource persons for the workshop.

Saleem Beg, convenor, INTACH, J&K and former DG Tourism, J&K and well-known theatrist MK Raina, Dr Suba Chandra, director, IPCS, Prof PR Chari and Major General Dipankar Banerjee from the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS) were also present during the conference.

Rigzin Jora congratulated the organisers for the workshop and said holding this workshop in Delhi would provide the rest of India to listen to the young voices from Ladakh, share their concerns and more importantly develop a national discourse.

He said Ladakh’s insularity, geographic location and other things had made this region unique. Since past few decades, the entire Ladakh region was witnessing lot of transformations in terms of development, tourism etc and was bringing lot of changes in the lives of the Ladakhi people, he said.

Dr Suba Chandran, director, IPCS, said while the rest of India had so much to learn from the region, Ladakh also had to ensure the negative effects of globalisation process does not harm the internal social, ethnic and economic fibre of its people. 

Jammu, February 4
Jammu Cricket Club (JCC) registered a narrow nine-run win over Mayank Goswami Cricket Academy (MGCA) to advance in the ongoing 2nd Ravi Singh Charak Memorial T20 Cricket Tournament, being organised by Cantt Cricket Club at Government High School, Satwari ground here today.

Winning the toss and batting first, JCC posted a challenging total of 152 runs in the stipulated 20 overs losing five wickets in the process. Gurdeep Singh was the top scorer with 30 runs while Jatinder Jasrotia and Deepak Dogra scored 29 and 23 runs, respectively. For MGCA, Rohit and Surya shared two wickets apiece. — TNS

Jammu, February 4
The All Kargil Students’ Association, Jammu (AKSAJ) today organised their 18th annual day function.

Minister for Higher Education Mohammad Akbar Lone was the chief guest while Ghulam Hassan Khan, Member of Parliament (MP), Ladakh, was the guest of honour. The welcome speech was presented by Marziya Banoo, a student of Jammu University.

A cultural programme which included performances in shina, balti, darchiks-garkone, chiktan and zanskar was also presented by the students of Kargil, who were studying in various schools and colleges of Jammu.

Association president Asgar Ali Yarkain said the main aim of organising the function was to present the cultural heritage of various fragments of Kargil which include shina, balti, darchiks-garkone, chiktan and zanskar.

He presented a memorandum which included demands like making functional the newly inaugurated campus of Kashmir University, at Khumbathang, by March 2013 with good infrastructure and faculty members on permanent basis, establishment of BEd College in Kargil, full-fledged courses in all Higher Secondary Schools of Kargil, increasing the percentage of reserved seats for post-graduate courses in both the universities of Kashmir and Jammu.

Akbar Lone reiterated his intention to extend all possible help to the region. In respect of the demand for making Kargil’s campus of the University of Kashmir functional, he assured that he would chair a high-level meeting, with all the authorities concerned, to ensure speedy implementation.

The minister said after assuming the responsibility of the Higher Education Ministry, he immediately sought details from the departments concerned about the status of the university campus.

He said efforts were afoot to make these 
campuses functional so that the students of Kargil district would get higher and quality education at their doorsteps. 

Jammu, February 4
The Crime Branch has booked seven persons and some officials of the custodian and revenue departments for allegedly hatching a conspiracy and preparing fake revenue documents. The accused have been identified as Sohan Singh and Prem Nath of Gadigarh, residents of Gadigarh, Sultan Mohd of Jhanda in Samba, Kartar Raj of Yogpur in Samba, Balwan Singh of Palanwala in Akhnoor sub-division, Narinder Kumar Sharma and his son Varun Sharma of Tarore in Samba, and some officials of the custodian and revenue departments.

A spokesperson said the Crime Branch had received a complaint from Manmohan Singh of Sector 5, Nanak Nagar in Jammu, alleging that he had bought a piece of land measuring seven kanals and four marlas from Mehar Singh through his attorney Surinder Singh.

“The accused Narinder Sharma and his son Varun Sharma encroached upon the adjacent government land measuring four kanal and 11 marlas and also encroached upon the front portion of his land measuring 9 marlas,” the complainant said.

Kuldeep Singh and Prem Nath had hatched a conspiracy along with the other accused, including officials of the custodian and revenue departments.

Jammu, February 4
Observing that the PDP and BJP was destined to see doomsday in the 2014 assembly elections, senior vice-president National Conference and former Minister Surjit Singh Slathia today said people have understood their politics of deceits and lie.

Slathia was addressing a public gathering at Mahalshah, Vijaypur, after laying foundation stone of irrigation tubewell.

Slathia said people had strong secular and democratic credentials and would never allow politics founded on the malafide intentions and the policy of divide and rule.

Slathia said while the BJP took its roots from religious and emotional fanaticism, the PDP was its brain child with an ulterior motive to weaken the NC for throttling people’s voice as it was single largest political party of the state representative of urges and aspirations of the people. 

Jammu, February 4
Host Jammu district retained the overall championship trophy in the 9th State Wushu Championship which concluded at Indoor Sports Complex, MA Stadium here today. Budgam district clinched the second overall runner-up trophy while Bandipore district remained third on the basis of medals won.

Minister for Youth Services and Sports Taj Mohi-ud-Din was chief guest, who gave away trophies to the winners. The minister said the state government was keen to promote sports culture among youth of the state.

Detailed Results:

Senior boys (52kg): Abhishek (Jammu), Ist; Maqbool Hussain (Budgam), IInd and Aamir Kumar (Jammu) and 
Sumit Singh (Rajouri), joint IIIrd.

56kg: Mohammad Aqib (Budgam), Ist; Ishfaq (Budgam), IInd; Ajay Sharma (Jammu) and Mohammad Saleem (Budgam), joint IIIrd.

60kg: Raj Singh (Jammu), Ist; Mohammad Altaf (Bandipore), IInd; Shahnawaz (Ganderbal) and Leno (Jammu), joint IIIrd.

65 kg: Lalit Singh (Jammu), Ist; Atul (Jammu), IInd; Pradeep (Jammu) and Rafiq Ahmad (Ganderbal), joint IIIrd.

70 kg: Arun Singh (Jammu), Ist; Rahul Sharma (Kathua), IInd; Mohammad Altaf (Budgam) and Sachin (Jammu), joint IIIrd.

Open Weight: Rajinder Singh (Jammu), Ist; Rajesh (Jammu), IInd; Pawan Kumar (Rajouri) and Himanshu (Jammu), joint IIIrd.

Senior Girls (45 kg): Jamsheedha, Ist; Savita Chib (Rajouri), IInd ; Nisha (Rajouri) and Tanvi (Udhampur), joint IIIrd.

Open Weight: Ruchi (Jammu), Ist; Neha (Jammu), IInd; Jabeena Akhter (Baramulla) and Nancy Saini (Kathua), joint IIIrd.