|
|
|
|
|
Soz takes on Farooq over AFSPA
Spurious drugs scam
Minister says revocation linked with people’s aspirations
|
|
|
Ex-HC Chief Justice to head fee fixation panel for schools
Poor treatment of constituency
Develop Jammu Central varsity as centre of excellence:
Governor
Ambassador of Czech Republic meets Governor
Congress passes resolution
opposing pre-poll alliance
Autonomy best solution for Kashmir, says NC
Rare stamps showcase contribution of women
Avalanche kills 3 in Baramulla
JKLF leader released from detention
|
|
Soz takes on Farooq over AFSPA
Hiranagar (Kathua), April 15 Soz was reacting to the statement of Farooq, who had stated last week that there were many people in the Centre who too believed that AFSPA should go but only the Army was the stumbling block. “Dr Farooq Abdullah should not have said that. The Army is not a stumbling block but one of the stakeholders,” Soz said in an informal chat with mediapersons after a meeting with party workers here. He reiterated his stand that all stakeholders should be involved while taking a decision on the revocation of AFSPA. “The Army should be taken on board before taking any decision on the revocation of AFSPA. The views of the Chief Minister should also be considered seriously because he heads the Unified Command, comprising the Army, security forces and the local police,” the JKPCC chief said. Soz said AFSPA was a temporary law which should go, but he hastened to add that all stakeholders should be taken into confidence before any final decision on the issue. “When I said stakeholders, it means the Army, paramilitary forces, local police, etc,” he said while strongly denying that the Congress stand on the issue was not constant. Farooq had demanded that AFSPA should be revoked from certain peaceful areas like Jammu, Samba, Kathua and some places in the Kashmir Valley. Soz also toughened his stand on the urban local bodies elections. “As far as the Congress is concerned, it has been decided that the urban local bodies elections will be held by the end of June,” he said. This appeared to be a veiled warning against any further delay in the holding of elections by the coalition partner National Conference. The elections were due in February 2010. “We were demanding that the elections should be held by the end of May this year but National Conference leaders sought some more time. So, we decided that these elections must be held by the end of June this year,” he said while quoting the decisions taken in the last meeting of the Coordination Committee of both parties. He also announced that elections to the block development councils would also be held soon.
|
||
|
Spurious drugs scam
Srinagar, April 15 The analytical report by the Drug Control Department says the samples from two batches of Curecef-1000 injection samples where tested on August 2, 2012, and were found to contain particulate matter as fibres and undissolved particles while samples from three batches of Maximizin-625 which were tested on February 7, 2013, were found to contain no amoxicillin which is the major antibiotic in the drug. The official reports say under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940 both drugs failed the analysis tests and were declared substandard. The Doctors Association Kashmir
(DAK) has taken a serious note of the two reports and has lashed out at Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for maintaining a criminal silence on the issue. “The state government seems to be unmoved by the issue which might have led to loss of lives in the Valley’s hospitals during 2011-2012. The officials reports are a proof of how various batches of drugs supplied to hospitals were fake,” said
Nissar-ul-Hussain, president, DAK, at a press conference in Srinagar today. “The injection, Curecef-1000, was supplied in two batches to various government hospitals of the Valley in 2011 and 2012 and is feared to have caused hundreds of neonate deaths at GB Pant Hospital last year,” Nissar-ul-Hussain said. Around 2 lakh Maximizin-625 tablets were distributed among the Valley hospitals during 2011-2012, as per the
DAK, which could be a reason for loss of lives in the Valley hospitals as the drug has been found to be fake. |
||
|
Minister says revocation linked with people’s aspirations
Jammu, April 15 A proposal in this regard has been submitted to the Union Home Affairs Ministry by the state government. Speaking at the Chief Ministers conference at New Delhi today on behalf of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Kichloo said though overall security and law and order situation had shown an improvement in the last couple of years, there should be no complacency in this regard. He demanded an increase in the honorarium of special police officers from Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 per month, adding that the increase in their honorarium will go a long way in motivating them to deliver better services. The meeting was attended by Union Home Minister, Chief Ministers of various states, Lt Governors, Union Home Secretary and officers concerned of the Central and state governments. Kichloo said strict surveillance of borders by security forces and specific intelligence inputs from various sources, including common people, had resulted in reduction of infiltration bids, adding that keeping in view the fast improving situation in the state, the footprints of security forces are being reduced so that people can benefit from the improved security scenario. He said during the last two years, the total crime cases in the state had declined by 0.12 per cent while serious crimes had also been under control. The crime in the state per lakh population is 217, Kichloo said. Kichloo said, “In view of the overall improvement in security situation, our government has been pitching for phase-wise removal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from the state, starting from the municipal limits of Srinagar and Jammu cities.” He said there had been repeated demands from various sections of society for withdrawal of the Act from the state. “Now that AFSPA has played its role, both the Centre and the state government need to make concerted efforts for withdrawal of AFSPA from the state in a phased manner so that the people can feel the impact of the changed security scenario,” Kichloo said. He reiterated that the demand for AFSPA revocation was linked with the aspirations of the people and it would be an investment towards the restoration of normalcy in the state. |
||
|
Ex-HC Chief Justice to head fee fixation panel for schools
Srinagar, April 15 The directions were issued by a Division Bench of the high court comprising Justice Mansoor A Mir and Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey in a public interest litigation (PIL) by the Parents Coordination Committee, which is seeking regulation and fixation of fee structure in private schools in the state. The orders came after the Director, School Education, Kashmir, Mohammad Shafi Rather, in his compliance report filed before the court, disclosed the names of two retired high court judges in the panel recommended by the government to Chief Justice of the J&K High Court MM Kumar for his final approval. The Director, School Education, had further submitted that the state government in compliance with the high court directions of October 3, 2012, had forwarded the panel to the high court on April 5, 2013, through the Registrar General, who had been requested to place the matter before the Chief Justice for approving the name of the Chairman of the Fee Fixation Committee. As revealed in the documents placed before the court by the authorities, which have been accessed by The Tribune, the J&K Government, in its panel, had proposed the names of Justice Bilal Ahmad Nazki (retd) and Justice Rattan Chand Gandhi (retd), former acting Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court, for approval by the J&K High Court Chief Justice as the Chairman of the said committee. However, it was during the course of the hearing today that the bench revealed that the Chief Justice of the J&K High Court had approved the name of Justice Nazki (retd) as the Chairman of the Fee Fixation Committee. Subsequently, it in its orders passed today, the bench granted the state government two weeks to place on record the appointment orders and name of the Chairman and the members of the Committee. The Director, School education, in his compliance report, had also submitted that amending the J&K School Education Act 2002 and rules framed there under would take some time as the government wanted to consult the Committee before taking a final decision in this regard. The high court, in its previous directions, had also directed the government to amend the said Act and rules to pave the way for regulating the funding of private educational institutions in the state. The litigants in the matter were represented by Arshad Andrabi while the respondents were represented by MY Bhat, Javed Iqbal and Javed Kawoosa. In his submissions, counsel Javed Iqbal sought time to file a response on behalf of the two official respondents he is representing in the PIL. Previous court directions The J&K High Court, on October 3, 2012, had directed that a Fee Fixation Committee on the pattern indicated by the Supreme Court in the famous Islamic Academy of Education’s case shall be constituted for ensuring the fixation of the fee structure of private educational institutions in the state. Subsequently, the J&K Government through the Law Department had forwarded a panel of Justice Nazki and Justice Gandhi to the Chief Justice on April 5 for his approval. |
||
|
Poor treatment of constituency
Jammu, April 15 Niaz, who is Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad’s cousin has written to Congress president Sonia Gandhi and sent its copies to Rahul Gandhi, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Ahmed Patel, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Committee (JKPCC) chief Saifuddin Soz and Mohan Parkash, in charge of J&K Congress, that some ministers in the coalition government were ignoring the genuine demands of the people of his constituency. Although, Niaz is tightlipped over the name of the ministers, sources close to the Congress MLA said his target was Health and Medical Education Minister Taj Mohiuddin. When contacted, the JKPCC chief said no minister had the right to interfere in the constituencies of MLAs without their consent. “Niaz is a senior and mature politician and I will talk to him,” he said. Niaz, in a statement issued here today, alleged that some minister not only ignored his constituency but were also carrying anti-congress activities by helping and projecting some opposition party workers in order to weaken the Congress in Bhaderwah. “A Congress minister is involved in anti-party activities and is encouraging an opposition worker. I have proofs to substantiate the allegations against the minister who calls himself a Congress stalwart,” he said. |
||
|
Develop Jammu Central varsity as centre of excellence:
Governor
Jammu, April 15 The Governor, who is the Chancellor of the CUJ, was chairing the first meeting of the first court of the university here today. Referring to the establishment of the upcoming university, he observed that the members of the court were a distinguished group of people drawn from varied arenas of expertise who would provide guidance regarding approaches to be followed in establishing the varsity on a sound footing to be able to impart quality education of world standards. He added that he had seen the architectural designs of the campus and been briefed about logistics to be established and other facilities to be created for the university. He observed that, “We have to fully utilise the benefits of the large resources which will become available for the setting up of the university.” The Governor suggested that the university court could meet at least twice a year till the university gets fully established so that “we could benefit from the wisdom, knowledge and expertise of the members of the court in shaping its infrastructure, logistics, courses to be introduced and other essential features.” Vohra thanked the members of the university court for their valuable suggestions which were put forth by them during the meeting and urged SS Bloeria, Vice-Chancellor of the varsity, to materialise these thoughts to the maximum extent possible. The suggestions made by the members related to the selection of courses, approaches to be evolved for teaching and research, provision of water and power supply, road connectivity and other logistics. The Governor emphasised that while establishing various buildings and structures on the campus, all required measures should be taken for harnessing solar energy and systematic conservation of water resources. The Vice-Chancellor dwelt upon the logo, vision, mission and profile of the university and the salient features of the teaching and research facilities to be put in place on its upcoming campus. He said eight postgraduate and four integrated M. Phil/Ph.D programmes were being run in the university during the 2012-13 session and it proposed to start four more integrated M.Phil/Ph.D programmes during the 2013-14 session. These include public policy and public administration, national security studies, human resource management and tourism and travel management. Referring to the campus development, he said it would be developed in three phases. |
||
|
Ambassador of Czech Republic meets Governor
Jammu, April 15 The Governor and the Ambassador discussed matters of mutual interest to both India and the Czech Republic. Andrea Kucerova, Deputy Chief of Mission, Political Affairs, Embassy of Czech Republic in New Delhi, accompanied Stasek. — TNS
|
||
|
Congress passes resolution
opposing pre-poll alliance
Hiranagar (Kathua), April 15 In the presence of senior leaders, including Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief Saifuddin Soz, senior vice-president of the JKPCC Dharam Pal Sharma moved the resolution in the meeting held at Hiranagar and it was passed with one voice. Even those sitting on the stage raised their hands in support of the resolution opposing a pre-poll alliance. Although Dharam Pal Sharma did not mention the National Conference (NC), he indirectly opposed a pre-poll alliance with the current coalition partner. Today’s resolution was a clear indication that party workers were against having a pre-poll alliance with the NC. Earlier too the JKPCC chief has hinted at the Congress going alone in the 2014 Assembly elections. After the meeting, however, Soz tried to downplay the whole episode. “It was the opinion of some individuals. You have to go by my words because I am the JKPCC chief”, Soz said when his reaction was sought on the resolution moved in the meeting. He said that it was premature to say anything about the 2014 Assembly elections. “As of now I can only say that keeping in view the enthusiasm among party workers, there is no doubt that the Congress would emerge as the single largest party in the next Assembly elections,” he said. “The Congress will be a crucial factor in the politics of the state in the 2014 elections,” Soz said, adding that the party was a vibrant organisation in all three regions of the state. Soz said people of Kashmir had rejected violence and had joined the mainstream in order to ensure peace, development and secure the future of their children. Welcoming the positive change in the mindset of people of Kashmir, he said it was time to reframe our policies to win the hearts of people to strengthen their belief in democracy. Soz said the Congress was still part of the coalition in the state and for the elections in 2014, all decisions would be taken by the party high command in consultation with the rank and file of the party. Lok Sabha member from the Jammu-Poonch segment Madan Lal Sharma, while hinting that the Congress would benefit by going alone in the Assembly elections, assured Soz that the party would win 25 to 28 seats from the Jammu region, which has a total of 37 seats. Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Sham Lal Sharma urged the Congress workers to remain united to form the next government. “No one can beat the Congress provided all party workers remain united,” he said. Congress spokesman Ravinder Sharma, state Mahila Congress president Indu Pawar and others also spoke on the occasion
|
||
|
Autonomy best solution for Kashmir, says NC
Srinagar, April 15 “For the NC, internal autonomy is the best solution to the Kashmir issue, but the party is ready to accept if a better solution comes up which will represent the sentiments of the people of the state,” party general secretary Sheikh Nazir said. Nazir, who is Union Minister Farooq Abdullah’s brother, was addressing a meeting of senior party leaders and members at the party headquarters here in the city. The demand for restoration of autonomy for the state has been a key element in the NC election manifesto. Nazir said any delay in providing autonomy to the state would further worsen the situation. “The Kashmir issue is like a volcano. If the policy of delay for a solution to the issue is not ended, there is a possibility that lava will erupt and it will not only impact the state but the entire subcontinent,” he said. He said the statement of NC patron Farooq Abdullah, demanding complete restoration of autonomy, withdrawal of AFSPA and political resolution of the Kashmir issue, projected the basic stand of the party. “Our relations with the Centre are on the basis of Article 370 which has been approved by India’s biggest democratic institution Parliament,” he said. |
||
|
Rare stamps showcase contribution of women
Srinagar, April 15 The three-day-long exhibition, which was organised by the Department of Posts, Jammu and Kashmir circle, was inaugurated today at Government College for Women on the Maulana Azad Road. Chief Post Master General, J&K circle, John Samuel said the exhibition was being held in an effort to highlight the contribution of women in various fields and create awareness on women empowerment. He said it was for the first time that the postal department was organising a philatelic exhibition on women empowerment here. The stamps displayed included those dedicated to Mother Teresa, Bollywood actresses of yesteryear like Devika Rani and the ‘Kashmiri bride’. “Through the stamps we have highlighted the contributions of women in various fields like cinema and also the freedom movement. A stamp on Mother Teresa was released in 1997 and it had become very popular across the world. The ‘Kashmiri bride’ is a unique one-rupee stamp that was released in 1980 and it showcases the beauty of Kashmir,” Samuel said. The exhibition also had unique stamps displaying traditional jewellery of women besides stamps of other countries like the US, UK, Tanzania, Nepal and Pakistan related to women. A postal department official said the exhibition besides attempting to enhance awareness about the role of women in building society was also being organised to connect with the people and enhance awareness about philately in the Internet age. The postal department also organised a seminar on women empowerment later and brought out a special cover, featuring a Kashmiri girl, to honour women. The special cover will be available for sale at post offices across the country, said Samuel. On display
|
||
|
Avalanche kills 3 in Baramulla
Srinagar, April 15 The dead have been identified as Abdul Karim Sood, Mohammad Latief Sood and Din Mohammad Sood, all residents of Dharakunj village near Boniyar town of Baramulla district, a police officer said. He said the avalanche hit the forest area near Dharakunj village in the afternoon today. The trio had ventured into the jungle when the avalanche hit them. A rescue team was soon dispatched to the area to locate the three men. However, the trio was found dead and their bodies have been retrieved, the officer said. — TNS |
||
|
JKLF leader released from detention
Srinagar, April 15 Yasin, who was under house arrest since March 10 immediately after his return to the region from Pakistan, has been released, said his party spokesman. “The police had placed his residence under siege for five weeks, (that) has been removed and Yasin has been set free,” the spokesman said. The spokesman said Yasin’s health had deteriorated during the confinement. Yasin is scheduled to address a press conference tomorrow afternoon, the spokesman said. The JKLF leader, a former militant commander who espouses the cause of independence, was detained on March 10 soon after he arrived at the Srinagar airport via New Delhi from Pakistan. Yasin had courted controversy while in Pakistan when he staged a hunger strike against the hanging of Parliament attack convict Mohammad Afzal Guru, in which Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief Hafiz Mohammad Saeed had also participated. Saeed, the founder of Lashkar-e-Toiba militant group, is wanted in India in connection with the 2008 Mumbai attack. There had been vocal demands from several sections in New Delhi calling for revocation of Yasin’s passport. Yasin is the second high-profile separatist whose detention has been ended in recent weeks after moderate Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was released last month. courting controversy
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | E-mail | |
Governor NN Vohra today emphasised the importance of establishing the Central University of Jammu
(CUJ) as a centre of excellence in teaching and research with focus on ethical and moral values in consonance with the glorious pluralistic ethos to produce mature and balanced personalities who would meet challenges and contribute to nation building.
Srinagar, April 15
