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Indian judiciary most powerful in world: CJI
Replica of Valley temple in Jammu a solace to Kashmiri
Hindus
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On the
frontline
Bollywood bigwigs enthral audience in Srinagar
Hoteliers, traders want Srinagar to acquire tourist-friendly
image
Tourism minister reviews Kheer Bhawani Mela arrangements
Quake victims yet to get relief
CM’s plan to hold water loss survey due to treaty unjustified: Union ministry
Omar expresses doubts over Modi delivering for
BJP
AJKPC welcomes Rs 420-cr package for panchayats
Northern Command to celebrate 42nd Raising Day today
Governor, CM extend festival greetings
Ambika Soni new JKPCC in charge
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Indian judiciary most powerful in world: CJI
Srinagar, June 16 Justice Kabir described the subordinate and lower judiciary as the backbone of the Indian judicial system and also underlined the importance of the ADR (alternate disputes redressal) mechanism and the role of Lok Adalats and mega-Adalats in minimising the backl]og and pendency of cases in the courts. “The Indian judicial system is the most powerful judicial system in the world today because of the power given to it under judicial review,” Justice Kabir said in his address to the gathering in the newly built auditorium of the Judicial Academy at Mominabad in Srinagar. The audience comprised J&K Chief Justice MM Kumar, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, J&K High Court judges, Law Minister Mir Saifulah and judges from subordinate and junior judiciary. “The judge today has also to deal with legal aid, as the justice delivered has moved beyond and out of the courts. Now, there are mobile courts under the ADR, which have taken the justice to the doorsteps. The ADR has done wonders,” the CJI said, adding that purists would oppose the ADR mechanism, but the courts have to tackle the ever-increasing backlog and pendency, which has also increased due to increase in population and rise in crime. The CJI, while welcoming the setting up of the Judicial Academy in J&K, highlighted the practical dimensions of the judicial academies and how these could help in training judicial officers. In his address, Justice MM Kumar described the inauguration of the judicial academy as a golden day in the history of J&K. The basic purpose of the academy was to impart knowledge to judicial officers, who are in direct contact with the public and are the real face of the judiciary, he said. The basic aim of the judicial officers was to ensure that no innocent person should get convicted and no guilty person should get away unpunished, he added. In his address, Supreme Court judge Justice T S Thakur said the CJI chose to inaugurate the judicial academy in the state because J&K enjoyed an important constitutional status, and the institutions in the state had suffered due to a long, drawn-out conflict.
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Replica of Valley temple in Jammu a solace to Kashmiri
Hindus
Jammu, June 16 During the height of insurgency, the temple in Jammu gave Pandits “spiritual strength to deal with the shock of migration” and to stay connected with their traditions at a time when no one would travel to Kashmir. Its foundation stone was laid on February, 20, 1993, when a ‘bhoomi
puja’ was performed by spiritual leader Rughnath Kokiloo. Since then, the construction work is on. Though in the past ten years, militants have not targeted the community and religious activities are being organised in the once-abandoned shrine in the Valley, the Kheer Bhawani temple in Jammu reminds them of years when they lost not only their homeland but also their places of worship. The temple in Kashmir is considered to be an important ‘Shakti
Peeth’ in the Indian sub-continent. In Jammu, devotees cannot bring in the same environs but the new temple has brought the scattered community together. They organise a mega fair on Zaistha Ashthami every year. “It was a tough time and the pain of losing our heritage was immense. Due to threat from militants during 1990s, nobody visited the shrine at
Tulmullah. In 1993, community members decided to construct a replica of the temple in Jammu, a city which gave us refuge to preserve our ancient rituals,” said Dr Sushil
Wattal, trustee of Ardh Ratri Shri Maha Ragheneya Sewa Sanshtha, which manages the temple. “We purchased the land at
Janipur, Bhawani Nagar, and started the construction work with donations made by community members and people of Jammu. It gave us spiritual strength, which terrorists tried to destroy,” said ML
Safaya, president of the trust. The truth about Mystic Spring at Tulmullah is woven with
Ramayan. Legend has it that Shri Ragyna (Goddess) was brought to the Valley by Lord Hanuman from Lanka when Lord Rama killed demon King Ravana in a battle. Pandits claim to have observed a dark or murky tinge to water just before insurgency erupted in the Valley in 1990, concluding that a “dark cloud of hatred and suffering will decent on the place”. The historic temple in Kashmir is now managed by Dharmath Trust founded by the erstwhile Dogra dynasty and was renovated by Partap Singh in 1912. Later, Maharaja Hari Singh, the last ruler of the state, extended the temple.
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On the
frontline
The days ahead could be decisive ones in Jammu and Kashmir if All India Congress Committee
(AICC) vice-president Rahul Gandhi’s message is read between the lines. The change has to come from within (J&K), and not by the change of the government in
Pakistan.
Rahul, during his one-day visit of the state, made it clear that the “change has to come from within”. Now this sort of change is open to many interpretations, but one thing is more than certain that he issued a strong word of caution — that don’t look outside for change in Kashmir, be it towards Pakistan or any other nation. It was the political will of the successive Central governments and the sacrifices of the security forces that brought about a change in the landscape of the Valley, where change is showing its positive
colours. The transformation has been possible because of people rejecting violence and opting for more democratic options to realise their aspirations. His candid words on certain critical issues concerning Kashmir have laid out a clear-cut path for the people to see, observe and then watch out for the results. “The Kashmir issue has to be addressed from within, the change in government in Pakistan will not make a difference,” he said and within seconds added that Pakistan’s involvement was a must for the
“K” solution. It is a historical fact that the Kashmir issue exists and Pakistan is a neighbour that is always on the lookout for creating problems in Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of the country, because it has been left with nothing except terrorism, which it exports in plenty. Hence, Rahul was right when he implied that don’t look towards Islamabad, but create Kashmir with its own identity by marching on the path of progress and prosperity and
hope. Rahul’s one distinct quality is that he instantly strikes a chord with people… he sits with them, interacts with them as if he is a part of them. He is the most powerful person after his mother and Congress president Sonia Gandhi in his party, which rules the nation, but he has kept himself away from the arrogance that comes with power. That quality becomes more and more visible every time he meets
people. In a sense, his “change from within” statement reflected that there is something on the cards, that people of Kashmir will have to evolve themselves in a peaceful manner, discarding all emotive slogans with which some elements in Kashmir politics try to woo them.
Kashmiris are no longer gullible and they know that what matters most to them is a peaceful and fearless life, and not a bundle of insecurities that some politicians are trying to throw at their doorsteps. If any clarity was needed, it came out when he spoke of the empowerment of the people, especially women, in Jammu and Kashmir. And he also did not offer any comments on the most controversial issue that is broadcasted every now and then that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act
(AFSPA) should go from some parts of the state. “It is a matter of discussion between the Chief Minister (Omar Abdullah) and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.” Read between the lines, not only did Rahul kept it out of the focus of his visit to Kashmir, but also elevated the level of his friend Omar that he would have to discuss it at the Prime Minister’s level. Obviously, such a discussion should not become a signature tune in the public domain. What Rahul needs to do is to visit Kashmir frequently so that people see more of his hope-stirring qualities because hope is the antidote to despair. The way he dismissed Narendra Modi's elevation in the BJP as none of his concern also suggested that he had enough on his
plate and would rather concentrate on his own party’s work.
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Bollywood bigwigs enthral audience in Srinagar
Srinagar, June 16 It was after a long time that Bollywood singers were performing live in Kashmir. The two music stars sang many hit tracks during the grand finale of ‘Choona Hai Aasman’, a music talent show organised by the J&K police at Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) on the Dal Lake in Srinagar. The singers were the judges in the musical show. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Union minister Farooq Abdullah, top police officials and producer Ashok Thakeria of
Dil, Mohabbatein and Mann fame, too, were present on the occasion. Nearly one lakh children had participated in the talent hunt show held at various senior and junior levels in the state and its grand finale was held on
Saturday evening. "It was after a long time that Bollywood performed live in Srinagar and I am so happy that I was part of this show at a beautiful place,” Sadhana Sargam told The Tribune after the music show. Anu Malik said he was highly impressed with talent in the state. “J&K has fantastic talent and I am sure many stars are born in the state,” Malik said. The organisers of the event said Bollywood stakeholders were keen
to promote talent from Kashmir. “We are hopeful that the talent we have found
during the music show will be promoted by Bollywood,” said Senior Superintendant of Police and coordinator of the programme Asrar Khan. Farooq Abdullah, who is an ardent music lover, was cheered by the audience when he sang ‘Lag ja gale ke phir ye haseen raat ho na ho’ from the 1964 box office-hit movie ‘Woh Kaun Thi’. |
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Hoteliers, traders want Srinagar to acquire tourist-friendly
image
Srinagar, June 16 However, with gradual decrease in stone-throwing incidents, the private tourism players want the old city to be brought back on the tourism map. The Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) has stressed that the old Srinagar city was gaining popularity among tourists for its historic significance, heritage, culture and religious shrines and could be thus become a heritage tourism destination. “The government should tap the potential of the old Srinagar city by revamping important heritage sites and shrines. We have tried our bit to showcase the rich heritage of old Srinagar in different trade marts and road shows in domestic and international trade fairs. We, as a result see an increased awareness among the tourists regarding the Shahr-e-Khaas and their interest in visiting it,” president, TAAK, Rauf tramboo, said. Tramboo has also urged the state government to support private players to preserve the heritage tourism potential of the old city. “We have been so far successful in convincing some private entrepreneurs to build good infrastructure and we are happy that a good number of hotels are coming up in the old city of which some are already functional,” he added. The Association has sought cooperation from various public departments, including Srinagar Development Authority, Power Development department, Srinagar, Municipal Corporation and Regional Transport offices to expedite their developmental works of Shahr-e- Khas in a planned and phased manner to make the city more popular among our tourists.
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Tourism minister reviews Kheer Bhawani Mela arrangements
Srinagar, June 16 He directed officers to ensure that devotees do not face any inconvenience. “The temple complex has been constructed at a cost of Rs 16 crore. It has 64 one-room sets, one prayer hall, two langar halls and two dining halls, besides 64 bathrooms. The complex is also fitted with a sewerage treatment plant and a 40-KW generator set,” the spokesman said. Mir stressed that the officers should work with missionary spirit and proper coordination to ensure that all possible facilities are available to the devotees on Mela days at the
Ashthapan. He directed the authorities concerned to ensure proper functioning of all toilets and also asked for maintenance of cleanliness and hygienic environs in and around the
Bhawan. The Kheer Bhawani shrine at Tulmula is located 23 kilometres north of Srinagar and thousands of Kashmiri pandits would be paying obeisance at the temple on Monday. Mir said the Kheer Bhawani Mela has, over the years, become a source of reunion for Kashmiri Pandits following their mass migration from the Valley in the wake of eruption of chaos in early 1990. “It also serves as a reminder of communal harmony between Muslims and Kashmiri
Pandits. The former make almost all arrangements for the latter’s stay at the place of worship,” he said.
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Quake victims yet to get relief
Ghat (Doda), June 16 “A number of leaders have visited Doda district but except for promises and assurances nothing has been done so far”, said Chuni Lal, a resident of Bhagat Mohalla in Ghat in Doda. Chuni Lal is one of the many victims whose houses have been completely damaged due to the quake. “We are fed up with the assurances of the authorities and leaders,” he said while demanding that relief should be immediately released to the affected families. Mohammad Rafi Sheikh also expressed his anger against the “apathetic” approach being adopted by the authorities while dealing with such tragedies. “From day one of the earthquake, the authorities have been assessing the losses but on the ground nothing has been done,” he lamented. Rayaz Sheikh, sarpanch of Ghat village, while highlighting the plight of the affected people, said that 25 families had been living in tents as their houses were damaged. MLA, Doda, Abdul Majid Wani, who holds the roads and buildings (R&B) portfolio in the Omar Abdullah government, said the state Cabinet had already sought a package from the Centre for the proper rehabilitation of the affected families. “We are hopeful that very soon relief would be distributed to the affected families”, he said.
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CM’s plan to hold water loss survey due to treaty unjustified: Union ministry
Jammu, June 16 “What the Chief Minister is saying on the IWT is far from the truth. It is a matter of both India and Pakistan and holding any sort of survey to quantify the losses is a politically motivated step,” a source in the Union Power Ministry told The Tribune. On Thursday, Omar had said they were going to invite fresh bids on the international level to quantify the losses after Halcrow Consulting India Ltd, a part of the Halcrow Group of UK, rejected the offer to do the survey. “The truth is that Pakistan has been raising its voice on the treaty from time to time and so, the J&K Government conducting a survey and demanding compensation from the Centre is not justified,” the source said. On September 19, 1960, the then Prime Minister of India, Jawahar Lal Nehru, signed the Indus Water Treaty with the then Pakistan President, Muhammad Ayub Khan, which was brokered by the World Bank. Under this water-sharing treaty between the two countries, Pakistan has the control over the water of three major rivers of Jammu and Kashmir —
Sindh, Jhelum and Chenab — flowing towards Pakistan. The state government has been raising a hue and cry saying the state has lost around Rs 20,000 crore due to the treaty. A senior minister even went ahead to quote the figure at Rs 50,000 crore. Now, Omar wants to conduct a survey to ascertain the actual loss suffered by the state to approach the Centre for compensation.
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Omar expresses doubts over Modi delivering for
BJP
Srinagar, June 16 The Chief Minister was speaking on the sidelines of the inaugural function of the J&K State Judicial Academy here today. “There was always this possibility that with the elevation of Narendra
Modi, some of the allies in the NDA would be extremely unhappy. I believe that now the challenge for the
BJP, as they gradually lose allies, is to figure out whether Narendar Modi can deliver them that many number of seats in the next Parliamentary elections. If not, then the BJP’s dream of occupying the treasury benches will remain unfulfilled,” Omar told the reporters when asked about his reaction over
JD(U) pulling out of the NDA. Omar was the Minister of State for External Affairs during the NDA regime when AB Vajpayee was the Prime Minister and LK Advani was the Deputy Prime Minister. “We tied up with the NDA because it was headed by a person like
Vajpayee. Parties like mine could have never dreamt of keeping an alliance with the NDA with the kind of face being projected in the BJP currently. I believe the same is true for its other allies too,” Omar said.
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AJKPC welcomes Rs 420-cr package for panchayats
Jammu, June 16 While appreciating the initiative of the Union Government to sanction such a huge amount for the empowerment of the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in the state, general secretary of the organisation Anil Sharma said, “All 33,000 panchayat representatives have welcomed the package and are hopeful that the Union Government will use it for the welfare of the panchayats.” Sharma said the Centre would ensure that the state government does not divert the funds for any other purpose as it had been doing in other schemes.
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Northern Command to celebrate 42nd Raising Day today
Jammu, June 16 Raised after the Indo-Pak war of 1971, it has over the years carved for itself a niche as a highly efficient and effective command. Popularly known as the ‘Dhruva’ command, it has the responsibility of guarding the nation’s borders with both Pakistan and China in addition to effectively countering the proxy war unleashed by Pakistan since 1990s. The Raising Day celebrations will include a solemn ceremony at the Dhruva War Memorial on Monday, where General Officer Commanding in Chief, Northern Command, Lt Gen KT Parnaik will pay homage to martyrs.
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The days ahead could be decisive ones in Jammu and Kashmir if All India Congress Committee
vice-president Rahul Gandhi’s message is read between the lines. The change has to come from within (J&K), and not by the change of the government in
Pakistan. Rahul, during his one-day visit of the state, made it clear that the “change has to come from within”. Now this sort of change is open to many interpretations, but one thing is more than certain that he issued a strong word of caution — that don’t look outside for change in Kashmir, be it towards Pakistan or any other nation.
When Bollywood singer Sadhana Sargam sang ‘Chupke Se’ from ‘Saathiya’ movie on Saturday evening in the
Valley, the audience was left mesmerised. Music director Anu Malik, too, enthralled the listeners with ‘Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhein’ from the Shahrukh Khan starrer thriller ‘Baazigar’.
It was after a long time that Bollywood singers were performing live in Kashmir. The two music stars sang many hit tracks during the grand finale of ‘Choona Hai Aasman’, a music talent show organised by the J&K police at Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre
on the Dal Lake in Srinagar.
Jammu, June 16
