The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

	Pak offensive continues Automatic weapons used, mortar shells fired in Poonch Tribune News Service Jammu, August 20 In fresh ceasefire violation, Pakistani troops today opened fire from automatic weapons and mortars at Hamirpur and Mendhar areas along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch. The Army gave an effective response. “This morning at around 8.30 am, Pak troops again violated the ceasefire and fired from automatic weapons in Hamirpur area along the LoC,” defence spokesperson Col RK Palta. Unprovoked firing by Pakistan drew a strong response from the Army. The firing between the two sides continued till 1.30 pm, he added. He said there no casualty or injury was reported. However, reports said Pak troops also fired at Tarkundi, Panjani and Kanga Gali areas of Balakote in Poonch. From 8.30 am to 11 am they opened heavy fire inviting strong retaliation from the Army, he added. Pakistani troops had yesterday fired in the same area, leading to several exchange of fire between the two sides. Pakistani troops had earlier fired heavily at Indian posts in Hamirpur and Balakote border belts along the LoC in Poonch and also pounded civilian areas in Mankote and Mendhar belts. This year, there have been 82 violations by Pakistan so far. From August 6, there has been an increase in the frequency with 24 violations taking place, including killing of five soldiers in Chakan-da-Bagh area. Around 8.30 am, Pak troops again violated the ceasefire and fired from automatic weapons in Hamirpur area along the LoC. Unprovoked firing by Pakistan drew a strong response from the Army. The firing between the two sides continued till 1.30 pm — Defence spokesperson
	Number of protectees doubles in 5 months Arteev Sharma Tribune News Service Jammu, August 20 In contrast to the state government’s claims that there is a continuous decline in all the indices of violence and terror-related incidents, the number of protectees has recorded a spurt in the state and has got more than doubled in just five months. In March, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who heads the state Home Department, had told the Legislative Assembly, in a written reply, that there were 1,036 protected persons in the state. The Security Headquarters, J&K, however, said there were 2,467 protected persons at present who had been provided security cover in the state, which was an increase of 1,431 protectees than what was informed by the Chief Minister in the House five months ago. “As many as 2,467 protected persons are provided security cover presently. The names and particulars of such persons cannot be disclosed as it would endanger the life and physical safety of the person,” Public Information Officer, Security Headquarters, J&K, said in reply to an application filed under the Right to Information Act (RTI) by the state president of the National Secular Forum. The applicant received the information under the RTI Act on July 24. The Security Headquarters, however, didn’t have any information about the expenditure being made on the deployment of personal security officers guarding VIPs, politicians and bureaucrats. It, however, said the salary of the PSO’s deployed with protected persons was paid from the state exchequer. The Home Department said the number of protected persons was 424 in 1996-97 which increased to 538 in 2002-03. “The number of protected persons with armed guards was 635 in 2008-09 which went up to 1,036 in March 2013,” the department said. It claimed that the number of political workers had “increased” due to the participation of people in elections for the state legislature over the years. The spurt in the number of protected persons also belied the claims of the Chief Minister that “there has been a substantial decline in terrorist-related violence, casualties of security forces and civilians.” The number of terrorist-related incidents decreased by 35 per cent during 2012 as compared to 2011. Similarly, there was a decline of 40 per cent and 54 per cent in the civilian killings and killings of security forces, respectively, during 2012 as compared to 2011. A senior official of the state administration, who refused to be named, said a committee comprising representatives from the State Special Branch, Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau and the Home Department undertakes a review every six months vis-à-vis threat perception to any person. Home Department officials said the state government had spent Rs 1,285.25 crore on security-related expenditure in the last three years. In March, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who heads the state Home Department, had told the Legislative Assembly, in a written reply, that there were 1,036 protected persons in the state.The Security Headquarters, J&K, however, said there were 2,467 protected persons at present
	Peace a pre-requisite for prosperity: Omar Tribune News Service Srinagar, August 20 Insisting that “peace is a pre-requisite to prosperity” Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today asked the people of Jammu and Kashmir to be vigilant against “anti-peace elements” and contribute positively in maintaining harmony in the state. He also urged the people to continue their support to his government and promised them of a “speedy march towards prosperity”, an official spokesman said in a statement here. “Peace is a pre-requisite for prosperity and public support to maintain peace is fundamentally necessary,” Omar said while addressing a public gathering at Gund Khawaja Qasim village in Pattan area of Baramulla district in north Kashmir. He asserted that peace and tranquillity in the state was necessary to carry forward equitable development and holistic progress in all areas of the society, the statement said. The CM thanked people for their wisdom and maturity in helping the government to contain the anti-peace and disruptive forces and foiling their ill designs. Pointing out to the recent events in Gool, Budgam and Kishtwar areas, Omar cautioned the people against the designs of the vested interests, who want to create regional, sectarian and communal conflicts in the state. “These elements become active when elections draw closer,” Omar said, adding that they want to create hatred between various sections of the society for vote-bank politics. He asked people to be vigilant and contribute positively in maintaining harmony in the State. “I am not asking you for votes. The only thing which I am asking for is continuing your support in maintaining peace in the state,” he said. Taking a dig at PDP patron, Mufti Mohammad Sayed, Omar said, “A political leader, who remained Home Minister of the country and was also the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, is now demanding 40 assembly seats to address the Kashmir issue, which he all together forgot when he was in power.” Peace is a pre-requisite for prosperity and public support to maintain peace is fundamentally necessary. The only thing which I am asking for is continuing your support in maintaining peace. — Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister
	India-Pak resume cross-LoC trade Majid Jahangir/TNS Srinagar, August 20 Amid escalating tensions along the border, the cross-LoC trade between India and Pakistan resumed after two weeks on Tuesday on Uri-Chakothi axis. Trade had been suspended for past two weeks as Pakistan had requested suspension of trade on August 5 in view of Eid-ul-Fitr and Independence Day celebrations on both sides. After the Pakistani request for suspension of the trade, five Indian soldiers were killed in an ambush which escalated tension along the LoC. “After the recent tension on the border, trade resumed on the Uri-Chakothi axis on Tuesday and it went smoothly,” a senior official said in Srinagar. Custodian, Trade Facilitation Centre, Salamabad, Uri, Raja Ehsan, said 50 trucks crossed the LoC to Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) whereas 51 trucks came from there. “Trade went smoothly and the tension along the LoC has not affected business between the two countries,” Ehsan claimed. The cross-LoC trade between the two countries began on the Uri-Chakothi axis on October 21, 2008. The trade and along with the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus services, which was launched on April 7, 2005, are considered both by New Delhi and Islamabad as major Confidence Building Measures between the two countries since partition. The Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus service is only availed for divided families with relatives on both sides of the LoC. On Monday, the Srinagar Muzzaffarabad bus resumed service with 74 passengers traveling in it. Traders said they were happy with the resumption of trade after the recent tension. “We are sure that the tension on the border will not derail trade between India and Pakistan,” said a trader, Bashir Ahmed.
	Mobilise funds for 101st science congress: Guv Tribune News Service Srinagar, August 20 Governor NN Vohra and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today discussed arrangements to be put in place for the 101st session of the Indian Science Congress and the Regional Science Congress at a high-level meeting held at Raj Bhawan here. The 101st session of the Indian Science Congress is being held at the University of Jammu from February 3 to 7, 2014. The Regional Science Congress will be organised at the University of Kashmir from September 29 to October 1. The Governor, who is the Chancellor of both universities, while chairing the meeting, emphasised the need for accessing all possible sources of funding for organising the Indian Science Congress in a befitting and memorable manner. “The Governor observed that micro attention needs to be paid to all arrangements for the Indian Science Congress and the Regional Science Congress so that all logistics and other facilities are timely positioned,” an official spokesman said. Vohra observed that last month he had held a meeting with the Vice-Chancellors and the heads of various medical, science and technology institutions of higher learning in the state. He secured their willingness to join hands for organising the scientific event in a befitting manner, keeping in mind that the science congress shall provide a historical opportunity to students, teachers and scientists to demonstrate their talent and scientific temper. He stressed that “our universities and other institutions in the state must have considerable representation at both upcoming science events in the academic arena and all other aspects.” The Chief Minister, who is the Pro-Chancellor of both universities, said the Indian Science Congress and the Regional Science Congress were required to be organised in a befitting manner and for the purpose, all requirements and arrangements must be ensured well in time. Minister for Higher Education Mohammad Akbar Lone put forth several suggestions with regard to the hosting of the Indian Science Congress and the Regional Science Congress by the University of Jammu and the University of Kashmir, respectively. Prof RC Sobti, Vice-Chancellor of Baba Saheb Ambedkar University, Lucknow, and the general president of the Indian Science Congress Association, in his presentation, gave details of the establishment, evolution, history and aims and objectives of organising the Indian Science Congress. He said more than 10,000 scientists, including a large number of top scientists from within and outside the country, were likely to participate in the five-day 101st science congress. Referring to the Regional Science Congress, Prof RC Sobti said over 100 scientists would participate in the event.
	On Raksha Bandhan, BSF men vow to protect borders Tribune News Service Jammu, August 20 Amidst tension on the Indo-Pak border in the state, the BSF jawans today took some time off from their arduous schedule to celebrate the festival of Raksha Bandhan with school girls at the Octroi border outpost in RS Pura sector of Jammu. “The Rakhis were sent by school girls from different parts of the country, like Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan for the border guards,” Commandant of the 94 Battalion, G S Dhaliwal, told The Tribune. He added that girls from local schools joined the celebrations and tied Rakhis on the wrists of BSF jawans. The love and trust reposed by the school girls invigorated them and they avowed to protect the frontiers from the enemy, he said.
	No headway in Kishtwar crisis Both communities remain adamant Amir Karim Tantray/TNS Doda, August 20 The Kishtwar crisis is heading no way, as both the communities remain adamant on their demands and are not playing a constructive role in breaking the ice. The All party delegation, which is on tour to the trouble torn area, hasn’t been able to bring both the communities on a common platform. The all party delegation, comprising the representatives of National Conference, Congress, Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP), Panthers Party and other leaders, held marathon meetings with both the communities, but nothing concrete has come out so far. Hindus, besides asking for a CBI probe into the matter and an FIR against Kichloo are also demanding that no arrests be made from their community. There other demand includes immediate compensation for people, whose shops were burnt or looted, and transfer of DIG Doda-Kishtwar range. Muslims are demanding disbanding of VDCs, arrest of BJP leader Sunil Sharma and release of all innocent youth, besides punishing the culprits responsible for killings. The administration had called both communities to a single platform, but Hindu leaders turned down the request saying that they won’t be part of any discussions unless their demands are not met. Ram Krishan, a member of the Dharam Sabha, Kishtwar, said it was difficult to bring back normalcy until their demands were not met. “We are waiting for government’s reaction to our demands. They have given the assurance, but till these are not implemented we can’t say anything,” Ram Krishan said Muslims leaders on the other hand are adamant on their demand of disbanding of VDCs. “We want peace and for that we are ready to hold joint peace march throughout the town. But it is not possible till the culprits are punished and VDCs are disbanded or Muslims are made a part of the VDCs,” said Mushtaq Ahmad Haf, a local Muslim leader. Haf is one of the few leaders of Kishtwar, who along with his Hindu counterparts had participated in 1974 agitation for establishment of a college in the area. He was also a part of the agitation for the grant of district status to Kishtwar in 1981. “That time it was not like Hindus versus Muslims and we all were one. Muslims used to take shelter in Hindu homes and Hindus in Muslim homes,” Haf said. He said communal passion in the town has only emerged after the 2008 Amarnath agitation, when some leaders stoked communal passion.
	Campaigning for Kargil Council polls concludes Ehsan Fazili Tribune News Service Kargil, August 20 The election campaign for the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Kargil, ended today in the evening. The campaign was restricted to the district. The main contenders have been the coalition parties, Congress and National Conference (NC), and the local religious school, Islamia School, Kargil, and opposition parties such as the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the BJP and Independents. Except for a senior BJP leader and MP, no national-level or state-level leaders have made it to this far-off district during the campaign. The Congress, NC, PDP and BJP have held public rallies and everything went normal, officials here said. “The campaign ended peacefully today,” said Kargil Deputy Commissioner Fida Hussain. He said the polling staff and material had already been sent to the Zanskar area, which witnessed tension during the campaign. The polling staff and material for other areas of the district are being despatched tomorrow, he said. The elections are the third since the LAHDC, Kargil, was constituted in 2003. The elections are being held in the aftermath of three important developments — election process was started during Ramadan, there were reports of firing from across the border and recent flash floods. The district administration, which had constituted a committee to assess the extent of the damage in the flash floods, has sent a preliminary report to the government seeking an assistance of Rs 12.5 crore, the Deputy Commissioner said. These developments, however, did not affect the election process and people were more involved in the campaign aimed at ensuring development at the grass-roots level. The district has also the distinction of the highest voter turnout, ranging between 90 and 95 per cent of voting in any elections.
	Leh gears up for Dalia Lama’s sermon Leh, August 20 Thousands of people from across the Ladakh, including Zanskar, have poured in at Leh to be a part of the two-hour long sermon on White Tara Empowerment by the Tibetan spiritual leader, Dalia Lama, at Choglamsar tomorrow. The sermon, which is scheduled to begin at 8:30 am, has been organised by the Ladakh Buddhist Association and the All Ladakh Gonpa Association in collaboration with the district administration. With huge crowd pouring in for the sermon, the administration has hired the services of ITBP and CRPF, in addition to the police force. A company each from ITBP and CRPF will be on the vigil apart from two companies of the district police. “We have also requested the Army to avoid heavy vehicles on crucial routes till afternoon. Traffic will also be diverted during the sermon period,” Deputy Superintendent of Police, Leh, Abdul Khaliq, said. — OC
	Rajiv Gandhi’s birth anniversary Cong reiterates demand for panchayat empowerment Tribune News Service Jammu, August 20 On the occasion of the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister late Rajiv Gandhi, the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) reiterated its demand of extending the 73rd Amendment of the Indian Constitution to the state. The ruling National Conference (NC) has so far given a cold-shoulder response to the demand despite the Congress leadership vociferously highlighting the issue at every platform. JKPCC chief Saifuddin Soz has even repeatedly taken up the issue at the meetings of the Coalition Coordination Committee. A function was held at the party headquarters today to commemorate Rajiv Gandhi’s birth anniversary. Congress leaders highlighted the demand of the 73rd Amendment. Senior Congress leaders described Rajiv Gandhi as the architect of the Panchayati Raj System in the country. The 73rd and 74th Amendments of the Indian Constitution were the result of the vision and efforts of late Rajiv Gandhi, which brought power on the doorsteps of people, the leaders said. They emphasised the need for strengthening the Panchayati Raj System in the state to ensure full empowerment and devolution of powers with accountability as elsewhere in the country. They said Rajiv Gandhi’s dream to fully empower the people in villages and urban areas would be fulfilled soon in the state with the extension of the 73rd Amendment. The function was presided over by senior JKPCC vice president Dharam Pal Sharma. Congress leaders Gurmukh Singh, Mula Ram, RS Chib, Ravinder Sharma, Vinod Sharma, Puran Singh, Om Chopra and Ravi Singh Slathia were present.
	Sports Council to act tough against violators of Ministry guidelines Vikas Sharma/TNS Jammu, August 20 Maintaining that the guidelines issued by the Union Sports Minister have been implemented in letter and spirit, the State Sports Council has warned of strict action against its office-bearers who do not adhere to them. Dilip Thusu, Secretary, State Sports Council, said the department would leave no stone unturned to ensure proper implementation of the Union Sports Ministry guidelines. As per the new guidelines, the office bearer of any affiliated sports association can hold office for a maximum of 12 years (3 terms) while no person beyond 70 years of age can be an office bearer of any sports body. J&K State Sports Council in its recently held 129 Standing Committee meeting held under the chairmanship of Taj Mohiuddin, Minister for youth Services and Sports had decided to follow the guidelines. “Time has come to act tough against those who have occupied positions in different affiliated sports associations. Very soon, the department will take initiative in this regard. In fact, despite being office-bearers of many sports associations, it is their responsibility to contribute as much as they can to improve the standard of sports in the state,” Dilip Thusu said. “After the implementation of the guidelines issued by the Union Sports Ministry, no person beyond the age of 70 years will be allowed to become the office-bearer of any affiliated sports body,” he claimed. In reply to a question regarding the outcome of the decisions taken in the recently held Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) meeting, Thusu said a detailed report of the DPC was likely to be made public within a week. Meanwhile, the J&K Olympic Association has refused to accept the guidelines regarding the age and tenure, claiming that they were yet to receive any circular from the Indian Olympic Association.
	Militant hideout busted Tribune News Service Jammu, August 20 The Army busted a militant hideout and seized a cache of arms and ammunition last evening in Reasi. During a search operation, troops busted a militant hideout in Mahore area of Reasi and seized a cache of arms, said Defence spokesman, Colonel RK Palta. He said the troops seized an AK-47 assault rifle with 40 rounds of ammunition, two AK magazines and 36 rounds of PIKA ammunition.
	Two KAS officers appointed to SSKSB Katra, August 20 To improve the services provided to the pilgrims at the Shiv Khori shrine in Reasi, Deputy Commissioner Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, today appointed KAS officers to the Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board (SSKSB). Tilak Raj Shastri, Assistant Commissioner, Reasi, has been appointed as member-secretary of the Board, while tehsildar Dr Manmeet Kumar Mottan has been appointed as the additional executive officer. — OC