The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

Vendors usurp city’s footpaths
Our Correspondent

Srinagar, November 29
Vendors have set up temporary shops occupying footpaths and large portions of roads, creating a traffic mess at Lal Chowk. Despite acknowledging the fact, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) has done nothing concrete so far.

The vendors on either side of the roads sell textile items, cosmetic collections, vegetables and fruits. The roads remain occupied from RTC yard to Toto ground in Batamaloo.

“To travel short distances, it takes hours to reach the destination as vendors have extended their carts on roads,” said Altaf Ahmad, a local resident.

The footpath in the adjoining areas of Lal Chowk, including Amira Kadal, Goni Khan, Hari Singh High Street and Batamaloo, is often
occupied. There are more than thousand vendors who have occupied the footpaths.

There is hardly any space left for vehicles on the Amira Kadal Bridge as most part of the bridge is occupied by the vendors.

“I had to travel to Qamarwari via Residency Road and it took me half an hour to cross the Amira Kadal Bridge. There is hardly any space for the vehicles on the bridge. The SMC and Traffic Department should do something about it,” said Zuha Farooq, a college student.

Though police and SMC officials are aware of the encroachments, no action has been taken against the offenders. Officials of Traffic department, while acknowledging the fact that vendors create traffic problems in the city, said, “It is the work of the SMC to clear footpaths. The Traffic Department only works for the management of traffic,” said Haseeb-Ur-Rehman, SP, Traffic, Srinagar.

The SMC officials, however, seem helpless. “We don’t let them occupy the footpaths, but they come back. We will surely look into the matter,” said Dr GN Qasba, SMC Commissioner.

Lalkaar rally: Modi mania grips Jammu
City decked with banners, flags welcoming BJP’s prime ministerial candidate
Tribune News Service

Jammu, November 29
The city seems to be gripped with Modi mania as the entire city and its outskirts are decked with flags, buntings, banners and posters welcoming the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi.

Modi is coming to Jammu on December 1 to address the "Lalkaar rally" at Maulana Azad Stadium. This is the first visit of Narendra Modi after he was appointed as the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate.

There is competition among BJP leaders of installing big banners and hoardings, especially on the way from the Jammu airport to MA Stadium, from where the cavalcade of Modi will pass on December 1. The route from the Jammu airport to M A Stadium has been flooded with BJP flags as countdown for the rally has started.

Meanwhile, state general secretary of the BJP Kavinder Gupta, who is former Mayor of the Municipal Corporation (MC), said adequate arrangements had been made for parking of vehicles, sitting inside the stadium, drinking water, first-aid, security, etc.

Gupta said the vehicles carrying the party activists and public from RS Pura, Samba and Kathua districts would be parked at Warehouse, near old RTO office. Similarly, the vehicle from Kashmir, Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Udhampur, Reasi and Nagrota would be parked on BC Road and the General Bus Stand. The parking space at Science College would cater to the vehicles coming from the Poonch, Rajouri, Sunderbani, Akhnoor areas.

Gupta said the entry to the venue was unrestricted and open to all, nor were there any pre-conditions for the entry. He said the party had been receiving queries in respect of entry restrictions, but it was being clarified that the creation of such impression in the mind of public was the handiwork of some vested interests, who were trying to spread misinformation to mislead the public and create hurdles in the smooth and successful conduct of the rally.

A large two-wheeler rally was also taken out by the Jammu (West) district unit of the party today, which was flagged off by Kavinder Gupta in connection with the forthcoming “Lalkaar rally”.

Subash Jandial, senior BJP leader, claimed that from the Jammu (West) segment only, more than 25,000 people would attend the rally.

Grand welcome

Modi is coming to Jammu on December 1 to address the “Lalkaar rally” at Maulana Azad Stadium

There is competition among BJP leaders of installing big banners and hoardings, especially on the way from the Jammu airport to MA Stadium, from where the cavalcade of Modi will pass

State BJP leaders urge people to participate in Modi’s rally
Our Correspondent

Udhampur, November 29
With the BJP’s prime ministerial nominee Naredra Modi scheduled to address a public rally at Jammu on December 1, the party leaders are leaving no stone unturned to woo more and more people to the venue. Senior BJP leader and party’s candidate for the Udhampur-Doda parliamentary constituency in the forthcoming general elections Dr Nirmal Singh today visited various panchayat segments in Tikri and Rehamble area of Udhampur and urged the people there to participate in the “Lalkaar Rally”.

He particularly appealed to the youth of the area to be a part of the event.

“It is a great occasion for the state. There are lots of people who want to see and listen to Modi. I appeal to the masses to come to Jammu and make this moment a historic one,” Singh said told reporters here.

He added that elaborate arrangements have been made to ferry the aspiring audience to the MA Stadium, the venue for Modi’s rally.

“Matadors will be placed at prominent locations to ferry the workers and residents to the venue,” Singh said, adding that the rally is going to“create history”.

The BJP leader, meanwhile, also held meeting with the district office bearers of the party and youth leaders and discussed the arrangements made by the district unit for the December 1 event.

Omar out to checkmate Modi by ‘standing tall’
NC puts up large hoarding in Jammu ahead of BJP leader’s visit
Tribune News Service

Jammu, November 29
When streets and roads across Jammu city are flooded with hoardings, flags and flexi-boards to welcome BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, a large hoarding of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah --- the first of its kind --- is all set to attract the visiting leader’s attention at the Tawi bridge near Bikram Chowk.

The hoarding reads “my hand-holding of youth is above political motives”.

Omar, who is the youngest Chief Minister of the state, tries to convey that his government has laid emphasis on the welfare of the youth of Jammu and Kashmir and that there should be no misconception in the minds of his “critics” that there was any political agenda vis-à-vis the better future of the youth.

While the Tawi bridge is flooded with the BJP flags, the hoarding at the start of the bridge has become eye-catching as motorists stop to have a look at it. The hoarding was installed today afternoon.

“The hoarding has been installed at the start of the Tawi bridge from the Bikram Chowk side and it has been attracting the attention of all commuters. It will surely attract the attention of top BJP leaders, including Narendra Modi, when they pass through this route to reach MA Stadium to address the Lalkaar rally on December 1,” a senior official of the Jammu Municipal Corporation said.

Interestingly, senior state BJP leaders, too, had expressed their desire to have their hoardings or flexi-board at the “prime location” to seize the attention of their “popular leader” but the authorities instead installed the Chief Minister’s hoarding.

Modi’s elevation may usher communal clashes: Congress

Rajouri, November 29
With BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi scheduled to address a public rally in Jammu on Sunday, the Congress here today said the Gujarat Chief Minister’s elevation to the top may usher “communal clashes” in the country.

“The BJP has committed a mistake by declaring Narendra Modi as its prime ministerial candidate. Modi is not a secular person. If he becomes the Prime Minister country may witness a period of communal clashes,” J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief Saifuddin Soz said while addressing a public meeting at the PWD Dak Bungalow here.

He insisted that the Congress was the only party with “secular credentials”.

Meanwhile, in an apparent attack on the National Conference, Soz said: “The Congress is a coalition partner in the government and that is the reason why it could not implement the 73rd and the 74th amendment of the constitution in the state.”

Soz had earlier said his party would work towards implementing the amendments in J&K to empower the panchayats.

On Farooq Abdullah’s statement that the party will field its candidates on all four Lok Sabha seats in Kashmir and Ladakh, Soz said: “The NC is an independent party and their leaders can present their views.” — OC

Junior docs call off strike
Our Correspondent

Srinagar, November 29
Junior doctors at Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital called off their three-day-long strike after being assured by the Minister of Medical Education, Taj Mohiuddin, that their demands would be met.

The junior doctors of the SMHS hospital, Srinagar, have called off their strike, following their agreement with Minister for Medical Education, Youth Services and Sports, Taj Mohiuddin, over most of their demands.

“The minister said that written orders had been issued about the recognition of the Resident Doctors Association and that regular police would take care of the casualty,” said Dr Adil Ashraf, president, Resident doctors Association.

The officials said a delegation of doctors met the minister who assured of fulfilling their demands. The minister said the security for doctors would be further strengthened. “They have also taken action against the accused, who thrashed our colleague a few days ago. The person is under police custody,” said Dr Adil.

The minister had promised the junior doctors that their demand of addressing the pay anomaly would be sympathetically looked into. He assured the doctors of even going to the Cabinet for the redressal of their demands.

The doctors were on strike after five of their colleagues were thrashed by attendants in the hospital. The doctors had threatened that if their complaints were not looked into, they would extend their strike to other associated hospitals.

Demands accepted

Minister of Medical Education Taj Mohiuddin said written orders had been issued on the recognition of the Resident Doctors Association.

Action taken against the accused who had thrashed a member of the Resident Doctors Association a few days ago.

SC wants to hear son on Yousuf’s mysterious death
Says son to have better locus standi in petition filed by Panthers Party
Legal Correspondent

New Delhi, November 29
The Supreme Court today said it wanted to hear Syed Talib Hussain on the “mysterious death” of his father and National Conference activist Syed Haji Yousuf on September 29-30, 2011, after being questioned at the residence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and taken into police custody. “The son will have a better locus standi,” a bench comprising Justices BS Chauhan and SA Bobde remarked while hearing a writ petition filed by Balwant Singh, MLA and state president of the Panthers Party, seeking a CBI probe into the death of 61-year-old NC activist. “We would prefer to hear the son in this matter. We can understand the need for a third party filing a petition if there is no son or any other family member,” the Bench said and listed the case for further hearing after three weeks.

“To improve your case, it is better if the victim’s son joins the case,” the bench told senior counsel Bhim Singh, who argued for the petitioner. Bhim Singh sought a direction to the state government to provide security to Hussain. Advocate General MI Qadri assured the court that Hussain need not have any security-related apprehension. Hussain, who was present in the court, said he would move an application within two weeks for becoming a joint petitioner in the case. According to the petitioner, Yousuf had been summoned, shortly before his death, by the Chief Minister along with two other persons who had allegedly given Rs 1.8 crore to the victim for buying them seats in the Legislative Council.

On October 31, 2011, the SC had issued notice to the Centre, the state government, DIG and IGP (Crime Branch) and the Principal Secretary of the Home Department asking them to respond to the doubts raised over Yousuf’s death.

The petitioner rejected the police contention that Yousuf had died of heart attack, alleging that the DGP and the Home Secretary were involved in the cover-up of the “extraordinary offence committed at the residence of the Chief Minister.” No FIR had been filed till date despite the appeals made by the family members of the victim.

The 2011 case

National Conference worker Syed Haji Yousuf died under mysterious circumstances on September 29-30, 2011

Petitioner Balwant Singh, MLA and state president of the Panthers Party, has claimed that Yousuf had been summoned, shortly before his death, by the Chief Minister along with two other persons who had allegedly given Rs 1.8 crore to the victim for buying them seats in the Legislative Council.

Vohra reviews restoration of Bhimgarh Fort in Reasi
Tribune News Service

Jammu, November 29
Governor NN Vohra inspected the ongoing restoration work on Bhimgarh Fort at Reasi yesterday.

The Governor asked Soujanya Sharma, Director, Tourism Department, to expedite the pace of work and complete it by March-end next year.

He told Mandeep K Bhandari, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Deputy Commissioner, Reasi, and the Director, Tourism, to have a detailed review of the work and prepare a detailed plan, showing components of the project which have been completed and those to be accomplished.

The Governor reiterated for constructing a walkway around the periphery of the fort, laying an attractive approach to the fort and speedy completion of lighting system of the internal its area, public conveniences, outer landscaping and other allied works within fixed timeframes.

He told the Tourism Director to bring out an aesthetically designed brochure in English and Hindi on Bhimgarh Fort to enable the tourists and visitors to know the history and importance of the fort. Sharma briefed the Governor about the work done under the first phase of the restoration project and the items taken up under the second phase.

He said the estimated cost of the restoration of the fort was Rs. 5.67 crore. Of this, 40 per cent each is being provided by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and the Tourism Department and the remaining 20 per cent by the Archives, Archaeology and Museums Department.

Prof Sudhir K Jain, Vice Chancellor, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Navin K Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor, Mandeep K Bhandari, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, and Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Deputy Commissioner, Reasi, were present.

Mughal Road awaits formal inauguration
Darshan Bharti and Feroz Ahmad Bhat

Poonch/Pulwama, November 29
Even as the work on the historic Mughal road, connecting Shopian in Kashmir with Bafliaz in Poonch district of Jammu, was over almost a year ago, it has not been formally opened for traffic so far.

"The road is yet to be formally inaugurated by the authorities, despite hundreds of light motor vehicles carrying apples and vegetables from the Valley taking this treacherous route, though illegally, to reach the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch on a daily basis," a source said.

"Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was scheduled to formally inaugurate the road on June 25 this year, but the idea was dropped at the eleventh hour for unknown reasons," the source added.

Consequently, the locals have managed to erect over 100 illegal structures along the 84-km-long road.

The scenic route has become a "safe haven" for land mafia, and regular attempts are being made to encroach upon the land to build more commercial structures along it.

"Over 100 illegal structures have been built by locals along the Mughal Road. We have written to the higher-ups for initiating a demolition drive," Division Engineer, Mughal Road, Abdul Gani Jagal said.

"There are apprehensions that if the already built illegal structures are not demolished shortly, it may create trouble in the near future," the official added.

The project, conceived by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, grandfather of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, in 1969, has been completed at an estimated cost of Rs 639 crore under the Prime Minister Reconstruction Plan.

The road holds historical importance as it was first discovered by Mughal emperors. Historians believe that the road was also used to import salt to Kashmir and was called the "Nimak road" (or the Salt road).

The road gained significance after Mughal Emperor Akbar conquered Kashmir. It was considered the shortest link between Lahore and Srinagar.

Sources said the road would boost the economy and cultural exchanges between the people residing on both sides of the Pir Ki Gali, which divides Kashmir from the Jammu province, besides generating employment opportunities for the local populace.

The work on the road started in 1988-89 and a single-lane track covering 30 km was constructed initially. The project was, however, stopped after the emergence of militancy in 1990 in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Initially, the project ran into rough weather due to the onset of militancy, as construction work was badly hit. The foundation stone of the Mughal Road was laid on October 1, 2005, by the then Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and Union Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad," a source said.

Hindustan Constructions Company was given the task to execute the project and it was announced that the project will be completed by March 2007.

The project though missed several deadlines, resulting in cost escalation. As per the original estimates the project was to cost Rs 159 crore. However, the estimate has now risen to Rs 639 crore.

Historical significance

Built at a height of 3,490 metres from the sea level, the Mughal Road will reduce the 541 km distance between Poonch and Srinagar, via Jammu, to 174 km, while the travel time will be reduced from 32 hours to seven hours

Cabinet okays transfers in civil administration
Approves proposed amendment to PM’s package for Kashmiri migrants
Tribune News Service

Jammu, November 29
The Cabinet, which met here today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, ordered transfers and postings in the administration. It also approved the proposed amendments to the Prime Minister’s package for the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri migrants to the Valley.

Mohammad Afzal Bhat, Secretary, Cooperatives Department, has been transferred and posted as Secretary, Forest Department, upon the superannuation of Sheikh Ejaz Iqbal. Ramesh Kumar Koul, Special Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, has been transferred and posted as Secretary, Cooperatives Department. Hemant Kumar Sharma, Director, Command Area Development, Jammu, has been posted as Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri. The Director, Agriculture, Jammu, shall hold the charge of the post of Director, Command Area Development, Jammu, in addition to his own duties till further orders.

Sheikh Fayaz Ahmad, Joint Transport Commissioner, has been transferred and posted as Director, Estates, relieving M.M. Gupta of the additional charge of the post. Soujanya Kumar Sharma, Director, Tourism, Jammu, has been transferred and posted as Director, Information, relieving Zaffar Ahmad Bhat of the additional charge of the post. Soujanya shall, however, continue to hold the charge of the Director, Tourism, Jammu, till further orders.

The Cabinet also accorded sanction to the appointment of Dr Rafiq Ahmad Pampori, head of the ENT department, as Principal, Government Medical College, Srinagar, and approved the regularisation of Dr. Abdul Kabir Dar as Director, Indian System of Medicine.

The Cabinet also approved the proposed amendments to the Prime Minister’s package for the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri migrants to the Valley. The proposed amendments will allow all migrant families who return to the Valley to avail themselves of the incentive for construction or reconstruction of houses irrespective of the fact whether they have sold their properties before or after 1997.

It also authorises all Deputy Commissioners of the Valley to identify government land for setting up clusters or group housing societies for such families who will return. In case of non-availability of government land, the Deputy Commissioners shall identify the land for acquisition.

The land to be acquired for the construction of individual houses or for group housing societies shall be identified at such places where there is no dislocation of the local population. The revised cost estimates for the acquisition of land and the construction of houses for those migrants who have sold their properties after 1997 shall be worked out and included in the revised package. The state government will approach the Union government for incorporating the land acquisition component in the package and release of funds.

Incentives for migrants

The proposed amendments will allow all migrant families who return to the Valley to avail themselves of the incentives for construction or reconstruction of houses irrespective of the fact whether they have sold their properties before or after 1997

By 2031, Purmandal-Akhnoor area may come within city municipal limits
Sumit Hakhoo
Tribune News Service

Jammu, November 29
"Going by the rapid influx of people into Jammu and Kashmir, by 2031 area starting from Purmandal in Samba district till Akhnoor subdivision would be brought under the limits of the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC)," Jammu Development Authority (JDA) officials said.

The officials said keeping in view the geographical constraints, expansion had to be done in a horizontal way, which means northern and southern expansion, incorporating villages from Akhnoor, Nagrota towards Vijaypur along the national highway into the MC limits and the total area of city expanding to 530 sq km from the present 117 sq km.

At the moment the municipal limits end at Kunjwani chowk, Bantalab, Tomal Borhi and Munshi Chak, while the old city has no scope for further expansion.

Though the new Master Plan is being prepared to deal with the challenge, but it could mean investment of crores of rupees to provide civic amenities to such an expanding city, which is beyond the realms of the state government and need massive investment by the private sector.

“Our worry is how the state would manage funds and work commitment when even small infrastructure development projects are being delayed for years. A large chunk of agriculture land will be gobbled by the expanding population. Till now Purmendal and major part of Akhnoor are considered a rural area,” said a senior official from the Jammu Development Authority (JDA).

Till 2000, the city was having an area of just 32 sq km and in 2003 the government approved the city limits to 117 sq km. The old city, earlier comprising of 23 wards, was divided into 48 wards and 23 new wards were added to it thus raising the total number of wards to 71, which are being managed by the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC). Major projects are being looked after by the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) and Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA).

Minister for Urban Development Nawang Rigzin Jora said the government had already announced the public-private partnership (PPP) mode for major projects to involve the private sector in them. “In the new Master Plan under formulation, everything will be taken care of. There is need to keep a balance between environment, development, modern transport, sanitation and drinking water need.”

The first Master Plan was prepared for the period 1974-1994. Thereafter, Master Plan-2021 was notified in 2004 for planned development for 20 years up to 2021, which is presently operational.

Art camp held by J&K Police concludes
Tribune News Service

Jammu, November 29
Asking the youth and art lovers of the state to avail themselves of the opportunity provided by the JK Police to showcase their skills in art, the Director-General of Police (DGP), Ashok Prasad, said the organisation had been conducting various activities under the prestigious "Civic Action Programme" to explore the hidden talent of the youth of the state.

Prasad was speaking at the concluding ceremony of the eight-day national-level art camp, organised by the J&K Police Housing Corporation. He said such events were conducted with the aim to providing a platform to reputed artists to share their experience with the budding artists of the state and hone their talent. As many as 11 artists of national fame, including one from Russia, besides local artists participated in the camp.

Those who participated in the camp included Bishamber Mehta, Devi Das Khatri, Gagan Vij, Sukhjeet Singh Kukkal, Jagpal Singh, Anjali Aggarwal, Richa Mahajan, Arti Fulari, Poonam C Tiyagi and Daris Raldugina (from Russia).

Prasad said such camps opened new vistas of opportunities for the youth and art lovers, which helped them fulfil their dreams in the field. The DGP said art provided an opportunity to share experience with each other and to know about the culture and languages of different regions of the country. He said the Jammu and Kashmir Police Organisation, besides its professional duties had been carrying out different cultural, social and sports activities to promote police-public relations, which were mandatory in the contemporary times.

For Bal Niketans, govt wants to hire teachers at Rs 10 per day
Deepanker Gupta

Udhampur, November 29
At a time when skyrocketing prices are burning a hole in common man’s pocket, the Social Welfare Department is looking to engage computer trained teachers at “meagre” wages of Rs 10 per day.

“We have Bal Niketans for orphans and Nari Niketans for widows in every district. Our department intends to engage trained teachers, preferably computer knowing, to educate them at least for two or three hours a day. The amount which the department intends to pay is Rs 300 per month,” District Social Welfare Officer, Udhampur, Yash Paul said.

Keeping in view such a meagre amount, none of the unemployed educated youth has turned up for the job in the last three years.

“No one has turned up for this job from the last three years,” the official said.

“We intend to employee three teachers and we have funds to be paid to them, but every year these funds get lapsed,” he added.

Paul, however, conceded that the amount was too less to attract anyone for the job.

“We agree that this amount is too less, as it cannot even cover the travelling expense of a willing candidate,” he said.

“We have now requested principals of different colleges if they could get some National Service Scheme (NSS) voluntaries, which should not look at the financial part but take it as a social service and teach these children,” Paul said.

“These children study in government schools and hence need extra education,” he insisted.

The official added that despite having the necessary equipment they were not able to impart computer education to the children because of the unavailability of teachers.

“The Army has donated four computers, but we are unable to teach the orphans as we fail to get computer knowing teachers at such low wages,” Paul said.

Meanwhile, Director Social Welfare Department, Jammu, Mohammad Hussian Bhatti said the issue has been “reported” to the higher authorities time and again.

“We have 10 Bal Niketans and six Nari Nikentans in the Jammu province. The problem of meagre wages being paid to the unemployed youth for their services surely exists and it has been reported to the higher authorities from time to time,” Bhatti said.

He added that district officers were trying to get voluntary services from various NGOs in the absence of teachers.

“These teachers definitely get a much higher amount while teaching at various tutorials, but in our case we have even seen teachers who volunteer to serve this down trodden lot,” he added.

The unemployed youth are, however, aggrieved at the department’s gesture.

“This is definitely a mockery of unemployed youth,” said Ved Kumar, an unemployed science graduate from Udhampur.

“We would rather prefer to teach these kids free of cost instead of taking Rs 10 per day,” he insisted.

Punjabi book released

Dignitaries release Dr Monojit’s satirical collection “Sabbhe Gallan Khotian” at a function organised by the Punjabi Lekhak Sabha in Jammu on Friday. A Tribune photograph

Jammu, November 29
The Punjabi Lekhak Sabha organised a function in which Dr Monojit's satirical collection "Sabbhe Gallan Khotian" was released by KL Garg, chairman of the Punjab Vayang Academy, Moga, and Surinder Seerat, former president of the World Punjabi Literary Society, California.

Narinder Mohan, renowned Hindi poet, unveiled the book to audience, while proceedings of the function were conducted by Baljit Raina. Dr Sushil Sharma and Dr Janak Singh Keerti presented papers on the book, followed by introduction of the sabha by its president Devinder Singh. — TNS

Medical camp held at Valmiki Colony
Tribune News Service

Jammu, November 29
The Association for Self Help & Awareness (ASHA) organised a free medical check-up camp at Valmiki Colony.

The emphasis of the camp was on heart check-up, diabetes and eyecare by expert doctors.

Doctors and support staff were sent by Medanata - The Medicity along with sophisticated ECG and mobile echocardiography machines.

A large number of patients were given appropriate treatment advice as per their needs after a thorough examination by the doctors.

Polytechnic students boycott classes, hold protest
Tribune News Service

Jammu, November 29
Students of Government Polytechnic College, Bikram Chowk, today boycotted classes and held a protest against the recent assault on a student by some outsiders. They alleged that the police had failed take any action against the assailants.

Protesting students were led by Manmeet Singh and Amit Sumbria, who alleged that several innocent students had been attacked by outsiders without any provocation, but the police and college management had remained silent. Earlier, students gathered near the office of the Principal and raised slogans against the police before moving towards Bikram Chowk.

Students demanded registration of an FIR against the assailants. "Our agitation will not end till the assailants are booked as most of the students are now feeling insecure in the college," the protesters said.

Govt boys school observes Right to Education Day
Tribune News Service

Budgam, November 29
With a thrust on the slogan of ‘Education for all’, the village education committee (VEC) comprising representatives of Razwan, a tiny village near Budgam town, celebrated the Right to Education Day at the Government Boys Middle School here today.

Students of Government Boys Middle School, Razwan, participate in a function to celebrate the Right to Education Day in Budgam on Friday. Tribune photo: Yawar Kabli

The event was attended by students, teachers, parents, villagers and officials of the Education Department. It highlighted the importance of education for all with different facilities being provided by the government in this direction. A cultural programme and skits highlighting the importance of education for enlightenment and economic upgrade was also presented on the occasion.

The representatives of the village education committee (VEC) and panchayat members, hailing the measures which have been taken for the development of the school, demanded upgrade of Government Middle School to secondary level.

“Many students have shifted from private schools in the area and got admission in the school as it provides a number of facilities and infrastructure available for overall development of students,” said Zahoor Ahmad Thokar, a VEC member. ‘Free admission for all’ and ‘No age limit for getting education’ read the banners displayed on the occasion.

According to officials of the Education Department, the school had 100 per cent results for the past two years. Enumerating various facilities being provided, Fareed Ahmad, zonal education officer, said an amount of Rs 8.5 lakh had been spent on the fencing of the school premises. With these facilities, the number of students had increased from 45 in 2011 to 110 this year, he said.

SKIMS to celebrate annual day on Dec 5
Our Correspondent

Srinagar, November 29
To commemorate the birthday of its founder, the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) is going to celebrate its annual day on December 5.

The institute was established in 1982 by National Conference founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah with the prime objective to provide specialised healthcare services to the people of the Kashmir valley on modern lines.

SKIMS director and former official secretary to the government, Dr Showkat A Zargar, said Shiekh Mohammad Abdullah, who conceived this dream project, had shown a vision as the institution now serves thousands of patients, particularly the poor and needy who can’t afford treatment outside the Kashmir valley.

Doctors and paramedicos are equally benefitted in the field of research. The glaring aspect is that the institute had set up an example of community service where both medics and paramedic practitioners are committed to public service,” said a SKIMS spokesperson.

Dr GN Yattoo, professor, Gastroenterology and the organising chairman of the event, said experts from different parts of the country were expected to attend the function. “More than 1,000 medical experts and other participants from different fields will grace the occasion,” he added.

‘Sangermal complex faces govt apathy’
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, November 29
Urging the government to fulfil the commitments made to the business community of Sangermal Commercial Complex, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) today said the state government had cheated them and gone back on what it had promised in its promotional brochures.

Interacting with a representative delegation of the Sangermal business community, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said the prestigious complex was pushed out of limelight for mysterious reasons, one of which could be that it had been constructed by the PDP-Congress coalition.

According to a party spokesperson, the delegation said the frontage of the complex, as it was originally planned on the Moulana Azad Road, is nowhere in sight and the plan had been shelved. This resulted in a side entry of the complex.

Mehbooba was informed that the power supply to the complex had been disconnected because of ‘non-payment of dues’. They informed the PDP chief that it was the Srinagar Development Authority (SDA), which owed money to the electric department; otherwise, the business units had been regularly paying their dues.

Demanding immediate restoration of power supply to the complex, Mehbooba said it has become a trademark practice of the present government to punish the innocent.

Experts’ meet on restoring Dal Lake’s glory today

Srinagar, November 29
A scientific meet of experts, scientists, officials of the state and Union Government will be held at the University of Kashmir (KU) on Saturday to devise ways and methods to restore the pristine glory of the Dal Lake.

“The meeting will be attended by experts from various research organisations, officials of the Government of India, besides representation from the local administration,” said a KU spokesperson.

“It is expected that the outcome of the deliberations, discussions and exchange of ideas would be of immense use for the better management of the Dal Lake and its catchment. The said meet will be organised by the Centre of Research and Development (CORD), University of Kashmir, Indian Phycological Society, New Delhi, and Lakes and Waterways Development Authority, J&K Government,” said Dr Arshid Jehangir, organising secretary of the scientific meet. — TNS

Army carries out searches in Kupwara
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, November 29
Security forces carried out searches in Wanidoroosa in the Sogam area of Kupwara district and adjoining Rangwar Lalpora forests today morning after information about the presence of militants in the area.

“Two separate search operations were conducted today, but no contact was established with the militants. The operations were called off in the afternoon,” a source said.

The sources said the searches were conducted by troops of 28 and 18 Rashtriya Rifles.

The frontier Kupwara district has been a preferred infiltration route for militants over the years.

This year, according to sources, 70 to 80 militants have managed to infiltrate into the Valley and majority of them infiltrated through Kupwara.

Guv inspects work at Mahadev Temple at Reasi
Tribune News Service

Jammu, November 29
Governor NN Vohra, who is the chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, inspected the ongoing work for the restoration of Mahadev Temple at Reasi yesterday.

Governor NN Vohra reviews work on the restoration of Mahadev Temple in Reasi on Friday

Mandeep K Bhandari, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, briefed the Governor about the status of various works being carried out by the Shrine Board for the restoration of the temple.

He said the entire project was estimated to cost Rs 1.50 crore, out of which Rs 70 lakh had been spent.

The Governor went around the temple complex and took stock of the ongoing works undertaken by the Board. The Governor issued instructions for the expeditious completion of all works in the temple complex, including the langar hall, kitchen and public conveniences.

He observed that, if required, additional manpower be deployed to speedily complete the restoration work and the construction of new facilities.

Bovine smuggling foiled

Rajouri, November 29
The Thanamandi police foiled a bovine smuggling attempt and rescued 14 animals being illegally smuggled to Kashmir via the Mughal Road last night.

The police said during routine checking at a check post, a police party intercepted four vehicles near Behrot village. — OC

Malik, other JKLF leaders detained on way to Bandipora
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, November 29
Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chairman Yasin Malik was today detained along with his party members when they were on their way to address a rally in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district.

Malik and nine of his party colleagues were detained at Maloora on the outskirts of the city, a JKLF statement said.

Those detained were identified as Bashir Ahmad Bhat, Showkat Ahmad Bakshi, Sheikh Abdul Rashid, M Sidiq Gooru, Bashir Ahmad Kashmiri, Irfan Ahmad Khan, Adil Ahmad Bhat, Faisal Aslam Mir and Ishfaq Ahmad Dar.

The party statement termed the detention as “unilateral state-sponsored violence of worst kind”.

“On the one hand, the rulers claim democracy, freedom of speech and political activities, but on the other hand, they use the police, Army and (security) forces to stop resistance leaders from reaching to the people and continuing their peaceful political activities,” the party said.

There was no immediate comment from the police on Malik’s detention.

Crime Branch opposes bail of former BOPEE chairman
Majid Jahangir
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, November 29
The Crime Branch of the police which is probing the alleged sale of the Common Entrance Test (CET) question papers today opposed the bail plea of former chairman of the Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (BOPEE) Mushtaq Ahmed Peer, saying that he will try to “influence witnesses”.

“During the questioning he did not disclose the modus operandi. There are large numbers of suspected candidates and links to them are still missing. The accused did not cooperate in the investigation. He did not disclose the names of other brokers who distributed the question papers,” the Crime Branch said in a five page report, which was submitted to the Anti-corruption Court here.

It added that it has been able to find out his involvement in providing the question papers to a broker, Farooq Ahmed Itoo, who had further distributed the papers among a number of students and sub-brokers for hefty sums.

“The case is of sensitive nature and all eyes of public are on the Crime Branch. Moreover, the bank transactions that have taken place among the accused, beneficiaries and brokers are being ascertained,” it said.

“More custodial interrogation is required to unearth the actual facts. It is further requested that in case the accused is granted bail, he will definitely try to influence the witnesses and other concerned parties and will indulge in all such related activities which will hamper the smooth and transparent investigation of the case,” the Crime Branch said.

The report said Mushtaq Peer had failed in maintaining secrecy and leaked the papers against hefty considerations.

“He was found to have committed breach of trust and abuse of his official position,” it said.

The agency added that during searches conducted at Peer’s residential houses in Srinagar and Jammu, some incriminating documents were found and seized. Besides, various accounts existing in his name in different banks having cash balance in lakhs of rupees were also freezed.

The Crime Branch had started probe into the case after it received a written complaint that 12 candidates had qualified the CET 2012 examination
by purchasing the question papers from different brokers.

Preparations afoot for Jammu festival beginning Dec 25
Tribune News Service

Jammu, November 29
Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Shantmanu, on Wednesday convened a meeting to discuss arrangements for the Jammu festival beginning from December 25 to 30.

Members of the Jammu Festival Celebrations Committee and representatives of religious and social organisations also attended the meeting.

The festival is being organised by the Tourism Department. The department is making special arrangements for the festival to attract the tourists.

The meeting was attended by the Director General, Youth Services and Sports, Naveen Aggarwal, DIG, Jammu, Shakeel Ahmed Beig, vice-chairman, JDA, KL Khajuria, Director, Tourism, Soujanya Sharma, Joint Director, Information, Jammu, Smita Sethi, Additional Secretary, JKAACL, Savita Bakshi, senior officials of the PHE, PDD, R&B, Municipality, R&B, Health, Education, Industries and Commerce.

Speaking on the occasion, Shantmanu said such events would be organised to showcase the cultural ethos of Jammu, besides promoting tourism in the state. He informed that different stall holders would display their commodities to showcase indigenous culture and art of the state.

In order to give festive look to the city of temples, all the bazaars, important government buildings and rotaries would be illuminated by different bazaar/business associations, municipality etc, he maintained.

The meeting informed that different cultural events would be presented by legends like Pt Shiv Kumar Sharma, Abida Parveen from Pakistan on December 25 and 26 at the General Zorawar Singh Auditorium, University of Jammu, Gurdas Maan, Anmol, Piyush Bhagat, Tania Gupta and Dr Radhika Chopra, besides other performers, at the Dashera Ground, Gandhi Nagar, on December 29 and 30, respectively.

On the anvil

In order to give festive look to the city of temples, all bazaars, important government buildings and rotaries will be illuminated

Cultural events will be presented Pt Shiv Kumar Sharma, Abida Parveen from Pakistan, Gurdass Mann, Anmol, Piyush Bhagat, Tania Gupta and Dr Radhika Chopra

A Sufiana programme by Watali Brother/Sabri Brothers, Duggar folk dance, inter-college level declamation, heritage walk, ethnic food stalls, nukkad shows will be major attractions of the festival

Beware of Pak callers offering ‘BSNL lotteries’
Deepanker Gupta

Udhampur, November 29
People in remote villages of the state are being duped by cheats from Pakistan by offering them lotteries to make them “rich” within hours.

Rakesh Kumar, a resident of Ramnagar in Udhampur district, received a call from +9230446886100 on Saturday and the caller identified himself as tax manager of BSNL, Delhi office. Rakesh was told that his mobile number had been selected under a BSNL lottery and that he was to report to the office 10 days ago to collect the lottery amount of Rs 25 lakh.

As Rakesh expressed ignorance, the caller told him that today was the last date and that he would have to deposit one per cent tax money in a State Bank of India (SBI) account within three hours. He deposited the amount, but did not receive any more calls. He then realized he had lost Rs 25,000 which he had deposited in the bank account.

A similar case happened in Chenani, Udhampur, where a principal of a private school received a call from +923025801923. He was also told to deposit tax money in a bank account. He approached a senior security forces official. After investigation, it was revealed that all numbers with codes +92 are from various cities in Pakistan.

The officer said this was a shift in strategy and cheats from Pakistan were using the name of reputed government companies such as BSNL. Earlier, people used to get such calls from Arab countries.

The school principal asked the caller to give further details. The caller gave him an SBI account number, 20164246631, which was in the name of Mentu Alam, a resident of Shanti Nagar, West Champaran district of Bihar.

“Many transactions have been done through this account and it was found that Rs 25,000 has been deposited many times and simultaneously withdrawn within five minutes. The current account balance is just Rs 83,” said a senior SBI official.

After realising the school principal will not deposit the money, the mobile number +923025801923 was switched off permanently.

Sanjeev Gupta of Adarsh Colony in Udhampur received a similar lucrative offer from a mobile number +923038822066 and was duped for Rs 10,000.

A senior eye specialist working at a hospital in Udhampur was also duped.

“+92 is the country code for Pakistan. This matter has been reported to us for the first time and these numbers given to us will be helpful in blocking such calls in the near future and I will personally look into the matter. It is a cause for worry that BSNL is being used (for duping people). I appeal to all to not receive such calls as they are fraud,” said RJ Kaw, Deputy General Manager, mobile operations, BSNL, Jammu.

“This entire nexus works on the modus operandi of Internet calling. The J&K Police have launched a separate awareness drive in which we try to make people aware of such frauds in police-public meets. I have educated people on the issue in more than 20 such meets held by me in the past few months,” said Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Udhampur, Anil Magotra.

Over 800 youth registered during employment fair
Our Correspondent

Katra, November 29
A two-day employment fair, aimed at creating awareness among the youth of the district about various self-employment and welfare schemes, concluded today.

The fair, organised by the district administration at the Sports Stadium, Reasi, was inaugurated by Governor NN Vohra yesterday.

Vohra had also distributed cheques, comprising margin money, capital subsidy and interest subsidy, among the beneficiaries.

While addressing the concluding ceremony, Assistant Director, Employment, Sulakshna Thakur congratulated all the departments for making the fair successful.

“Awareness about various state and centre-sponsored self employment schemes, initiated by the government for the benefit and welfare of youth is vital for effective implementation of these schemes,” Thakur said.

Over 800 unemployed youth were registered during the fair, while 2,590 youth were provided counselling, the official added.

Thakur, meanwhile, said the fair helped in motivating unemployed youth to establish their own income-generating units, as liberal funding and finance was being provided by the banks.

Thakur also lauded the participation of people in the fair and urged the women of the region to come forward and take maximum benefits of various welfare schemes.

The official urged various departments to motivate and provide all the necessary help to the aspiring youth to make them self-reliant.

Dairy industry in Pulwama rues government apathy
Our Correspondent

Pulwama, November 29
Despite being the highest milk producing district of the Valley, the Pulwama Dairy industry has failed to get attention from the state government.

The district is known as “Anand of Kashmir”, but the state government has failed to set standards on the pattern of ‘Anand’, the leading milk producing district of Gujrat, where producers procure high rates for milk.

The Pulwama district produces a total of 4.91 lakh litre of milk out of which 2.75 lakh litre is being supplied to the adjoining districts.

However, the dairy has failed to change the lives of farmers as the milk buyers procure very low rates as compared to the rates prevailing in the market. The market price is about Rs 30 per litre, but farmers get Rs 19 per litre.

The milk processing plants that have been set up in Pulwama also play an apathetic role in promoting the industry as they buy milk at will.

“During summers, when the milk production increases, the agents of milk proceesing plants buy milk at will , compelling us to sell milk on very low rates,” said Zahoor Ahmad, a farmer.

The Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Pulwama, Dr Tariq Qureshi, said low procurement of milk prices was due to the unorganised milk production, following which farmers fail to reap maximum benefits.

The farmers said the Integrated Dairy Development programme had not been launched in Pulwama district so far.

The scheme was introduced in Budgam and Kupwara because of political reasons.

Pulwama district has the highest number of cattle in the Valley. Out of 1.41 lakh cattle, only 6,000 are of indigenous variety, while the rest are cross breeds.

Grameen Bank robbery case solved
Our Correspondent

Kupwara, November 29
The police today claimed to have solved a robbery case in Grameen Bank at Lalpora in Kupwara.

The police said they had recovered the stolen gadgets and goods, including two desktop computers and a LPG cylinder, from two accused, identified as Tahir Ahmad Bhat and Showkat Ahmad Dar, residents of Lalpora.

The duo, according to the police, broke into the bank branch during the intervening night of November 21 and 22 and stole the gadgets.

Unregistered coaching centres mushroom in south Kashmir
Suhail A Shah

Anantnag, November 29
Even as the registration process of the existing private coaching centres in Kashmir continues to be in limbo, new centres are cropping up in many parts of the South Kashmir region.

The government last year had made it mandatory for the private coaching centres to get registered with their respective district administrations. Moreover the centres were told to follow certain guidelines regarding the basic infrastructure and seating arrangements.

Sources in the government reveal that even though a 15-day deadline was set last year for the registration process to be completed, a large number of coaching centres continue to function without getting registered.

However, reports say that the centres have not upgraded the facilities and continue to work without registration. The new centres that are mushrooming in literally every corner of the Valley fall short of the requirements as well.

“The callousness of the authorities has assured the centre owners that no action will be taken against them. Seeing the inaction on part of the government many new people are venturing into this trade,” said a parent from Anantnag district.

Parents in Anantnag alleged that the some of the caching centres, new and old, did not even care to arrange a proper seating arrangement for the students.

“Students are made to sit on the floor. They do not even provide them chairs to sit on,” said a parent.

A senior official in the Anantnag district administration said they had been receiving regular complaints from many quarters. “We are intending to take immediate action regarding the matter and the coaching centres have again been intimated to complete the formalities,” said the official.

He said the registration process was halted midway in wake of a reshuffle in the district administration.