The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

	Srinagar records season's coldest night at -2.7°C Tribune News Service Srinagar, November 30 Srinagar city recorded the coldest night of the season as the minimum temperature dropped nearly three notches below the freezing point. The mercury fell to -2.7°C overnight in the city, an official of the state Meteorological Department said. The department said the minimum temperature was likely to drop to -3.0°C on Saturday night. The mercury in the city rose to a maximum of 15.1°C during the day, the official said. The department’s forecast said the sky would remain clear and the weather would be dry in the city and in the rest of the Valley during the next 24 hours. It said there would be no large changes in the weather in the next four days. Leh town in the remote Ladakh region recorded a low of -11.4°C while the maximum temperature rose to 12.0°C, the official said.
	MA Stadium fortified for Modi’s rally today Ravi Krishnan Khajuria Tribune News Service Jammu, November 30 A day ahead of the BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narender Modi's "Lalkaar rally" in the city here tomorrow, the Army's bomb disposal squad was called in to sanitise the area around MA Stadium — the venue for the rally. The Army's bomb disposal squad today sanitised the areas around MA Stadium with sophisticated equipment and sniffer dogs. Accompanied by policemen, the Army's bomb disposal squad sanitised Bikram Chowk and Jewel Chowk areas on either side of the Tawi. "The Army's bomb disposal squad with sniffer dogs has been sanitising Bikram Chowk, Jewel Chowk, MA Stadium and the Tawi for the past three to four days with us. The squad has been assisting us," Nehru police post in charge Iqbal Bhat told The Tribune. "Our higher-ups provided us the Army's bomb disposal squad and it has been assisting us," he added. Official sources said, "He (Modi) is on radar of various terror outfits and he is going to address a rally in terror-hit state tomorrow. He had addressed a poll rally amidst bomb explosions in Patna on October 27 that left five persons dead and over 80 injured. The Intelligence Bureau had already issued a high alert that terrorists could attack him. So, we do not want to take any chances." They added that threat perceptions to Modi's life, circumstances in J&K, two terror attacks of September 26 in Samba and Hiranagar that left 10 persons dead and IB alerts were good enough reasons for them to leave nothing to chance and take pre-emptive measures. The IGP, Jammu zone, Rajesh Kumar, said tight security arrangements had been made for tomorrow's rally. "We have put a multi-tier security grid in place for the rally tomorrow," he said. Besides the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the multi-tier security grid that would guard the rally includes the CRPF. A team of police officials from Gujarat had already reached Jammu on November 27 to review the security arrangements for Modi's rally. Over 4,000 policemen and nearly 2,000 CRPF personnel, besides quick reaction teams of commandos have been deployed in and around MA Stadium. The route from the Jammu airport to MA Stadium has also been fortified with adequate security personnel. Security arrangements The Army’s bomb disposal squad sanitised the areas around MA Stadium with sophisticated equipment and sniffer dogs Over 4,000 policemen, nearly 2,000 CRPF personnel and quick reaction teams of commandos have been deployed in and around MA Stadium The route from the Jammu airport to MA Stadium has been fortified
	1,000 BJP workers leave for Jammu to attend ‘Lalkaar rally’ Tribune News Service Srinagar, November 30 A day ahead of BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi's rally in Jammu, over 1,000 party workers from the Valley left for Jammu to attend his “Lalkaar rally” tomorrow. Modi’s posters had come up on the Maulana Azad road, the main artery of Srinagar, and also parts of the Airport road. BJP spokesman in Kashmir Mohammad Altaf Thakur said 125 vehicles carrying BJP workers from Kashmir left for Jammu today morning. “Over 1,000 workers from the Valley are attending the rally on Sunday,” Thakur said. He said the Kashmir unit of the party had also coined a slogan to welcome the BJP prime ministerial candidate in Jammu. “Bachi mange maa ki godi, desh mange Narendra Modi (child wants mother’s lap, country wants Narendra Modi). The slogan has been coined by Kashmir-based party leader Arif Raja,” said Thakur. Another BJP leader from Kashmir said politicians in J&K were attempting to paint the BJP as anti-Muslim but in reality it was not so. “Even though the number is less, but Muslims from the Valley are travelling to Jammu to listen to Modiji (Narendra Modi). They will be wearing saffron skull caps to welcome Modi which shows there is a change in thinking,” said a BJP leader from Kashmir.
	BJP prime ministerial candidate to take up issue of refugees Dinesh Manhotra Tribune News Service Jammu, November 30 BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi is likely to invoke nationalist sentiments and touch the issue of special status granted to J&K under the Article 370 of the Constitution during the ‘Lalkaar rally’ to be addressed by him on December 1 here. Insiders in the BJP said Modi would also focus on issues of refugees, especially the West Pakistani refugees who have been struggling for the basic fundamental rights since 1947. The issues of refugees have assumed significance for the party because it was due to the efforts of the BJP that the Sub-Committee of the Parliament Standing Committee on rehabilitation of displaced persons of Jammu and Kashmir had visited the state in the first week of this month. While the party has been demanding adequate compensation for refugees of the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the Chhamb sector, it has already taken up the issue of the West Pakistani refugees at the national level to corner the Congress. “Denying the basic fundamental rights to the West Pakistani refugees is a glaring example of discrimination and human rights violation. It is obvious that this issue would be raised by the party leadership in the rally,” a senior BJP leader said on condition of anonymity. “The issue of the Article 370 is also likely to be raised in the rally,” he said, adding that the BJP had already dared supporters of the “special status given to the state” for an open debate on the issue. Modi would also try to woo the youth of the state by asking them to join national mainstream. In his rally at Madhopur in Punjab on June 23, Modi had stated that there was need to “heal the wounds” of Kashmiris and connect the young people with the national mainstream for the development of the state. He had exhorted Kashmiri youth to shun violence and become part of development. The last time Modi visited Jammu was in 2008 to campaign for party candidates during Assembly elections.
	Modi may raise ‘emotive issues’ Tribune News Service Srinagar, November 30 Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today expressed apprehension about “bitter talk” at BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi’s Lalkaar rally, which is scheduled to be held in the state's winter capital tomorrow. “We know the politics of the BJP and their stand about this state. We are also aware of the attempts to fan fire in Jammu after the unfortunate Kishtwar incident. There are chances of a bitter talk in the rally,” Omar said while talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function here. Modi will address the rally at Maulana Azad stadium in Jammu. It is Modi’s first visit to the state after he was appointed as the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate. “I don’t think anything will be said by Modi himself or by his party members which we have not heard so far,” the Chief Minister said. When asked about the possibility of Modi holding a rally in Srinagar, Omar said there would no restrictions from the state government. “Where is the question of not allowing? If they have a unit here and want to address 500 people, they can come, who is stopping them. They can surely come for political activity,” the Chief Minister said in reply to a question. Omar said the restrictions on the BJP leaders from coming into state were imposed when they were trying to “spoil” the atmosphere. The BJP’s several top leaders, including Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley, were not allowed to enter the state in January 2011 when they had planned to march to Srinagar and hoist the Tricolour at the city’s Clock Tower. “We don’t impose restrictions on most of the separatists, so imposing restrictions on Modi is out of question,” Omar said.
	Tranquillity key to smooth trans-LoC trade, says CM Tribune News Service Srinagar, November 30 Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has underlined the importance of tranquillity on the borders as the key to the smooth operation of trade activities across the Line of Control (LoC) and safeguarding the life and property of the people living along the frontiers. The Chief Minister was interacting with traders after opening the Trade Facilitation Centre, constructed at a cost of Rs 895.72 crore at Salamabad in the Uri area near the LoC on the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road today. “Peaceful and conducive conditions on the borders give a fillip to the trade activities and enable farmers to carry on agriculture operations smoothly and without any fear,” said the Chief Minister. He hoped that the present peaceful situation would further get strengthened. Underlining the cross-LoC trade as the important confidence-building measures between India and Pakistan, the Chief Minister said more initiatives were required to ensure further growth of the cross-LoC trade. He reiterated the need for converting the present barter system of trade into the normal trade practices so that traders on both sides get benefitted and trade activities flourish. He mentioned the need for telephone and banking facilities for traders and said his government had taken up the issues with the Centre and would pursue them at the highest level. The traders demanded the inclusion of milk and milk products, mineral water, canned trout fish, juices and jams, wheat and wheat products, sports items, Kashmiri willow, wazwan, marble and gypsum to be included in the export goods list. In the import list of goods, the traders demanded inclusion of all type of pulses, oil seeds, feeds, leather and leather products, tea and coffee, all types of tyres and tubes, milk products, lubricants, hosiery and cosmetics goods, electric goods, textiles items, surgical items, fertilisers, food grains and spices, spare parts of automobile and poultry products. Indo-Pak trade Goods worth ~1620.35 crore have been imported from Pakistan via Salamabad since the trade started on October 21, 2008 Products worth Rs 994.33 crore have been exported via Salamabad, Uri, in five years Under the standard operating procedure, 21 items have been permitted to be traded from Salamabad to Chakoti and 21 from Chakoti to Salamabad The Trade Facilitation Centre has been constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 895.72 lakh and has been executed by the J&K SIDCO over 30 kanals
	Omar inaugurates handicrafts mela Tribune News Service Srinagar, November 30 Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said his government paid focused attention on reviving the world famous handicrafts by addressing the difficulties of artisans for sustainable growth and development. He was addressing a ‘Dastkaar Mela’ (handicrafts mela) organised by the J&K Bank in collaboration with the Handicrafts Department at Badamwari here today. The Chief Minister said the natural beauty and artisan’s magical skills had mesmerised the world since ages. “However, the damage caused to the state’s natural wealth, water bodies and environment have badly impacted both these sectors during the recent past,” he said, adding that much focus is required to restore the glory of the state’s heritage. Omar said his government had taken various initiatives to encourage the youth to find their careers in the high potential handicrafts sector. He added that his government obtained the geographical indicators (Patent) for six handicrafts of pashmina, kani shawl, papier-machie, walnut wood carving, crewel chain stitch embroidery and khatamband.
	Crime Branch opposes bail plea of accused Sajjad Says call details, bank transaction statements available as evidence Ishfaq Tantry Tribune News Service Srinagar, November 30 The Crime Branch (CB) of the police, which is investigating the alleged scam involving the sale of Common Entrance Test (CET)-2012 question papers, has said there are phone call details, bank transactions, statements and other evidences to prove the guilt of accused beyond doubt. This was revealed by the Crime Branch today before a special anti-corruption court here while opposing the bail plea of Sajjad Ahmad, one of the accused in the scam. Currently, Sajjad is in judicial remand, but the CB has been vehemently opposing his bail plea. While pleading for bail of his client Sajjad, senior lawyer Mushtaq A Dar submitted that his client “is being falsely implicated” by the investigating agency by reading out a confessional statement of one of the prime accused in the case against him. “This amounts to discrimination on the basis of parity. Prime accused Farooq Ahmad Itoo, whose confessional statement is the only evidence against my client, is roaming free. He has not been arrested while as my client has been put behind bars,” Mushtaq submitted. “Besides, custody of my client has been changed from the police to judicial. I fail to understand what for my client is being required by the Investigating Officer,” he pleaded. Assuring full cooperation with the IO and his presence before the court if set on bail, Mushtaq submitted that bail should not be refused by the court just as a punitive measure. Opposing the bail to Sajjad, chief prosecuting officer Khalid, representing the Crime Branch, submitted that there was “clinching evidence” available against the accused to prove his guilt. “He has no grounds which could be considered for the grant of bail by the court. He has no access to other evidence, other than the confessional statement, which is available with the IO,” the CB counsel submitted. “The court has to see the severity of the crime. There are call details, bank transactions, statements and other details available with the IO as evidence against the accused, which he has no access to at this stage,” he further submitted. “This is a serious crime committed by the accused, wherein the meritorious students have been abetted to commit suicide. By his acts, the creamy layer of the students has been denied admission in the MBBS course,” he submitted. However, as the arguments in the matter could not be finished today, the court has kept the matter for further consideration on December 2.
	Security forces revisit strategy, give thrust on info sharing Spurt in targeted attacks strategy of militants: DGP Ravi Krishnan Khajuria Tribune News Service Jammu, November 30 This year, when there has been a spurt in targeted attacks on security forces in the state, they have not only revisited their strategy but also laid thrust on intelligence sharing to check such attacks. Nearly 50 security personnel have lost their lives in militant attacks so far this year. When Jammu and Kashmir goes to the parliamentary and elections next year, the security forces anticipate a spurt in militant attacks. “While the standard operating procedure in the form of exercising utmost restraint, no human rights violations and no collateral damage remains there, we take on a militant in a crowded area only when we are absolutely sure that he is a militant and not a civilian,” said a top Army officer of Srinagar-based 15 Corps. “Normally, the police should be the first respondents to such a situation and then the CRPF gets involved in it,” the Army officer said, adding that in case of the latter, the Army has been providing them better training to deal with such situations in Army-training schools. “Yes, this year there has been an increase in targeted attacks on security forces in Kashmir. The June 24 Hyderpora attack on an Army convoy on the eve of the Prime Minister’s visit, which left eight troops dead, was a glaring example of targeted attacks. The road-opening parties are there for our convoys and we have made some other changes that can’t be divulged in public domain,” he said. The officer, however, said, “We are not allowing them (ultras) to come closer to our convoys as we are resorting to more and more area domination by our patrols now.” “We are aware of their game-plan,” he said. Another officer said the thrust had also been given on intelligence sharing between various security forces and intelligence agencies to check targeted attacks in crowded areas. “Better coordination and close synergy between various agencies and security forces has been worked out to check such attacks,” he added. Another top Army source in Jammu said while restraint remained the watchword for security forces, they didn’t remain a spectator to ultras’ strikes in crowded areas. “If he (militant) is on foot, we chase him on foot and if he is in a vehicle, we chase him in a vehicle. We give them a hot pursuit. Things are in place but to avoid collateral damage, fire is not opened immediately when he or they (ultras) strike unless we are sure of knocking him/them down,” he said. The source said it had been a modus operandi of terrorists to fire at a time and place to cause casualties and then draw security forces into retaliation. On convoys, he said besides road-opening parties, the Army had been covering its vehicles with camouflaged nets that prevented grenades from entering the vehicles. “Besides, weapons are mounted atop the vehicles and soldiers inside are also armed. Further, an anti-IED vehicle leads the convoy that absorbs the impact of the IED blast, if the device was not detected by the road-opening party,” he said. Director General of Police (DGP) Ashok Prasad attributed the spurt in targeted attacks on security forces to a strategy of the terrorists. “The basic change in their (terrorists) strategy behind stepped-up attacks is to provoke the security forces and see disproportionate response from them like picking up people for questioning, interrogating them and bringing agitations on the street,” said the DGP. “We have taken enough action to counter their strategy and we have reviewed our strategy to deal with it. The state police will do everything possible to ensure that terrorists don’t succeed in their tactics,” he said. The DGP said the police would try its best to avoid inconvenience to the people.
	Harassment of woman visitors: Bar team visits jail Srinagar, November 30 A three-member Bar Association teamtoday visited Central jail, Srinagar, to enquire into the allegations of harassment of woman visitors to the jail recently. The visit comes in the wake of protests by jail inmates. The protest had started last week when a woman visitor was allegedly made to strip by CRPF women staff. The inmates have been demanding the replacement of the CRPF women staff by the women guards of the police and frisking of the woman visitors by metal detectors. A senior lawyer said the team was expected to place a report based on its visit to the Srinagar jail before the High Court, which is already hearing a PIL seeking better facilities in the jails. — TNS
	Rafting championship begins in Reasi Katra, November 30 A three-day national rafting championship on the Chenab in Reasi got underway here today. As many as nine teams, including the Indian Tibetan Border Police (ITBT), the Indian Army, the Border Security Force, the JK Police, the Indian Association of Professional Rafting from Uttarakhand, Eco Adventure, Jammu University, JK Tourism and White Hotel, are participating in the championship. Soujanya Kumar Sharma, Tourism Director, Jammu, said such events prove beneficial for the promotion of tourism in the state. Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Deputy Commissioner, Reasi, said Reasi emerged the river rafting destination for local tourists and pilgrims visiting Mata Vaishno Devi and Shri Shiv Khori shrine. — OC