|
|
|
|
|
After HC rap, admn steps in to save traditional ponds
Passengers stranded at bus stand
Jammu-Srinagar highway shut for second day
|
|
|
14 visually impaired by pellet injuries since 2010
Rs 3.5 cr spent, but Samba villagers await first road
Release MGNERGS funds only through e-route: Ministry
Snipers aided by ISI-terrorists getting better of Pak Rangers
Mixed response to BJP’s Jammu bandh on Day 2
Sexual assault: Mahant undergoes potency test
Governor felicitates young achievers of state
Vohra congratulates Sahitya Akademi award winners
Commercial cultivation of olives in Valley on the cards
Acute power crisis in Pulwama villages
Govt school built ‘illegally’ on Rajouri forest land
‘Nation’s future depends on character of its citizens’
Impact of regional security on J&K discussed at seminar
Pawan is Chakan-da-Bagh LoC Traders’ Association chief
Food cos fined Rs 10 cr for adulteration
Makhdoom Sahib ropeway launched
Dry weather ahead in Valley, says Met Dept
Govt for separate coaching classes for boys and girls
4 books released at Urdu literature fest
UGC course concludes at JU
Seminar on role of media held
Fire at Police Lines
UP, Maharashtra bag top honours
Bus driver, cleaner ‘rape’ Class VII girl
Drug peddlers held in Rajouri
|
|
After HC rap, admn steps in to save traditional ponds
Jammu, December 23 The administration has issued a notice warning people that they would have to face legal action in case any encroachment of these water bodies is detected in Jammu district. Poor management, growing population and establishment of new residential colonies have sounded the death knell for ponds, revered in Dogra tradition. Most of them are being used for dumping solid waste and sewerage, particularly in newly developed colonies that have come up in the winter capital during the past two decades. Till a few decades ago, there were ponds and ditches all over the city constituting an important water buffer particularly during summer months. “Within Jammu region these water bodies are associated with village deities, but after new localities came into being, new inhabitants seldom have any emotional attachment with them leading to their destruction,” Kaka Ram, a resident of Buta Nagar said. However, at several places greed for land has also contributed to their demise. “The water body in our area got filled up few years ago after which we approached the municipal corporation and Jammu Development Authority (JDA) but they failed to pay any heed,” Rajinder Kumar, a resident of Paloura said. Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, Ajit Kumar Sahu, said that they have taken several initiatives to save these water bodies falling under his jurisdiction. “Steps are being taken to clean them and any encroachment upon water ponds and demarcated forestland will be treated as a contempt of court and suitable legal action would be initiated against violators,” Sahu said. Officials said water scarcity was a grave problem in the Kandi belt region and construction of ponds for harvesting rainwater for drinking and irrigation purposes has been a traditional way in the region. Ways to conserve rainwater have been tried and developed since times immemorial by the Dogras, who inhabits the lower Shivaliks. |
|
|
Passengers stranded at bus stand
Jammu, December 23 The passengers, mostly labourers, businessmen and those whose relatives are admitted to hospitals, are facing many hardships. They said no representative of the government came to take stock of the situation. “I came to Jammu along with my family for a day to meet our relative admitted to Government Medical College Hospital, but due to the closure of the highway, we have no option but to stay in Jammu and wait for the opening of the road,” said Ram Lal of Ramban district, a stranded passenger, while sharing his experience. Meanwhile drivers of hundreds of stranded trucks carrying essential items are also waiting fo the highway to open for traffic. |
|
|
Jammu-Srinagar highway shut for second day
Srinagar/Udhampur, Dec 23 Around 500 vehicles, including 300 trucks and 200 light motor vehicles, remained stranded at Jakhani Chowk near Udhampur, Batote, Chanderkote as well as Ramban. Vehicular traffic was not allowed from both Jammu and Srinagar due to slippery road conditions at Patnitop, Jawahar Tunnel and various other places along the highway, SSP Traffic National Highway Haseeb Mughal said. Only stranded vehicles were being cleared today, he said. Light motor vehicles stranded on the highway were being taken to smaller places such as Chenani, Kud, Batote and Ransoo. Depending on the weather, one-way traffic will be allowed on the highway on Tuesday, a senior traffic official said. Kishtwar-bound vehicles were also not allowed due to slippery road conditions at Patnitop. “Due to slippery conditions between Kud and Batote as well as near Jawahar Tunnel, vehicular movement could not be permitted for the second day today,” the officer said. “Our priority is to ensure that hundreds of vehicles stranded on the highway first reach their destination. Only after that will vehicles be allowed to move first from Srinagar and then from Jammu.” Long queues of trucks were seen at the bypass national highway road near Udhampur. Truckers said they were stranded since Saturday evening and had no information on when they would be allowed to go ahead. The higher reaches of Kashmir received fresh snowfall even as the minimum temperature across the Valley and Ladakh region further fell to settle below freezing point. The MeT Department sources said the weather was expected to improve in the next 24 hours. After snowfall, mercury dropped considerably, causing inconvenience to many and forcing people to stay indoors, especially children. The state government has declared winter break in schools due to severe cold conditions. "Suddenly it has become very cold after areas in the foothills of Himalayas in northern India received fresh snowfall. The temperature has dropped. We all have come here to drink tea and have also covered ourselves to keep ourselves warm," said a resident of Jammu, Rajkumar Singh, on Monday. |
|
|
14 visually impaired by pellet injuries since 2010
Srinagar, December 23 Among these, two persons were impaired in their both eyes due to the injuries caused by pellets, the hospital authorities revealed in their reply. Pellet guns and pepper gas were introduced in Kashmir during the 2010 agitation for "effective and non-lethal" mob control by the security forces. In his application filed under the J&K Right to Information Act-2009 on November 2, RTI activist Abdul Manan Bukhari had sought information regarding the total number of patients admitted to SKIMS Medical College Hospital, Bemina, Srinagar, with pellet gun injuries from 2010 to October 2013. He had also sought information with regard to the number of patients with pellet injuries admitted to the Ophthalmology Department of the hospital, besides the number of these patients who either lost vision due to these injuries or were killed. While furnishing information to the applicant under the RTI Act, the Public Information Officer (PIO) of SKIMS Medical College Hospital, Bemina, Srinagar, Shafa A Deva, in his reply, dated December 16, 2013, stated that in 2010-2011, 36 persons with bullet injuries and 100 persons with pellet injuries were admitted to the hospital. The reply under the RTI Act further reveals that in 2011-12, only one patient with bullet injuries was admitted to the hospital, while in 2012-13, the hospital received 13 patients with bullet and seven persons with blast injuries. It further reveals that in the current fiscal 2013-14, the hospital received three patients with bullet and 18 persons with pellet gun injuries. In reply to the questions that how many patients with pellet gun injuries were treated at the Ophthalmology Department and how many of them were visually impaired, the PIO has stated that “from January 2010 to October 2013, 19 patients with pellet injuries were admitted to the Ophthalmology Department, out of whom 15 patients required surgery”. “The total number of patients who got visually impaired in one eye was 12 and those who were visually impaired in both eyes were two,” the PIO of SKIMS Medical College Hospital stated in the reply. However, the hospital reported no death due to pellet injures during this period. Bukhari had also sought information from Shri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital, Srinagar, with regard to the total number of patients with pellet injuries admitted to the hospital between 2010 and 2013. In their reply, dated December 6, 2013, the hospital authorities gave details of 47 persons admitted to the hospital with pellet injuries in this period. However, the PIO concerned did not reveal the details of the patients who were admitted to the Ophthalmology Department of the hospital or who lost their vision due to pellet injuries in their eyes. Bukhari has now filed an appeal against this, as according to him, the hospital authorities have furnished incomplete information. Pellet injuries *
RTI activist Abdul Manan Bukhari sought information about the number of patients admitted to SKIMS Medical College Hospital, Srinagar, with pellet gun injuries from 2010 to October 2013 *n The Public Information Officer of the hospital, Shafa A Deva, in his reply, stated that in 2010-2011, 36 persons with bullet and 100 with pellet injuries were admitted to the hospital *
The reply reveals that in 2011-12, only one patient with bullet injuries was admitted to the hospital. In 2012-13, the hospital received 13 patients with bullet and seven with blast injuries *
In the current fiscal 2013-14, the hospital received three patients with bullet and 18 with pellet injuries |
|
|
Rs 3.5 cr spent, but Samba villagers await first road
Jammu, December 23 This road was the first-ever road built in the village. Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana
(PMGSY) scheme, a 6-km road was constructed at a cost of more than Rs 3.50 crore but even a layman could guess what had happened to the money meant to provide connectivity to villages, just 30 km from the winter capital of the state, Jammu. Sources said the road work was allotted to a local contractor some four years ago, who is said to be close to a former minister in the coalition government. Villagers allege a muddy path was created by clearing a forest area, but no blacktopping was ever done. They said it had been shown in the official documents that several villages had benefited from its construction. People said local MLA Yashpal Kundal had never bothered to investigate the matter and they were happy in the absence of the road. “Despite crores released by the government under the PMGSY scheme, the road is still a muddy path and it has not been blacktopped for the last four years. Now we have heard that a new contractor has been allotted the work for blacktopping the road and Rs 70 lakh sanctioned for the same. Earlier, the road was constructed wrongly and during rains it’s all mud,” said Sunny
Sangral, a local PDP leader. The PMGSY scheme was launched in the state about a decade ago to provide all-weather connectivity to unconnected habitations. Assistance Executive Engineer,
PMGSY, AK Bhat, who has now been deputed to oversee the repair work of the road, admitted that contractors in the past had not done work properly. “Any action against the earlier contractor has to be taken by the higher officials. I have been recently deputed to the area and cannot be held accountable for the past works. I have asked my staff to complete the repair and other works on a fast-track basis,” Bhat said. Roads constructed by the Roads and Buildings Department are also in a dilapidated condition. In most of the rural areas, including RS
Pura, Akhnoor, Kathua, Nagrota and Kot Bhalwal, work on several roads has been abandoned. |
|
|
Release MGNERGS funds only through e-route: Ministry
Jammu, December 23 Sources said as per the directions, the district programme coordinators would also be informed as and when the funds were released to the implementing agencies. “All releases shall be made using the electronic route, directly into the account of the payment agency, using the fund release module in NREGASoft,” a statement from the Ministry said. The Ministry also instructed the authorities to make a weekly analysis, paying agency-wise of the funds available and funds required for creation of the projected person days for the next 30 days. It further said if the funds available were more than the funds needed for 30 days, such funds should be pulled back to the State Employment Guarantee Fund before December 31, 2013. “If the fund available is less than fund needed for 30 days, only that much amount needed to maintain the 30-day level shall be released. If the fund available is equal to the fund needed for 30 days, no further funds shall be released,” the statement said. The Ministry has also asked the state to move to the electronic fund management system (e-FMS) system by the end of February 2014, duly closing all sub-state accounts. It also directed the state to maintain funds only at the state level, connecting all implementing agencies electronically. The MoRD said from March 1, 2014, funds should be maintained only at the state level. The e-FMS has been implemented in Karnataka, Odisha, Gujarat, Tripura and Rajasthan. The authorities are now planning to introduce the system in the state to capture real-time transactions, eliminate delays and leakages apart from parking of funds at various levels held by different stakeholders. Under the e-FMS, the wages of workers are directly credited into their banks/post office accounts. |
|
|
Snipers aided by ISI-terrorists getting better of Pak Rangers
Jammu, December 23 “We strongly believe that the
ISI, along with terrorists, carry out sniper fire with silencer fitted guns on BSF men from a bund running close to the Zero Line in their territory, which has bunkers with a tree-line on top of it,” said a senior BSF officer. The ISI has constituted teams having ISI men and terrorists, who, we believe, do not listen to the Rangers on other side of the border and these teams carry out sniper fire, he said. “One sniper shot from behind the thickly grown tree-line and sarkanda (wild grass) with a silencer-fitted gun and the target is sure to get eliminated without being noticed and heard immediately by others,” he said. However, the responsibility lies with the Rangers as they guard the other side of the border and then in such a scenario they are bound to take a beating from us, he said. The ISI have constituted at least two to three such teams comprising terrorists and ISI men, which have been assigned the task to target BSF men along the
IB, he said. This year, BSF Constable Ram Niwas Meena, who had sustained critical injuries in a sniper fire on August 5 at Narainpur forward post in Samba sector, had died at AIIMS in New Delhi on August 11 and Head Constable Mukesh Lal
Meena, posted in Chinaj post in Arnia, was killed in Pakistani shelling on October 22-23. Three other BSF men— Baljeet Singh, Pawan Kumar and M Baswaraj were injured in separate incidents of sniper fire. “Pawan Kumar has been confined to a wheel chair because of a spinal injury while Baswaraj is still in the hospital and Baljeet Singh has recovered. Seven other men were injured in shelling at Chinaj post in Arnia area on October 22-23,” he said. The 198-km international border runs from Paharpur post on the
Punjab-Kathua border to the Chicken Neck area in Akhnoor, north of Jammu. This border is largely a plain area with rivers and rivulets flowing into Pakistan. The latest incident of sniper fire had come on December 20 in Hiranagar sector where a BSF sub inspector Jatinder Kumar was injured just a day after India and Pakistan held a flag meeting at battalion commander-level at the Chakan Da Bagh crossing in
Poonch. The Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of the two sides are to meet tomorrow. |
|
|
Mixed response to BJP’s Jammu bandh on Day 2
Jammu, December 23 Some markets defied the shutdown and public transport plied normally. Shops and commercial establishments remained closed in the old city of Jammu district, while there was a partial response to the bandh in other areas. Public transport plied without any disruption throughout the day. Interestingly, the BJP expressed its gratitude to the people of Jammu “for extending their whole-hearted support in making the bandh successful”. The party also declared that it would hold protests at the district level from December 30 to reach out to the people and mobilise their opinion against the alleged “manipulated, anti-minority and anti-Jammu” report submitted by the Justice RC Gandhi Commission on riots in Kishtwar which took place on August 9 this year. In Jammu city, BJP activists, led by state president Jugal Kishore Sharma, held a protest at Dogra Chowk and raised slogans against the state government for allegedly “manipulating and influencing” the content of the inquiry report. Activists of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha also burnt the effigy of the Congress for supporting Kichloo's re-induction into the Council of ministers at Gandhi
Nagar. Protesters had a minor scuffle with police personnel after they tried to march towards the Civil Secretariat. The police stopped the protesters from marching ahead. “Through this
bandh, the people of Jammu have sent a clear message that they reject Justice Gandhi’s report on August 9 Kishtwar communal riots and the clean chit to National Conference leader Sajjad Ahmed
Kichloo,” BJP state president told mediapersons after the protest here. Sharma was flanked by leader of Legislative Party Ashok
Khajuria, party chief spokesperson Jitendra Singh, state general secretary Kavinder Gupta, party MLA Sukhnandan Kumar, political adviser to the state president Hari Om and senior leader Mohan Singh
Chauhan. He said the party had called for a bandh against the “manipulated” report of Justice Gandhi as it was prepared on the “dictation” of the National Conference (NC) and Congress leaders, who had been making all efforts to ensure that the conduct of NC leaders such as Kichloo did not get exposed in the report. Sharma also questioned the silence of Congress leaders from Jammu for not uttering a word on the report, which, he alleged, had proved that “each one of them is only working to remain in the good books of Kashmiri leaders”. In Kathua town, the shutdown call also evoked a partial response as shops and commercial establishments remained closed till afternoon. In Rajouri district, there was no response to the call. BJP activists, however, held a protest and burnt Kichloo’s effigy. On December 20, the one-man judicial commission headed by Justice RC Gandhi, a retired judge of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, had exonerated Kichloo from any involvement in the Kishtwar communal clashes which left three people dead. Over 150 shops and houses were destroyed by rioters. |
|
|
Sexual assault: Mahant undergoes potency test
Udhampur, December 23 Police reports said a Jammu-based NGO had lodged a complaint at the Tikri police station, demanding the arrest of the mahant who is the caretaker of a temple in Lehnu village of Tikri block, alleging that he had sexually assaulted a minor boy in his ashram for several days. Station House Officer, Tikri police station, Nishant Gupta immediately rushed to the spot and recorded the statement of the boy, 11, a resident of Matyal village in
Katra. The victim alleged that the mahant had anal intercourse unnaturally with him for several days. A case under Section 377 of the RPC has been registered against the
mahant. The members of the NGO took the minor boy to the GMCH. “The child is presently undergoing treatment at the intensive care unit of the
GMCH. He has undergone two surgeries and the third one will be conducted tomorrow,” said a senior doctor treating the victim. |
|
|
Governor felicitates young achievers of state
Jammu, December 23 Addressing a gathering at the
"Duggar Samman-2013", a function to felicitate young achievers of the state, the Governor congratulated president of the Duggar Vikas Manch Dineshwar Singh Jamwal and the management for organising the programme to recognise and encourage the talented youth by presenting them
"saropas" and awards. He said the youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow and such public recognitions contribute towards boosting their morale and inspire young boys and girls to excel in their chosen fields. The Governor stressed the importance of recognising the contribution of parents and teachers, who are instrumental in nurturing the youth. He wished all the award winners success in their future
endeavours. Shubdeep Singh, youngest music director, who has given music in four films in the Indian film industry, Anmol
Jaswal, runner-up of the "Indian Idol" music contest, Sonali Dogra, runner-up of the "Voice of Punjab" music contest, Satinder
Shanu, participant of the "Chota Ustad-Do Deshon Ki Eik Kahani music contest, Rabjot Singh, winner of
"Choona Hain Aasman", Jagan Jot Singh, winner in the junior category of
"Choona Hai Aasman", Anjusha Sharma, runner-up of "Awaz Punjab
Di", Vidhi Jaswal, and three qualifiers of the Rashtriya Indian Military College Exam-2012 Anirudh Singh, Abdul Hanan Zargar and Hirdyansh Ravi Sharma were felicitated by the Governor. A colourful cultural
programme, comprising a Sufi dance and songs sung by those who were
honoured, was also presented on the occasion.
|
|
|
Vohra congratulates Sahitya Akademi award winners
Jammu, December 23 While Reshi is being awarded for his volume of short stories ‘Aena Aatash’, Sapolia has been chosen for the coveted award for his anthology of Dogri poetry titled ‘Doha Satsa’. Vohra wished both the authors continuing success in all their future literary endeavours and hoped that they would keep up their contribution towards the enrichment of literature. |
|
|
Commercial cultivation of olives in Valley on the cards
Srinagar, December 23 Scientists at the Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture (CITH) have not only successfully grown seven varieties of olives, which are usually harvested in the Mediterranean region, but also able to extract a decent percentage of crude oil from them. As the scientists have found the local conditions favourable for the fruit, the CITH is soon coming up with a commercial production package for farmers. "Not only have we grown seven varieties of olives successfully, but also able to extract 20 per cent crude oil from them just like it is extracted in countries like Spain and Egypt, which are among the top producers of olives. We will soon introduce a production package along with planting material so that the farmers in Kashmir can cultivate it commercially," Director CITH, Srinagar, Nazeer Ahmad said. Stating that the north-western Himalayan belt of the country has the potential of becoming the top olive fruit and oil producer of the world, he, however, said the crop was new and it would take two to four years before it started growing on a large commercial scale. Pointing out that olives are already being grown successfully in the Ramban area of Jammu region, he said the CITH scientists had conducted several awareness camps for farmers about the importance of olive. The CITH Director said the farmers had shown good interest and were keen to grow the crop as Valley conditions were drought tolerant and thus suitable for its cultivation. "While olives have an ornamental value, they can also become one of the largest cultivated fruits in Kashmir like apples, almonds and walnuts," he added. While olive is a perennial crop where the production increases with each passing year, the CITH scientists believe that each plant would produce 25 kg of olives annually in the next 10 to 12 years. The say every hectare would result in revenue of Rs 15.62 lakh annually through olive oil production against Rs 1.5 lakh cost of cultivation. The olives were successfully grown at the CITH, located in the Rangreth area on the outskirts of the summer capital Srinagar. The cash crop *
Scientists at the Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture have not only successfully grown seven varieties of olives, but also able to extract 20 per cent crude oil from them *
Olives can become one of the largest cultivated fruits in Kashmir like apples, almonds and walnuts *
While olive is a perennial crop where the production increases with each passing year, the CITH scientists believe that each plant would produce 25 kg of olives annually in the next 10 to 12 years |
|
|
Acute power crisis in Pulwama villages
Pulwama, December 23 Residents of Newa, Wugar Gund, Lonepora, Duffer Pora, Wahibugh, Loswani and Chewa Kallan villages say they receive power supply for a few hours a day. “The Power Development Department has sent us back to the dark ages. We are forced us to use traditional lighting and heating system,” said Imtiyaz Sofi of Wahibugh. Wahibugh residents say the transformer of the area got damaged as the power department did not provide oil for the transformer in time due. “We had asked the authorities to provide oil for the transformer, but they did not do so. This damaged the transformer and due to its reduced capacity, it is constantly overloaded resulting in frequent damages,” said Ghulam Mohammad, a Wahibugh resident. “We have requested the power department to change the transformer and end our misery.” However, Assistant Executive Engineer, Newa subdivision, Malik Gowhar denied allegations that power supply was available only for a few hours. Electricity supply timings have been rescheduled to protect the receiving station from any damage due to overloading, he said. “We get 330 KW power, but the consumption exceeds 440 KW. So, we have made a schedule that will not damage the receiving station,” he said, adding the schedule was beneficial for the customers as any damage to the station would hit supply. — OC |
|
|
Govt school built ‘illegally’ on Rajouri forest land
Rajouri, December 23 This was allegedly done under the nose of the district administration and in connivance with officials of the forest, revenue and education departments. Zakir Iqbal, naib sarpanch, Panjgrain Lower B, has alleged that since the start of the construction of the school building on the forest land on Khasra No. 334, he had approached every authority concerned to stop the illegal construction of the school. “Despite the construction being declared illegal by the tehsildar concerned, vide his office letter No. NTM/541 dated 12/3/2013 and by the forest range officer concerned vide his office letter No. 420 dated 19/9/2012 after verification from the Revenue Department that the Khasra No. 334 is forest land covering 1,725 sq ft, the building was still constructed,” said Iqbal. The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), on the report of the Range Officer dated 19/9/12, vide his office letter No. 2147/DFOR dated 20/9/12, had directed the Range Officer to stop the construction work. But the Range officer did not follow the directions of the DFO and in a reply, vide his office letter No. 448 dated 1/10/12, he informed the DFO that the construction work of the building had been completed. The Range officer was aware of the construction of the building and he deliberately didn’t stop work on monetary considerations, alleged Iqbal, who has now approached the Inspector General of Police, Crime, for action against the erring officials and the contractor, Tasveer Begam, a resident of Panjgrain village. The matter was also investigated by the crime branch of the police and the inquiry was handed over to the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Manjakot. The SDPO had informed the Senior Superintendent of Police that during investigations he had noticed some discrepancies in the construction of the school building. He found out that the Village Education Committee (VEC) started site/construction of the school work on July 16, 2011, while the execution deed in favour of Tasveer Begam was made on July 15, 2011, which was not possible. Moreover the deed was not signed by the Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) concerned. The building was to be constructed on Khasra No. 503, measuring 3 kanals, donated by Mohammad Amin, on an agreement that he would construct the building free of cost but instead he built it on Khasra No. 334. He had also agreed to execute the construction work. Vide his office letter No. ZEO/MK/806, the ZEO, Manjakot, had communicated that the construction of the building was in progress on Khasra No. 503. But the ZEO/school authorities didn’t bother to obtain the status/demarcation of the land from revenue officials before the construction of the school building. The SDPO further found out that despite the chief education officer (CEO) and the ZEO being aware of the construction of the school building on forest land, they cleared the payment of Rs 7.47 lakh for the school building. Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand, who also holds the portfolio of the Education Department, said: “In every district, the District Development Commissioner heads the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan scheme and the matter should be brought to his notice. I will also instruct him to investigate the matter and take action against the erring authorities.” |
|
|
‘Nation’s future depends on character of its citizens’
Jammu, December 23 She said this on the occasion of the annual day celebrations of Naveen Shiksha Kendra High School, Channi Himmat, Jammu, today. She advised the students to meet every challenge in their life boldly, with a positive outlook, and develop a competitive spirit so that they stopped at nothing less than what they wanted in life. She told the students to always aspire high and remain on the forefront in every walk of life. Usha Vohra appreciated the efforts of Dr Gurmeet Singh, president of “SAWERA” and the management of the school, for imparting sound education to the children of the underprivileged sections of society. On the occasion, she announced, on behalf of the Governor, Rs 1 lakh for SAWERA for purchasing books, stationery and other items for the students of the school. She congratulated the students for the cultural items presented by them. The function started with the lighting of a lamp by Usha Vohra. The welcome address was presented by Gurmeet Singh. He highlighted the achievements of the school and said the school was spreading awareness on issues such as AIDS, environment preservation and other malpractices in society such as dowry system and drug addiction. Students of the school spoke on the benefits of staying away from such malpractices. Usha Vohra gave away prizes to meritorious students. ID Soni, State Commissioner, Bharat Scouts and Guides, also addressed the students and Scouts and Guides uniforms were given to them. Jammu Additional Commissioner Rehana Batool was present. |
|
|
Impact of regional security on J&K discussed at seminar
Jammu, December 23 This was one of the main conclusion drawn at the day-long seminar on “Conflict early warning: Regional security and implications for J&K”, organised by the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS), New Delhi, J&K Regional Branch of the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) and Central University of Jammu. Speakers and participants from Jammu and Kashmir and New Delhi discussed early warnings that could be observed from what is happening in the region. Prof PR Chari, Ambassador Ranjit Gupta, Dr D Subachandran and Sushant Sareen discussed the regional security developments in neighbouring countries and their impact on the state. Dr SS Bloeria, Dr Ashok Bhan, Prof Rekha Choudhry and Dr Shujaat Bukhari discussed the recent developments within J&K and their future implications. The importance of recent developments in Iran, withdrawal of international security forces in Afghanistan and the change of guard in Pakistan military were discussed first. On Afghanistan, it was generally agreed that the Afghan national security forces are relatively better trained and equipped and the ground situation in fighting militancy and the strength of Taliban has substantially changed. Some of the speakers said the Indian Government should consider the request from Afghan President Hamid Karzai to support the Afghan security forces in fighting militancy by providing infrastructural and transport support material. Participants agreed that insecurity and instability within Pakistan are more worrisome for the overall situation in the Kashmir valley. |
|
|
Pawan is Chakan-da-Bagh LoC Traders’ Association chief
Jammu, December 23 “He was elected unopposed as president of the Chakan-da-Bagh LoC Traders’ Association by 65 traders in an election held at the Poonch Trade Centre where the Poonch Deputy Commissioner had sent a representative while Trade Centre DSP SS Salathia was also present,” Shiraz Ahmed Khan, spokesperson of the Chamber of LoC Trade, J&K, said. Other office bearers would be elected in the next couple of days, said Khan. — TNS |
|
|
Food cos fined Rs 10 cr for adulteration
Srinagar, December 23 A division bench of Muzaffar Hussain Attar and Tashi Rabistan directed Delhi-based spice company A-1 Agro Products and Srinagar-based Khyber and Kanwal Spices groups to deposit the amount in the account of the Director, Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, within two weeks. The court is hearing a public interest litigation seeking implementation of the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), 2006, in the state to check adulteration. The orders were passed days after the health wing of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) decided to initiate legal action against several leading business groups found selling substandard food items. The products were found substandard after the SMC for the first time sent samples to referral laboratories outside the state for quality check. SMC Health Officer Shafqat Khan said they had found food products such as "saunf" powder of the Kanwal group and the Khyber-packaged milk unsafe for consumption. He said the health wing had collected more than 120 samples of food products so far from the city markets and strict action under the FSSA would be initiated against those violating the rules. He said the adulterated food products would also be lifted from the city markets. While Khan said the locals should refrain from consuming food products declared substandard, he said people should also contact the SMC in case of any complaints in this regard so that timely action could be taken. He said the SMC health wing would continue with the drive against adulterated food items. In a soup The High Court passed the orders after food samples of the Khyber and Kanwal groups collected by the Srinagar Municipal Corporation were found to be substandard. |
|
|
Makhdoom Sahib ropeway launched
Srinagar, December 23 The cable car was jointly inaugurated by Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Ali Mohammad Sagar and Minister for Tourism Ghulam Ahmad Mir. The 550-m ropeway had been constructed by the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation at a cost of Rs 6.5 crore, an official said. The government has fixed Rs 100 per ticket for the cable car service. Speaking on the occasion, Mir said the ropeway would go a long way in promoting tourism-related activities in the area besides providing an alternative means of transportation to old and physically challenged people, who come to pay obeisance at the shrine of Makhdoom Sahib. He said the government had already undertaken the project of developing the area under the Naagar Nagar project so that a full tourist circuit was created in this old city area. Sagar said the government had undertaken several measures for the sustained development of Srinagar city such as road-widening projects, construction of community halls, upgrade of various schools, construction of bridges. Moreover, he said a comprehensive project for developing the old city on the heritage pattern had been undertaken which would boost tourism-related activities in the region. “To augment the power system in the city, a comprehensive project has been formulated at an estimated cost of Rs 669 crore. This would ensure that the electricity supply is streamlined and people get the requisite power supply without any delay,” Sagar said. Later, the ministers also inaugurated the Interpretation Centre, which showcases the history and culture of the state. Waqf Board chairman MY Qadri, Chief Minister’s political secretary Tanvir Sadiq, MLC Sheikh Ghulam Rasool, Tourism and Culture Secretary Zaffar Ahmad Bhat, Srinagar Deputy Commissioner Farooq Ahmad Shah, Municipal Corporation Commissioner GN Qasba, Kashmir Tourism Director Talat Parvez, the Senior Superintendent of Police and JK Cable Car Corporation Managing Director Tufail Mattoo were among those present on the occasion. Tourist attraction *
The 550-m ropeway has been constructed by the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation at a cost of
Rs 6.5 crore * The ticked for the cable car service is priced at
Rs 100.
|
|
|
Dry weather ahead in Valley, says Met Dept
Srinagar, December 23 Sonum Lotus, Director, state Meteorological Department, said weather is likely to improve by Tuesday and it would remain dry for next four days. “This snow spell was caused by lower level cyclonic circulation and it had maximum impact in the south Kashmir region,” Lotus said. He said south and eastern parts of Kashmir, including Anantnag, Shopian and Kulgam districts, had witnessed maximum precipitation. “The previous forecast of snow and rain was only for December 21 and 22. However, the weather conditions continued in some parts of south Kashmir today as well. There will be an improvement in weather from tonight,” he said. In Srinagar, which received a light snowfall on Sunday morning and a drizzle this afternoon, the minimum temperature fell to minus 0.4 degrees Celsius, which was two degrees above the normal temperature. It remained a cold day with the temperature rising to just 5.1 degrees Celsius. According to the forecast, the minimum temperature in the city on Monday night would be minus 2 degrees Celsius. In north Kashmir’s Gulmarg resort, the skiing destination in winter, which received snow in recent days, the night temperature fell to minus 9.6 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature in south Kashmir’s Pahalgam resort was minus 4 degrees Celsius while the maximum temperature was 0.2 degrees Celsius. In south Kashmir’s Qazigund town, mercury dropped to minus 2.6 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature in north Kashmir’s Kupwara town was recorded at minus 2.7 degrees Celsius. In Leh town of the remote Ladakh region, mercury dropped to minus 9 degrees Celsius. |
|
|
Govt for separate coaching classes for boys and girls
Srinagar, December 23 At a meeting with the owners of coaching centres here, Srinagar Deputy Commissioner Farooq Ahmad Shah directed them to strictly implement the 2010 guidelines, including ban on carrying mobile phones and informing students' parents if they fail to attend classes, following fresh reports of harassment of girl students. "We have directed them (coaching centre owners) to have separate classes for boys and girls...Classes for boys would be held in the afternoon and for girls after 8.30 in the morning," Shah said today, adding that there would not be any class before 8.30 am due to cold weather. The Deputy Commissioner said the centres had been asked to register with the Education Department and furnish details of their infrastructure immediately. The owners of coaching centres agreed to implement the directives of the government. "We have decided to segregate boys and girls in the coaching centres in the valley and implement the guidelines issued by the government," Coaching Centres Association Kashmir (CCAK) chairman GN Var said. Var said following fresh reports of eve-teasing and immoral acts, the government made it mandatory to implement the directions for the Valley's coaching centres. "We agreed to have separate classes and different timings for boys and girls. We will install CCTV cameras and there will be separate rows for them," Var said. More than 55,000 students enroll for coaching in these centres after the schools close for three months in the Valley during winter. —PTI |
|
|
4 books released at Urdu literature fest
Srinagar, December 23 The event ‘Urdu Nama 3’, which was held at Hotel Grand Mumtaz, was attended by hundreds of Kashmiri Urdu writers, poets, students and officials including Member of Parliament Ghulam Nabi Ratanpuri, Justice Kirmani and Muhammad Zaman Azurda. Many Kashmiri authors such as Ghulam Nabi Khayal, Bashir Dada and Dr Neelofar Naz Nehvi spoke on the occasion. “New generation poets and writers are trying to come up and we should appreciate them,” said one of the speakers. Three books written in Urdu language by a young professor, Dr Neelofar Naaz Nehvi, were released. These were “Chinar Kay Barfilay Sayay”, “Farsi Ki Taraf Dusra Kadam” and “Gani Kashmiri Hayat Aur Shayri”. “I have written five books. These books revolve around Kashmir. They talk about different situations in Kashmir which we have lived through such as conflict, curfews, crackdowns, rapes and also social issues,” said Dr Neelofar Naaz Nahvi. Nehvi, who teaches Persian at Women’s College, Srinagar, says she also wanted to promote the Urdu language among students. “We should read Urdu as well with English as most of the literature about Kashmir is written in Urdu,” said a student, Basra Khan. Urdu short story writer Late Umar Majeed was felicitated on his fifth death anniversary on the occasion and his third book, a compilation of short stories, was released. |
|
|
UGC course concludes at JU
Jammu December 23 A total of 32 university and college teachers both within and outside the state attended the course. Kulwant Kour, dean research studies and chief guest on the occasion complimented ASC for successful completion of the course and appreciated the staff college for providing all necessary facilities to participants for undergoing the course. Earlier Rajender Gupta, director, ASC, in his address gave details about the aims and objectives of organising the course and the topics discussed during the working sessions. Participants also shared their experiences and gave their remarks on various sessions of the orientation course. Ranjeet Kalra, assistant director, ASC, presented the vote of thanks.
|
|
|
Seminar on role of media held
Srinagar, December 23 Speaking on the occasion, Mohiuddin said politicians were a face of the society and media had an important role to play in terms of highlighting their doings. The Deputy Director General, All India Radio, Bashir Arif, said there were both good and bad aspects of journalism and it depended upon one's approach on how to use his pen. "In many instances, it has come to the fore that some journalists prefer self-interest over ethics, which is not a good practice," he said. |
|
|
Fire at Police Lines
Srinagar, December 23 An official of the Fire and Emergency Services Department said a two-room block at the District Police Lines was damaged in the incident. Initial investigation suggested that the fire was caused due to leakage of a gas cylinder, the official said. At least four fire tenders were pressed into service to douse the flames. The assessment of the damage caused by the fire is being done, the official said. |
|
|
UP, Maharashtra bag top honours
Jammu, December 23 In boys’ summit clash, defending champion Uttar Pradesh retained the title by defeating Uttarakhand by 3-1 sets. After losing the inaugural set by 26-28, Uttar Pradesh spikers staged a remarkable comeback by winning three sets on trot to emerge champions. The set score read 26-28, 25-17, 25-17 and 25-23. Karnataka finished third by beating Delhi by 3-0 sets (25-20, 25-19 and 25-21). In girls’ section, Maharashtra got the better of Rajasthan by 3-2 sets in a thrilling contest. Maharashtra eves started off in a brilliant fashion by winning the first two sets by 25-20 and 26-24. With 0-2 down, Rajasthan kept its cool and played with a much-improved game plan. Rajasthan drew parity by claiming the next two sets by 25-10 and 30-25. The decider went right down to the wire, but it was Maharashtra, which had the last laugh by 18-16. Uttar Pradesh team had to be contended with third place with a win over Karnataka by 3-0 sets (25-13, 25-12 and 25-17). As far as the performance of the host state is concerned, the campaign of eves ended in the league stages of the championship, which the boys’ team knocked out in the pre-quarterfinals. Minister for Road and Buildings Abdul Majid Wani was the chief guest on the occasion, who gave away trophies to the winning teams. |
|
|
Bus driver, cleaner ‘rape’ Class VII girl
Jammu, December 23 It is alleged that the minor, who was kept hostage for the entire Saturday night and allegedly gang-raped by two brothers in a minibus, had boarded the bus to return home after attending her tuition classes. The accused after committing the crime abandoned her in Bantalab area here yesterday. The accused, Joginder Kumar and Sudesh Kumar, both brothers, are residents of Keran in Bantalab and were arrested by the police and remanded in five days’ police custody. “There was no other passenger in the vehicle and both accused, who happen to be the driver and cleaner, took the vehicle to a deserted place and committed the crime. They repeatedly raped the girl and when she fell unconscious they abandoned her near Bantalab yesterday morning,” sources said. Sources said the victim, after regaining consciousness, reached home and narrated the ordeal to her family members who lodged a complaint with Chinore police post against the accused brothers. Following the complaint, the police launched a manhunt and arrested both accused on specific information. The girl was sent home after conducting her medical examination. A case under sections 363 and 376 of the RPC was registered at Chinore police post. The police said the accused were produced before a local court, which sent them to five-day police custody. It may be recalled that a minor, identified as Sahil Kumar of Khandwal village, on the outskirts of Jammu city, was brutally murdered by some unidentified miscreants during the intervening night of December 16 and December 17. His one of the eyes was gouged out and his throat was slit. The police are yet to solve the murder mystery and at least six persons have been questioned in this connection. |
|
|
Drug peddlers held in Rajouri
Rajouri, December 23 The peddlers have been identified as Zulfikar Ali and Aakib Iqbal, both residents of Ward No. 8 in Rajouri. The police said it had prior information about the smugglers and their movement was under surveillance. Both were booked under the NDPS Act and the police are interrogating them.
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | E-mail | |
high court reprimanded the admin-istration, it seems it has finally woken up to save traditional ponds in Jammu, which are on a verge of extinction due to expanding human settlement.
Jammu and Kashmir received the best performing state in infrastructure development from Union Minister for Rural Development Jairam Ramesh at a glittering ceremony in New Delhi on Sunday. But, for hundreds of residents of Pancholi Deon village in Samba district, daily journey is a matter of life and death as in the absence of a proper road, they still have to cross over ravines and forest areas to reach their destinations.
With the Inter-Services Intelligence
(ISI) being a parallel authority in Pakistan running terror camps in Pak-occupied Kashmir to fuel terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, another revelation has come to the fore. The ISI has become an Achilles’ heel for the Rangers on the other side of the 198-km international border in the Jammu region.
The 48-hour Jammu bandh call by the BJP against a clean chit to Kishtwar MLA Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo witnessed a partial response today.
Governor NN Vohra today showered accolades on the young achievers of the state, who by the dint of their hard work and proper guidance by their parents and teachers carved a niche for themselves in their chosen fields.
After successfully growing olives and extracting good percentage of oil from them in the Valley, farmers here will soon be able to cultivate the fruit on the commercial scale.
The future of a nation depends on the character of its citizens and the school is an institution where a child is groomed to become a morally sound and upright person, said Usha Vohra, Governor NN Vohra’s wife.
The much touted cable car service at the Makhdoom Sahib shrine on the foothills of Koh-e-maran was inaugurated today. The state government is hopeful that the gondola would help in attracting tourists to heritage buildings and shrines of the old city.
