The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

	Bhartiya Gujjar Mahasabha alleges embezzlement of funds Tribune News Service Jammu, January 14 The Bhartiya Gujjar Mahasabha has alleged that there has been a large-scale embezzlement of funds under the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) since 1991, when the Gujjars and Bakkerwals were granted ST status. Addressing a press conference, mahasabha president Eshfaq-ur-Rehman Poswal alleged that embezzlement to the tune of around Rs 5,000 crore had been done in the state under the Tribal Sub Plan during the past two decades. "No accountability has been fixed over such a large misappropriation of funds, while the Gujjars, Bakerwal and other tribal communities of the state still continue to be backward and deprived of basic amenities, including power, water, education and road connectivity," he alleged. Citing example, Poswal said, "In 1991, the annual plan of the state was Rs 2,000 crore. As per the guidelines of the Planning Commission of India, an amount of Rs 150 crore should have been spent for the betterment of tribal communities under the TSP." "Similarly, with each passing year, the annual plan increases with subsequent increase in population, but unfortunately the tribal communities were not given their due share under the TSP," he alleged, adding that at present the annual budget of the state is Rs 8,000 crore and as per guidelines, Rs 800 crore should be spent under the TSP.
	Shopkeepers organise ‘bhandara' Jammu, January 14 On Makarsankranti shopkeepers of Chabbel Wali Gali organised a "bhandara" under the banner of Kanak Mandi Association and under the guidance of Bishan Kumar. Bishan Kumar greeted people on the occasion of Sankranti and urged them to follow the teachings of saints to maintain peace and communal harmony in the state. Vikram Singh, Pankaj Gupta, Chaman Angral, Om Parkash Singh, Vikas Gupta, Sandeep Gupta, Amit Jain, Arjun kumar Gupta and Lavan Gulati were present. — TNS
	‘Gaad Bateh’ reiterates value of tradition Tribune News Service Jammu, January 14 In the ongoing annual drama fesitval being organised by the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Kashmiri play "Gaad Bateh" was performed at the auditorium of the Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar. Written by Rakesh Roshan Bhat and directed by Rohit Bhat, the play was an attempt to reiterate the value of tradition in the light of unfortunate migration of Kahsmiri Pandits from the Valley and the fear that the new generation, which is being brought up as uprooted community, may forget the cultural practices that constitute their identity. The play revolved around a family, comprising a man, son and grandson, who were engaged in celebrations of festival Gaad Bateh. The appearance of Greh Devta and his dialogue with the man inspired the audience to relive those experiences to emphasise the significance of festivals like Yaksha Amavasya and the Herath for Kashmiri Pandit community’s identity. Those who acted in the play included Rakesh Tikoo, Rahul Kilam, Daizy Bazaz, Nihal Pandita, Rohit Bhat, Vinod Bhushan, Sajni Tukra and Vishal Hanjura. Sunny Mujoo was the assistant director. The music of the play was composed by Balbir Kumar, while Sunny Mujoo and Ajay Goswami did the make-up and lights, respectively.
	NYC volunteers seek extension of service Tribune News Service Jammu, January 14 Volunteers of the All Jammu and Kashmir National Youth Corps (JKNYC) have demanded that the government should re-engage them in service as thousands of unemployed youth were recruited as volunteers to monitor developmental works. Nearly 8,000 youth were engaged by the government in 2010 as part of a plan to work in their respective districts and blocks. Protesters demanded that they should be given further extension as most of the youth were working with dedication in their respective areas, despite being paid Rs 2,500 as monthly wage. State joint secretary of the JKNYC Syed Baker Ali Jafri said unemployed youth were engaged with aim to provide them employment avenue and monitor developmental activities, particularly in rural and militancy-affected areas, but their services were being terminated. "Volunteers were selected from all the 22 districts of the state and they have been doing service with honesty for the last two years. But now their services are being terminated without giving any reason," Jafri said. While appealing to the state government to pay attention towards their genuine demands, Jafri said they were not back-door entrants, but recruited under a transparent policy and had been serving in 14 different departments. They threatened to sit on a hunger strike if their demands for regularisation and extension of services were not accepted by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. "There is no option before us but to intensify our agitation and hundreds of youth have no other employment avenue as they live in far-flung areas. The government is talking about various Central schemes, but it is taking away employment from the youth," said state secretary (Kashmir) of the JKNYC Tanveer Hussain.
	Book on plight of Sikh refugees ‘Des Hoia Pardes’released Tribune News Service Jammu, January 14 The Jammu and Kashmir Sikh Council today released a book, "Des Hoia Pardes", highlighting the plights of Sikh refugees who got displaced from Muzaffarbad, Mirpur and Kotli after Pakistan occupied the parts of the state in 1947 winter war. Thousands of people died during the tribal invasion supported by Pakistan, while those who survived took refuge in Jammu region. Addressing a press conference after the release function, Tejwant Singh, Sant Dera Danna Muzaffarbad (Camp-Jammu), said thousands of people from various religious groups got displaced in 1947 and they were still facing the misery as refugees. He said the book highlights the tragedy which Sikhs had to face as they were forced to leave their homes and land when the tribal hordes attacked Kashmir and occupied major portion of the then princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, governed by Maharaja Hari Singh. On the occasion, Harmohinder Singh, state president of the J&K Sikh Council, alleged that even after six decades of displacement Hindu and Sikh refugees continued to face discrimination and apathy as successive state governments had failed to provide them necessary help. He alleged that the settlement process initiated by the government after 1947 was inadequate and thousands of families were still without fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution of India. Others who were present on the occasion included Ranjeet Singh Raina, Davinder Singh, Hararsis Singh, Gurvinder Singh, Davinder Singh Vishwnagrik, Rajinder Singh, Surjeet Singh, Narinder Singh Khalsa, Harjinder Singh Raina Akali, Kour Singh Nagar and Danwant Singh.
	Khajurias hold annual congregation Jammu, January 14 The Khajuria biradari (community) organised the annual congregation at Baba Ambo Devsthan, Bage-e-Bahu, here today. More than 20,000 devotees from Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and others part of the country participated in the congregation to have blessings of Baba Ambo. Havan started at 8 am with "puranahuti". After that all devotees had "preeti bhoj". Housing Minister Raman Bhalla, member of Parliament Madan Lal Sharma, MLA Ashok Khajuria, Shri Baba Ambo Smarak Committee president Ajit Khajuria, vice-presidents Sudershan Khajuria and Yash Paul Khajuria, general secretary Anil Khajuria, Ajay Khajuria and Sourab Khajuria were present on the occasion. A free medical camp was also organised and free medicines were distributed to needy persons. — TNS
	Debate on road safety held Tribune News Service Jammu, January 14 In connection with the 25th Road Safety Week celebrations, the Motor Vehicles Department in collaboration with the Department of Students Welfare, University of Jammu, organised a debate-cum-symposium on "Road safety" on the varsity campus. A total of 35 students drawn from 10 schools and two colleges participated in the event. Minister of State for Fisheries and Cooperatives Dr Manohar Lal Sharma was the chief guest. The minister in his address emphasised on the importance of road safety and need to disseminate information about safety among the public and the motor vehicle users, especially the youth. He also asked the department to carry out activities on sustainable basis throughout the year. Earlier, Transport Commissioner Saurabh Bhagat briefed the gathering about the importance of Road Safety Week and the activities being organised by the department. He informed that the department was engaged in creating road safety awareness by way of organising such programmes on routine basis. Director, State Motor Garages, GA Sofi, also spoke and underscored the need for creating road safety awareness. Arvind Kotwal, RTO, Jammu, presented the vote of thanks.
	Ration shortage to worsen in state Centre stalls release of quota over delay in Food Secuity Act Sumit Hakhoo Tribune News Service Jammu, January 14 Ration scarcity in the state could further worsen in the coming months as the Union Food Ministry has stalled an additional release of foodgrains to the state for delay in implementing the National Food Security Act, 2013. Sources said the state had expressed inability to implement the Act as it would deprive 40 lakh persons from the benefit of subsidised ration as per the guidelines of the Act, considered as a game changer by the Congress-led UPA government. Officials said the state was demanding treating J&K as special category area to cover 1.25 crore people, enumerated in the 2011 Census. At present, the state gets only 63,067 MT of ration against the total requirement of 79,567 MT per month, which is being released as per the 2001 Census. They said if the Act was implemented in the state, only 68.51 lakh people in rural areas and 17 lakh people in urban areas would be covered by the project. However, as per the Census report, the total rural population in J&K is 91 lakh, while the urban population is 34 lakh. Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) Chowdhary Muhammad Ramzan admitted that the Act needed a detailed study as conditions in the state were different from the other parts of the country. “It will be taken up in the Cabinet meeting. There are some good and bad points in the Act that needs consensus of all the public representatives. No additional ration is being released by the Centre,” Ramzan said. Thousands of families living in Kishtwar, Bhaderwah, Warwan, Poonch, Rajouri and Doda in Jammu region and Kupwara, Handwara, Anantnag in the Kashmir valley are facing shortage of ration on a routine basis. Muhammad Abbas Dar, Secretary, CAPD, said the issue had to be sorted out at government level. “Decision on the food security Act has to be taken by the government. We are sourcing ration from different sources to maintain supply through the Public Distribution System,” Dar said. The official sources said most of the shortage was faced by families falling in the category of above poverty line, which comprised a major chunk of population in all the three regions. However, below poverty line families are shielded from it as they get ration under special scheme. Food security * The state has expressed inability to implement the Act as it will deprive 40 lakh persons from the benefit of subsidised ration as per the guidelines of the National Food Security Act, 2013 * At present, the state gets only 63,067 MT of ration against the total requirement of 79,567 MT per month * According to officials, if the Act is implemented in the state, only 68.51 lakh people in rural areas and 17 lakh in urban areas will be covered under the project.
	Fate of trauma hospital project hangs in balance Deepanker Gupta Udhampur, January 14 Even after seven years, an accidental trauma hospital project in Udhampur announced by then Chief Minister Gulam Nabi Azad in 2007 is still incomplete. The then Chief Minister had announced the construction of a trauma hospital-level-II in 2007 and had said it would be completed within three years. It was to ensure prompt and comprehensive medical services to patients suffering from traumatic accidental injuries. “In order to ensure speedy construction works, Azad had made sure that Rs 80 lakh reached directly to the account of the medical superintendent of the district hospital, but the present government has deliberately delayed the project. The state Health Minister seems to be least bothered,” said Pawan Khajuria, a senior BJP leader. “We have done civil works of the funds allotted to us and rest of the job is yet to be done. We are waiting for more funds to be released by the Health Department,” said Parmjeet Singh Sehgal, Superintending Engineer, Public Works Department, Udhampur. “We have spent the first instalment of Rs 80 lakh and once the civil construction work will be complete, procurement of machinery will start. It is not possible for me to tell how much time the entire process will take as it depends on the higher authorities. However, we have received Rs 380 lakh as the second instalment for the purchase of machinery,” said Dr Chander Parkash, medical superintendent, District Hospital, Udhampur. “The Health Minister in a written reply to my question on March 13, 2013, had said the work of the project would be completed soon, but the progress is slow till date. The state government seems to have left accidental patients at the mercy of god as there is no ICU in the present district hospital and almost four to five hours of critically injured patients are wasted every time they are referred to Jammu,” said Balwant Singh Mankotia, MLA, Udhampur. “Besides, in case of a cardiac arrest, there is no cardiologist here as the post is lying vacant since long and a number of patients die on the way to Jammu,” he added. Project pangs * In 2007, then Chief Minister Gulam Nabi Azad had announced an accidental trauma hospital project in Udhampur . * He had said it would be completed within three years. But even after seven years, the project is incomplete.
	Air Marshal Soman interacts with troops in Udhampur Tribune News Service Jammu, January 14 Air Marshal SS Soman, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command, visited the Udhampur Air Force station today. The Air Marshal was accompanied by his wife Rashmi Soman, who is the president of the Air Force Wives Welfare Association (Regional) of the Western Air Command. He was received by Group Captain Devendra P Hirani, Station Commander, and his wife Madhu Hirani, president of the Air Force Wives Welfare Association (Local), and other senior officers. Air Marshal SS Soman is a graduate of the National Defence Academy, Pune. He was commissioned in the flying branch in December 1976 and has more than 3,400 hours of flying on fighter aircraft. He visited the Udhampur station as part of his familiarisation tour of the units under the Western Air Command. It is his first visit to this base after taking over the command of the Western Air Command, the most operational command of IAF. He expressed immense satisfaction with the operational, maintenance and administrative aspects of the station’s functioning. He appreciated the professionalism displayed by the entire station and exhorted them to achieve higher standards in all spheres of activities in service to the nation. Addressing all the personnel of the station, he appreciated the good work being carried out by the station in support of operations in the region. He shared his vision for the Indian Air Force in the future and encouraged all service personnel, including non-combatants and civilians, to strive towards maintaining high standards in all spheres of the activity for which IAF has always been proud of achieving. After inspecting various sections of the station, the Air Marshal interacted with aircrew and other personnel and took stock of the various measures being undertaken by the station towards the welfare of its personnel. The AOC-in-C held detailed discussions regarding operations in the region. Rashmi Soman, meanwhile, visited all the projects and institutions of the Air Force Wives Welfare Association at Udhampur station, including Air Force Primary School and the play school named “Bachpan” and expressed her satisfaction on the way these ventures were being conducted.
	Electrocution of youth: Power officials arrested for negligence Kupwara, January 14 Four officials of the Power Department, allegedly responsible for the electrocution of a youth in Awoora village of Kupwara on Sunday, were arrested today. “The officials have been booked for negligence in duty,” a police official said. Zamir Ahmad Lone was charred to death when he was trying to make a connection on the newly installed 250 KV transformer. The erring officials present at the site were reportedly having tea at the time of the incident. While junior engineer Ghulam Hassan Mir and linemen Ashiq Hussian, Farooq Ahmad and Abdul Rashid were apprehended by the police, another accused, inspector Bashir Ahmad Malik, is on the run. The police, however, said Malik would be nabbed soon. “A police team raided at different places in Awoora and other villages to nab the inspector, who is at large since the incident. I am hopeful he will be caught soon,” the police official said. The incident had triggered strong protests and residents had demanded stern action against the erring officials following which a case had been registered against the accused at Trehgam police station. Meanwhile, Awoora residents demanded immediate restoration of the power supply. “The village is groping in darkness since Thursday. We appeal the concerned power division to restore the supply,” said Nazir Ahmad, a resident of Awoora. — OC
	BJP leaders shying away from Assembly polls Dinesh Manhotra Tribune News Service Jammu, January 14 The state unit of the BJP is confronting a difficult situation as all leaders, from mandal to state-level, are staking claim for the Lok Sabha seats, but are shying away from the forthcoming Assembly elections. There is a feeling among the BJP leaders that due to a “wave in favour” of party’s prime ministerial nominee Narendra Modi it would be easy for them to win the parliamentary elections and as such they are trying to cash in on prevailing situation. “During a recently held meeting of party leaders to devise strategy for the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections some senior members were asked to start the ground work for the Assembly elections in those constituencies where the party does not have potential candidates. But most of the leaders refused to shoulder the responsibility,” a source said. “Instead of going for Assembly elections these leaders have expressed their desire to contest the Lok Sabha elections,” the source added. For the two Lok Sabha seats of the Jammu province, more than 20 leaders have staked their claim and projected themselves as winnable candidates, he said. For the BJP, the forthcoming Assembly elections are as important as the general election, but senior party leaders have so far not shown any interest in contesting at the state level. The Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir would be held after the parliamentary elections. “The biggest challenge before the party is to identify potential candidates for the forthcoming Assembly elections,” said a party insider. “Out of the total of 87 Assembly seats, the party has identified 27 segments where the BJP has the potential to win. However, no senior leader is ready to face the state election. “In the recent meeting a senior leader was asked to concentrate on the Gandhi Nagar Assembly segment, but he said the ground work would be started only after the Lok Sabha poll,” he said.
	BJP to revoke suspension of 5 MLAs Tribune News Service Jammu, January 14 The BJP high command has decided to revoke the suspension of five “tainted” MLAs, Baldev Raj, Master Lal Chand, Durga Dass, Bharat Bhushan and Prof Gharu Ram. These MLAs were expelled from the party on charges of cross-voting in favour of National Conference and Congress candidates in the Legislative Council elections held on April 13, 2011. As the state unit of the party was opposing the re-entry of the MLAs, the high command has adopted a selective approach to revoke their suspension. To keep the state leaders in good humour, the high command has not revoked the suspension of veteran leader Chaman Lal Gupta and Basholi MLA Jagdish Sapolia. An official handout from the party state headquarters, while referring to a communication from BJP national general secretary Jagat Prakash Nadda, said the decision in this regard had been taken following letters written by these MLAs to BJP national president Rajnath Singh, expressing their “unconditional” desire to work for the party as per its priorities and directives. They had requested that their suspension be revoked and be given an opportunity to work for the party again. Nadda, in his separate communication to each of these MLAs, conveyed the decision of the national president to accede to their request and revoke the suspension. The Tribune was first to report that the BJP had decided to take back five out of seven expelled MLAs. On November 26, 2013, The Tribune had reported that the party had decided to take back five MLAs minus Chaman Lal Gupta and Jagdish Sapolia. Veteran leader and former Union Minister Gupta was expelled from the party on May 31 after the cross-voting episode of April 13, 2011. After the cross-voting episode, out of the total 11, seven BJP MLAs were expelled from the party. Gupta was expelled on May 31, 2011, other six MLAs were expelled on November 18, 2011. Cross-voting episode * Seven BJP MLAs were expelled from the party on charges of cross-voting in favour of National Conference and Congress candidates in the Legislative Council elections held on April 13, 2011 * The suspended MLAs were Baldev Raj, Master Lal Chand, Durga Dass, Bharat Bhushan, Gharu Ram, Chaman Lal Gupta and Jagdish Sapolia.
	Captain Bana Singh, a living legend from J&K Tribune News Service Jammu, January 14 There might be no dearth of heroism in the Indian Army, but the one name which is synonymous to indomitable courage and valour is that of Honorary Captain Bana Singh. The recipient of country’s highest wartime gallantry award, the Param Vir Chakra, Bana Singh was born into a Sikh family in Kadyal Village in RS Pura sub-division of Jammu on January 6, 1949. He enrolled in the Army on January 6, 1969 into the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAKLI) and received the Param Vir Chakra in 1987 for evacuating and recapturing a 6,500m-high peak in the Siachen glacier, the world’s highest battlefield. Trained at the High Altitude Warfare School in Gulmarg in Kashmir and also at another school at Sonamarg, Naib Subedar Bana Singh volunteered to join a special task force created to flush out the Pakistani infiltrators which had intruded into Siachen in 1987. Being a part of the commando platoon, Bana Singh showed exemplary courage and led his team to the victory despite losing a number of his colleagues in the battle. The recaptured peak was named as Bana Top in the honour of the brave soldier. Since his childhood, Bana Singh was inspired by the men in uniform and whenever he used to see soldiers and officers, hundreds of kilometres away from their home, guarding the frontiers he would become impatient and want to follow their footsteps. The braveheart had his early education at a village school and after passing calss VIII exams at the age of 14 got admitted to High School, RS Pura, at the nearby village of Badyal Brahmna. Two years later he completed his matriculation and joined the Military Engineering Service, where he worked for three years. He remained focused on becoming a soldier. And at the age of 20 he was finally inducted into the Army. In 1971, a war broke out between India and Pakistan and Bana Singh’s battalion was posted at the Dewa Post in the Chhamb sector. He vividly remembers how his post companion Lance Naik Amarnath, who got hit in his abdomen tied his disembowelled intestine with a towel and kept firing at the enemy. It was during this time that Bana Singh realised that nothing comes in the way of national service. After the 1971 war, he was posted at Sunderbani near Akhnoor, and thereafter was moved to the Gurez sector (1973-76). He served at Jodhpur between 1976 and 1978 before being transferred to Sikkim. In 1981 he was posted at Meerut and in the following year Bana Singh served at Jalandhar. In 1986, he was posted to Kheru in J&K and in April 1987, his battalion was sent from Kheru to Siachen where he had a rendezvous with enemy and eventually led his men to victory. The hero * The recipient of country’s highest wartime gallantry award, the Param Vir Chakra, Bana Singh was born into a Sikh family in Kadyal Village in RS Pura sub-division of Jammu on January 6, 1949. * He enrolled in the Army on January 6, 1969 into the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry and received the Param Vir Chakra in 1987 for evacuating and recapturing a 6,500m-high peak in the Siachen glacier, the world’s highest battlefield.
	Man attacked by leopard in Rajouri village Rajouri, January 14 A man was today attacked by a leopard in Palyarni village of Rajouri district. Mohammad Raiq, Station House Officer, Darhal, said around 8 am they received a call from the village that a fully grown leopard had entered the village and attacked a civilian, Wali Mohammad. The police said Wali Mohammad was attacked by the leopard when he was on his way to the cattle shed near his house. He was rescued by villagers after he raised an alarm and later admitted to a hospital at Darhal. Villagers chased away the leopard with lathis and stones. Meanwhile, wildlife personnel said they received information from the Darhal police that a leopard had entered a residential area in Palyarni. A team of officials rushed to the village along with a cage, net and tranquiliser gun, they said. The police and wildlife teams cordoned off the area. The wildlife team used crackers to scare away the animal. When the leopard was spotted, they tranquilised him. The leopard was brought to Rajouri in a cage. After medical examination at Rajouri, the leopard was shifted to Manda wildlife sanctuary at Jammu. — OC
	State gets 1,418 MT rice under nutrition plan Vikas Sharma Tribune News Service Jammu, January 14 The state gets an allocation of 1,418 MT of rice from the Ministry of Women and Child Development under the Wheat-Based Nutrition Programme (WBNP) during the fourth quarter of 2013-14 to run the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). The ministry had also directed the state government to furnish utility certificate for the quantity of foodgrains allocated for the third quarter of 2013-14 by January 31. “The allocated foodgrains should be lifted as per guidelines by the Department of Food and Public Distribution. The state government has been directed to properly monitor the lifting and utilisation of foodgrains on a quarterly basis and furnish the requisite information to the ministry,” a statement from the Central ministry said. The Ministry of Women and Child Development has approved an allocation of 2,30,253 MT of wheat, 1,90,010 MT of rice and 3681 MT of maize to states and union territories under the WBNP for the fourth quarter of 2013- 14. Sources said the state government was also directed to intimate the end use of foodgrains allocated under the ICDS scheme along with the utility certificate.
	Financial crunch delays restoration of Bahu Fort Amit Khajuria Tribune News Service Jammu, January 14 Financial crunch and time-consuming formalities of the state administration is leading to delay in the restoration of the Bahu Fort wall. The 110-ft wall of the fort collapsed on August 18 last year. Even after four months of the incident, all the departments concerned are waiting for special funds to be released to restore the Dogra heritage. Official sources in the Archaeological Department said the department was facing financial crunch as they get only 70-80 lakh as annual budget for all the monuments of the state. The department is already working on the Samba Fort, Reasi Fort and the Rajouri Fort. The Jammu Development Authority (JDA) had submitted an estimate of Rs 1.34 crore in December 2013 to the state Archaeological Department for the restoration of the wall and some other works at the Bahu Fort, out of which Rs 57 lakh were for the restoration of the collapsed wall. However, due to lack of funds, the department has sent the proposal to the state Planning Department. The officials of the Archaeology Department said a plan was ready and they had urged the JDA to start the work in debit. “We have requested the Planning Department to release additional grants for the restoration of the wall,” an official of the Archaeology Department said. “We can contribute Rs 15 to 20 lakh from our annual budget, but without additional grants we cannot restore the wall. We are also planning to request MLAs of Jammu to contribute Rs 5 lakh per person from their own funds so that the heritage can be restored soon,” he added. SKA Qadri, consultant, Tourism and Culture, said, “I think funds will not be the issue for the restoration of the wall. The administration is keen on restoring the wall as soon as possible”.
	Eid-i-Milad celebrated with religious gaiety Our Correspondent Katra, January 14 Eid Milad-un-Nabi, the birthday of Prophet Mohammad, was today observed with religious gaiety here. The members of the Muslim community took out a procession on the occasion and distributed food and sweets among their dear ones. Special prayers were offered at the mosques where religious leaders and scholars delivered sermons on the teachings of the Prophet. The processions began from the old bazaar mosque here and passed through main bazaar and Nai Basti before culminating at the starting point. Meanwhile, foolproof security measures were put in placed to avoid any untoward incident.
	Sopore observes shutdown, search on for ultras Tribune News Service Srinagar, January 14 Sopore town in north Kashmir observed a shutdown today over the killing of three Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) militants in a gun battle yesterday. Sources said joint teams of the police and the Army continued to carry out searches in the Charhar and Marcel forests near Sopore as they suspected more militants were hiding in the area. Most of the shops and business establishments remained closed and traffic plied partially. There were reports of stone throwing in the town. “The situation remained peaceful throughout the day,” a police officer said. The JeM militants, including divisional commander Qari Hassan, were killed in a four-hour gun battle in Dooru village near Sopore town yesterday. Two Armymen were also injured. Police sources said all three were categorised militants and had recently shifted from the Lolab area of Kupwara district to Sopore. “Qari Hassan had replaced Qari Yasir who was killed in 2013 in Kupwara and he was a category A militant,” a police officer said, adding that various operations were launched in the past to eliminate Hassan.
	State to require Rs 2,500 cr for new admn units Dinesh Manhotra Tribune News Service Jammu, January 14 Can the cash-starved J&K Government shoulder the burden of new administrative units? This is the biggest question being raised in political circles as the National Conference wants to create new administrative units before the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. Highly placed sources in the government said a whopping sum of Rs 2,500 crore was required to create new administrative units as per the recommendations of the Mushtaq Ahmed Ganai Committee, which had been given the mandate of making a detailed proposal for the new divisions. This amount excluded the capital amount which was required to create infrastructure for the new administrative units. The Ganai Committee has recommended creation of 955 new administrative units, which include sub-divisions, tehsils, niabats, community development blocks and patwar halqas across the state. “Although it has not been disclosed how many new administrative units the government is going to create, it is very difficult to the meet the financial expenditure of the new units keeping in view the prevailing financial condition of the state,” a source in the government said. “If we go by the recommendations of the Ganai Committee report, nearly Rs 2,500 crore is required to make 955 administrative units functional,” the source added. The Congress, which is part of the coalition, is demanding more number of units than those recommended by the Ganai Committee report. So, the government will require more than Rs 2,500 crore. “The creation of new administrative units will have massive financial implications,” another source in the government said while adding that the government was already facing a financial crisis. The creation of new administrative units will not only require appointment of revenue officers but also offices, the source said. Muzaffar Hussain Baig, former Deputy Chief Minister, who was Finance Minister during the PDP-Congress regime, is of the opinion that government wants to create these administrative units only on “paper”. “I don’t know how the government will mobilise resources for these administrative units. Apart from the large sum which is required to create these administrative units, annually an amount of Rs 500 crore is required for the sustainability of these units,” Baig said. He maintained that the exercise was taken up by the government merely for political survival. “When the state government falls short of funds for various Centrally sponsored schemes then how will it mobilise resources for the new administrative units?” he said while pointing out that more than 30 to 40 per cent funds for Centre-sponsored schemes lapsed every year due to the failure of the government to provide the matching amount. Cabinet panel report * The Cabinet Sub-Committee (CSC) is all set to complete its report on constituting new administrative units by January 15 evening * On Wednesday morning, the CSC, headed by Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand, will be meeting people of Jammu district and on Thursday the committee is scheduled to meet representatives of the Ladakh region
	AFSPA has only led to rights violations: NC Tribune News Service Srinagar, January 14 A senior National Conference leader today said the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) had only resulted in human rights violations and demanded immediate withdrawal of the armed forces from the civilian areas of the state. “You want to keep a law which has not helped gain anything. AFSPA has only resulted in human rights violations by the Army,” National Conference (NC) additional general secretary Mustafa Kamal told reporters here. Kamal said the government in New Delhi was “aware” about AFSPA being a “reason for people’s hatred”. “Then Home Minister P Chidambaram said the Act will be altered, its hard clauses will be softened. The UPA government wants it to go but it does not want to confront the Army,” he said. His comments came a day after Army Chief General Bikram Singh warned against revoking or diluting the Act. AFSPA provides special powers to the armed forces in the state and Army commanders have repeatedly spoken against its revocation, saying it will hamper their operational capabilities. “The police said we are capable of handling militancy, but the Army remains reluctant,” Kamal said, adding the Army should go back to the borders and immediately withdraw from civilian areas.
	Srinagar celebrates Eid-e-Milad with fervour, devotees throng Hazratbal Tribune News Service Srinagar, January 14 Eid-e-Milad, the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad, was celebrated with traditional fervour as devotees in large numbers from all over the Valley thronged the revered Hazratbal shrine throughout the course of the day. While "Shab Khwani" was held at the shrine located on the banks of Dal Lake from last night, a sea of devotees offered prayers and remained engrossed in special supplications today amid chilly weather conditions. Emotional scenes of men and women praying with tears in their eyes were witnessed as the holy relic (hair strand) of the Prophet was displayed after each five-time prayer. Devotees were seen climbing nearby trees to catch a glimpse of the holy relic. The holy relic will be displayed exclusively for women devotees at the shrine tomorrow as well. A huge rush of devotees is also expected at the shrine this Friday. "Shab Khwani" was also held at several mosques and shrines of the Valley even though Hazratbal has remained the centre of Milad celebrations for centuries now. Milad processions were also taken out by different religious groups at different parts of the Valley to highlight the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. While Eid-e-Milad is observed on 12th Rabiul-Awwal of the Islamic calendar, devotees here also visit the Hazratbal shrine in large numbers for 11 days prior to the Prophet's birth anniversary. The display of the holy relic at Hazratbal is a part of distinct Milad celebrations in Kashmir. Ruing the ban on Milad processions, hardline Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani criticised the arrest of his party activists and other youths, who today tried to take out processions. Milad processions are taken out to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad. However, the authorities here have banned taking out religious processions in Srinagar.
	Kashmir valley receives fresh snowfall Srinagar, January 14 Kashmir Valley received fresh snowfall today, following which minimum temperature rose in the region providing slight relief to the residents from the cold conditions. Srinagar received 0.5 mm of snow during the night and recorded a minimum temperature of 0.5 degrees Celsius, over one degree up from the previous night's low of minus 1.1 degrees Celsius, an official of the MeT Department here said. Mercury in Qazigund increased by over two degrees to settle at a low of minus 1.5 degrees Celsius as against minus 3.9 degrees Celsius the previous night. The town recorded 2.9 mm of snowfall, he said. Kupwara, in north Kashmir, registered a low of minus 0.4 degrees Celsius, over two degrees up from the previous night's minus 3 degrees Celsius, the official said, adding that the town received 0.4 mm of fresh snowfall. The night temperature in south Kashmir's Kokernag settled at a low of minus 3.6 degrees Celsius as compared to the previous night's minus 5.2 degrees Celsius. The tourist resort received 1.5 mm of snow. The mercury in Pahalgam hill resort, in south Kashmir, went up by almost two degrees from the previous night's low of minus 5.6 degrees Celsius, to settle at a low of minus 3.8 degrees Celsius last night. Gulmarg, which recorded a low of minus 7.6 degrees Celsius the previous night, registered a low of minus 6 degrees Celsius last night. Pahalgam received 2.4 mm of snow during the night and Gulmarg recorded 0.8 mm of snowfall. The mercury in Leh rose by almost two degrees to settle at a low of minus 10.2 degrees Celsius as compared to the previous night's minus 12.1 degrees Celsius. The mercury in nearby Kargil town settled at minus 12 degrees Celsius as against the previous night's minus 11.5 degrees Celsius. Kargil was the coldest place in the state, he said. The MeT Department has said light rain or snowfall may occur at isolated places over the state over the next 24 hours. — PTI
	‘Govt committed to youth empowerment’ Tribune News Service Srinagar, January 14 Minister for Rural Development and Panchayats Ali Mohammad Sagar on Tuesday said the government was committed to the empowerment of the youth and several schemes have been launched in this regard. "These schemes can provide much needed skill development and employment opportunities to them," Sagar said while addressing a gathering at a function organised by the new Women's World Society at Khanyar in the old city here today. The function was attended by the Chief Executive Officer, Urban Development Agency, Kashmir (UDAK) and senior officers of various departments. The minister said the government had already launched various welfare schemes like Umeed, Udaan, Himayat and Skewpy for the youth of the state and now the onus lies on them to come forward and avail maximum benefit out of these and create employment opportunities for themselves. "Besides, Entrepreneur Development Institute has also been set up so that the youth of the state can set up their own entrepreneurial units and contribute their bit in creating jobs and economy as whole," the minister added.
	NC lashes out at PDP Srinagar, January 14 National Conference leader Mustafa Kamal today lashed out at the PDP, accusing them of sabotaging the creation of new administrative units in the state. "The PDP is using all its resources to halt the creation of new administrative units and by this way, the PDP is harming the interests of the people of the state and also its voters," Kamal said. — TNS
	Saif to shoot in snowy Gulmarg from today Our Correspondent Srinagar, January 14 Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan will be visiting Kashmir to shoot for Kabir Khan’s thriller film “Phantom”. A sequence of the film is to be shot at Gulmarg. Sources said the team would reach tomorrow and they would pack up by January 20. Another movie “Heropanti” by Sabbir Khan is also set to shoot some scenes in the Valley commencing this month. The movie casts Tiger Shroff and Kriti Sanon. Both the movies are produced by Sajid Nadiadwala. Sources who are hosting the crew in the Valley said it would be a five-day shooting schedule in different parts of the Valley, including Gulmarg, where some thriller action scenes would be filmed. Khawar Jamsheed, owner of KJ Productions, also the line producer of Bollywood hits like “Jab Tak Hai Jaan” and “Rockstar”, said Saif was coming to Kashmir soon for a short visit to shoot a few sequences of his upcoming movie. Katrina Kaif is the leading lady in the movie. During winters, as most of the Valley goes into hibernation, Gulmarg witnesses a carnival of sorts. A favoured destination for recreational heli-skiing, tourists throng Gulmarg at the first sight of snow. The place is also a favourite among Bollywood actors.
	City witnesses traffic chaos Our Correspondent Srinagar, January 14 Massive traffic jams were witnessed in the interiors of the old city and Hazratbal areas on the occasion of Eid-e-Milad here today. The traffic gridlock which was unexpected and caused huge problems to the people came as a surprise as there was no official advance notice about it. "I had left home early in the morning so that I could pay a visit to Hazratbal, but traffic jam caused so many problems that I thought of returning halfway," said Khadija Begum, who finally reached shrine at 2pm. Police and CRPF personnel had sealed off the entrances leading to the old city areas of Zadibal, Hawal, and Alamgari Bazaar areas from where Milad processions were expected. The security forces had laid down concertina wires and were seen directing traffic through alternate routes, causing a chaotic traffic jam in the interiors of the city. "Even today there was no proper plan for traffic movement. I was caught up in traffic mess at Hawal for an hour and I got late for office," said Aqib Farooq, who works in a bank. "The traffic department should have informed people in advance about the restrictions," he added. However, Superintendent of Police, traffic, Haseeb-ur-Rehman said it was actually lack of coordination between the two departments, which caused traffic jam. "Drainage work was started by some construction department and they didn't take us into confidence, so that we could plan traffic movement accordingly," he added. Anti-adulteration drive held The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) conducted an anti-adulteration drive outside the Hazratbal shrine on Eid-e-Milad here today. The SMC spokesperson said different wings of the corporation deployed additional staff at Hazratbal for the convenience of devotees thronging the shrine throughout the day. He said a special team of the SMC carried out checks of food items at the roadside shops, kiosks and vendors in and around Hazratbal. The SMC had also set up helpline tents for devotees heading towards the shrine. “Besides deploying additional staff for snow clearance, sanitation and fumigation of the area, several machines were put into service, including hoppers, round the clock. These machines ensured that the area, where devotees would come for prayers, stays clean,” the spokesperson said. — TNS
	Two held for sexually abusing 2 minor girls Tribune News Service Jammu, January 14 Two separate incidents of alleged sexual abuse of minor girls in less than 48 hours have been reported in the city. Yesterday, the Gangyal police arrested Sansar Chand, 65, resident of Kunjwani, who was working as a guard in a private school in Greater Kailash Colony, for allegedly raping an eight-year-old girl on the school premises. Sansar Chand was produced before a local court and sent to seven-day police custody today. The police said the victim, who belongs to a labour family from Bihar, was playing outside her house at Greater Kailash when the guard forcibly took the girl to a secluded place and allegedly raped her. After committing the crime, the guard allegedly threatened the girl of dire consequences if she revealed the incident to anyone. The girl narrated the incident to her family members, who complained to the police. In another incident that took place late last evening, a 25-year-old youth was arrested for allegedly trying to outrage the modesty of a minor girl in the Nai Basti area, under the jurisdiction of Gandhi Nagar police station. The police said the youth, identified as Sourav Singh, alias Abhay Singh, allegedly lured the three-year-old girl, residing near his house in Nai Basti, with a chocolate and took her to his room. “He bolted the door from inside and tried to outrage her modesty. Family members of the girl along with neighbourers, when came searching for the girl, raised an alarm and forced the youth to open the door. They handed over the youth to the police and a case was registered against him,” the police said. The incidents have led to a shock wave in the city with the people believing that the crime rate has been showing upward trend in recent past. “Such incidents are a blot on the civilised society. The culprits need to be punished strictly so that nobody dares to think of committing the crime. Besides, the police will have to play pro-active role and increase people-to-people contact to bring down crime rate,” Vishal Sharma, 29, a resident of Gandhi Nagar said. A Class VII girl was allegedly gang-raped by two brothers in a minibus in the Bantalab area and a minor was brutally killed in Khandwal village, on the outskirts of Jammu city, last month. The cases * On Monday, the Gangyal police arrested Sansar Chand (65), resident of Kunjwani, who was working as a guard at a private school in Greater Kailash Colony, for allegedly raping an eight-year-old girl on the school premises. Sansar Chand was produced before a local court and sent to seven-day police custody on Tuesday * A 25-year-old youth, Sourav Singh, alias Abhay Singh, was arrested for allegedly trying to outrage the modesty of a minor girl in the Nai Basti area, under the Gandhi Nagar police station, on Monday evening
	Girl ends life in Kupwara Our Correspondent Kupwara, January 14 A 20-year-old girl from Manigah village of Kupwara district, who allegedly set herself on fire last evening, died at the Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital in Srinagar today. The girl, a student of class XII was shifted to the SHMS Hospital last evening following severe burn injuries. Doctors attending on her at thehospital said she had suffered more than 90% burn injuries. “She had received severe burn injuries especially on her face and chest. We referred her to the SMHS Hospital, Srinagar, for treatment,” said a doctor at sub-district hospital, Kupwara. “The girl was in love with a boy who had refused to marry her, forcing her to take the extreme step. She sprinkled petrol on herself and set herself on fire. By the time family members could have saved her, she was almost completely burnt,” a family source said. Meanwhile, the girl reportedly died due to cardiac arrest this evening, when doctors at the SMHS Hospital were performing plastic surgery on her.
	J&K cricketers hopeful of playing in IPL-VII Majid Jahangir Tribune News Service Srinagar, January 14 Buoyed by their performance in the Ranji Trophy this season, Jammu and Kashmir captain Parvez Rasool is hopeful that five or six cricketers from the state will make it to the forthcoming seventh edition of the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL). “The way our cricketers performed during the entire Ranji tournament, I am hopeful that five or six players will make it to the forthcoming edition of the IPL,” said Rasool, who represented Pune Warriors last season. “Many of our players did exceptionally well in the Ranji matches and statistics are also in their favour,” the captain said. The auctions for IPL-VII are scheduled to be held on February 12. Players like Samiullah Beigh, Adil Reshi, Ram Dayal, Umar Nazir, Mohammed Mudhasir and Ian Dev Singh could make it to the cash-rich league this season. The cricketers said they were in touch with various franchises and are optimistic of getting a chance to display their talent in the shorter version of the game. J&K made it to the quarterfinals of the Ranji Trophy this season before being knocked out by a formidable Punjab side led by Harbhajan Singh. When asked about his selection into the Indian team, Rasool, who was a part of the Indian squad that visited Zimbabwe last year, said it was for the selectors to make a call and his job was to concentrate on the game. “My job is to play and it is the national selectors who have to take a call. The selectors were watching our games during the Ranji matches and it is for them to make the decision,” the all rounder from south Kashmir’s Bijbehara town said. He scored over 600 runs and took 27 wickets in this season’s Ranji Trophy.