|
|
|
|
|
10 school kids injured as Matador overturns
Illegal parking on national highway poses danger to drivers
Kashmiri Hindu Shrine Bill |
|
|
Jammu University Teachers Association poll today
Jammu State Morcha cautions people against joining AAP
Teachers’ body opposes PPP model in medical college
corporal punishment
Alumna visits MIER for interaction
Terror camps across LoC intact: Army
BJP workers unhappy with reinduction of ‘rebel’ MLAs
NC firm on full implementation of Ganai committee report
National Conference leader Devender Singh Rana (centre) along with party leaders after being unanimously re-elected the provincial president in Jammu on Wednesday. A Tribune Photograph
Cabinet panel on new units gets 10 more days
66th Army Day
Army continues search for militants in Sopore forests
Awareness rally marks road safety week
Soldier run over by train
CET scam: Enforcement Directorate registers case against Peer
Government issues circular to security forces to be sensitive
Panthers Party MLAs meet Governor
Panthers Party legislators called on Governor NN Vohra at
Raj Bhawan in Jammu on Wednesday. A Tribune Photograph Tehsil status row
Work on Rs 50 cr trauma centre to complete soon
Pulwama village facing power and water woes
Irrigation Minister calls on Governor
Minister for Public Health Engineering, Irrigation and Flood Control Sham Lal Sharma with Governor NN Vohra at Raj Bhawan in Jammu on Wednesday. A Tribune Photograph
Biz community, hoteliers fear another lean tourism season
Srinagar residents get slight respite from freezing cold
Icicles hanging on a culvert in Kangan, 40 km east of Srinagar. Tribune photo: Yawar Kabli
Traders object to online filing of tax returns
JKLF holds sit-in for prisoners
Laparoscopic pyelolithotomy performed in Sopore
130 bottles of banned drug seized, 4 held
Minor’s rape: One arrested
|
|
10 school kids injured as Matador overturns
Jammu, January 15 The ill-fated matador, bearing registration No JK 02 S-5117, was on
its way to Parade from Janipur Colony. When it reached near Patoli Morh, the driver of the Matador lost his control over the vehicle and it overturned over an auto-rickshaw, bearing registration No JK 02 AT-4111, which was parked on
the roadside. There were about 10 children going to their school in the Matador. They got injured in the accident. The injured students were admitted to Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu. The auto-rickshaw got badly damaged in the accident, but fortunately there was no one inside it at the time of the accident. The police said the Matador was being rashly driven by the driver. It had impounded the vehicle and registered a case at the Janipur police station under Sections 279 and 337 of the RPC.
|
||
|
Illegal parking on national highway poses danger to drivers
Jammu, January 15 At times drivers had a close shave with death while overtaking vehicles as they suddenly find a truck, two-wheelers or cars parked on the sides of the highway. This is a problem right from Channi Himmat, Kunjwani, up to Samba, but no step has been taken to discourage people from parking their vehicles. Further adding to the chaos, automobile companies have opened showrooms on the national highway, which has further created chaos as several vehicles remain parked outside their premises. "I had a close shave with death a few days back while overtaking a bus near the Narwal bypass. People should be discouraged to park their vehicles on roadsides, particularly on national highways," said Surinder Krishan, a businessman. With the Kunjwani-Sidhra highway becoming an alternative road to reach the Kashmir valley and holy town of Katra, the bypass area is emerging as a new commercial hub in the city. The SSP (Traffic), Pawan Parihar, said action was being taken against traffic rule violators on regular basis. "Whenever any violation is detected action is taken. People can inform us if they see any violation so that suitable action is taken," he said. In the recent past hundreds of shops, eating joints and showrooms have come up in the area and the land prices have also shown a marked rise. "Accidents have become a regular affair on the Kunjwani-Narwal road stretch. Trucks loaded with goods generally block the view of vehicles coming from connecting roads, resulting in great inconvenience to drivers," Jyoti Sharma, a resident of Channi area, said. |
||
|
Kashmiri Hindu Shrine Bill
Jammu, January 15 The secretary of the Dharmarth Trust, Shashi Khajuria, while briefing mediapersons said, “While we support the government efforts to restore the glory of temples belonging to and managed by the Kashmiri Pandit community, the demand for including the temples managed by autonomous religious institutions within the purview of the Bill is born out of the greed by the vested interests to seize the properties of these shrines, which are well managed and remained operational throughout the militancy.” Khajuria stated that disturbing these institutions would not only be detrimental to the religious places, but also have an adverse socio political impact, not only in Kashmir, but also in Jammu region. “There is a strong perception among Hindus in Jammu division that the demand for inclusion of religious places belonging to and managed by non-Kashmiri Hindus is part of the conspiracy to destroy the footprints of Dogra Hindus and their heritage in the Valley, said a press note, issued on behalf of the Sanatan Dharam Sabha, Jammu, Sanatan Dharam Partap Sabha, Kashmir, J&K Sadhu Samaj, Shri Chander Chinar Akhara Trust, Shri Narayan Math Srinagar, Abigujar Trust and Shri Hanuman Mandir Trust. While accusing the Prem Nath Bhat Memorial Trust of playing in the hands of vested interests, Khajuria said if the body had any genuine interest about the Kashmiri Hindus, it should concern itself about them and not dabble in politics over the most sensitive religious issue concerning the Hindus and their places of worship. |
||
|
Jammu University Teachers Association poll today
Jammu, January 15 Prof Dileep Singh Jamwal of the Mathematics Department, three-time JUTA president, and Prof Dhian Singh Bhau from the Directorate of Physical Education and Sports are in fray for the post of president. Around 260 faculty members of JUTA will cast their votes to elect a new team of the association. Three candidates, Daud Iqbal, Vijay Sehgal and Varinder Kundal, are in contest for the post of general secretary, while two candidates, Vivek Sharma and Madhulika Bhagat, are trying their luck for the post of joint secretary. Vishav Raksha and Sandeep Arya have already been elected unopposed vice-president and treasure, respectively. According to university officials, the election process will be held between 10 am and 3 pm at Brigadier Rajinder Singh Auditorium. — TNS |
||
|
Jammu State Morcha cautions people against joining AAP
Jammu, January 15 The JSM has deplored the recent statement of AAP leader Prashant Bushan that there should be referendum on the deployment of the Army in Kashmir. “People must think whether AAP can provide any remedy to the discriminatory treatment being meted out to Jammu region at the hands of Kashmir-based political parties”, said JSM president Prof Virender Gupta. Gupta said people of Jammu province should be watchful of the fact that the people supporting anti-national agenda are being inducted in the AAP.A"The JSM feels that the AAP has no political relevance in Jammu and Kashmir and in the country as a whole," he said. — TNS |
||
|
Teachers’ body opposes PPP model in medical college
Jammu, January 15 The association has submitted a memorandum to the government that the move would adversely affect the functioning of the hospital and staff would not be able to train doctors and paramedical staff in using these equipment. President of the MTA Dr Tariq Azad has alleged that it has come to their notice that the government is contemplating to appoint some people from the private sector as directors/advisers in super-speciality hospital on part-time basis, which will be opposed. “We strongly resent such action. Appointment of a full-time faculty on a senior position from any government institution is welcome, but from the private sector is highly objectionable,” the memorandum says. The association has urged the government not to go ahead with the privatisation of the government hospitals as it will lead to direct interference in the functioning of the institution. The association in the memorandum has warned that if the process is not reversed the medical staff and doctors will be forced to start an agitation against the move of the government. |
||
|
corporal punishment
Srinagar, January 15 The front said, “It is a shame on the state education sector wherein such crude methods of punishment go unnoticed.” “We are highly disturbed by those videos that have surfaced on social media like Facebook and YouTube and in which students appear to be undergoing torture,” said GN Var, general secretary, JKPSUF. “The worst part is that the teachers in at least one of the videos seem to be enjoying it,” he added. The front said such methods of teachings should not be employed in the present scenario. “These methods put the children in mental stress and his or her emotional state is scarred, sometimes for whole life,” said Var.
|
||
|
Alumna visits MIER for interaction
Jammu, January 15 Sarita Moza, Headmistress, JK Public School, Kunjwani, who was invited as an alumna, visited the college for an interactive session with the students of the current session. Dr Annie Koul, Head of the BEd Department, highlighted the achievements of Sarita Moza in the field of education. Sarita Moza while addressing the gathering expressed gratitude to the institution to which she owed everything and which helped her develop her potential to the optimum level. The programme was followed by an interactive session with students.
|
||
|
Terror camps across LoC intact: Army
Akhnoor, January 15 Addressing mediapersons after the Northern Command’s investiture ceremony here, Lt General Chachra said: “Looking at 2014, there is a perceived peace in state but terror infrastructure across the LoC is intact and the intent is there. The enemy has the capability to calibrate violence whenever it wishes to do so. Therefore, it is time to consolidate peace and ensure J&K remains stable. We cannot afford to put our head down.” “Last year, there were a large number of ceasefire violations, infiltration bids and BAT (Border Action Team) attacks by Pakistan. We responded to them effectively with the results we wanted to achieve,” he added. He said Pakistan knew the futility of doing all this. “But the terrorist camps across the border are still active and they have the infrastructure and the capability to disturb peace in the state. Therefore, clear directions have been given to the troops on the LoC and the hinterland to remain alert to the nefarious designs of forces inimical to peace,” he added. “Since NATO troops are leaving Afghanistan and ours being a responsible and professional Army, it is prudent on our part to be prepared. We have already made certain strategic changes, strengthening our security grid on the LoC to counter any sort of infiltration attempts,” he said. Lt General Chachra said while the Army has been very alert on the border, in the hinterland it is constantly going after the remaining militants to keep them on the run. “But I have also given directions in clear and explicit terms to my commanders and men that all counter insurgency operations must be people-friendly. No human rights violations and no collateral damage would be acceptable at all and no trigger whatsoever should go to the ‘elements’ who could exploit the situation and vitiate peace in the state,” he said. “And even if there is one, we would not wait for the complaint to come. We will take immediate action,” he added. On Chinese incursions in Ladakh, he said, “There is peace and stability on the Line of Actual Control. Since the LAC in some areas is not delineated, we patrol areas with our perception of the LAC and they (Chinese troops) do it as per their perception. But in case of any face-off, we have clear border mechanism in place.” “One or two incidents do happen, which are over-hyped. Right now our focus is on infrastructure-building to make our position more strong,” he added. Earlier, Lt General Chachra paid homage to the soldiers and officers who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. He presented gallantry and distinguished service awards to 22 officers and others ranks of the Northern Command. He presented two Yudh Seva Medals, 12 Sena Medals (Gallantry), one Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry), five Sena Medal (Distinguished) and two Vishisht Seva Medals. He also presented the GOC-in-C Northern Command’s Unit Citation to 18 units for their outstanding performance in 2013. Army Day celebrations across region Rajouri: Various Rashtriya Rifles battalions under the aegis of Romeo Force celebrated the Army Day at their place of postings in Poonch and Rajouri districts. To remember the sacrifices made by the martyrs of the force, wreath-lying ceremonies were held at Potha (Surankot) and at Manjakot in Rajouri district, which is the sector headquarter. Rashtriya Rifles Battalion based at Mendhar organised a friendly cricket match. A debate and drawing competition on the theme ‘Indian Army: Selfless Service to the Nation’ was also organised at Bal Ashram, Manjakot and Thanamandi, in which students from various schools participated.
|
||
|
BJP workers unhappy with reinduction of ‘rebel’ MLAs
Hiranagar, January 15 Although no BJP leader is coming on record to oppose the decision of the high command, a majority of the leaders observed that revoking the suspension of the expelled MLAs would blunt the party’s campaign against corruption in the coming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. The lukewarm response of party workers of Hiranagar in Kathua district over the reinduction of expelled MLA Durga Dass is a clear indication that the cadre is not enthusiastic about the development. “How will we rake up the issue of corruption in the coming Lok Sabha elections when our party has reinducted those MLAs who were expelled on charges of cross-voting,” asked a senior BJP leader. “The high command had earlier committed a blunder by expelling seven of the 11 MLAs on the charges of cross-voting without adopting a transparent mechanism to identify the wrong-doers,” the leader said on condition of anonymity. “The hasty decision to expel the seven MLAs was taken in a dubious manner only to shield one of the veteran leaders whose role was under a cloud in the cross-voting episode,” he alleged. “Now the party has committed another blunder by reinducting these MLAs against whom state party leaders had levelled charges of corruption a number of times,” he said, adding that the decision to revoke the suspension was taken only to appease a group of party leaders and wishes and aspirations of genuine workers were ignored. |
||
|
NC firm on full implementation of Ganai committee report
Jammu, January 15 National Conference (NC) leader Devender Singh Rana said, “Our demand is that the Mushtaq Ganai and Dr Bloeria panel reports be implemented in letter and in spirit. Those opposing the creation of new administrative units must understand that it is the demand of the people and they should respect the aspirations of the public.” He said “any attempt to derail or delay the process by vested interests will be against the legitimate interests of the people who are yearning for immediate setting up of new administrative units at patwar, block, niabat, tehsil and sub-divisional levels”. He assailed the “vested interests” for politicising the creation of new administrative units and the complete implementation of the reports of the two committees. The NC provincial president regretted attempts made by some political entities to create a regional wedge by describing the report as biased. He said reports emanating from the CSC clearly indicated that the report was “balanced, just and reflective” of the peoples’ urges. “There is no scope for raising this bogey,” he said. Rana said the people in general and the stakeholders in particular were rallying behind Chief Minister Omar Abdullah with the hope that his bold initiative would provide much-needed succour and relief to the common man who has to suffer while seeking redress of his problems. Earlier, senior NC leader and Minister for Planning and Development Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, in his capacity as the Returning Officer for the elections, declared Rana elected unopposed as the provincial president for the Jammu region. Former minister Abdul Gani Malik and MLC Vijay Bakaya were observers appointed by the party high command. Rana’s name was proposed by Harbans Singh, Surjeet Singh Slathia, Peer Mushtaq Ahmad Bukhari, Aijaz Jan, Qazi Jalal-ud-Din, besides 14 district presidents and 133 block presidents. The Electoral College comprising 2,365 delegates raised their hands to unanimously elect Rana. Cabinet panel on new units gets 10 more days Jammu: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has told the Cabinet Sub-Committee (CSC) on new administrative units to take 10 more days to compile the report. The panel will hold the last meeting with people on Thursday. This was discussed at a meeting between Congress ministers, part of the CSC, and the Chief Minister today evening at his residence. “The Chief Minister told them to take their time and compile the report. Around 10 days have been given to the CSC to submit the report,” a source said, adding the Congress was not in favour of implementing the Mushtaq Ganai Committee report on the constitution of new administrative units, which has given the Kashmir valley more units as compared to the Jammu region. A senior Congress minister said: “We will accept the decision on new administrative units only if disparity is ended and Jammu is given more units. We will not accept the Mushtaq Ganai report.” He said they had to look after their constituencies as they get more seats from Jammu.
|
||
|
66th Army Day
Kupwara January 15 He was speaking on the commemoration of 66th Army Day organised by 160 Infantry Battalion, Territorial Army (TA), Home and Hearth, at Hirri in Kupwara. On the occasion, a mega rally of ex-servicemen was organised to honour its veterans and war widows from various areas of Kupwara district. “The families of ex-servicemen should come forward and take responsibility in peace building, especially in the prevailing circumstances. Such an interactive forum is a good way to express the genuine concerns of the Army towards the families of those who laid down their lives in the service of the nation,” said the GOC. Maj General Sandhu felicitated more than 500 veterans and war widows. Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara, Senior Superintendent of Police, Kupwara, Col Chaand Saroha of 160 Infantry Battalion, Territorial Army, and other police officers were present. While interacting with the veterans and war widows, the GOC of 28 Infantry Division assured them of the commitment of the Army towards their well being and hailed the efforts of the civil administration in coming up to the expectations of the public, especially ex-servicemen. A medical camp was organised on the occasion and free of cost medicines were provided by Army and civil doctors to ailing people. On the occasion, a parade by Home and Hearth troops and a canine show was organised, besides a band display. A tableau, ‘Fiza-e-Kashmir’, depicting customs and traditions of Kashmir and national anthem recital by families of the personnel of Home and Hearth added colour to the occasion. |
||
|
Army continues search for militants in Sopore forests
Srinagar, January 15 The searches are being carried in Charhar and Marcbel forests since the last Friday to trace JeM militants, who had recently shifted their base to Sopore from Lolab forests of the frontier Kupwara district. Three members of the group, which also included divisional commander of the JeM Qari Hassan, were killed on January 13 in an encounter in Dooru village, 60 km from here. “The searches are going on as we have concrete inputs about the presence of three to four militants in the forest area or its neighbourhood,” said a police officer in the
north Kashmir. The sources said various units of the Army counter-insurgency force and Special Operation Group of the J&K police were carrying out the combing operation in the area. The sources said the JeM group of six to seven militants, which was operating in Lolab from the last one year, was sent to Sopore recently to revive the outfit. However, the killing of three Pakistani militants of the JeM gave a big jolt to their plans, the security official said. While six to seven militants were sent to Sopore, out of whom three have been killed so far, a few were sent to south Kashmir, which probably also included the new chief of the outfit, he added. |
||
|
Awareness rally marks road safety week
Jammu, January 15 Dr Mandeep K Bhandari, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, who was the chief guest on the occasion, flagged off the rally from the Mata Vaishno Devi Spiritual Growth Centre to Government Higher Secondary School, Katra, in which a large number of students from Katra and its adjoining areas participated. The theme of this year’s Road Safety Week is “When on the Road Always Say Pehle Aap”. Holding placards and raising slogans on road safety, the rally passed through different locations of the town and culminated at Government Higher Secondary School. Addressing the students before flagging off the rally, Bhandari emphasised the need for strict enforcement and observance of traffic norms to make roads safe for users. He said a large number of people die every year due to road accidents and called upon everyone to contribute to minimise road accidents by following traffic rules and regulations. The CEO said students could play a vital role in creating awareness about traffic norms and called upon them to be the messengers of road safety so that the aims and objectives behind organising such events were realised. He complimented the Motor Vehicle Department for organising the rally. Kulbir Singh, Additional SP, Katra, threw light on the preventive measures to be adopted by road users to minimise accidents. Dr Jagdish Mehra, project officer, DRDA, Reasi, dwelt on the aims and objects of organising the students rally. Rakesh Wazir, chief warden, Civil Defence, Katra, lauded the shrine board and the Motor Vehicle Department for creating awareness about traffic rules. Lessons on traffic rules * Mandeep K Bhandari, CEO, Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, flagged off the rally from Vaishno Devi Spiritual Growth Centre to Govt Higher Secondary School, Katra *
A large number of students from Katra and its adjoining areas participated in the rally *
The CEO emphasised the need for strict enforcement and observance of traffic norms to make roads safe for users |
||
|
Jammu, January 15 Shiv Kumar Sharma, Superintendent of Police, Railways, said: “The soldier went near the washing line and positioned himself on the track when the train was leaving for Udhampur.” Defence PRO Col Manish Mehta, meanwhile, said: “We cannot say the soldier committed suicide. It can be confirmed only after the investigation is over.” The PRO said Naik Amit Kumar of 42 Medical Regiment of P-Bty was found dead near Jammu Railway Station. Kumar hails from Bakali village of Rewari district in Haryana. The body was shifted to Government Medical College for postmortem. — TNS |
||
|
CET scam: Enforcement Directorate registers case against Peer
New Delhi, January 15 The central agency took over the case after going through an FIR of the Jammu and Kashmir Police registered in the case earlier. The ED, according to sources, has identified Peer’s assets and bank accounts in Delhi and Kashmir for possible attachment as “proceeds of crime” derived from alleged corruption money of the scam. Peer may soon be questioned in the case. The crime branch of the police had submitted a chargesheet in the Common Entrance Test (CET) paper leak case against Peer and 24 others two days ago before the Special Judge, Anti Corruption, Kashmir, ML Manhas at his residence in Jammu. The 31-page chargesheet, sources said, has been filed against Peer, the main accused in the scam, and his accomplices, including Farooq Ahmad Yatoo, alleged broker Sajad Ahmed Bhat, Haroon and Farooq Ahmad Shah who had allegedly purchased the papers from Peer and then sold them to students for a hefty amount. The chargesheet has named 12 students and nine parents As per the chargesheet, the crime branch of the J&K Police had received a letter from the state government on July 7, 2013, along with enclosures, wherein it was alleged that reports were received about irregularities committed by the BOPEE authorities while conducting the CET examination on June 23-24, 2012, during which question papers were leaked in return for money. The crime branch, which was directed by the government to probe the matter, conducted a preliminary inquiry into the conduct of the CET during 2011, 2012 and 2013. During a preliminary probe, it was learnt that Farooq Ahmed Itoo, owner of a computer institute and close associate of Peer, had sold question papers to some candidates of CET-2012. The challan said the selection list of 2011 and 2012 obtained from BOPEE found that a number of candidates from a particular area made it to the top of MBBS merit list in 2012, which was possible only by accessing question papers in advance. The probe showed BOPEE officers and officials in league with Itoo and others had abused their official position to leak the questions. — PTI Assets under lens The Enforcement Directorate, sources say, has identified Mushtaq Ahmad Peer’s assets and bank accounts in Delhi and Kashmir for possible attachment as
“proceeds of crime” derived from alleged corruption money of the scam |
||
|
Government issues circular to security forces to be sensitive
Jammu, January 15 “The circular is based on two things. One that during any cordon, search or security emergency operations, security forces must give special treatment to patients, aged persons, women with medical needs and candidates appearing in any examination or interview after verification,” Shailendra Kumar said. “The second part is that employees belonging to emergency services, Health and Medical Department, Power Development Department, Public Health Engineering and others be allowed to proceed to duty after verifying their identity cards,” he said. Informing about the inquiry into the Kupwara episode, the Divisonal Commissioner said, “I have got the call details of doctor and the company commander verified and it was known that the doctor had urged the commander several times to allow him to proceed to duty. But the officer didn’t pay heed to his request.” He said, “The security forces need to be sensitive towards needs of the people.” The Health Department and the Omar government were targeted for being insensitive towards the need of the pregnant woman. |
||
|
Panthers Party MLAs meet Governor
Jammu, January 15 The National Panthers Party legislators informed the Governor about issues relating to road connectivity, development of tourists spots, long delays in the releases of allocations by the State Planning Department, neglect of “bad-pocket” areas, non-implementation of the Prime Minister’s Special Task Force recommendations and other impediments in the way of the rapid economic growth of the state. They also briefed the Governor about the to-date status of various Central and state-sponsored development schemes in their respective constituencies. |
||
|
Tehsil status row
Pulwama, January 15 The hunger strike was organised by Shahoora Civil Society Littar (SCSL), who alleged that the Tehsil status to Littar was hijacked by the National Conference district President Ghulam Nabi Niloora in connivance with Deputy Commissioner, Pulwama. President SCSL Advocate Rayes Ahmad Wani said Littar was the only place, which could have been given the tehsil status, as the adjoining villages had easy access to this village. He added that Littar was 15 kilometre away from the district headquarters and was centrally located. “Lassipora is just eight kilometre away from the district headquarters as compared to Littar, which falls in the middle,” Rayees said. He added that Lassipora does not come under Shahoora area, which was recommended as a tehsil, but falls under Sherpathri. Residents of Littar protested soon after the Cabinet Sub Committee (CSC) meeting held in Pulwama on January 11. The residents even protested in front of Ghulam Nabi Niloora’s house, which resulted in a scuffle. |
||
|
Work on Rs 50 cr trauma centre to complete soon
Doda, January 15 The trauma centre, being constructed at a cost of Rs 50 crore, is being constructed on the directions of the Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad near his native village. The hospital would facilitate accident victims and pregnant women, who have to cover 70 to 80 km to reach the district hospital for even first-aid. The construction work started in March 2013 and is likely to complete in 2017. Block Medical Officer, Gandho Dr Nazir Din said: “The Super Speciality Trauma Centre will defiantly help local people who have to travel a lot to reach Doda for even first aid.”
|
||
|
Pulwama village facing power and water woes
Pulwama, January 15 The village has 40 families, out of which 20 come under the Rural Development Department, while the remaining comes under the Municipal Committee, Pulwama. But neither the municipality nor the Rural Development Department has paid attention to the residents’ problems. Villagers rue that they have requested the government to provide basic amenities to them several times, but in vain. They said they had no option but to protest and come out on roads. “Now, we have stopped requesting the district administration and the elected representatives, as we know nothing will happen,” a villager said. They further alleged that the electricity wires and wooden poles installed in 1970s have not been replaced so far. “We fall under Pulwama municipality, but the government has failed to provide us with basic amenities,” Adil Mustaq, another resident said, adding that he has to go to the main market to charge his mobile phone’s battery as there is no electricity in their area most of the times. Residents said the water supply line was provided in 2000, but it did not last long and became defunct a few months later. Now, they said they were without drinking water. They further alleged that the surrounding villages have witnessed development due to Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), but their village was yet to benefit under it. “The lanes in the surrounding villages have been made of concrete, but we still have to pass through the kutcha roads,” Adil said. Deputy Commissioner Manzoor Ahmad Lone, however, denied having received any complaint. He said they should come to his office with their grievances and he would consider their problem at the earnest. Villagers’ plaints * Electricity wires, wooden poles set up in 1970s have not been replaced so far *
Water supply line provided in 2000 became defunct a few months later *
Residents of Taqia Dangerpora yet to benefit from MGNREGA * Still using kutcha roads
|
||
|
Irrigation Minister calls on Governor
Jammu, January 15 Sharma briefed the Governor about measures being taken by the PHE Department to augment supply of safe drinking water in various areas of the state to meet its fast increasing requirement. He also discussed with the Governor the status of various projects undertaken to increase the net irrigated area in the state and the work being done by the Flood and Irrigation Department to check siltation and choking of water bodies. The minister also discussed with Vohra some political and development issues affecting the interests of the state. |
||
|
Biz community, hoteliers fear another lean tourism season
Srinagar, January 15 “The recent sealing of 250 hotels/guesthouses by the Pollution Control Board has sent wrong signals….Even though hotels having up to 19 rooms have now been allowed to resume commercial activities, what about hotels having more rooms. There will be problems when tourists start arriving (after winter months). Where will they go…it will hurt tourism,” Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA) chief spokesman Siraj Ahmad said while addressing a press conference here today. The KEA is an amalgam of various traders’ and hoteliers’ associations. Several hoteliers had been told to suspend commercial activities last year for not following the standard procedures of STPs on their premises. However, later, hotels having up to 19 rooms were allowed to function without individual STPs. The hoteliers on the other hand have been demanding setting up of common STPs under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) scheme. KEA chairman M Yaseen Khan said the employees of the hotels as a result had been left jobless while pointing out that the tourism was one of the most driving sources for the economy of the state that needed priority considerations from the government for its further growth. “Therefore, the government should come forward with all open mindedness to rescue the hotel industry from further damage as also to ensure the forthcoming season of 2014 a smooth and successful tourism year,” he added. The KEA also urged the government to revisit its decision of de-registering old houseboats in need of repairs. A large number of tourists also stay in houseboats during their stay here. Khan said houseboats were part of Kashmir’s heritage and the same needed to be saved from extinction. Meanwhile, the amalgam reiterated its demand for the revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) while claiming that the act too was “affecting” the state’s economy, besides the tourism sector. ‘Sealing of hotels sent wrong signals’ "The recent sealing of 250 hotels/guesthouses by the Pollution Control Board has sent wrong signals….Even though hotels having up to 19 rooms have now been allowed to resume commercial activities, what about hotels having more rooms. There will be problems when tourists start arriving (after winter months). Where will they go…it will hurt
tourism." |
||
|
Srinagar residents get slight respite from freezing cold
Srinagar, January 15 Kashmir is having a brush with extremely cold climatic conditions as the region passes through Chillai Kalan, the harshest phase of winter, which lasts for 40 days and will end by January 31. Qazigund town, located on the southern tip of the Valley, recorded a comparatively warmer night as the minimum temperature there was recorded at a low of zero degrees Celsius, the official said. In north Kashmir’s frontier Kupwara town, the mercury overnight dropped to a low of 1.5 degrees Celsius. Gulmarg resort, which turns into a skiing destination during winter months, the minimum temperature overnight was recorded at minus 7.6 degrees Celsius, making it the coldest place in the Valley. The minimum temperature in south Kashmir’s Pahalgam resort settled at a low of minus 6.4 degrees Celsius, the official said. In Leh town of remote Ladakh region, where the minimum temperature had earlier dropped 18 to 20 degrees below the freezing point, the mercury overnight fell to a low of minus 12.8 degrees Celsius, the official said. In nearby Kargil district, the night temperature fell to a low of minus 13 degrees Celsius. Marginal increase in minimum temperature Srinagar city recorded a low of 1.5 degrees Celsius on
Tuesday night, an official of the state Meteorological Department said, marking a marginal increase in the
minimum temperature, which had earlier plunged three to four degrees below the zero-degree mark |
||
|
Traders object to online filing of tax returns
Srinagar, January 15 “The decision of the department asking traders to file returns online is not possible and the department has issued a notice in which all businessmen have been asked to file their return of commercial tax online till January 31,” he said. “Without having any knowledge of the system it is hard for them to file the returns. How will a businessman learn to file the return online?
Before taking such decisions, the department should have at least taken the business community of Kashmir into confidence,” he added. Shahdhar said the Commercial Taxes Department should have first allowed traders to learn filing returns online. President, KTF, Haji Jan Mohammad Koul urged the department to withdraw its decision as all traders were not computer literate. “The decision has been taken in hurry without any prior thought ….or give some time to the businessmen to learn the procedure so that they don’t face losses by not entering the data properly,” he added. |
||
|
JKLF holds sit-in for prisoners
Srinagar, January 15 The sit-in was led by JKLF’s zonal president Noor Mohammed Kalwal and attended by several party leaders and activists. “The protesters raised slogans in favour of prisoners and held banners and placards bearing slogans against the atrocities committed against the prisoners of Jammu and Kashmir languishing in jails all over India,” a JKLF statement said. Kalwal said the sit-in was intended to “raise peaceful voices against the atrocities committed against Kashmiri prisoners across Indian jails”. The JKLF leader termed the prisoners, most of whom are militants and have been sentenced to life imprisonments, including Mohammad Qasim Faktoo and recent convicts Sheikh Imran and Sheikh Farhat, as “heroes”. |
||
|
Laparoscopic pyelolithotomy performed in Sopore
Srinagar, January 15 Though performed at the tertiary healthcare centres of the Valley, an official of the Directorate Health Services, Kashmir, described the surgery at a community health centre a milestone. “In laparoscopic pyelolithotomy, small incisions are made in the abdomen and the stones are removed from the renal pelvis using a fine fibre optic tube to see and perform simple movements inside the body,” the official added. He said a 25-year-old male patient underwent laparoscopic pyelolithotomy at the community health centre in Sopore . The procedure was successfully performed
by a team of doctors, including Dr Imran Muzaffar and Dr Sameer Ibrahim. The Directorate Health Services said the patient was doing well after operation and would be discharged soon. Meanwhile, the Director, Health Services, Kashmir, Dr Saleem-ur-Rehman complimented the administrator of the Sopore community health centre, Dr Syed Masood, and the operative team for achieving the “feat”. He assured that the department would support such endeavours by providing logistics so that people of rural areas would benefit by availing themselves of advanced health services on their doorsteps. |
||
|
130 bottles of banned drug seized, 4 held
Doda, January 15 After checking, the police saw a bag full of Rexcof syrup, which is a banned drug. Two persons identified as Fayaz Ahmed Pampori and Zia-Ul-Haq were arrested on the spot, whereas They were booked under Sections 08/21/ 22/25/29 of the NDPS Act. The car was also seized from which 130 bottles of Rexcof were recovered. Meanwhile, police said the hunt to arrest other suspect Raju Banday, who fled away last night, is on. In a similar drive, a team of Thathri Police
Station arrested one Raj Kumar with 36 pouches of illicit liquor. |
||
|
Minor’s rape: One arrested
Kupwara January 15 “We have formed several teams and are hopeful that all accused wanted in the case will be arrested. Today we have arrested an accomplice, who helped them in the crime,” Meanwhile, the girl’s father demanded strict punishment for the accused. The girl informed that Abdul Rouf Bhat, 30, from Palhalan lured her and forcibly took her to Anantanag on January 13 in a Sumo, where she was raped by four persons.
|
|
| 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 | |
With Jammu and Kashmir going to the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections and US-led NATO forces’ withdrawal from Afghanistan this year, Northern Command chief Lt Gen Sanjiv Chachra today described 2014 as a “very crucial” year for the restive state.
Addressing mediapersons after the Northern Command’s investiture ceremony here, Lt General Chachra said: “Looking at 2014, there is a perceived peace in state but terror infrastructure across the LoC is intact and the intent is there.
The ruling National Conference today toughened its posture on creation of new administrative units in the state, saying nothing short of complete implementation of the official report of the Mushtaq Ganai Committee was acceptable to it.
General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 28 Infantry Division Maj Gen JS Sandhu today highlighted the contributions made by gallant ex-servicemen in the service of the nation and towards development and maintenance of peace in the state.
Security forces continue to carry out search operations to trace a group of pro-Pakistan
Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) militants in the forest area near Sopore town. The searches are being carried in Charhar and Marcbel forests since the last Friday to trace JeM militants, who had recently shifted their base to Sopore from Lolab forests of the frontier Kupwara district. Three members of the group, which also included divisional commander of the JeM Qari
Hassan, were killed on January 13 in an encounter in Dooru village, 60 km from here.
Harsh Dev Singh, Ramnagar MLA, Balwant Singh Mankotia, Udhampur MLA, and Yashpal
Kundal, Samba MLA, called on Governor NN Vohra at Raj Bhawan here today.
After protesting for three days, residents of Littar, Pulwama, today went on an indefinite hunger strike against the government saying that they will continue with their strike until Littar gets a tehsil status.
The hunger strike was organised by Shahoora Civil Society Littar (SCSL), who alleged that the Tehsil status to Littar was hijacked by the National Conference district President Ghulam Nabi Niloora in connivance with Deputy Commissioner,
Pulwama.
Minister for Public Health Engineering (PHE), Irrigation and Flood Control Sham Lal Sharma called on Governor NN Vohra at Raj Bhawan in Jammu today.
Kashmir region’s main city got a slight respite from the shivering cold of past weeks as mercury overnight settled above the freezing point.
Srinagar city recorded a low of 1.5 degrees Celsius overnight, an official of the state Meteorological department said, marking a marginal increase in the minimum temperature, which had earlier plunged three to four degrees below the zero-degree mark.
