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Five flying squads formed to curb LPG sale on black market
ABSMS alleges discrimination against workers
Governor inspects Central varsity’s construction site
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Mother’s role vital in character building: Usha Vohra
Governor NN Vohra’s wife Usha Vohra inaugurates the Ladies Cultural Programme at the Police Auditorium, Gulshan Ground, in Jammu on Monday. Tribune Photo: Anand Sharma
Cultural medley marks R-Day celebrations in city
J&K cops on lookout for Amritsar drug peddler
Machil case: Court martial process begins
r-day celebrations
Governor NN Vohra inspects the Republic Day parade at the Maulana Azad Stadium in Jammu on Monday. A Tribune photo
On R-Day, ministers appeal to people to maintain amity
Republic Day passes off peacefully in Valley
Shutdown in Kupwara over killing of 27 civilians 20 years ago
Kashmiri Pandits question CM on Wandhama massacre
Mendhar MLA not invited to unfurl Tricolour
Pakistan violates ceasefire in Uri sector on R-Day
Government not in hurry to introduce GST: Minister
Adhkuwari cave closes for a month
Tehsil status row
Air Marshal Soman visits Udhampur Air Force station
Leh gets best electoral process award
Residents cry hoarse over essential supplies’ shortage
Minister reviews Urs Dastgeer Sahib arrangements
Stars return to Kashmir to complete ‘Haider’ shooting
Actors Irrfan Khan and Shraddha Kapoor during shooting for their upcoming film ‘Haider’ at Press Enclave in Lal Chowk, Srinagar, on Monday. Tribune photo: Amin War
Valley gets respite from cold wave
Workshop on disaster management begins
Tanisha adjudged best student
Auditions for movie held
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Five flying squads formed to curb LPG sale on black market
Jammu, January 27 They have been constituted under the LPG (regulation of supply and distribution) order-2000 and Section-3 of the Essential Commodity Act as per the directions of the High Court. There are three oil companies — Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Limited, and Indian Oil Corporation — distributing refills in the state. Officials said the administration had asked the Legal Metrology Department to monitor home delivery system and submit regular reports to the government. Deputy Commissioner Ajeet Sahu said the squads would monitor the illegal diversion of domestic cylinders for commercial purpose. “The squads will conduct raids in commercial establishments to check the misuse of cylinders, book violators and cancel the connections of establishments misusing cylinders,” Sahu said. Several restaurants, hotels and eateries in violation of rules set by the CAPD are using domestic cylinders illegally for commercial purposes in connivance with the distributors. “The domestic gas cylinders that are provided to people on subsidy by the government is being used commercially, thus leading to scarcity of LPG in the market, besides loss to government exchequer,” said Komal Sharma, a university student. “Despite repeated pleas made to the administration, the authorities so far remained mute spectators to the menace. Let’s hope they can curb black marketing,” said Gurjeet Singh, a resident of
Satwari. |
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ABSMS alleges discrimination against workers
Jammu, January 27 Addressing a press conference, ABSMS state president Dev Anand Gill said JMC employees were being harassed for demanding better wages and working conditions. He said without any explanation, several sanitation workers had been suspended because they were raising their voice against the municipal administration. He alleged that no efforts had been made by the JMC to resolve the issue. Others who were present at the meeting include Saazadi Gill, Tersam Hans , Shankar Kumar, Amar Momen, Yash Pal, Hardev Singh, Ajit Gill, Bharat Hans, Sanju, Sushil Gill, Bittu, Rash Pal, Lucky, Pala Massi, Chaman Lal Mattoo, Gurmaj, Gagi Momen and Salone Gill. — TNS
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Governor inspects Central varsity’s construction site
Jammu, January 27 He observed that topography and contours of the site should be taken into consideration while constructing the campus so that there is least disturbance of the existing landscape. He suggested the construction of check dams in the campus area and along the adjoining stream to managed water requirements. He asked RK Varma, District Development Commissioner, Samba, to move a proposal for funding a four-lane approach road to the university. He reviewed the under-constructed Distance Education Block of the university. Later, he visited temporary academic block of the university at Sainik Colony, Jammu, and reviewed classrooms, library, computer laboratory, auditorium and other facilities. He interacted with students, scholars and faculty. He suggested the faculty of Public Policy Studies to critically evaluate the government policies and take up the case studies for assessing the impact of Centrally-sponsored schemes such as MGNREGA, PMGSY etc. He also suggested to the faculty of strategic studies to carry out researches on AFSPA, civil and military relations, higher defence management etc. Navin K. Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor; Rajiv Gupta, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Central University; RK Verma, District Development Commissioner, Samba were among those present on the occasion. |
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Mother’s role vital in character building: Usha Vohra
Jammu, January 27 Emphasising the importance of women in parenting a child, she said, “It is the mother who appeals more to a child during the initial years of infancy and if she imbues her children with the right values and discipline, then a child will grow up to be an asset for the family and society.” She said aberrations in the society could be decreased considerably, if women discipline their children at the early age and teach them to respect women and elders. She appreciated teachers and students from various institutions and participants from the Women Welfare Organisation for showcasing cultural programmes based on of national integration and female foeticide. MM Kumar and Kaneez Fatima were the guests of honour on the occasion. — TNS |
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Cultural medley marks R-Day celebrations in city
Jammu, January 27 Jammu University (JU) Vice Chancellor Prof MP Singh Ishar hoisted the Tricolour at Fountain Plaza. Addressing the varsity fraternity, he said everyone should contribute in nation building in his own way.
JU students presented cultural programmes to mark the occasion. Musical show Students of Alexander Memorial School highlighted the importance of the National Day on the occasion of the Republic Day celebrations. The school choir presented patriotic songs. Razia Sultan and Laxmi Jastolia recited poems in Urdu and Hindi. Students of Noble Hearts School, Udeywala, showcased their talent as a part of the R-day celebration. They sang patriotic songs such “Sare Jahan se Achcha”, “Hum Honge Kamyaab” and “Hind Desh Ke Niwasi”. School principal shed light on the importance of becoming good and responsible citizens. Work hard for
nation-building The R-Day was celebrated at Government High School, Gurah Brahmana, with Sarpanch Faqir Chand hoisting the National Flag. School Head Master Tanvir Kouser was also present. Sarpanch Faqir Chand in his speech highlighted the importance of the day and advised the students to work hard for nation-building. Students get awards SOS Hermann Gmeiner School principal RK Dhar hoisted the flag to begin the R-Day celebrations. The principal urged students to contribute their best for the progress of nation and became a law abiding citizens. Students representing four houses namely Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi and Tawi Houses performed an impressive march past to mark the occasion. The principal distributed medals and certificates among the students who excelled in various activities. Students perform
march past Various house contingents, led by Master Shamsher Singh, of Government Higher Secondary School, Saruinsar (Gandhi Nagar Zone) performed a march past during the R-Day celebrations. Sarpanch Subash Singh unfurled the Tricolour. Celebrations at I-T office The Republic Day was celebrated at the Income Tax (I-T) Office, Aayakar Bhawan, Jammu, with enthusiasm. The Tricolour was unfurled by AK Thatai IRS, the Commissioner of Income Tax, J&K, Jammu. Security personnel of Haryana Police presented a guard of honour on the occasion. The J&K Bank Board of Director was present on this eve as a top tax payer of the state. Sunil Music Group presented a cultural programme. Stress on social issues The celebrations at the Gandhi Memorial College Of Education (GMCE), Raipur, Bantalab, were graced by Hindu Education Society Kashmir (HESK) general secretary AK Raina, Sanjay Dhar and Principal GL Koul. Raina hoisted the flag and many cultural programmes by students followed. He said January 26, 1950, was the day on which the nation became a Sovereign Democratic Republic and the Constitution of free India came into force. He stressed on eradication of poverty, illiteracy and unemployment. Dogra College of Education celebrated the Republic Day with patriotic fervour. Samar Dev Singh charak hoisted the flag in the presence of prominent citizens of the locality, members of teaching faculty and teacher Trainees. Sweets were distributed among all those present. |
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J&K cops on lookout for Amritsar drug peddler
Srinagar, January 27 The name of the peddler from Amritsar surfaced during the questioning of a Kashmiri cross-LoC trader who is in police custody. “During the questioning of a trader from Baramulla, the name of the Amritsar drug peddler emerged. He is now an important link for unearthing a chain of drug racketeers which may even lead to an international connection. This drug peddler from Punjab has changed many mobile numbers over the past fortnight,” police sources said. On January 17, the J&K Police had detained a truck from Pakistan which had smuggling drugs worth Rs 114 crore into the state. Three persons, including Pakistani driver Mohammad Shafiq Awan and two Kashmiri traders, were arrested and are being questioned. The trans-LoC trade and travel has been suspended since the drugs haul. Sources said one of the arrested Kashmiri traders had revealed that he was just a broker and the consignment was to be sent to a peddler from Amritsar. In the past too, the Amritsar peddler had received consignments from the arrested Kashmiri trader, the sources added. “Drugs from Pakistan might have been dispatched previously too to this peddler (from Amritsar). We are investigating every angle,” said a police officer. The standoff between the two countries over the cross-LoC trade and travel continues. Pakistan is demanding the return of its arrested driver Mohammad Shafiq Awan of Muzaffarabad and the seized contraband. Pakistan has also held 27 Indian drivers hostage at Chakoti and is refusing to take back the 48 Pakistani drivers stranded at Salamabad in Uri. Trade, bus service remain suspended For the second consecutive week, the cross-LoC trade and bus service between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad, and Poonch and Rawalkote remained suspended. Officials said due to the suspension of the bus service, passengers who had crossed over two weeks ago are now stranded on both sides of the
LoC. |
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Machil case: Court martial process begins
Srinagar, January 27 The General Court Martial proceedings in the case, which started on January 20, is being headed by a Brigadier-level officer and conducted in Kupwara district where the incident took place near the Line of Control. Three youths from Baramulla district were allegedly killed by troops of the 4 Rajputana Rifles near the Sona Pindi post in the Machil sector of Kupwara and later dubbed as foreign militants attempting to infiltrate. The killing of the three youths led to an unrest in the Valley, leading to the death of over 100 civilians. “The General Court Martial proceedings have begun at Kupwara on January 20 and are being headed by Brigadier Deepak Mehra of the 68 Mountain Brigade, based at Trehgam in Kupwara,” a senior Army officer said. He said the GCM was being assisted by five Colonel-rank officers. The GCM proceedings are preceded by passing the “summary of evidence orders”. Before that a court of inquiry is |
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r-day celebrations
Jammu, January 27 He said this during his address after hoisting the Tricolour at a state-level function on the occasion of 65th Republic Day at the Maulana Azad Stadium here yesterday. The Governor paid tributes to the state and Central police forces and the Army for their unflinching devotion to duty. He also paid homage to brave officers and men who laid down their lives to protect the country’s territorial integrity. “We must pay tributes to our great national leaders who made enormous sacrifices to carry out a prolonged struggle for liberating our country from the colonial yoke,” he said. He said many of the leaders also served as members of the Constituent Assembly and made invaluable contribution to the drafting of the Constitution of India, which was adopted on this day in 1950. “Our country has travelled a fairly long distance since the Independence and the journey, on many occasions, has been quite difficult. Thanks to the devoted endeavours of our leaders in the initial years that significant strides were taken towards building unity and integrity of the nation and imbuing our polity with strong secular foundations. Today, among the comity of nations, India is known and respected for being the largest representative parliamentary democracy, which protects the freedom and dignity of every member of our heterogeneous societies,” the Governor said. Referring to the Constitution of India, he said while the fundamental rights of citizen prescribed in the Constitution provided the bedrock of the democratic system, it was indeed unfortunate that not even a miniscule percentage of the population was aware that the Constitution had also laid down 10 duties as well as obligations in a democracy, which every citizen was expected to discharge. He said terrorism and militancy had resulted in large human and economic losses and caused prolonged miseries for the common man. The long period of unrest had also adversely affected the functioning of the administrative machinery and public institutions and the erstwhile work culture and efficiencies had been seriously eroded. “It is necessary to fill up this gap and regain the required momentum,” he added. Recalling that despite certain constraints, the state was able to achieve a growth rate of 6.14 per cent during 2012-13, which was higher than the national average, the Governor said to forge ahead on a sustained basis, J&K needed to do much better and systematically tackle several serious challenges, particularly the problems of unemployment and acute power shortage. He said the state government had been devoting high priority to enhancing power generation and in the last five years, several projects had been launched, which on completion, were envisaged to generate 1,400 MW of He said efforts were being made to further extend and improve the health and education sectors and to enhance the productivity of the agriculture, horticulture and industrial sectors. “In the arena of governance, several initiatives have been taken to enhance transparency and accountability, promote efficiency and to tackle corruption,” the Governor said. On the occasion of the coalition government completing five years of its tenure, the Governor complimented Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and all members of his Council of Ministers. He conveyed greetings and good wishes to the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. Earlier, the Governor inspected the parade and took the salute at the march past. A colourful cultural programme marked the occasion. |
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On R-Day, ministers appeal to people to maintain amity
Jammu, January 27 Minister for Urban Development and Urban Local Bodies Nawang Rigzin Jora hoisted the Tricolour in Reasi. Minister of State for Industries, Commerce and Home Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo took the salute on the parade at Kishtwar. Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture Raman Bhalla unfurled the Tricolour and took salute at the march past in Samba. Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand hoisted the national flag at Udhampur and inspected the parade. Minister for Public Works Department (Roads and Buildings) and Mechanical Engineering Abdul Majid Wani unfurled the Tricolour and took the salute at Doda. Minister for Planning, Labour and Employment Ajay Sadhotra hoisted the national flag and took the salute on the march past at Kathua. Minister of State for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Aijaz Ahmed Khan unfurled the national flag at Ramban. Minister for Law, Justice and parliamentary Affairs Mir Saifullah unfurled the national flag in Poonch. In Srinagar, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Ali Mohammad Sagar unfurled the Tricolour and inspected the guard of honour. Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs Abdul Rahim Rather unfurled the national flag at Budgam. Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution and Transport Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan unfurled the national flag and took the salute at Kupwara. Minister for Forests and Environment Mian Altaf Ahmad unfurled the national flag and took the salute at the march past at Ganderbal. Minister for Agriculture Ghulam Hassan Mir unfurled the national flag and took the salute on the march past at Pulwama. Minister for Medical Education, Youth Services and Sports Taj Mohiuddin unfurled the national flag and took the salute at the march past at Baramulla. Minister for Higher Education Mohammad Akbar Lone hoisted the national flag at Bandipora. Minister for Social Welfare Sakina Itoo unfurled the national flag at Kulgam. Minister for Tourism Ghulam Ahmad Mir unfurled the national flag and took the salute at the march past at Shopian. At Leh, Chief Executive Councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Rigzin Spalbar unfurled the Tricolour and took the salute at the march past. At Leh, Chief Executive Councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Rigzin Spalbar unfurled the Tricolour and took the salute at the march past. Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor of the LAHDC, Kargil, Haji Asgar Ali Karbalie hoisted the national flag and took the salute at
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Republic Day passes off peacefully in Valley
Srinagar, January 27 Speaking on the occasion, Sagar said people in the state craved for pace and development and it was everyone’s responsibility to ensure a better tomorrow. “Everyone, including separatists, should ensure that we have a better future,” Sagar said after hoisting the national flag. Recalling the sacrifices of leaders of the country for strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and amity, Sagar said leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah laid a strong edifice for brotherhood, amity and communal harmony, besides the composite culture of the country. In Budgam district, Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs Abdul Rahim Rather unfurled the National Flag and took salute at the march past. Rather highlighted various fundamental rights guaranteed to the citizens by the Constitution and at the same time reminded people of their responsibilities towards the country which included safeguarding the nation against communal and divisive forces. The Republic Day functions were held in the two districts of Leh and Kargil in the Ladakh region. The Army also held various function to celebrate the Republic Day. While the celebrations passed off peacefully, shops and business establishments remained closed across Kashmir due to a strike called by separatist leaders. Mobile and Internet services were also jammed till the Republic Day functions were over yesterday. However, the Pakistani troops fired on Indian posts in the wee hours on Sunday in the Uri sector. |
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Shutdown in Kupwara over killing of 27 civilians 20 years ago
Kupwara, January 27 Relatives of the victims, killed in alleged unprovoked firing on that day, said even after 20 years, justice continued to
elude them. Survivors alleged that the soldiers of the Punjab Regiment killed their dear
ones, mostly traders, on January 27. Ali Mohammad Dar, father of a victim, Abdul Rehman Dar, 30, from Hayhama in Kupwara, said he had been running from pillar to post but had not
got justice. “My son was supporting the family by running a horse cart. Soldiers fired indiscriminately and without any provocation, killing him in the horse cart near the bypass bridge in Kupwara. Despite evidence proving soldiers’ direct involvement in the killing of my son, they have not been punished,” said Dar. A trader recalled that a patrol party of the Punjab Regiment had warned the shopkeepers on January 25, 1994, not to observe strike on Republic Day. “On January 27, soldiers killed 27 civilians, mostly traders, in cold blood only to avenge the strike observed by them. Scores of people were wounded in indiscriminate and unprovoked firing but erring soldiers remain untouched even after 20 years,” he said. Trehgam and Kralpora towns also observed a shutdown today. The police had registered a case under FIR No: 19/94 under Sections 302, 307 of the RPC, dated 27-01-1994 at the Kupwara police station. |
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Kashmiri Pandits question CM on Wandhama massacre
Srinagar, January 27 “The role of locals has never been addressed in this (1998 Wandhama massacre of 23 Pandits in Ganderbal district) tragic incident. If the militants were foreigners then who informed them about the presence of Kashmiri Pandits in the area,” said Kashmiri Pandit Sangharsh Samiti (KPSS) president Sanjay Tickoo said. He was reacting to Omar’s recent tweet that all 12 militants responsible for the massacre had been killed. “As a result the case was closed. To suggest no action followed #Wandhama massacre or govt slept/ignored is not supported by facts,” Omar had tweeted. Omar had said this in response to the KPSS questioning the “silence” of separatist and mainstream leaders over the “massacres” of members of the minority community. The KPSS had demanded that the Chief Minister come up with a statement on Wandhama massacre. However, the KPSS appreciated that the Chief Minister had come up with a reaction. “Despite the controversial facts, the KPSS thanks the Chief Minister for at least acknowledging what happened in the past with regard to the tragic incident of Wandhama
massacre rather than ignoring the KPSS statement as done by separatists and the Kashmiri civil society. It exposes the real faces of the civil society and separatists in Kashmir and their hollow claims of facilitating the resettlement of Pandits,” Tickoo said. |
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Mendhar MLA not invited to unfurl Tricolour
Mendhar, January 27 Protesters alleged that all MLAs were allowed to unfurl the Tricolour on the Republic Day parade except in Mendhar constituency. The PDP workers assembled at the bus stand in Mendhar and burnt the effigy of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. They alleged that it was done on the direction of local National Conference leaders to keep the local MLA, Sardar Rafiq Hussain Khan, from the Peoples Democratic Party away from the official Republic Day function. All schools, offices and business establishments remained closed in support of the protest. — TNS |
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Pakistan violates ceasefire in Uri sector on R-Day
Srinagar, January 27 "Yesterday morning at 6:15 am, when it was dark, there was unprovoked firing from the Pakistan side. They fired about three RPG rounds and small arms on to the Kaman post (in the Uri sector) on the Indian side," General Officer Commanding of the 19 Infantry Division Major General Anil Chauhan said. He said the aim of the firing was apparently to disrupt the peace and tranquility along the LoC. "Actually, it (the scene of firing) is adjacent to where the Pakistan posts are. So, it could be speculated that elements inimical to the interests of welfare of people, rather I would say cross-LoC trade or for maintenance of peace and tranquility along LoC (opened the firing)," he said. The Army officer said the Indian troops did not retaliate to the three-hour firing from the Pakistan side. "In spite of continuous firing at the LoC for three hours, we have shown great restraint and did not retaliate at all. The idea basically is to maintain peace and tranquility along the LoC," he said. — PTI |
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Government not in hurry to introduce GST: Minister
Srinagar, January 27 He stated this while interacting with the representatives of various trade bodies at the pre-budget consultations. He interacted with representatives of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Federation Chamber of Industries Kashmir, Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation, Kashmir Traders Federation, Kashmir Hotel Restaurant Owners Federation and Kashmir Hotel besides Restaurant Association at Excise and Taxation Complex. He assured them that their suggestions would be considered while finalising the budget for the next fiscal. |
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Adhkuwari cave closes for a month
Jammu, January 27 Mandeep K Bhandari, Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, said work was apace on the renovation of the old temple complex at Adhkuwari where a queue system leading to the cave was being set up. — TNS |
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Tehsil status row
Pulwama, January 27 “Imam Sahab area has about 65 villages and is a business hub for the past 20 years,” said Sheeraz Ahmad Ganie, a resident of Imam Sahab, adding that the village has grown exponentially due to fruit business in the area. The two districts witnessed frequent strikes, following a Cabinet Sub-Committee meet that was held on January 11. Meanwhile, the strike continued at Littar and Kakapora and the business activities remained suspended on the 17th day today. “We will not call off strike until the government grants tehsil status to Littar,” said Showkat Ahmad Mir, a resident of Littar. Vehicles remained off the highway connecting Pulwama to Srinagar as the strike of Kakapora residents continued for the 10th day today. Residents of Keegam called off the strike after Shopian Deputy Commissioner Bashir Ahmad and Minister for Tourism Ghulam Ahmad Mir assured them that tehsil status had been recommended for Keegam. “After assurances by the deputy commissioner and the tourism minister, we called off the strike,” said Wali Mohammad. He added that if these assurances were not fulfilled, they would go on hunger strike again. Various places in Pulwama and Shopian districts had started demanding tehsil status for their respective villages after the Cabinet Sub-Committee held its meet on January 11. The sub-committee had nominated many villages which could be granted tehsil status and recorded their views on that day. The protesting villages alleged that the granting of new administrative units was politicised and influential politicians were trying
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Air Marshal Soman visits Udhampur Air Force station
Jammu, January 27 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). Air Marshal Soman is a graduate of the National Defence Academy, Pune. He was commissioned into 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. He reviewed the peace-time operations being conducted in Jammu and Kashmir and was briefed on various operational aspects. The headquarters of the AOC in J&K was formed on June 12, 1962, at Srinagar and on January 13, 1964, it moved to its present location at Udhampur. The headquarters has been closely involved in planning and executing all joint Army/air operations and ensuring that the air logistics channel to the remotest posts in the hostile terrain remains functional. In addition, it has been ensuring relief and casualty evacuation to the Army, paramilitary forces and the state government. |
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Leh gets best electoral process award
Leh, January 27 Chief guest Additional Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Tsering Murup told the participants that Leh district had received the best electoral process award from President Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi today. The award was received by Leh Deputy Commissioner Simrandeep Singh.
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Residents cry hoarse over essential supplies’ shortage
Srinagar, January 27 Deputy Director, CAPD, Sajid Yahya told The Tribune that Kashmir’s rice requirement of over 2 lakh quintals for January had already been met as the necessary stocks had been dispatched to various CAPD depots in the Valley. Yahya said, “The department has dispatched 28,000 tonnes of sugar which the Valley requires on a monthly basis.” He said the Valley consumed wheat in relatively less amount and there were additional stocks available as well. “As for kerosene, nearly 5,000 cans have been supplied to consumers in Kashmir. The CAPD is in possession of 2,68,000 LPG cylinders, which can cater to the supply for the next 14 days,” he added. The Deputy Director, CAPD, said, “It is a widespread misconception that the Valley reels under the shortage essential supplies in winters especially during snowfall, when the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is frequently closed due to road blocks.” “We are well aware of the emergency situation that arises in winter when the weather turns extreme. Thus, we are very well prepared to face any untoward situation in the face of inclement weather,” Yahya said. On the regular complaints of fleecing and black-marketing received by shopkeepers, Yahya said, “Market checking squads have been posted at important commercial joints in the Valley to keep a check on fleecing.” “It is true that these squads would not be present everywhere. We, therefore, expect cooperation from people in reporting cases of overcharging and black-marketing to us so that criminals are brought to book,” he added. People, however, complained that there had been an abrupt rise in the prices of vegetables, fruits, pulses, sugar and chicken in the market. The price shoot up, as per locals, is always expected when the national highway is closed. “None of the grocery, retail stores and vendors adhere to the government’s rules and regulations. Fleecing and overcharging by the shopkeepers is a routine in winters when there are less alternatives available to people,” Masrat Jan, a housewife said. There have also been complaints of the CAPD helpline number not working when the customers need it the most. “It is difficult to drop in at CAPD offices during severe snowfall, hence there should be reliable helpline numbers for people’s convenience. It is unfortunate that the CAPD has been unable to fix even that,” Ishtiyaq Malik, a businessman, said. |
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Minister reviews Urs Dastgeer Sahib arrangements
Srinagar, January 27 The minister asked the district administration to ensure arrangements for Urs Peer Dastgeer Sahib (RA). The PDD authorities have been asked to provide uninterrupted power supply in and around Dastgeer Sahib. Sagar also instructed the Srinagar Municipal Corporation commissioner to ensure installation of streetlights in approach roads near Dastgeer Sahib Shrine. They were also asked to ensure proper sanitation in and around the shrine. Sagar asked the PHE officers to ensure round-the-clock water supply to the area, besides pressing tankers into service. The health authorities were directed to set up a medical camp in the shrine vicinity.
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Stars return to Kashmir to complete ‘Haider’ shooting
Srinagar, January 27 Shraddha, who is essaying the role of a local journalist, shot amid huge applause in the Press Enclave. Locals and scribes came out of offices to watch the film shoot. Irrfan Khan too later arrived on the shooting venue and shot a few scenes of the film. The cast and crew later drove to the downtown locality of Srinagar where there was a prayer scene to be shot in the Khankah, Fateh Kadal area of Srinagar. Shahid Kapoor is reported to have arrived later and will begin shooting from tomorrow. “Tabu, who is playing a lead character in the film, will also arrive later. There are a lot of local actors in the film as well,” a crew member said. The film cast and crew are expected to reach Pulwama of South Kashmir where a special set has been made for shooting. “There are a total of 50 local Kashmiris acting in the film and 90 per cent of the film shooting will be completed in Kashmir. The stars will stay in the Valley till mid-February. There was a little delay in the arrival of the actors due to performances in the recently held Screen Awards,” Haider’s local crew member said. This is the last phase of the shooting for the film here. The crew will be in Kashmir for 20-25 days,” Khawar Jamsheed, line producer for the film, said. Jamsheed said most of the filming would be done in Srinagar. “Most of the shooting for the film will be done in Srinagar city. The film will also be shot in Nishat gardens and then the crew would move to Pahalgam,” he said. |
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10-year-old boy gets state award for sports
Srinagar, January 27 Zakariya Bhat, a student of Class 5 at Tyndale Biscoe School, received the award for excelling in the sport of Thang Ta, an official said. After being awarded, he said: “I feel very proud to be one of the state award holders…this was my dream and by the grace of the Almighty I finally got it.” He also thanked his coach Mohammad Iqbal, his parents and the J&K Thang Ta Association for their support. Thang Ta coach Mohammad Iqbal said the young boy had been practicing Thang Ta form of martial arts for the past five years at the Sher-i-Kashmir Indoor Sports Stadium, Srinagar. On Zakariya’s feats, Iqbal said: “He had participated in a few national championships and Asian Thang Ta championship and got a gold medal in every championship, whether the championships were held within or outside the state or the country. He had recently participated in the International Thang Ta championship and got a gold medal for India and the J&K state.” |
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Valley gets respite from cold wave
Srinagar, January 27 Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, recorded a low of 0.9 degrees Celsius, same as the previous night, an official of the MeT Department here said. The mercury in Qazigund settled at minus 1.2 degrees Celsius, slightly down from minus 0.9 degrees Celsius the previous night. Kokernag, in south Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 2.6 degrees Celsius as compared to the previous night's minus 1.8 degrees Celsius, the official said. The mercury in the tourist resort of Pahalgam increased from the previous night's low of minus 5.4 degrees Celsius, to settle at a low of minus 4.6 degrees Celsius last night. Gulmarg registered a low of minus 8.8 degrees Celsius, an increase of almost two degrees from minus 10.6 degrees Celsius the previous night. Kupwara recorded a low of 0.6 degrees Celsius, as against the previous night's 0.1 degrees Celsius. The official said the mercury in Leh went up by almost four degrees to register a low of minus 8.6 degrees Celsius as against minus 12.4 degrees the previous night. — PTI |
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Workshop on disaster management begins
Srinagar, January 27 On the inaugural day of the workshop in which around 60 research scholars and faculty members are participating, various speakers stressed on the need for grooming a professional human resource in disaster management so as to respond to any eventuality with prompt action. Acting Vice Chancellor, KU, and Dean, College Development Council, Ghulam Mustafa Shah said, “There is a need to develop strong and vibrant linkages between the academia and the society so as to create awareness about the hazards of disaster at grassroots level.” Quoting statistics about the brunt faced by people due to disasters in Asia, Shah said, “Whenever a disaster strikes Asia, it affects almost all population inhabiting this continent in one way or the other and about 50 per cent loss in economy is caused due to disasters in Asia.” |
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Tanisha adjudged best student
Jammu, January 27 She has been supporting her mother Sunita Chandra in the “Pahl” project. Under the project, over 300 slum children are being imparted free education and efforts are being made to educate them about the importance of personal hygiene. Tanisha spends most of her free time with slum children and teaches them dance and value education. — TNS
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Jammu, January 27 The second audition will be held at Luthra Public School, Kachi Chawni, on January 28 while the third will be held at Valmiki Chowk, Gandhi Nagar. The chief guest was MP Pawan Gupta, state president, National Media Foundation and the judges were Happy Gupta, Mushtaq Ali and Angad Sodhi. — TNS |
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Governor’s wife Usha Vohra today said women were pivotal to a family and play an important role in character building of their children. She stated this at the “Ladies Cultural Programme” organised by the Department of Youth Services and Sports, as a part of the Republic Day celebrations, at Gulshan Ground here today.
Various educational institutions celebrated the 65th Republic Day with enthusiasm and patriotic
fervour. Jammu University (JU) Vice Chancellor Prof MP Singh Ishar hoisted the Tricolour at Fountain Plaza. Addressing the varsity fraternity, he said everyone should contribute in nation building in his own way.
JU students presented cultural programmes to mark the occasion.
Governor NN Vohra has said the security forces shall continue to enforce constant vigil along the frontiers without lowering their guard till a peaceful environment emerges.
He said this during his address after hoisting the Tricolour at a state-level function on the occasion of 65th Republic Day at the Maulana Azad Stadium here yesterday.
Crowd gathered to catch a glimpse of Irrfan Khan and Shraddha Kapoor here as director Vishal Bhardwaj today resumed the shooting of “Haider”, the film adaptation of Shakespearean tragedy Hamlet based in Kashmir Valley. The actors shot a few scenes in the busy Press Enclave area of Residency Road.
Jammu has been divided into five zones, with each zone under a special squad comprises officials of the Legal Metrology and the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) Department, the police and oil companies. 
