The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

MBBS scam: Crime branch wants to make Peer’s aide an approver
Approaches anti-corruption court with application, also seeks pardon for him
Ishfaq Tantry
Tribune news Service

Srinagar, January 30
The crime branch of the J&K Police, investigating the sale of Common Entrance Test (CET-2012) question papers for selection into medical colleges, has decided to make Farooq Ahmad Itoo an approver in the case. Itoo is one of the accused and an aide of former Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (BOPEE) chairman Mushtaq Peer.

In this regard, the probe agency has approached the Special Judge, Anti-Corruption (Kashmir), seeking permission to make Itoo an ‘approver’ in the case. It has also sought pardon for him at the conclusion of the trial.

While confessing to his role in the sale of papers, Itoo had incidentally told the magistrate, who recorded his confessional statement, that he deserved punishment as his son had been keeping ill since he committed the crime.

“We have decided to make Farooq Ahmad Itoo an approver and have accordingly moved an application before the court, which is expected to be decided by the court on January 31,” said Chief Prosecuting Officer (CPO) Khalid Muzaffar Shah, who is representing the crime branch in the case.

An approver is an accomplice to a felony (criminal act) who confesses his or her guilt and gives evidence against his or her confederates (associates).

Before making any accused an approver, the investigation agency concerned has to take permission from the trial court. But till the court decision, the accused has to remain in custody.

The CPO said the crime branch is also seeking pardon for Itoo at the conclusion of the trial. Itoo gave the crime branch leads in the case, which helped nab many accused persons, including the prime accused Mushtaq Peer and broker Sajjad.

Meanwhile, Itoo, against whom the anti-corruption court had also issued a non-bailable arrest warrant on January 28, was produced before the Special Judge by the crime branch on Wednesday evening, and is now in judicial custody.

Confession Recorded
The charge against former Board of Professional Entrance Examinations chairman Mushtaq Peer is that he had sold CET-2012 papers through his aide Farooq Ahmad Itoo and in turn received Rs 60 lakh.
Confessing to his role in the scam, Itoo, in his confessional statement recorded before the CJM, Srinagar, on November 7, 2013, had said he gave Rs 60 lakh to Peer after receiving CET-2012 papers from him and later sold these papers to eight candidates
Itoo, in his confessional statement, also said he deserved punishment for his wrongdoings as his son was ill since the day he had committed the crime.

8 civilians buried under avalanche rescued
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 30
Personnel of the Rashtriya Rifles at Mohubal village of Ramban district saved the lives of eight civilians trapped in remote areas on the Pir Panjal range in the district yesterday.

The eights locals had got trapped in an avalanche. Four of them were seriously injured. They were buried under several feet of snow and were facing grave danger to their lives.

On receiving information at 4.30 pm that some civilians had been buried under an avalanche, a rescue team consisting of one officer and nine troops from Rashtriya Rifles Battalion quickly rushed to the site.

The team carried out a rescue operation despite poor visibility and imminent threat of snow slides. The team swiftly managed to evacuate the injured civilians on stretchers and gave them timely first aid.

Families of detained drivers worried about their safety
Majid Jahangir
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, January 30
The families of the detained drivers, who had pinned their hope on the meeting between India and Pakistan in Uri today, are feeling dejected as no decision was taken on the release of the drivers held on both sides.

“We had pinned many hopes on today’s meeting but we are shocked as nothing happened,” said Mohammad Shafi, whose brother Altaf Ahmed is one of the drivers detained in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

“In the ongoing standoff between India and Pakistan, poor drivers have become the victim and no one is raising any voice. The families of the drivers are really worried over the fate of their kin,” Shafi said

Shafi’s driver brother had got married almost a month back and the family is waiting for his return.

A relative of another driver from north Kashmir’s Baramulla district said they had been left at God’s mercy as nobody was ensuring the return of the drivers from PoK.

“Nobody tells us as to when they (drivers) will return. At times we fear for their safety,” said a driver's kin. “It has been 12 days and we are clueless about their return. Shockingly, no official or minister at the state or Central level has taken up any step to resolve the issue. The drivers have been kept hostage on both sides as if they are criminals,” he said.

After the standoff which began on January 17, 27 truck drivers from Kashmir were detained in PoK and 48 PoK truck drivers were detained on this side.

The drivers from PoK have been kept at Trade Facilitation Centre, Salamabad in Uri, close to the Line of Control.

While the drivers from PoK are not allowed to talk to outsiders, police sources said drivers from PoK were worried. A driver, Mohammad Rafi Malik, from Muzaffarabad, was to get his daughter married during these days, which now has been postponed.

Another driver, Showkat Ahmed Choudhary, who is also a resident of Muzaffarabad, lost his cousin recently and could not join the family in mourning.

Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla, Ghulam Ahmed Khwaja said the issue of release of drivers was taken up with the Pakistani officials. “We hope that there will be a breakthrough on the issue. We have made adequate arrangements for the drivers from the other side at Salamabad in Uri,” the Baramulla DC said.

Kounsar Naag Yatra set to revive after 25 years
M Aamir Khan
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, January 30
The Kounsar Naag Yatra, an annual affair before the eruption of militancy in the state, is to be revived in the Valley after 25 years. The pilgrimage to the Kounsar Naag Lake, the mention of which can be found in holy Hindu scriptures, is of immense significance for the Kashmiri Pandits as they believe that Lord Shiva meditated at this south Kashmir lake.

The All Parties Migrant Co-ordination Committee (APMCC) along with the Harmukh Ganga Gangbal Trust (HGGT) is organising the pilgrimage. APMCC chairman Vinod Pandit said the yatra would commence from the Aharbal Waterfalls in Kulgam district on July 31.

On its significance, he said: “The Kounsar Naag Yatra was an annual affair before the militancy. It was significant for us as Lord Shiva meditated at the lake which is called Kremsar in Sanskrit. One can find the mention of the cave and the yatra in our holy books and also in the Rajatarangini.”

The Rajatarangini (Chronicle of Kings) is an account of Kashmir’s ancient history written by the 12th century historian, Kalhana.

Pandit said the yatra was being revived after 25 years from its traditional Kashmir route. “Even though the yatra was restarted two years ago from Gool Gulabgarh, Reasi (in the Jammu region), we will be resuming it after 25 years from the Aharbal, which is the traditional route for the Kashmiri Pandits,” he said.

Religious connect
The yatra has immense significance for Kashmiri Pandits as they believe that Lord Shiva meditated at the Kounsar Naag Lake.
It was an annual affair before the eruption of militancy in the state. The mention of the yatra can be found in holy books and the Rajatarangini (Chronicle of Kings).

JKPCC chief Soz rules out threat to coalition
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 30
Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief Saifuddin Soz today said his party would not pull out of the government and exuded confidence that the “coalition will complete its full term”.

The senior Congress leader hoped that the controversy over the creation of new administrative units will be addressed in the next Cabinet meeting.

“I am hopeful that better sense will prevail in the next Cabinet meeting and this matter would be solved,” Soz told reporters on the sidelines of a function to pay tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his 66th death anniversary. The JKPCC also appreciated the Cabinet Sub-Committee (CSC) for accommodating the wishes and aspirations of all the regions and sub-regions of the state. On the issue of empowering panchayats and implementation of the 73rd amendment of the Constitution in J&K, Soz said his party was “committed to empower panchayats”.

However, in an apparent attack on the National Conference, Soz said: “Some forces are creating hurdles in extending this (73rd) amendment in J&K.” “Being a progressive party, the Congress is committed to empowering Panchayats”, he said and added that the decision on the 73rd amendment would be taken in the next Cabinet meeting.

Bid to gherao secretariat foiled, 150 govt employees detained
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 30
The police foiled the bid to gherao civil secretariat, proposed by the joint consultative committee (JCC) of state government employees to protest against the state government for not fulfilling their demands, by detaining hundreds of employees.

The police detained the employees when they were gathering near the Press Club to march towards civil secretariat. The police action lasted for couple of hours, in which about 150 employees were detained.

Senior joint consultative committee (JCC) leaders, who were spearheading the proposed march, including Abdul Qayoom Wani, Amrik Singh and Mohammad Ashraf Mir, were detained by the police.

Condemning the police action, Wani said, "I strongly criticise the government for its attitude towards the employees fraternity and today's unwarranted police action."

While announcing the calendar of protests, Wani said they would stage an hour-long dharna outside Chief Minister Omar Abdullah residence from 6 pm against today's police brutality, on February 14 they would protest outside civil secretariat, Jammu, on February 15 all government as well as public sector employees would observe a pen-down strike in all the three regions of the state. "And despite all these measures, if the government does not agree to our demands, we will start an indefinite protest," Wani said.

"We once again urge the government to implement the agreement already signed on September 15, 2011, and ratified on July 8, 2012. We (JCC) are not demanding anything new. We are just asking the government to fulfil our demands as per the agreement," he added.

Jammu and Kashmir government employees were demanding the removal/withdrawal of draconian laws like the Essential Services Maintenance Ordinance (ESMO) and "No work, no pay", regularisation of daily wagers and casual labourers, removal of pay anomaly in the pre-revised grade of Rs 6,500-10,500, etc.

Symposium on saving fuel held
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 30
Dogra College of Education organised an inter-college symposium-cum-poster-making competition in collaboration with the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) on the college premises.

The topic of the symposium and poster-making competition was "Save fuel, save environment", wherein more than 20 students from various colleges of education participated. The programme started with the lighting of traditional lamp. Earlier, Bela Thakur, academic coordinator of the college, delivered the welcome address.

Girish Rajan, state-level coordinator, Oil Industries (J&K), was the chief guest. In his address, he stressed upon the need for conserving fuel in the present time as much as possible and utilising it judicially and economically.

In the inter-college symposium, Phul Varsha and Tanuja from the Dogra College of Education were adjudged first and second, respectively, while Indeep from the Ranjit College of Education secured the third position.

In the poster-making competition, Geeta Devi from the Dogra College of Education stood first, while Vishal Sharma from Dogra Degree College and Kiran Yadav from JK College bagged second and third positions, respectively.

Prominent among those who were present on the occasion were Samar Dev Singh Charak, secretary, Dogra Educational Trust, Prof BD Damral, Director-cum-Principal, Dogra College of Education, Shefali Sharma, Vice-Principal, and Naveen, representative from the IOC.

Members of the jury included SL Kotwal, Principal, District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Rajni Manhas, NSS Programme Officer of the college, and Poonam Gupta, senior lecturer.

A vote of thanks was presented by Sumer Singh.

JU faculty, scholars resent ‘hasty’ execution of works for Indian Science Congress
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 30
Faculty members and scholars of the University of Jammu are not happy with the “hasty” execution of development works by various agencies on the campus in the run-up to the mega event of the Indian Science Congress commencing from February 3.

They also showed their resentment for "ignoring" the departments other than belonging to the science stream and to demanded to ensure their involvement in the mega event. The faculty and scholars, however preferred not to be named as they fear that the university administration might take action against them as it did in the case of a Sanskrit scholar, Kapil Shastri, who was recently suspended by the varsity for anti-university activities, notwithstanding he was highlighting a case of alleged copying incident.

"Nothing is being done as per norms. All development activities are being done in a haphazard and hasty manner, which poses a big question mark on the quality of work. The roads on the campus, which were black-topped just a few months ago, have developed potholes and these are being again black-topped," a senior faculty member from the Commerce Department said.

He also pointed out that the fixing of "designed tiles" on new footpaths created on the campus for the movement of delegates and students were of poor quality. "Substandard material has been used for the purpose. Tiles fixed on new footpaths and parking places are unlikely to bear the movement of delegates and vehicles and these may get damaged soon," the member said.

Another furious faculty member of the Hindi department said, "All is being done in a hush-hush manner. Except close door meetings, nothing was done to put in place necessary arrangements well in advance. It was a great opportunity for the university to change the look of the campus. Had the authorities started making necessary arrangements earlier, the situation would have been altogether different."

A scholar from the History Department said, "There is a very little participation of scholars and students from the departments other than the science stream. We have been completely ignored. The university authorities have not even bothered to seek the participation of the teachers from our departments. The authorities have adopted a complete pick-and-choose policy."

Interactive session with Urdu poet held
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 30
The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture & Languages (JKAACL) yesterday hosted an interactive session with prominent poet, author and intellectual Pandit Anand Mohan Gulzar Zutshi Dehelvi under the title of "Aik Mulaqaat Gulzar Zutshi Dehelvi Ke Saath".

The function was held at KL Saigal Hall of the academy here and was attended by a large number of writers, poets and lovers of Urdu language, which the 89-year-old poet has been nurturing for the last eight decades.

The celebrated poet has the distinction of tirelessly working for Urdu language that brought him in close association, among others, with the first President and first Prime Minister of India, Dr Rajendra Prasad and Jawaharlal Nehru, respectively. He has also participated in "mushairas" with stalwarts like Josh Maliabadi, Jigar Moradabadi, Faiz Ahmad Faiz and Hasrat Mohani. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was among his admirers.

Jehangir-Natipora project headache for commuters
Four years on, govt fails to come up with alternative roadmap
Bismah Malik
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, January 30
Although the Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA) has begun the work on the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded ambitious Jehangir Chowk-Natipora flyover project, the state government has failed to come up with an alternative roadmap for commuters, causing inconvenience to them.

The 3-km crucial road stretch has been reduced to a narrow road, deemed unfit for two-way traffic as the flyover construction work has occupied a major portion of this road.

Consequently, the crucial road link which connects the city centres, Jehangir Chowk, Batamaloo and Lal Chowk to uptown Srinagar localities faces recurrent traffic jams and has left commuters and drivers troubled.

The work on this project, which was one of the highlights of the development agenda promoted by Omar Abdullah-led present state coalition government, suffered serious setbacks and the work began four years later.

Sources in the ERA said the proposed date of the start of the project was 2010 and the flyover was expected to be completed in three years.

However, the project halted due to funding problems from ADB and the opposition by the people who faced displacement of their shops and homes due to the project.

Although the ERA handed over an alternate rehabilitation site to the displaced shopkeepers, they remained defiant over shifting to the alternative site and hence the project was caught up in a fix.

Many private business establishments, which have been served notice by the ERA, are ready to challenge several provisions of the Land Acquisition Act (1894), which they term highly discriminatory.

“We are being dragged to courts unnecessarily. Right now, the worth of our shops is much more due to the plush location. Any alternative the state government comes up with would be not worth our property. This is a matter of our bread and butter and we certainly will fight in the court,” asserted Ghulam Mohiuddin, a retail shop owner in Magarmal Bagh.

Meanwhile, for commuters, the ongoing construction plan is proving to be no less than a headache, with persistent traffic jams and road blockades.

“The project will take years to complete. With the present government nearing its term completion, the authorities act like they don’t care. They should have ensured its completion during their term and overcome the hurdles. Now, our convenience has been sacrificed at the cost of misdoings of the authorities concerned,” Muhammad Ashraf, a bus driver plying along the route said.

Recurrent traffic jams
The 3-km crucial stretch has been reduced to a narrow road. It is unfit for two-way traffic as the Jehangir Chowk-Natipora flyover construction work has occupied a major portion of this road. The road link, which connects the city centres, Jehangir Chowk, Batamaloo and Lal Chowk to uptown Srinagar localities, faces recurrent traffic jams and has left commuters troubled.

Minister dedicates renovated Dastgeer Sahib to devotees
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, January 30
Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj System Ali Mohammad Sagar dedicated the reconstructed and renovated Dastgeer Sahib Shrine in the old city area here today in the presence of the Srinagar Deputy Commissioner, Vice-Chairman of the J&K Wakf Board and other senior officers of the district administration. Sagar said the reconstruction work on the shrine was completed in a record 14 months.

“He appreciated the executing agency and people for speedy execution of the project whose joint efforts ensured timely completion of the shrine.

He paid obeisance at the shrine and prayed for lasting peace, progress and prosperity of the state,” Sagar said.

The shrine, which was gutted in a mysterious fire in 2012, has been restored keeping in view the heritage aspect.

Rajbagh hotel closes doors to Kashmiri customers

Srinagar, January 30
A two-star hotel in tourist area of Rajbagh has closed its doors for Kashmiri customers on the directions of its owner for reasons best known to them.

Manager of Hotel Sterling turned away four lawyers and a banker from Shopian in south Kashmir last evening who wanted to rent a few rooms for a night.

Lawyers - Habeel Iqbal, Rayees Jan, Jehangir Ahmad Khan, and Umar Manzoor - and banker Amir Usman had arrived here for an overnight stay ahead of their examination for the post of prosecuting officer at Budgam.

“We went to Hotel Sterling to stay for a night, but despite availability of rooms, we were told that the hotel doesn’t provide accommodation to Kashmiris. When we asked the reason, they said they have instructions from the police,” said Iqbal.

“We asked them to show the official communication which they did not have. We will write a written complaint to the court against the hotel authorities,” Iqbal added.

The reason provided by the hotel authorities, however, were baseless as the police denied having issued any order. “We have not given any such directions to the hotel authorities. We had only asked the Hoteliers’ Association to keep the details of the clients, but that was till January 26,” said the SHO at the Rajbagh police station said.

The hotel manager, however, said they have been strictly directed by the owner not to provide rooms to locals.

“Though I don’t know about the incident, but I will look into it. There are no such rules by the Hoteliers Association to stop locals from staying in hotels,” said Kashmir Hoteliers Association chief Showkat Chaudry. — OC

Mahatma Gandhi remembered on his death anniversary
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, January 30
Rich tributes were paid to Mahatma Gandhi on his death anniversary during a function held at the J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) headquarters here today.

Congress leaders and workers spoke during the function chaired by JKPCC vice-president Ghulam Nabi Monga. Monga impressed upon the Congress leaders and workers to follow the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi and work towards the uplift of poor and needy.

Other party leaders, including Ghulam Nabi Mir Lasjan, Zahid Hussain Jan, Farooq Andrabi, Mohammad Sultan Shaheen Ganderbali, Gulam Hassan Geelani, Abdul Gani Naseem, Mushtaq Bazaz and Abdul Hamid Rather among others, too paid tributes to the Father of the Nation.

“The speakers while paying glowing tributes to the Father of the Nation said the people of the country will always remain indebted to Gandhi for the sacrifices he made for the nation. A staunch believer of non-violence, he played a pivotal role in making the country and people self-reliant in every field,” a JKPCC statement said.

Hurriyat protests closure of Pathribal case
Kuldip Nayar, Rajindar Sachar demand judicial probe into matter
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, January 30
The moderate faction of the Hurriyat Conference today staged a protest demonstration against the Army’s decision to close the Pathribal case here.

Hurriyat activists led Javed Ahmad Mir and Zaffar Akbar Bhat demanded that the “guilty Army personnel be punished” and justice be provided to the victims’ families in the “fake encounter case”.

The Army on January 23 had closed the Pathribal encounter case, giving a clean chit to five Rashtriya Rifles officers accused of killing an equal number of civilians in a “fake encounter”, saying the evidence recorded could not establish prime facie charges against them.

The protesters, who emerged in the Press Enclave area of Srinagar, raised placards saying “AFSPA a licence to kill”. They also mentioned that an independent inquiry was the only way to justice and demanded that all the encounters that took place in the Valley in the past couple of decades be investigated.

“The clean chit to five accused Army officers in the Pathribal case indicates that there is no justice in Kashmir,” a Hurriyat activist said.

The separatist outfit also urged the people to observe a complete shutdown on January 31 in protest of the Army’s decision.

The Kashmir Bar Association, which decided to observe strike against the closure of the Pathribal case tomorrow, has constituted a panel of five senior lawyers to study the Army’s decision.

“The Bar Association has constituted a legal team comprising ZA Shah, ZA Qureshi, Manzoor Ahmad Dar, Nazir Ahmad Ronga and Mohammad Abdullah Pandit to examine the records and after thoughtful analysis devise the future strategy for further action,” the association said in a statement.

Meanwhile, expressing shock over the closure of the Pathribal case, senior journalist and president of Citizens For Democracy (CFD) Kuldip Nayar and Justice (retd) Rajindar Sachar, former president Peoples’ Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), have demanded judicial inquiry into the incident.

“We are very much shocked and disappointed with the result of the Court Martial Inquiry relating to Pathribal encounter, in which Army claimed to have killed five terrorists, while the local villagers have claimed that the deceased were innocent civilians,” the duo said in a joint statement.

Pointing out at the CBI’s submission before the Supreme Court, in which the investigative agency mentioned that it was a “cold blooded murder”, the two said: “It is strange that the Army has claimed that there is no evidence.”

“This self acquittal by the Army will only aggravate the sense of alienation and resentment among Kashmiri people. We, therefore, urge the Government of India to set up a judicial inquiry headed by a Supreme Court judge to investigate into the allegations of fake encounter relating to the killings of five persons by the Army on March 25, 2000, at Pathribal in Anantnag,” the joint statement read.

Delegation calls on Governor

Jammu, January 30
A delegation of various villages around Pathribal under the leadership of Peerzada Mansoor Hussain, MLA, Shangas, called on Governor NN Vohra at Raj Bhawan in Jammu today.

They urged him to intervene in securing justice to the families of Pathribal encounter victims.

They petitioned that justice must be done in this case. The Governor said he had already spoken in the matter with the authorities concerned and would follow-up with both the state and Centre. — TNS

State administrative services exam to go the UPSC way
Arteev Sharma
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 30
State administrative services aspirants will soon have to face a test on the pattern of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination at both the preliminary and the mains level as the government here has decided to bring amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Combined Competitive Examination rules.

The state government has constituted a six-member panel to examine and make recommendations for effecting amendments in the provisions of the J&K Combined Competitive Examination Rules, 2008.

The decision has been taken in the wake of changes made by the Government of India in the examination process for selection of candidates to the Civil Services Examination. Official sources said the J&K Public Service Commission had recommended the UPSC pattern test about two years ago.

“As per the proposed scheme, there will be a common paper for all the aspirants at the preliminary level to get rid of the apprehensions that the candidates of a particular subject get benefit in the examination. Currently, aspirants choose one subject out of a total of 22 optional subjects at the preliminary level, besides a General Studies paper,” a source said.

“At the mains level, the UPSC has reduced the marks of optional subject and enhanced the marks of common paper. The same scheme is proposed to be introduced in Jammu and Kashmir,” the sources added.

The six-member panel headed by Secretary, General Administration Department, would study the scheme of examination being followed by the UPSC and submit its report within a period of two months.

The committee would also examine the negative implications, if any, of the UPSC model of examination on the candidates belonging to the far-flung areas and the disadvantaged sections of the society.

According to a government order, the panel would also study the scheme of examination being followed by other states, particularly Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Rajasthan and Maharashtra.

It would examine the feasibility of replicating the syllabus prescribed by the Government of India and if felt necessary suggest changes therein keeping in view the unique history, polity, geography and culture of the state, the order stated.

It added that the panel would also examine the feasibility of introducing the concept of negative marking in the preliminary examination and suggest the mode and the manner for introduction of this concept.

The committee will also explore the possibility of devising a schedule for holding the J&K Combined Competitive Examination.

The other members of the panel include Secretary, Law department, Secretary, J&K Public Service Commission, besides two experts, preferably Professors or Dean Academic Affairs from the University of Kashmir and University of Jammu. Secretary, ARI and Trainings department, will be a special invitee.

Examining changes
The government has constituted a six-member high-level panel to examine and make recommendations for effecting amendments to the provisions of the J&K Combined Competitive Examination Rules, 2008
The decision has been taken in the wake of changes made by the Government of India in the examination process for selection of candidates to the Civil Services Examination
The panel will examine the negative implications, if any, of the UPSC model of examination on the candidates belonging to the far-flung areas and the disadvantaged sections of society
It will examine the feasibility of replicating the syllabus prescribed by the Government of India and, if necessary, suggest changes therein keeping in view the unique history, polity, geography and culture of the state

Pulwama family awaits return of son who went missing in November
Farooz Ahmad Bhat

Pulwama, January 30
With his body seemingly broken, Mohammad Amin Ganie reached back home after 50 days from New Delhi just to face an inevitable but bizarre query from his wife Fatima — “Where have you kept my son” — with red eyes due to continuous sobbing.

The question puzzles everybody as it had already puzzled Amin during his stay in Delhi. Amin hailing from Jandwal village of Pulwama district went to New Delhi in November along with his son Romaan Amin (16) regarding fruit business. He had taken Romaan along with him as he had finished his Class X exams and wanted a holiday.

“I went to book two train tickets on November 20 as we were leaving for home the same day. When I returned we started to prepare for the journey and Romaan told me that he was going to washroom, never to return,” said Amin, adding that who knew the trip would unease all his family members and relatives.

Soon after Amin realised that Romaan is untraceable, he registered an FIR at the Mahindra Park police station, which immediately responded to the complaint. They got the CCTV footage which showed the boy roaming in the park for a few minutes.

“The police tried its best and are still following the case diligently, but so far they have not been able to trace Romaan,” said Amin.

Soon after the family members got the news of Romaan’s disappearance, many relatives reached Delhi to help Amin in finding his son, but all returned empty-handed.

“We went to all places and police stations to find out the whereabouts of my brother, but none had any information about him,” said Arif Amin, Romaan’s elder brother. He added that the Delhi Police believed that the boy was most probably not in Delhi.

Mohammad Amin further said during his stay in Delhi, he had knocked the door of every official, including Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and newly appointed Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, seeking help in finding his son, but all in vain.

The recent declaration of Class X results brought no happiness to Romaan’s family.

“You have passed Romaan. When will you join the next class,” wailed Fatima, after the declaration of the Class X results. “Fatima often sits in the veranda and says that she is waiting for her son,” Amin, said.

‘Tighter security, more staff must to check contraband smuggling’
Ravi Krishnan Khajuria
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 30
In the absence of foolproof security arrangements, two trade routes at Salamabad and Chakan da Bagh on the Line of Control (LoC) in the state keep bolstering certain ISI-backed ‘rogue’ elements in the Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) to try and push contraband into the state to fuel insurgency.

“Security arrangements needed to be upped and staff has also to be increased,” Mohammed Bashir Lone, custodian of the Chakan-da-Bagh Trade Centre in Poonch, told The Tribune.

Lone said the Chakan-da-Bagh Trade Centre had four X-ray machines, two sniffer dogs, 26 policemen, 16 policemen in civvies from the police force and around seven officials from the Customs Department.

“A Deputy Superintendent of Police is the overall in charge of the security arrangements at the trade centre but certainly the security grid needs to be strengthened with more staff and equipment,” said the official.

He said the security wing, Customs Department and intelligence agencies needed to strengthen their arrangements and work more cohesively. The official said to keep the system effective and free from any malpractices, the security staff must be rotated every two years.

Lone said once the full body truck scanners were installed, the security grid would become foolproof.

“The Union Government has approved scanners and we are awaiting their installation. Every single vehicle from across the border and this side will be undergoing rigorous scanning and it will leave no scope of smuggling the contraband,” he said.

Krishan Singh, general secretary of the Chamber of LoC Trade, J&K, said, “Had the Indian authorities installed full body truck scanners at Salamabad and Chakan-da-Bagh in 2009, the present crisis would have never arisen.”

“Since 2009, we have been demanding full-body truck scanners, but except assurances by Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde and then Union Home Secretary RK Singh, nothing has come our way,” he said.

Even the J&K Police have endorsed installation of full- body truck scanners at the two trade centres.

Illegal goings-on
On January 17, brown sugar worth Rs 114 crore was seized by the police from a truck coming from PoK to Uri via Salamabad during cross-LoC trade.
A three-battery remote used by militants at Udhampur during an unsuccessful attempt on the life of a senior Army officer Major General DS Pathania on May 2, 2011, was smuggled via Salamabad trade route.
Fake currency worth Rs 2.24 crore was smuggled via Chakan-da-Bagh in Poonch and then taken to Delhi on January, 2013, to fund terror activities.
Six PIKA rounds seized from a truck carrying iron rods from PoK to Chakan-da-Bagh in 2012.
Consignment of poppy seed from PoK seized at Chakan-da-Bagh last year.

Shop allotments reek of ‘favouritism’
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 30
Allegations of favouritism in allotting shops in various fruit and vegetable markets across Jammu region have surfaced where some blue-eyed people have been given undue preference over other local traders and growers.

The planning and marketing wing of the Horticulture Department had to allot shops to wholesale traders and growers of fruit, vegetable and agriculture produce in these markets in various parts of the Jammu region. While preference was given to local traders and growers in Akhnoor, Udhampur and Kathua markets, the trend was changed while allotting shops in Rajouri market where shops have been allotted to people who have “close links with influential people”.

Sources told The Tribune that in Rajouri market, shops had been allotted to different members of the same family whereas other local traders and growers had been ignored. “These people have registered their firms on different names, but have the same origin of production of fruit, vegetables and other agriculture produce,” the sources said.

The criteria for allotting shops at different markets was that traders who were affected by the shifting of their exiting shops would be given preference on 50 per cent shops and the remaining shops would be allotted to other traders and growers who fulfilled the requirements. The second criteria was that those growers whose production in agriculture production was more than 5,000 quintals and were identified by the fruit and vegetable association would be allotted shops.

Another criteria was that the allotment should be done on first-come, first-served basis and if the applications invited exceeded, the allotment would be done on a draw of lots basis.

However, these things were put behind and allotment was done to give preference to blue-eyed people. Local traders and growers, who were genuine, their application were not considered and were told they don’t fall under the given guidelines, the sources added.

“Even some traders have been allotted shops at almost every market, Udhampur, Bishnah, Kathua and Rajouri and the locals have been ignored,” the sources said.

Digvijay Gupta, public information officer, agreed that members of a single family had been allotted shops, but their firms were registered on different names. “We can’t deny allotment to any one if he or she fulfils the requirement,” Gupta said. However, JP Sharma, in charge, deputy director, Horticulture Planning and Marketing, denied any such move and said only those people had been allotted shops who fulfilled the requirements.

“Preference was given to local traders in Udhampur, Kathua and Akhnoor, but that was challenged in court and thus we went for an open allotment in Rajouri,” he said.

The allegations
In Akhnoor, Udhampur and Kathua markets, preference was given to local traders and growers, while in Rajouri market, shops were allotted to those having “close links with influential people”.
Sources said in Rajouri market, shops had been allotted to different members of the same family whereas other local traders and growers had been ignored.

‘Haider’ shooting halted briefly following protests

Srinagar, January 30
The shooting of Shahid Kapoor starrer “Haider” had to be stopped temporarily for some time following protests by locals in Anantnag district.

Locals started hurling snowballs at the crew of “Haider”, when they were shooting some sequences at Keribal area of Anantnag district, police sources said. They said policemen posted on security duty chased away the protesters, but the crew decided not to shoot at that location. The crew later went to the nearby temple town of Mattan and resumed shooting there, sources said. No one was hurt in the incident.

The movie also features Shraddha Kapoor, Irrfan Khan and Tabu. — PTI

Admn gears up for more snow

Srinagar, January 30
The Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, has asked all Deputy Commissioners to gear up their men and machinery and minimise disruption in essential services, including water and power supply, healthcare and road connectivity as there is forecast of snow from February 2 to 5.

“Besides, the Deputy Commissioners of Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, Srinagar, Kulgam, Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Kargil and Leh have been asked to advise people living in avalanche-prone areas to restrict their movement during the day and not to venture out during the night to avoid any untoward incident. The Deputy Commissioners have been asked to establish a joint control room in the district,” an official spokesman while quoting the Divisional Commissioner said. — TNS

Not against creation of admn units: Cong
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, January 30
The Congress today said a wrong impression was being created that the party was against the establishment of administrative units in the state.

“A wrong impression is being created that the Congress is acting like a roadblock in the formation of new units…we only want that the neglected and backward areas too should get the benefits,” Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) vice-president Ghulam Nabi Monga told mediapersons on the sidelines of a function here.

Monga said this in reaction to reports that there was a difference of opinion between the Congress and its coalition partner, National Conference (NC), over the creation of administrative units.

He said the Congress leaders and workers had conveyed their concerns and suggestions to the Cabinet Sub-Committee (CSC), headed by Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand.

The Deputy Chief Minister yesterday said the CSC would submit its report on the creation of administrative units in the next Cabinet meeting.

The JKPCC vice-president said the party leaders and workers would accept the decision taken by the Congress high command over entering into a pre-poll alliance with the NC.

JKPCC president Saifuddin Soz recently met the Congress high command in New Delhi where he conveyed the wish of the party workers that they were not in favour of entering into a pre-poll alliance with the NC.

KU VC releases book on teenage problems

Srinagar, January 30
Kashmir University Vice Chancellor Talat Ahmad released book “Escaped Moments” written by a young Kashmiri writer, Jaasindah Mir, on the university campus here today.

The book is based on the problems and complexities of growing up associated with a teenager’s life. Ahmad urged the young writers to pen down their observations on the natural landscape of the Valley.

He said, “The young writer has touched a very relevant phenomenon prevalent among the youth of today and has highlighted some vital aspects of the problems and complexities that come up in a relationship between teenagers of contemporary times. Simultaneously, I also suggest that young writers should also write about nature and Kashmir I believe has lot to offer and inspire in that particular genre.”

He added, “The youth here are talented and can create masterpieces in literature if they are mentored by veteran writers and novelists.”

Head, Department of English, Central University of Kashmir, and senior writer and columnist M Aslam while presenting a review of the novel said, “The book is a good read and will go a long way in establishing the young writer as a good writer in future.”

Mir, author of the novel, who is currently pursuing her degree in English literature and psychology, said she had never thought that her piece of writing would receive so much of admiration and would be launched at such a platform. — TNS

Essay contest organised

Srinagar, January 30
The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Culture, Art and Languages organised an essay competition at its Srinagar office yesterday.

Noted writers, who read out their essays in the competition, were Kashmiri writer Zareef Ahmad Zareef, Zaman Azurdah, Abdul Ahad Hajini, Muhammad Yousuf Mashoor, Aijaz Gulam Muhammad Lalu and Muhammad Yousuf Miskeen.

Additional Secretary, Cultural Academy, Arvinder Singh Amn while welcoming the guests appreciated them for participating in the contest.

“The event has been organised after a gap of 12 years. We will focus on conducting such events in future were budding essay writers will be invited,” he said while inaugurating the event.

Singh said the aim of the event was to promote Kashmiri language among people through essays. “Our aim is to promote art and culture through the writings of prominent people. This will help people get closer to their culture,” Singh said. — OC

Tributes paid to Mahatma Gandhi
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 30
The Income Tax Office observed Martyrs' Day here today. The staff of the department gathered in the conference hall of the office and observed a two-minute silence this morning to pay tributes to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi.

State Commissioner of Income Tax AK Thatai emphasised the need for following the principles of Mahatma Gandhi, who always believed in simple living and high thinking. His contribution to the freedom struggle was also lauded.

Rugby festival ends
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 30
The Open Jammu Rugby 7's Festival concluded at Green Fields Ground, Gandhi Nagar, here. As many as 15 teams from across the Jammu division in both boys and girls' section participated in the festival, which was organised in Jammu for the first time.

JB Bali, joint secretary, J&K State Sports Council, was the chief guest. The event was organised by the District Jammu Rugby Association in collaboration with the J&K Rugby Association to promote rugby in the Jammu division.

The association has also decided to organise exchange programmes/exhibition matches/festival at different districts in the state to uplift the standard of the game.

Meanwhile, in the U-14 boys' section, Army Public School (APS), Sunjuwan, emerged victorious, while Government Boys School finished runners-up.

In the girls' section, APS, Sunjuwan, secured the first position, while Jammu Cats Rugby Club finished runners-up.

In the senior boys' category, Belmont Rugby Club and Total Rugby Club emerged winners and runners-up, respectively.

Rural Ministry to regulate funds for Central schemes
Vikas Sharma
Tribune News Service

Jammu, January 30
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) division of the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) has decided to release funds to the state based on the actual expenditure and not promised expenditure.

The initiative was taken by the ministry to ensure that funds flow would be streamlined by the State Department of Rural Development for better implementation of the Centrally sponsored scheme.

Sources said the Central ministry had stressed upon the state to introduce Expenditure-based Fund Release System (EFRS) and electronic Fund Management System (eFMS).

“The EFRS will assure that funds are made available at the state employment guarantee fund at a minimum assured level in such a way that there is no shortage of programme funds at the field level, ” a statement from the MoRD said.

The Sources added that the ministry had assured every possible help to the state authorities to ensure smooth fund flow up to the implementing level.

Regarding institutionalisation of eFMS, the ministry said eFMS ensured online and real time transfer of funds direct into accounts of beneficiaries without any difficulty. The ministry claimed that the new mechanism had made the entire fund-flow system transparent, hassle and error-free, besides eliminating administrative delays and delays in wage payment.

The sources claimed that the funds of the state would now be sanctioned for release by the Centre taking into account the approved labour budget and the opening balance twice a year.

Further, there is also a proposal that the minimum fund assured, which is a 14-day average expenditure based on historical, including seasonal, considerations, will be worked out by the Central ministry. Funds available at the state employment guarantee fund will be maintained all the time.

Meanwhile, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in its recently submitted audit report had also suggested the state to prepare a standard operating procedure for incomplete and abandoned work. It added that the performance of the state under MGNREGA would be monitored by five indicators.

Chenani-Nashri tunnel project workers stage protest

Jammu, January 30
Hundreds of workers of the Chenani-Nashri tunnel project today held a protest to press for their demands, including reinstatement of the expelled workers and withdrawal of the cases registered against some of them.

Led by Centre of Indian Trade Unions state chief and CPM state secretary MY Tarigami, the workers protested at Chenani.

They demanded implementation of labour laws and the Minimum Wages Act, reinstatement of the workers who had been terminated for protesting, withdrawal of “false and frivolous” cases registered against them by police, wages for working overtime, weekly rest day, payment in lieu of national holidays, grant of casual, earned and medical leaves and classification of workers as skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled. — PTI

'Powerless' villagers threaten protest

Rajouri, January 30
People of Sialsui village in Kalakot tehsil have threatened to launch a protest against the Power Department if electricity was not restored within the next three days.

The villagers are without electricity for the last more than 80 days as the transformer supplying power to the village got damaged due to overloading. Villagers alleged that despite several representations to the officials concerned, nothing had been done so far.

"Now, we have served a three-day ultimatum to the officials and after that we will launch an agitation,” said a villager.

Jatinder Sassan, JE, Power Department, said the matter had already been taken up with the higher authorities and soon power would be restored in the village. — OC