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Budget session begins on stormy note
PDP legislators call for arrest of Shabir Khan
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Restoration of peace must for securing growth: Governor
molestation
case
Restrictions dampen Urs festivities at Dastgeer Sahib shrines
Cold wave intensifies in Valley
Protests rock city on first day of Budget session
PDP demands arrest of former Health Minister
Governor briefed on security
Two panchayats seek inclusion in Mandi tehsil
Doda villagers protest against panches, sarpanches
Advisory panel discusses House biz
Army offers help to ailing 15-yr-old girl
‘Arrested shooter was not employed with state police’
SDP gets 150 new members
Maqsood is Radio Kashmir programme staff unit secy
Bar association suspends work
Cash rewards for ‘winner’ schools in Leh
Sumit maintains lead in chess championship
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Budget session begins on stormy note
Jammu, February 10 Before beginning of the joint session of the state legislature, BJP legislators, carrying placards, sat on dharna at the main entrance of the Assembly complex. Raising slogans against the state government for discriminating against the Jammu region over the creation of new administrative units, BJP legislators disrupted the movement of ministers and other members. Security personnel and Assembly staff had a tough time ensuring the entry of ministers into the Central Hall. BJP state president Jugal Kishore Sharma, who is an MLA from Nagrota, said the Jammu region had been ignored while allotting the new administrative units. BJP MLAs also raised slogans against the failure of the state government to arrest Shabir Khan. While the BJP MLAs were staging a protest, PDP MLA from Rajpura Sayeed Bashir also raised slogans against the “discriminatory” allotment of administrative units. “This regime has adopted a pick-and-choose policy in allotting administrative units,” he shouted while alleging that deserving areas were ignored in the whole exercise. Similar scenes were witnessed when Governor NN Vohra started addressing the joint session of the legislature. Independent legislator Abdul Rashid Engineer and PDP MLA from Sangrama Basharat Bukhari created uproar as they shouted anti-government slogans. Basharat Bukhari was demanding the arrest of Shabir Khan. Within no time, there was din in the House as legislators from Opposition benches resorted to deafening slogans. “This government has failed on all fronts,” shouted PDP member Nizamuddin Bhat. Some members were also demanding reopening of the Pathribal incident case. Amidst the pandemonium, BJP members along with lone member of the Jammu State Morcha (JSM) staged a walkout. BJP legislators blamed the government for not providing basic amenities like water, electricity to the people of the state besides taking it on over poor development and misgovernance. BJP MLAs asserted that they would expose the government for its failure to solve basic problems of the masses. They said that during the last five years the regime had compounded the woes of the weaker sections. They also demanded citizenship rights for West Pakistani refugees. |
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PDP legislators call for arrest of Shabir Khan
Jammu, February 10 To draw the attention of the Governor towards the prevailing “anarchy and mess” in the state, PDP legislators under the leadership of Mehbooba Mufti raised anti-government slogans. PDP legislators demanded immediate arrest of former minister Shabir Ahmed Khan because a non-bailable warrant had already been issued against him in the molestation case. PDP legislators also highlighted the ‘misdeeds’ of the present regime headed by Omar Abdullah. Later talking to mediapersons outside the Assembly, Mehbooba said the first Assembly session of the government in 2009 started with the unfortunate and gruesome Shopian incident of rape and murder and the last Budget session of this government was marked with the incident of molestation of a doctor by a minister. “Shabir Khan is a protected person. How has he disappeared?” she asked while accusing the government of shielding the former minister. Rating the performance of the present regime, she said scams, scandals and killings were noticeable achievements of the Omar Abdullah government. She said the government had failed to come up to the expectations of people and had failed to fulfil the promises. “The youth of the state are the worst victims of the policies being propagated by this government. The policies of the government are fuelling alienation among the younger generation,” she said while pointing out that backdoor appointments had been going on unabated at the cost of deserving youth. The PDP leader alleged that instead of providing employment opportunities, the government had been snatching jobs from youth. She said corruption had been legalised in the state. She said “achievements” of the regime included the “mysterious killing of Haji Yousuf, forest land scam, Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association scandal as well as the latest scam in the Board of Professional Entrance Examinations. “The highest office of the Chief Minister is also under scanner after the mysterious killing of (NC activist) Haji Yousuf,” she said. — TNS
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Restoration of peace must for securing growth: Governor
Jammu, February 10 He said the state had been witnessing a decline in terror-related incidents. The Governor was addressing a joint session of the state legislature, which marks the beginning of the last Budget session of the present coalition regime. He said the government, which completed its five years in office recently, had pursued people’s welfare-centric policies with dedication, commitment and a sense of urgency. “The people of the state have made a valuable contribution towards the restoration of peace and normalcy, which are crucial pre-requisites for securing growth and economic development,” Vohra said. Referring to the recent decision of the state government to create new administrative units, the Governor said, “Keeping in view the legitimate aspirations of the people of various regions, the government has decided to establish a comprehensive network of new administrative units which will bring the administration closer to the people. Accordingly, 46 new subdivisions, 135 tehsils, 177 community development blocks and 301 niabats have been created and will be made operational soon.” Pointing towards improving law and order situation in the state, the Governor said, “Over the past few years, there has been a decline in incidents of terrorist violence and a perceptible improvement in the internal security environment.” “During 2013, terrorist-related incidents declined by around 23 per cent as compared to 2012. However, there were 244 ceasefire violations on the Line of Control and the international border, which marked a huge increase over the past year,” he said and added that it was also a matter of concern that 53 security forces personnel were killed in 2013 against 15 in 2012. “Taking a serious view of such attacks, all possible corrective measures are being put in place. While paying homage to all officers and men who laid down their lives for protecting the territorial integrity of our country, we shall need to keep in mind the increasing desperation of the militants and their sponsors from across (the border) and the likelihood that every possible attempt would be made to disrupt the two elections which shall be conducted this year. Our security forces shall have to continue their vigil along the borders,” the Governor said. Lauding the Jammu and Kashmir Police for its role in improving law and order situation in the state, the Governor said, “The state police is playing an important role in maintaining law and order and undertaking counter-insurgency operations. It is hoped that in the coming time, it shall be in a position to deal with most internal security challenges on its own,” he said. “The police and security forces personnel deserves to be lauded for their courage, professionalism, patience and utmost restraint while facing difficult situations and operating in trying circumstances,” he said, adding, “The security forces have been sensitised to ensure against any collateral damage or human rights violations while carrying out counter-militancy operations. New standard operating procedures have been adopted and enforced as the operational guidelines for security forces to minimise collateral damage during counter-insurgency operations,” he said. He reiterated the government’s committed to the policy of zero tolerance for any human rights violation and action against erring personnel. “Improvement in the security environment has enabled the government to gradually reduce the visibility of the security forces and reduce their footprints in inhabited areas by relocating and redeploying them,” he said. |
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Cross-LoC standoff: Judicial remand of Pakistani driver extended
Srinagar, February 10 Awan was arrested after 114 kg of brown sugar worth Rs 114 crore was seized from his truck on January 17. The cross-LoC trade has remained suspended since the drugs recovery. Pakistan is adamant on the release of the truck driver to break the impasse on the cross-LoC trade and 76 truck drivers, held up on either side, 48 at Salamabad in Uri and 27 in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). A Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the international drug racket said the investigation was incomplete and some accused were absconding. They sought extension of the drivers remand. Awan’s judicial remand ended today. However, he could not be produced before the court in north Kashmir’s Baramulla town due to the ongoing law and order situation in the Valley. He is currently lodged in Srinagar Central Jail. The court, however, contacted the driver over the phone before granting extension in judicial remand. After hearing the plea of the SIT, the court extended his judicial remand till February 18. Besides Awan, two Kashmiri traders, Tariq Ahmed Sheikh from Baramulla and Showkat Habib from Bandipora, are in judicial custody. The main accused in the case, a smuggler from Amritsar, is absconding. The authorities are likely to engage a lawyer to seek bail for Awan in the coming days. After the deadlock in trade, the two sides also suspended the cross-LoC bus service. However, the bus services resumed on February 3 after talks between the two sides.
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molestation
case
Srinagar, February 10 “I, the complainant, have already lodged a complaint… requesting an appropriate action in accordance with law against some editors, publishers, printers, authors and Member Parliament Ch. Lal Singh for defaming my character and disclosing my identity which is totally against the Supreme Court guidelines,” read the statement, signed by the complainant doctor. The statement was released at a joint press conference of seven medic and paramedic associations here in the city today. Police sources confirmed that the doctor had filed the complaint against the Member of Parliament and others. However, the sources said the complaint could not be entertained as Section 228-A of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC), which makes the disclosure of the victim's identity in sexual assault cases a punishable offence, refers only to rape victim (under Sections 376, 376A, 376B, 376C, 376D) and not the Sections under which the case against the minister had been filed. Minister of State for Health Shabir Ahmad Khan resigned last week following allegations of molestation by the doctor, who claimed the minister had acted like a “sexual predator” at the winter secretariat, where she had been called for an official meeting. Khan has been booked under Sections 354 and 509 of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC). Section 354 deals with assault or use of criminal force against a woman with an intention to outraging her modesty, while Section 509 deals with words, gestures or acts intended to insult the modesty of a woman. The doctor, in the statement, said she had “stood up for all women of society” so that they could feel safe at their workplaces and appealed to the government and people to “to repose trust in the institutions of justice and stay away from politicising the issue”. Meanwhile, the medic and paramedic associations threatened an agitation if the former minister was not arrested within 24 hours. The representatives of JK Dental Surgeons Society, Health and Family Welfare Employees Confederation (JK), Society of Consultant Doctors, JK State Contractual Doctors, Field Doctors Welfare Association Kashmir, NRHM Doctors Association, and Doctors and Patients Welfare Association said they were “surprised” by the delay in tracking down and arresting the former minister. “We have been on protest since day one… but even today the minister has not been arrested. If this person (Khan) is not arrested within 24 hours, we will announce an agitation,” one of the representatives told reporters. Another representative complimented the state government for filing the case against its minister, saying the doctors and paramedics would work “one hour extra for one week” as a token of support if the government acted “sincerely”. |
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Valley remains shut, restrictions continue
Srinagar, February 10 While Guru was executed on February 9, last year, at New Delhi’s Tihar Jail, Maqbool Bhat was hanged at the same prison on February 11, 1984. Strict restrictions were imposed across the region, even as all markets, business establishments, banks and shops remained closed and transport services remained suspended in the region. The separatist leaders had called for a three-day shutdown beginning Sunday. Most of the roads leading to Lal Chowk here remained sealed for civilian movement and police and paramilitary personnel were deployed in large numbers to prevent the residents from holding any protest. A police officer said restrictions were imposed as preventive measure. The shutdown has so far passed off peacefully. However, there were scattered incidents of stone pelting, but no major incident of violence has been reported, the officer said on the condition of anonymity. Separatist leaders have been demanding the return of the mortal remains of both Guru and Maqbool Bhat, who were buried in the jail premises after their execution. The state government last week detained several separatist leaders, including Shabir Ahmad Shah and Nayeem Ahmad Khan. JKLF chairman Yasin Malik was arrested yesterday while leading a protest march in city’s Maisuma neighbourhood. “The situation remained normal throughout the Kashmir valley. Stray stone pelting incidents have been reported from Papchan and Bandipora (in north Kashmir). However, no one was hurt,” a police spokesperson said. |
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Kashmir University exams, admissions suffer blow
Srinagar, February 10 The university cancelled all graduation and post-graduation examinations scheduled for today and tomorrow in the wake of curfew-like conditions in most parts of Kashmir. Last year too, the students had a tough time while reaching exam centres in the wake of persistent disturbances following the execution of Afzal Guru. The university had abruptly decided to delay the admission as well as the examination processes indefinitely due to the disruptions, which in turn shortened the academic session at KU. This time around, although the examination process started well in time, the state government’s decision of imposition of restrictions for three days is likely to cast its effect on the admission date. Many students hailing from remote areas are caught up in Srinagar as they had come here to apply for admissions or collect certificates from the university campus. “I and my friends had come here to get our marks certificate from the university on Saturday when suddenly the restrictions were imposed. We have stayed put in a hotel in the city and we are stuck here for the past three days. Due to curfew, we are running out of cash as we couldn’t withdraw money from banks. We could neither go back home due to non-availability of transport,” said Syed Afsha, a student hailing from South Kashmir’s remote district Kulgam. Although the university has announced that the admission and examination processes will continue after the restrictions are lifted, the students have demanded a change in the date of the academic session and admissions from winter to spring. “In winters, the movement of people and traffic reduces in the Valley. Besides, curfews and strikes worsen the situation. It has therefore become necessary for the university management to reconsider their decision to start the important admission process in February. Repeated representations were made by students’ delegations before the authorities concerned to bring an overhaul in the academic session, especially the dates,’ Manan Khan, an aspirant seeking admission, said.
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Restrictions dampen Urs festivities at Dastgeer Sahib shrines
Srinagar, February 10 The restrictions were put in place yesterday in view of the death anniversaries of Parliament attack convict Mohammad Afzal Guru and JKLF founder Maqbool Bhat. In wake of the restrictions, devotees were not able to visit the shrines. “Restrictions have severely affected the movement of devotees and people from only nearby areas could come for prayers,” said a caretaker of the Dastgeer Sahib shrine at Sarai Bala. Prior to the restrictions, he said devotees were seen visiting the shrine in large numbers. Devotees usually throng the shrine for 11 consecutive days till the main Urs function, which will be observed on Wednesday. The caretaker said they were hopeful that the main Urs would be observed like before as restrictions were expected to be lifted on Wednesday. The shrines at Khanyar and Sarai Bala are devoted to 11th century Sufi saint Shaikh Syed Abdul Qadir Jeelani. Even though the actual shrine of the saint is located at Baghdad in Iraq and he never visited the Valley in person, he is highly revered by locals.
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Cold wave intensifies in Valley
Srinagar, February 10 Mountainous Kargil region recorded the coldest night of the season with mercury falling to more than 22 degrees below the freezing point. Srinagar, the summer capital of the state, recorded a low of minus 1.1 degrees Celsius last night, down from 0.4 degrees Celsius the previous night. Kargil, in Ladakh region, recorded a low of minus 22.8 degrees Celsius, a drop of five degrees from the previous night’s minus 17.8 degrees Celsius, a MeT Department official said. Leh town recorded a low of minus 13.7 degrees Celsius, a drop of over four degrees from minus 9.2 degrees Celsius the previous night. The officials of the Met department said there was a chance of slight rainfall/snow in the upper reaches of Kashmir. Mercury in Qazigund, which falls on the Srinagar-Jammu highway, went down by almost two degrees to settle at minus 3.4 degrees Celsius, as against the previous night’s minus 1.6 degrees Celsius. The health resort of Pahalgam, in south Kashmir, registered a low of minus 10.6 degrees Celsius as compared to minus 10.2 degrees Celsius the previous night. The minimum temperature in the famous ski-resort of Gulmarg was recorded minus 10 degrees Celsius as against the previous night’s minus 9.4 degrees Celsius. The mercury in Kokernag, in south Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 4.4 degrees Celsius last night, as against the previous night’s minimum of minus 4.3 degrees Celsius.
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Protests rock city on first day of Budget session
Jammu, February 10 The police foiled the BJP’s attempt to gherao the civil secretariat by arresting scores of party workers, including MLAs, who were protesting against the alleged failure of the state government on all fronts. The party claimed that about half a dozen party activists, including Naresh Sharma, Shilpi Verma, Ishtiaq Wani and Sunil Kumar, received injuries when a heavy contingent of the police deployed near the civil secretariat forcibly stopped them from marching towards the secretariat and were allegedly lathicharged. Naresh Sharma and Raj Kumar were hospitalised, a party spokesperson said. They were led by state president Jugal Kishore Sharma, who was accompanied by Leader of the BJP Legislative Party Ashok Khajuria and other senior leaders, state office-bearers, district and morcha presidents and various cell conveners. Earlier, party activists assembled at Indira Chowk and marched towards Civil Secretariat raising slogans and carrying party flags and placards in their hands. Jugal Kishore Sharma, while condemning the lathicharge on party activists, said the use of force and violence would not hold back the BJP cadre from raising issues of public concern and exposing the government on alleged mis-governance, corruption, discrimination with the Jammu and Ladakh regions and plight of refugees, SCs, STs, OBCs, Gujjars, youth and farmers. He said the state government had completed five years in the office and his party MLAs would seek explanation on the floor of the House for its alleged anti-people, anti-youth and pro-Kashmir policies in the current session of the Legislative Assembly. Over a dozen members of the Jammu (rural) district unit of the party, led by district president Sukhdev Singh, were arrested from a party office at Dream City in the Muthi area when they were proceeding towards Jammu to join "secretariat gherao" march. PDP stages demonstration
Similarly, leaders of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also staged a demonstration and accused the government of failing on all fronts. The protesters were led by Vikram Singh, district vice-president of the PDP. “The current employment policy formulated by the state government for the youth is a cruel joke with educated youth,” they said. They also demanded the immediate arrest of former Minister of State for Health Shabir Khan, who has been booked under molestation charge. “It is unfortunate that a senior leader and minister of the Congress, whose chairperson is a woman, is involved in an attempt to assault a woman doctor with an intention to outrage her modesty,” PDP leaders said. NPSU blocks road
Meanwhile, activists of the National Panther Student Union (NPSU) criticised the state government for “ignoring” unemployed youth of the Jammu region and staged a demonstration on Canal Road here. They blocked the vehicular traffic on Canal Road raising slogans against the new recruitment policy. Partap Singh Jamwal, state president the NPSU, said the youth of the Jammu region had been totally ignored in all sectors by the collation government. “The new recruitment policy should be revoked,” he said. |
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PDD casual labourers’ protest enters 66th day
Jammu, February 10 A rally was held by the union from the office of the Chief Engineer, Electric and Mechanical, to Civil Secretariat. The rally was held under the chairmanship of provincial president Shes Kumar in support of their demands, including the release of wages, proper regularisation policy, insurance policy, etc. A large number of casual labours from the PDD, Jammu region, participated in the rally and raised slogans in support of their demands. They requested the administration to release Rs 6.50 crore immediately, claiming that it was committed by the Chief Minister and Power Minister one year back. The union also appealed to the Finance Minister to announce in the Budget Session that the amount be strictly disbursed as wages of casual labourers. Leaders of the union threatened that if the authorities failed to address their grievances, they would intensify their agitation. |
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PDP demands arrest of former Health Minister
Jammu, February 10 Vikram Singh, district vice-president, PDP, while addressing the protesters appealed to the authorities to initiate a high-level judicial enquiry against the former Health Minister for his alleged involvement in molestation of a woman doctor. The activists raised slogans against the state government saying that the current employment policy for youth was a joke with the educated youth. Sachin Sharma added that the Congress was fooling the public by raising hollow slogans for the uplift and safety of women, but doing nothing for them. Sonu Saini demanded that the culprits of the JKCA scam be put behind bars. |
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Jammu, February 10 Lt General Chachra gave an extensive briefing to the Governor about the overall security scenario in the Northern Command area, particularly along the international border, the Line of Control and the Line of Actual Control, an official spokesperson said. The duo also discussed several important issues relating to security management in the coming months. Meanwhile, Lt Gen Sanjiv Chachra called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah here today and briefed him about the prevailing security situation in the state. — TNS |
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Omar seeks govt-public liaison for disaster management
Jammu, February 10 “A well-drafted strategy and comprehensive preparedness plan to face the fallouts of disasters is all the more necessary for a state like J&K, falling in a seismic zone and confronted with climate-related and human-imposed eventualities and emergencies,” the Chief Minister said. Omar inaugurated a two-day state-level conference on “Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation” organised by the Directorate of Home Guards here. He said the people of the state had exhibited highest response towards the disaster survivors in the hour of need and emergency as had been witnessed during the 2005 earthquake, snow tsunami in south Kashmir and the flash-floods in Ladakh. He said he had himself witnessed the help provided by the people to the survivors of earthquake in Uri and Tanghdar and to the sufferers of flash-floods in Ladakh and snowstorm in south Kashmir when he visited the areas during the natural calamities. The Chief Minister said channelising this spirit of the people into an organised effort to put in place an effective preparedness and management mechanism to combat the fallouts of disasters was the need of the hour. He said public involvement in disaster management was the key to protect life and property. |
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Two panchayats seek inclusion in Mandi tehsil
Poonch, February 10 The villagers rued that they did not have the privilege to vote for Mandi candidates. They fall in Surankote constituency, which is 30 km away from their panchayats. The protesters burnt tyres on roads, raised anti-government slogans and demanded attachment of their panchayats to Mandi tehsil, detaching them from the Surankote tehsil. The schools, government and private offices and all business establishments remained closed in support of the bandh call given by the joint action committee, Mandi. The protesters said two panchayats of Mandi tehsil — Mandi and Rajpura — as per the revenue records fall in Mandi tehsil, but for voting in they fall in Surankote tehsil. It was a long pending demand of the villagers to attach these two panchayats to Mandi, but the government had failed to redress their grievances despite repeated requests and protests, they alleged. Shamim Ganei, a protester, said, “The Mandi and Rajpura panchayats fall within 2 km of Mandi tehsil complex, sub-district hospital, Mandi BDO office and the police station, but the panchayats have been incorporated in Surankote constituency without any valid reason as according to the topography, the Surankote tehsil office is far away from these panchayats.” Gulam Abbas, another protester, said, “The panchayats don’t receive adequate development funds as the elected representative from the Surankote constituency never visit the panchayats except at the time of elections.” The protesters threatened to boycott the coming elections if their demand was not fulfilled. |
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Leopard shot dead in Anantnag district
Anantnag, February 10 According to reports, the leopard was on the prowl in the village since morning and attacked several people before an Army man shot the animal dead. Meanwhile, all injured were said to be out of danger and were discharged after treatment at a local hospital. “The animal had terrorised us since morning and it would have posed a grave threat to the local populace if it was not killed in time,” a Malpora resident said. The man-animal conflict is on rise in the Valley with an increased human interference in the forest area. Besides, the wild animals venture into the human habitation during winters as forests remain covered under snow and they find hard to survive on whatever little food they get in the area. — OC |
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Doda villagers protest against panches, sarpanches
Doda, February 10 Protesters accused the panches and sarpanches of the area of bias and said they were favouring their relatives and close ones while distributing money under various Centre-sponsored schemes. “There is large-scale corruption in distribution of funds under MGNREGA in Baghwah block. The people who deserve job cards are made to run from one place to another. Instead cards are issued against fictitious names and huge amount of public money is being syphoned,” said one of the protesters. The protesters were also critical of the government’s decision to implement the 73rd Amendment of the Constitution in the state. “We are against the empowerment of the Panchayati Raj system. Panches and sarpanches have already done a lot of damage. They are just benefiting their relatives and closed ones and have ignored the common people,” a protester said. “We approached the local administration on several occasions but nothing has been done so far. We want the Central government to seize the powers of the panchayat representatives,” he added. The protesters also alleged that scores of earthquake victims in Baghwah block were yet to receive compensation because of the indifferent and biased attitude of the panchayat representatives. “Hundreds of quake victims from Majmi, Gadi, Ghadan and Kanhal in Baghwah block have not received compensation because of the corrupt and biased sarpanches and panches,” alleged another protester. Meanwhile, Additional District Development Commissioner, Doda, GM Balwan assured the residents that the tehsildar had been ordered to revise the relief list and a committee had been appointed to check allegations of misappropriation of funds. |
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Advisory panel discusses House biz
Jammu, February 10 During the meeting discussion was held on the revised calendar of the ongoing session of the Assembly, an official spokesperson said. As per the calendar discussion on motion of thanks on Governor’s Address will be held on February 11 and reply there to on February 12. The annual financial statement of expenditure for 2014-2015 and presentation of supplementary statement of expenditure for 2013-2014 will be presented on February 13, the spokesperson said. General discussion on Budget will be held on February 16 and reply there to on February 17, while demands for grants will be put forth from February 18 to 22, he added. Appropriation bills will be presented on February 23. Private member’s resolutions have been kept for February 24 and 28, while private members’ bills will be presented on February 26 and March 3. Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand among several other ministers and
legislators were part of the meeting.
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Army offers help to ailing 15-yr-old girl
Srinagar, February 10 The girl was suffering from acute abdominal pain and needed immediate medical attention. On receiving the call a Quick Response Team of the Army reached the spot and provided the patient primary care. She was later shifted to a local medical facility of the Army. However, keeping her condition in mind, the girl was airlifted to Kupwara, defence spokesperson Lt Col NN Joshi said. Pushwari is situated in an avalanche prone area and is about two or three hours walk from the nearest Army camp. The road to the village is covered with seven or eight feet
of snow. |
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‘Arrested shooter was not employed with state police’
Jammu, February 10 The Jammu and Kashmir Rifle Association claimed that the shooter did not participate in any national competition during 2012-13 and had also been de-affiliated from the association. Bandral was arrested by the Crime Branch of the Delhi Police for allegedly robbing and extorting money from a doctor in south Delhi along with his two companions. “Bandral was never employed with the Jammu and Kashmir Police. He belongs to Kathua district and left the sport two years ago,” said J&K Rifle Association treasurer Sharat Sharma. “One doesn’t become a head constable at the age of 18. He may have given this identity in a bid to save himself,” J&K
Rifle Association treasurer said. Meanwhile, another member of the Jammu and Kashmir Rifle Association claimed that
Bandral was only a member of the association and had qualified for the nationals but never
participated. He added that the J&K Rifle Association had terminated Bandral’s membership in 2013 after receiving complaints of eve-teasing, missing practice sessions and misbehaving with seniors. Reports said Bandral along with his two
companions Rahul and Siddharth called in a doctor, Ranjeet Verma, to their residence at Masjid Moth in Delhi for a medical visit. Once he arrived, the trio beat him up. Verma was then locked up in a room for many hour. He was taken to different locations and robbed of his money. The accused finally fled leaving the doctor at some secluded place. Verma then went to the Hauz Khas police station and registered an FIR. As per the Delhi
Police press release, Bandral claimed to be a national-level gold medallist in 10-metre
pistol shooting competitions and and having represented India in a shooting championship in
Singapore in 2010-11. The release also stated that Sandeep was employed with the
Jammu and Kashmir Police as a head constable for 10 months in 2010.
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SDP gets 150 new members
Jammu, February 10 SDP parliamentary candidate for Jammu-Poonch Constituency Gursagar Singh Isher welcomed the new entrants into the party fold. Isher said, "People have shown faith in the SDP time and again." "We are striving to bring change in the rotten politics of the state. The SDP is working for the uplift of poor and underprivileged. Our stress is on rural areas," Gursharan Singh said. "In rural areas, we are working to raise the standard of agriculturalists, wherein various provisions concerning farmers are included in the SDP’s manifesto. We have entailed various schemes for the rural youth, especially girls, for making them self-reliant," he added. — TNS
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Maqsood is Radio Kashmir programme staff unit secy
Srinagar, February 10 A statement said Maqsood was elected unit secretary for Kashmir province after the association voted in his favour. “Maqsood has been associated with the famous programme “Sheharbeen” for the past more than 16 years and his services are continuously being hailed by the Kashmir journalist fraternity at large,” the statement added. — TNS
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Bar association suspends work
Jammu, February 10 The association condemned the act of the criminals and expressed grave concern about the incident. It called upon the police to expedite the investigation and apprehend the accused. — TNS
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Cash rewards for ‘winner’ schools in Leh
Leh, February 10 A cash reward of Rs 3,000 and Rs 10,000 will be given to the school which achieved 79 per cent and 100 per cent result, respectively, in Class X and XII board examinations. The decision was taken at the LAHDC meeting under the chairmanship of Chief Executive Councillor Rigzin Spalbar. — OC |
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Sumit maintains lead in chess championship
Jammu, February 10 With three wins on the trot, Sumit is at the first place with 10.5 points, while Meenal is at the second spot with 9 points. Rohit Bhardwaj is at the third place with 8 points and Maxim Singh is at the fourth place with 7.5 points. In the 11th round, Sumit Grover trounced Javaid, Arvindu got the better of Shahid Mushtaq, Mohammad Sharief trounced Maxim Singh, Rohit Bhardwaj outplayed Meenal Gupta, Faisal Farooq defeated Amir Yousaf Bhat, Soham Kamotra prevailed over Mohammad Rafiq and Pranav held Najmus Sakib to a draw. Ashiq Ahmed Kolu, general secretary of the All J&K Chess Association, supervised the matches.
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Jammu, February 10
Jammu, February 10
Doda, February 10
