SPECIAL COVERAGE
CHANDIGARH

LUDHIANA

DELHI


THE TRIBUNE SPECIALS
50 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE

TERCENTENARY CELEBRATIONS
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J A M M U   &   K A S H M I R    E D I T I O N

Cross-LoC traders to meet at Kaman Post on Monday
Srinagar, February 21
Indian and Pakistani officials have agreed for a joint meeting of cross-Line of Control (LoC) traders on Monday at the Zero Point at Kaman Post in the Uri sector.
Trucks wait outside the trade facilitation centre at Salamabad in Uri on Friday. Trucks wait outside the trade facilitation centre at Salamabad in Uri on Friday. A tribune photograph

Cong to counter ‘Modi wave’ through unity mantra
Jammu, February 21
Even as the “over-enthusiastic” BJP is yet to shortlist potential candidates for the Lok Sabha seats due to factionalism in the party, the Congress leadership has decided to present a united face to counter the much publicised “Modi wave” in Jammu region.


YOUR TOWN
Jammu
Srinagar


EARLIER STORIES


Health centre allocation rocks J-K Assembly
BJP MLAs walk out of the J-K Assembly on Friday.Jammu, February 21
The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly today witnessed uproar when Opposition parties protested against “favouritism and discrepancies” in the opening of health centres across the state.



BJP MLAs walk out of the J-K Assembly on Friday. Tribune Photo

Opposition protests delay in cable car project
Jammu, February 21
Noisy scenes and walkouts marked the proceedings of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly today with Jammu-based Opposition parties grilling the government over delay in the start of the much-awaited Mubarak Mandi Cable Car project and dilapidated condition of the Mansar-Samba road link.

Anti-corruption court acquits SKIMS doctor
Srinagar, February 21
A special anti-corruption court here has acquitted a senior surgeon and faculty member of the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, Srinagar, of all the corruption charges in a case registered against him by the Vigilance in 2006.

School Education Dept fails to update website 
Jammu, February 21
The Department of School Education of the Jammu and Kashmir Government has forgotten to update its official website. Some of the contents on the website have not been changed for more than a year.

Gaddis, Sippis continue protest on fifth day
Members of the All J&K Gaddi Sippi Tribes Welfare Association protest in Jammu on Friday. Jammu, February 21
Members of the tribal Gaddi and Sippi communities continue to protest against the alleged discriminatory attitude of the successive state governments towards them. The protest entered its fifth day today.



Members of the All J&K Gaddi Sippi Tribes Welfare Association protest in Jammu on Friday. Tribune Photo: Inderjeet Singh

Eligible voters registered in Bishnah
Jammu, February 21
An awareness programme on voter registration was organised at Government Degree College, Bishnah, today. The event aimed at making youth aware about the benefits of participation in the electoral process, merits of ethical voting and the power of a vote.

NSUI protests Jayalalithaa's decision
Jammu, February 21
The National Students Union of India (NSUI) held a protest against the decision of the Tamil Nadu Government to release the assassins of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

3-day conference at University of jammu
Digitisation of literature has made it more accessible: VC
University of Jammu Vice Chancellor Mohan Paul Singh Ishar releases the souvenir of the conference and MELUS-MELOW Journal in Jammu on Friday. Jammu, February 21
University of Jammu Vice Chancellor Mohan Paul Singh Ishar today said technological advancements have reshaped literature and its digitisation, making it more accessible to a diverse audience.

University of Jammu Vice Chancellor Mohan Paul Singh Ishar releases the souvenir of the conference and MELUS-MELOW Journal in Jammu on Friday. A Tribune photo

Youth engaged in drive against counterfeiting, smuggling
Jammu, February 21
FICCI-CASCADE (Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy) has started a programme to involve city youths in the fight against counterfeit money and smuggling.

Over 1.2 lakh passports issued in Valley in 2012-13
Srinagar, February 21
More than 1, 20,000 passports have been issued in the Valley from 2012 to 2013, reveal official figures.

A foreign tourist captures the beauty of nature at Tangmarg in Baramulla district on Friday.
Panoramic view: A foreign tourist captures the beauty of nature at Tangmarg in Baramulla district on Friday. Tribune photo: Amin War

Non-teaching staff vital component in Central varsity functioning: VC
Srinagar, February 21
Abdul Wahid, Vice Chancellor, Central University of Kashmir (CUK), has said non-teaching staff constitutes a vital component of the university, besides faculty and students.

Skill development programme for cops
Srinagar, February 21
A five-day soft skill development training programme organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Police in collaboration with the University of Delhi in different districts of the Valley, concluded today.

Food Security Act will not be implemented in toto: Minister
Jammu, February 21
Minister for Consumer Affairs & Public Distribution (CA&PD) Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan today said the Food Security Act would not be implemented in “toto” in the state.

PDP rakes up issue of Pak refugees in House
Jammu, February 21
Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is trying to woo West Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) refugees in the state by raking up their rehabilitation issue.

Curfew continues in Pulwama on 2nd day
Security forces personnel patrol Pulwama town.Pulwama, February 21
Curfew continued in Pulwama district on the second consecutive day today over the killing of a local militant in an encounter with security forces in Budgam district on Wednesday.



Security forces personnel patrol Pulwama town. A Tribune Photo

Doda free from militants: DIG
Doda, February 21
Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), erstwhile Doda district, Ashkoor Ahmed Wani, in an exclusive interview to The Tribune today said Doda was free from militants while a few of them were present in Kishtwar and Ramban districts.

Youth shot dead in Sopore
Srinagar, February 21
Unidentified gunmen shot dead a youth in Sopore town today evening. The slain youth has been identified as Waseem Ahmad Malla of Krankshivan locality.

Governor inaugurates volleyball c’ship
Governor NN Vohra interacts with participants at Government Degree College, Udhampur, on Friday.Udhampur, February 21
Governor NN Vohra today inaugurated the 1st Governor’s Inter-Collegiate Silver Rolling Volley Ball Championship at Government Degree College here.




Governor NN Vohra interacts with participants at Government Degree College, Udhampur, on Friday. A Tribune photograph

Pradeep is Jammu farm varsity VC
Jammu, February 21
Governor NN Vohra, also the Chancellor of the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Jammu, has appointed Pradeep Kumar Sharma as the Vice Chancellor of the varsity for five years or until he attains the age of 65, whichever is earlier.

Hurriyat to observe women’s day tomorrow
Srinagar, February 21
The moderate faction of the Hurriyat conference has decided to observe the first-ever Kashmiri Women’s Resistance Day on February 23.

29 rural youth sent on country tour
Doda, February 21
The state police today organised a "Bharat darshan" tour for 29 rural youths belonging to Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts.






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Cross-LoC traders to meet at Kaman Post on Monday
Majid Jahangir
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, February 21
Indian and Pakistani officials have agreed for a joint meeting of cross-Line of Control (LoC) traders on Monday at the Zero Point at Kaman Post in the Uri sector.

They will discuss ways to restore the stalled trade on the Salamabad-Chakoti axis.

Officials from both sides decided earlier this week in principle to resume the trade on Thursday. But it could still not be restored from Uri after no truck from from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) arrived at Kaman Post for crossing over to the Indian side.

“We are holding a meeting of the traders from the two sides on Monday at the Zero Point so that confidence is restored among the traders and truckers for resuming the trade,” said Custodian of Cross-LoC Trade at Salamabad Showkat Ahmad Rather. “The meeting will also be attended by the officials from the two sides,” he added.

General secretary of the Salamabad-Chakoti Traders Union (SCTU) Hilal Turkey said after the trade was stalled it was they who had first first sought a joint meeting of the traders.

“This time the trade authorities from Chakoti had requested for the meeting, which was agreed by the officials here. The traders will sit together on Monday and it will surely help for resuming the trade,” Turkey said.

He added that in the upcoming meeting they would put certain suggestions to the officials and traders from the other side to ensure that the cross-LoC trade flourishes and no one misuses the trade.

After the recovery of brown sugar worth Rs 114 crore on January 17, the cross-LoC trade resumed partially on Thursday. While the trade resumed between Poonch and Rawlakote in the Jammu region, the trade remained suspended at Kaman Post in the Uri sector.

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Cong to counter ‘Modi wave’ through unity mantra
Azad, Soz to arrive in Jammu today to give boost to LS poll campaign
Dinesh Manhotra
Tribune News Service

Jammu, February 21
Even as the “over-enthusiastic” BJP is yet to shortlist potential candidates for the Lok Sabha seats due to factionalism in the party, the Congress leadership has decided to present a united face to counter the much publicised “Modi wave” in Jammu region.

Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief Saifuddin Soz are arriving in Jammu tomorrow to give boost to the already launched campaign for the Lok Sabha elections.

The Congress had formally launched the campaign for the Lok Sabha elections on February 8 by organising a public meeting at Akhnoor - the home town of sitting Lok Sabha member Madan Lal Sharma.

Sources in the Congress said Azad and Soz were coming together to give a message to the party cadre that it was high time for the workers to jointly face challenges posed by the BJP in the region.

The Congress in the state is divided between two factions. One group is headed by JKPCC chief Soz and another group owe its allegiance to Ghulam Nabi Azad. “As the coming Lok Sabha elections are very crucial for the party so both Azad and Soz have decided to jointly address meetings at different places so that a message of unity trickles down to the grass-roots level”, the sources said, adding that during their stay in Jammu, both the leaders would convene a meeting of party workers to motivate them for the Lok Sabha elections.

In two successive Lok Sabha elections of 2004 and 2009, the Congress had won both the seats of Jammu region, so this time the party would try hard to retain both the seats at any cost.

Riding on the Modi wave, the BJP workers are over-enthusiastic but the high command has been facing assiduous task of finalising candidates for the two Lok Sabha seats of Jammu province.

The "disciplined” BJP has been gripped with worst-ever factionalism because nearly 20 leaders have staked their claims for the two Lok Sabha seats.

United we stand

Sources in the Congress said Azad and Soz were coming together to give a message to the party cadre that it was high time for the workers to jointly face challenges posed by the BJP in the region.

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Health centre allocation rocks J-K Assembly
Opposition alleges favouritism | Speaker orders probe amid ruckus
Arteev Sharma
Tribune News Service

Jammu, February 21
The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly today witnessed uproar when Opposition parties protested against “favouritism and discrepancies” in the opening of health centres across the state.

The House also witnessed a heated exchange of words between the Leader of Opposition Mehbooba Mufti and senior National Conference (NC) legislator Nasir Aslam Wani, who is an aide to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

Mehbooba had accused the NC of “enacting a drama” and creating “unnecessary” uproar over the issue. Speaker Mubarak Gul adjourned the House for 20 minutes and later announced the constitution of a House committee to look into the matter.

It all began with senior PDP legislator Nizam-ud-Din Bhat accusing the state government of adopting a discriminatory approach towards the constituencies represented by the MLAs of Opposition parties with regard to the opening of new health institutions and creation of infrastructure.

“In the Bandipora segment, there are primary health centres which are being run by a single doctor. These centres neither have their own building nor infrastructure. The minister should compare these with the health centres in his constituency and he will see the difference,” Bhat said.

Sham Lal Sharma, Minister for Public Health Engineering (PHE), responded to the PDP legislator’s query in the absence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who holds the charge of the Health Department. He said that 60 per cent of health institutions were still operating from rented accommodation. Sham Lal Sharma said the health centres were opened according to the guidelines of the Government of India which had mapped “deserving” areas through remote sensing.

Dissatisfied with the minister’s reply, all the PDP legislators, except Leader of the Legislative Party Mehbooba Mufti, trooped into the Well and created an uproar demanding a probe into the “discrepancies”, inadequate infrastructure and manpower at the health centres.

They alleged that Jammu got a major share of the new health centres while deserving areas in Kashmir were ignored. The Speaker intervened in the matter and assured the members that he would ask the government to conduct an inquiry.

Members of Jammu-based Opposition parties — the BJP, National Panthers Party and Jammu State Morcha — also raised slogans against the government for discriminating against the Jammu region in various sectors including the health sector. Amid noisy scenes, the Speaker adjourned the House for 20 minutes. The Speaker announced that he would form a House committee comprising representatives of all political parties to look into the issue.

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Opposition protests delay in cable car project
Tribune News Service

Jammu, February 21
Noisy scenes and walkouts marked the proceedings of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly today with Jammu-based Opposition parties grilling the government over delay in the start of the much-awaited Mubarak Mandi Cable Car project and dilapidated condition of the Mansar-Samba road link.

Legislators of the BJP, National Panthers Party (NPP) and Jammu State Morcha (JSM) also staged walkouts and accused the ruling coalition of adopting "discriminatory approach" towards the Jammu region.

During the question hour, Ashok Khajuria, leader of the BJP Legislative Party, took on the government for an "inordinate delay" in the start of the Mubarak Mandi Cable Car project, saying that the government had adopted a "communal mindset" vis-a-vis development of tourist spots in the Jammu region.

"I want to ask the government as to why the Mubarak Mandi Cable Car project was delayed. The government is working on communal lines vis-a-vis development of tourism spots of Jammu," Khajuria said, adding that the Peerkoh-Mahamaya-Sahabad (Bahu Fort) Cable Car project must be completed on priority in view of its great tourism potential.

On behalf of the Tourism Minister GA Mir, Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister for Urban Development Department, however, said the project could not start because of delay in getting environment clearance from the Wildlife Department and Central Empowered Committee of the Supreme Court.

Khajuria, however, reacted sharply to the minister's statement saying that the forest area near the Mahamaya temple was being encroached and the government was in a slumber. "Land grabbers don't require clearance from the Supreme Court and the Wildlife Department. The government is in a slumber and it a deliberate attempt to change the demography of the Jammu region," he said.

Other BJP legislators, who joined Khajuria, staged a walkout in protest.

Thereafter, Harsh Dev Singh, leader of the Panthers Legislative Party, said the government had given several assurances to start the project, but nothing was done. "No specific grant, except for land acquisition and shifting of transmission lines, has been announced in the annual plan for the Mubarak Mandi Cable Car project. The government must announce a special grant for the project to complete the project at the earliest," Harsh Dev said.

The lone JSM legislator, Ashwani Kumar Sharma, also joined the NPP legislator and held government responsible for the delay. The protesting members also staged a walkout from the House. Later Ghulam Ahmad Mir, Minister for Tourism, however, said the government would lay the foundation of the cable car project on February 24. "The work for the construction of the Mubarak Mandi ropeway in Jammu has been awarded to Damodar Ropeway and Infrastructure Ltd, Kolkata, in collaboration with ST Teleferik, Turkey," he said.

Meanwhile, Jammu-based Opposition parties also created ruckus over dilapidated condition of the important Samba-Mansar road and staged a walkout from the House.

Following uproar and noisy scenes, Speaker Mubarak Gul directed the government to conduct an inquiry into the allegations of scam and submit the report soon.

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Anti-corruption court acquits SKIMS doctor
Ishfaq Tantry
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, February 21
A special anti-corruption court here has acquitted a senior surgeon and faculty member of the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, Srinagar, of all the corruption charges in a case registered against him by the Vigilance in 2006.

Dr Khursheed Alam Wani, presently posted as Professor of Surgery at the SKIMS, was accused of indulging in private practice at his residence despite the fact that the state government had banned private practice by doctors posted at the SKIMS, who are being paid a special non-practising allowance as a compensation.

To prevent the doctors of the institute from indulging in private practice, the government has also made this act (private practice by the SKIMS doctors) as a penal offence under the J&K prevention of Corruption (PC) Act.

“On proper assessment, evaluation and estimation of the evidence put forth by the prosecution, it is held that the evidence is lacking in credibility and contradicting each other in material particulars and does not prove a connecting link between the accused and the commission of offence,” special judge, Anti-Corruption, Kashmir, ML Manhas held in his judgment made available today.

The court said the case of prosecution becomes doubtful when the witnesses do not support the prosecution story in the court, which was different from that in the statements made before the police.

“The witnesses examined by the prosecution by tendering untrustworthy, unreliable and controverted versions, have not been able to put forth in their evidence a ring of truth, so as to inspire a confidence in the mind of this court,” the court observed in its judgment.

It disallowed, rejected and dismissed the chargesheet, which was filed against the doctor by the prosecution for offences under Section 5 (1), Sub-Section (1-A) read with section 5(2) of the J&K PC Act, 2006.

“The prosecution case, therefore, becomes doubtful, and it is, therefore, dangerous and hazardous to hold the accused guilty of offences alleged in the chargesheet,” the anti-corruption court said while acquitting Dr Khursheed Alam Wani of all the charges levelled against him.

“He shall stand discharged from his bail and personal bonds…challan is disposed of and after due completion under rules shall be consigned to recorded,” the court ordered in its judgment.

The SKIMS doctor in the case was represented by advocate MS Lateef, whereas the prosecution was represented by MM Shah, chief prosecution officer and Jehangir Rafiqi, special prosecution officer.

Case file

  • Dr Khursheed Alam, a senior doctor and faculty member at SKIMS, was accused of indulging in private practice at his home.
  • An FIR under the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act, 2006, was registered against him by the Vigilance.
  • A chargesheet against him was presented before a special judge, anti-corruption, Kashmir, on September 22, 2008.
  • Subsequently, charges were framed against him by the court on December 9, 2008. However, Dr Alam pleaded not guilty and claimed trial.

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School Education Dept fails to update website 
Amit Khajuria
Tribune News Service

Jammu, February 21
The Department of School Education of the Jammu and Kashmir Government has forgotten to update its official website. Some of the contents on the website have not been changed for more than a year.

The School Education Department, which comes under the Deputy Chief Minister of the state, has not updated its website for more than a year. Even the contacts of the director and the deputy director have not been updated. Names of officials mentioned on the website are either transferred or retired months ago, but their contacts are still available on it.

Sunil Sharma, a scholar at Jammu University, said: “Our government claims to be transparent when it comes to the inauguration of websites of almost all departments. Is it not its duty to ensure that these websites are updated on a regular basis?”

“Websites are for the convenience of the people, but these are misguiding them,” he said.

Officials of the School Education Department said the department had changed five to six directors in the past one year so the whole system got disrupted.

“It takes sometime to settle things. When a director comes to know about the working of the department, he gets transferred. This is the major reason for not updating the website,” said an official of the Department of School Education, Jammu.

“Now the things have been settled and the website will be updated within a few days,” he said. 

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Gaddis, Sippis continue protest on fifth day
Demand separate board for development projects
Tribune News Service

Jammu, February 21
Members of the tribal Gaddi and Sippi communities continue to protest against the alleged discriminatory attitude of the successive state governments towards them. The protest entered its fifth day today.

They are demanding a separate board for implementing various development projects for both communities.

Protesters, under the banner of the All J&K Gaddi Sippi Tribes Welfare Association, shouted slogans in support of their demands.

Senior vice-president of the association Prakash Chand lambasted the alleged apathetic stance of the state government towards the long-pending demands of the Gaddi and Sippi tribes. He alleged that all MLAs and MLCs had failed to raise their issues in the Assembly and the community had been denied their basic rights.

He also demanded establishment of three Gaddi-Sippi hostels, one each at Ramban, Bhaderwah and Bani, restart of the Scheduled Tribes (ST) prematric scholarship in favour of students belonging to both tribes and representation in the District Development Boards, District ST advisory groups and J&K Selection Service Board.

Chand also demanded establishment of an advisory board for development of the tribes and suggested till it was established, the government should earmark funds in the annual Budget every year.

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Eligible voters registered in Bishnah

Jammu, February 21
An awareness programme on voter registration was organised at Government Degree College, Bishnah, today. The event aimed at making youth aware about the benefits of participation in the electoral process, merits of ethical voting and the power of a vote.

Apart from college students, who were eligible for voting, local youth, representatives of panchayats and local officers participated in the programme.

A skit was presented by artistes of Natrang, a theatre group, which highlighted the significance of voting. The organisers called upon eligible voters to get enrolled and exercise their franchise to ensure a better future.

Eligible voters were enrolled on the spot with the help of a Mobile Voter Registration Van. — TNS

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NSUI protests Jayalalithaa's decision

Jammu, February 21
The National Students Union of India (NSUI) held a protest against the decision of the Tamil Nadu Government to release the assassins of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

NSUI activists demanded a rollback on the decision.

"The Supreme Court had observed that death convicts deserved mercy but the haste with which the Tamil Nadu Government has announced its decision of setting them free smacks of vote-bank politics in an election year," said an NSUI leader. — TNS

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3-day conference at University of jammu
Digitisation of literature has made it more accessible: VC
Tribune News Service

Jammu, February 21
University of Jammu Vice Chancellor Mohan Paul Singh Ishar today said technological advancements have reshaped literature and its digitisation, making it more accessible to a diverse audience.

He was speaking at the inauguration of the 13th International MELUS-MELOW conference on “In a wired world: Literature in the age of information technology”.

The conference was organised by the Department of English, University of Jammu, in collaboration with MELUS (India), the society for the study of multi-ethnic literatures of the United States and MELOW (India), the society for the study of multi-ethnic literatures of the world.

Ishar said the three-day conference would give a platform to the participants from India and abroad to share their ideas and experiences on the topic.

Earlier, Prof Satnam Kour, head, Department of English, dwelt on the theme and stressed how it was significant in the present age.

Prof Manju Jaidka, secretary, MELUS-MELOW, dwelt on the background of the organisation and highlighted how it began with only seven persons and now has more than 700 members.

Prof Anil Raina, vice-president, MELUS-MELOW, deliberated on ways in which the dissemination of literature has undergone a change with the advancement in technology and information sciences.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor released the souvenir of the conference and the MELUS-MELOW Journal.

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Youth engaged in drive against counterfeiting, smuggling
Tribune News Service

Students perform a dance at Delhi Public School in Jammu on Friday
Students perform a dance at Delhi Public School in Jammu on Friday Tribune photo: Inderjeet Singh

Jammu, February 21
FICCI-CASCADE (Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy) has started a programme to involve city youths in the fight against counterfeit money and smuggling.

A debate competition in this regard was organised on “Youth against counterfeiting and smuggling” at Delhi Public School today. The event aimed at increasing awareness among youth on the issue.

Special Services Group director HK Lohia, Space Communications CEO Amit Wanchoo were among those present on the occasion.

Minister of State for Animal and Sheep Husbandry Nazir Ahmed Gurezi, who was the chief guest on the occasion, said the issue was huge and consumers were at the receiving end.

Gurezi said consumers were being duped as they were not getting their money's worth. “The consumers end up getting lesser number of schools, hospitals and other facilities because the government loses revenue due to counterfeiting and smuggling,” he said.

Lohia emphasised the role of society in fighting the menace and said when people united, they formed the biggest force of change.

Wanchoo, in his formal address, said, "The youth of Jammu are vibrant and this is just the beginning of the campaign. We as an event management company will focus on such kind of events for our youth in Jammu. Such activities are the best modes of bringing about a change in society.” 

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Over 1.2 lakh passports issued in Valley in 2012-13
Rifat Mohidin

Srinagar, February 21
More than 1, 20,000 passports have been issued in the Valley from 2012 to 2013, reveal official figures.

This is highest number ever in the history of the Srinagar Passport office.

With digitisation and E-system in place, passport formalities have become hassle-free for the people in the Valley. Formalities that would otherwise take months together have now become an easy task. People are only required to apply for a passport online which gives them a specific date and time for visiting the passport office that saves their time.

The online appointment process started by the passport authorities has been hailed by the people and now keeping in view the overwhelming response from the people, the passport office has eased up this process further.

The online appointment process has also been eased and even the facility of depositing money online has also been provided to the people.

“We also give the time and day after filling the form where the applicant is required to present himself in the passport office,” said Firdous Iqbal, passport officer. In 2012, the Passport Office, Kashmir, had issued 62,000 passports which was a record number of passport issued in the history of the office, the official said

In 2013, 60,000 passports were issued by the Srinagar passport office. “Keeping in view the urgency of applicants, we have expedited the process by easing up many procedural formalities. Also, people now keep their passports ready mostly for Haj and Umrah, which was not earlier required for it,” he said.

The passport office officials admitted that earlier they would receive more applications, but was not possible for them to dispose all the passports due to long procedures.

With better supervisions and management, the official said they had been able to issue a record number of passports during the last two years. Latest amendments in the Public Service Guarantee Act implemented in the state in 2011 has made it mandatory for the CID to provide verification report for a passport applicant within 60 days from the date of filling application, which encourages more number of people to apply for a passport.

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Non-teaching staff vital component in Central varsity functioning: VC
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, February 21
Abdul Wahid, Vice Chancellor, Central University of Kashmir (CUK), has said non-teaching staff constitutes a vital component of the university, besides faculty and students.

The non-teaching employees of the university have to continuously upgrade and hone their skills in order to meet and overcome the emerging and upcoming challenges in the administrative field and other areas, Wahid said while inaugurating a three-day workshop on academic administration organised by the Central University of Kashmir at its Transit Campus at Sonwar here on Thursday.

The Vice Chancellor, who was flanked by the first and senior most Cost Accountant of the country BS Ramaswamy and former Deputy Accountant General Muhammad Ashraf Qureshi, hoped that the three-day exercise would be immensely beneficial for employees and would enrich their knowledge for improved performance. He asked the employees to continue their learning process by frequently participating in these workshops.

The Vice Chancellor said skill development was a long process and the university would organise more orientation courses for its staff in near future.

Besides the employees of CUK, officials from the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture Science and Technology (SKUAST), Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Kashmir University, National Institute of Technology, Central Institute of Temperate and Horticulture and Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine Kashmir Division also participated in the programme.

The visiting guest faculty, BS Ramaswamy, during his lecture deliberated upon concepts and procedures of accounting for autonomous bodies, financial management system and budget formulation in autonomous bodies, accrual accounting with special reference to Indian accounting standards and other issues related to finances. Muhammad Ashraf Qureshi discussed office procedure, delegation of financial powers and reaffirmation with special reference to autonomous bodies.

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Skill development programme for cops

Srinagar, February 21
A five-day soft skill development training programme organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Police in collaboration with the University of Delhi in different districts of the Valley, concluded today.

The programme, which was started on February 17, held its valedictory function today at the College of Education, Srinagar. More than 1,000 policemen were imparted training in developing soft skills for better police-public interface by a team of experts from the University of Delhi. — OC

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Food Security Act will not be implemented in toto: Minister

Jammu, February 21
Minister for Consumer Affairs & Public Distribution (CA&PD) Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan today said the Food Security Act would not be implemented in “toto” in the state.

“The Act would not be implemented in toto,” Ramzan said while replying to the demand of grants of the CA&PD in the Legislative Assembly here.

The Minister, however, pointed out that the Act would be implemented in parts, in accordance with the requirement of the state, so that no ration card holder is deprived of benefits under the state’s public distribution system.

He, meanwhile, said 7,679 new food stores were being set up in the state to streamline the public distribution system (PDS). “These stores would be properly manned by adequate human resource for which Rs 50 crore have already been released,” Ramzan said.

He said the new food stores would be set up at both the hilly and plain areas as per the requirement. “This would help to meet the demand of the people,” the Minister said. — TNS

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PDP rakes up issue of Pak refugees in House
Tribune News Service

Jammu, February 21
Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is trying to woo West Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) refugees in the state by raking up their rehabilitation issue.

During the question hour proceedings of the Legislative Council today, PDP MLC Yashpal Sharma, who is also the party candidate for the Lok Sabha elections from the Jammu-Poonch seat, raised the issue of West Pakistan and PoK refugees.

Sharma was supported by Congress MLC Ravinder Sharma on the issue.

However, they didn’t get a favourable response from Revenue and Relief Minister Aijaz Ahmad Khan.

Khan dodged their question by saying he was replying on the rehabilitation process of the Kashmiri migrants and it was not a proper time to discuss the rehabilitation of refugees.

The West Pakistan refugees can vote in the Lok Sabha elections but not in the Assembly elections as they are not permanent residents of the state.

PDP chief spokesperson and MLC Nayeem Akhter said they had continuously been raising the issue of the refugees and it was up to the Centre to decide about their rehabilitation and address their issues.

“This is a humanitarian issue and needs to be addressed by the Centre. The PDP's stand is that the Government of India must look into their issue and settle it once for all,” Nayeem Akhter said.

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Curfew continues in Pulwama on 2nd day
Our Correspondent

Pulwama, February 21
Curfew continued in Pulwama district on the second consecutive day today over the killing of a local militant in an encounter with security forces in Budgam district on Wednesday.

Security forces resorted to teargas shelling and fired shots when some youths threw stones at them after offering prayers at the graveyard the slain militant, Tauseef Ahmad Dar.

Station Head Officer, Pulwama, Reyaz Ahmad said people in the Prichoo area of Pulwama town assembled after the Friday congregational prayers and started throwing stones at police and paramilitary forces personnel deployed in the town. He said the security forces retaliated with tear smoke canisters.

Meanwhile, people alleged that the security forces went on a rampage on Thursday night and broke window panes of many houses in the Malikpora area of the town.

“About 8 in the evening, the police and paramilitary forces went on a rampage and threw stones at houses,” said a Malikpora resident, adding that they also started abusing woman and men and tried to provoke them to throw stones.

Curfew was imposed in Pulwama town following the killing of Tauseef, a category “A” militant.

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Doda free from militants: DIG
Ranjit Thakur

Doda, February 21
Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), erstwhile Doda district, Ashkoor Ahmed Wani, in an exclusive interview to The Tribune today said Doda was free from militants while a few of them were present in Kishtwar and Ramban districts.

“Amin, alias Jahangir, and Riyaz are active in Kishtwar while Shaki Chopan and Riyaz Thakri (militants) are active in Ramban. Doda district has been declared a militancy-free zone as no militant has been seen in over a year here,” the DIG said.

He added, “We are planning to declare these areas (Kishtwar and Ramban) militancy-free zones soon.”

“I was posted here as the Senior Superintendent of Police in 2001-02 when there were many militants. But now we are feeling proud that efforts by security forces and the local police have managed to keep these areas almost militancy-free,” the Doda DIG said.

“We have observed a lot of development is the past 10 years in these areas. Now, all institutions are functioning normally, which was not possible during the peak of militancy in Ramban, Doda and Kishtwar districts. There is now proper road connectivity, medical facilities and education for people who had to face hard times due to militancy in the last two decades,” the police officer said.

Speaking about the possibilities of revival of militancy ahead of the elections and the withdrawal of the NATO forces from Afghanistan, Wani said: “Our border management system is very tight and it is not easy to enter into the Indian territory. We have maintained strict vigil to avert any possible threats.”

“As militancy has almost ended, we are adopting a modern policing system on the lines of the Scotland Yard to effectively deal with the law and order situation in the future,” he said.

“We have organised Bharat darshan tours, traffic awareness weeks, communal harmony programmes in every area so that people don’t hesitate to share their views with the police for a better police-people relation,” he said.

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Youth shot dead in Sopore

Srinagar, February 21
Unidentified gunmen shot dead a youth in Sopore town today evening. The slain youth has been identified as Waseem Ahmad Malla of Krankshivan locality.

"Waseem, 23, was shot dead when he was coming out of a mosque in Krankshivan locality of the town today evening," a police spokesman said.

He said Waseem was shot from a point-blank range near Bagh-e-Islam Masjid.

He was taken to Sub-District Hospital, Sopore, where he was declared brought dead, officials said. Searches were going on till the reports last came in. — TNS

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Governor inaugurates volleyball c’ship
Says sports should form an important aspect of the curriculum
Our Correspondent

Udhampur, February 21
Governor NN Vohra today inaugurated the 1st Governor’s Inter-Collegiate Silver Rolling Volley Ball Championship at Government Degree College here.

As many as 32 teams from various degree colleges across the state will participate in the event.

The Governor, on the occasion, said sports should form an important part of the curriculum and added that all educational institutions should strive to organise extensive sports activities.

Emphasising the need for large participation of youth in different sports and games, the Governor said physical exercise was essential as a healthy body and a sound mind go together to form a balanced personality.

Vohra, meanwhile, said the sports stadium being established at Katra by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board would soon be ready to host various sports events.

The Governor, on the occasion, also watched an exhibition match between Government Degree College, Udhampur, and Government Degree College, Baramulla.

Vohra complimented players for a spirited performance and presented medals to them.

Mementoes were also presented to Director Sports, SMVDU; vice president, J&K Volley Ball Association, Raj Guru; vice president, District Volley Ball Association, Pradeep Chopra; and others.

Navin K Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor; Yasha Mudgal, Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur; Garib Dass, Deputy Inspector General, Udhampur- Reasi Range among other officials were present on the occasion.

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Pradeep is Jammu farm varsity VC
Tribune News Service

Jammu, February 21
Governor NN Vohra, also the Chancellor of the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Jammu, has appointed Pradeep Kumar Sharma as the Vice Chancellor of the varsity for five years or until he attains the age of 65, whichever is earlier.

Currently, Sharma is Assistant Director General (Education Planning and Development), Education Division, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi,

Sharma is a well-known soil and water management expert. He has also been the Vice Chancellor of the Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur.

He has a masters degree in agriculture from Himachal Pradesh University and Ph.D in agriculture physics from the Indian Institute of Soil Sciences, New Delhi.

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Hurriyat to observe women’s day tomorrow
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, February 21
The moderate faction of the Hurriyat conference has decided to observe the first-ever Kashmiri Women’s Resistance Day on February 23.

The Hurriyat is holding a seminar titled “women’s resistance” at its headquarters in Srinagar, a Hurriyat spokesman said.

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29 rural youth sent on country tour
Our Correspondent

Doda, February 21
The state police today organised a "Bharat darshan" tour for 29 rural youths belonging to Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts.

District Development Commissioner, Doda, Mubarak Singh and Deputy Inspector of General (DIG) of Police, erstwhile Doda, Ashkoor Ahmed Wani flagged off the tour in the presence of Superintendent of Police, Doda, Mohammed Sharif Chouhan and Superintendent of Police, Kishtwar, Sanjay Kotwal.

DIG Ashkoor Wani said the purpose of the tour was to make the students familiar with major towns, historical places of the country, show them progressing India and motivating them to remain in the mainstream and contribute towards the development of the state in particular and the country in general.

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