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Will continue to push for partial revocation of AFSPA: Omar
Omar launches much-awaited ropeway project in
Jammu
Govt panel to consider pension hike for aged |
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Staff crunch at Jammu Super Speciality Hospital
RTI gaining ground in Valley: state Chief Info Commissioner
HC sets aside death sentence of 2 ex-militants
65 schools found violating safety norms in buses
Cross-border trade via Uri to resume today
Awareness campaign on kidney transplant held
PDP to field Baig from Baramulla in Lok Sabha elections
Omar lays stone of vertical housing colony
Tour operators held for cheating
Arushi wins chess tourney
Molestation case: Doctors call for token strike today
Farewell party held at Humanity Public School
SC, ST confederation organises conference
Governor meets langar organisers
Prisoner’s body handed over to Pak
2 truckers killed by shooting stones
MLA taken ill in Assembly, rushed to hospital
5 held for gambling Erstwhile Doda dist to get ITI Deputy Speaker seizes Congress legislator’s mobile phone Nishta declared ‘Miss GCW-Parade’
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Will continue to push for partial revocation of AFSPA: Omar
Sheeri (Baramulla), February 24 The Chief Minister, who has been a votary of partial revocation of the Act, said: “Let this year pass on. I will again raise the issue with New Delhi.” Earlier while addressing new recruits, Omar said he was not worried about the security situation in the state this year. Security officials have been expressing the fear that the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan later this year could impact the security situation in the state as more militants might try to infiltrate into it. “I am not among those who are worried about the situation this year. I know some people are worried, but it (US troop withdrawal) won't have any impact on our state," he said. “We have been successful in foiling many infiltration bids and also crippling militancy. The security forces and J&K Police rendered a commendable job in improving the law and order and security situation in the state and there is no reason to worry,” he added. On the closure of the Pathribal encounter case by the Army, the Chief Minister said he was in touch with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for reopening of the case. “I met the Prime Minister recently in Jammu and I was assured that the case would be again taken up with the Defence Ministry,” Omar said. During his address to the cadets, the Chief Minister expressed the hope that the police and security forces would ensure that the coming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections were held in a smooth and peaceful manner. “You have to undergo two tests, ensuring safe and secure elections during the current year. I am confident that you will render stupendous service in this regard as has been your tradition,” he told the J&K Police and congratulated the 789 cadets for completing their training successfully.
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Omar launches much-awaited ropeway project in
Jammu
Jammu, February 24 “Those who are blowing the trumpet of regionalism are actually attempting to divide the people and hide the facts,” he said. Omar said the establishment of the Central University of Jammu, completion of the fourth bridge over the
Tawi, construction of an artificial lake, flyover, completion of Jammu golf course, foundation laying of the gondola project after over 20 years and upgrade of Jammu Airport to the status of one of the best and modern airports of the country were the significant projects started and implemented during the current tenure of the coalition government. The Chief Minister highlighted the richness of J&K in heritage tourism and said the historical depository, cultural diversity and renowned places of pilgrimage were the speciality of the state. He said Jammu possessed a novel position in this regard and connecting Katra with a rail link would have no effect on trade and economy of Jammu city as it existed as the winter capital of the state and was the hub of business activity. He said all efforts would be made to convert this advantage of the city into the economic welfare of the people. Laying the foundation stone of the ropeway project between
Peerkhoo, Mahamaya and Bahu Fort here this afternoon, the Chief Minister said the desire of the people of Jammu to have a gondola like the one in Gulmarg had been fulfilled. Omar said his government had to work hard to realise this goal. The project took a lot of time to get clearance from the Supreme Court, Forest Advisory Committee, Wildlife Board and other environment protection-related agencies. Deputy Chief Minister Tara
Chand, Minister for Tourism GA Mir, Minister for Horticulture and Culture Raman
Bhalla, Minister for Roads and Buildings Abdul Majid Wani, Minister of State for Industries and Commerce Sajjad Ahmad
Kichloo, Minister of State for Animal Husbandry Nazir Ahmad Gurezi, Minister of State for Power Vikar
Rasool, MP Madan Lal Sharma, legislators Devender Singh Rana, Abdul Gani
Malik, Rani Beloria and Ajat Shatru were present. The Chief Minister directed the agencies concerned to complete the project in time. He said efforts were being made to develop Jammu as an important heritage tourism destination. He said the upcoming artificial lake in the Tawi and restoration of Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex would give a boost to the efforts of the government to rope in more tourists to Jammu. The project is likely to cost over Rs 40 crore and is to be completed in 30 months. CM talks of growth
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Govt panel to consider pension hike for aged
Jammu, February 24 During a discussion on private members’ resolution, seeking enhancement of monthly financial assistance to the aged, widows and physically challenged, moved by CPM legislator Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami in the Assembly, Minister for Higher Education Mohammad Akbar Lone, on behalf of the Minister for Social Welfare, said the government would form a committee which would look into the demand. “The demand for enhancement of monthly financial assistance of the underprivileged and disadvantaged sections of society is genuine but we don’t have enough resources to bear the financial implications. The department (social welfare) will constitute a committee which will submit its report within six months,” Lone said after legislators from various political parties — both treasury and Opposition — pressed for adoption of the resolution. He said the demand for enhancement of financial assistance to various categories was considered by the government from time to time but in view of the financial resources, it was not possible at this stage. Lone also requested Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather to take up the matter of opening of special counters for physically challenged and aged persons with banks so that these people don’t face problem in getting the monthly financial assistance. The Social Welfare Department provides Rs 200 as old-aged pension per person every month. The amount paid to widows or destitute women is Rs 200 per woman per month. The department pays Rs 400 per month each to physically challenged persons as pension. Earlier, the CPM MLA, while justifying the need for the resolution, regretted that the state government had kept 0.18 per cent of the annual plan for social security of the people which was inadequate and insufficient. “In view of the price rise of essential commodities, the government should come to the rescue of widows, aged and physically challenged persons and enhance the existing financial assistance under various social welfare schemes. It is the prime duty of the government to ensure social security of the underprivileged so that they also live a dignified life,” he said. Harsh Dev Singh, Leader of the Panthers Legislature Party, described the paltry amount being given to aged, physically challenged and widows a cruel joke. Sixteen members spoke on the resolution. Later, Tarigami withdrew the resolution following assurance by the minister. |
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Staff crunch at Jammu Super Speciality Hospital
Jammu, February 24 “You can’t speak to these doctors in loud voice or put pressure on them to work. If we do that super specialist doctors threaten to resign,” he added. The government had built two super speciality hospitals, one each at Jammu and Srinagar. While the hospital at Jammu has been made operational, the Srinagar Super Speciality Hospital will be complete by July 2014. However, the unavailability of doctors with Doctorate of Medicine (DM) degree has put a restrain on the proper functioning of the Super Speciality Hospital at Jammu. Flaying the Medical Education Minister for malfunctioning of the hospital, Vijay Bakaya said: “Huge building was constructed by the government, but it has generated only false hopes.” He added that the government was “misleading” people. “No advanced medical facility and attention is being provided to patients at this hospital,” At the Jammu hospital there are only 422 personnel, including the paramedical staff, as against the required number of 819. There is a shortfall of 50 faculty members, 34 registrars, one medical superintendent and 137 paramedical staff. Taj admitted that the hospital was not functioning properly and said he was in process of bringing a proposal in the Cabinet with regard to increasing the incentives of super specialist doctors so that the salary issue is addressed. “We have requested the Health Department to send its 12 super specialists to the Medical Education Department so that the hospital is run smoothly. So far we have mostly got junior doctors working in the hospital,” Taj added. Lacking requisite numbers
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RTI gaining ground in Valley: state Chief Info Commissioner
Srinagar, February 24 Encouraging participants to make better use of the Act, Sufi said, “The RTI Act is gaining ground in Kashmir, but its usage should not only be confined to a particular section of society. It should be the right of every individual. Small things make a huge difference and it is for the people of the state to decide whether to make the Act a success or not”. “A vigilant citizen can build an opinion in society aimed at strengthening the Act. If there are any deficiencies in the Act, those can be overcome by making certain amendments”. Sufi was addressing participants of a three-week-long winter school refresher course in which around 50 participants from various colleges and universities of the Valley are participating. Talking about the role of RTI in making citizen the most powerful entity in a democratic setup, Sufi said, “The RTI has made the public authority accountable and transparent before the citizens. It has empowered a citizen. Now, a person can verify development work undertaken in the locality, district, state or a region on a day-to-day basis by making use of the Act”. Giving the academicians an overview of the Act, Sufi said, “The RTI is an endeavour to promote transparency and contain corruption. The J&K RTI Act was enacted in 2009 to make the public authority subservient to the people. People have the right to seek information that is held by the public authority and it’s the duty of the Public Information Officer
(PIO) to disseminate the required information within a specific period of time”. “If someone is denied information, he/she can directly appeal to the State Information Commission,” he added. He said the role of the commission was not only to strengthen the Act but also to make sure that the RTI shouldn’t be used to jeopardise the normal framework or functioning of the public offices.
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HC sets aside death sentence of 2 ex-militants
Srinagar, February 24 The Court of Principal district and session Judge, Kathua had sentenced two Hizbul Mujahideeen militants Mohammad Shabbir, alias Gazi, and Raj Din to death under Section 7/27 (3) of the Arms Act and also imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 each on them. The Division Bench of the High Court, which had decided the three appeals of confirmation today, set aside the death sentence of Raj Din and also acquitted him from other offences. The court, however, commuted the death sentence of Mohammad Shabbir and reduced his sentence to 10 years of imprisonment. In a nine-page judgment, the Division Bench of the High Court also acquitted the third convict, Nazir Ahmad, who was earlier convicted and sentenced to three years of imprisonment by the trail court of Principal District and Sessions Judge, Kathua, in 2011. What the court said
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65 schools found violating safety norms in buses
Jammu, February 24 In the past few years several students have died in freak incidents involving school vehicles. The local administration seems to have turned a blind eye towards these educational institutions, who are mostly using discarded and old vehicles to ferry children. As per the information given by the government in the Legislative Assembly, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) has constituted a committee, comprising of the ARTO, Board of Inspection, Jammu, Deputy SP, Traffic, and two motor vehicle inspectors, for an intensive inspection of school buses, owned or hired by schools, to check the deficiencies. Transport Department officials of various districts of Jammu province have also been ordered to conduct intensive inspection of the school buses owned by the educational institutions within their jurisdiction. As per the report of the committee, nearly all the school buses were deficient in one or the other respect as per the guidelines of the Supreme Court. “The schools were given notices to remove the deficiencies within a time frame. Subsequently, the school authorities have modified their buses and these were presented before the board of inspection,” says the report. As per rules, school buses should be painted yellow, have a first aid box and a fire extinguisher and there should be a space under the seats to keep the schoolbags safely. The doors of the bus should be fitted with reliable locks. Though most of the vehicles are coloured yellow, but other features are not there. Rules for school buses
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Shooting of ‘Hum Tum Dushman Dushman’ begins at Sunjwan
Jammu, February 24 Being directed by Iqbal Durrani and produced by Akhtar Rasool, the movie will have Mashaal Durrani and Sohini Paul as leading actors. The button of the camera for the "muhurat" shot was pressed by the CEO of the Simula Group of Companies, Hilal Rather, and the initiation for action was given by the Director, Information, Tasaduq Jeelani. Member of the BCCI Ranjeet Kalra and various dignitaries were present. Bollywood actor Mukesh Rishi would be playing one of the major roles in the movie. Expressing gratitude to the movie makers for choosing Jammu city and other areas of the province for shooting, Bhalla appealed the Bollywood industry to shoot more such films in Jammu and Kashmir, which has a notable history of facilitating numerous super-hit creations. He also emphasised the need for giving an opportunity to the state’s local talent in such Bollywood movies, adding that J&K has given a number of legendary actors and artistes to this fast-growing industry of the country. The minister also expressed happiness over the fact that now various reputed filmmakers are choosing Jammu & Kashmir for shooting. “This will help present the state once again as the most suitable and likable destination for shooting of films,” he added.
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Cross-border trade via Uri to resume today
Srinagar, February 24 “The two sides have agreed to resume the trade on Salamabad-Chakoti axis from Tuesday,” Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla,
Farooq Ahmad Lone told The Tribune. Though the Indian and Pakistani officials had decided to resume the cross-LoC trade last week, it only resumed partially with the trucks crossing over along the Chakan Da Bagh-Rawalakot axis on February 18. The cross-LoC trade was stalled since January 17 after the recovery of brown sugar worth Rs 114 crore from a truck coming from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). “The meeting of traders from the two sides helped in restoring the confidence among them. The traders from both sides also appealed the officials from the Indian side to speed up the probe so that the arrested driver’s case is followed in the court,” said general secretary, Salamabad-Chakoti Traders Union, Hilal Turkey, who was a part of today’s meeting. The Indian side was headed by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla, Manzoor Ahmad Qadri, while the Pakistani side was represented by Director General trans-LoC Trade, Brigadier (retired) Mohammad Ismail Khan.
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Awareness campaign on kidney transplant held
Srinagar, February 24 A programme will be held at SKIMS on World Kidney Day on March 13. It is aimed at creating awareness about cadaveric kidney transplant concerns and facts. Dr Showkat Zargar, director, SKIMS, said there were many misconceptions particularly about cadaveric transplant and in this regard SKIMS on World Kidney Day wanted to thrust on this issue to make people aware of the same and address major concerns, facts and treatment options. Professor Khurshid A Banday, Department of Nephrology, SKIMS, said the institute was making a concerted effort to address concerns and raise general public awareness. “SKIMS will conduct a seminar in which people from all sections of society will participate and reach out to the public through the media, community and religious leaders to spread awareness and highlight the issue of cadaveric transplant,” he said.
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PDP to field Baig from Baramulla in Lok Sabha elections
Srinagar, February 24 The decision was made by the party president Mehbooba Mufti after consultations with the members of the political affairs committee, party legislators from the constituency and other senior leaders in Jammu today. Of the six Lok Sabha constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir, the party has already announced candidates for four other seats of Srinagar,
Anantnag, Jammu and Udhampur. It has, however, not yet decided on the Leh constituency of the Ladakh region. While Mehbooba will contest from
Anantnag, former minister Tariq Hameed Qarra has been tipped for the prestigious Srinagar seat.
Yashpal Sharma will contest from Jammu and Arshad Malik from Udhampur
constituency. Baig, a sitting MLA from Baramulla, is known for his legal acumen and authority on constitutional matters. With Baig’s candidature being
finalised, both ruling National Conference and the PDP have unveiled their candidates for Srinagar, Anantnag and Baramulla constituencies. The NC has decided to field the sitting MPs on all the three Valley seats. This includes NC chief Farooq Abdullah from Srinagar, Mehboob Beigh from Anantnag and Shariefuddin Shariq from
Baramulla. The Congress is yet to decide candidates for six constituencies.
— TNS
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Omar lays stone of vertical housing colony
Srinagar, February 24 Laying the foundation of Shehjar Apartments at Bemina this afternoon, the Chief Minister said this would open doors to future living in the city under the concept of cluster housing units. The project of constructing Shehjar Apartments by the Srinagar Development Authority (SDA) would go in a big way in shifting the concept of horizontal residential apartments towards the vertical system of construction to accommodate more families in
less space, the Chief Minister said. An official associated with the project said Shehjar Apartments was a part of the SDA’s endeavour to provide safe, decent and affordable housing in Srinagar.
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Tour operators held for cheating
Srinagar, February 24 The police said a case had been registered after it came to surface that some unknown persons had set up fake tour and travel agencies in Kashmir under the name of “Junaid Holidays” and “Trip to Kashmir” and were duping tourists on their visit to the Valley. “We also received a few complaints by e-mail from various persons who have been cheated by these false companies,” said a police official. The police said after investigations, it came to the fore that these persons had launched fake agencies on Internet. "They cheated people who wanted to visit Kashmir by offering them cheaper packages. They used different cellphone and bank accounts numbers to cheat tourists,” the official said. The police said the accused persons had confessed to their crime and accepted that they used fake bank accounts and election cards to deceive tourists. "We are further investigating if there are more people involved in this racket,” the police added.
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Arushi wins chess tourney
Jammu, February 24 Meenal Gupta had to contend with the third position and bagged a cash prize of Rs 1,000. Soham Kamotra won the fourth position, which carried a cash prize of Rs 1,000, while Chetanya Sharma got the fifth position and a cash prize of Rs 500. The tournament was organised by the Jammu District Chess Association under the patronage of the All J&K Chess Association. Baldev Raj, vice-president of the All J&K Chess Association (AJKCA), along with Taranvir Singh Gujral, coordinator of the AJKCA, gave away prizes to the winners. Atul Kumar Gupta, president of the All J&K Chess Association, was also present. Ankush Kumar was the organising secretary of the event. Sumit Grover and Ajit Singh were arbiters of the event. Top two winners of this event and top two from Kashmir Division will represent J&K state in the upcoming National U-19 Chess Championship-2014.
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Molestation case: Doctors call for token strike today
Srinagar, February 24 “We feel deeply hurt the way the ex-Health Minister is enjoying royal treatment all along since a case was lodged by the victim (against him). It was unanimously decided that the amalgam will hold a one-hour token strike on February 25 at 2 pm in all hospitals and offices as the authorities are implementing different yardsticks to deliver justice when it comes to Kashmir,” a JADPA spokesman said today. The spokesman said: “Tarun Tejpal who was booked in a similar kind of offence faced the course of law in a true sense unlike the culprit who roams free under the label of terming himself a nationalist.” “JADPA also condemns the transfer of the Investigating Officer of the case,” he said.
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Farewell party held at Humanity Public School
Jammu, February 24 A colourful cultural programme was organised wherein various dances were performed by the juniors to entertain their seniors as well as the teachers. Mohammad Asif was declared "Mr Humanity" and Tania Sharma "Miss Humanity" for the session 2013-14. Neeraj Narania was declared "Dashing Boy" of the party and Sakshi was adjudged as "Charming Girl". Shivani Sharma and Anuradha of Class IX compered the programme. Principal of the school Gaurav Charak, Vice-Principal Anku Charak and other staff members were also present.
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SC, ST confederation organises conference
Jammu, February 24 Choudhary Javed Ahmed Rana, Deputy Chairman of the State Legislative Council, was the chief guest. Thousands of workers, including members of various state advisory boards, sarpanchs panchs across the state, took part and expressed their solidarity for initiating a movement for saving the reservation for SCs, STs and OBCs. State president of the confederation RK Kalsotra alleged that the coalition government in the state was discriminating against the people belonging to reserved categories. The conference opposed the move of the state government of introducing a "catch up rule" saying that it was aimed at snatching the reservation rights of the downtrodden communities with the intention of doing harm to all the reserved categories.
— TNS
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Governor meets langar organisers
Jammu, February 24 The delegation submitted a memorandum and discussed various issues related to langars that serve free food to the pilgrims in the yatra area. The Governor asked the Chief Executive Officer, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, Navin K Choudhary to look into the suggestions given by the organisation. Vohra, meanwhile, asked the langar organisers to take all required steps for maintaining the cleanliness in the yatra area. Other member of the delegation included Romesh Chander, Vijay Prabhakar, Mahant Virender Dass and Amit Sharma. Preet Pal Singh, Additional Chief Executive Officer, SASB, and Rajneesh Kumar, Deputy CEO, apart from Navin K Choudhary were also present on the occasion.
— TNS
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Prisoner’s body handed over to Pak
Jammu, February 24 Additional Director General of Police, Prisons, K Rajendra said that around 1.30 pm today the body of 42-year-old Showkat Ali was handed over to his relatives in the presence of Pakistani officials at Wagah. The body was sent to Wagah at 5.50 am. The autopsy was conducted at Government Medical College and Hospital in Jammu on February 22 by a team of doctors. Showkat Ali, a resident of Pind Sail Jathan in Sialkot, was found hanging inside the Amphalla district jail on February 22 morning. A magisterial probe has already been ordered into the incident and the police have registered an FIR. |
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2 truckers killed by shooting stones
Ramban, February 24 Police sources said the dead were identified as the owner of the truck, Deepu, and the driver, Uttam Singh, both residents of Akhnoor in Jammu. The two died instantly. Deepu’s body was extricated from the mangled truck around 11 pm yesterday while the body of the driver was recovered about 25 feet below the road after much efforts by a rescue team early morning today. The local police, civilians, CRPF personnel, Army and volunteers of the district unit of the Indian Red Cross Society carried out the rescue operation under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner MH Malik and Superintendent of Police, Ramban, Javed Ahmed Mattoo.
— OC
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MLA taken ill in Assembly, rushed to hospital
Jammu, February 24 He was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Government Medical College and Hospital where his condition was stated to be stable. During Zero Hour, Deputy Speaker Sartaj Madni noticed the
PDP MLA lying with his head down on the table in a semi-conscious condition. Madni told the Assembly staff to take him to the doctors at Central Hall of the legislature complex. Legislators from various political parties and the Legislative Assembly staff took him to the doctors deputed at the Assembly. “He is still under observation at the ICU and his condition is improving,” the personal assistant of the legislator said.
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Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said his efforts for the revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in areas where the situation had improved would continue.
