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Omar tears into BJP, dismisses Modi wave
PDP worked for revocation of
AFSPA: Mehbooba
AAP fields surgeon from Anantnag
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PDP candidate for Jammu seat files nomination
AAP to form state coordination team
Police launch ‘Smart 24x7’ security application for mobile phone users
Civic body crackdown on meat sellers near Dal Lake
BSF says no foul play in recruitment
UPA government failed to address J&K issue: Mufti
Jammu, Patnitop hotels must comply with directions, says High Court
Junaid Mattu is NC spokesman for Valley
Post-snowfall, legislator takes stock of situation
Rajouri police educates students on drug abuse
Sports meet of Dogra College concludes
Ranjit College holds seminar on teacher empowerment
39th Arbor Day celebrated
SMC makes public areas cleared of waterlogging
17-year-old girl jumps off from Amira Kadal bridge
KU VC interacts with research scholars
Sufi music programme concludes
Governor, CM greet people on Nauroz
Governor briefed on Kashmir varsity initiatives
Ban on carrying licensed weapons in Rajouri district
38 election rally venues notified in Jammu
MBBS scam: Govt may attach properties of absconding persons
10 months on govt orders third probe into Pak prisoner’s death
Army rescues villagers from Tawi river
Artificial jewellery stones seized
Book fair ends
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Omar tears into BJP, dismisses Modi wave
Jammu, March 20 Referring to former Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani sulking over the allotment of the Gandhinagar parliamentary seat, Omar sarcastically said: “Instead of intensifying campaign for the party, BJP leaders are roaming around the Prithviraj Road (in Delhi, where Advani’s residence is located) to placate the annoyed leader.” The Chief Minister, while addressing Congress and National Conference workers outside his official residence, minced no words in attacking the BJP. Without naming the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, Omar asked, “If there is a (Modi) wave, why are leaders contesting elections on two seats simultaneously?” It is due to the fear of losing elections that a leader contests on two different seats, Omar said. “Neither Rahul Gandhi nor Sonia Gandhi are contesting from two Lok Sabha seats,” he added. Amidst slogans raised in favour of Sonia and Rahul, Omar confidently declared that the National Conference-Congress coalition would win all six Lok Sabha seats, which would go into the kitty of the UPA to realise the dream of making Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi the Prime Minister. “The country had witnessed a wave only in 1984 when the Congress had swept the General Election with a thumping majority,” he recalled. Stepping up attack on the BJP for allegedly humiliating veteran leaders, Omar said stalwarts like Advani and Jaswant Singh had been humiliated by the party while distributing ticket. Raking up the issue of infighting to corner the BJP, Omar said Advani and former Foreign Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh had been denied seats of their choice. He observed that by denying the Bhopal Lok Sabha seat to Advani, the BJP had embarrassed the veteran leader. While expressing his sympathy with Jaswant Singh for being “humiliated” by the BJP, Omar seized the opportunity to rake up the 1999 Kandahar hijacking to expose the “nationalist” approach of the BJP. “Jaswant Singh had escorted Pakistani terrorists to Kandahar in exchange of hijacked passengers at the behest of the NDA leadership and today he has been denied the party ticket of his choice,” he said. Why contest from two seats, asks CM Without naming the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said, “If there is a (Modi) wave, why are leaders contesting elections on two seats simultaneously? It is due to the fear of losing elections that a leader contests on two different seats. Neither Rahul Gandhi nor Sonia Gandhi are contesting from two Lok Sabha seats.” Cong leader Madan Lal files papers from Jammu Jammu: The National Conference and the Congress on Thursday presented a united face to puncture the “Modi wave” in Jammu by organising a massive rally in connection with the filing of the nomination papers of Congress nominee Madan Lal Sharma. Sharma is contesting from the Jammu-Poonch Lok Sabha seat as a coalition candidate. To spread the message of unity among workers of both parties, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah along with his Cabinet colleagues accompanied Congress leaders to file Sharma’s nomination papers. The Chief Minister also addressed Congress workers who had come from various parts of the Jammu region. The City of Temples was on Thursday flooded with Congress flags as hundreds of party workers thronged Jammu city to accompany Madan Lal Sharma to file his nomination papers. — TNS |
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PDP worked for revocation of
AFSPA: Mehbooba
Anantnag, March 20 Speaking to mediapersons on the sidelines of a party workers' convention in Dak Bungalow here, Mehbooba criticised the present National Conference (NC)-led government for playing politics over the issue. "They (NC) have made a mountain out of a molehill," Mehbooba said, adding that when their party had come to power, they had made sure that the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA) was revoked. Mehbooba was answering a question regarding Legislative Assembly's powers to revoke the Act. She said Mufti during his tenure as CM of J&K was in constant touch with New Delhi to press for the revocation of AFSPA. "The Centre back then had responded favourably," Mehbooba said, adding that the Defence Ministry back then had formed a high-level committee, which maintained that the AFSPA would be revoked within six months. She said had Mufti's tenure as CM prolonged a bit, the Act would have been revoked. "If we come to power again, we will definitely strive to get the Act revoked," said Mehbooba. |
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AAP fields surgeon from Anantnag
Srinagar , March 20 The young doctor and social worker will contest against two veterans — National Conference's Mehboob Beg, who is the sitting member of Parliament from the Anantnag constituency, and Peoples Democratic Party’s president and Leader of Opposition Mehbooba Mufti. Tanvir, who is currently working at Gangaram Hospital in Delhi, is a new entrant into politics, but boasts of a political family background.
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PDP candidate for Jammu seat files nomination
Jammu, March 20 Senior party leaders Ved Mahajan and Dhaman Bhasin were also present at the time of filing the nomination. Earlier, scores of PDP workers gathered at the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) park on the banks of the Tawi river to accompany the leader to the office of the district election officer. Addressing his supporters, Sharma said the PDP was contesting the Lok Sabha elections to “intensify the movement for change” in Jammu and Kashmir. “The PDP has carved out a path of development and peace in Jammu and Kashmir and it is the need of hour to strengthen the party for establishing lasting peace and accelerating developmental activities in the state,” he said. Sharma said the PDP has “pioneered a political and economic agenda” to fulfil the wishes and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “Establishing sustainable peace and consolidate the reconciliation process is on the top of the party’s agenda,” he said and expressed satisfaction that during a short period of just three years, the PDP through its policies was successful in establishing peace with dignity and honour. Later, the PDP workers marched along with the leader from the JDA park to the office of the election officer. |
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AAP to form state coordination team
Jammu, March 20 Deep Singh, founder member of the AAP, while addressing the activists at a state-level meeting said the need of the hour was to promote the agenda of the party in every nook and corner. He added that sincere, pro-active and dedicated efforts were needed to educate the masses about the missionary agenda of the AAP in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. He claimed that people of the state were feeling suffocated due to corruption and anarchism at all levels and were keen to get rid of the prevailing corrupt regime. A large number of AAP activists from the Kashmir valley attended the meeting. Prominent among them were Mohammad Aslam, Feroz Ahmad Ganai, Sheikh Mohammad Aslam, Mohammad Ayub, Ghulam Naqashband Khan, Manzoor Ahmad Shah, Abdul Majid Dar, Bashir Ahmad Mir, Ashiq Hussain Ganai, Mir Farooq Ahmad, Bashir Ahamad Bhat, Zahoor Ahamad Bhat and Mir Mudassir. From the Jammu Division, the meeting was attended by Sunil Parsad, Sunil Kumar Sharma, Anil Gaind, Rakesh Sharma, Mukesh Sharma, Amit Sharma, Manhor Lal, Mukesh Sharma, Dr KC Sharma, Shaktipal Singh, Avinash Chowdary, Kuldeep Kumar Rao, Yassar Farooq Khan and Mohammad Zulfkar Nain. — TNS |
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Police launch ‘Smart 24x7’ security application for mobile phone users
Jammu, March 20 Inspector General of Police (IGP) Rajesh Kumar along with DIG Shakeel A Beig launched the security application at the Police Control Room (PCR) here. Rajesh Kumar said in order to increase effectiveness of the police in responding to emergencies pertaining to women and senior citizens, the Jammu and Kashmir Police had partnered Smart 24x7 Response Services, a Gurgaon-based software company, and installed a response mechanism for responding to emergency calls, particularly by women, children and old people. The application is known as Smart 24x7 and can be downloaded free of cost on any smart phone powered by Android, IOS, Blackberry or Windows. This application connects you to police agencies, ambulance and fire services in case of any emergency. This is a first-ever software-based initiative by the J&K Police to help women, children and old people in emergency apart from other response mechanisms, ie by seeking police help in case of any panic situation/emergency arising out of crimes like nuisance, domestic violence, sexual harassment, theft, etc. In case of emergency, the person in distress has to press a panic button on the "app" and thereafter a call will be generated at the PCR No 100 and a panic alert will be shown on the TV/computer screen, which is installed at the PCR, Jammu. The operator will direct the nearest PCR vehicle and close the alert after resolving the issue. Jammu and Kashmir has also launched a dedicated helpline "1091" at the PCR, Jammu, for helping women, children and old people. |
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Civic body crackdown on meat sellers near Dal Lake
Srinagar, March 20 The move was taken following complaints about drug addicts and drunkards frequenting the area. SMC Health Officer Shafqat Khan, who led the operation, said they had received complaints from locals that drug addicts and drunkards frequented the area and caused nuisance. During the drive, several meat sellers were removed from the area that is a very popular eating joint of the city and also frequented by tourists. “The meat sellers had encroached upon the road and were also becoming a cause of traffic jams…we removed four “Seekh tuj walas” and three roadside vendors selling other goods,” Khan said. The Health Officer said a few nearby structures were also dismantled that were believed to be frequented by the drug addicts and drunkards. Heavy rush is usually witnessed at Foreshore Road and Boulevard areas especially in the late afternoon and evening hours. Besides barbequed meat, people are also seen relishing barbequed corn at the Makai Point. To keep the area clean, Khan said the corn sellers were told to use dustbins failing which strict action would be taken against them. He said the SMC health wing would intensify its activities in the coming weeks as part of its drive against unhygienic and adulterated food within the municipal limits of the city. |
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BSF says no foul play in recruitment
Jammu, March 20 The BSF authorities set the record straight saying the protesting candidates had not made it to the final merit list. The candidates, who were left out despite qualifying the written exam and physical test at a special recruitment drive in 2011-12, had accused the authorities of “bias”. “A special recruitment drive was carried out in Jammu and Kashmir to fill the vacancies in 2011-12 for the post of Constable (GD) in the BSF. The recruitment was conducted by the Jammu and Srinagar Frontiers of the BSF for different categories,” Principal Staff Officer to the IG, BSF, Jammu Frontier, DIG NS Jamwal told reporters. He added that initially, a total of 698 vacancies were allotted for male candidates. “Keeping in view the number of vacancies, medical examination of 1,182 candidates of the Jammu region, who were short listed on the basis of merit in the written examination, was carried out at the respective centres,” Jamwal said, adding that based on the merit list all the advertised vacancies were filled up. He, however, said in the meantime the Ministry of Home Affairs directed the BSF to prepare a reserve panel of qualified candidates over and above the advertised vacancies. Jamwal said, as such, all 2,666 remaining candidates, who had qualified the written test and were awaiting medical examination, were called to appear before the Regional Selection Board for medical test. “A total of 2,217 candidates were declared medically fit and kept on hold and following the directions of the MHA another 633 vacancies were filled from the reserve list,” he said. “Rest of the candidates could not be selected as they were unable to make it to the final merit list according to the existing vacancies,” Jamwal added. “In total 1,331 candidates from the state got job in the special recruitment drive of the MHA and those who could not make it to the final merit list can apply afresh,” he said. Special selection drive
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UPA government failed to address J&K issue: Mufti
Srinagar, March 20 Mufti termed the forthcoming parliamentary elections as an opportunity for the people to elect those representatives, who are sincere and able to push forward their issues and motivate Parliament to get the state out of “present muddle”. “The state is at the threshold of change and the parliamentary polls will be a turning point to broaden the discourse about Kashmir issue at the national level,” Mufti said while addressing senior party leaders here. He termed the performance of present parliamentarians from the state as “disastrous” and said they failed to raise the issues concerning Kashmir in Parliament. Coming down heavily on the UPA-led government at the Centre, the senior leader said: “What kind of government it was which has not been able to address the J&K issue over the last 10 years.” He alleged that instead the ruling dispensation “derailed” the entire reconciliation process started by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. “The hanging of Mohammad Afzal Guru was the most unfortunate thing that could have happened in any democratic country and the Congress and the NC went ahead with this without realising the sensitivities of the people of Kashmir,” he added. |
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SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT INSTALLATION
Srinagar, March 20 The court has told the government to file a status report on the hotels in the areas, complying with the earlier High Court directions on installation of the sewage treatment plants (STPs). The observations were passed by a Division Bench of the J&K High Court, comprising Chief Justice MM Kumar and Justice Hasnain Masoodi, which is hearing a PIL by Mohammad Rafiq Zargar in which he had sought intervention of the High Court in safeguarding eco-sensitive areas of Gulmarg and Tangmarg from illegal constructions. The court had ordered sealing and suspension of commercial activities of the hotels at Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Srinagar city, which had not complied with the pollution control norms on installation of the STPs. “The hotels at Jammu, Katra and Patnitop must also ensure their compliance with regard to the directions on installation of STPs. Mr Advocate General, kindly file the status of the hotels at Jammu, Katra and Patnitop in this regard,” the Chief Justice observed while indicating that this would also be reflected in the detailed orders which have been reserved. HC warns officials The High Court also came down heavily on the officials and the authorities concerned for their slackness on implementing various court directions. The observations were made by the court after finding out that so far no action had been taken by the authorities on the recommendations of a panel headed by the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, regarding unauthorised occupation of land at Gulmarg. “The court is not passing orders for fun. We will come down heavily on everyone who circumvent the orders of this court,” the Chief Justice observed today. Penalise occupiers of Gulmarg land The court observed that the authorities must ensure that the people who have occupied land at Gulmarg in access of the area shown in the lease agreement must be penalised. “This category of the people must pay penal rent as they have benefited and earned out of the occupied land. This is to ensure that in the future no land is occupied,” the Bench observed. On February 12, 2014, the High Court had directed the Chief Secretary of the state to inform it within a month about the action taken on the recommendations of a panel headed by the Kashmir Divisional Commissioner regarding unauthorised occupation of land at Gulmarg. It further observed that nothing had been said in the affidavit about the action taken against illegal occupation of land at Gulmarg. “Either the officials concerned are hand in glove with the violators or they are slack or lazy. But we will like to use the term slackness,” the Bench observed. The panel formed on April 23 last year had identified a number of lessees who as on date possess more land than initially allotted to them. The panel which had submitted its report to the Chief Secretary had also identified the institutions such as the Army which possesses land without any formal allotment order. |
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Junaid Mattu is NC spokesman for Valley
Srinagar, March 20 Junaid was appointed to the post which was vacant for more than a year since the departure of Tanvir Sadiq, who was appointed as Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s political secretary in February last year. Junaid, 28, has a degree in finance and economics from Michigan State University. He has been a former district president of Sajjad Lone’s Peoples Conference and its spokesman before he resigned in September last year and joined the National Conference in November. Nasir Aslam Wani, provincial president of the National Conference, confirmed Junaid’s appointment in the statement. The ruling party has also constituted a new media cell which Junaid will head, Wani said. Members of the media cell include Zaffar Shaheen, Syed Shujat Chashoo, Hilal Ahmad Sofi and Tanveer Ahmad. The ruling party, which in contesting the Lok Sabha elections on a seat-sharing basis with the coalition partner Congress, has made major realignments in the internal working of the party. The NC yesterday announced new office-bearers in the Kashmir zone. |
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Post-snowfall, legislator takes stock of situation
Doda, March 20 The legislator visited various villages to get a first-hand account of the problems being faced by the people. He toured Dadpeth, Mugalmaidan, Kuriya villages to review the availability of essentials and restoration of supplies. People from the Loidhar, Tagood, Mulchitter, Sigdi, Bhata, Balana, Rahalthal, Kuchal, Durbeel, Hurna, Pahalwar, Bunda and Parna areas met the Saroori and presented their demands to him. They urged him to address their demands at the earliest. People en route apprised Saroori about their problems of power, water and ration scarcity. He told the administration to ensure restoration of power and water supply in the snow-hit areas and issued directions to the General Reserve Engineer Force to clear all landslides in the area. Saroori took stock of the supply of essentials and directed the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department to ensure the supply and distribution of ration to the consumers in time. He also directed the officials to keep a close eye on markets so that unscrupulous elements do not exploit the situation and create scarcity of essentials. He passed directions to the Power Development Department to restore power supply on a war-footing basis so that people in the area do not face any inconvenience. MLA’s directive Ghulam Mohammad Saroori told the administration to ensure restoration of power and water supply in the snow-hit areas and issued directions to the General Reserve Engineer Force to clear all landslides in the area. He also directed the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department to ensure the supply and distribution of ration to the consumers in time
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Rajouri police educates students on drug abuse
Rajouri, March 20 The function was presided over by Assistant Superintendent of Police Shiv Kumar Chouhan. Students, Officiating Commander of the General Reserve Engineer Force, senior citizens and senior Army officers were present. Students from various government and private schools of the area participated in the symposium. Shahnawaz Ahmed, Gulfam Akhter and Ziafat Akhter clinched the first, second and third positions and were given a cash reward of Rs 2,000, Rs 1,500 and Rs 1,000, respectively. Officers who addressed the students impressed upon them the ill effects of drugs and appealed to them to be the ears and eyes of the police to keep a check on the menace. Budhal SHO Sameer Dar thanked the senior police and Army officers for their cooperation and exhorted the students to educate the people, especially the youth, in their areas. |
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Sports meet of Dogra College concludes
Jammu, March 20 In the sack race for girls, Anita Sharma stood first, while Rimpy Bala and Romi Verma clinched the second and third position, respectively. In the three-legged race for girls, Roshi Dabgotra and Neelu Rani bagged the gold medal, whereas Manjula Bogal and Pooja Verma claimed the silver medal. The bronze medal was bagged by Pooja Sharma and Geeta Sharma. In the one-leg race for girls, Roshi Dabgotra clinched the first position, while Anita Sharma and Pooja Sharma had to be contended with the second and third spot, respectively. In the matka race for girls, Deepika bagged the gold medal, while Simple Saini and Neelu Rani bagged the silver and bronze medal, respectively. In shot-put for boys, Liyaquat Ali bagged the gold medal, while Surat Singh and Sushil Kumar claimed the silver and bronze medal, respectively. In the high jump for boys, Surat Singh claimed the first position, while Sukhdev and Amandeep stood second and third, respectively. In the long jump for boys, Sukhdev clinched the gold medal, while Surat Singh and Mohit Slathia claimed the silver and bronze, respectively. In 100-m sprint for boys, Amardeep stood first, Liyaquat Ali stood second and Surat Singh finished third. In the shot-put for girls, Simple Saini bagged the gold medal, while Richa Khajuria and Pooja Verma shared the silver. Vidushi had to satisfy herself with the bronze medal. In the discus throw for girls, Neha Khajuria got the first position, Simple Saini bagged the second spot, while Sonia Sharma claimed the third place. In the long jump for girls, Richa Khajuria bagged the gold medal, whereas Shivani Sharma and Pooja Verma bagged the silver and bronze medal, respectively. In the high jump for girls, Ankita Sharma stood first, Shivani Sharma stood second, while Pooja Verma claimed the third place. In the 100-m race for girls, Geeta Sharma bagged the gold medal, while Ankita Sharma and Pooja Jamwal claimed the silver and bronze medal, respectively. In the badminton girls' doubles, Tanuja and Aprajita were declared winners, while Neelu and Pooja emerged runners-up. In girls' singles, Tanuja clinched the title by defeating Shallu in an exciting final. In carom mixed doubles, Mohit and Sukhdev were declared winners, while Neelu and Shallu emerged runners-up. In kho-kho, Neha Warriors, led by Neha, defeated Shivani Daredevils to clinch the title, while in the inter-section tug-of-war (girls) Tawi House, headed by Rajni Kumari, beat Ganga House, led by Mehak Ahuja, to clinch the title. The activities were held under the guidance of Yogesh Manhas, Sports Officer, Sumer Singh Sambyal, convener, Sports Committee, and Shamsher Singh, member, Sports Committee. Gulchain Singh Charak, chairman, Dogra Education Trust, was the chief guest. Samar Dev Singh Charak, Prof BD Damral, Shefali Sharma and Bela Thakur were also present. Later, the winners of the various activities were felicitated. |
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Ranjit College holds seminar on teacher empowerment
Jammu, March 20 Deshbandu Gupta, Director, College Development Council, University of Jammu, was the chief guest, while Harbans Singh, former minister and president of the Forum of Recognised Colleges (FORCE), presided over the seminar. Manmeet Singh, chairman of the college, in his welcome address said the national seminar on "Teacher empowerment" would provide an opportunity for teachers to renew contacts and discuss problems of mutual interest to find out solutions. Dr GQ Sheikh, seminar director, in his keynote address, said the influence of the electronic media had a bearing upon school-going children far beyond the boundaries of the family and the community. Prof Deshbandhu laid emphasis on conducting such seminars which might help planners and decision-making authorities to reshape and restructure the teacher education in a desired direction. He was of the opinion that teachers of today had to make their presence felt with the richness of the knowledge so that the students were benefited and feel the necessity of classroom attendance. Harbans Singh endorsed the views of the Director, College Development Council, and assured him of checking the menace of absenteeism in classrooms. In the technical session, all the resource persons from Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and J&K presented their research papers, which was followed by paper presentation by 41 participants. Prof Keshav Sharma from the University of Jammu in his address highlighted the importance of teacher in the 21st century for shaping and restructuring the society as per demand. Prof Satinder Kour and Prof Ritu Choudhary from the RCE were also present. |
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39th Arbor Day celebrated
Jammu, March 20 More than 50 students drawn from different government schools and members of the CRWWA participated. MA Tak, Director, Department of Social Forestry, was the chief guest at the function, which started with ceremonial plantation. While speaking on the occasion, the chief guest threw light on the importance of conservation of forests and expansion of tree cover for livelihood of mankind, besides actively participating in different events. President of the CRWWA Prof MS Nargal thanked the Social Forestry Department for the initiative and requested the authorities for extending suitable assistance for the maintenance of the park. The Department of Social Forestry distributed more than 200 seedlings of avenue/medicinal plants among the participants for the farm forestry purpose. |
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SMC makes public areas cleared of waterlogging
Srinagar, March 20 It also provided toll free service numbers for residents, who are still facing waterlogging problems. Last week, after heavy snowfall and incessant rain in the Valley most of the parts of the Valley were inundated. Locals were irked with the SMC for not making proper arrangements in the city. It had brought life to a halt for many low-lying areas as locals couldn’t move out of their houses. In its public notice issued here today, the SMC came up with the status of various areas in Srinagar about dewatering. It has notified that nearly 80 per cent area of the city has been dewatered completely, while the rest 20 per cent area will be cleared soon. The SMC has also provided toll free number 1800-180-7038 for the public to lodge their grievances on water logging in their areas. The helpline numbers of the control room have also been given.
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17-year-old girl jumps off from Amira Kadal bridge
Srinagar, March 20 Adding to the number of cases in the city, a teenager jumped into the Jhelum River last evening, triggering panic in the region. There has been a drastic increase in the number of suicide cases among women in the Valley. This was the second such incident in a single day. The 17-year-old girl, a resident of the city, jumped from the busy Amira Kadal Bridge connecting Lal Chowk to other parts of the city. The bridge runs over the Jhelum river and is at present flowing above normal water level. People gathered on the bridge following the incident and divers jumped in the river to save the girl, but the water level of the river was so high following heavy rain and snow last week that the girl could not be saved. Local shopkeepers and street vendors said lack of security on the bridge led to such incidents. “The girl could have been rescued easily as many divers dived in, but the water level is very high these days,” said Bilal Ahmad, who sells electronic appliances on the bridge. The girl’s body has not been recovered yet. Police officials said they were trying hard to retrieve the body as soon as possible. The rise in the number of suicide cases among women in Kashmir is becoming a cause of concern among civil society members as well. “It is indicative of lack of religious education in our society and in many cases economic deprivation and social deprivation is a big factor,” said civil society member Farooq Ahmed. In another incident in north Kashmir’s Sopore, a woman immolated herself and later succumbed to her injuries at Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital here yesterday. After the first incident of suicide was reported from the Amira Kadal Bridge that took place on March 5, fencing of the bridge was ordered and the work was on, but it could not prevent another incident. The Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) recorded 248 suicides in 2010. In 2011, over 1,000 suicides cases were registered with SKIMS and SMHS hospitals. Sociologists say stress among women due to social and economic pressures is behind such incidents. “There are many basic and apparent reasons. I think they are social and economic factors. Women feel they cannot cope up with the social pressures and some of them commit suicide,” said Professor Bashir Ahmad, Head of the Department Sociology. Past cases
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KU VC interacts with research scholars
Srinagar, March 20 The Vice Chancellor interacted with the research scholars of various streams during the inaugural session of a week-long interaction programme for the research scholars at Academic Staff College of the university, which kicked off on Monday. He interacted with 42 MPhil and PhD research scholars, asking them to go for quality research and getting the same published in high impact journals. He also stressed upon inclusion of more research scholars in such programmes in future. Speaking at the function, course coordinator Aqeel Ahmad, Head, Department of Statistics, highlighted the aim and objectives of the programme and laid stress on design, statistical analysis and execution of research work in a scientific and systematic manner. |
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Sufi music programme concludes
Srinagar, March 20 The musicians played the music of conventional Kashmiri composers. Noted poet, journalist and writer Ghulam Nabi Khayal was the chief guest on the occasion, while singers Gulzar Ahmad Ganai and Assad Anjum were the guests of honour. Dressed in traditional attires, the artistes presented “Chakhri” music. Those who performed on the occasion include Bashir Ahmad Bhat and his troupe Muhammad Imtiaz and troupe Ashiq Ahmad Khan and his troupe among other groups. — TNS
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Governor, CM greet people on Nauroz
Jammu, March 20 The Governor observed that the festival has high cultural and religious significance. He said the day is also observed as ‘World Arbour Day’ and appealed that one and all should join hands in planting the maximum number of trees for preserving our rapidly deteriorating environment. The Governor hoped that the day would be a harbinger of sustained peace, progress and prosperity in the state and the country. Omar also felicitated people and wished them happiness and prosperity. — TNS |
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Governor briefed on Kashmir varsity initiatives
Jammu, March 20 Talat Ahmad briefed the Governor about issues relating to the admissions for the academic session 2014-15 at the university, initiatives being taken for further advancing the academic and research programmes, to-date status of the ongoing infrastructure development projects, staff and faculty shortage. |
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Ban on carrying licensed weapons in Rajouri district
Rajouri, March 20 As per the order, besides licences issued by his office, all licences issued by other districts/Home Ministry and other states were also suspended by the District Magistrate till the Lok sabha elections were over. All licence holders have been asked to deposit their weapons with the police stations concerned with immediate effect. This is first time that all licensed weapons holders have been asked to surrender their weapons. District Magistrate Hemant Kumar Sharma vide his office letter No. JCDMR/SO-122-29/2014 have suspended all arms licences issued by his office in favour of residents of the district. Sources said till March 18, about 290 weapons were surrendered under the jurisdictions of Sunderbani, Kalakot, Nowshera and Dharamshal police stations. |
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38 election rally venues notified in Jammu
Jammu, March 20 Jammu DEO Ajit Kumar Sahu, also the Jammu Deputy Commissioner, has ordered that no religious or educational building be used for electioneering purpose. The 38 venues fall in 11 Assembly segments of Jammu district. In Jammu city, the main venues for holding political rallies include Parade Ground, MA Stadium, Dusshera Ground on Apsara road in Gandhi Nagar, JDA Park near Railway Station, Rajiv Gandhi Park, Gangyal, ground adjacent to Digiana Gurdwara, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Park, Digiana, Mini Stadium, Bhour Camp, Talab Tillo Park and Devi Chand Park, Rehari Colony. The DEO said the organiser of political meetings and rallies would have to bear the rent of the respective grounds fixed by the department concerned. |
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MBBS scam: Govt may attach properties of absconding persons
Srinagar, March 20 This was stated by the Advocate General before a Division Bench of the J&K High Court, comprising Chief Justice MM Kumar and Justice Hasnain Masoodi, which is monitoring the investigation into the scam by the crime branch of the J&K Police. The MBBS exam scam involves the sale of CET-2012 question papers by former BOPEE chairman and prime accused Mushtaq Peer in lieu of Rs 60 lakh through his brokers. The Bench wanted to know what action the crime branch had taken against the accused persons, including the beneficiary students, who had been evading arrest. “The matter about apprehending the accused persons who have been evading arrest is already under the domain of the Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Srinagar. The process has already been initiated against them under Section 512 of the CrPC,” the Advocate General submitted, after amicus curie Bashir Ahmad Bashir wanted to know whether the arrest warrants issued against the accused had been executed by the investigation agency. In its status report filed before the court earlier this month, the crime branch had submitted that the total number of accused persons against whom the chargesheet had been submitted in the case was 43. Out of them, 14 accused persons had been evading arrest. The trial court has already issued non-bailable arrest warrants against them besides declaring them as proclaimed offenders. The HC today observed that Section 512 of the CrPC was just an enabling provision before the trial court and Sections 87 and 88 of the CrPC (dealing with arrest warrants and proclamations) stood already exhausted. The court wanted to know if the prosecution had taken steps for attaching the properties of the accused declared as proclaimed offenders by the trial court concerned. Bopee to redraw list for admission
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10 months on govt orders third probe into Pak prisoner’s death
Jammu, March 20 The state government has already conducted two probes, including the one conducted by state Home Secretary Suresh Kumar, into the death of Ranjay. The Pakistani ultra, who was lodged in the Kot Bhalwal Jail, was attacked by a fellow prisoner on May 3 last year and died on May 9 at the Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh. Immediately after the incident, the government had suspended six officials including the then Jail Superintendent Rajni Sehgal. However, the Home Secretary’s report in July last year indicted nine officials, including Deputy Jail Superintendent Om Prakash and two others - Suraj Singh and Dev Kumar, in the case. But “no action” has been taken against the trio so far. “The Home Secretary’s report, which had found lack of supervision on part of the prison authorities, had indicted nine officials, including the Deputy Jail Superintendent. But no action was initiated against three officials,” an official source said. “Despite the fact that the Home Secretary’s report had indicted nine officials, three of them remained untouched while six others, including the then Jail Superintendent Rajni Sehgal, remain suspended till date,” the source added. Following the Home Secretary’s inquiry into the case, another probe was conducted by Additional Secretary, Home, Sudershan Kumar. During the second probe a memorandum of charges was served on Rajni Sehgal on November 4 last year. The memorandum was duly responded by the suspended officer within the stipulated time. On March 12, after a period of over 10 months of the incident, the government, however, marked a fresh inquiry into the case. The probe is to be conducted by ADG Home Guards DR Dolley, said sources. “An official remains suspended for over a period of six months without being convicted. It is a punishment and therefore is illegal before the law. The service of such official has to be utilised elsewhere,” a prominent lawyer here said. “Prolonged suspension is a punishment,” the lawyer added. An official, meanwhile, admitted that the government had “no clear approach” when it comes to dealing with the incidents in prisons across the state. “Following the attack at 8:25 am on May 3 last year Sanaullah was rushed to the Government Medical College Hospital and by 9.15 am he was put under treatment. Still six officials were suspended. But in another incident, where Pakistani prisoner Showkat Ali committed suicide around 11 pm on the intervening night of February 21 and 22 at the Ambphalla District Jail, no action was taken at all. Showkat’s body was shifted to the hospital next day around 11 am,” an official said. Despite repeated attempts Home Secretary Suresh Kumar and DGP Prisons PL Gupta didn’t respond to the phone calls. |
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Army rescues villagers from Tawi river
Jammu, March 20 The villagers were caught in the strong currents and were marooned in the upper regions of the bed among rocks. An alarm was raised and the police sought help from the Army at Nagrota, the Defence spokesman said. Expert soldiers of the White Knight Corps immediately swung into action and a team of five swimmers propelled through the current and made it to the rocks where the civilians were stranded. The Army team eventually rescued the villagers, the Defence spokesman said. — TNS
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Artificial jewellery stones seized
Srinagar, March 20 The police said the bags contained 150 kg of stones used in imitation jewellery. The quality of stones was being assessed, the officer said. — TNS |
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Book fair ends
Jammu, March 20 Hirdesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, School Education Department, visited various stalls established by book sellers/publishers on the concluding day of the event and interacted with them about the various books both general and subject-specific being displayed by them in the exhibition.
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Jammu, March 20
The meat sellers had encroached upon the road and were also becoming a cause of traffic jams. We removed four meat sellers and three roadside vendors selling other goods. A few nearby structures were also dismantled that were believed to be frequented by drug addicts and
drunkards.