The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

	Voters keep cards close to chest Silence of border area residents puts candidates on tenterhooks Dinesh Manhotra Tribune News Service Kachriyal (Indo-Pak border), March 22 Mohan Lal, a farmer of this village located on the border, is not educated, but is aware of the political developments going on in the country. Standing with a group of residents in the four-shop market, he discusses all factors working in the elections, but he and other villagers are keeping their cards close to their chest. "Candidates of all parties are approaching us and we are listening to them patiently. Instead of opening our cards at this juncture, we will make a decision on the eve of the elections," he said. He hastened to add, "Gone are the days when people openly became followers of political parties like bonded labourers." Amar Nath, another resident, admitted that political parties had been desperately trying to lure them by making promises. "What is the need to open our cards early? Let politicians bit the dust," he quipped. He added that there was much awareness among voters these days and they were aware of ways to dodge politicians. In the entire border belt of the Akhnoor area, comprising two Assembly segments, voters have kept politicians on tenterhooks as they are not ready to open their cards. While political parties are desperately trying to woo voters by making tall promises, inhabitants are not openly assuring support to any political party. Interestingly, political discussions were going in every nook and corner of the border belt. People were ready to discuss issues confronting the country, but were reluctant to disclose the party and candidate of their choice. "First of all, we will look into programmes and policies of all candidates and their response to our problems. Only then will we take a decision," said Ramesh Chander, a retired teacher. He pointed out that the media had played an important role in educating the people about the value of their vote. This attitude of voters is giving sleepless nights to candidates as people are not openly coming out in their support at this juncture. Only 19 days are left for polling and candidates have intensified their campaign, but the response of voters is not giving them confidence. In the prevailing situation, no candidate is in a position to claim the overwhelming support of inhabitants of border areas.
	PDP openly aligning with Modi-led NDA: NC Tribune News Service Srinagar, March 22 Lashing out at the People's Democratic Party (PDP), the ruling National Conference (NC) has said the opposition party had openly started aligning with the Narendra Modi-led NDA and “officially saying it was open to forge an alliance with any party”. “The PDP is free to align with even the RSS or the VHP since it has the democratic right to forge alliances without worrying about sentiments of the people they tragically and falsely claim to represent,” NC spokesman Junaid Matto stated here today. This came in response to the remarks of PDP patron and former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed while releasing the party manifesto yesterday. The NC spokesman claimed, “The PDP was established by the BJP to weaken, fragment and bifurcate the voice and representation of the people of J&K. Mufti is understandably trying to repay the favour of 1999 in 2014.” “While gauging the reverential statements of praise for Modi that have come from Mehbooba Mufti and Muzaffar Baig, it is evident beyond doubt that the PDP has now decided to act as the state wing of the Modi-led BJP in 2014,” the spokesman said. Referring to the initiatives taken by the National Conference towards peace in the state, the spokesman said the reconstruction and rehabilitation process had begun in 1996. While the National Conference had effected a historic ceasefire and started a dialogue with the Hizbul Mujahideen in the most crucial and tumultuous phase of political turmoil in the Valley, most militant “commanders” who came forward to talk were targeted and killed during the government of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, showing scant regard for the “healing touch” policy, the party spokesman said.
	NC has forfeited right to represent people: PDP Tribune News Service Srinagar, March 22 The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) today said the National Conference has “long back forfeited its right to represent Kashmiris”. Addressing party workers at Uri, senior PDP leader and party’s nominee from Baramulla constituency Muzzafar Hussain Baig said the coming parliamentary polls would be the turning point in the resolution of Kashmir issue and called upon the people to understand the “treachery and deceit” that the NC has employed over the years to stay in power. “The only achievement of the NC leadership has been the frauds and tricks it has been resorting to over the last six decades. Its single point agenda has been power at the cost of ordinary people, whom they have been demonising as anti-national to keep certain quarters in Delhi in good humour,” Baig said. “For the NC, elections till now have been to ensure employment for its leadership, both in the state and at the Centre. It has never been serious in addressing the issues of people,” he said, adding the coming elections will provide an opportunity to the people to elect those candidates, who are sincere and can fight for their rights both within and outside Parliament.
	Dogra delegation calls on Guv, submits memorandum Tribune News Service Jammu, March 22 A delegation of the Dogra Sadar Sabha, led by its president Gulchain Singh Charak, called on Governor NN Vohra at Raj Bhawan here today. The delegation submitted a memorandum to the Governor containing various problems and issues discussed at the 109th General Council Meeting (2014) of the organisation. The delegation apprised the Governor of their concern over the deterioration of the Dogra heritage and the slow pace of work to implement the Centre-sponsored project for the preservation of the Mubarak Mandi. They also appealed to the Governor to take up the matter of early restoration of collapsed wall of the Bahu Fort and maintenance of this complex with the concerned authorities. The delegation, on the occasion, also demanded the launch of Duggar channel on the Doordarshan, revival of the Jammu Festival throughout the region with increased participation of local artists and development of infrastructure at pilgrimage sites of Purmandal and Utterbehni. They also called for developing of tourists spots of Mansar and Sruinsar, besides upgrading the infrastructure around the Tawi river. The Dogra Sadar Sabha delegation also insisted on stopping the practise of Durbar Move. They also highlighted the problems of 1947, 1965 and 1971 refugees and ex-servicemen, besides asking for enhancement in the remuneration of numberdars and chowkidars. The delegation also asked for payment of compensation to the affected farmers for crop damage due to the recent rains, lifting of restrictions on utilisation of Khair trees for Katha extraction, issuance of Dogra certificates, early completion of the settlement process and updating of latha/jamabandi records. The demands also included raising disaster management battalions in the state, strict check on the leakage of question papers of professional and competitive examinations and special recruitment drives for the youth of border areas and kandi belt of Jammu and Kashmir. Maj Gen (retd) GS Jamwal, Gambhir Dev Singh Charak, Prof Anita Baloria, Capt Sardar Singh, Sardar Kulbir Singh, Janak Khajuria, Ramnik Singh, among others were present on the occasion.
	Soz gives ministers charge of segments Tribune News Service Jammu, March 22 Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee chief Saifuddin Soz has made ministers overall in charge of various Assembly segments. Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand has been made in charge of Chhamb, Akhnoor, Marh, Raipur-Domana, Bishnah, Vijaypur and Samba segments. Raman Bhalla has been made in charge of Gandhi Nagar, Jammu-East, Jammu-West, RS Pura, Suchetgarh and Nagrota. Abdul Majid Wani has been made in charge of Doda, Kishtwar, Inderwal and Bhadewah. Aijaz Ahmed Khan has been made in charge of Reasi, Gool-Arnas, Gulabgarh, Ramnagar and Udhampur. Vikar Rasool Wani has been made in charge of Banihal, Ramban and Chenani. Dr Manohar Lal Sharma has been made in charge of Billawar, Bani, Basholi, Kathua and Hira Nagar. Sham Lal Sharma, Minister for PHE and chairman of the campaign committee, will be the in charge of the constituencies in Rajouri and Poonch districts.
	BJP candidates file papers from Jammu, Udhampur seats Tribune News Service Jammu, March 22 BJP candidates from both parliamentary segments of Jammu province, Jugal Kishore Sharma from Jammu-Poonch and Jitendra Singh from Kathua-Udhampur-Doda seats, today filed their nomination papers. Sharma filed his nomination papers before the returning officer, the Deputy Commissioner of Jammu, who is also the District Election Officer, Jammu, while Jitendra Singh filed his nomination papers before the District Election Officer, Kathua. Sharma was accompanied by the leader of Legislative Party Ashok Khajuria, MLAs Sukhnandan Kumar and Sham Choudhary, senior leaders Lalit Moza, Ravinder Gupta and thousands of supporters who assembled at Indira Chowk and marched towards the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Jammu. The city was flooded with BJP flags and party workers danced to the tunes of drum beats. They raised slogans in favour of the party’s Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi and candidate from the Jammu-Poonch Jugal Kishore Sharma. Addressing the party workers after filing nomination papers, Sharma claimed that there was a massive wave in favour of the BJP and it was for the first time that the people of Kashmir were posing their faith in the BJP. “Modi is the hope of the country and he has the ability and necessary will to enable the country to achieve all-round progress,” he said, adding that he (Jugal) would go to the public to seek votes in the name of good governance, development, people-friendly policies, welfare of weaker sections, rights to refugees, ensuring honour to women and creation of employment opportunities. Meanwhile, Jitendra Singh was accompanied by Avinash Rai Khanna, BJP in charge, J&K, MLA Hiranagar Durga Dass, senior leaders and hundreds of party workers. In their address, the BJP leaders said the party had a strong cadre in the parliamentary constituency and the decision of the Congress to field Ghulam Nabi Azad from the seat would make no difference in their vote bank and they would easily win the seat.
	AIP announces three candidates for LS poll Srinagar, March 22 The Awami Itehad Party (AIP), led by Independent MLA Abdul Rashid Sheikh, today announced candidates for three Lok Sabha seats of the Valley. While Rashid would fight from the Baramulla parliamentary seat, journalist-turned-politician Rashid Rahil would be party candidate from the Srinagar constituency and advocate Mujeeb-ul-Rehman would fight from the Anantnag parliamentary seat. With Rashid deciding to contest the polls from the Baramulla parliamentary seat, he would be up against National Conference candidate Sharifuddin Shariq, Peoples Democratic Party leader Muzzaffar Beig and People Conference candidate Salamuddin Bajad. Rashid, who is an Independent MLA from Langate, in Kupwara district said the AIP would act as a bridge between India and Pakistan and also pressurise them to solve all issues, including Kashmir. — TNS
	First Lady urges youth to cultivate positive attitude for bright future Tribune News Service Jammu, March 22 First Lady of the state Usha Vohra today urged the youth to cultivate “positive attitude” for shaping a bright future. “Optimism and a positive attitude are among the virtues, which youth should cultivate for shaping a bright future for themselves and their country,” the First Lady said during the annual day function of the Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan at Kot Bhalwal near here. Extending her best wishes to students for securing a promising future, Vohra said: “Sanskrit is one of the most developed scientific languages in the world and many modern languages trace their origin from it.” She also urged the students to work devotedly during their academic career as education plays a vital role in forging a strong nation. Emphasising that the future belongs to the youth of today, Vohra said a positive attitude in words, thoughts and deeds can contribute in changing the societal values. Earlier, the function started with the chanting of Vedic hymns and lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the First Lady. Former Head of Department, Sanskrit, at the University of Jammu, Prof Ved Ghai, and ex-principal, Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, Kot Bhalwal, Prof PC Shastri also addressed the students on the occasion. Principal PN Shastry, on the occasion, presented the annual report of the institution and gave a brief account of the existing infrastructure and future plans. The First Lady also presented mementos and certificates to the meritorious students of the institute, who had won medals at national-level competitions in varied categories. The welcome address was read by Prof Manoj Kumar Mishra and the vote of thanks was extended by Prof Sharad Chander Sharma.
	RTI activists seek action against political parties for violating traffic rules Tribune News Service Jammu, March 22 Concerned over the traffic violations by the leaders of various political organisations and their supporters in the run-up to the elections, the Jammu-based activists have sought legal action against the offenders for “harassing” general public. Separate complaints were made to the Chief Minister’s Grievance Cell by RTI activists Raman Sharma and Deepak Sharma in this regard here recently. It has been noticed during the election rallies and processions of political parties, the Motor Vehicles Act and other traffic rules were blatantly violated, the activists submitted in their respective complaints. The complainants while expressing concern over the violation of rules stated that many a times they found workers, leaders, contesting candidates and their supporters standing on the roof top of running trucks, buses, matadors, tractors, trolleys and other heavy vehicles. “The attention of the government is also drawn towards the illegal motor rallies organised by the political parties to garner support in election,” one of the complainant stated. “During the scooter or motor cycle rallies political workers do not wear crash helmets, besides three or four persons sit on a two-wheeler, putting to risk their own life and the people on the road,” he said. The complainant said the traffic police, executive police and transport authorities were to be blamed for “inaction” against violators. The complaint The attention of the government is drawn towards the illegal motor rallies organised by the political parties to garner support in election. During the scooter or motor cycle rallies political workers do not wear crash helmets, besides three or four persons sit on a two-wheeler, putting to risk their own life and the people on the road
	Army holds ‘Run for Fun’ at Nagrota Tribune News Service Jammu, March 22 For creating awareness on the need of maintaining good health, a ‘Run for Fun’ event was organised for families of soldiers residing in the Nagrota Military Garrison today. The event was flagged off by Rashmi Hooda, regional president, Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA), White Knight Corps. There was an overwhelming response to the event and all the participants displayed a lot of excitement and enthusiasm. The need for maintaining good physical and mental health was highlighted at the event. On the conclusion of the event, prizes were distributed to winners by the regional president, Army Wives Welfare Association.
	Army treats child with burn injuries in Ramban Tribune News Service Jammu, March 22 The Rashtriya Rifles Battalion at Gool in Ramban district treated an 18-month-old, who had sustained severe burn injuries yesterday. Latika Banu, daughter of Mohammed Latif of Gool region, had suffered accidental burn injuries in her house. Amidst inclement weather and biting cold, she was brought to the Rashtriya Rifles camp, where she was given first aid.
	Pandit body rues govt apathy Tribune News Service Srinagar, March 22 A Kashmiri Pandit body today expressed concern over the “apathetic attitude” of the successive governments towards the community, which had been forced out of the Valley in 1990. In a statement, on the occasion of the 11th anniversary of the Nadimarg massacre, in which 24 persons of the community, including children, were killed by militants, The Kashmiri Pandits Sangarsh Samiti (KPSS) said: “Such incidents had torn apart the claims of Kashmiriyat.” The incident had taken place on the intervening night of March 22 and 23, 2003, at Nadimarg in south Kashmir. Referring to the Nadimarg killing and many such incidents during the last over two decades of militancy in the Valley, the organisation alleged that perpetrators of such heinous crimes had even evaded the law. “None of the perpetrators has been punished. Claims have been made that they were killed in encounters but in reality no such records exist,” KPSS president Sanjay Tickoo alleged.
	Seminar on drug abuse Pulwama, March 22 The Nehru Yuva Kendra (NYK), Pulwama, today organised a seminar on drug abuse and illicit trafficking and highlighted their growing menace in society. On the occasion, Additional Superintendent of Police Javed Ahmad Mir said youth were an asset to society but were vulnerable to such things and asked NGOs to support the police in checking the menace. NYK district officer Syed Sajad said drug abuse among youth was on the rise and it should be curbed at the earliest so that it could not become a demon for the future generation.— OC