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Modi has monopolised BJP, says Omar Abdullah
NC-Cong tenure a dark period in J&K’s history, says Mufti
PDP’s Srinagar candidate focuses on indoor meetings
Rana tells Mufti to clear party’s stand on Article 370
BJP raises poll pitch in Doda, urges people to vote for growth
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Ex-minister urges ECI to ensure fair play in poll
Faulty planning delays sewage system completion
Budgam villagers demand safe drinking water
Dogra Muslims discriminated against, says BJP
Guv announces facilities for Amarnath yatris
on the frontline
Institution of Engineers holds seminar on Water Day
Urdu conference starts today
Mazdoor conference demands release of DA
Refresher course ends
MC to act tough against schools without toilets
Central varsity faculty told to learn administrative skills
NIT bans students’ movement outside hostels post T20 matches
Police hold talent hunt contest at Kishtwar
Soldier arrested for raping woman
North Kashmir villages face water shortage
Tiger Division celebrates Raising Day
Army conducts tailoring classes for Doda women
Three women attempt suicide
Two houses gutted in Budgam
Martyrs Day observed at Doda
Man dies in avalanche
Kisan mela held at Kishtwar
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Modi has monopolised BJP, says Omar Abdullah
"Gentlemen like Jaswant Singh will be shown the door and goons like Muthalik will receive the red carpet. Be afraid India, be very afraid," Omar warned in a tweet, immediately after right-wing Sri Ram Sena chief Pramod Muthalik, whose party members attacked women at a pub in Mangalore in 2009, joined the BJP. Omar castigated the BJP prime ministerial candidate after the party patriarch L K Advani was forced to fall in line over seat selection and stalwart Jaswant Singh was denied nomination from his hometown constituency which had saddened the senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj. "For all the chatter that RG (Rahul Gandhi) can't work with the old guard of the Congress, it's actually NaMo (Narendra Modi) who has culled the senior leadership of the BJP," Omar said. Omar, who is the working president of the state’s ruling National Conference which is in a pre-poll alliance with the Congress to contest the parliamentary election, further said there was “more democracy” in “family-run” political parties, like his own, than in the “party with a difference”, a reference to the BJP. "I dare say there is more democracy in the so-called ‘family-run’ parties like the JKNC (Jammu and Kashmir National Conference) than there is in ‘parties with a difference’,” Omar wrote on Twitter. While there are little signs of the BJP’s emergence on the ground in Kashmir division, where Omar’s National Conference is contesting for three parliamentary constituencies as part of the seat sharing arrangement with the Congress, the Modi factor may play a role in Jammu division where the BJP prime ministerial candidate held a rally four months ago. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister also accused Modi of creating a "monopoly" in the party. "Earlier there was the Advani -Vajpayee duo, possibly with Joshi the trio, now it's just the NaMo monopoly," Omar wrote. Omar had earlier this month dismissed any wave in favour of Modi while addressing the workers of his party and alliance partner Congress in Jammu. In Jammu division, the Congress has fielded Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad from the Udhampur constituency, pitting him against BJP’s Jitendra Singh. The Congress candidate for Jammu parliamentary constituency Madan Lal Sharma will take on BJP’s Jugal Kishore Sharma. In reply to a tweet by a journalist, who quoted an unidentified co-passenger as having said that "we have had overdose of democracy in 10 years; now we need a dictator", Omar said it was the same argument put forward to "explain (and) justify emergency" in the late seventies. |
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NC-Cong tenure a dark period in J&K’s history, says Mufti
Jammu, March 23 The senior leader, while emphasising the need to take the people of Jammu and Kashmir out of “morass” and the “prevailing uncertainty”, said the tenure of Chief
Minister Omar Abdullah-led government would be remembered as a “dark period” in the history of the state. “It is a historical fact that opportunist alliance between the National Conference and the Congress has always proved disastrous for Jammu and Kashmir,” Mufti said while addressing a series of public meetings here. Mufti regretted that during the last five-and-a-half years the present regime had “spoilt the peaceful atmosphere” which was created by the previous PDP-led coalition regime. “What has happened after the formation of the National Conference-Congress government on January 5, 2009, is before all of us,” he said. “During the last five-and-a-half years, corruption has crossed all limits and the government, through its deceitful tactics, has brazenly eroded sanctity and credibility of all democratic institutions,” Mufti said. The PDP veteran alleged that the “prevailing chaos” and “uncertainty” in the state was the result of the failure of the present regime to connect itself with the masses. “From Day One, when this government was formed, there is instability and uncertainty in the state,” Mufti said. |
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PDP’s Srinagar candidate focuses on indoor meetings
Srinagar, March 23 The PDP leader is busy holding workers’ meetings in three districts of Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal, comprising the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency. It will go to the polls in the second phase on April 30. The workers’ meetings are being held at various places, including the Gupkar residence of party patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. Bad weather during the past about two weeks, however, proved congenial for holding indoor meetings here. All contesting parties have put on hold pub\lic meetings in view of the bad weather and the same are being resumed in the coming days. Karra was elected to the state Assembly in the by-elections from the National Conference (NC) bastion, Batamaloo constituency in Srinagar, for the first time in 2004. The by-election was held following the death of NC’s veteran leader Ghulam Mohiuddin Shah when the Mufti-led PDP-Congress coalition government took over in 2002. The PDP candidate has not, however, restricted it to indoor meetings only. He has held outdoor meetings and rallies during the past about three months. “I was the first to start the political campaign for the parliamentary seat,” said Karra, founder member of the PDP and former Finance Minister. “I started my poll campaign from Chrar-e-Sharief in central Kashmir’s Budgam district and have held dozens of rallies since then,” he said. To choose Chrar-e-Sharief as the venue of his first meeting holds significance as it is the seat of Sufi saint Sheikh Nooruddin Noorani, popularly known as “Alamdar-e-Kashmir” or the flag-bearer of Kashmir. His 600-year-old shrine is thronged by devotees throughout the year. The PDP leader is up against NC stalwart and Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Farooq Abdullah. Aam Aadmi Party candidate Muzaffar Bhat is also contesting from the Srinagar parliamentary seat. In the 2009 elections, Farooq had defeated PDP candidate Iftikhar Hussain Ansari. In the 2008 state elections, out of the 15 Assembly segments spread over three districts of Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal, the NC had won 12 and the PDP two while one seat went to an Independent candidate. All eight Assembly seats from Srinagar district and both seats from Ganderbal were won by the NC while the PDP and the NC won two seats each from Budgam district. Despite the NC having a strong base, Karra said he was hopeful of his victory. “People are not happy with the ruling party and they will teach a lesson to them,” Karra said. |
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Rana tells Mufti to clear party’s stand on Article 370
Jammu, March 23 “The open overtures of the PDP towards the BJP raise question mark on the credibility of the party that has been pretending to be the so-called custodian of peoples’ rights,” NC provincial president Devender Singh Rana said while campaigning for the alliance candidate Madan Lal Sharma in Nagrota Assembly constituency. He added that the alliance between the two parties was “dangerous for the secular foundations” of Jammu and Kashmir. “Now that the cat is out of the bag, Muftis will have to clear their stand on the Article 370 and permanent residence laws of Jammu and Kashmir, which has been an eyesore of the BJP and its allied Sangh outfits,” Rana said. “The NC has no issues with the PDP going saffron, but the mask it has been wearing over the years to exploit the innocent people, exposes its duplicity and treachery,” Rana said. The NC leader, however, warned the two parties not to undermine the political sagacity of the people who can make difference between “friends and foes”. Hitting out at the BJP, Rana said: “The BJP too has been exposed for generating puppets to further its agenda in a sensitive state like Jammu and Kashmir.” “By raking up the bogey of Article 370, if BJP thinks PDP can be instrumental in diluting it, they are miserably wrong,” he said adding that the NC would stand like a “rock” in thwarting any such “misadventure”. The provincial president, meanwhile, made a passionate appeal to the voters for supporting the coalition candidate, saying it will be vote for the people-friendly policies of the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. |
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BJP raises poll pitch in Doda, urges people to vote for growth
Doda, March 23 Singh, who belongs to Marmat area of Doda district, while raising the poll pitch in the mountainous belt said the people were feeling “suffocated” under the “misrule” of the UPA government and there was a strong wave in favour of the party in the country. “The BJP won half the battle when the Congress took over 20 days to declare its nominee for the Udhampur-Doda constituency and finally declared Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad to contest the seat,” Singh said. He slammed the Union Health Minister for ignoring the people of Doda, who suffered on account of “minimum medical facilities” and “staff crunch” in hospitals. The BJP leader hoped that his party would cross the 272 figure in coming elections and Narendra Modi would become the Prime Minister of the country. “The Congress has lost ground owing to corrupt practises. They have ruled this country for over 60 years and have betrayed the poor people of the erstwhile Doda district,” he said. Singh alleged that the Congress-led UPA has failed in all aspects and added that it has only been successful in creating unemployment, escalating prices and promoting corruption. He appealed to the people of Doda to vote for the party for the development of rural areas. Earlier, Singh also visited Batote and addressed the party workers there. The leader urged told the workers to motivate people to vote for the party in coming polls. Singh said if voted to power, the BJP would take care of all the people of the region irrespective of the religion or caste. |
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Ex-minister urges ECI to ensure fair play in poll
Jammu, March 23 In a statement issued today, Gupta alleged that in 1987, too, there was the National Conference-Congress coalition and it had indulged in foul play, resulting in resentment. He said the situation was exploited by Pakistan to launch a proxy war and the results were obvious. “Now, again there is a coalition of the same parties. Hence, there is a need for special attention,” he said. Gupta maintained that any wrongs in the sensitive part of the country would be exploited by elements hostile to India. He pleaded for revision of the electoral rolls and fresh delimitation of constituencies for due representation to all three regions of the state. He pointed out that the Jammu region had almost double the geographical area and equal number of electorates compared to Kashmir but had been given two Lok Sabha and 37 Assembly seats against three Lok Sabha and 46 Assembly seats in the Valley. “Above all, an embargo has been put unlike in other parts of the country of no delimitation till 2026. In this mischief, the Congress is playing a second fiddle to the designs of the National conference,” the MLA alleged. He claimed that regional tensions were being created, detrimental to the unity of the state and not in the interest of the country. The MLA alleged political engineering in electoral rolls. He asked how the number of voters of the Jammu areas had come down. |
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Faulty planning delays sewage system completion
Jammu, March 23 The state has also failed to complete urban reforms which relate to property tax, cost recovery of water supply, solid waste and provision of basic services to the urban poor. As against the six Urban Local Body-level reforms, only three have been carried out so far. Several key works are still incomplete even after seven years and spending crores under the Centrally sponsored Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) and the Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme for Small and Medium Towns programme. The plan envisages setting up of 27 Million Litre Daily (MLD) sewage treatment plants (STPs) for the Jammu region and 60 MLD STPs at Srinagar and linking the underground lines with it. As per the data, while 85 per cent of the trunk sewers have been completed in the city, only 60 per cent of the lateral sewers connecting different localities with the main line have been completed. Sources said there was lack of coordination between government departments from
the onset. “The state has not done its homework properly as the National Building Construction Corporation and the Economic Reconstruction Agency were not allowed to carry their separate study before the work was started which created hurdles,” said a senior official of the Urban Development Department. When the work was started in 2007, the executing agency had told the government that they wanted to audit the Detailed Project Report submitted by the government before taking up the work but the state insisted that since considerable time had elapsed in planning the work and there was threat of funds lapsing, work should be carried out as per the project report prepared by the state. Last year, the Union Ministry of Urban Development projected J&K extremely slow in completing urban infrastructure schemes in the twin capital cities. As per a report of the Union Urban Development Ministry, J&K's performance in carrying out reforms mandatory under the JNNURM scheme has also remained sluggish till date. However, Minister for Urban Development Nawang Rigzin Jora claimed that work would not suffer and delay was mainly because of the shifting of water pipes, communication lines and limits put by congested roads. “Only a few portions are remaining but we are making every effort to achieve our targets,” the minister said. |
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Budgam villagers demand safe drinking water
Srinagar, March 23 “We went to the authorities many a times but they didn’t pay attention to our problem. We feel helpless. We are asking for a basic right,” said sarpanch of Kawoosa Nazir Ahmad. The villagers appealed to the authorities to ensure water supply to them so that their woman do not have to travel long distances to fetch drinking water. “It is a big problem for our women who travel several kilometres to fetch water from a river which isn’t clean,” said a resident of Hajam Mohalla. Hajam residents said they had developed several water-borne diseases by using the river water. “This village has the highest population in the district and we are being ignored time and again,” a villager said. They said five years ago, a big water tank was constructed in a nearby village and the authorities had assured them that they would get water supply but it turned out to be a lie. “The supply was given
to Narbal but not us,” a local said. There are not even water supply pipes in the area, they said. The villages fall on way to the ski resort of Gulmarg. Deputy Commissioner, Budgam, Khursheed Ahmad Shah said he would look into the matter. “I have not received any complaint as we are in touch with all villages in Budgam. But I will still look into the matter,” he said. |
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Dogra Muslims discriminated against, says BJP
Jammu, March 23 The BJP leader was addressing a gathering at Chak Manga Gujran in Samba where he sought votes for BJP candidate for the Lok Sabha elections Jugal Kishore
Sharma. He held an interaction with Muslim nomads residing in small groups in various areas of Samba. People apprised him of their problems and alleged that their names had not been put on the in the voters’ list. Ghulam Ali gave a patient hearing to people and appealed to the nomadic community to come forward and strengthen the hands of BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi for a stronger and peaceful India. He told them that in the recently held elections in Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Rajasthan and Delhi, Muslims had overwhelmingly supported the BJP and in Rajasthan, many Muslim BJP candidates had won the elections. He urged the Election Commission of India to intervene and direct the district commissioners concerned to launch special drive to enrol Dogra nomadic Muslims in the voters’ list. |
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Kashmir valley sees early tourist boom
Srinagar, March 23 “The sudden increase at this time of the year has surprised us as it is early springtime. Yesterday, all hotels at Pahalgam and Gulmarg resorts were full,” said a senior official of the Tourism Department. He said the spurt in the tourist arrivals was due to the upcoming parliamentary elections beginning next month. "Many tourists do not want to come to Kashmir during the election time and that is why they have advanced their plans," he said. Even as the Tourism Department remained tight lipped over the exact numbers, the rise in arrivals has sent airfares soaring. In the peak tourist season, tickets to Srinagar city from some domestic sectors get costlier than the fares of a few international flights from here. Despite the matter having been raised with the Centre in the past, the state has remained unable to control rising airfares during the peak season. The opening of Tulip Garden that was credited with the extended tourist season in the Valley has been delayed due to heavy snowfall. The Tourism Department has not yet formally announced its programme schedule to woo visitors. But the stakeholders are expecting a tourism boom this year. A 'Spring Festival' to be organised by the Tourism Department is slated for the next month. Siraj Ahmad, chief spokesman of the Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA), an amalgam of various hoteliers and traders groups, said the trend of tourist arrivals was positive at this time of the year. He said if the situation remained normal, the Valley would witness a good tourism season ahead. After witnessing a tourist footfall for two consecutive years, the year 2013 has seen a dip in the arrival of visitors to the Valley. It started with the execution of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru in February last, an incident which the stakeholders of the tourism sector said sent a 'wrong signal’ outside the state. |
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Guv announces facilities for Amarnath yatris
Jammu, March 23 The Governor felicitated Navin K Choudhary, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board; Shantmanu, Divisional Commissioner, Rajesh Kumar, Inspector General of Police, Jammu; Sunil Sharma, Inspector -General of Police, Security; Ajit Kumar Sahu, Deputy Commissioner; Soujanya Sharma, Director, Tourism, Jammu; Rajesh Gupta, chairman, JKLTDC; Surinder Mohan Aggarwal, president, Baba Amarnath and Buda Amarnath Yatri Niyas, P P Sachdeva, M D Shalimar Cattle Feed, Dewan Bansal, president, Aggarwal Sabha, Jammu and Balwan Singh, Editor, "Pratibhigya", for their contributions towards smooth conduct of Shri Amarnathji and Shri Buda Amarnathji yatra, 2013. The function was organised by Baba Amarnath and Buda Amarnath Yatri Niyas. In his address, the Governor stated that every possible steps were being taken by the shrine board to facilitate yatris during their pilgrimage to Shri Amarnathji cave. Referring to the facilities being extended to the yatris each year, the Governor said the yatris, who desired to avail telecom connectivity en route, would be provided temporary sim card of seven days validity during this year's yatra. Advance weather warning system would enable the board and the yatris plan safe movement during the yatra. The Governor advised the niyas to work out a comprehensive plan for the facilities to be provided to the Buda Amarnath yatris. The Governor also complimented the office-bearers of niyas, divisional and district administration and all sections of the society for making Shri Amarnathji yatra a success. The welcome address was delivered by Surinder Mohan Aggarwal, president, Baba Amarnath and Buda Amarnath Yatri
Niyas. |
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Who stands where on the issue of militancy?
Arun Joshi The responsibility for the Kashmir problem does not rest solely with the separatists in the Valley. The mainstream parties are equally responsible in prolonging the sense of alienation and providing oxygen to the militancy. The ruling National Conference and the main opposition People's Democratic Party have pushed the youth to edge in Kashmir and left the youngsters in Kashmir and the outside world wondering where do they stand on the issue of militancy. At times, the utterances of their leaders suggest that the militancy is their staple diet. In these circumstances, it didn’t come as a surprise when a newly appointed spokesperson of the National Conference Junaid Mattu stated that the top militant leadership was "annihilated" during the tenure of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. What is wrong in it? One may ask. Such statements frustrate a majority of the people who want to live a peaceful life. The people have their own problems. They want solution, not a debate on whether the militant leadership is intact or not. The militancy has hurt the sense of pride of the people who love their land and want peace. It may be politically convenient statements at the time of the elections. But it has the potential of long-term damage. The militancy might be on decline, the hard words of the mainstream parties sometime outweigh even those of the sworn anti-India separatists. The sense of history is becoming a casualty in Kashmir. The NC might be suggesting that the pro-talk voices were stifled. It should not be forgotten that there were several stages of talks, both visible and invisible, which were held to ease tension in Kashmir and find a lasting solution to the Kashmir problem. A look at the year 2,000 would reveal many things. In July 2000, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen's "Commander-in-Chief" Majid Dar declared a unilateral ceasefire. The then NDA government hailed the move and sent a word to the Army and the other wings of the security forces that the anti-militant operations should be kept on hold to pave the way for face-to-face talks with the militant leadership. On August 3, talks were held at Nehru Guest House in Chashma Shahi, Srinagar. Before that, supreme commander of Hizb, Syed Salaha-ud-Din, had backtracked after he was removed from the chairmanship of the United Jehad Council ( UJC), an amalgam of 14 militant groups headquartered in Pakistan. He was also dubbed as "traitor". After having hailed the ceasefire, he was made to say that the talks must include Pakistan - a condition that was not there at the time of the announcement of unilateral ceasefire, the contours of which were worked out outside of Pakistan. And, on August 8, 2000, Salaha-ud-Din formally declared the end of the ceasefire - obviously under pressure from Pakistan’s ISI. In these talks and their closure neither the then National Conference had any hand nor Mufti Sayeed’s government derailed the same, because Mufti Sayeed was just struggling to cobble together the PDP and he was looking for creating a regional alternative to the NC. This is the history. And this also is a recorded fact that on January 22, 2004, during Mufti Sayeed’s rule, the first direct talks started between the government and the moderate wing of the Hurriyat Conference led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. Before that, Syed Ali Shah Geelani had parted ways with the original Hurriyat in September 2003 and formed a parallel faction . He was opposed to the participation of People's Conference - one of the constituent of the conglomerate, in the Assembly elections in 2002 by proxy. The next three rounds were held in March 2004 and September 2005 and May 2006 but were not fruitful. In this atmosphere when there is a talk of talks between Taliban and the US and Taliban and the Pakistani Government to end the militancy, it is surprising that Kashmir is speaking in a voice that is out of tune with the times. It is time that the people are told which party stands where on the issue of Kashmiri people versus militancy. A voice out of tune with the times
In this atmosphere when there is a talk of talks between Taliban and the US and Taliban and the Pakistani Government to end the militancy, it is surprising that Kashmir is speaking in a voice that is out of tune with the times. It is time that the people are told which party stands where on the issue of Kashmiri people versus militancy. |
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NSUI pays tribute to Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev on martyrdom day
Jammu, March 23 The function was organised by Nitin Bakhshi, president of the JU unit of the NSUI. Fairoz Khan, national secretary, NSUI, was the chief guest. Neeraj Kundan, state president of the NSUI, was the guest of honour and Prof Pankaj Srivastava, Dean, Student Welfare, JU, was special guest. Activists of the NSUI paid tribute to the martyrs by garlanding their pictures. They also observed silence for two minutes. Speaking on the occasion, Fairoz Khan, national secretary, NSUI, said the nation would always remember the martyrs for the sacrifices made by them and their role in the freedom struggle of India. He added that people are forgetting those who
gave their present for a better tomorrow for their younger
generations. Neeraj Kundan, state president, NSUI, said on March 23, 2010, the NSUI had decided to celebrate this day as Martyrs’ Day every year and had also demanded the installation of a statute at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Chowk. He said to keep the martyrs' memory alive for the future generations, there was a need to build a museum in the city. Kundan urged the government for the same and said as the demand of installation of a statue had been fulfilled, the demand of building of an auditorium should also be fulfilled. Later, Prof Srivastava threw light on the life of Bhagat Singh and congratulated NSUI activists for their contribution to the society and assured them that the Department of Students Welfare would celebrate this day as Martyrs’ Day. Other NSUI leaders also addressed the students on the occasion and paid tributes to
the martyrs. |
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Institution of Engineers holds seminar on Water Day
Jammu, March 23 The seminar was attended by a large number of engineers from various departments and organisations. The seminar was chaired by Chief Engineer Hem Chander. The function was presided over by BB Sharma, former chairman of the Institution of Engineers (India), Jammu Local Centre. Five papers on the theme topic were presented by PK Nanda, BL Rawal, Vijay Kumar Sharma, Pooja Sharma and Rajesh Kumar Angural in the shape of power-point presentations. All the speakers said water and energy were closely interlinked and interdependent. They emphasised on integrated planning in water and energy sectors to ensure future social, political and economic stability. They urged the governments and all stake holders to set policies in such a way so that water was made available for food and energy production. The speakers also put forth the present hydro-power generation scenario of J&K state and lamented that despite a potential of around 20,000 MW, the state was way behind in tapping this potential to harness and provide power to already energy-deficient state. The chief guest while deliberating on the theme said water and energy were closely interlinked and any change in one domain would lead to change in the other. Water was required for generation of energy from hydroelectric, nuclear, and thermal projects. "However, 8 per cent of global energy is used for pumping, treating and transporting water to various consumers. The energy to be generated from water through hydroelectric project is giving thrust to the green revolution without affecting the climate change and has been accepted throughout the world," he added. Mohinder Singh, secretary, conducted the proceedings of the seminar and also presented the vote of thanks. |
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Justice Mehar Chand Mahajan’s birth anniversary celebrated
Jammu, March 23 Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Sports Raman Bhalla and provincial president of the National Conference (NC), Jammu, Devender Singh Rana were the cheif guests on the occasion, whereas Naresh Gupta, MLC, Subash Gupta, MLC, TR Gupta and Jugal Mahajan were ther guests of honour. The function started with the lighting of "jyoti" by Anil Gupta and other dignitaries. It was followed by "shardhanjali" to Justice Mehar Chand Mahajan. Bal Krishan Gupta presented the welcome address and highlighted the achievements of the sabha and put forth the future programmes for the welfare and uplift of the community. He paid rich tributes to Justice Mehar Chand Mahajan, who become the first Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir state in September, 1947, and later Chief Justice of India in January, 1954. |
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Urdu conference starts today
Jammu, March 23 The conference will be spread over three paper-reading sessions, excluding the inaugural session, where keynote paper will be read out by noted researcher and writer Mohammad Yusuf Taing. Prominent writers and authors of different languages will preside over different sessions of the conference. The series of conferences was started in November, 2012, and after that the conferences have been held in Kashmiri, Dogri, Panjabi, Hindi, Pahari and Gojri languages so far. The conference will be held at KL Saigal Hall. It will begin with two ghazals to be sung by famous singer Dharmesh Nargotra. The conference will conclude with an All-Jammu Urdu Mushiara on March 25. Writers and scholars who will read out papers on different forms of Urdu poetry in Jammu and Kashmir during the conference include Prof Zahooruddin, Ghulam Nabi Khayal, Prof Qudoos Javaid, Dr Sukh Chain, Prof Asadullah Wani, Dr Ayaz Nazki, Dr Liaqat Jafri, Dr Nazir Azad, Dr Premi Romani, Dr Riaz Ahmad, Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Wani and Dr Mohammad Lateef Mir. |
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Mothers’ Pride & Joy Pre-School celebrates annual day
Jammu, March 23 "Bollywood extravaganza" was the theme of the function wherein little children exhibited their talent in a dance and drama performed on the occasion. The thrilling performance of the students filled the environment with joy and enthusiasm. Speaking on the occasion, Kuldeep Khoda lauded the efforts of the school management for organising the programme. He added that it would go a long way in exploring the hidden talent of these budding artistes. "It is indeed a pleasant sight to see people of every age group together showing their utmost affection, support and dedication for making their children cheerful, honest, all-rounder, balanced and responsible as today children's would be tomorrow's future," he added. Principal Mona Khurana, founder member of the school Dr Chand Trehan, Director Rajeev Khurana and parents of students were present on the occasion. Later, the chief guest presented certificates and mementos to children. |
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Mazdoor conference demands release of DA
Jammu, March 23 He said DA was the part of salary and routine financial matter and as such there should be no hitch in releasing the instalment of DA to state government employees and pensioners. Subash Shastri said the prices of all essential commodities were going up considerably and there was no justification on the part of the state government for withholding the pending instalment of DA of its employees and pensioners as the same instalment of DA had already been released by the Centre as well as many state governments of the country. Other demands highlighted in the rally were enhancement in the wages of daily wagers to Rs 10,000 per month, regularisation of the services of daily wagers who have completed seven years of services till January 31, 2014, medical allowance of employees and pensioners be increased to Rs 1,000 per month, release of the third instalment of the Sixth Pay Commission arrears, grant of 20 per cent interim relief and issuance of regularisation orders of 180 daily wagers working in the Rural Development Department. Among others who spoke on the occasion were Rajan Babu Khajuria, Rakesh Padha, Anil Singh Slathia, Ragu Pal, Yog Raj, Madan Lal Bhagat, Sukhdev Singh and Surrinder Kumar. |
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Iron Hawks bikers’ club takes out rally
Jammu March 23 The bikers' rally started from Digiana Highway near Royal Enfield showroom and about 20 bikers took part in the rally, which covered the entire city via Kunjwani-Satwari, Jewel, Parade and concluded at Bhagat Singh Chowk, Bakshi Nagar. All the bikers paid tributes to Shaheed Bhagat Singh at Bakshi Nagar. |
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Refresher course ends
Jammu, March 23 Director General, Youth Services and Sports, Navin Agarwal was the chief guest. Navin Agarwal in his address hoped that the course would add to the knowledge of PETs and PEMs and they would further pass on these techniques to the schoolchildren in their respective schools. He said PETs and PEMs had undergone technical courses long time back and the camp was aimed at refreshing their skills and knowledge and also to boost their physical fitness. Besides, major games, new games adopted by the School Games Federation of India were also included in the course. The training was imparted by experts of the department. Lectures on sports medicine, etc, were also arranged from sports associations and allied agencies. He lauded the efforts of trainers, particularly camp coordinator, Mushtaq Ahmad.
— TNS |
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MC to act tough against schools without toilets
Srinagar, March 23 “An inspection team consisting ward officer, food safety officer, sanitary inspector and municipal health inspector under the supervision of the health officer, SMC, will visit all these establishments to check the status after two weeks. Any institution found lacking toilet facilities will be dealt under the relevant provision of the Municipal Corporation Act, 2000, which may mean heavy penalty/fine and closure of the said institution,” a statement issued by the SMC said. It said lots of parents had complained that
most of the schools/colleges/ educational institutions in Srinagar city did not have the required facility of washroom/
toilet and safe drinking water. “This is a major and serious health concern. All the heads of these institutions are directed to immediately make arrangements to provide safe drinking water and clean toilets/ washrooms for students and children within two weeks,” the statement added. MC advisory
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Central varsity faculty told to learn administrative skills
Srinagar, March 23 The workshop was attended by academic heads, faculty members, functionaries of the university. CUK Registrar Muhammad Afzal Zargar said the university had constituted an Examination Reforms Committee to streamline the examination and evaluation process, to come up with broader common mechanism for examination reforms and to inculcate a unique set of practices for the university. Zargar said the examination-evaluation system was an important part of any university set-up, adding that innovations were needed to make progress in examination reforms. Zargar told the Examination Department to get regular feedback from the students regarding matters relating to examinations. He stressed formulation of recommendations with regard to reforms which could be put to test and finally institutionalised. The Vice Chancellor appreciated the initiative of the Examination Department and advised the university functionaries to look for possibilities of national and international-level seminars and conferences to take stock of the examination and evaluation process and look for avenues of improvement and revision within the framework. He also underscored the need for succession planning and grooming the second line of academic leadership within the university. He advised the young faculty members to learn administrative and other allied skills from their senior colleagues as academics in Kashmir was experiencing a vacuum in this domain. Controller of Examination Nazir Ahmad Gilkar focused on curriculum management audit with special reference to the evaluation process audit. He discussed in detail a variety of parameters covered under audit. On the occasion, the Vice Chancellor, Registrar and Controller Examinations released a operations manual compiled by the examination wing. |
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Workshop on routine immunisation at Government Medical College
Srinagar, March 23 Dr Pampori exhorted doctors to make efforts in providing immunisation to all the eligible children and pregnant women. The training workshop is being conducted by the Department of Family Welfare, MCH and Immunisation, in collaboration with the Department of Community Medicine (SPM), Government
Medical College, Srinagar, with master trainers from both the departments. The doctors will be trained on micro-planning, cold-chain logistic management, safe injection practices, biomedical waste management, adverse events following immunisation, monitoring, surveillance and national immunisation programme. Dr Yangchan Dolma, state EPI officer, J&K, is coordinating the training programme being held in the Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Srinagar. |
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NIT bans students’ movement outside hostels post T20 matches
Srinagar, March 23 The orders will remain in force till April 6 when the last T-20 World Cup match will be played. This is particularly directed for hostelers of NIT, Srinagar campus, who have been told not come out of the hostels in groups. An official notification by the chief warden, NIT, Srinagar, reads, “It is notified for the information of all resident scholars that in view of the T-20 World Cup -2014, nobody is allowed to come out of the hostels after completion of the matches in groups and create indiscipline in and around hostels. Whosoever will defy the orders will be dealt with seriously”. The notification said, “All hostel wardens concerned should be present, particularly during evenings, in their respective hostels and be cautious of any indiscipline caused in the wake of the T-20 matches in and around the hostel premises”. The move is understood to be in the light of Kashmiri students’ expulsion from Meerut University during an Indo-Pak cricket match during the recent Asia Cup. The NIT, Srinagar, is the only college in the
Valley which has a substantial number of non-local students due to the All-India Council of Technical Education’s reservation of 50 per cent for non-locals. |
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Spanish Ambassador meets CM’s political secretary
Srinagar, March 23 In the two-hour long meet, various matters were discussed and issues of mutual interest were also deliberated upon, the National Conference party said in a statement. Sadiq reiterated to the Spanish diplomat that restoration of peace and enhancing quality of life of the people was a priority of the Omar government "The Political Secretary said the state had undergone a difficult phase and due to efforts of the government and cooperation of the people, peace and normalcy had become a reality," the statement said. |
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Decade-old Mehjoor bridge awaits repairs
Srinagar, March 23 “Instead of repairing it, they are simply washing hands from the problem by putting up a notice here,” said a resident of Kursu Raj Bagh. The bridge connects many uptown areas, including Mehjoor Nagar, Lasjan, Soiteng Natipora and Nowgam. The wooden bridge constructed many decades ago was set ablaze in the 90s as armed rebellion was at its peak in Kashmir. Residents said though minor repairs were carried out on the bridge, nothing concrete was done. “Though minor repairs were done, we have time and again urged the authorities to repair it properly, but to no avail,” said Abdul Majeed, a resident. Earlier, barriers were placed on the bridge to restrict movement of heavy vehicles, but recently they have been removed due to traffic diversion to facilitate the movement of heavy vehicles. “If the government is concerned about the safety of people, they should come with some alternative options. If the bridge collapses, the government will be responsible for it. It should be immediately repaired to prevent any eventuality,” said a local. Farooq Ahmad Shah, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar while admitting the pressure of traffic on the bridge, said he had directed the officials concerned to repair it. “I have already directed the authorities to repair the bridge as we already know that the pressure of vehicles due to the route diversion has come on this bridge,” he said. |
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Inmate commits suicide at Kot Bhalwal Central Jail
Jammu, March 23 Ganesh Dutt of Dansal, was convicted by the J&K High Court in a murder case for killing his wife about seven years ago. He hanged himself in the toilet using his trouser with ventilator grill. "After taking his breakfast around 10:30 am, Ganesh went to toilet. When he didn't open the door, we got suspicious and broke open the door. He was found hanging from the grill," said Dinesh Sharma, Senior Superintendent of Kot Bhalwal Central Jail. He was immediately shifted to Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Jammu, where doctors declared him brought dead. Jail Superintendent said Ganesh (52) had some psychiatric problems. He was suffering from depression and taking medicines. "Ganesh was sent to the GMCH yesterday for a routine medical check up and he was found okay," said Dinesh Sharma. Ganesh is survived by a son and his mother. He had met his son in the jail, but no unusual activity was noticed by the inmates till his suicide. "I also talked to his inmates, but they said he didn't share anything with them," he said. "The body of the deceased has been sent to mortuary of the GMC. His family has been informed. The body will be handed over to the family after a post-mortem," he added. A case has been registered at the Gharota police station under Section 174 of the CrPC and investigations started. There are more than 200 Pakistani prisoners in the jail. Former Jail Superintendent Rajni Sehgal was suspended after a Pakistani prisoner Sanaullah was attacked by an inmate on May 3 last year after the death of Indian prisoner Sarabjit Singh in a
Pakistani jail. |
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Police hold talent hunt contest at Kishtwar
Doda, March 23 In senior-level competition, Bashir Ahmed and Vishaka Bhardwaj were declared the winners in the male and female categories, respectively. In junior level competition, Soheb Kandoo and Gulafshan Bhat were declared the winners in the male and female categories, respectively. Winners were given cash reward, trophies and certificates. Brigadier Sameer Bhaduria was the chief guest while the principal of the college was the guest of honour. Kishtwar Superintendent of Police Sanjay Kotwal told the contestants to maintain the spirit of competition. He said such programmes would be organised in the future also.
— OC |
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Soldier arrested for raping woman
Rajouri, March 23 A police source said the accused soldier was on leave and was related to the victim’s husband, a resident of Mendhar. The woman had come to meet her parents in Kotdhara village of Rajouri district. On Saturday, the victim had come to District Hospital, Rajouri, and bumped into the accused soldier who then took her to his house near to the hospital in Kheora locality. Around 8 pm yesterday, locals noticed some suspicious activity inside the house of the accused and informed the police. A police party raided the house and rescued the women and arrested the soldier. After medical examination and recording the woman’s statement, the police booked the soldier in a rape case.
— OC |
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North Kashmir villages face water shortage
Kupwara, March 23 The angry villagers have threatened to launch an agitation if the supply
is not restored at the earliest. “Since Friday, the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department is providing us water through tanker, but it is insufficient to meet our requirements. The water supplied is contaminated and there is a great chance of the outbreak of cholera and jaundice-like diseases due to its consumption,” said Jawahira
Bano, a local. Residents of remote Dardpora village, 25 km from Kupwara, also complained of shortage of potable water. “We are receiving water for about an hour only. Women are forced to fetch water from an open nullah, which can lead to water borne disease like cholera,” said Gayasudin, a Dardpora resident. The locals appealed to the PHE division, Kralpora, to restore the supply. They also demanded that water tankers should be provided to them round-the-clock till the supply is not restored. “We will press water tankers to ensure sufficient supply to the Dardpora. The supply will be restored to normal within few days,” PHE
official said. |
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Tiger Division celebrates Raising Day
Jammu, March 23 The division was raised in 1942 and performed admirably to blunt the Japanese offensive and played a key role in the liberation of Rangoon in Burma during the World War II. In the 1948 Indo-Pak war, the division pushed back the enemy forces in the Nowshera, Rajouri and Poonch areas and established the Rajouri-Punch link up. In subsequent 1965 and 1971 wars, the Tiger division thwarted the enemy attempts of gaining any foothold in the Jammu-Akhnoor region. A special sainik sammelan was held by the GOC. |
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Army conducts tailoring classes for Doda women
Doda, March 23 The closing ceremony was held on Wednesday. Abdul Aziz, naib sarpanch, village members and representative of the Rashtriya Rifles Battalion interacted with the women and told them to utilise the knowledge gained to generate self-employment opportunities. The women were given certificates on completion of the course. Locals appreciated the efforts of the Army and assured it of their continuous support to further strengthen the bond between them. |
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Three women attempt suicide
Srinagar, March 23 Another woman of Anantnag district consumed some poisonous substance at her house and was shifted to a hospital where she was undergoing treatment, the spokesman said. The third incident happened in south Kashmir’a Tral area, where a woman, a resident of Takiya Payeen village, consumed some poisonous substance at her house. She has been shifted to the SMHS Hospital in the city, the spokesman added.
— TNS |
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Two houses gutted in Budgam
Srinagar, March 23 An adjacently located residential house of Altaf Shah was partially damaged in the incident, the spokes-man said. |
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Martyrs Day observed at Doda
Doda, March 23 At a function organised by the students’ body, AISF leaders and number of other students paid floral tributes to the martyrs and remembered their contribution to the freedom struggle. “The martyrs, who sacrificed their lives for the nation, are our idols and will always rest in our mind and hearts,” AISF president Mukesh Parihar said.
— OC |
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Man dies in avalanche
Srinagar, March 23 Abdul Rashid Bijran, a resident of Padpati-Poshkar village of Kangan in Ganderbal district, had gone to a nearby forest to collect firewood when he was buried under the avalanche, a police spokesman said, adding that the body of the victim was later recovered by the villagers. Kashmir received heavy snowfall earlier this month, which triggered avalanches and damaged several hundred houses across the state, in which 17 people have died so far. |
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Kisan mela held at Kishtwar
Doda, March 23 The event was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar, Mohammed Javed Khan. On the occasion, wide interactions were held with farmers to make them aware of the schemes and programmes of the Agriculture Department in the area.
— OC |
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Srinagar, March 23