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Cap on rent allowance puts zonal officers in tizzy
Mahasabha formed to
address Brahmins’ issues
60 farmers to take part in training programme
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Chhari Yatra to reach Purmandal shrine on March 29
ASHA workers put forth demands
Lecture on agri-business organised
Non-migrant Pandits mull poll boycott
Rights panel proposal: Cops must get SHRC nod for promotion
BJP sets out to woo Muslims
ASHI members told to educate people about social issues
Troublemakers identified in Rajouri
Two-way traffic to ply on highway from April 1
NBT director calls on Guv
Tara Chand urges people to vote for Cong nominee
Shortage of docs ails health sector in state
Women have played vital role in J&K history: Farooq
Srinagar MC asks CRPF to remove concertina wire
Bar body remembers lawyer Andrabi on death anniversary
Make Tosa Maidan year-round tourist spot, say travel agents
On World Theatre Day, artistes cry for recognition
Encroachments razed to restore canal
Contractor’s killing: Witness records statement before court
Ammunitionrecovered in Bandipora
Kupwara girl rescued, kidnapper arrested
Three injured in Doda accident
8 arrested for gambling in Sopore
Two killed in accident in Rajouri
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Cap on rent allowance puts zonal officers in tizzy
Jammu, March 27 Sources said the decision was taken by the Sports Department after many ZPEOs had submitted documents for the office rent reimbursement. They alleged that some officers were functioning from home, but they had applied for the rent reimbursement thereby putting a burden on the state exchequer. “It is difficult to get an office in the heart of city at a monthly rent of Rs 2,000,” one of the ZPEOs told The Tribune. “The department should take action against those ZPEOs who are operating from home and still claiming the reimbursement of office rent. Because of them, now all officers have to face difficulties in getting their rent reimbursed,” he said. “It is not easy to get a building on rent at mere Rs 2,000 per month. It is not only about the building rent as the total monthly rent also includes other charges such as electricity, water, etc.,” said another official. Even after making vital changes for the effective functioning of various wings in the DYSS, the fate of newly created post of the ZPEOs remained the same. Only after the meeting of aggrieved ZPEOs, who have been struggling to get their independent offices, with the Director General, DYSS, it has been decided to provide separate office premises for the officers in their respective zones. Number of ZPEOs in various zones *
Jammu Division: Rajouri (15), Kathua (13), Udhampur (12), Reasi (5), Poonch (11), Jammu (15), Samba (3), Doda (14), Ramban (4) and Kishtwar (5) *
Kashmir Division: Srinagar (7), Ganderbal (5), Budgam (12), Kupwara (13), Anantnag (11), Kulgam (7), Baramulla (18), Bandipora (5), Pulwama (7), Shopian (5), Leh (5) and Kargil (7).
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Mahasabha formed to
address Brahmins’ issues
Jammu, March 27 JKBM president Anil Gour said the organisation would provide guidelines to Brahmins for their overall growth with respect to physical, moral and intellectual aptitude and it would also assist the economically weaker Brahmins in the state to help them rise in society. “We also aim at promoting religious and cultural values along with the welfare and advancement of our community,” he said. The main objectives of the JKBM are to bring all members of the Brahmin community under a roof, to provide scholarships to the needy and eligible Other objectives include to give financial and social protection to widows, divorcees, aged and orphans, to spread awareness about environment protection, to organise a “parichay sammelan” for marriageable youth, to fight for economic-based reservation and the implementation of the Supreme Court decision to identify the creamy layer in the existing caste-based reservation and to conduct medical, health and blood donation camps. “The JKBM intends to take up the case of the economically weaker sections of the society and try to ensure that the existing caste-based reservation system is replaced by a system meant for the poor,” Gour said. Among others present were general secretary Girish Sharma, Dr Gaurong Sharma, Ram Krishan Sharma, Sudhanshu Sharma, Rohit Sharma, Sachin Sharma Dalip Baru and Som Sharma. Its objectives *
To bring all members of Brahmin community under a roof * Providing scholarships to needy and eligible students *
To create awareness and discourage dowry system, illiteracy, drug addiction and other social evils *
To give financial and social protection to widows, divorcees, aged and orphans *
Spreading awareness about environment protection * To hold a “parichay sammelan” for marriageable youth *
To fight for a economic-based reservation and implementation of the Supreme Court decision to identify the creamy layer in the existing caste-based reservation *
To conduct medical, health and blood donation camps |
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60 farmers to take part in training programme
Jammu, March 27 They were given a warm send-off by the Director, Agriculture, Jammu, SS Jamwal. Jamwal said, “They (farmers) have got an opportunity to learn various aspects of organic farming which is gaining attention throughout the world because of the growing consciousness of health hazards from the use of chemicals in agriculture.” The tour is being conducted by the Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA). Exhibition-cum-kisan mela held in Ramban An exhibition-cum-kisan mela was held under the ATMA scheme in Ramban. The exhibition was inaugurated by Additional District Development Commissioner, Ramban, Pardeep Kumar. Officers and staff members of the other allied departments, including 250 progressive farmers, participated in the exhibition. |
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Chhari Yatra to reach Purmandal shrine on March 29
Jammu, March 27 Gulchain Singh Charak, president of the Dogra Sadar Sabha, J&K, and chairman of the Purmandal/Utterbehni Shrines Development Committee, today said, “The Chhari pooja will be performed on March 28 at Shri Ranbireshwar Mandir, Jammu.” He said the Chharies would be taken to Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, Gandhi Nagar, via Shri Raghunath Mandir, Jammu, on March 29. Charak said after performing pooja at Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, the yatra would be taken to the shrines of Purmandal via Shri Mahadev Mandir, Gandhi Nagar; Shiv Mandir, Trikuta Nagar; Shiv Shakti Mandir, Greater Kailash; Shri Data Dev Mandir and Shri Narsingh Dev Mandir, Birpur. The committee appeals to the people to participate in the yatra. It urged the district administration Samba, Tourism Department, PWD Department, Transport and Traffic Department and other authorities concerned to make proper arrangements for the pilgrims. |
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ASHA workers put forth demands
Jammu, March 27 Their demands are recognition of ASHAs as workers, implementation of the Union Government order for the revision of incentive from Rs 10,000 to Rs 16,000 per year, implementation of the Minimum Wages Act, payments on account of the Janani Suraksha Yojana, a cover under the Aam Aadmi Bima Yojna, and cash payment to beneficiaries. They also demanded post-natal check-ups, immunisation, vaccine carrier, mobile charges, two uniforms per year, changing rooms at health centres, and TA and DA for the ASHA workers. The director agreed to some of their demands such as implementation of the Aam Admi Bima Yojna as social security for the ASHA workers, a nominal increase linked with their performance in their incentives up to Rs 1,000 per month, implementation of the government order, changing rooms for ASHAs at every hospital and health centre in a phased manner, group mobile facilities etc. ASHA Union general secretary Sunita Devi, CITU general secretary Om Parkash, Kanta Dev Majaltai, Santosh, Sumita, Raj Sharma and Sham Prasad Kesar were present at the meeting.
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Lecture on agri-business organised
Jammu, March 27 AH Samoon, secretary, Agriculture Production Department, J&K, delivered a keynote address on emerging trends of the agri-business across the globe. “Agri-business management has become the leading sector, wherein job opportunities are growing,” he said. The lecture also highlighted the current agri-business potential of the state. — TNS
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Non-migrant Pandits mull poll boycott
Srinagar, March 27 Kashmiri Pandit Sangharsh Samiti (KPSS) president Sanjay Tickoo said: “We may go for NOTA as successive governments have only done lip service. Our issues continue to remain unaddressed and whatever packages were given to our community were for those who migrated from Kashmir. Those who lived here were always ignored.” The KPSS said 651 non-migrant families were currently living in the Valley and some Pandits were mulling a poll boycott. “We are thinking of boycotting, but we have not taken a final call. Not a single demand of ours, be it regarding rehabilitation or employment package, has been met. The government is taking us for granted knowing that we do not form a major vote bank in Kashmir,” said Chunni Lal, spokesman for the Hindu Welfare Society Kashmir (HWSK) — a body that has been highlighting the plight of non-migrant Kashmiri Pandits. “Our vote for NOTA or boycott may not make a significant difference but we have a right to give vent to our frustration,” Chunni Lal said. On the other hand, Sikhs are waiting for all parties to release their manifestos so that they can take a final call even though they had earlier announced that they would campaign against the National Conference-Congress coalition. “Yes, we had earlier announced a campaign against the coalition parties as they have failed to address our concerns, especially our demand for the minority status. But we have not decided which party we will support. Once all manifestos are released, we will take a final call,” said All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC) chairman Jagmohan Singh Raina. Stating that around 80,000 Sikhs were living in the Valley, Raina said they had started deliberations to make the minority vote bank stronger. “Though only 80,000 Sikhs live in Kashmir, the total Sikh population of the state is 3.5 lakh. We are not only in touch with Sikhs of Jammu but also with Christians and Buddhists of Ladakh as all these communities have been getting a raw deal,” he said. |
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Rights panel proposal: Cops must get SHRC nod for promotion
Srinagar, March 27 The complaints against the police pending before the SHRC range from allegations of human rights abuse, harassment and misuse of official position. This proposal was mooted in a meeting between SHRC acting chairman Rafiq Fida and Director General of Police Ashok Prasad today. Prasad assured the commission that “human rights will be upheld and protected” in the state. “Certain serious issues and concerns relating to human rights were highlighted and discussed in detail in the meeting, held in a cordial atmosphere,” an SHRC official said. During the meeting, it was also pointed out by the SHRC that it took a year or more to receive reports from the Police Department and the District administration. As a result, the case proceedings get delayed and people get “disappointed” with the whole system. “The DGP assured that the human rights will be upheld and protected in the state and, henceforth, requisite reports will be submitted to the commission within the minimum possible time span,” the official added. It was proposed in the meeting that before considering any case for the next promotion, a certificate must be obtained from the commission that there is no case pending in the commission against the police personnel concerned.
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BJP sets out to woo Muslims
Jammu, March 27 When Khan and Jhangir joined the BJP during an election rally on Wednesday, BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi seized the opportunity to expose “pseudo-secularists”, who minced no words in attacking the BJP on the issue of secularism. Although Modi refrained from mentioning religion of new entrants in the party, he said it was a big boost to the party. Sources said Farooq Khan had given consent to join the BJP, but the party was planning to create a hype around his joining, so it was decided that Khan would join in presence of a central leader. The party wanted to reap political benefits through the joining, especially during elections in the Muslim majority areas of the Jammu province, sources said. They added that Khan’s services would be utilised during the ongoing electioneering to woo Muslims. The recent statements of Kashmir-centric leaders, including those from the mainstream politics and separatist groups, have encouraged the BJP to take some steps to shun its separatist image. Moderate Hurriyat Conference leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and PDP leader Mufti Mohammad Sayeed have appreciated former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for taking bold initiatives on Kashmir. The BJP leadership has realised that it is an appropriate opportunity to expand its base among Muslims and this joining was the first step in this direction. “A number of prominent Muslim leaders are in touch with us, but we are trying to woo some Mulsim intellectuals,” a senior BJP leader said. He said the party had decided to assign important job to Farooq Khan to utilise his clout in the Muslim areas of the Jammu province. |
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ASHI members told to educate people about social issues
Jammu, March 27 The meeting was chaired by Usha Vohra, First Lady and ASHI president. After discussion, the general body finalised new projects and activities to be undertaken by ASHI Usha Vohra stressed that a number of health camps should be organised for educating people in the rural and far-flung areas about hygiene and family planning practices. She told ASHI members to organise hygiene awareness programmes once a week in the project areas of the Jagti and Panjgrain panchayats. The First Lady told ASHI members to enlarge their activities for promoting education and generating awareness about relevant social issues by utilising various possible means, including play acting and audio visual means. She exhorted the members to form small groups with identified goals and work collectively to achieve their aim. ASHI members undertook to organise Civil Defence training programmes for girls in rural areas. While reviewing the activities of the short-stay homes, Neha Ghar and Apna Ghar, the First Lady told the representatives of the Health Department to do regular health check up of the inmates, particularly tuberculosis check up. She also reviewed the achievements in the adult literacy programme at Simblehar and functioning of smart classes in Government Schools, Simblehar and Dhamooni. Sushma Choudhary, Prof Ved Ghai, Prof Kailash Rajput, Prof Sarla Kohli, Prof Rita Jitendra and representatives of the Health and Social Welfare Departments were present. |
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Troublemakers identified in Rajouri
Rajouri, March 27 It has also prepared a list of 39 prominent citizens who can play the role of ‘troubleshooters’. The identified troublemakers have past record of creating trouble. A senior police officer said their daily activities were being monitored. |
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Two-way traffic to ply on highway from April 1
Jammu, March 27 However, to start with, only light motor vehicles (LMVs) would be allowed to ply from both the sides. Light motor vehicles would be allowed to ply, both ways, from Jammu to Srinagar and vice versa from April 1 in view of improved weather and road conditions, the officer said. The IGP, however, added that LMVs plying from Jammu to Srinagar should cross the traffic control post at Nagrota up to 9 am and the traffic post at Udhampur up to 11 am. While moving from Srinagar to Jammu, these vehicles should cross the Lower Munda up to 12 noon and the Jawahar Tunnel up to 1 pm, the officer said. The medium as well as commercial passenger vehicles, including buses, heavy trucks and load carriers, would continue to observe one-way traffic till further orders as the restoration work of the highway is not yet completed at few places, the IGP said. The officer, though, said on April 1 all such type of vehicles would ply from Jammu to Srinagar in a regulated manner. On April 2, these vehicles can move from Srinagar to Jammu. The alternate movement would be observed till further orders. The heavy vehicles plying from Srinagar to Jammu are required to cross the Lower Munda by 2 pm and while moving from Jammu to Srinagar they will have to cross the traffic control post at Udhampur by 2 pm, the officers said, adding that beyond the stipulated time these vehicles will not be allowed the onward journey. The IGP further said trailers and multi-axle vehicles, would also observe the one-way traffic plan till further orders. However, keeping in view the overall road condition, such type of vehicles would be allowed to ply during night hours only and in no case would they be permitted to move during the day time on the highway, the officer said. The IGP added that no such vehicle would be allowed to cross the Lower Munda before 10 pm while moving from Srinagar to Jammu. In case these vehicles are moving from Jammu to Srinagar, they would not be allowed to cross the traffic control post at Udhampur before 10 pm. The officer added that the Army, the BSF, the CRPF and other security forces’ convoys would continue to observe one-way traffic plan till further orders. |
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NBT director calls on Guv
Jammu, March 27 Sikandar informed the Governor about the series of initiatives taken by the NBT for promoting reading habits among the people and generating book culture in the country. The Governor discussed with Sikandar the presently available opportunities for good quality books being published at reasonable prices and the efforts being made for organising book fairs and exhibitions, interaction among authors, publishers and book lovers in the state. Vohra suggested to Sikandar the usefulness of classic literary works and biographies of important persons being translated into various languages and sold at moderate prices. To serve the reading habit, the Governor recommended that the NBT may seriously consider bringing out easy to read comic books for children of various age groups, ensuring that such books are based on classic works. He also assured all help to the NBT for organising book fairs in all the three regions of the state. |
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Tara Chand urges people to vote for Cong nominee
Jammu, March 27 Recalling the developmental activities taken by the coalition government with the backing of the UPA-led Centre, Tara Chand said: “In the past 10 years the Congress-led UPA has taken the nation to a logical end of peace and prosperity.” “Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed tremendous development in the field of health, education, employment and other sectors,” the Deputy Chief Minister said while addressing a series of public meetings at the newly created Pargwal tehsil and other borders areas. Emphasisng the role of the Congress in implementing the 73rd amendment of the Constitution in Jammu and Kashmir, the senior Congress leader said the move would take democracy to the door steps of the masses and would empower people at the grass roots. The minister appealed to the electorate to ensure Madan Lal Sharma’s victory in the coming elections, saying the leader had worked tirelessly for the people of border areas. “Sharma has battled for the cause of border areas and its people at both the state and the Centre-level. Vote for him shall be a reward for his dedication and commitment towards the people of the Jammu region,” he said. |
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Shortage of docs ails health sector in state
Jammu, March 27 There are 3,088 health institutions (1,643 in Kashmir division and 1,445 in Jammu province). The department has been facing a shortage of nearly 1,300 doctors and 3,330 paramedics, including nurses. “In Jammu region, 734 posts of doctor, including nine senior consultants, 210 consultants, 462 medical officers and 53 dental surgeons are still laying vacant,” official sources told The Tribune. In total, as many as 866 posts of doctors were still lying vacant in the entire Jammu region comprising 10 districts with Kathua district topping the chart with 152 vacant posts followed by Doda district with 106, Poonch district with 124, Rajouri district with 120 and Ramban with 67 vacant posts. Similarly, out of sanctioned strength of 5,602 posts of paramedical staff for Jammu region, only 4,117 paramedics are managing the affairs and 1,485 posts are still lying vacant. In Jammu district alone, there are at least 806 sanctioned posts in gazetted, non-gazetted and Class-IV categories in sub-district and community health centres, of which 333 posts comprising 53 gazetted staff, 221 non-gazetted staff and 89 posts of Class IV staff are still vacant. Similarly, there are 364 sanctioned posts of non-gazetted and Class IV staff in sub-centres of the district. Of these, 87 posts of non-gazetted and 31 posts of Class IV staff are lying vacant. The total sanctioned strength of health institutions in the Kashmir division is 8,872, out of which 1,800 posts, including 532 doctors and 1,268 paramedics, are vacant. Nearly 50 per cent health institutions in the Jammu division are functioning from rented buildings, while only 695 have government premises. Similarly, 831 are functioning from rented buildings and remaining 812 health centres have their own government premises in the Kashmir region, including Leh and Kargil. Sources said the state government had spent over Rs 2.95 crore from 2011 to 2013 as rent. The state government paid Rs 42.48 lakh in 2011-12, Rs 44.72 lakh in 2012-13 and Rs 22.36 lakh up to December 31, 2013, as rent to provide healthcare facilities from rented buildings to the people in the Jammu region. Similarly, the government paid rent of Rs 59.98 lakh in 2011-12, Rs 62.86 lakh in 2012-13 and Rs 63.02 lakh in 2013-14 in the Kashmir region, including Ladakh, the sources added. Well-being at stake *
The department has been facing a shortage of nearly 1,300 doctors and 3,330 paramedics *
50 pc institutions in the Jammu division function from rented accommodation *
In the Kashmir region, 831 health centres are functioning from rented building |
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Women have played vital role in J&K history: Farooq
Srinagar, March 27 Farooq, NC candidate for the Srinagar constituency, yesterday launched campaigning for the parliamentary elections. He said “history is witness to the fact” that the National Conference had always given “utmost respect, dignity and a sense of equality” to women and made education accessible to them in the state. “It is because of the leadership of the National Conference, its vision and policies that women of J&K are today playing a vital role in the transformation and development of our state,” he said. |
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Srinagar MC asks CRPF to remove concertina wire
Srinagar, March 27 In a letter to the Inspector General (IG) of the CRPF, the SMC has said the wire is causing “obstruction and hindering free passage” of pedestrian movement. “It has been found that at many places the concertina wire is causing obstruction and hindering free passage to pedestrian movement. The concertina wire has also become a serious public health hazard as it is reported that same is causing injuries to women and children and the elderly,” SMC Health Officer Shafqat Khan wrote in a letter to the IG, CRPF. The communication, which was sent today afternoon, demanding the removal of concertina wire from the city is part of the “anti-encroachment drive” launched by the SMC here. “The concertina wire is also becoming a reason of defacement of many important and vital areas in the heart of the city,” the letter said. The Chief Enforcement Officer of the SMC has also been asked to provide a ward-wise list of sites where concertina wire is laid in the city. The police and the CRPF have been regularly using rolls of concertina wire, large coils of plain wire which have razor-sharp pickets, to obstruct civilian movement when restrictions are imposed in the city and at other places and also to guard their installations. The SMC “requested” the IG, CRPF, to issue immediate instructions to remove the wires in the “common interest of general public” “In view of the inconvenience and a public health concern, kindly issue immediate instructions to your field staff to remove the extra quantity of concertina wire from all prominent places of the city and in future adopt a more humane and rational use of this concertina wire,” the SMC said in the letter. PK Singh, IG, CRPF, said the letter had not yet reached him. “I have not seen the letter,” he added. |
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Bar body remembers lawyer Andrabi on death anniversary
Srinagar, March 27 The Bar association today organised a seminar at Sadder Courts complex here, which besides lawyers was also attended by prominent members of the civil society. As a mark of respect, the lawyers today also suspended their work and abstained from appearing in cases at the High Court and in the courts at lower court complex, Srinagar. The case involving the killing of Andrabi was closed by the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), Srinagar, on January 1 in 2013 and proceedings were dropped against Major Avtar Singh, following authentication of his suicidal death in America. While giving a brief account of the case, Bar secretary M Ashraf Bhat said, “After Avtar Singh killed himself, the case was closed by the court of Srinagar CJM without proceedings against those who were part of the conspiracy hatched for killing Andrabi.” Singh, named as prime accused in the killing of Andrabi, reportedly shot himself dead after gunning down his two children and wife at his Selma home in the US on June 9 in 2012. Advocate Arshad Andrabi, brother of slain lawyer Jalil, while shedding light on different aspects of his life during the seminar, said, “He (Jalil) was very concerned with the plight of detenus and undertrial prisoners and he used to file cases on their behalf in the courts.” The case Jalil Andrabi was a prominent Kashmiri human rights lawyer and activist. On March 8, 1996, Andrabi was allegedly detained by Major Avtar Singh of the 35th Rashtriya Rifles unit of the Indian Army. Three weeks later, Andrabi’s body was found floating in the Jhelum river. The murder case was closed by the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Srinagar, on January 1, 2013, and proceedings were dropped against Maj Avtar Singh, following authentication of his suicidal death in America.
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Make Tosa Maidan year-round tourist spot, say travel agents
Srinagar, March 27 Peerzada
Fayaz, President of the Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK), appealed to the government to promote Tosa Maidan in central Kashmir’s Budgam district as a tourist destination. Stating that Tosa Maidan had a very vast potential of being a year-round tourist destination, he said: “Nature has bestowed this place with bounty of wealth in every respect and that needs to be harnessed in the right manner to bring the place on the tourism map.” “Tosa Maidan can save lives and play an important role in not only boosting the economic status of the area but Kashmir as a whole. TAAK also proposed the formation of development authority in the name of Tosa Maidan,” Fayiaz said in a statement issued here. The Field Firing Range in Tosa Maidan has remained in news as the residents of around 16 surrounding villages had formed a committee, Tosa Maidan Bachao Front, to oppose the lease extension agreement and to press for the shifting of the firing range to some other place.
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On World Theatre Day, artistes cry for recognition
Srinagar, March 27 The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages has kept monthly allowances for some professional artistes, who reportedly get anywhere between Rs 1,400 and Rs 2,000 per month, which the artistes say is less by all means. A group of folk theatre artistes also locally known as “Bands” today protested in Press Enclave here against the alleged insensitivity of the government towards their concerns which they claim is also leading to gradual death of the theatre industry. Most of the artistes come from remote and backward areas. They are in the profession mainly because their forefathers were and they carried the family legacy on. “We were promised financial security by the state regimes, but that has only been verbal. Nothing has happened on ground. The monthly allowances are only for the senior and acclaimed artistes who don’t even need it anymore. For those who come from not so well-off backgrounds, there is nothing the state government offers,” Muhammad Ashraf, a theatre artist from Imam Sahib village of Shopian, said. “The government has not reserved any special budget for the culture in Kashmir. Hence, everybody associated with the sector suffers. Artistes do not get the kind of money and fame here like in the rest of the country. An apt example of the same is the duration of construction work of the Cultural Centre, Tagore Hall, where cultural activities take place. The work has been going on for six years now and the approach of the state agencies in ensuring its completion is simply unfortunate,” Muahmmad Amin Bhat, a veteran theatre artist, said. |
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Encroachments razed to restore canal
Srinagar, March 27 An official spokesman said the demolitions were conducted to retrieve an irrigation canal registered with the Revenue Department as Shaamilat (common) land. The canal was encroached upon by some individuals, who had illegally conducted landfilling in portions of the canal, thereby blocking the natural flow of water. “During the extensive demolition drive illegal encroachments were removed and the natural irrigation canal was retrieved,” he said. An official of the district administration, Srinagar, revealed that the issue was taken up by the task force constituted by the Srinagar Deputy Commissioner for providing relief to the people of that area who were adversely affected by waterlogging because of the recent snow and rain. — TNS |
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Contractor’s killing: Witness records statement before court
Srinagar, March 27 Ali Muhammad Mir, a resident of Brein Nishat, was allegedly kidnapped and subsequently killed on June 26, 1996, by a counter-insurgency group led by Ghulam Muhammad Lone, alias Papa Kishtwari, who is currently in judicial custody and facing a trial in the case pertaining to the contractor’s murder. In his statement recorded before a sessions court here on Wednesday, witness Nazir Ahmad Shiekh claimed that he saw the deceased contractor at the Frestbal, Pampore residence of Papa Kishtwari a night before June 26, 1996. Papa Kishtawari’s residence also served as the camp of the counter-insurgent group. “Nazir, while testifying before the 1st Additional Sessions Judge, Srinagar, revealed that contractor Ali Mohammad was brought to the Pampore camp by Kishtawari's men after abducting him and later killed him on June 26 morning and his body was thrown in the Jhelum,” Babar Qadri, counsel of the victim's family, told The Tribune. “It was the month of June. When I reached there (Kishtawari’s Pampore house) the boys (other counter-insurgents) told me that the man who has been kept in the house is from Harwan and is about to die,” Nazir, 40, who was an aide of Kishtwari testified before the court. “As I went upstairs, I saw a man handcuffed and blindfolded. He was Ali Mohammad Mir, my neighbour,” Sheikh further said before the court.
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Ammunitionrecovered in Bandipora
Srinagar, March 27 Defence spokesman Lt Col NN Joshi said a joint operation was launched by the Army and the J&K Police on Wednesday and during searches a militant hideout was busted in
Bapura, Bandipora, 60 km from here. Based on a specific intelligence input regarding location of a terrorist hideout in the Shok Baba forest of
Bapura, Bandipora, a joint operation was launched and during the search, huge quantity of arms and ammunition were recovered which included three AK 56 rifles, 35 rounds of
UBGL, two radio sets, six electric detonators, 6 kg of gunpowder, rifle bayonet and other administrative stores, he said.On Tuesday, the Army and the police busted a hideout at Chandusa village in Baramulla and recovered arms. Soldier injured in
accidental shooting Jammu: A soldier sustained a gunshot injury on his chin in the Krishna Ghati (KG) sector along the Line of Control
(LoC) in Poonch district on the intervening night of March 26 and 27. Sepoy
Dharamveer, who was deployed in the KG sector, sustained a gunshot injury on his chin from his service weapon last night. It was an accidental fire, said Jammu-based Defence Ministry spokesperson Lt Col Manish
Mehta. The officer said the soldier was immediately rushed to the Command Hospital in Udhampur.The soldier hails from Bharatpur in
Rajasthan. A court of inquiry has been initiated. — TNS
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Kupwara girl rescued, kidnapper arrested
Kupwara, March 27 The accused, Mohammad Arif Khan, a resident of Bramari at Rafiabad in Baramulla district, was arrested from the Maisuma area of Srinagar yesterday. Khan had kidnapped a 13-year-old girl from Tumina village on March 22. The girl’s parents had lodged a complaint at the Villgam police station against the accused. A police officer said a team headed by Station House Officer, Villgam police station, Shamsher Singh rescued the girl and arrested the accused. A case under FIR no 10/2014 under Section 363 of the RPC has been registered at the Villgam police station.
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Three injured in Doda accident
Doda, March 27 Reports said a Tata Mobile which was on its way to Kashmir from Kishtwar skidded off the road and rolled down 500 feet into Khelani
Nullah. Khelani police post in charge Rahul Dogra rushed to the spot and shifted the injured to District Hospital,
Doda. The injured have been identified as Parveez Ahmed, Ghulam Hussain and Shabir Ahmed. — OC |
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8 arrested for gambling in Sopore
Kupwara, March 27 The accused have been identified as Farooq Ahmad Sheikh, Mohammad Yusuf, Naseer Ahmad, Ghulam Mohammad Mir, Mohammad Imtiyaz Bhat, Ghulam Ahmad Najar, Farooq Ahmad and Nazir Ahmad. “Under the instructions of the Superintendent of Police, Sopore, a police team last evening raided an isolated place in Hadipora village and arrested the accused,” said Station House Officer, Bomia police station, Mohammad Shafi. He said a sum of Rs 5,500, which the accused had put at stake, was also recovered from their possession. Shafi added that a case has been registered in this regard at the Bomia police station. “Few more arrests are expected. The police are committed to eradicate gambling, drug addiction and eve teasing,” the officer said. The locals, meanwhile, hailed the police action and said the move will act as a deterrent for other offenders. “By arresting the accused, the police have sent a stern message to others to desist from illegal activities. I hope the police will intensify drive against people involved in such illegal acts,” said Abdul Ahad, a resident of Tujjar
Sharief.
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Two killed in accident in Rajouri
Rajouri, March 27 The passenger vehicle was allegedly driven by a minor, who lost control while negotiating a sharp curve. — OC |
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The Chhari Yatra will be taken to the shrines of Purmandal/ Utterbehni on March 29.
Jammu, March 27
Director, National Book Trust (NBT), MA Sikandar called on Governor NN Vohra at Raj Bhawan here today.
“Women have always played a vital role in the history of Kashmir ever since they were led towards social, economic and political empowerment by Madar-e-Meharbaan Begum Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah,” the NC president said while addressing the workers on the second day of his campaigning here.