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Unhappy with BJP campaign, RSS set to hit election trail
PDP holds massive rally in BJP stronghold Jammu
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PDP, National Conference eye 3.5 lakh first-time voters
Patel replaces Soni as J&K Cong in charge
on the frontline
NC leaders skip Sagar’s rally in Pulwama district
District admn removes unauthorised hoardings
PDP only party with agenda for development: Mehbooba
Mir calls LS polls a contest between secular, communal ideology
‘NC banking on poll boycott call’
poll code violation
drive against milk adulteratioN
Weatherman predicts more rain and thunderstorms
NMC demands policy for regularisation of daily wagers
5-day training course on diamonds from April 28
Devotees throng Chichi Mata temple
Tosa Maidan firing range
Anti-smoking drive: 39 booked
Newborn found dead, police clueless
Wani campaigns for Farooq in Amira Kadal
School takes ‘Go Green’ initiative forward
Ex-CMO attacked in Pulwama
Territorial Army man held for ‘raping’ woman
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Unhappy with BJP campaign, RSS set to hit election trail
Jammu, April 6 Sources said that the Sangh Parivar was getting feedback from the grass-roots that despite a strong Modi wave in the Jammu region, BJP workers had failed to cash in on it due to lack of commitment and dedication. “Fearing that the state unit of the BJP will fail to reap the political benefit of the prevailing favourable condition, the Sangh Parivar has pressed its cadre into service,” a source said. Although the BJP in J&K has been contesting elections on all six Lok Sabha seats, the party has been concentrating only on three seats --- two of the Jammu province and the lone seat of the Ladakh region. “For one Lok Sabha constituency, two senior RSS leaders have been deputed. They will monitor the campaign and mass contact programmes,” the source said, adding that six prominent RSS leaders had been given the responsibility for three Lok Sabha seats. Highly placed sources said the RSS was not satisfied with the ongoing campaign. “Instead of campaigning at the grass-roots level, BJP workers are more concerned about media publicity. Therefore, the RSS has decided to assign the job of ground work to its cadre,” a source said, adding that teams had been constituted to do parallel work without taking any help from the BJP. Meanwhile, some sources said the RSS cadre had already been working silently and even BJP candidates and leaders were not aware that a parallel campaign had been going on in their favour. “The RSS cadre has also decided to manage the polling booths during the election day,” a source said. Sangh Parivar workers have also been campaigning in the name of some social organisations to “educate” the people. RSS targets Jammu, Ladakh
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PDP holds massive rally in BJP stronghold Jammu
Jammu, April 6 The Jammu East Assembly constituency is a BJP stronghold and the party has won the seat the maximum number of the times. At present, the BJP has nine MLAs, excluding two expelled MLAs — Chaman Lal Gupta and Jagdish Raj Sapolia — in the state Assembly. The PDP has 21 MLAs in the Assembly while the Panthers Party, which is also in the opposition, has three MLAs. Braving windy weather and heavy rain, hundreds of people, including women, from various parts of Jammu thronged the Parade Ground to listen to PDP patron and former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. The large number of the people in the rally, organised in support of the PDP candidate for the Jammu-Poonch Lok Sabha seat Yash Pal Sharma, came as a shock to the BJP which is currently riding high on the ‘Modi wave’. The enthusiasm among the people at the rally was evident as they didn’t leave the ground despite heavy rain and listened to their ‘leader’. While the PDP patron made a brief speech because of bad weather, party workers and people who had turned up at the venue protected themselves from the downpour by holding chairs upside down and listened to Mufti’s speech. The PDP had taken the number two position from the BJP in the Jammu region during the elections to four seats of the Legislative Council in December 2012. The National Conference-Congress coalition had won all four seats — two each from the Kashmir and Jammu regions. The BJP’s dismal performance had come as a surprise as the PDP had gained the slot of the main opposition for the first time since the 2002 Assembly elections. It left a dent in the BJP camp, which had won 11 Assembly segments in the 2008 elections. Mufti said “a wind of change is blowing in J&K. The ruling coalition of the National Conference and the Congress will have to go from the state”. He also reminded the people of Jammu that during his tenure as the Chief Minister of the state, he had tried to restore the historical importance of Jammu city. He also mentioned about various development and beautification projects started especially for Jammu city during his regime. |
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PDP, National Conference eye 3.5 lakh first-time voters
Srinagar, April 6 The National Conference Student’s Union (NCSU) organised a convention in the Baramulla constituency yesterday. It was attended by students from Baramulla Degree College and University of Kashmir, north campus. “The NC hopes to take the student’s outreach programme to various other varsities in other constituencies of the Valley this month,” said NC spokesperson Junaid Azim Mattu. The NCSU participated in various cultural events at the University of Kashmir last year. The opposition has similar plans of targeting the young voters. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti today said the youth would be the game changers in this election and a lot would rely on the choices the young voters made in the state. “I am making an earnest appeal to the youth for making their voices heard. They should come out, vote and exercise their democratic right. It is their choice whether they want to pick up stones or use their vote to overthrow the corrupt NC government which has turned down their hopes,” Mehbooba said during a roadshow organised in the Anantnag constituency today. The PDP chief took a dig at the NC-Congress alliance for making hollow promises, especially when it came to building infrastructure in universities and colleges. “The south campus, Kashmir varsity, is still in ruins. Nothing has been done by the state government to upgrade the infrastructure in campuses outside Srinagar,” she said. The PDP has also pitched for bringing back student activism in Kashmir by lifting the ban on the Kashmir University Students Union. While the student wing of the NC is active in the University of Kashmir (KU) and the party is going to establish similar wings at the Central University and the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora, the PDP has also involved students in its “Youth for Change” initiative programme. “The PDP has roped in various student activists as coordinators of the PDP Student’s Union who will campaign in their respective campuses,” said Waheed Para, PDP youth wing in charge. The students unions were banned by the KU, IUST and various other colleges in the Valley in 2009 after the alleged Shopian double rape and murder incident provoked unrest on varsity campuses. |
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PDP opposed creating infrastructure for Kashmiri Pandits, says Omar
Jammu, April 6 Omar labelled the PDP as ‘sadistic’ for deriving pleasure from festering wounds of people in Jammu and Kashmir while indulging in deceit and shedding crocodile tears to flourish its political enterprise. The Chief Minister said this during a public meeting organised by the National Conference (NC) Minority Cell. “PDP president Mehbooba Mufti disapproved of creating facilities for the camp dwellers by stating that if humane conditions were made available in migrant camps, the people residing there will find themselves in comfort zone and show disinclination towards returning,” Omar alleged. “Such a sadistic approach reflects the PDP’s mindset towards the people whom they want only to suffer so that their political enterprise keeps running,” Omar said. He said his government was pursuing a multi-pronged strategy to create a conducive situation in the Valley for the dignified and safe return of the Kashmiri Pandits alongside improve the living conditions in camps till their return. The Chief Minister also referred to the Kashmiri Hindus Temples and Shrines Bill and said when the Legislative Assembly was discussing the crucial legislation, a situation was created wherein several parties joined together and opposed it tooth and nail. They were joined by those pretending to be the well-wishers of the Kashmiri Pandit community. Identifying himself with the community, Omar said he was not ignorant about their deep yearning to return to their homes and hearths when the situation became conducive for it. “Till that time, we will do everything possible to ensure that the displaced people get all facilities necessary for leading a dignified life,” Omar said. He also referred to the initiatives taken for their rehabilitation under the Prime Minister’s package which, inter alia, involved jobs for the migrant youth.
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NC, Cong playing communal card, says ex-IGP Khan
Poonch, April 6 He said: “Congress always exploits voters. This time they used the communal card and went to an Imam to get support from him.” “Omar Abdullah is aware of the fact that people will vote against the NC in the forthcoming Assembly elections and fearing the results, he has made an alliance with the Congress. But people have understood their evil design,” Farooq said. He appealed to the people to vote in favour of the BJP to fulfil the dreams of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He said since Independence, the Congress did nothing for Muslims and always created fear of the BJP to befool them. He criticised the Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, New Delhi, for his recent statement in support of the Congress. He said he shifted to a new party at the time of elections, which has been condemned by his own brother as well. He said the BJP was the only option for the people of Rajouri and Poonch as Congress MP did not spend even a single penny from Rs 50 crore, the amount provided for the twin districts. |
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Patel replaces Soni as J&K Cong in charge
Jammu, April 6 Soni is contesting the Lok Sabha election from Punjab and will be busy in campaigning. Keeping this in view, the party appointed Rajni. After her appointment, Rajni reached Jammu today to review the on-going campaign for the party candidates. She along with Pradesh Mahila Congress president Indu Pawar addressed a series of public meetings in support of party candidate Ghulam Nabi Azad, who is contesting from the Udhampur seat. While addressing the meetings, she sought votes for Ghulam Nabi Azad and termed him a big political personality of the country. |
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Vote politics consumes national security concerns
Arun Joshi There is endless noise-making as to who is better than the other in these Lok Sabha elections, but the most crucial issue of national security has been given a go-by. Politicians are busy in name-calling and hauling their rivals over the coals. What is happening on the border and the threat that terrorism is again posing to the state, particularly the Jammu region, is not on their agenda, to say the least. Terrorism has battered the life of people in this sensitive state for the past over two decades, and how it can raise its ugly head at any given point of time was evident on March 28. Two civilians, one soldier were killed by three terrorists. The terrorists were killed in a daylong encounter. But that was not the end of terror, as that was neither the first terror attack nor will it be the last. Politicians issued statements, visited residences of the victims. That was all. What is happening on the border and how the sleeper cells in Jammu and Kashmir are being used by their mentors across the border is nowhere on the typed lines of the speech writers of politicians. The issue of national security doesn’t figure in their speeches. A national debate is missing and the politicians here are unable to spell out how they will counter the emerging threat. It will not be wrong to say that many of them don’t have the will to talk about it and spell out an agenda that will fight terrorism and terrorists and their mentors across the voters. For them, the votes of a particular section in the state are more important than the lives of the people of the state. In the cacophony that Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi represents “divisive forces” in the country and how the other leaders are “secular”, the politicians contesting Lok Sabha elections in the state are blissfully oblivious of the terror building across the border. Or, they are deliberately turning a blind eye to it. Some of them think that they have done their duty by condemning the acts of terror. They think that they have fulfilled their duty and nothing more should be expected of them. The way the national security issue is being ignored is extremely dangerous. Some of the politicians are of the view that dialogue with Pakistan is the only way out. It may be a valid argument but they are shy of telling Pakistan to stop terrorism. By advancing this kind of argument, they are helping terrorists and their mentors. An impression is given by them that terrorists and terrorism come out of thin air and Pakistan and its state and non-state actors have no hand in it. This is shameless. For a few votes, politicians are not voicing the reality. As the situation exists on the borders, two things are clear: first, Pakistani Rangers have built a “bund” along the international border along the Jammu region, which hides their activities; second, they have tested the soil at their end with the nefarious intention to construct tunnels. Indian security agencies have brought this to the attention of the authorities, which should be taking cognisance of this kind of activity on the other side of the border. The security agencies have also alerted the authorities to the possibility of Pakistan raising the level of terror activities in the Jammu region as the acts of terror in the Valley have started making less news. The terror acts such as the Kathua attack on March 28 get them more publicity and international attention. Why are Pakistanis taking samples of soil and testing them? What is on their mind? The answers to these questions are not difficult to find. Leaders are making no effort to do that because right now what is on the top of their minds is — vote.
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Ex-MLA’s daughter joins politics, to contest Assembly elections
Srinagar, April 6 “If a sister and a mother can effectively run a household, she can make a mark for herself in politics as well. If youth are given jobs, they will not throw stones….Those who call for boycott have a right to express their views but we need to change this thought for development,” said Hina Shafi during a rally at the Basant Bagh area of the city where she announced her entry into politics. Speaking in Kashmiri to connect with her supporters, she said she would contest from the Amira Kadal constituency of Srinagar later this year in the Assembly elections. In 2008, only 14.97 per cent turnout was recorded in Amira Kadal. Daughter of Mohammad Shafi Bhat, who had won the Amira Kadal seat in 1996 on the National Conference (NC) ticket, Hina (34) is looking forward to bank on the base set up by her father in the constituency. Bhat left the NC in 2002 and won on the Congress ticket the same year. However, he did not contest in 2008 due to health issues. On why she gave up her job of a dentist and join politics, she said: “Politics is a dirty thing and it is better to keep away. But one has to change the system by entering it.” Though she had campaigned for NC candidate Nasir Sogami, close confidante of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who later won from Amira Kadal, Hina feels the ruling party has failed to live up to its promises. She even ‘apologised’ for supporting Sogami and admitted that winning the Amira Kadal constituency was going to be a challenge for a woman as the major electorate preferred to keep away from the poll process. Though she is expected to contest on the Congress ticket given her father’s association with the party, Hina said she would reveal the same in due course of time. |
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NC leaders skip Sagar’s rally in Pulwama district
Pulwama, April 6 The roadshow was being led by Minister for Rural Development and Parliamentary Affairs Ali Mohammad Sagar in Pulwama district. National Conference (NC) district president Ghulam Nabi Nilloora, while addressing a workers’ meeting yesterday announced that the two leaders were taking part in the rallies in the Pulwama and Rajpora Assembly constituencies today. “Mehboob Beg cannot face people during the campaigning time because he has neglected Pulwama district during his tenure and Ratanpuri is known for his controversial statements against the party and does not share a good relation with some senior leaders,” a source said. “Ratanpuri has differences with some senior party leaders and Sagar is one of them. The MP admitted it on the sidelines of a workers’ meeting on Saturday,” the source said. Sagar, while addressing people at Wahibugh in Pulwama, said Beg was not available due some other business. However, he did not mention about Ratanpuri’s absence, who yesterday had said he was going to campaign for the National Conference. While addressing rallies at various villages in Pulwama, Sagar said providing employment would be the priority of the party. “We have started fast-track recruitment in which many youth have been absorbed in various departments. More than 72,000 candidates are in line to appear for interviews in the coming months,” said the minister, adding the government has provided employment to thousands of people under the UDAAN and Himayat projects. |
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District admn removes unauthorised hoardings
Katra, April 6 The expenditure will be taken into the accounts of the candidates. The municipal committee has been entrusted the responsibility of removing the hoardings from the town while the flying squads continued to carry the drive in the district. After implementation of the model code of conduct from March 5, the district administration has put in place an elaborate mechanism to check any kind of poll violation by political parties. With the enforcement of the model code ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the district administration has been removing political graffiti and posters from the walls and hoardings from the roadside. The hoardings and banners at Reasi, which were placed without consent or permission were removed on the orders of the ARO. |
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PDP only party with agenda for development: Mehbooba
Gool, April 6 “The BJP, which is yet to release its manifesto, has a personality specific agenda with all its focus on Narendera Modi. While the Congress is contesting the polls just to stop the BJP prime ministerial candidate from coming to power,” Mehbooba said. Addressing a public meeting in support of party candidate Arshad Malik here yesterday, she said, “The PDP is the only party contesting the elections with a specific agenda, vision and roadmap for development, prosperity, economic stability and peace.” “Unlike other parties, the PDP has presented before the public its election manifesto elaborating the roadmap and vision the party has for the people.”
— TNS |
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Mir calls LS polls a contest between secular, communal ideology
Pulwama, April 6 The Minister for Tourism said this while addressing public gatherings at Pulwama, Rajpora, Kokapora, Jamnagari and Nikhas in the twin districts of Shopian and Pulwama today. Asserting that politically mature people of the state have always rejected divisive and communal forces, Mir radiated the confidence that the party would get massive mandate in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. He asked people to differentiate between sincerity and duplicity. He said disturbed conditions have only brought miseries to the people, irrespective of any religion or region and the determined efforts of the UPA government at the Centre and the coalition government in the state have resulted in visible turnaround. “For over two decades, we have experienced the most-disturbing phase. The peace restored and sustained during the past over four years cannot be allowed to become hostage to disruptive elements,” Mir said. He said Congress had played a role in the development and prosperity of the entire country in general and the state of Jammu and Kashmir in particular. “Today, people should come out and strengthen the roots of democracy in Jammu and Kashmir by participating in the poll process and voting for the National Conference-Congress candidates fielded in the six constituencies of the state,” Mir said. He said the creation of new administrative units, hospitals, medical colleges and anti-graft laws were some of the landmark achievements of the coalition government. He urged all political parties to rise above political considerations and unitedly defeat elements amicable to the peace and harmony in J&K. Senior Congress leaders, including vice-president JKPCC Mohammad Anwar Bhat, organising secretary JKPCC Hilal Ahmad Shah, Peer Nazir Ahmad, Fayaz Ahmad Dar, Mushtaq Ahmad Khanday and other senior party leaders, also addressed the election rally. |
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‘NC banking on poll boycott call’
Srinagar, April 6 Addressing a workers meet at Rafiabad in the Baramulla constituency, Baig said NC “generally enforces the boycott call” given by others to “benefit from non-participation of voters” in the polls as the party realises that if people come out to vote they will do so only to get freedom from the NC”. “Given the current mood, it has become evident that people will participate overwhelmingly in the polls to defeat the NC and ensure a responsible system in the state and a sincere leadership in Parliament,” Baig said. He alleged that the NC had always “played tricks” to win elections, but said this time things are different.
— TNS |
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Mufti: NC failed to make promises made in 2008
Jammu, April 6 “The National Conference and the Congress have reneged on almost all promises made with the people during the last Assembly elections. The coalition government run by them seems to be a rudderless arrangement lacking direction and commitment,” Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, PDP patron and former Chief Minister of J&K, said while addressing a rally at Parade Ground here. Mufti said change was imminent in the state because the people had decided to get rid of the “inept” dispensation. The rally was organised in support of PDP candidate from the Jammu-Poonch Lok Sabha seat Yash
Pal Sharma. “The NC-Congress coalition government stands exposed for its non-performance and there are no takers for its hollow slogans. This government has turned an opportunist alliance. Both parties have entered into an alliance without any programmes and policies. The only aim of this alliance is to enjoy absolute power without caring for the wishes and aspirations of the people,” Mufti said. He said the noticeable achievement of the NC-Congress during the last five and half a years was “legalisation of corruption”. “It is unfortunate that during the past five and a half years, J&K has earned the dubious distinction of being the most corrupt state,” he said. Taking a dig at the coalition partners for indulging in “shadow boxing”, the PDP patron said the regime had bulldosed democratic institutions while referring to the failure of the coalition to conduct the urban local bodies elections. “It was only during the PDP-led regime that the residents of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh got a taste of good governance and they were made part of the decision-making process,” Mufti said and added that his government had laid the foundation of balanced and equitable development in the state. “The PDP-led regime had set an example of good governance and carved out a path of equitable development in the state,” he said and sought the support of the people of Jammu to implement the policies of the PDP. He claimed that the PDP wanted to change the destiny of the people of J&K and set up a pro-people corruption-free transparent and accountable system. “It is my desire to make Jammu and Kashmir an island of peace, wherein every individual will get equal opportunities of growth and development,” he said. Introducing his party candidate Yash Pal Sharma, he said he (Sharma) was a symbol of brotherhood and communal harmony. |
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Cong candidate Madan Lal has strong base in his native village
Chowderwala (Indo-Pak border), April 6 While inhabitants of this border belt are battling for the basic needs of life, Chowderwala village is "overdeveloped". This small hamlet comprising only two dozen houses has facilities such as Primary Health Centre, Agriculture Centre and Animal Husbandry Centre. Situated nearly 75 km away on the west of Jammu city, the village is an example of comprehensive development, but the adjoining villages do not enjoy similar facilities. This village falls under the Chamb Assembly segment being represented by Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand. While inhabitants of Chowderwala are satisfied with the performance of their MP, residents of adjoining villages are not happy with the importance being given to the native village of the sitting MP. "Condition of other villages adjoining Chowderwala is not good. Development of this area is confined only to a particular village," said Sanjeev Kumar of Romali village, which is situated just near Chowderwala village. Sanjeev, who was playing cards with a group of persons in the market comprising four odd shops, minced no words in attacking the sitting MP, whereas others were hesitating to say anything about the performance of their local MP. Yash Pal, a local shopkeeper, said being a Lok Sabha member, Madan Lal Sharma has to cater to the needs of all 20 Assembly segments that fall under this constituency. Ramesh Chander, a local shopkeeper of Chowderwala village, heaped praises on the sitting MP for the overall development of this neglected belt. "Development in this Kandi belt is all due to the sincere efforts of our MP," he said and prayed for the third consecutive victory of their MP. Echoing similar sentiments, Surinder Kumar said this area was brought on the development map due to the sitting MP. "As the sitting MP is a native of this place, it is obvious that this area will get special attention," he said and was confident that the MP would retain his seat. Rattan Lal of Millan-De-Khoe village, which is situated just on the border, said, "Madan Lal is a native of this belt, but he is the MP of the entire constituency. Therefore, it would not be wrong to blame him for not giving full attention to this region." Despite some dissent voices, the sitting Lok Sabha member, Madan Lal, holds a strong base in his native place. In the 2009 Lok Sabha elections, Madan Lal had got sufficient lead from the two constituencies, which fall under his native area of Akhnoor. From the Akhnoor Assembly segment, Madan Lal had received 35,228 votes, while the BJP candidate got only 9,838 votes. Similarly in the Chamb assembly segment, Madan Lal got 17,349 votes, whereas the BJP received 14,572 votes. |
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Panthers Party complaints against CM
Our Correspondent
Rajouri, April 6 The CM had announced that his government would provide the Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Pahari-speaking community before the next Assembly elections. In a complaint to Advocate Rajesh Sharma, Nodal Officer, Complaint Monitoring Cell (CMC), district president the JKNPP has demanded action against the CM. On Thursday, while addressing the people during an election rally at Rajouri, Omar had said the ST status for the Pahari Community was in their manifesto and the matter was taken up with the Centre, however, there was no response from the Centre in this regard. He said if there was no response from the Centre, the NC government would fulfil the promise on its own before the completion of its term. Farooq Ahmed Shah, Nodel Officer, MCC, said he had received the complaint from Complaint Monitoring Cell (CMC) and after verifying the video footage and press cuttings, the complaint would be forwarded to the higher authorities for necessary action.
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Rain continues to lash Kashmir valley
Srinagar, April 6 The rainfall continued intermittently throughout the day, inundating many roads, including those in the city’s centrally located Lal Chowk area. According to the state Meteorological Department, the city received 19.9 mm of rain from morning to afternoon today. The overnight temperature in the city dropped to a low of 9.6 degrees Celsius, which was a departure of four notches from the normal. The department warned that heavy rain and thundershower would occur
at a few places in the state during the next 36 hours, which end on Tuesday morning. Kashmir region is witnessing a lengthy winter and received snow and rainfall in March, which was unprecedented in the recent decades. The region witnessed continuous rain for most of the time this month with little sunshine, which has delayed the blossoming of spring flowers. The Meteorological Department in its forecast bulletin said “light to moderate rain and thundershowers” would occur at most places over the state in the next 24 hours till Monday evening. The department said there was a possibility of decrease in precipitation during the next four days - April 8 and 11, following which the weather would mainly remain dry. Met: Downpour to continue till Tuesday
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Rain chokes city
Srinagar, April 6 Residents are on a warpath against the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) for failing to take notice of gathered rainwater in the interior lanes of the Civil Line areas, including Bemina, Hyderpora, Sanat Nagar, Rawalpora, Bagaat, Ram Bagh, Jawhar Nagar, Soura, Buchpora, Ahmed Nagar. The condition is worse in certain areas of downtown Srinagar, including Khanyar, Hawal, Nallamar road, Rawalpora and Nowgam. "We don't understand what the government is doing with all that money which is being allocated for the construction of drainage and other water disposal systems," said Shahid Yaseen, a software engineer from Safa Kadal. "Rain is a natural phenomenon and like every other place there should be proper infrastructure and planning so that the lanes and streets meant for people don't turn into swimming pools," he added. Residents rue that rainwater has clogged roads and streets, causing miseries to people. They allege that the government is sleeping while a common man has nowhere to go. "Where is the government? Do you see any government here?" said Ghulam Nabi Hakeem, an elderly person, while pointing to a pool of muddy water which has formed in the street leading to his house in Bota Kadal, Lal Bazaar. "We have put some boulders and bricks in the pool of water to reach the other end of the street," he lamented. SMC Commissioner GN Qasba said, “We are covering the areas which do not have drainage facility. Our dewatering stations are working in the city. Most of the drains will be repaired soon. Many drains are choked due to polythenes. There are some areas without drains, but we assure to solve this problem within three months.”
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Hits business in Sunday market
Srinagar, April 6 Rainfall started during early hours today. Though intermittently, the rain continued for the whole day keeping people away from the Sunday market. The incessant rain brought disappointment on the faces of hawkers for whom it is a big business day. "It has been raining continuously for the past three weeks and we are not able to put up carts and sell anything," said a vendor from Srinagar's Shaheed Gunj. Local vendors and hawkers selling different items of household said they faced loss of lakhs as they couldn't sell anything. The Sunday market, a premier attraction and business hub for a lot of people especially office-goers and business families, witness a huge rush of people on weekends. The market which stretches from Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) to the Amira Kadal bridge is also a business centre famous among youth for second-hand branded clothes and shoes. For Ali Muhammad, who sells blankets and other household items on his cart every Sunday, says his hopes of better business with the arrival of spring have been dashed by continuous rainfall. "My family is totally dependent on this business, but rain has affected my business," said Muhammad, a large chunk of whose meagre income comes from the Sunday market. There is also less flow of tourists due to continuous rainfall and low temperature. With continuous rain and bad weather it has become difficult for tourists as well to
move out of hotels and house boats. The Sunday market is affordable for cash-strapped tourists, who in order to get rid of cold prefer to buy woollen clothes from the cheap market.
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drive against milk adulteratioN Tribune News Service
Jammu, April 6 It has also scuttled the efforts of the JMC to start a drive again substandard milk and its products in the city. In the absence of the much-needed drive, the consumers are at the receiving end as they are at the risk of consuming poor quality milk products. The proposal was mooted last year taking cognisance of an alarming report by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)-2012, which stated that 83 per cent of milk sold in the state was not safe for consumption. A Municipal Corporation official said, “The laboratory which we are dependent on as of now takes days to give results on samples. Mobile laboratories can help us in the on-the-spot checking of milk products.” When contacted, Health Officer, JMC, Mohammad Saleem Khan said, “The government has assured us that the funds would be released soon. We are waiting for the same and till then, samples are being sent at the municipal laboratory.” A senior JMC officer said the civic body was fighting a losing battle against adulteration in the city as it does not have the required facilities and equipment to test milk and its products. “There is a need for mobile labs and a greater number of trained manpower to deal with the menace of adulteration for safeguarding public health. It is very important to keep a check on the inflow of adulterated milk in the city,” said Saleem Khan.
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Villagers deprived of home delivery of LPG cylinders
Jammu, April 6 Residents of RS Pura, Miran Sahib, Indra Nagar and Gadi Garh said gas agencies of their respective areas refuse to deliver LPG cylinders at their homes. The agency sends a vehicle at one point and all the consumers in the 2-km radius of that point have to collect their cylinders from there. Raju Singh, a Bharat Petroleum subscriber at Indra Nagar, said, “My dealer is in RS Pura but despite repeated requests, they refused to deliver a cylinder at my home. Everytime, I have to take my empty cylinder to the dealer to get it replaced with a fresh one.” “I have to travel about 8-10 km to get a cylinder and sometimes, the dealer doesn’t have a cylinder,” he said. Harcharan Singh of Kharian village said, “A vehicle of the dealer comes once a week at Gadi Garh in the afternoon, when most of the people are on their job. We have to come home to get the cylinder as it is difficult for women at home to carry the cylinder to that particular point.” People alleged that dealers were indulging in black-marketing of cylinders and were selling cylinders to shopkeepers, dhaba owners at a
higher price and domestic consumers kept waiting for cylinders for weeks together. GS Chib, Director Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD), Jammu, said, “There is a provision of home delivery of LPG cylinders at the
rates fixed by the government. We are regularly watching the functioning of the agencies.” “Whenever we get any complaint against any agency, we take strict action against them. I
also appeal to people that if there is any problem in any area, they should lodge their complaints on the toll-free number 1967 and 0191-2502607,” he added. |
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Weatherman predicts more rain and thunderstorms
Jammu, April 6 The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted light showers and thunderstorms at various places across the region in the next 24 hours. As per the forecast, the temperatures from April 6 to April 9 will remain between 25-27 degrees Celsius. "There is a little dip in the temperature. It is a good thing if the month of April remains pleasant," said Rohit Sharma, a marketing executive with a telecom company. |
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NMC demands policy for regularisation of daily wagers
Jammu April 6 Shastri said amendment to the SRO 64 was the need of the hour as it would affect about 55,000 daily wagers working in government departments and Public Sector Undertakings. He said this should be done with immediate effect so that the new regularisation policy could be operational from May Day as a gift to the workers. Shastri expressed hope that the state government would sympathetically consider the demands of daily wagers and make an announcement in this regard at the earliest. Shastri also demanded early release the pay of daily wagers, which has been pending for months. He appealed to the government to release the pending installment of 10 per cent DA due from January for employees and pensioners in view of
the increase in prices of commodities. The union suggested strict enforcement of the CP Fund Deduction scheme benefits to daily wagers and casual labourers. The members demanded that monthly emoluments of daily wagers should
be raised to Rs 10,000 per month at the national level. |
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Farmers' union, Sikh forum urge people to vote for Congress
Jammu, April 6 Addressing a press conference, union vice chairman Raju Sharma said the Congress had worked for the “uplift of the working class” in the country, especially farmers in the state. He said Ghulam Nabi Azad, who is contesting from Jammu-Poonch parliamentary seat, had initiated several developmental projects as the Chief Minister of the state. He said Madan Lal Sharma as Member of Parliament (MP), too, had proved to be a credible representative of the people of Jammu-Poonch Lok Sabha segment and he should be given another chance. Meanwhile, the All J&k Sikh Unity Forum too urged people to vote for the Congress. Addressing a meeting of activists, forum chairman Rajinder Singh appealed the community to vote for Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and Madan Lal Sharma. He said, “Only the Congress party can think for the betterment of poor.” He said the Congress had always worked for the welfare of the community in Jammu and Kashmir and several schemes had been launched. |
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5-day training course on diamonds from April 28
Jammu, April 6 During the workshop, experts will talk about ways to determine a diamond's worth and tips on buying jewellery. The press statement issued here said students of GIA's Diamond Grading Lab Class worked with real diamonds and professional gemological tools to study these gems. "The institute teaches both technical and practical ways to observe and evaluate a diamond's quality and the basics of the famous 4Cs (colour, cut, clarity and carat weight), an evaluation system created by GIA," the statement read, adding that students also learnt about how the 4Cs could affect value and about the ways in which various treatments can affect the appearance
of a stone. |
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Natrang stages 'Uthal Puthal'
Jammu, April 6 It revolved around a young girl named Malvika, who lives as a
paying guest in the house of Maya. She comes home from college one day to find
the house in turmoil. When she walks into her room, she sees her mistress rummaging through her things. Maya leaves in a hurry and a maid tells Malvika that a very expensive brooch was lost and Maya, who is shown to be a suspicious and arrogant lady, was screening everyone to find it. Malvika is disturbed that the land lady thinks she
is a thief. At dinner, Maya says she would not tolerate thieves in her house. This pushes Malvika to the edge and she decides to leave the place. While she is packing, Nikhil, the master of the house and Maya’s husband, comes to her room and begs her to stay. Anton Chekhov’s play
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People protest ration shortage in Poonch
Poonch, April 6 Protesters also raised slogans against the government and the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution
(CAPD) Department. Addressing a gathering at Purani Poonch, protesters said the CAPD Department officials were supplying ration meant for
BPL/APL families of Poonch-Haveli tehsil to APL families in Mandi tehsil. Protests were also held at the
Sathra, Surankote and Mandi areas. Sunil Sharma, social activist who led the protest, demanded a high-level inquiry into the matter. He warned of a crusade, if the government failed to do the needful for the BPL families. Station House Officer,
Poonch, Sanjeev Singh Salathia rushed to the spot and assured the protesters that he would convey their message to the higher authorities. Later, the protesters dispersed. |
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Devotees throng Chichi Mata temple
Samba, April 6 “Today is the sixth day of Navratra so I have come here along with my family to pay obeisance to Goddess Chichi Devi. We have full faith in her and we believe all our prayers would be answered,” said Gunjan Singh, a devotee. Strict security arrangements have been put in place and the district administration here has made special arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of the festival. Earlier, during the Navratras, a fair used to be organised, which used to end on Ashtami (the eight day of the festival). But now the celebrations extend two days post the fair,” said Kharasi Lal Mahajan, president, Chichi Devi Temple Development Committee. Mahajan added that pilgrims throng the shrine throughout the year. “The devotees throng the temple throughout the year. If visitors are heading towards the Valley or if they are going to the cave shrine of Amarnath, they generally pay a visit
here,” he said. |
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Mirwaiz supports villagers, threatens stir if lease extended
Ishfaq Tantry Tribune News Service
Srinagar, April 6 Mirwaiz said this while addressing a Friday gathering in Jama Mosque here. The lease of the firing range expires on April 18. However, local villagers have been opposing the extension of lease and demanding shifting of the firing range from Tosa Maidan. On the other hand, the J&K Government-appointed panel is yet to make any progress in identifying an alternative site for relocating the firing range, which has also become a poll issue in the trouble-torn Valley. In fact, the high-powered panel has asked the Army to come up with its requirements for the firing range in place of Tosa Maidan. "The state has become an area with the highest concentration of the Armed forces in the world and India instead of decreasing its Army establishment in the region, is increasing their number in order to prolong hold over the area on one or the other pretext," Mirwaiz said. Mirwaiz said any attempt to extend the lease of Tosa Maidan land to the Army would be unacceptable. "In Tosa Maidan area alone, 67 innocent people have so far got killed and many injured due to the firing exercises undertaken by the Army and unexploded shells lying around in the area," Mirwaiz said. Timeline
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Anti-smoking drive: 39 booked
Srinagar, April 6 A police spokesman said all offenders were booked for smoking on the premises of Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital in the city. “A fine of Rs 13,980 was realised from them,” the spokesman said. The spokesman said the police had received complaints about smoking in health institutions and hospitals in the city during its interaction with the public, following which the drive was launched. “Acting on the complaints, the police have launched an intensive drive against smoking in such sensitive public places,” the spokesman said. The spokesman said the Karan Nagar police station took the lead and launched the drive in SMHS hospital and Government Medical College, Srinagar, where the offenders were fined and booked under the Control of Tobacco Products Act. “The offenders were also counselled by the police to sensitise them about the health hazards of smoking in and around the health institutions,” the spokesman said. The spokesman quoted Shaheed Gunj Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Imran Farooq as saying that the drive will be “intensified in all hospitals and educational institutions in the coming days”. |
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Newborn found dead, police clueless
Srinagar, April 6 The girl was found drowned in a bucket of water in a public bathroom of Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial (JLNM) Hospital here on Friday. “It seems somebody immersed the newborn into the water bucket to kill her and left her abandoned in the bathroom,” SP north city Tahir Saleem said. “We are still investigating the matter, but cannot say yet who left the baby there,” he added. Superintendent of JLNM hospital Dr Iqbal Ahmad ruled out the involvement of the hospital authorities into the incident. “It is clear that someone from outside came and left the baby there as these are public bathrooms and also we have given the CCTV footage to the police. They are investigating to find out the accused,” he said. — OC |
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Wani campaigns for Farooq in Amira Kadal
Srinagar, April 6 Wani spoke to people at various places in Rawalpora, Astanpora, Jawahar Nagar and Raj Bagh areas of the constituency, which he represents in the state Assembly. Wani asked his supporters to vote with enthusiasm to ensure a thumping victory for the party president. Abdullah, who is the president of the National Conference, is eyeing to regain the parliamentary seat from Srinagar constituency, when votes will be cast here on April 30. |
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School takes ‘Go Green’ initiative forward
Srinagar, April 6 “We had celebrated World Forestry Day recently during which we encouraged the students to plant and protect a sapling. Each child brought a pot and the school provided a sapling,” the DPS management said. The school has moved further by encouraging the protection and preservation of the Valley’s pride, chinar tree. “An open invitation has been sent to all parents who have space at home to acquire a sapling from the school. So far, 50 saplings have been gifted,” the school management said.
— TNS |
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Indoor football championship kicks off
Srinagar, April 6 Twentyfour football clubs in the U-17 group and 38 teams in F-Cube Group will participate in the tournament. The J&K Football Association (JKFA) intends to expose the young football enthusiasts of the state to the new form of football. “The best of the teams will be selected to play at the state level,” an official statement of the JKFA said. |
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Ex-CMO attacked in Pulwama
Pulwama, April 6 Dr Ghulam Qadir Sofi was rushed to District Hospital, Pulwama, from where he was shifted to Bone and Joint Hospital in Srinagar. “Dr Sofi received injuries on his left hand and right shoulder. But his condition is stable now," Saleem Ahmad, medical superintendent, Pulwama, said. The police said that some unidentified gunmen attacked the doctor at 6 pm. “We have registered an FIR in the case and further investigations are on," Reyaz Ahmad, SHO, Pulwama, said. Sofi was recently acquitted by the court in a case where he was allegedly shown in a clip in a compromising position with a woman at his clinic in 2010.
— OC |
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Territorial Army man held for ‘raping’ woman
Kupwara, April 6 The accused Showkat Ahmad Malik alias
Shaktiman, who belonged to 160 TA Battalion, was arrested from the house of a woman in a compromising condition. The incident triggered protests and shutdown in Zurhama. The protesters demanded strict punishment against the accused. “We laid a trap and arrested the accused in a compromising condition from the spot. A case under Sections 376, 458 of the RPC has been registered at Trehgam police station,” Sajad Assad, SHO at Trehgam police station, said. "We are looking for his accomplice, who escaped from the spot in a vehicle,” the SHO said. Local residents said they got suspicious over the activities of two TA men, who were regularly seen visiting the house. Mohammad Ashraf Malik, a local resident, said: “Today the police was informed soon after the man entered the house. The accused should be given strict punishment. The police should also arrest the co-accused.” |
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