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BJP projects poor Muslims as worst victims of Article 370
NC, PDP out to garner Kashmiri Pandit votes
NC president Farooq files papers from Srinagar for 2nd consecutive LS term
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Two cops injured in Kupwara encounter
PDP fudged voter lists in Bijbehara, says NC
‘Modi wave’ harmful for country, J&K: Mir
Poonch residents repose faith in Yash Pal
Kejriwal may address rally in Srinagar by mid-April
Guv extends Ram Navami greetings
Human rights groups ‘question’ arms seizure in Kupwara village
tribune
impact
2 injured in shell explosion
Sealing of 41 buildings complete in Katra
Guv condoles Kitchloo’s mother’s death
Sewage treatment row may hit Kashmir's tourist season
Nothing organised about Archives Dept, rue researchers
Two-day conference on maxillofacial deformities at SKIMS from April 10
Despite ban, sale of Russian poplars goes on unabated
Navreh to end with nightlong havan
School timings changed
Lack of parking lot leads to chaos at Super-Speciality Hospital
Ram Navami procession to start from Raghunath temple today
Phone security application ‘Smart 24x7’ a failure in Jammu
State pollution-testing labs not recognised by Central Act
‘Siachen Pioneers’ celebrate golden jubilee
Autism awareness week starts with ‘Light it up blue’ drive
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BJP projects poor Muslims as worst victims of Article 370
Srinagar/Jammu, April 7 The BJP in its election manifesto today called for a debate on Article 370, which grants special status to J&K. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said Article 370, a temporary provision in the Constitution which limited the powers of Parliament to make laws for Jammu and Kashmir, could not be revoked without opening the “question” of state’s accession to India. “As far as Article 370 is concerned, let us understand (that) Article 370 cannot be revoked without reopening the entire question of the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India,” Omar told mediapersons on sidelines of a rally in Srinagar. Omar was replying to queries related to BJP’s election manifesto, which remained committed to revocation of Article 370 even as it mentioned debating the issue with the stakeholders. “If the BJP is prepared to reopen this question then we have no problem talking about it,” he said. Omar slammed the BJP, saying that the party was “absolutely unclear” about what it wanted. Reacting to the BJP’s manifesto, PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said the Article was non-negotiable, irrevocable and those talking about its abrogation were ignorant about the constitutional position of the state and were misleading the people of the country. “Article 370 provides the mechanism for a constitutional relationship between the state and the rest of the country and it cannot be abrogated without bringing into question the fundamentals of that relationship,” he said. Meanwhile, the state unit of the BJP has decided to step up its campaign to woo Gujjars, Bakerwals and Muslims among the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) as the party has been saying that these communities among Muslims are the worst victims of Article 370. “Those who brazenly try to attach religion with Article 370 should come to J&K and see the condition of Gujjars, Bakerwals and the OBCs who are bearing the brunt of this so-called special status granted to the state,” said state general secretary and Dalit leader of the BJP Bali Bhagat. Bhagat said, “In other parts of the country, OBCs (including Muslims) are getting 27 per cent reservation, but in J&K they are getting only 2 per cent due to Article 370.” BJP leader Hari Om said, “Gone are the days when political parties used to exploit religious sentiments of the people in the name of this Article, now people of J&K in general and weaker sections among Muslims in particular have realised that Article 370 is the biggest hurdle in their constitutional and political empowerment”. Narendra Modi during his Lalkaar Rally in Jammu on December 1 last year had also called for a debate on Article 370.
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NC, PDP out to garner Kashmiri Pandit votes
Jammu, April 7 Though scattered, there are more than 1 lakh Pandit voters in the Kashmir valley and in case of a separatist poll boycott and a low turnout, it could play an important role in the election outcome as had happened in the Assembly elections in the past. There are three Lok Sabha seats in Kashmir, Srinagar, Anantnag and Baramulla. Interestingly, displaced Kashmiri Pandits give their vote to constituencies they belong to in the Valley through postal ballot or at special polling stations set up in Jammu after their exodus following the eruption of militancy in 1990. On Sunday, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited Anand Vihar in Jammu, inhabited by displaced Pandits, to counter a series of meetings organised by the PDP at the Jagti township for Kashmiri Pandits on March 30. One of the meetings was addressed by former Chief Minister and PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and party president Mehbooba Mufti. The PDP has established a campaign committee to interact with the camp dwellers. “Parties are quite worried about the poll boycott and the Pandit vote counts in that scenario. Otherwise, the community gets little space in manifestos of political parties. A good participation in the electoral process could have an impact on the outcome in many Assembly segments in case of a boycott,” said Sanjay Tikku, president of the Kashmir Sangrash Samiti, a Valley-based organisation representing Hindus, who did not leave their homes. However, National Conference Minority Cell member Anil Dhar says the NC has always
worked for the welfare of the Pandits. “It’s beyond votes and the NC has been on the forefront of mitigating the problems of the displaced people. The Chief Minister is actively involved in solving their (Pandits) issues and several youth were provided
jobs in the last six years,” Dhar said. For many in the community, there isn’t much to choose from during the Lok Sabha elections. Some will continue to
boycott the elections to show discontentment with the state. Others will support the BJP despite the party’s opposition to the Temple and Shrines Bill in the Legislative Assembly. “We have become important for the parties but the community is aware of the role played by their leaders in ignoring its key demands which include the temple Bill and rehabilitation in their homeland,” said Veer Saraf, a social activist. |
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NC president Farooq files papers from Srinagar for 2nd consecutive LS term
Srinagar, April 7 Farooq, who heads the state’s ruling National Conference party, filed the nomination papers around noon in the office of Srinagar’s Deputy Commissioner, who is also the District Election Officer of the constituency. The National Conference president was accompanied by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee Saifuddin Soz and several other leaders from his party and the alliance partner Congress. Farooq, 76, who won the 2009 parliamentary election from the Srinagar constituency, became a parliamentarian for the first time in 1980 when he was elected to the seventh Lok Sabha. Since then, he has been a five-time member of state legislative Assembly and has had two terms at the Rajya Sabha. After filing the nomination papers, Farooq drove to the marbled mosque at Hazratbal, which is located on the banks of the Dal Lake and houses a revered relic, where he offered prayers. Farooq later went to the nearby mausoleum of his father and National Conference founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, where he briefly addressed several hundred party workers. The Union Minister, who was all along accompanied by Omar, urged the workers to ensure victory for the party. Earlier talking to the media, Farooq rubbished BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi and the party’s manifesto. “Their only motive is to revoke Article 370 and it is their long-term plan... we are alive here and we won’t allow its revocation,” Farooq said in reply to a question about the BJP’s election manifesto. The Article 370 in the Constitution includes temporary provisions with respect to Jammu and Kashmir and limits the power of Parliament to make laws for state. “They (BJP) are liars,” Farooq said while commenting on the BJP manifesto, which calls for a discussion on Article 370. Farooq said the issue of Ram Janmabhoomi, also part of BJP’s manifesto, is pending with the court. “Efforts have to be made to end hate. India is a country of all religions, and its government’s duty is to protect all religions,” he said. Soz said his party and the National Conference were united on Article 370. “BJP’s design will not succeed,” Soz said, terming Modi’s politics as a “danger” to the country and also to the BJP. Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Farooq Ahmad Shah, said so far five candidates had filed nomination papers for the Srinagar constituency. Four nominations were filed today. The five contestants so far are Farooq, AAP’s Muzaffar Bhat and three others who will contest as Independents. |
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Modi-led govt to ensure development, says Jugal
Jammu, April 7 “The BJP is seeking people’s mandate by giving categorical commitment that the Narendra Modi-led NDA government would adopt policies which will not only cater to the needs of all sections of society and ensure all-round development but will also secure the country’s borders, end militancy and achieve for the country a status it deserves in sovereign nations,” he said. Jugal Kishore said this while addressing a series of rallies at Bhour Camp, Chatha, Sai, Ratno Chak and Kaluchak in Nagrota, RS Pura, Suchetgarh and Samba Assembly constituencies today. The BJP leader said the party would generate a debate on Article 370 to seek public opinion and find whether the Article had benefited the people of the state. “The BJP has no doubt that the Article has denied the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, minorities, refugees from West Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir their legitimate general political and economic rights and deprived the daughters of the state of their right to enjoy equal status with the male state subjects,” he said. He congratulated the national leaders of his party for focusing on the problems of all types of refugees living in various parts of Jammu province and the plight of the displaced Kashmiri
Pandits. |
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Two cops injured in Kupwara encounter Srinagar, April 7 Police sources said both the injured were shifted to the Army's Drugmulla hospital for treatment. The encounter started around 7 pm at Zoonareshi. "The Army's 19 Marathas and the SOG cordoned off the area in the evening. Two or three militants hiding there opened fire on security personnel in which two policemen sustained minor injuries," a police source said. "The exchange of firing is still going on intermittently. Additional reinforcement of security forces has been rushed to the spot," the police source added. The Deputy Inspector General of Police, north Kashmir, Ghulam Hassan Bhat, said the operation was on. Major dies during search operation
A Major died during a search operation in the Panchalthan area of south Kashmir today. A Defence spokesman said Major Rahul Singh of Rashtriya Rifles sustained a fatal head injury after he fell down 10-15 m from a hillock. "On a tip-off, a search operation was launched by a Rashtriya Rifle unit in the Panchalthan area. Braving the extremely inclement weather conditions, Major Rahul Singh led his troops. On reaching Panchalthan, at approximately 11 am today, the officer fell down and died due to serious head injuries," he added. |
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BSF deploys women guards along border in Jammu
Jammu, April 7 “Beneath the 15-kg combat fatigues are mentally tough and physically strong girls, who have forayed into the male bastion in Jammu and Kashmir,” a senior BSF officer said, adding that 25 women have been deployed on the border in Samba, RS Pura, Pargwal, Arnia, Ramgarh and Kanachak areas after raising separate accommodation and other requisite infrastructure for them. Out of the 25 women, 13 belong to Jammu and Kashmir and the officer was quick to recall few of their names. Kiran Bala, Anju Bala, Ravinder Kour, Meena Devi and Rekha Devi are from Jammu and Sonam Dolkar, Yangchen Dolma and Tsering Diskit belong to Ladakh. “These girls perform all sorts of duties. From patrolling the border to guarding the women folk in agricultural fields (located between border fence and the Zero Line),” the officer said. He added that they also frisk women on gates before allowing them access to their fields on other side of the fence. The procedure is repeated when the women return home before the sunset. The international border in Jammu and Kashmir runs from Paharpur on the Punjab-Kathua border to the Chicken Neck area in Akhnoor. The officer, meanwhile, said these women were capable of handling weapons like INSAS rifles, Light Machine Guns (LMG) and Beretta carbines. “Physically they may not be as strong as their male counterparts but after undergoing 36-week training they are now a force to reckon. For the first five years of their service it is mandatory for these girls to serve on the borders,” the BSF officer said. The BSF has deployed nearly 1,700 women constables and 34 women sub inspectors on the borders in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, south and north Bengal and
Assam. |
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PDP fudged voter lists in Bijbehara, says NC
Anantnag, April 7 Addressing a press conference here at his official residence, Veeri said more than 350 voters had been found listed in two separate voting lists of the Nambal area in Bijbehara. "All these people are PDP sympathisers," said Veeri, alleging a nexus between revenue officials posted in the area for a long time and the PDP. "Even a booth-level officer is listed twice," he said. He alleged that PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed's immediate and extended family had been listed fraudulently as well. "Mehbooba Mufti has become a father to her daughters according to the list," said Veeri. "They have Mehboob Mufti written as their father's name," he said. Veeri said he had lodged a formal complaint with the Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) concerned and would go to the Election Commission as well. "We are scrutinising the documents and in the next 10 to 15 hours, we will come up with all irregularities in voter lists,"
said Veeri. He said NC workers had been put on the job to locate discrepancies and every voter list had some discrepancy or the other. Ghulam Rasool Wani, ARO, said he had received a complaint from Veeri and due cognisance had been taken. He, however, ruled out any deliberate attempt at manipulating the list. "There were some cases where certain families has been registered in two voter lists, but that is primarily because they have shifted their residence," said the ARO. "At the same time we have initiated an enquiry against the booth-level officer concerned,” he said. Moreover, the ARO said, “We are getting the lists scrutinised afresh. Discrepancies cannot be ruled out, but no deliberate attempt of fudging the lists could be established". |
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‘Modi wave’ harmful for country, J&K: Mir
Pulwama, April 7 Mir said India was a country of diversity which could be run through concepts making everyone work together for the Union of India. “We would not allow any person or party that can be harmful for the integrity of the country, based on concepts such as secularism, socialism and development,” said Mir. Mir, while addressing the Congress Election Coordination Committee meeting at Tral today, said the area had been a symbol of secularism despite being a hotbed of militancy in south Kashmir. The minister endorsed the statement of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah that the Lok Sabha elections were the semi-final which needed to be won, if the coalition had to win the Assembly elections later this year. He said: “Tral had been ignored because of its wrong vote which had always gone to the opposition, leaving the area backward.” The Tourism Minister said Tral was one of the best tourism destinations but had not been developed due to disturbance. He said he along with officials of the Tourism Department would visit Tral soon after the elections were over. |
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facilities
for displaced kashmiri pandits
Jammu, April 7 “Met with Kashmiri Pandits from south Kashmir in Jammu yesterday to request their support #2014. Assured them of my continued efforts to improve the security environment in the Valley so that they can consider returning to their homes,” Omar wrote on microblogging site Twitter. The Chief Minister further wrote: “Reminded them of @JKPDP opposition to improving conditions of camps in Jammu during the PM’s roundtable conferences. Still remember Mehbooba Mufti of @JKPDP telling @PMOIndia that if condition of camps is improved, Pandits won’t return to the Valley.” “Thankfully @PMOIndia ignored this terrible piece of advice from Ms Mufti and Jagti is the result of that. Now, we want to see return start.” Yesterday, the Chief Minister, while addressing a gathering of the National Conference’s Minority Cell, had targeted the PDP over the issue, saying “the PDP president 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 had said such a “sadistic approach” reflected the PDP’s mindset towards the people whom they wanted to suffer so that their political enterprise kept running. |
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Poonch residents repose faith in Yash Pal
Poonch, April 7 Being a veteran politician from Poonch, Sharma had contested Assembly elections from there a number of times. However, he has been contesting the Lok Sabha elections for the first time. Kailash Sharma, a resident of Purani Poonch, said, “We feel proud that a prominent leader of the PDP, who resides in our mohalla, is contesting from the Jammu-Poonch seat and we are hopeful that he will win”. "He is an honest candidate with a vast experience in politics. If he wins, he will definitely raise the issues of the common man of the state in the Parliament,”
he said. Sudarshan, an academician, said, "He has always been accessible to people and raised genuine issues before the authorities concerned”. Neetan Sudan, a resident, said, “He is known as Sher-e-Poonch and all sections of society give him due respect, but he chose a wrong party. I think people will not vote for him as I feel the PDP never concentrated on the issues of the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch”. Randhir Singh, another resident, said, “No doubt he deserves victory, I think this time the Modi wave may cause his defeat in the election. Otherwise he is the most deserving and senior candidate from the Jammu-Poonch seat". |
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Kejriwal may address rally in Srinagar by mid-April
Srinagar, April 7 “Arvind is expected to be in Kashmir before Srinagar goes to the parliamentary polls on April 30. There have been prior discussions among party higher ups on holding a workers’ gathering/public rally in Srinagar by the senior leader,” said Raja who filed his nomination papers today at the District Election Office, Srinagar. AAP sources said senior leader Manish Sisodia was also keen on addressing a rally in the Valley. Raja declared his assets worth Rs 7 lakh, including a bank deposit of Rs 5 lakh, gold jewellery and a Maruti Alto car. He was accompanied by dozens of AAP workers who raised the slogan, “is baar chalegi jhaadoo”. AAP’s election manifesto includes resting the ownership of natural resources with the state and fighting corruption in the bureaucratic circles. Raja have termed the steps legendary. He hit out at the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation, BSNL and Independent Power Producers for allegedly earning huge revenue from J&K but performing dismally. |
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In Kishenpur village, it’s a battle between local MLA and MP
Kishenpur (Nagrota), April 7 Kishenpur, 68 km from the winter capital of the state, is the native village of BJP nominee for Jammu-Poonch Lok Sabha seat and MLA from Nagrota Assembly segment Jugal Kishore Sharma. He won from the Assembly seat in 2002 and 2008. The Congress, which is contesting the General Election in alliance with the National Conference, has fielded two-time winner of Jammu-Poonch parliamentary seat Madan Lal Sharma against the BJP candidate. He won from the seat in 2004 and 2004 parliamentary elections. The area is the stronghold of the BJP but local people say they have been “ignored” on all fronts as they represented by an opposition MLA in the state Assembly. They have strong resentment against the ruling dispensation headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for “discriminating” with their area on “political considerations”. “The nomination of Jugal Kishore Sharma for the Lok Sabha seat has rekindled hopes of getting a better treatment if he gets elected. We are sure that he will win the seat comfortably in view of the strong anti-incumbency factor against sitting MP Madan Lal Sharma and the 'Modi wave' in the country. The sitting MP has never bothered to take care of our village and he seldom visited the area in the past 10 years,” Uttam Singh, a resident of Bhatyari village. “Jugal Kishore Sharma has always voiced against injustice meted out to our areas. Despite being part of the Opposition, he has facilitated new bridges and roads, better drinking water facilities and a degree college to Jandrah village. The party recognised his hard work and honesty by appointing him the state president in December 2012. People will definitely do justice to him by voting him to power,” he said. Hari Om, a youth of Jakhyari village in Nagrota Assembly segment, however, rated Sharma among “poor performers” and said he had failed to utilise almost 12 years of his term as MLA for the welfare of the constituency. “Neither the MP nor the MLA has done anything for the betterment of youth in this remote and backward segment. The MLA had a better opportunity of raising our issues in the Assembly but he failed to do so. Both the leaders are visiting us now but the question is where were they for the past five to six years,” he said. “This is for the first time that a villager from Nagrota constituency has been nominated for the Lok Sabha seat by a national political party. We have started a door-to-door campaign and we are getting a good response,” said Ganesh Kumar, Jugal Kishore Sharma's brother. Rakesh Singh, a resident of Jandrah, said, “Poor infrastructure in education and health sectors, dusty roads, no economic growth in the area and backwardness of our area speak volumes about the failure of both the MLA and the MP.” |
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Untimely rain adds to farmers’ worries
Jammu, April 7 In most parts of the region, wheat crop, which was ripening fast, has flattened to a large extent due to downpour and strong winds causing heavy losses to its growers. “We had grown wheat crop over three acres. The crop was due for harvest from the next week onwards, but it has suffered extensive damage in our area due to strong winds. We are now forced to collect damaged crop for fodder to animals,” Anmolkh Singh, a farmer of Makhanpur village of RS Pura sub-division said. Dhani Ram, a farmer of Slay village of Dansal block said, “We were expecting a good yield of wheat this year, but the inclement weather is set to play spoilsport for us. The entire wheat crop has flattened due to downpour for the last one week. Farmers have already suffered a partial loss and if the weather conditions do not improve, it may lead to a colossal affect”. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Jammu had received more than 15 mm rainfall since April 1 and the weather conditions will start improving from tomorrow. Tajinder Singh, president, J&K Kissan Council, said the harvesting of wheat crop was set to be delayed due to unseasonal rains. “The wheat crop may suffer heavy loss in view of the prevailing conditions. Besides, all vegetable crops of summer season have already suffered heavy loss. The government should start weather-base insurance of every crop,” he said. “The wheat crop in western Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh has been affected. The weather is clear now. If the rainfall continues, the damage will be more. Farmers and planners are desperately looking for sunshine,” BC Sharma, chief scientist, Agro-Meteorology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Jammu, said. He said the maturity of wheat crop had been delayed due to low temperature and incessant rains in the Jammu region. “In March, the average rainfall is 52 mm, but this time it was 90 mm. The present weather conditions are due to the extension of western disturbances, which resulted into delay in maturity of wheat crop. In low lying areas, we have issued an advisory to the farmers that they should not allow water to stagnate in their fields as it may damage their crops,” he said. Dr Sonam Lotus, IMD director, J&K, said weather conditions would start improving from tomorrow. “The weather will remain cloudy, but will start improving from tomorrow onwards. We don’t forecast any rainfall till this weekend,” he said. |
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Decrease in rainfall likely over next 4 days: Met Dept
Srinagar, April 7 Other parts of the Kashmir valley, too, received rainfall. The state weather department stated that a decrease in downpour was likely from tomorrow. Talking about the overnight rainfall, the state Meteorological Department said the city had received 38.7 mm of rainfall till this morning. During the day, the city received another 8.4 mm of rainfall. The overnight temperature in the city dropped
to a low of 6.4 degrees Celsius, the department said. The department said that light to moderate
rain and thundershowers would occur at a few places in the state during the next
24 hours ending Tuesday morning. The Meteorological Department said there was a possibility of decrease in precipitation during the next four days (April 9-12). |
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Guv extends Ram Navami greetings
Jammu, April 7 In his message of felicitations, the Governor said, “The celebrations of festivals, which are an important part of our glorious history, strengthen communal harmony and brotherhood and reinvigorate the secular ethos”. The Governor prayed for the wellbeing of the people of the state. |
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Human rights groups ‘question’ arms seizure in Kupwara village
Srinagar, April 7 The Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of Civil Societies and the Support Group for Justice for Kunan Poshpora Survivors said the “explosion and the threat of further searches is clearly an act of intimidation” against the villagers of Kunan and Poshpora. “Around 8.45 am today, there was an explosion at Kunan village in Kupwara. The explosion was carried out by personnel of the Rashtriya Rifles and 160 Territorial Army, Hiri camp. They had told the villagers that it was an old mine that had to be exploded,” the two HR groups said in a joint statement. “Further, they (Army) declared that arms and ammunition were recovered from near to the blast site. The recovery was done with no independent or local witnesses,” the groups said, adding that sarpanch of Kunan Abdul Samad Dar questioned the Army personnel about the matter. “He (Kunan sarpanch) was told that the army had received information about the presence of arms and ammunition in Kunan village and that searches would be conducted in the village in the coming days,” the HR groups said while claiming that on April 5, Army personnel from the Hiri camp were at the same location shooting a video, which appeared like a reconnaissance. “For three days, prior to 5 April, there was unusual movement of the same Army personnel at this location. The explosion and the threat of further searches is clearly an act of intimidation against the villagers of Kunan and Poshpora and all those associated with the struggle against impunity of the Army,” the HR groups claimed. The Village Committee of Kunan Poshpora, fighting the “mass” rape and torture case of February 1991, has approached the Trehgam police station for filing an FIR in this regard, the human rights groups further said. What the Army says... In a statement issued today, Srinagar-based Defence PRO NN Joshi said: “A patrol of a Territorial Army unit while crossing a nullah in the general area of Trehgam chanced upon a catch, subsequent search of which resulted in recovery of pistols and grenades.” “The troops of a TA unit located in Kupwara district were patrolling as part of area domination in Trehgam. At 7.30 am today, while the patrol was crossing Kahmil Nullah in Poshpora, the troops observed a suspicious-looking sack. On searching the sack, troops recovered six pistols, eight UBGL and one hand grenade,” he said. “The Chinar Corps (15 Corps) Commander has complimented the alertness of troops who braving inclement weather unearthed the weapons and grenades, thereby denying their use by inimical elements,” the PRO said. However, the statement didn’t mention about the mine blast, the human rights groups claimed. |
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tribune
impact
Srinagar, April 7 Taking suo motu cognisance of a news report published by The Tribune in its edition dated April 5, 2014, the rights' commission has directed the Commissioner Secretary (Health and Medical Education) J&K, and Director Health (Kashmir) to submit their factual reports in the matter by May 12, the next date of hearing into the matter. "The Tribune in its Kashmir edition dated April 5, 2014 has carried a news report under the headline 'Staff crunch cripples health services in north Kashmir'. Giving details, the news report has carried facts and figures regarding the shortage of doctors, paramedical and other staff in the District Hospital (Baramulla), sub-district hospitals, primary health centres (PHCs) and other health care units in the district," the SHRC said in its orders passed today, while taking cognisance of the news report. "The shortage of doctors and paramedical staff is a big compromise with the lives of patients who are being exposed to imminent medical threats and risks due to the unavailability of the services of specialist doctor(s), which directly affects the complete health care system in a hospital and attracts the provisions of human rights of a patient," a single Bench of the SHRC, comprising acting Chairman Rafiq Fida, observed in its orders passed today, while adding that "a proper health care system must assume a priority in a civilised society". Rafiq Fida in his orders said the facts and figures, as reported in the news item, "prima facie speak volumes" of how far the health care units in North Kashmir face acute shortage of doctors, specialist doctors, and other paramedical staff and "make out a case of human rights violations". It said, "Many patients die due to certain faults and flaws in our hospitals. The non-availability of doctors (specialists and surgeons) is surely one among the many factors." "The news report prima facie makes out a case of human rights violations. Therefore, taking suo moto cognisance in the matter, office is directed to register this note and the news report of daily The Tribune dated April 05, 2014, which shall form part of this order, as a complaint," the SHRC said in its orders while issuing notices to the Commissioner Secretary, Health and Medical Education Department, J&K, and Director, Health and Services Kashmir. They "be supplied with copies of this order and news report and directed to submit their detailed factual reports" in the matter, the SHRC said in its orders while fixing the matter for further hearing on May 12.
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Portion of bridge collapses on Lolab-Kupwara road
Kupwara April 7 Two JCB machines were immediately pressed into service to divert the flow of water in the Lolab nullah. The bridge stands erected on fast flowing nullah for over past two decades. Passengers suffered a lot of inconvenience due to blockade of road for hours. “Since morning we are waiting for vehicles to move ahead, but it seems that the repair work may take enough time. Children are also stranded due to the blockade of the road,” said Feroz Ahmad, a stranded passenger from Sogam. Residents of Khumriyal alleged that a portion of the bridge was damaged due to substandard material used in its construction. “The authorities should take action against the department and contractor responsible for the construction of the bridge,” said Javid Ahmad Malik, a local resident. “Had the portion of bridge collapsed during night hours, it could have proved disastrous as the Lolab-Kupwara road witnesses heavy traffic movement,” he added. Itrat Hussian Rafique, Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara, said, “Since morning we are trying to divert the flow of water and restore the traffic on the bridge. The Army is also making efforts to restore the traffic”. |
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2 injured in shell explosion
Jammu, April 7 An officer of the Bhatindi police post said the two children had found an old shell from a nearby jungle. They sustained injuries when it exploded, said the officer. He said the children were rushed to the Government Medical College and Hospital where their condition was stated to be stable. The injured have been identified as Saddam Hussain and Abdul Kamal, sons of Mohammed Nizammudin, a native of Bihar, who worked as a mason here. Sources said the children were trying to extract some metal by cutting it with the help of a tile cutting machine at their house when it exploded causing splinter injuries to them.
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Sealing of 41 buildings complete in Katra
Katra, April 7 Meanwhile, sealing of another 17 buildings is being completed by the Forests Department. The District Magistrate constituted three different teams for sealing of these buildings constructed in violation of the master plan. The Reasi tehsildar has been directed to seal such buildings which are in violation of the Agrarian Reforms Act. A team headed by the chief executive officer, Katra Development Authority, Rajinder Singh; SDPO, Katra; and Executive Magistrate Gian Chand completed the sealing of 13 buildings in a two day-long operation. Executive officer Municipal Committee, Ravi Sharma and Executive Magistrate Ram Lal with police assistance sealed 23 illegal buildings in Katra town. Five buildings were sealed earlier by a joint team of the Katra Development Authority and the Municipal Committee. Meanwhile, the Forest Department has also initiated sealing process on the Katra road for sealing 17 illegal structures constructed on forest land along the highway. The District Magistrate has also directed the Border Roads Organisation to remove all illegal structures, hoardings and buildings raised on the road acquired for the construction of the road. The organisation has been directed to submit compliance report within one week. A Division Bench of the high court has recently directed the Deputy Commissioner to seal all these buildings and submit compliance report before the next date of hearing, which is to be furnished before the court on April 9. |
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Guv condoles Kitchloo’s mother’s death
Jammu, April 7 In a message of condolence, the Governor has expressed sympathy
with Kitchloo and his family and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.
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Sewage treatment row may hit Kashmir's tourist season
Srinagar, April 7 As the hoteliers are already up in arms over the State Pollution Board directive following court orders that all hotels having more than 19 rooms should be connected to STPs, they claim that the authorities were in the process of suspending operations of more hotels in the Valley, which would hit the sector hard. Faiz Bakshi, who heads the coordination committee of several hoteliers’ associations, said it would have ‘catastrophic’ effects on the tourism season. “Several hotels are already non-functional and suspending commercial operations of 230 more hotels not having STPs will be catastrophic for the industry,” he said. Bakshi said the Valley’s entire tourism industry was on tenterhooks as tourists had already started making bookings. Out of around 50,000 beds available in the Valley, 32,000 are in the summer capital and the fears of the stakeholders are not unfounded as the directive on STPs will hit a major percentage of hotels. “In Srinagar, there are 840 hotels and guest houses with a capacity of around 32,000 beds. However, only 124 are connected to STPs and any such step (action against hotels) will be disastrous not only for the tourist trade but for more than 3,50,000 persons employed by the industry,” Bakshi said as the hoteliers have been demanding setting up of common STPs by the government. Pahalgam has got a capacity of 6,000 beds while ski resort Gulmarg has 1,500 beds. Bakshi said in Pahalgam only 3,000 beds were connected to STPs and around 300 to 400 in Gulmarg. The Valley’s tourism sector is also miffed as the STP directive has not been extended to Jammu and Ladakh. “Why isn’t the law being made applicable in the entire state. Nobody is telling hoteliers in Katra to install STPs where lakhs of pilgrims visit every year,” said Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant Association (KHARA) president Showkat Chowdhary. On the other hand, the authorities are refusing to comment on the matter, saying that the matter was sub judice. However, a senior official of the Tourism Department said in case problems arose next month, they would take adequate steps. “The maximum rush is witnessed between May 10 and June 10. In case a problem arises during that time, we will make available around 2,000 beds of the JKTDC. We can also set up camping facilities and we have already initiated the process of turning homes into guest houses,” he said. |
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Mansar Lake cries for attention
Samba, April 7 The tall claims made by the state government to develop tourist spots in the Jammu region have fallen flat, as the lake, which is a major attraction for tourists and pilgrims, has been the worst sufferer due to the step-motherly treatment of the authorities concerned. The area is regularly thronged by a large number of devotees both from within and outside the state, but the place is losing its significance gradually. The condition of roads, which connects the area with different parts of the state is pitiable. This is the main reason that keeps tourists away. Broken roads pose harm to the entire tourism potential in the region. Locals said the decrease in the water level of the lake is one of the major concerns. They added that the lawns were also in bad condition as these are filled with garbage. The government had appointed several employees to look after them, but it seems nobody cares to maintain them. Locals said an old fort in Mansar also cries for attention. People said the newly constructed pucca path around the lake has also been damaged. Source said the government plans to formulate comprehensive conservation projects for Mansar Lake with a special focus on the restoration of habitats and expansion of the green cover in the surrounding areas of the two prestigious water bodies. “The government has sanctioned a huge amount of money for the project, but nothing has been done in this regard so far," a source said. He added that the Surinsar-Mansar Development Authority (SMDA), which was set up by the government, lacks technical expertise. “No environment engineers, wetland conservation experts or other technical experts required for the purpose have been deployed here,” he said. “The government is instead focusing on constructing pucca footpaths or developing parks,” he added. The lake, situated 40 km south to Udhampur town on the Udhampur-Samba road, is also linked with Samba city by a 22-km road. The stretch from Samba to Mansar up to Battal Morh is in a bad shape and full of potholes, boulders and dirt. It has been dug at several places and has not been blacktopped for the past several years. Migratory birds, tortoise and fish of different species have their habitats near Mansar, which also houses a wildlife sanctuary, where spotted deer, neelgai, besides other water birds such as cranes and ducks could be seen. "Poor road network is hindering the free influx of tourists," an employee of the Tourism Department said, adding that only urgent repair could put an end to travelling woes. "Transporters face a huge loss, as their vehicles develop unwanted problems due to the deplorable condition of roads," a local said. DK Rampaul, Executive Engineer R&B, Samba, said: “Rs 33 crore is required for the construction of the road, the funds for which are to be received from the Central Road Fund. The road is a substitute route to Udhampur which should be declared as the national highway.” |
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Nothing organised about Archives Dept, rue researchers
Srinagar, April 7 “After entering the gate, there are no written instructions or guides who can help us find a particular category of archives,” said a research scholar. Researchers said the building had an unkempt look, both from outside and inside. The walls have flakes of paint coming out and the stairs, too, are “risky”, they said. “My research is going very slow as I cannot find appropriate data easily. I have to do everything on my own. There is hardly anyone to guide us,” said another research scholar. Another scholar said she had to complete her research quickly but she was not able to access the required data as everything was “unorganized” and “un-indexed”. “You have to be very patient. The staffers try to help but because the system here is so unorganised that there is little they can do. Many of the staffers are not able to answer their queries. It seems they themselves have little knowledge about the archives in the department,” she said. “The purpose of the Department of Archives is to make the job of a researcher easier but it is the opposite here,” said a student working on a history-related project. Although there is enough data on history, researchers said the authorities had been negligent in digitising the records. “Researchers can find information on Kashmir’s social, political, cultural economic and educational history. The authorities are digitising the data but it is not clear how far the project will go. Let us hope for the sake of preserving Kashmiri history that the archives are on a par with those in other parts of the world,” said a historian, who often visits the department. The researchers said there was a lot of data about the Maharaja’s time till the 1970s on social, political, economic and cultural history and the role of the state in different eras. “Unfortunately, most of the files aren’t organised properly. Even if they are catalogued, they are not of much help. The archives would be more easy to access if they were arranged according to time,” said a researcher. When questioned about the state of affairs at the department, its Director, Nasreen Khan, said she had joined recently and didn’t have much information about the condition of the state’s archives in the Civil Secretariat. “I will look into the matter. I was in Jammu earlier and so, I do not have much information about the situation. I will make sure that everything is right,” she said. |
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Campus politics gathers steam
Srinagar, April 7 KUSU was banned by the management of University of Kashmir in 2009, following allegations against union members of triggering protests on
the campus over the Shopian double rape and murder case. The KUSU office was vandalised overnight and the then the management banned student activism on the campus by
mainstream as well as separatist political organisations. KU Vice Chancellor Talat Ahmad had earlier told The Tribune that he didn't have any problem with student unions on the campus but the atmosphere has to be peaceful enough to conduct students elections. Meanwhile, KUSU today in its official statement said it was an autonomous organisation without any affiliation with any groups or organisations. “The membership details in KUSU have already been laid down in our clauses. We don't serve any political agenda,” KUSU stated. For the past few days, the youth wings of the NC, PDP and the Peoples Conference have been trying to gather support of students from colleges, universities by organising "student outreach programmes". The J&K National Conference's youth wing today held a roadshow from Gupkar road in
Srinagar to Hazratbal when NC patron and Srinagar’s parliamentary candidate Farooq Abdullah was filing his nomination papers. The PDP, on the
other hand, has assigned the work of youth campaigning to coordinators in various educational institutes. |
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Two-day conference on maxillofacial deformities at SKIMS from April 10
Srinagar, April 7 SKIMS Director Dr Showkat A Zargar said it was the first such international conference/live workshop on maxillofacial deformities in the state conducted by the SKIMS Medical College. "The conference and live operative workshop will be attended by world famous surgeons, who will operate patients with such deformities,” he said. Such programmes are
of great importance as some patients are benefited and the faculty learns from interaction and shared experiences," he said. Apart from doctors
from India, faculty from the UK, the USA, Germany, Spain, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Nepal will participate in the conference. Dr Mohammad Shakeel, Head of Department, Maxillofacial Surgery and Orthodontics, said cranio-maxillofacial surgery deals with correction and reconstruction of congenital and acquired deformities of the skull, face, jaw bones, muscle and teeth. "It also includes treatment of complex soft tissue problems, vascular malformations, facial tumors, Bell's Palsy and severe facial scarring. It also deals with jaw tumours, oral cancers and facial fractures." he said. |
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Despite ban, sale of Russian poplars goes on unabated
Srinagar, April 7 The ban on sale and plantation of Russian poplars in Srinagar was implemented by the district administration in May 2013. The administration had also asked for a time-bound report from experts to form mechanism for uprooting poplars to prevent
pollen allergy. With the arrival of spring, hundreds of saplings are being sold illegally at markets in Lal Chowk, Parimpora and Batamaloo. Local residents alleged that the saplings were not only being sold, they were been given off at high prices. “Though the sale of Russian poplars has been banned, I see hawkers selling them everyday. When any inspection or police team comes, these hawkers hide them immediately,” said a resident of Batamaloo, Srinagar, which with a crowded market facilitates a conducive environment for the sale. With the onset of summer, occurrence of pollen allergy is a persistent irritant for people, especially children. In the view of health hazards due to Russian poplars, the District Magistrate under Section 133 had banned its fresh plantation in the summer capital. Doctors say the symptoms of pollen allergy include running and
itchy nose, frequent sneezing, eye and throat infection and temporary loss of smell. The cause of concern for experts is that over
20,000 poplar saplings have already been sold in Srinagar. On the instructions of District Magistrate Farooq Ahmed Shah, inspection teams were constituted to ensure that the ban on the sale and plantation of Russian poplars was implemented well. The concerned squads had been asked to keep a vigil in their respective areas. The administration has started a helpline, 2452182, on which people can voice their grievances with regard to the
sale or plantation of Russian poplars. |
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Navreh to end with nightlong havan
Srinagar, April 7 "Navreh is our New Year's Day. We hold pooja during the first eight days of the month and we also do not eat meat, onion and tomato during the period. On the eight night, we
perform havan that concludes on the ninth day," Hindu Welfare Society, Kashmir, spokesman Chunni Lal said. He said the havan would be held at Shri Ramji Mandir at the Barbar Shah area of the city. He said the festival, unlike in other parts of the country, is celebrated in a simple manner in the Valley
and there are no loud celebrations. Pandits also sow barley plants at their households that
are watered with milk during Navreh. Ram Navmi will be celebrated with fervour tomorrow. Besides Barbar Shah, a function will also be
held at the Shuryar Shiv Mandir in the Sonwar area.
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School timings changed
Srinagar, April 7 The schools are currently following the 10 am-4 pm timings. “The instructions must be adhered to strictly by all the concerned institutions without any violations,” an official handout of
the Department of School Education, Kashmir, stated. — TNS
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Lack of parking lot leads to chaos at Super-Speciality Hospital
Jammu, April 7 The Super-Speciality Hospital is one of the prestigious Centrally sponsored project, under which two such modern hospitals were sanctioned for Jammu and Srinagar to provide modern medical facilities to residents. Inside the hospital, there is small space for vehicles, but with hundreds of people daily visiting the institute, it is proving inadequate for the visitors. Further failure of the civic bodies in creating modern parking places in the city has led to further problems. With nearly 5 lakh vehicles on roads and there is a great need for creating modern parking places in the city. “There is a lot of open space in the hospital and the government should consider building multi-storeyed parking building at the site. Otherwise in the coming years, it will create a lot of problems for the people. I fail to understand, when the building was designed, why the parking space was not incorporated,” said Mayank Sharma, an attendant of a patient. As per the data, there are nine parking lots in Jammu under the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) with capacity to hold 1,200 cars and 500 two-wheelers, while the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) has created a dozen more parking lots mostly by lending roadsides to private persons. “Look at the chaos outside cinema halls and malls in the city, people fight for space to park their four and two-wheelers. The condition is worst outside prominent eateries. At many places drivers have created their own unauthorised parkings,” said Arjun Choudhary, a businessman. In the ever-bustling areas in the old city, including Jain Bazar, Panjtirthi, Parade Shalamar, Purani Mandi, Raghunath Bazar, BC Road, High Court Road and Canal Road, it is an arduous task for pedestrians to walk through these areas where honking and screeching of vehicles are generally witnessed. |
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Ram Navami procession to start from Raghunath temple today
Jammu, April 7 Addressing a press conference, Sanatam Dharam Sabha president Jagdish Dogra said the procession would start from Parade Ground and after
passing through various parts of the city would culminate at Raghunath Mandir. He said the Ram Navami procession would pass through Residency Road, Rajinder Bazaar, Kanak Mandi, City Chowk, Old Hospital Road, Purani Mandi and Moti Bazaar. Dogra urged people to cast their vote for the
right candidate who would work for the development of the country and greater integration of Jammu
and Kashmir with rest of the country. |
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Phone security application ‘Smart 24x7’ a failure in Jammu
Jammu, April 7 The J&K Police launched the android-based application, "Smart 24x7", on March 20, which would help the crime victims at the time of incident to inform the police. But the response of the application was nil in the last 15 days as the application fails to provide verification code to the users, which is mandatory to activate the services. Anjali Gupta, a college student said, "When I read about this application in the newspaper, I downloaded it on my mobile device, It ask for a verification code, which did't came in my message inbox till date." "Without the verification code the application is useless for anyone. Some of my friends have also tried, but faced the same problem," she added. Yogesh Sharma, another student of Jammu University, said, "It seems like a useful application, especially for women, but due to lack of connectivity and bad server of the application it has been rendered useless for the people
of Jammu." "The company should do a proper reece before launching this kind of application, as it is for the safety of the people," he added. The Smart 24x7 Response Services, is a Gurgaon based software company, which installed a response mechanism for responding to emergency calls, particularly by women, children and old people. The application is known as Smart 24x7 and can be downloaded free on any smart phone powered by android, IOS, Blackberry or Windows. This application connects the user to police agencies, ambulance and fire services in case of any emergency. This was a first-ever software-based initiative by the J&K Police to help women, children and senior citizens in emergency apart for other response mechanisms ,ie by seeking police help in case of any panic situation/emergency arising out of crimes like nuisance, domestic violence, sexual harassment, theft etc. JS Johar, Superintendent of Police (SP), Police Control Room (PCR), said, "People are downloading the application, and we are continuously getting test calls from people, however no panic call has been received as yet." "If there is any problem in getting the verification code, people can contact our helpline 100 for assistance," he said. |
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State pollution-testing labs not recognised by Central Act
Jammu, April 7 Sources said most of the samples are sent to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), formally Regional Research Laboratory (RRL), Jammu, leading to delay in taking legal action against the violators. Under the Pollution Control Act, the SPCB is required to take samples randomly from any water body and same related to checking the air pollution, but due to lack of manpower and equipment the board is unable to take regular samples to prevent environmental pollution due to industrial and urban development activities, particularly in urban centres of the state. “The testing of emission and effluents before granting of consent for establishment of industry is done by laboratories located outside the state who had established collection centres in the state. It has left the board toothless”, said a official source. Officials said the water testing laboratory in Kashmir did not have the facility for analysis of heavy metals, pesticides, microbiology and bio-monitoring, while in Jammu out of 33 parameters required as per general standards for testing of environmental pollutants, only about 10 parameters were being tested. Though the state government had taken action against 688 privately owned stone crushers, but several of these big units, established by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and AFCONS, working on the four-laning of the Jammu-Srinagar highway, have not faced any scrutiny. When contacted, Chairman, SPCB, Arun Tikku said a modernisation plan had been formulated and new equipment was being procured for the labs. “There are some critical deficiencies, but they are being rectified with the help of the government and in coming months several key equipment will be procured,” he said. Surprisingly, the SPCB was constituted by the state government in 1986 as per the provisions of the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act-1974 and the Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act- 1981 and it is matter of concern that it still does not have required equipment. |
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‘Siachen Pioneers’ celebrate golden jubilee
Jammu, April 7 Present on the occasion was the previous Commodore Commandant M Bahadur (retd), who has a distinction of being part of the crew of the first-ever helicopter landing on the Siachen glacier, in a Chetak helicopter on September 20, 1978. 114 Helicopter Unit has been engaged in the service of “Operation Meghdoot” for over three decades now. It routinely involves landing at the highest helipads in the world, on Siachen glacier and flying the helicopters to the edge of its flight envelope over a very treacherous terrain marked by uncertain weather. For its courageous deeds, the unit has earned 62 gallantry/presidential awards that include four Vir Chakras, seven Shaurya Chakras, 27 Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry), 12 Vayu Sena Medals, five Yudh Seva Medals, three Vishisht Seva Medals and four Mention-in-Despatches. The Commanding Officer paid rich tribute to the unit martyrs who laid down their lives in the line of duty. During the function on April 5 he said, “They brought us glory and we should maintain the highest professional standards all the time, this would be the most fitting tribute to the unit martyrs”. Air Marshal BS Dhanoa, was the chief guest at the function. He inaugurated the new officers’ mess at the Air force Station,
Leh. |
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Autism awareness week starts with ‘Light it up blue’ drive
Jammu, April 7 The event was organised by the Nirvana Academy and Disabled Care Foundation in association with the Indian Red Cross Society, Jammu region. It was supported by the Paryas, Little Millennium Play Way School, KC Biscuits and Aarohi Kala Sangeet Vidhalya along with the eminent members of the civil society, who are working for the cause. The celebration with the children of the home was based on the theme of the campaign, including balloons, cupcakes, cookies, etc, all blue. During the celebration the cake was cut by special children along with Divisional Commissioner, Jammu,
Shantmanu. |
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Srinagar, April 7
Jammu, April 7
Jammu, April 7
