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Wild growth in city parks repel visitors
Work on Padshahi Bagh bridge going on at snail’s pace: Residents
Tosa Maidan Firing Range Row |
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IndiaVotes 2014
63 per cent polling stations sensitive, hypersensitive in north Kashmir
Security put on high alert ahead of elections
Voters wise enough to understand BJP’s communal agenda: Azad
Disappointed with manifesto, BJP’s contestant ‘pulls out’
Omar dismisses ‘Modi wave’ in J&K
11 more candidates file nomination for Srinagar
All-woman voter awareness teams target female population in Reasi
Government employees rush home to cast vote today
VHP demands Azam Khan’s arrest
JKLF’s poll boycott drive continues
Security tightened around DC office on last day of filing nomination papers
AAP vows to turn Srinagar into model city if voted to power
Bids to smuggle cattle foiled,
3 arrested
Rehris lead to traffic jams on busy roads as MC sleeps
Rally, debate organised to observe World Health Day
Waterlogging woes: SMC sets up helpline to register complaints
Variations found in estimates for construction of Maternity Hospital
Lecture on lesson planning for teachers held at Adarsh College
Governor tells farm universities to introduce job-oriented courses
NH to be open on both sides from April 10
Governor launches project to check landslides
Militants killed in Kupwara were active in district: Police
Two found dead near Sonamarg
Smugglers flee after attacking forest officials in Handwara
One killed, 17 hurt as bus rolls down gorge
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Wild growth in city parks repel visitors
Jammu, April 9 There is a massive growth of weeds and shrubs in the parks, which invite many animals and dangerous reptiles to the park. In some parks of the city grass has not been mowed for months. In addition to this, there are no swings or other rides for the children in some parks. Also, the people residing nearby have started using the parks as an area for drying their clothes in the sun. Certainly, there are some parks which are properly maintained and have lush green grass, which looks like carpet. There are parks which have been regularly looked after and have beautiful flowers and plants, but they are maintained and sponsored by private organisations. One can easily see a board of the private organisation maintaining the park outside these. However, the parks which are looked after by the Jammu Development Authority (JDA), Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) and Horticulture Department have turned into garbage dumps or have taken the worst form. “The place looks like a haunted jungle and calling it park will not be correct,” said a pedestrian passing by the park at Gandhi Nagar. Furthermore, wild growth of plants in public parks is preventing residents residing nearby from visiting them. Dhyan Chand, who is residing in the green belt area of Gandhi Nagar said, “Earlier, I used to take my grandchildren to the park for fresh air and fun, but now the fear restrains me. There may be snakes or other reptiles hiding in the overgrown plants, which may harm my children. So I have stopped going there now.” Clearly, people have now restricted their visits to the park, which is a matter of concern for the civic body. Moreover, security officials have allegedly encroached upon a part of the park by erecting tents subjecting the people to great inconvenience. Residents of the area suggest some proposals to the government so that the park should act as a meeting point for people. Manat Aggarwal of Gandhi Nagar said, “I feel shame when I look at these parks which are supposed to be created for public welfare. The parks are in an untidy condition. I request the authorities concerning to look after their maintenance. Plant some ornamental plants, trees and make it look like a park.” Asheena Choudhary from Mini Market, Gandhi Nagar, said, “The government should provide fountains, benches and swings for children. This will attract children and more people will come there.” |
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Work on Padshahi Bagh bridge going on at snail’s pace: Residents
Srinagar, April 9 A few years ago, the bridge that connected the area with the national highway was damaged due to movement of heavy vehicles. Though the construction of the new bridge opposite to the old bridge was started, the residents alleged that the authorities did not take into account that the area was low lying and increased the height of the bridge. "The height of this bridge is above normal and it will create problems for the movement of vehicles. The authorities failed to take the overall development of area into consideration," said Tariq Ahmed, a resident. Another group of residents said, "There is absence of drainage system in the area, which results into waterlogging mostly near houses surrounding the bridge due to the height of the bridge. "Even if this bridge is completed, we will not let it function till the drainage facilities are provided as it will damage our houses. The locality also lacks proper facilities and also fear of floods looms large during rain," the residents said. The residents added that the work on the construction of the bridge was going at snail's pace and it has already crossed the deadline. "I don't think we will get any benefit from this bridge," the locals said. The residents said with the problem in the height of the bridge and its construction, drainage system was the need of the hour. "In the absence of drainage network, rainwater often seeps into our houses. If the conditions don't improve, residential houses in our locality may collapse anytime. The area is facing official apathy," they said. “The height of the bridge is very high. It seems that the houses and shops around this bridge will have to be displaced to construct the approach road,” said a resident of the area. Residents of the area fear that due to “insecure” bunds near the bridge, their area may get submerged in water during floods. “The bund has been cut down and its capacity to withhold the pressure of the water has decreased near the bridge. There are high chances of floods in the area,” said an angry elderly. The construction of the bridge was started three years ago as an alternative to the old and damaged bride at a cost of Rs 1 crore, but the residents say the bridge has many problems. Despite repeated attempts, Chief Engineer, Roads and Bridges Department, Mushtaq Ahmad Lone could not be contacted for comment. |
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Tosa Maidan Firing Range Row
Srinagar, April 9 The separatist leader told reporters here that the shutdown was called to draw the attention of the world community to the “sensitive issue”. Mirwaiz threatened of a “people’s march” to the firing range and a “sustained agitation for demilitarisation” of populated areas of Kashmir, if the government extended the Tosa Maidan lease to the Army. He was, however, evasive when asked what if the government relocates the firing rage to some other area. The lease of the firing range expires on April 18 and villagers surrounding the area have been opposing its extension. They have also been demanding shifting of the firing range from the Tosa Maidan. “The meeting of Hurriyat today took stock of different issues, including the Tosa Maidan firing range. We are also in constant touch with the local villagers and today it was decided to launch a sustained campaign of information over the issue,” Mirwaiz told reporters after the after the meeting of the Hurriyat executive and general council members. He added the Hurriyat has constituted a committee to highlight the concerns of the villagers living in the vicinity of the firing range. Mirwaiz also contested the government records pertaining to the civilian casualties in the area due to the firing exercises undertaken by the Army and unexploded shells. “As per our estimates, 150 innocent people have been killed in the area due to firing exercises and the explosion of stray shells,” he claimed. Government records claim that 67 people have been killed due to the firing range. “Apart from being a constant threat to the lives of the local villagers, the firing range has also become an environmental hazard and has polluted the local water bodies and fresh water streams like Sukhnag Nullah,” Mirwaiz said. He added that if people don’t react at this stage then every place in Kashmir would be handed over to the Army. “Tosa Maidan firing range has huge ecological and environmental consequences. Therefore, we demand that populated areas in Kashmir be demilitarised and the influence of the Army in these areas be reduced,” Mirwaiz said. The contentious issue
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IndiaVotes 2014
Jammu, April 9 There are nine candidates of national and state parties and 10 Independents in the fray but the real fight is likely to be among sitting Lok Sabha member Madan Lal Sharma of the Congress, Jugal Kishore Sharma of the BJP and Yash Pal Sharma of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Before the beginning of the campaign, it was widely believed that the seat was going to witness a straight contest between the Congress and the BJP. But when the campaigning concluded on Monday, PDP candidate Yash Pal Sharma emerged as a strong candidate, thanks to the “loyalty for local candidate” factor. Being a native of Poonch district, Yash Pal has successfully played the “regional card” to consolidate his position among the Muslim-dominated twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri. Out of 18,48,154 voters, these two hilly districts, comprising seven Assembly segments, have more than 6.80 lakh voters. The PDP candidate has been concentrating on these 33 per cent voters. He has also been playing the refugee card to gain access to Jammu and Samba districts in the plains. The two national parties — the Congress and the BJP — are locked in a fierce electoral battle in the plains, comprising 13 Assembly segments. Riding the Modi wave, the BJP has gone all out to woo the Hindu-dominated districts of Jammu and Samba. These two districts consist of more than 60 per cent of the voters. The Congress, which has a strong base in both hilly areas and plains, had to revise its strategy after the emergence of the PDP in the hilly areas. The coalition, especially the Congress, has reason to take serious note of the emergence of the PDP in the Poonch-Rajouri belt because it was only due to this region that the party had a comfortable win in the 2009 Lok Sabha elections despite a strong wave in favour of the BJP due to the Amarnath land row controversy. In Poonch and Rajouri districts during the 2009 elections, Congress candidate Madan Lal Sharma had secured 1,56,709 votes while the BJP candidate had got 51,630 votes and the PDP managed 60,508 votes. The Congress had taken lead in all seven Assembly segments of this belt despite the fact that the PDP had two sitting MLAs in the region. The Congress had also taken lead in seven of the total 13 Assembly segments of the plains in 2009. But this time the Congress is banking on the hilly areas as the situation is different due to the Modi wave. During the last Lok Sabha elections, the total number of voters was 6,572,896 (3,421,708
male and 3,151,188 female). Out of them, only 2,605,966 (39.65%) had cast their ballots. Cong, BJP, PDP locked in fierce contest
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63 per cent polling stations sensitive, hypersensitive in north Kashmir
Baramulla, April 9 North Kashmir’s parliamentary constituency comprises three districts,
Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora. The constituency has 1,612 polling stations with 822 in
Baramulla, 263 in Bandipora and 527 in Kupwara. However, the authorities have declared 465 polling booths sensitive in
Baramulla, while 134 in Bandipora and 425 in Kupwara district hypersensitive. These polling booths have been declared sensitive and hypersensitive following apprehension of violence during polling in these areas. Official sources in the Police Department said categorisation of polling stations had been done on the basis of possibility of militant attacks, apprehension of clashes between rival groups and other law and order problems. The constituency is going for Lok Sabha polls on May 7, notification for which will be issued on April 12 and the last date for filing of nomination is April
19. Baramulla district has 5,65,897 total electorates of its seven Assembly constituencies, including
Baramulla, Sopore, Sangrama, Pattan, Uri, Rafiabad and Gulmarg. While Bandipora district has 2 lakh 10,000 electorates of its three Assembly constituencies, which include
Gurez, Sonawari and Bandipora. Kupwara district has 3 lakh 87,000 electorates in its five Assembly constituencies, which include
Karnah, Kupwara, Lolab, Handwara and Langate. District Election Officer, Farooq Ahmad Lone told The Tribune that categorisation was made of the basis of security and past election results. “As per guidelines of the Election Commission of India, we will depute micro observers and will do video recording of these polling booths in order to conduct smooth and fair elections,” Lone said and added that the administration was fully prepared for the upcoming parliamentary polls. Sensitive polling booths
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Security put on high alert ahead of elections
Jammu, April 9 However, security has been put on high alert as the Jammu-Poonch parliamentary constituency is going to the polls tomorrow. “After scanning the entire area in Muthi, which also has an Army camp, we called off the search operation late last night,” said Jammu Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Atul Goel. The SSP said the police control room received a call about the movement of two militants in the area. Acting upon the information, police teams were immediately dispatched to the area and a search operation was launched, he said, adding that it continued till midnight. “We could not find anything. The area has an Army camp and Army personnel were also present there,” said the Jammu SSP. In the wake of polling tomorrow for the Jammu-Poonch Lok Sabha seat and the March 28 terror attacks in Kathua, security has been put on high alert, Goel said. “With the elections gaining momentum, we anticipate spurt in terror-related activities,” said a top police source. Security has also been beefed up in and around the polling booths. Deputy Chief Electoral Officer RK Sangral said, “Polling staff and material, including electronic voting machines, have reached almost all polling booths. Police and paramilitary forces personnel have been deployed at the polling booths.” “Polling staff and material have reached booths in Jammu and Samba districts. Security personnel have been deployed at polling booths. However, in Poonch district, the polling staff has reached some of the booths while some will reach tonight,” said Sangral. Security personnel in Poonch district have been deployed at all booths, he said. The Jammu-Poonch Lok Sabha seat has over 18 lakh voters. It comprises the Samba, Vijaypur, Bishnah, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu East, Jammu West, RS Pura, Suchetgarh, Nagrota, Marh, Raipur Domana, Akhnoor, Chamb, Nowshera, Kalakote, Rajouri, Darhal, Surankote, Mendhar and Poonch-Haveli Assembly segments. This time, 2,271 polling stations, the highest so far, have been set up for the Jammu-Poonch Lok Sabha seat. While Jammu district has 1,153 polling stations, Rajouri has 499, Poonch 373 and Samba 246.
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Voters wise enough to understand BJP’s communal agenda: Azad
Doda, April 9 Terming the BJP candidate from Udhampur-Doda seat Jitendra Singh as “inexperienced”, Azad claimed that people were wise enough to understand the communal agenda of the saffron party. Talking to The Tribune during his campaign trail in the mountainous district, Azad, who is contesting the Lok Sabha elections for the first time in his native state, said he was getting overwhelming response from the people. “Wherever I am travelling, people are giving us rousing reception. It is not only the question of the Udhampur-Doda constituency as the Congress is getting a good response in the other two seats where the party is contesting as per agreement with the National Conference,” Azad said. Regarding claims by the BJP candidate that the announcement of a medical college for Doda district was an eyewash, Azad said, “A minister cannot announce anything until he gets approval from the Planning Commission, Finance Ministry and the Cabinet”. He said people came out in a large number to listen during roadshows at Doda on Tuesday, which showed that people were supporting the Congress. Terming the remarks of Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan on Kargil as shocking, Azad said Azam Khan had survived in the political arena on controversies and he could say anything anywhere. On the Supreme Court directing the state government to submit a report on Kishtwar riots, Azad said he was hopeful that the state government would take cognisance of this direction and suitable action should be taken. On statement by Hurriyat Conference leaders that they were looking for the BJP government to take the Kashmir issue to its logical conclusion, Azad said the BJP had once again raised the Ram Mandir issue and Article 370 in its election manifesto, which was “dangerous” for the country. “The BJP has a set agenda since 1947, only faces have changed but their ideologies and mentality remains the same. This is the biggest factor which has not allowed the BJP to come to power. They have the wrong perception that they can seek votes by playing communal politics, but I am proud that 95 per cent of the Hindus of the country are secular,” Azad said. He said, “Employment does not only mean providing government jobs, employment means creation of job avenues for youth.” |
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Disappointed with manifesto, BJP’s contestant ‘pulls out’
Srinagar, April 9 The party had earlier announced the name of city-based businessman Arif Majid Pampory (Raja) for Srinagar. Pampory, however, said he had resigned as he was disappointed by the BJP manifesto and its stand over Article 370. Talking to reporters, he said he would not compromise on Article 370, which grants special status to the state. “When Narendra Modi came to Jammu, he called for a debate over Article 370 but the manifesto disappointed me. As a Kashmiri, I will not compromise on Article 370,” he said. However, BJP Kashmir unit’s spokesman Altaf Thakur said the party decided to field Bhat as he was a better candidate. “We needed someone who would take on the likes of Farooq Abdullah,” Thakur told The Tribune. |
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Omar dismisses ‘Modi wave’ in J&K
Udhampur, April 9 “There is no Narendra Modi wave in Jammu and Kashmir. The National Conference-Congress alliance will sweep all six parliamentary seats in the state,” Omar said while addressing a series of roadshows at different places along the Jammu-Srinagar highway. The Chief Minister dismissed the “Modi wave” as hype created by the BJP and said it was nowhere visible on ground. “At least in Jammu and Kashmir there is no Modi wave. If there is any wave in Jammu and Kashmir it is the wave of the National Conference and the Congress,” Omar said while raising the poll pitch in support of the alliance candidate for the Udhampur-Doda seat and Union Health Minister Ghulan Nabi Azad. The NC working president asserted that the Modi hype would soon “deflate” and it would be the UPA, which would prevail ultimately. The Udhampur-Doda segment, which goes to polls on April 17, would witness a direct contest between Azad and BJP candidate Jitendra Singh. However, Omar said the BJP nominee was a new face in the politics and was nowhere on ground. He added that Azad was known for his work in the constituency and urged people to vote for the coalition candidate. Omar, who is also the working president of the NC, appealed people to strengthen the hands of parties, who have pledged to defend the secular ethos of the state and country in a battle against communal forces and divisive figures. The NC leader, on the occasion, also criticised the BJP manifesto and dismissed it as a mere poll plank. “These are only poll planks aimed at garnering votes,” Omar said, adding the BJP won’t do anything about the issues raised by it. Recounting the progress made by the state and the Centre under the UPA regime, the Chief Minister said: “Hydro power projects worth thousands of crores of rupees have been made functional, while number of such projects are in the process of completion and shall be made functional in the near future.” “Thousands of persons have been provided employment under the MGNREGA,” Omar said, adding that these were some pointers to the fact that the Congress at the Centre and the NC-Congress dispensation in the state have been consistently working for the overall development of Jammu and Kashmir. The NC leader further said the ruling dispensation led by his party had brought revolution in various sectors, including health, education, farming, road connectivity and industry. “Despite the progress made by the NC-Congress regime, there are some political parties that are hell-bent on diverting the attention of the people,” Omar said. He cautioned people not to fall prey to the propagandas of such parties. “They will destabilise the peace and prosperity,” the leader said. |
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PDP’s Karra files papers from Srinagar seat
Srinagar, April 9 Karra was accompanied by PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and several other party leaders to the office of the Returning officer. The PDP leader is in direct contest with Union Minister and National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah, who is seeking reelection from the constituency. Karra, 59, is known as the face of the PDP in Srinagar. A founder member of the party, Karra was elected from the Batamalloo constituency in October 2004. Mufti, meanwhile, told reporters that there was no question of abrogation of the Article 370. “The government needs to do more for Kashmir and abrogation of Article 370 is unquestionable,” Mufti said, while hoping that people would vote for his party candidates in the coming elections. The PDP patron also invoked Afzaf Guru and held coalition partners, the NC and the Congress, responsible for his execution. “When these two parties formed a coalition in 1987 it resulted in the introduction of gun in Kashmir. And now, this coalition was responsible for hanging Afzal Guru. I want to ask was there nobody to be hanged except for Afzal Guru?” Mufti said. He said the Chief Minister was “well aware” about the hanging of Guru. “How is it possible that a citizen of J&K is hanged and the Chief Minister did not know about it?” the PDP veteran asked. Mufti, meanwhile, welcomed the initiative of Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, wherein he had written an open letter to voters across the country to push for resolution of the Kashmir issue. “It can prove a big step forward. It has the potential of being the basis of a major political initiative,” he said. — TNS |
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11 more candidates file nomination for Srinagar
Srinagar, April 9 The total number of candidates for the Srinagar constituency has now gone up to 16. Those who filed their nominations today were Tariq Hamid Karra of the Peoples Democratic Party, Abdul Rashid Tantray of the Awami Ittehad Party, Mushtaq Shamim of the Akhil Bhartiya Muslim League, Fayaz Ahmad Bhat of the Bharatiya Janata Party and Mohammad Shafi Guroo of the Jai Prakash Janta Dal. Aga Syed Mohsin, Nisar Ahmad Ahanger, Riyaz Ahmad Wani, Mohammad Maqbool Malik, Chetan Sharma and Bashir Ahmad Reshi filed their nomination papers as Independent. The scrutiny of nomination papers is being held tomorrow while the date for withdrawal of the papers is April 12. The Srinagar constituency is going to the polls on April 30. — TNS |
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All-woman voter awareness teams target female population in Reasi
Katra, April 9 The all-woman voter awareness groups have been formed in Reasi by the social welfare and the health departments for creating voter awareness in regions, where the turnout was found to be less than 15% during the last Lok Sabha elections. Earlier, Reasi District Election Officer Shahid Iqbal reviewed the statistics of the voter turnout in the district during the last Lok Sabha election held in 2009. According to the data, during the previous elections, the district had 301 polling stations, but 14 of them had less than 25% voter turnout. The Reasi Assembly constituency saw less than 42% of its population coming forward to choose their candidate. Gool-Arnas and Gulabgarh are Muslim-dominated areas and the turnout of women voters was the least. Dheda-1 recorded the lowest female voter turnout - 4.02%, followed by Parthal 4.98%, Sarsote 5.52%, Majrakund 11.43%, Mamankote 6.85%, Chandyalkot 8.17% and Singlikote 7.55%. The district administration has deployed over 1,276 women for creating awareness in the district. |
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Government employees rush home to cast vote today
Jammu, April 9 These include both permanent and contractual employees. The government has declared a holiday for Jammu, Samba, Rajouri and Poonch districts which are part of the constituency and are going to the polls tomorrow. “I will be taking off from work to cast my vote in Jammu. Missing the chance to vote is not good,” said Ayesha Mahajan, contractual lecturer at Government Degree College Boys, Udhampur. Employees working with different organisations in far-flung areas are also ready to take a one-day leave to cast their vote. “Casting the vote is important. I am planning to leave early Thursday morning from Kastigarh so that I can cast my vote in Jammu,” said Jagdish Singh Jamwal, bank manager, J&K Bank, Kastigarh branch in Doda. The Chief Electoral Office of Jammu and Kashmir has taken many steps to improve voting percentage. “Employees working outside can take an off and it will be a paid holiday for them,” said Rashpal Singh, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer, Jammu and Kashmir. |
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VHP demands Azam Khan’s arrest
Jammu, April 9 “We strongly condemn the statement of SP leader Azam Khan, who has tried to create a divide in the Army. The statement is fraught with dangerous ramifications and he should immediately be booked under the NSA,” Ramakant Dubey, state president, VHP, said in a statement here. The VHP leader also urged the Uttar Pradesh government led by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav to immediately sack Azam Khan from the council of ministers as his remarks were aimed at sabotaging the integrity of the country. Khan had dragged the Kargil conflict into the ongoing high-voltage Lok Sabha campaign at an election rally in Ghaziabad yesterday inviting sharp reaction from various quarters. Former Army Chief General VK Singh had said it wasn’t any particular community, but ‘Indians’ who won the battle for the country. |
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JKLF’s poll boycott drive continues
Srinagar, April 9 They informed people about the “importance” of the poll boycott, the party said in a statement. The separatist party’s leaders and activists visited Mehjoor
Nagar, Kursu, Gadhanjipora and Zero Bridge localities of the city and apprised people about the importance of election boycott, the JKLF said in a statement. “Leaders distributed written material about the elections and met people individually and collectively,” the statement said. The JKLF members asked people to “keep vigil and understand the ill consequences of the elections held under the Indian constitution”. — TNS
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Security tightened around DC office on last day of filing nomination papers
Srinagar, April 9 People from different places who had come to lodge their civic problems were not allowed to enter the office. Officials said they had to beef up the security at the office due to the movement of VIPs, VVIPs inside the office for filing of the nomination papers. “As it was the last day of filing the nominations, there was a huge rush of candidates. Therefore, we had to put restriction on the entrance for the common masses,” said Srinagar Deputy Commissioner Farooq Ahmed Shah. He said people were allowed to come inside in the later part of the day. “The restrictions were only for today as a security measure,” the official added. People who were made to wait alleged that the officials should have issued a public notice in this regard as they had travelled long distances to meet the officials at the Deputy Commissioner’s office and register their complaints. The scrutiny of nomination papers will be done tomorrow. The last date for withdrawal of nominations is April 12. |
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AAP vows to turn Srinagar into model city if voted to power
Srinagar, April 9 AAP parliamentary candidate from Srinagar Raja Muzaffar Bhat said protection of heritage of the historic Srinagar city would be the topmost priority of the AAP as also the development of city infrastructure. He said the recent unexpected rainfall has exposed the tall claims of the state government especially on the city’s development front. “The fact is that the city turns into a pool after a brief spell of rainfall or snowfall. The rainwater chokes streets and drains. During winter, the electricity supply was withheld for days together,” Raja said. The AAP candidate said, “There has been blatant misuse of centrally sponsored scheme Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNURM) for the development of the city. I don’t understand if the authorities concerned dig roads for the construction of drains, why is this work not completed within stipulated time? And the drainage system completed is faulty and leads to waterlogging. If at all the funds have been spent, they have been spent in a wrong way,” he added. Raja said, “The hope of city residents has been dashed especially when they were promised the construction of the Jehangir Chowk-Rambagh flyover during the regime of the NC- Congress government. The flyover construction was one of the promises made when the National Conference asked for votes during the last Assembly elections, but the construction was delayed by four years. This is how the government has carried out the developmental work in the state.” |
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Bids to smuggle cattle foiled,
3 arrested
Jammu, April 9 Reports said on a tip-off a police party laid a naka on the national highway near Tikri in the wee hours and intercepted one Tata Mobile, bearing registration No JK 02 AW-9530, which was on its way from Jammu to Kashmir. During the search of the vehicle, three head of cattle were found. A bovine smuggler, Sanjeev Kumar, resident of Rathan, RS Pura, Jammu, was arrested on the spot and bovine animals rescued. The vehicle was impounded. A case under Section 188 of the RPC was registered at the Rehmbal police station. In another incident, a police party laid a naka on the national highway near Tikri and noticed two persons going with four head of cattle from Jammu towards Srinagar on foot and when the police party asked them to produce permission for taking these animals from Jammu to another place, they could not produced the same. The police party arrested both the smugglers, identified as Farooq Ahmed and Shabir Ahmed, both residents of Qazigund, Anantnag, and rescued the cattle. A case under Section 188 of the RPC was registered at the Rehmbal police station. |
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Rehris lead to traffic jams on busy roads as MC sleeps
Jammu, April 9 There are around 500 to 800 rehris in the city. These rehris cause traffic jams and sometimes even lead to accidents. "They cause hindrance in the smooth movement of vehicles on roads. Sometime they come in the middle of the road to attract customers," said Rajdeep, a resident of Nai Basti. A resident of Shastri Nagar, Surjit Singh, observe that rehris cause problem for pedestrians as footpaths in several areas of the city are occupied by vendors. The MC has not been able to take any action against these rehris' that are flourishing despite the knowledge of the officials of the Khilafwarzi Wing. According to sources, the traffic police had proposed the relocation of vendors from congested areas, but the vendors opposed the move apprehending loss in business. |
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Rally, debate organised to observe World Health Day
Jammu, April 9 The rally passed through the Mohan Lal Chowk, Dehichek village, Badrore village, etc. Students carried placards which depicted the theme for the day, ie "Small bite, big threat". The students also interacted with people in the villages and on the roadside and made them aware of the causes of the spread of dengue and malaria and insisted them to keep their surroundings clean. An on-the-spot demonstration for disposal of stagnant water was also demonstrated by NSS volunteers. Earlier, the rally was flagged off by Principal of the college Dr Usha Tickoo. The rally after passing through various areas culminated in the college. Meanwhile, the Vinayak Institute of Nursing and Paramedical, Kunjwani, also observed World Health Day on the campus. A debate competition was held under the supervision of Sameen Yousaf (coordinator), wherein Shazad, Sachan and Komal were declared first, second and third,
respectively. The chairman of the institute emphasised on the importance of World Health Day. Prominent citizens and guests from the medical fraternity were present on the occasion. A vote of thanks was presented by Sapna. |
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Waterlogging woes: SMC sets up helpline to register complaints
Srinagar, April 9 “The toll free number for city residents is 18001807038. People can also register complaints on landline number 0194-2474499. Two mobile numbers, 9419406470 and 9419747240, of senior officials can be approached in case of exigencies,” an official of the SMC said. Though the SMC has been undertaking dewatering exercises due to frequent spells of rain in the recent past, a few areas of the city are still jostling with waterlogging. The SMC is jointly
carrying out the task of draining out rainwater with the fire and emergency services. “The SMC has prioritised all those areas from where complaints of waterlogging have come. Major areas facing waterlogging have already been attended to,” said Commissioner of the municipal corporation GN Qasba. He said the SMC had put in place 75 pumping stations and water had been drained out of all catchment areas. “There is no waterlogging in areas where these pump stations are working. They function round the clock,” Qasba said. Toll-free numbers
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Variations found in estimates for construction of Maternity Hospital
Jammu, April 9 The new 200-bedded Maternity Hospital in Jammu is being constructed on a piece of land measuring 5 kanals and 15 marlas on the premises of the Government Hospital. The report claimed that the design of the Maternity Hospital building was prepared by Sanreen Designer Pvt Ltd, engaged by the J&K Project Construction Corporation (JKPCC). It added that the design was approved by the Union Government. “Later, the project was handed over to the J&K Housing Board and finally to the R&B Department. The R&B Department had conveyed to the Chief Engineer, R&B, Jammu, that the setting up of a new 200-bedded Maternity Hospital has been approved by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare at a cost of Rs 50 crore on the basis of a detailed project report (DPR) formulated by the JKPCC. “However, another striking feature to be noted here is that the JKPCC has prepared another estimate, which differs from the one prepared by the R&B Department. While comparing the abstracts of the estimates prepared by the JKPCC with those prepared by the R&B Department several variations were noted,” the physical verification report claimed. According to the report, the total construction area of all the seven floors in the estimates of the J&K Project Construction Corporation is 11,319 sq m (1,617 sqm/floor), but in the estimates of R&B Department this area is 11,441.68 (1,617 sq m/floor + 112.68 s,qm for two lift machine rooms). The Monitoring Cell report observed that the Road and Buildings Department could have reduced the cost of the project by Rs 253.55 lakhs (corporation fee + contingency) bringing the total cost down to Rs 4,546.39 crore, but it has added an amount of Rs 453.47 lakh to the project escalating the total cost to Rs 4,999.86 lakh. “It seems that the Road and Buildings Department intends to expend the entire amount of Rs 50 crore assured for the project by the Union Government by altering the estimates as per convenience, rather than restricting to the approved design and making judicious use of development funds,” the report said. The project
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Lecture on lesson planning for teachers held at Adarsh College
Jammu, April 9 Dr Rajinder Kaur, Assistant Professor in English, Government PG College of Education, Canal Road, Jammu, was the resource person. The programme began with the lighting of the traditional lamp by the dignitaries. College administrator Rahul Kapoor presented welcome address, wherein he highlighted the importance of such lectures for trainee teachers for imparting quality education to students. Rajinder Kaur delivered the lecture on the topic and gave her valuable guidelines regarding the necessity of planning a lesson for a trainee teacher and steps involved in planning a good lesson plan. She discussed different approaches and gave valuable tips regarding the preparation of an effective lesson plan. An interactive session was also organised wherein students and the teachers were involved in order to improve their knowledge. Poonam Chib, Principal of the college, presented a vote of thanks. |
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Governor tells farm universities to introduce job-oriented courses
Jammu, April 9 He said this while chairing the 11th council meeting of SKUAST at Raj Bhawan here today. Vohra said efforts must be made to ensure that no seat, in any discipline, remained vacant in the ensuing academic session. Keeping in view the decision of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research’s team for selecting sites for establishing Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), the Governor told SKUAST Vice Chancellor Pradeep K Sharma to follow up with all authorities for taking possession of land for the KVKs to be set up at Samba, Ramnagar (Udhampur district), and Ramban. He said KVKs were the nerve centres of transferring agricultural technologies to the farmers and thus were crucial for enhancing agri-productivity and production in the state. The Chancellor urged the VC to ensure optimum utilisation of infrastructure, manpower and other logistics and resources available with the farm universities. The VC was also told to focus on developing strong linkages between the two farm universities, line departments and extension agencies of the government. The Chancellor told Asgar Hassan Samoon, Commissioner, Agriculture Production Department, to formulate an action plan to increase the production of meat, poultry, fish and dairy products in the state. He also emphasised the importance of collecting data related to suitability and acceptance of new varieties of seeds at the micro-level and prioritise the value addition of the local agricultural products along with introduction of substantial agricultural brands in the market. Samoon urged the VC to see to it that the achievements of progressive farmers were documented and their success stories given wide publicity. The Chancellor observed that the Picanut Mission should be taken up on an extensive scale in the state under the Horticulture Technology Mission to benefit the farmers. He told the VCs of both universities to motivate the people towards community participation for eradication of lantana weed. The Chancellor told the vice chancellors of both universities to review the Statutes and list the provisions required to be amended. It was urged upon both universities to propose establishment of new schools and courses, preferably on a self-sustainable basis. |
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NH to be open on both sides from April 10
Jammu, April 9 However, keeping in view the ongoing work on the highway and damage to the road, people have been told to follow some advisories. All concerned have been told to avoid overloading, overspeeding, overtaking and stopping en route on the national highway. |
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Governor launches project to check landslides
Jammu, April 9 The first phase of the project is estimated to cost nearly Rs 12 crore and will be completed within a time-frame of 21 months. The Governor, who is also the Chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, launched the work on the project, close to the Battery Car Stand, near the cave shrine on the lower track. Giving details Dr Mandeep K Bhandari, Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, said the work on the project to ensure safety of the pilgrims was being executed in consultation with and under the supervision of Tehri Hydro Development Corporation India Limited (THDCIL), an undertaking of the Government of India and UP. He said the executing agency for the first phase of the project was a consortium of Geobrugg AG, Switzerland, and Pioneer Foundation Engineers, India. The Governor was briefed by Lawrence Zorde, CEO of Geobrugg AG, Switzerland, and Niraj Agrawal, Deputy General Manager, THDCIL, about the salient features of the project and the interventions which should be taken up as part of the project meant for the protection and treatment of slopes. The five sites to be treated in the first phase are located close to the Inderprastha View Point near Adhkuwari in the Shrine area to stabilise overhanging rock structures and three other sites are located on the Lower Track between Adhkuwari and the Shrine, near Panchhi Staff Colony and before the Battery Car Stand. The full project involves treatment of 24 landslide prone/falling stone sites along the entire tracks. This comprises interventions like installation of high energy absorption rock fall barriers, high tensile strength steel wire mesh, rolled cable net and concrete work, including cladding, drilling grouting, anchoring as well as other site specific treatments. The complete project would be implemented in a phased manner at an estimated cost of about Rs 45 crore. The CEO said the Shrine Board had engaged the THDCIL for undertaking all measures for scientifically studying and treating the vulnerable portions of the hill slopes along the track between Katra and the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. On the recommendations of the THDCIL, IIT-Kanpur had carried out the work of topography survey and the IIT-Roorkee had done the geological mapping and slope stability studies. He said the designing work for the second phase of the project was presently being undertaken for execution in the near future. HL Maini, member and technical consultant of the Shrine Board; Asif Gani Kazi, MD, Pioneer Foundation Engineers, India; and senior officials of the Shrine Board were present on the occasion.
RK Gupta is SASB CEO
Jammu:
Governor NN Vohra, who is also the chairman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, has appointed Rakesh Kumar Gupta as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Shrine Board. Gupta is the Principal Secretary to the Governor. He took over as the CEO of the Shrine Board today, relieving Navin K Choudhary who is proceeding on a Central deputation. — TNS Project details
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Militants killed in Kupwara were active in district: Police
Srinagar, April 9 Two men of the Special Operations Group of the state police and an Army officer were killed and seven others injured in the 17-hour gunfight in Kupwara which ended yesterday afternoon. The police said one of the militants was coordinating the infiltration of LeT militants from Kupwara district. “We are investigating whether the two slain militants were hiding in the area to receive a fresh militant group from across the border,” said a police officer. “The two militants were active in the area and were categorised,” he said. The police said they had identified the two militants. “The two have been identified as Hyder and Muzamil, alias Zulkafeel, both Pakistani nationals. The identification of the two was done after investigation,” said a senior police officer in north Kashmir. On Tuesday evening, Srinagar-based defence spokesman Lt Col NN Joshi said the two slain militants had been identified as Vilayat Khan, LeT divisional commander in Haphruda, and Abu Kasha. |
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Two found dead near Sonamarg
Srinagar, April 9 A senior police officer of Ganderbal district said the bodies of two men have been retrieved from different spots near the resort, 90 km from here. One of the dead has been identified as Mohammad Baqir, while the identity of the other has not been confirmed yet, the officer added. He, however, said both the victims were believed to be residents of remote Kargil district. The duo had started their journey on foot from Gumri, on the Ladakh side of Zojila, to Sonamarg. There is no habitation along the mountainous route and it remains buried under snow for nearly six months of the year. The Srinagar-Leh highway remains closed for the entire winter due to heavy snow around Zojila. The highway is opened only in May. The officer said the police launched an operation to locate the two men this morning after they were informed that no communication could be established with the duo after they left Gumri. He added that the cause of their death was being ascertained. “We have recovered two bodies, however, we are confirming whether they died due to hypothermia or came under an avalanche,” the officer said. The Kashmir region received unprecedented snowfall this winter, which triggered avalanches at different places and damaged hundreds of houses, resulting in the death of 17 people. |
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Smugglers flee after attacking forest officials in Handwara
Handwara, April 9 The accused fled after attacking the Block Forest Officer, Langate, Haji Mohammad Maqbool Hajam and daily wager Mohammad Shafi Hajam. The police have launched a manhunt to nab the culprits. The accused have been identified as Firdous Ahmad Rather, Riyaz Ahmad Sheikh, both residents of Shanu Muqam, and Abdul Ahad Malik of Mawar. The Block forest Officer said following specific information about transportation of illicit timber, he along with Mohammad Shafi laid a trap in Shanu village to nab the accused. “Around 11 pm we spotted the smugglers and despite few warnings they did not stop. They started hitting us with sticks and fled from the spot taking advantage of darkness. We recovered the illicit timber and confiscated three horses used for transportation,” the officer said. Mohammad Shafi, who sustained serious injuries in the incident, was undergoing treatment at District Hospital, Handwara. A case has been registered under the Forest Act in this regard in Kralgund police station. “In the past six months, 20 FIRs have been lodged against timber smugglers in different police stations of Handwara. I am hopeful police will arrest the accused soon,” said Divisional Forest Officer, Langate, Irfan Ali Shah. |
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One killed, 17 hurt as bus rolls down gorge
Rajouri, April 9 “The video coach (bus) was on way to Jammu. It skidded off the road and fell into a 30-foot-deep gorge as the driver couldn’t negotiate a sharp curve,” the police said. All the injured were rushed to District Hospital, Rajouri, it added. — OC
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The parks of Gandhi Nagar, which were lauded at sometime for their greenery and maintenance, are now being cursed by the residents due to their shabby condition.
Residents of Padshahi Bagh here are irked over the delay in the construction work of the bridge.
Srinagar, April 9
More than 18 lakh voters will decide the fate of 19 candidates contesting the parliamentary election for the prestigious
Jammu-Poonch Lok Sabha seat, which is going to the polls on April 10. There are nine candidates of national and state parties and 10 Independents in the fray but the real fight is likely to be among sitting Lok Sabha member Madan Lal Sharma of the Congress, Jugal Kishore Sharma of the BJP and Yash Pal Sharma of the Peoples Democratic Party
(PDP).
Srinagar, April 9
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has pledged to make Srinagar into a model city if the party is elected to the Lok
Sabha. AAP parliamentary candidate from Srinagar Raja Muzaffar Bhat said protection of heritage of the historic Srinagar city would be the topmost priority of the AAP as also the development of city infrastructure.
The Municipal Corporation (MC) seems to have turned a blind eye towards the nuisance created by rehris selling fruits and vegetables across the city. Their presence is not only leading to traffic chaos, but also causing hindrance in the movement of pedestrians.
The Chief Minister’s Monitoring Cell in its physical verification report (PVR) has pointed out several variations in the estimates prepared by the Road and Buildings (R&B) Department and the J&K Project Construction Corporation (JKPCC) for the construction of the 200-bedded Maternity Hospital at Gandhi Nagar in Jammu.
Governor NN Vohra, Chancellor of the Sher-i-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Jammu, emphasised the importance of reviewing all existing courses to introduce modified or new
courses.
As
a long-term measure to ensure against falling stones and landslides for the
safety of pilgrims, Governor NN Vohra launched work for the implementation of
the first phase of a project for the protection, treatment and stabilisation of
five of the most vulnerable sites between Katra and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi
Shrine.
