The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

	J-K records 68% polling Dinesh Manhotra Tribune News Service Jammu, April 10 The fate of 19 candidates for the Jammu-Poonch Lok Sabha seat was sealed in Phase 1 of polling in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. Chief Electoral Officer Umang Narula put the turnout at 68 per cent and said it was likely to go up as statistics from far-flung areas of Rajouri and Poonch districts were awaited. Narula said Jammu district polled 70 per cent vote, while the figure stood at close to 75 per cent for Samba district. He said polling in the state’s largest Lok Sabha constituency, which comprises 20 Assembly segments and has over 18 lakh voters, was peaceful. There was a clash between supporters of the regional Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and those of the National Conference outside a polling station in Gursai village in Mendhar area of Poonch district. Polling was largely peaceful at all other places in Jammu constituency. Narula, however, feigned ignorance about such clashes. The main contest is between the BJP's Jugal Kishore, the Congress' Madan Lal Sharma and PDP's Yash Pal Sharma. The ruling National Conference, which is fighting elections in alliance with the Congress, supports Madan Lal Sharma, who is seeking re-election for the third time from here. While the PDP pinned its hope on the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri, the BJP and Congress are fighting to get a major share from voters of the plains of Jammu and Samba districts. Seven EVMs were replaced in Rajouri, Poonch and Jammu districts following technical snags, Narula said. As many as 10,000 polling staff were deployed in the districts of Rajouri, Poonch, Samba and Jammu. As many as 2,274 booths and as many EVMs were in place for polling. There were 5,531 new voters in Jammu-Poonch Lok Sabha segment.
	Jammu witnesses heavy rush of voters at all polling stations Roads, markets wear a deserted look as offices, shops remain closed Amit Khajuria Tribune News Service Jammu, April 10 A heavy rush of voters was witnessed in all the polling stations of the city on the polling day in the Jammu-Poonch parliamentary constituency today, whereas the rest of the city wore a deserted look throughout the day. Fed up with corruption, price rise, crime, unemployment and lack of development, residents of the city came out in large numbers to cast their vote. Many of the people were among those who have cast their vote for the first time. “This is for the first time I have cast my vote, as I was not aware of the politics and the working of the leaders. But this time I decided to cast vote in favour of my favourite candidate,” said Subash Chander, 49, a resident of Janipur. “The time has come to show the power of a common man, we are voting for the future of our country and whosoever is capable of running a strong government will get maximum votes,” he added. Rishika Sharma, 22, who was voting for the first time, was eagerly waiting for her turn in the queue at a polling station in Gandhi Nagar, “I am really very excited that I am going to cast my vote for the first time and I was continuously watching news channels and reading newspaper to decide who can be the best leader.” “I think everyone should cast their vote for the better future of our country and who are not casting their vote should not complain for corruption, price rise and other issues,” she added. All the government and private offices were closed today for the polling, whereas the markets also remained deserted as only a few shops were open and people were busy in casting their votes. Long queues of voters were witnessed at all the polling stations. Despite of the scorching sun, people, including senior citizens and physically challenged persons, were standing in the long queues to cast their vote. Taking advantages of the gathering at the polling stations, roadside vendors had also installed their rehris near polling stations and people gathered at that rehris were discussing polling and the position of political parties in their respective areas.
	State school board sets up sub-committee for granting affiliation Vikas Sharma Tribune News Service Jammu, April 10 The J&K State Board of School Education (JKBOSE) has recently constituted a sub-committee of experts for thorough analysis of the relevant and related reports for grant of affiliation to education institutions (both government and private). Sources said the Department of School Education (DSE) has forwarded cases of the various academic institutions within the Jammu division to determine academic and infrastructural viabilities so as to accord affiliation/recognition for upgradation/extension to the academic institutions. Accordingly, on the completion of required formalities, academic and infrastructural inspection by a designated joint inspection team of the DSE and BOSE was conducted. The report and recommendations were placed before the school education board authorities for perusal and follow-up action. As a result, a sub-committee, consisting of experts, was constituted. Prof Veena Pandita, Joint Secretary (General), Jammu Division, is the convener of the committee. The other members are Bishan Singh, Shafqat Chib, Jagdish Manhas, Mohinder Gupta and Satish Kumar Kissu. Sources claimed that the constituted committee was empowered to analyse the inspection reports and other relevant documents and to make the recommendations accordingly. In a bid to work out a well-defined system to determine the period and nature of affiliation, the committee laid special emphasis on academic inspection reports, status of academic institutions by reference of relevant records and documents and instructions of the Supreme Court, High Court and documents. Sources added that the sub-committee of the J&K State Board of School Education studied cases of 312 educational institutions for affiliation and grant of upgradation/extension. A five-category module (A, B, C, D, E) with a defined period of affiliation was designed with consensus. The empowered committee held a series of meeting and analysed the cases besides making their recommendations. Under Category A, the affiliation period for academic institutions is for four years. Similarly, for Category B, C and D, the period is for three, two and one year, respectively. The institution having Category E will not be considered for upgradation/extension. The committee resolved that affiliation of academic institution will strictly be governed by the terms and conditions as laid down in SRO 123, relevant government orders, BOSE regulations and resolutions of the State Affiliation Committee meetings from time to time.
	Cong-NC slogans of development are farce: Backward Classes’ union Tribune News Service Jammu, April 10 The All India Backward Classes Union (AIBCU) said the slogans of development by the Congress-National Conference as an election agenda are farce. “It can be judged by the utilisation of the MPLDF as an amount of about Rs 35 crore was left unused, which shows that how much such politicians are interested in development,” the AIBCU said in a statement. Leaders of the union said the state government was fully apprised of the sufferings of Backward Classes in the state, but both Congress as well as National Conference proved dishonest since ther state OBC have been deprived of their due share of 27 per cent reservation in the state along with other reservation components. These included enhancement of creamy layer from Rs 4.5 lakh to Rs 6 lakh and renew of OSC certificate on the basis of income certificate. Speakers appealed to voters to go against such political parties who have cheated them. The meeting was attended by core committee members, namely Abdul Majid Maliik, Sandokh Chand, Prof Kali Dass, Bishan Dass, Swaran Singh, Darshan Kumar, Abdul Rashid Malik, Darshan Kumar, Natha Ram, Puran Chargotra and Saian Dass.
	Kashmir migrants hold meet Tribune News Service Jammu, April 10 The Save Kashmir Migrant Property Movement (SKMPM) held a meeting, presided by its president Vijay Raina and general secretary Vijay Koul Budgami. During the meeting, the members discussed their demands. They demanded that the Migrants Distress Sales Act, 1997, be fully implemented, adding that the owners of lands which had been encroached upon by others are badly suffering due to negative attitude and response of the local administration and state government. The SKMPM warned to hold a demonstration on April 13.
	Jammu-Poonch constituency records over 68% turnout In 2009 Lok Sabha elections, it had recorded 49.71% polling Ravi Krishnan Khajuria Tribune News Service Jammu, April 10 In the first phase of the five-phase Lok Sabha polls in the state, the Jammu-Poonch Lok Sabha constituency comprising 20 Assembly segments witnessed over 68 per cent polling till 8 pm today. The voting percentage is likely to go up as details from twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch are awaited. The constituency recorded 49.71 per cent polling in the 2009 Lok Sabha elections. The largest Lok Sabha constituency in the state has four districts — Jammu, Samba (close to the international border), Rajouri and Poonch, close to Line of Control and having Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on the other. The constituency has 18,48,563 voters who voted today amid tight security. Barring two minor incidents of clashes in Mendhar town of Poonch district and the Darhal area of Rajouri district, the polling passed off peacefully. Addressing mediapersons here around 8 pm, Chief Electoral Officer, Jammu and Kashmir, Umang Narula said, “Right now, the overall polling percentage is 68, which is likely to go up.” The Chief Electoral Officer said Jammu district alone had recorded 70 per cent polling while Samba district recorded close to 75 per cent polling. “The exact polling percentages of Rajouri and Poonch districts are awaited,” he said. On clashes between political workers in Gursai in Mendhar, he feigned ignorance. When asked about electronic voting machines (EVMs), he said at least seven of them were replaced in Rajouri, Poonch and Jammu districts because of technical snags. “No EVMs were replaced in Samba district,” he said. On allegations of bogus voting, Narula said he didn’t receive any complaints. He attributed the healthy turnout of voters to mass awareness programmes of the Election Commission and increased awareness among the people. “The social media has helped in educating people,” he said. He said from a total of 18,48,563 voters, 9,77,328 were male and 8,71,212 female, who exercised their right to franchise for 19 candidates in the fray. He said 2,274 polling booths and as many EVMs were set up in 1,582 locations in 20 Assembly segments, out of which 68 booths were identified as ‘critical’. “A total of five observers, including three general observers, an expenditure observer and a police observer were deployed to ensure free and fair polls. Apart from this, 201 micro-observers were also put on the job. We also did web-casting from 60 booths and video-recorded polling at various booths. Eightyone digital cameras and 33 video cameras were installed,” said Narula. The Chief Electoral Officer said 10,000 polling staff were deployed in the four districts and 800 vehicles were used by the polling and security staff to reach various booths. “The polling was peaceful and now the staff is returning with the EVMs to be deposited at the strong room in Jammu,” he said.
	Festive mood in border villages on polling day Dinesh Manhotra Tribune News Service Bela Jamana (Indo-Pak border), April 10 Rakesh Kumar, a tea seller in Chibhay Chak village, did brisk business today by cashing in on the festive mood among voters. Kumar had set up a makeshift eating point on the premises of Government High School, Bela Jamana, polling station for five border villages, Bela Jamana, Chibhay Chak, Jattan-De-Kothay, Nai-Basti and Rajpura. The polling day seemed like a festival for the people of the border Pargwal sector on the banks of the Chenab. Bela Jamana is the last border village of this region which falls in the Chhamb Assembly segment, represented by Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand. Dressed in new clothes, women and middle-aged men stood in queues, waiting for their turn to vote. They seemed in no hurry. After casting their vote, voters went up to the tea stall to have freshly prepared “pakoras” and “jalabies”. The polling started at 7 am and by 12 noon, around 65 per cent voters had cast their vote. “I have not seen such enthusiasm among the voters in my life,” said octogenarian Barita Ram, a resident of Bela Jamana village.
	Elections kick off under shadow of gun in JK 13,000 security personnel deployed at 2,271 polling booths in Jammu-Poonch constituency Ravi Krishnan Khajuria Tribune News Service Jammu, April 10 The parliamentary elections in the militancy-plagued state began today under the shadow of the gun. Personnel of the J&K Police and paramilitary forces, including the CRPF, BSF and the SSB (Sashastra Seema Bal), dotted the polling booths across the Jammu-Poonch constituency to ensure hassle-free voting. Amidst the hustle and bustle of voters, security personnel were seen quietly discharging their duties outside and inside the polling booths. “It is good to see such an overwhelming response of voters. The turnout has made my colleagues and I smile and forget our fatigue despite our strenuous duty. There are people who cannot even walk and need our help. We are assisting them. At the same time, there is no compromise with the security,” said Ram Prakash, a CRPF jawan posted outside a polling booth in Rehari here. Mohammed Iqbal, a constable posted at a polling booth in New Plots, said: “Along with paramilitary forces, the police are also providing security and assisting the voters. It is part of our job to guide them and at the same time ensure hassle-free voting.” A senior CRPF officer, who did not wish to be named, said: “The CRPF remains at the forefront of providing security in Jammu and Kashmir, be it for a pilgrimage and national festivals or for providing cover to politicians or for tackling militancy.” Jammu zone IGP Rajesh Kumar said the police along with paramilitary forces did everything to ensure smooth and peaceful polling for Jammu-Poonch Lok Sabha seat. While the Army was put on high alert along the Line of Control in Rajouri and Poonch district and the BSF tightened the security on the international border in Samba district, 13,000 paramilitary and police personnel were deployed at 2,271 polling stations in the Lok Sabha constituency, which has 17,63,579 voters. In total, over 26,000 security personnel and poll officials were deployed for the exercise. Security stepped up * The Army was put on high alert along the Line of Control in Rajouri and Poonch district while the BSF tightened the security on the international border in Samba district. * In total, over 26,000 security personnel and poll officials were deployed for the polling exercise in Jammu-Poonch constituency, which has 17,63,579 voters.
	Rahul has a promise to keep in J&K Arun Joshi Tribune News Service Jammu, April 10 Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi has a promise to keep — to befriend the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. Tomorrow, when he is scheduled to address a public meeting in Doda town overlooking the mighty Chenab river, he would be reminded of this promise even as the local Congress leadership is trying to lay more stress on the “secularism versus communalism” issue and the political debate on Article 370, which grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir. His one sentence — “I hereby extend my hand of friendship to the youth of Kashmir” — in the south Kashmir town of Anantnag in the spring of 2009 had caught the imagination of the youth. That time he was campaigning for the National Conference-Congress candidate Mehboob Beg for the 15th Lok Sabha. Rahul Gandhi’s promise had come in the backdrop of the fact that the UPA-I government was in place and he had the wish to connect with the youth of Kashmir. He had given his word in the presence of his close friend and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Newspapers and channels had played up this promise as it was the story of the times. This promise was considered similar to the hand of friendship extended to Pakistan by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in April 2003. This was followed by several steps, including ceasefire on borders and the Islamabad Declaration that gave a sort of undertaking that Pakistan will not allow its territory and the territory under its control (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir) for export of terrorism. Five years have passed by and the fate of J&K youth has not changed. They are still there where they were. Contrary to their hopes, they have walked into the zone of helplessness and darkness, with no light at the end of the tunnel. The “Umeed” scheme, which was his effort to bring hope of a better future for the youth, has turned into a disappointment. When he brought high-profile industrialists to Kashmir, within a month’s time the Tata group shut down its telecommunication services and youth were left helpless. Even the cheer leaders of his “friendship” mantra now feel disappointed. The Congress leadership in the state, which has been harping on anti-Modi slogans and Article 370, wants him to speak on the similar lines. It will be interesting, feel the people, to see what he has to say about his “friendship” promise of 2009.
	AAP files complaint against Farooq over age discrepancy Seeks quashing of National Conference president’s nomination Azhar Qadri Tribune News Service Srinagar, April 10 The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today filed a complaint before the Election Commission, demanding cancellation of National Conference candidate Farooq Abdullah’s nomination for “filing a misleading affidavit”. The AAP filed the complaint before the Returning Officer. According to Farooq’s nomination papers, filed on Monday, the Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy mentioned his current age as 77 years. In the 2009 affidavit, filed along with his nomination papers, he had mentioned his age as 67 years. In the other two affidavits, filed before the Election Commission for the state Assembly elections from the Sonawar and Hazratbal constituencies in 2008, Farooq had mentioned his age as 66 years. The AAP filed the complaint when poll officials were scrutinising the nomination papers and the last date for filing of papers had ended. Had the complaint been accepted, the National Conference-Congress alliance would have been left without a candidate for the Srinagar constituency. Returning Officer for the Srinagar constituency Farooq Ahmad Shah said: “We have disposed of that (complaint) because we have to see whether he is above 25 years.” “He has fulfilled the norms, the form was complete in all respects,” Shah said. The president of the ruling National Conference, Farooq Abdullah, has been a two-time Lok Sabha member, two-time Rajya Sabha member and elected five times to the state Assembly.
	Four panchayats in Mandi boycott polls Our Correspondent Poonch, April 10 Over 4,000 voters from four panchayat blocks of Mandi tehsil today boycotted polls in support of their demand for inclusion of their panchayat segments in the Haveli constituency. All the four polling booths in Mandi tehsil wore a deserted look. District Election Officer Sajjad Ahmed Khan visited polling booths to pacify disgruntled voters but they refused to franchise. The panchayat blocks of Baila, Mandi, Tirchal and Rajpura fall in Mandi tehsil as per the revenue records, but in the electoral list they are a part of Surankote tehsil. The villagers had threatened to boycott polls earlier, but nothing was allegedly done by the district administration to address their issues. “I would have voted for the first time but I missed the opportunity as the voters from all four panchayats have given a boycott call. Being a part of these panchayats I have to support them. Now, I will have to wait for five more years to participate in the parliamentary elections,” said Ajaz Ahmed, a resident of Mandi. Mohammad Rafiq said the district administration took our warning lightly and did not make any effort to solve our problem. “We have repeatedly protested and reminded the district administration about the poll boycott, but they took it lightly,” Rafiq said, adding it was high time to act. The villagers rued that they did not have the privilege to vote for a candidate from Mandi as they fall under the Surankote constituency, which is 30 km from their panchayats. Villagers said the government failed to redress their grievances despite repeated requests and protests.
	Women turn out in large numbers to vote in Suchetgarh Dinesh Manhotra Tribune News Service Suchetgarh (Indo-Pak Border), April 10 This small border village, situated on the right side of the Octroi post, has set an example as women here outnumbered men in exercising their right to franchise. Though the women of the village are not highly qualified, they are aware of the prevailing political situation in the country. So they came out to vote today. Keeping in view the small number of voters, no candidate has visited the village during campaigning. Yet enthusiasm was seen among voters. “Although candidates have not taken us seriously, we are committed to perform out duty as citizens of a democratic country,” said Raman, a local resident. He expressed satisfaction over the encouraging turnout of women voters. “Earlier, women would hesitate to cast vote but this time their number is higher than men,” he said and termed it a good sign. At 5 pm, out of the total 925 voters in the village, 710 people, including 405 women, had cast their vote. A number of people were standing in queues waiting for their turn to vote. Rachna Choudhary, who had to wait for nearly an hour to cast her vote, said it was the duty of every citizen to cast their vote. Soma Devi said: “None of the men in the family directed me to cast vote in favour of a particular candidate or party. I voted for the candidate of my choice.”
	People take a break from routine to cast vote Ravi Krishnan Khajuria Tribune News Service Jammu, April 10 Electorate in the temple city here today broke the routine and made it a point to rush to polling booths first to cast their vote. People put their morning prayers on hold to keep a date with the electronic voting machine. The majority of religious places, be it temples, gurdwaras, mosques or churches, wore a deserted look as “staunch believers”, who seldom miss their daily prayers, preferred to exercise their right to franchise first. “I skipped my morning prayers at the temple today as I wanted to cast my vote first. I hope God would not get angry…it’s the question of choosing right candidate,” said Abhinav Sharma, a resident of New Plots and a lawyer by profession. PL Tickoo, a businessman, who lives in Sarwal, said, “I woke up early in the morning and was there at the polling booth well before 7 am. I didn’t bother to go to the temple. It was the question of my right, my country and above all the governance.” For 67-year old Harbhajan Singh, a retired police officer and a resident of Nanak Nagar, visiting gurdwara for morning prayers is a routine, but today he made it a point to franchise first. “I thought I can go to gurdwara in the evening but this time I would cast my vote. In last Lok Sabha polls, I didn’t cast my vote. But this time around I made it a point to exercise my right and that too for a change,” he said. Ghulam Ahmed, who runs a building material store in Rehari said: “Every day and every moment we keep praying to the God to help the poor. For me this vote is an opportunity for every individual to fulfil his wish. Casting vote is more important than anything else. I was among those who flocked the polling booth early in the morning.” Christopher Masih of Residency Road echoed similar views. “Putting your morning prayers on hold to cast vote will neither make you an atheist nor a criminal, but will certainly help you to elect a government of your choice,” he said.
	Cong, BJP woo voters in Leh Leh, April 10 With the election fever gripping the Ladakh parliamentary segment, leaders from both the Congress and the BJP are campaigning hard to woo the electorate. The senior leaders from the Congress and the BJP are making claims and counter claims to project their respective candidate. — OC
	Naidkhai killing: Police fails to submit report to panel Ishfaq Tantry Tribune News Service Srinagar, April 10 The police have failed to submit a report to the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) regarding the killing of a youth at the Naidkhai police action in Bandipora district last month. The SHRC has now told the Director General of Police (DGP) and the Commandant of the Indian Reserve Police (IRP) unit at Naidkhai village to file their report by or before the next date of hearing in the first week of May. The rights panel has also told the Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora, to file the magisterial inquiry report as and when it is completed. Farhat Ahmad Dar, a resident of Shahgund village, was killed after the police fired on protesting youths at Naidkhai village on March 14. Though locals alleged that Farhat was fired upon by IRP personnel, posted at Naidkhai, the police maintained that the youth died in retaliatory fire, used to disperse a mob that tried to set ablaze a security vehicle. Taking suo moto cognisance of the incident, the SHRC, in its orders dated March 15, had termed Farhat’s killing as “gross human rights violation” by men in uniform. The matter came up before the commission this week for further consideration. Observing that the “force (J&K Police) has again failed to restrain from using excessive force while controlling mobs”, the commission, in its orders on March 15, had directed the DGP, the IRP Commandant and the Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora, to file a factual report regarding the incident by or before April 7. In his report to the SHRC, the Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora, said an inquiry officer had been appointed to probe the matter. What the commission said In its orders dated March 15, the SHRC Single Bench comprising its chairman, Rafiq Fida, observed: “If the news reports, as appeared in almost all newspapers of the Kashmir valley, are true, then this (Farhat’s killing) is gross violation of human rights.” The commission further observed that ‘if the statement of Dr Masrat (Block Medical Officer, Pattan) is to be believed, the police have miserably failed to adhere to the standard operational procedures and have resorted to fire directly at vital parts” of the mob. Dr Masrat had told The Tribune that the victim had a firearm injury on the left side of the chest. The SHRC also observed that the police should have used non-lethal methods or fired in the air or used force in such a manner that no human life was lost.
	BJP does not wear secularism on its sleeve, says Jitendra Tribune News Service Jammu, April 10 Reaching deep into the bastion of Ghulam Nabi Azad, BJP candidate Jitendra Singh tried to play the secular card. He termed the BJP as a truly secular party in the country. “The BJP is the only political party in the country which is truly secular because it not only gives equal respect to all religions but also practises this virtue in its policies and programmes through the principle of justice to all, appeasement to none,” Singh said. He was addressing a rally the Gundoh area of Doda. Gundoh is just 15 km short of Soti village of Bhalessa, which is the ancestral village of Ghulam Nabi Azad, who is contesting the Lok Sabha elections from the Udhampur-Doda seat. He claimed that unlike the Congress, the BJP does not wear secularism on its sleeves and flaunted it for political opportunism. “While the BJP is often, though wrongly, blamed by its detractors for the Gujarat riots, the facts bear out that most of the communal riots since the Independence have taken place when the Congress was in power at the Centre,” he added. Citing past evidences, Singh accused the Congress of resorting to tactics of Hindu-Muslim divide or Hindu-Sikh divide for vote-bank politics. “While in J&K, it colluded with Kashmir-centric regional parties to create polarisation through appeasement of separatists,” he said. He urged people to vote for a corruption-free regime to get rid of “scams and misgovernance”, which he claimed had been the hallmark of the Congress-led UPA at the Centre and the Congress-National Conference coalition in the state.
	Mushtaq Guroo is NC provincial vice-president Tribune News Service Srinagar, April 10 National Conference president Farooq Abdullah today nominated party’s former provincial youth president Mushtaq Ahmed Guroo as the provincial vice-president of the party for the Kashmir zone. Sara Hayat Shah, daughter of former MLC and National Conference leader Ghulam Nabi Shaheen, also joined the party. Sara has a postgraduate degree in human geography from the University of New Castle in the United Kingdom and has worked with National Geographic, the ruling party said in a statement.
	I salute Vajpayee: Mehbooba Ranjit Thakur Doda, April 10 Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti, while addressing a rally at Bhaderwah today, attacking the National Conference and the Congress for accused her party of having a tie-up with the BJP. She said it was Omar Abdullah who was a minister in the NDA regime. She asked: “What did he do then for the resolution of the Kashmir issue?” “I salute former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for his bold initiatives for the resolution of the Kashmir issue,” Mehbooba said, adding, “He wanted to resolve the Kashmir issue on humanitarian grounds and it was he who provided all kinds of support for the development of this state,” she said. She said despite all odds, Vajpayee had opened channels for talks with Pakistan. Clarifying her stand on a link up with the BJP, she said, “It was the Peoples Democratic Party which condemned the Gujarat riots while Omar Abdullah who was a minister in the NDA government did not resign to register his protest that time.”
	Gunshots create panic in Kupwara Tribune News Service Srinagar, April 10 Gunshots today created panic in frontier Kupwara district of north Kashmir. The police said panic gripped the area after an Army personnel accidentally pressed the trigger of his rifle near Chutpora on the Baramulla-Handwara highway, 85 km from Srinagar. However, the Army maintained that a patrol party heard some noise after which it searched the area. “A road opening party which had sanitised the road for the movement of an Army convoy heard some noise following which a necessary drill was carried out in the area,” a Srinagar-based defence spokesman said. “A search was also carried out in the area,” he said. A police officer in Handwara said the rifle of a troop accidentally went off around 11 am when he was patrolling the area. “The gunfire created panic in the area as people thought militants had fired at the Army patrol, which was not a fact,” said the officer.
	Illegal constructions along Lidder HC asks Chief Engineer to appear in person Ishfaq Tantry Tribune News Service Srinagar, April 10 The Jammu and Kashmir High Court, which has banned constructions along the banks of the Lidder river in south Kashmir, has sought personal appearance of the Chief Engineer, Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC), on the next hearing for failing to take action against illegal constructions. In its orders, a Division Bench said the Chief Engineer had to explain his position as to why all the five illegal constructions as pointed out in the earlier status report had not been removed /demolished. While banning all constructions along the banks of the Lidder in south Kashmir, the High Court in its orders on July 17, 2013, had directed the authorities concerned to ensure no construction takes place about 200 meters from either side on the Lidder. The High Court is hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) about Pahalgam Master Plan violations filed by the Pahalgam Peoples’ Welfare Organisation. “In paragraph 3 of the order dated February 26, 2014, report of the Chief Engineer, I&FC Department, Srinagar, dated December 7, 2013, was taken note of, wherein it was mentioned that there were flagrant violations by five persons. It was made clear that the authorities would be competent to demolish the illegal constructions without any procedural difficulties,” the Division Bench observed in its orders while quoting previous directions to the Chief Engineer, I&FC. It further observed that till date no report had been filed as to whether the said five illegal constructions had been removed. “During the hearing this week, the Advocate General said the authorities concerned were not responding,” the HC said in its fresh orders made available today. “The Executive Engineer present in the court was not able to say anything in the matter. He only submitted that two illegal constructions were removed and regarding the other three illegal constructions, he said request for security was sent to the district administration concerned, but (he) was not in a position to show any communication in this behalf, nor was he able to convince the court as to why they required security to remove these three illegal constructions when other two illegal constructions had been removed/demolished without any security,” the Bench observed. “In view of this position, we direct the personal appearance of the Chief Engineer I&FC, Srinagar, on the next date of hearing, who shall explain his position as to why all these five illegal constructions have not been removed/demolished,” the Bench ordered while fixing the matter for further consideration on May 9. The snow-fed 73-km-long Lidder river flows through the Pahalgam tourist resort in south Kashmir. Apart from being one of the main tourist attractions of the region, the river is also the main source of drinking water in Anantnag district in south Kashmir and its adjoining areas.
	CRPF observes Valour Day Tribune News Service Srinagar, April 10 The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) organised a blood donation camp on Wednesday to observe Valour Day. The function was held at the Recruit Training Centre (RTC), Srinagar, and IGP, CRPF, Srinagar, Pradeep Kumar Singh was the chief guest at the function. The CRPF, IGP, Operations, Kashmir, Nalin Prabhat was also present on the occasion. A CPRF spokesman said the blood donation campaign was organised by the 25 Battalion in association with the Indian Red Cross Society, SMHS Hospital, Srinagar, JVC (SKIMS) Bemina, Srinagar, LD Hospital, Srinagar, and Hussaini Blood Bank at RTC, Srinagar. “All the units deployed in the Srinagar sector participated in the blood donation camp and 135 soldiers donated blood willingly. The blood donated by the CRPF will be utilised for the needy people of Kashmir who are injured/sick and poor,” he said. The CRPF observes Valour Day on April 9 every year. The CRPF spokesman said in April 1965, the Pakistan army had started the Operation Desert Hawk to capture border posts. Four companies of the 2nd Battalion of the CRPF were manning SARDAR and TAK posts in the Rann of Kutch (Gujarat). "On April 9, an infantry brigade attacked the chowkies where they found resilient CRPF men who repulsed the attack. In the action, eight jawans lost their lives and 19 were held captive as they kept the assailants at bay for 12 hours. In order to keep alive the memories of the gallant deeds of the heroes of the CRPF and to motivate members of the force to live up to this example, April 9 is being observed as Valour Day by all the CRPF formations," he said.
	Conference on maxillofacial surgery Tribune News Service Srinagar, April 10 An international conference on cranio-maxillofacial surgery was inaugurated today at the Nigeen Club, Hazratbal, by Dr Showkat Zargar, Director, Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura. The two-day conference and live workshop is being organized by the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery and Orthodontics, SKIMS, in which experts from the US, UK, Spain and India will participate and deliver lectures on congenital and acquired deformities of skull, face, jaw bones, muscle and teeth. Dr Mudassir, the organising secretary of the conference, said at least four live surgeries were conducted during the workshop held by experts at the SKIMS Medical College, Bemina, earlier. The surgeries were related to orthodontics, cosmetic surgeries and cleft lips. The experts will deliver detailed lectures tomorrow on their subject areas in which doctors as well postgraduate students from the state medical colleges will participate. “The kind of surgeries conducted are the first of its kind which add a new dimension to the medical sciences we are aware of here,” Dr Muddasir said. National and international faculty from the UK, US, Germany, Spain, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Nepal which include Dr Alexander Compbell, Dr Goetz Ehman, Dr Shaun Mathew, Dr Ramos Benito, Dr Anil Punjabi, Dr Anil Madare, Dr D.K Dias and Dr Shankar Man Rai participated in the conference. Dr Muhammad Shakeel, Head of Department of Maxillofacial Surgery and Orthodontics, said cranio-maxillofacial surgery deals with correction and reconstruction of congenital disease.
	Rahul likely to campaign for NC in Kashmir Ehsan Fazili Tribune News Service Srinagar, April 10 Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi is likely to visit Kashmir to campaign for the Congress-National Conference coalition candidates ahead of the elections in Anantnag, Srinagar and Baramulla constituencies of the Valley. He had last campaigned for the coalition candidate, Mehboob Beigh of the National Conference in April 2009, who seeks re-election from south Kashmir constituency of Anantnag. “We will request him (Rahul Gandhi) to visit Kashmir and address a rally during his Doda visit scheduled tomorrow,” said state PCC president Saifuddin Soz. However, any decision on the visit would be taken later, sources in the party said. They added that the party would like the Congress vice-president to address both the constituencies of Srinagar and Anantnag. Anantnag and Srinagar constituencies are going to the polls on April 24 and April 30, respectively, followed by Baramulla on May 7. Union Minister and National Conference patron Farooq Abdullah is seeking re-election from his home constituency of Srinagar. Rahul Gandhi along with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had addressed an election rally for the NC-Congress coalition candidate, Mehboob Beigh, in Anantnag on April 27, 2009, after the two parties agreed upon a coalition arrangement following Assembly elections. The two parties continued the pre-poll coalition arrangement for the Lok Sabha elections this time again, while the Assembly polls are scheduled to be held later this year. The National Conference pins hopes on Rahul’s visit to woo voters, particularly the youth for development in the state. Rahul Gandhi has been frequenting Jammu and Kashmir over the past five years, mainly targeting the youth and had also keenly dwelt upon the empowerment of panchayats. The panchayat elections were held for the first time after 33 years in Jammu and Kashmir in 2011.
	Women’s forum calls for poll boycott, demands end of Tosa Maidan lease Tribune News Service Srinagar, April 10 The J&K Women’s Democratic Forum (JKWDF) staged a peaceful protest here today demanding an end to Tosa Maidan lease and urged people to boycott parliamentary elections. Carrying banners, members of the JKWDF, which is a lesser known women’s group, protested at the Press Enclave area, close to the City Centre, Lal Chowk. Talking to reporters, JKWDF chairperson Tanveer Fatima said boycotting the polls was the “right of the people in a democratic set-up”. Urging people to boycott polls, she said elections were not a “substitute to referendum”. The JKWDF also demanded end of Field Firing Range in Tosa Maidan lease that has become a subject of controversy.
	Extension of Tosa Maidan lease rights’ violation: AAP Srinagar, April 10 Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers today visited several villages of Chel, Lachman Pora, Lassipora, Gujjar Patti and Drang in Tosa Maidan in central Kashmir led by Srinagar’s parliamentary candidate Raja Muzaffar Bhat. The AAP said granting an extension of lease to the Army for using Tosa Maidan pasture would be human rights violation. The lease agreement is supposed to expire on April 18. “We believe that granting extension would directly affect the local population which has suffered tremendous losses particularly due to bursting of unexploded shells in the area. The pasture spread over hundreds of acres of land is ideal for developing into a tourist destination. Dozens of people have been killed and same number of people turned permanently disabled due to bursting of unexploded shells, which remain scattered in the area and if further lease is extended, it clearly would indicate that the government is least bothered about the basic human rights of the citizens,” Raja said. He added that a high-level committee constituted a few months ago under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary would look into the problems of people and ensure the firing range is shifted soon. — TNS
	Staff shortage continues to haunt KU Registrar says 50 posts of teacher will be filled soon Tribune News Service Srinagar, April 10 With Kashmir University heading for another academic session, the shortage of teaching staff continues to haunt the authorities concerned. Various vacancies, including posts of junior and senior teaching faculty as well as heads of departments (HoDs), are yet to be filled, which poses problems for both students and management. However, Registrar, Kashmir University, Zaffer Ahmad Reshi assured that more than 50 vacancies in the teaching faculty would be filled soon. “The university has been reeling under shortage of teaching staff for quite some time now. It could be due to yearly retirements/pre-mature retirements. The recruitments are not on par with the number of teachers who leave the university. However, this year, the trend will be reversed and as many as 50 vacancies will be filled,” Reshi said. As the Dean Academics Department is almost ready with the result list of successful candidates from all streams who have made it various postgraduate courses in the university, the teaching staff crunch is likely to hamper the academic activities, especially ensuring the completion of class work in time. Vice Chancellor, KU, Talat Ahmad said the retirement age bar of the teaching faculty at KU was also a major concern due to which the teachers at the university opt for other state universities, especially Central University of Kashmir (CUK). The retirement age in Kashmir University is 58 as compared to 65 years in CUK. For the past few years, KU has seen a mass migration of teachers, especially senior teachers, to CUK owing to lucrative salaries and the increased retirement age.
	Army gives computers to college Tribune News Service Srinagar, April 10 The Army provided four computers with printer-cum-scanners to Degree College, Baramulla, for the benefit of the students. The computers were handed over during a function at the college on Wednesday. During the function, the students also held a special interactive session with the officials of the local Rashtriya Rifles unit. “The students also got an insight into the life of an under-training officer in the Indian Military Academy,” an official said.
	Army holds medical camp in Doda Our correspondent Doda, April 10 A Rashtriya Rifles Battalion at Doda yesterday organised a medical camp for the Kanhal villagers and the people of nearby villages. The locals received professional advice and free of cost medicines. A total of 207 persons attended the camp. The locals thanked the Army and assured it of their support to further strengthen the bond between them.
	Saplings distributed in Kargil Tribune News Service Jammu, April 10 The Department of Horticulture, Kargil, distributed 28,000 fruit saplings and seedlings and 40,000 strawberry runners among the farmers. The chief horticulture officer, Kargil, Ali Raza inaugurated the programme at Central Nursery, Kurbathang, Kargil, during which scores of progressive farmers collected the plants. Interacting with the farmers, Ali Raza said the department was distributing fruit saplings free of cost and the motive of such distribution was to increase the production of fruit from Kargil. He said 18,700 saplings of high density apple, pear and plum procured from Kashmir would be distributed along with 40,000 strawberry runners for green house cultivation and 10,000 apricot seedlings were available at nurseries of the department at various locations and would be sold at Rs 10 per seedlings.
	Medical employees’ federation leaders conduct tour to highlight demands Tribune News Service Jammu, April 10 Leaders of Jammu and Kashmir Medical Employees Federation (JKMEF), led by Sushil Sudan, conducted an extensive tour of Purmandal, Nud Samba, Ramgarh, Akhnoor and Pallanwala blocks. During the tour, the federation convened a series of meetings to highlight the long-pending demands of medical employees. During the meetings, medical employees were mobilised for participation in a proposed day-long protest on April 12 in support of their demands. The demands included release of regular salary to family welfare scheme employees and consolidated safaiwalas, holding of Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) meeting for filling all vacant posts, regularisation of daily rated workers, creation of new posts by reorganising the department, enhancement of FTA from Rs 45 to Rs 1,000 per month, etc. During the Samba visit, an ad hoc body of the District Hospital, Samba, employees was constituted. The body comprises Yash Paul Sharma, Bagh Ali, Tarsem Lal, Subash Chander, Preeto Devi, Maan Kour, Parveen Kumar, Nisha Sharma Verinder Singh, Garu Ram, Sat Paul, Darshan Lal, Jasbir Singh, Sunita Devi, Surinder Sharma, Santosh, Rajesh Kumar and Ravi Kumar. The body was assigned the task to ensure success of the day-long conference of the Samba district unit of the JKMEF. The federation leaders, who addressed the meetings, included Harpal Singh, Prafulat Singh, Vinod Kumar Sharma, Yugal Bakshi, Rakesh Kumar, Kishore Singh, Rakesh Bakshi, UK Sudan, Rajinder Bhagat, Ashok Sharma and Rakesh Kumar.
	Sainik Colony club win football match, enter semis Tribune News Service Jammu, April 10 The Sainik Colony Football Club beat the NGR via tie-breaker in the quarterfinals to seal a berth in the semifinals of the ongoing first Vishal Heer Memorial Football Tournament, being organised by the Young Heroes Football Club at the GGM Science College football ground. Earlier, in the stipulated time, both teams managed to score a goal each. Both goals were scored in the first-half of the match. Arshad from the NGR opened the account in the third minute, while Ankit Mehta of Sainik Colony scored an equaliser in the seventh minute. However, despite making some brilliant moves, none of the teams could manage to score any goal in the second half of the match, which was later decided through a tie-breaker. Bhanu Kumar, Niteshwar Singh, Vinay and Dharampal succeeded in scoring goals for the Sainik Colony Football Club, while Mohit Verma, Chandu and Nainjot Singh slammed goals for the NGR in the tie-breaker. Dimple and Gagandeep Singh missed the target for the Sainik Colony Football Club, whereas Tanpreet Singh, Aman and Heera failed to score goals for the NGR. For dangerous play, yellow card was shown to Jeewandeep Singh, Sandeep, Nainjot Singh, Raja and Chanu of the NGR in 28th, 40th, 43rd, 49th and 63rd minutes, respectively. Vinay Kumar of the Sainik Colony Football Club was shown yellow card for foul play in the 26th minute of the match. Bhanu Kumar, custodian of the Sainik Colony Football Club was adjudged man of the match. The match was officiated by Vikramjeet Singh, Suresh Gupta, Ricky Kumar and Rohit Kumar. Prominent among others who witnessed the match were Harbans Lal, Charan Dass, Rajesh Sumbria, Ramesh Chander, Rohit Kumar Gupta and Tushar Heer.
	Submission of incomplete utilisation certificate affects sports activities Vikas Sharma Tribune News Service Jammu, April 10 The incomplete utilisation certificate (UC) submitted by the state government to the Ministry of Youth Services and Sports (MYAS) is creating hurdles in the smooth conduct of activities under the Centrally sponsored scheme, Panchayat Yuva Krida Aur Khel Abhiyan (PYKKA). Sources said due to incomplete utilisation certificate, Ministry of Youth Services and Sports has yet to approve the Action Plan 2013-14 of the state government. The Action Plan for 2013-14, duly approved by the state-level executive committee, had been submitted to the Ministry of Youth Services and Sports, but the approval was still awaited. The sources claimed that in the recently held meeting of the Mission Directorate of Panchayat Yuva Krida Aur Khel Abhiyan, chaired by Dr GSG Ayyangar, Joint Secretary (Development), Ministry of Youth Services and Sports, the representatives of the state government stated that they had submitted all required documents in respect of all grants released to the state. But the Central Sports Ministry was not satisfied with their reply and not agreed to release grant-in-aid to the state claiming that the utilisation certificate was incomplete. The Department of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS) had recently introduced Panchayat Yuva Krida Aur Khel Abhiyan in two blocks of Samba district for creation of panchayat-level play fields. The blocks are Ghagwal and Purmandal. Sources in the Sports Department claimed that the state share to the extent of 10 per cent of the total cost of the play field had been released by the state authorities, but the remaining 90 per cent share was still awaited from the Union Government, which had severely affected the domestic activities to be undertaken under the Panchayat Yuva Krida Aur Khel Abhiyan in both blocks of the district. As per data available, during the year 2013-14, the Department of Youth Services and Sports had developed 37 play fields under the state sector. He claimed that two play fields - Government High School, Mahal Sahan, and Government Higher Secondary School, Sonara - of Samba district have been also taken up for development during the current year. Meanwhile, under the district sector for the development of stadium and play fields of the Samba constituency, an amount of Rs 137.23 lakh - Rs 123.81 lakh, for construction of stadium and Rs 13.42 lakh for development of play fields - has been allotted since 2009-10. During the year 2010-11, a total of 55,755 sportspersons, including 5,483 girls took part in lower level competitions under thePanchayat Yuva Krida Aur Khel Abhiyan. In 2011-12, 54,234 sportspersons, including 9,003 girls competed in sports events under the Centrally sponsored scheme.