Jammu, May 30
National Students Union of India (NSUI) activists, supported by scholars and students of Jammu University, today gheraoed the Vice Chancellor's office for three hours in protest against the alleged "unconstitutional order" banning the entry of Students Scholars Joint Action Committee (SSJAC) chairman on the campus.

Accusing the Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, Prof Mohan Paul Singh Ishar, of being biased and working under political influence, the protesters raised slogans against the Vice Chancellor and demanded his removal immediately.

They warned that they would launch indefinite protests from June 2 (Monday) if the order against the SSJAC leader was not withdrawn till then.

Yesterday, the university had banned the entry of SSJAC chairman Varinder Singh Chib on the campus following the complaint of a scholar, Rakesh Chib, who alleged that the former had threatened to kill him.

The protesting NSUI activists and students questioned the varsity order saying there was a similar complaint against Rakesh Chib, but the varsity didn't initiate any action against him and took a "biased decision".

"The Vice Chancellor has been taking biased decisions, thereby creating alienation among the students community. The varsity order banning the entry of the SSJAC leader on the campus is totally unconstitutional as it was issued without holding any inquiry," Neeraj Kundan, state president of the NSUI, who led the protest, said while addressing the students.

The NSUI leader said the Vice Chancellor was working under "complete influence of politicians and their touts on the campus" and the varsity administration had virtually surrendered before them.

"The Vice Chancellor didn't bother to hold an inquiry into the incident and issued his diktat to appease political workers on the campus. It will not only denigrate the temple of learning, but also have serious ramifications on the career of the students," Kundan said.

According to the protesters, they met the Vice Chancellor and requested him to revoke the order against the SSJAC leader and order an inquiry into the entire episode to ascertain the facts, but the latter refused to consider their demand.

"We warn the varsity administration that it either withdraw the unconstitutional order against the SSJAC leader or get ready for a vigorous agitation at the college level," he said.

Jammu, May 30
The All J&K Diploma Engineers Association has demanded that the state government should improve the promotion avenues for engineers like their counterparts in Punjab and other northern states.

Satnam Singh Dhanoa, chairman, SAARC Diploma Engineers Federation, addresses a meeting of the All J&K Diploma Engineers Association in Jammu. Tribune photo: Inderjeet Singh

Addressing a meeting, association president Upinder Singh said a lot needed to be done to improve the working conditions of the engineers in Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was presided over by Satnam Singh Dhanoa, chairman, SAARC Diploma Engineers Federation, along with the heads of associations in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Chandigarh.

Speaking on the occasion, Dhanoa highlighted the achievements of the Council of Diploma Engineers and stressed upon the broader unity among the states of the north zone. He congratulated newly elected members of the Jammu and Kashmir wings of the All J&K Diploma Engineers Association and extended his full cooperation in getting their long-pending demands fulfilled.

He appealed to the J&K Government that the recent memorandum submitted by the association on the analogy with Punjab state, especially the entry-level grade and promotion avenues, be considered without any further delay

He said the association would leave no stone unturned in getting the demands fulfilled. The demand were enhancement of entry-level grade from Rs 5,000-Rs 8,000 to Rs 6,700-Rs 10,700, promotion for every diploma engineer after 10 years of service on the analogy of Punjab, enhancement of fixed TA from Rs 30 to Rs 5,000, maintenance of cadre strength at the level of assistant engineer, assistant executive engineer and executive engineer.

Jammu, May 30
Student of Jammu University coming from Udhampur missed their examination due to a technical snag in a train.

The students who boarded the train at Udhampur as usual at 6.45 am could not reach the university at 10 am because of some technical snag in the train. Students gheraoed the Station Master, who later accepted that they were responsible for the delay and also gave a written statement.

The affected students, under the leadership of Lavdeep Singh Mankotia, went to the office of the Controller of Examination, who gave them an assurance that the university would consider the matter.

Mankotia said there was no fault of the students as well as university administration. “But still we demand that the university administration give a chance to the affected students and conduct examination for them within appropriate time.

The students who missed the examination are Rupali Mahajan, Nishu Devi, Adhu Pathania, Manisha Rawat, Sonia Akhtar, Nisha, Kripika Sharma, Preeti, Bhavani Singh Jamwal, Sunny Anthal, Manisha Sharma, Sandeep, Vikram and Vikas.

Jammu, May 30
The global demand of silk has increased and thus sericulture has emerged as a successful subsidiary occupation in Jammu and Kashmir. More than 90 per cent rural women are engaged in this activity of rearing silkworms. Women also get health insurance benefit by the Sericulture Department apart from handicraft training.

Ashwani Sharma, Deputy Director, Sericulture Department, said, "A cocoon market has been organised in Udhampur district. It commenced on May 16 and will last till June 9. Everyday around 300 farmers come to sell their cocoons in the market. We are receiving very good response from sellers as well as buyers. Women farmers are also actively participating."

He added that the activity was mainly concentrated in the rural pockets of Udhampur district, such as Ramkote, Gordi, Majalta, Jounu and Barta, and more than 6,000 families depended on this activity to earn their livelihood.

Makhno Devi of Tanu village said, "Our family is engaged in this occupation for more than 40 years. Our forefathers started this activity to earn some extra income. I have sold 17 kg of cocoons."

As of now the maximum bid for the high-quality coccon is for Chatru Ram of Deot village, Majalta . He sold his crop at Rs 1,001 per kg. Talking to buyers it was found that they are mostly from Malda district of West Bengal.

Emphasising that sericulture is a profitable venture, Ashwini Sharma said it offers assured money in the shortest period of one month only.

The average income generation also doubled in 2013 as compare to 2012. It was Rs 4.28 crore in 2013 against Rs 2.31crore in 2012. This year it is expected to be more than Rs 5 crore mark.

Jammu, May 30
Incomplete tourism projects and lack of parking space leads to slowdown in business in Jammu. The business community of the winter capital of the state, who are associated with the tourism and pilgrimage industry, are feeling insecure as the direct train to Katra may remove Jammu from the tourism map.

Baldev Raj Khullar, president of the Raghunath Bazaar Association, said, “After the direct train to Katra, there will be nothing left in Jammu to attract tourists and pilgrims, except some famous temples, and this will badly affect the business in Jammu.”

“We should not stop development of Katra, the train should reach there, but the administration should take some serious steps to boost the tourism in Jammu city,” he added.

There are four tourism projects which are under progress in Jammu. The renovation and upgrade of the Bahu Fort and Mubarak Mandi, ropeway from Bahu Fort to Mubarak Mandi and artificial lake on the Tawi. But none of them has been completed as yet. The artificial lake has jumped many deadlines and is still incomplete. The ropeway has not been started as yet and the renovation of the Bahu Fort and Mubarak Mandi does not have any deadline.

“All these projects should have been completed before starting train to Katra, but unfortunately none of them has been completed as yet,” said Khullar.

There is another major problem in the city which dissuade the tourists from visiting Jammu, that is lack of parking space.

“Tourists always complain about the parking space in Jammu. There are a few parking lots available near markets and tourists have to walk for a kilometre or more after parking there vehicles, which also dissuade them from visiting markets in Jammu,” said Abhishek Mahajan, a shopkeeper on the Residency road.

“The government has not developed any parking space in Jammu city in the last 40 years. Even the parking space of about 500 vehicle has also been removed and adjusted in the civil secretariat. How can we expect tourists to visit our markets when we don’t provide them the parking space?” he asked.

Sojanya Sharma, Director, Tourism, said, “The agreement of the ropeway project has been made and the work will start by next week. As far as the artificial lake is concerned, the Department of Flood Control is working on it and I hope it will be completed soon.”

On the renovation of the Bahu Fort and Mubarak Mandi, Sharma said these were the time-taking projects and no deadline was mentioned for it. These works had to be done under the guidance of the Archaeological Department.

“Only 50 per cent pilgrims come in trains and I don’t think that train to Katra will affect tourism in Jammu,” said the Director.

Refuting the affect of lack of parking spaces in Jammu, Sharma said, “The lack of parking spaces affects local residents only. Tourists come in taxi and the taxi drivers know where to park their vehicles,” he added.

Srinagar, May 30
The J&K High Court has directed the state police, investigating a 2001 custodial disappearance case, to carry out the identification parade of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Inspector General and another officer of the force within two weeks

The two personnel are accused in the case.

The court has also directed the ITBP officers to appear before the Investigating Officer for fixing the date of the identification parade.

A Single Bench of Justice Hasnain Masoodi has directed the Investigating Officer in the case, involving the custodial disappearance of Mohammad Ashraf Koka, to conduct the identification parade of ITBP Inspector General Inder Singh Negi and Dr PS Gunjiyal, then Inspector with the border police.

In 2001, Negi was Commander of the 10 Battalion of the ITBP in Anantnag district.

The court is hearing a petition by the victim’s father, Ghulam Hassan, wherein he has called for an investigation into the disappearance of his son, Ashraf, who was arrested by personnel of the 10 Battalion at Verinag in Anantnag on October 27, 2001, and later allegedly killed in custody.

The family said Ashraf was picked up by the ITBP men from his residence in Kokagund, Verinag, on the pretext of guiding them in the village. His family never saw him again.

“The IO is directed to conduct the identification parade qua Inder Singh Negi and PS Gunjiyal within two weeks. The said personnel shall appear before the Investigating Officer so that the date of identification is fixed and the investigation is concluded without any further delay,” Justice Masoodi said in his orders today.

Negi has been evading his identification parade since December 19, 2012, when the High Court had directed the IO in the case to provide date and venue for carrying out the identification parade.

In November 2012, the High Court had directed the ITBP to ensure the presence of its 11 personnel before the police for their alleged involvement in Ashraf’s custodial disappearance. One of the accused, ITBP personnel Hukum singh, was identified by witnesses on May 5, 2007. His identification parade was carried out on the directions of the High Court.

Srinagar, May 30
One killed and four were injured when a shell went off in Leh town last evening. Five labourers from Jharkhand were collecting scrap last evening from the Army's firing range in Leh when the shell went off, said the police.

Arjun Singh died on the spot and the injured were taken to a hospital, said the police.

Earlier this month, a girl was killed and her brother was critically injured when an explosive device they were fiddling with went off. They had brought it home from the forests in Drang village of Budgam district.

Locals in Drang village and adjacent areas have been demanding the removal of the Army from the Tosamaidan forests, which it has been using as a firing range. — IANS 

Srinagar, May 30
The ruling National Conference (NC) has found itself in yet another viral video controversy. In the video, Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather is seen giving a patient hearing to visibly angry NC workers from his hometown Chadoora who are telling the minister to either show a firm resolve to solving their problems or face another defeat.

A video grab of Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather with National Conference workers.

Earlier, a video of NC leader and Social Welfare Minister Sakina Itoo had gone viral where she was seen pleading for support in the parliamentary elections.

In the Chadoora Assembly segment, traditionally considered Rather’s bastion, the opposition Peoples 
Democratic Party defeated NC by 5,251 votes in the Lok Sabha elections recently.

“What can we do when you and your men do not even pick up our phone? Who should we look up to? You have to be by our side and win our hearts again,” a senior party worker tells Rather at a post-poll workers' meet held by the NC’s Chadoora wing.

The party worker further says he can get his 400 men from the Chadoora Assembly segment to vote for the NC, but Rather has to show his commitment to people.

“Please make use of the funds meant for the people. It is never too late to start again. Show them (PDP) your might this time in the Assembly polls. Even if they fight with all their strength, you can still win,” a worker says.

Other workers at the meeting are seen supporting their senior colleague in the video and echoing his view that the senior ministers should not ignore the people of their hometowns.

“In the 2004 parliamentary elections, when Omar Sahib (Omar Abdullah) won, clashes broke out between the NC and the PDP. Mufti Sahib (Mufti sayeed) went along with his workers to the police station to lodge an FIR. We approached Ali Mohammad Sagar (Rural Development Minister) and he told us to meet you. We were obviously disheartened and the results are for everyone to see,” the worker tells the finance minister.

Jammu, May 30
The Northern Command chief, Lt Gen Sanjiv Chachra, on Friday stated that there would be a considerable effect on J&K after the drawdown of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from Afghanistan.

The role of soldiers in J&K has been redefined; they have become the “visible face of the nation” in several remote areas of the state, Lt General Chachra said in an exclusive interview with The Tribune on the eve of his retirement tomorrow.

In the interview, he touched upon various issues, including the situation on borders and the controversial issue of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).

When asked what is more dangerous: infiltration from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir or intrusion by Chinese troops from across the Line of Actual Control (LAC), he said: “It is a fallacy to compare such dissimilar activities. Infiltration from PoK is a manifestation of Pakistan’s proxy war in J&K. Owing to non-sustainability of terrorism in J&K through subversion of local youth, Pakistan has to resort to infiltrating terrorists and criminals from across the Line of Control (LoC) to spread terror in J&K.

Chinese incursions

Lt General Chachra said: “As regards your query regarding ‘incursions’ by Chinese troops, it is not correct to describe the activities on the LAC in this fashion. The LAC has not yet been delineated and defined and there are differing perceptions of the alignment of the LAC. Accordingly, both sides patrol to the limit of their own perception of the LAC. It is accordingly not accurate to term such patrolling activities as incursions. A comprehensive interaction mechanism has been instituted between India and China and all issues pertaining to India-China relations are in the process of being discussed. The Indian Army is capable and committed to maintaining the sanctity of the LoC and the LAC and adequate measures have been taken to ensure the same.

“Adequate measures have been instituted to ensure that the Indian Army is capable of executing its mandated tasks on the LAC in Eastern Ladakh. In addition, the institutionalised interactive mechanism under the recently actualised Border Defence Cooperation Agreement (BDCA), 2013, signed during the visit of the Prime Minister to China in October 2013 is an important means to resolve differences and issues arising on the LAC.”

Infrastructure on LAC

The “infrastructure development is an ongoing process and all countries in the world, including both India and China, are constantly improving infrastructure. While it is true that China started developing infrastructure in the Tibet Autonomous Region quite some time back, India has also made deliberate progress in the recent past. This is an ongoing process and plans for infrastructure and capability building are in place, said Lt General Chachra.

Infiltration from PoK

“We have brought infiltration down to negligible levels. While there is no visible change in Pakistan’s proxy exertions, our capability to thwart infiltration attempts on the LoC itself has improved significantly. Eight infiltration bids have been foiled on the LoC in 2014 till today and our intelligence agencies confirm that infiltration is almost negligible. Intelligence inputs, however, continue to indicate unmitigated activities in terrorist camps and launch pads across the LoC in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan will continue to make desperate bids to infiltrate terrorists in the summer months but their attempts will be foiled and their designs in J&K will be defeated,” Lt General Chachra said.

ISAF withdrawal

On the drawdown of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) from Afghanistan, Lt General Chachra said: “There will be a considerable effect and as a professional Army we are keeping a close watch. However, the impact of the ISAF drawdown from Afghanistan is yet to be felt in J&K. We are adequately prepared to face any challenges posed by such drawdown.

“Security is an all-encompassing and a vast field and there is always scope for improvement. We have already attained a very high state of preparedness to meet all security-related challenges and are equally prepared for new and emergent challenges.”

Counter-terror strategy

Lt General Chachra said the army had put in place a five-pronged counter-terrorism strategy. “The first element of the strategy is synergy between the Army, JKP, CRPF, Intelligence agencies and the civil administration. The second is a counter-infiltration strategy so potent and firm that we do not allow terrorists to come in. The third is the people-friendly surgical intelligence-based clean counter-terrorist operations, with restrained ‘rules of engagement’, no human rights violation and no collateral damage. The fourth is the strategy of targeting Tanzeem (militant group) leaders with Joint Tracking Teams. The fifth is our ‘Winning Hearts and Mind Campaign’ to provide succour to masses and cement the people-friendly image of the Army.”

Operational capabilities

“We have acquired enhanced operational capabilities in J&K. Resultantly; the past year has also witnessed transformational changes in the security domain of the state, where despite Pakistan’s intransigence, there is a visible socio-economic vibrancy in the hinterland and greater stability on the LoC,” he said.

Redefining role of soldiers

“The recent snowfall, landslides and avalanches in the state were massive. We were the first responders in several cases at Tangdhar, Machhil and Kulgam, saving many lives and assisting the civil administration in rescuing the people and helping the needy. We have reached out to the people under Operation Imdad (help), which we have launched. We have redefined the role of the soldier on the ground — providing safety and security to the ‘awaam’ (people) —as an instrument of the state and the visible face of the nation in several remote areas. It has been my endeavour to emphasise on our role as ‘People’s Army’,” the GoC-in-C of the Northern Command said.

AFSPA issue

“My relations with the Chief Minister are extremely cordial, interactive and as an invitee to the UHQ (Unified Headquarters) meeting, I provide the necessary advice and security support. This is well appreciated by both the state government and the Army. As regards the AFSPA issue, the Army has its rationale and views based on our perception of the situation in J&K. It is for the government to decide the issue and does not in any way affect professional relationships.”

Srinagar, May 30
With tourism season peaking in the Valley, the government has announced ‘Big Summer Festival’ that would entertain tourists with a host of activities, besides sightseeing.

“The festival will be held from June 21 to 29 and will have several activities related to adventure and water sports among others…through these activities, our aim is to extend the stay of tourists so that local stakeholders get economic benefits,” Tourism Minister GA Mir told reporters here on Thursday.

The tourism minister said the festival would offer more activities, the details of which would be announced later.

While stakeholders have been raising the issue of soaring airfares during the peak tourist season in the summer, the minister said Goa also faced the issue of soaring airfares in the winter.

He said the Valley had so far recorded comparatively higher tourist arrivals so far this year.

Mir said they were on the job to put in place late night landing facilities at the Srinagar airport so that more flights fly to Kashmir.

He said due to repair work at the airport, there would no landings after 6 pm from June 30.

He said the government was developing rural tourism and had so far developed 29 villages across the state.

On attracting high-end tourists, especially foreigners, as many countries have not lifted travel advisories on Kashmir, he said efforts in this regard were on and it was a ‘continuous process’.

Regarding the row over installation of sewage treatment plants (STPs) at hotels, Mir said the government had said it would construct common STPs. He said around 60 per cent of the area in Srinagar was connected to common STPs of the Urban Development Ministry and that the remaining area would be covered in due course of time.

Festive bonanza

* The festival will be held from June 21 to 29 and will have several activities related to adventure and water sports.

* Tourism Minister GA Mir on Thursday said the festival would offer more activities, the details of which would be announced later.

* The Valley has so far received comparatively higher tourists than last year.

Srinagar, May 30
Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs Abdul Rahim Rather said today that coordinated efforts between state departments and the Border Roads Organisation was important to complete stocking of ration in three months.

"In view of the weather forecast and the coming Assembly elections, the stocking of essential goods should be done in three months,” said Rather during a meeting.

Rather asked the deputy commissioners of Leh and Kargil districts to contact the administrative secretaries in case of any bottlenecks.

The heads of the departments should also approach the divisional commissioner, Kashmir, to overcome difficulties coming in the way of winter-stocking plan, he added. — TNS

Kupwara, May 30
The police today arrested two more accused in connection with the murder of a National Conference (NC) worker in Kalaroos village of Kupwara district.

Mohammad Shafi Ganie, 31, was injured in clashes between NC and Peoples Democratic Party supporters on May 17. He died at the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, on May 25.

“We arrested two accused persons and two more accused are expected to be arrested soon. Police teams have intensified searches to nab all accused involved in the murder case,” said Fayaz Ahmad, Officiating Superintendent of Police, Kupwara.

The police have so far arrested seven accused in the case. A total of 16 persons are wanted in the case. Nine accused are still at large.

Meanwhile, a relative of the victim said: “We are hopeful that the police will spare no efforts in arresting all 16 accused. They deserve stern punishment under law.”

The authorities had on May 25 imposed restrictions in Kalaroos village following Ganie’s death to prevent clashes.

Srinagar, May 30
The state police are investigating inputs that two-three small groups of militants had managed to sneak into the Valley recently from Kupwara district. The Army, however, claims that no infiltration has taken place in the Valley so far.

Police sources said they were trying to corroborate the inputs about fresh infiltration.

“There has been a sudden increase in militant communications in north Kashmir and security agencies are hinting at fresh infiltration. We are corroborating the input,” said a senior police officer.

The Army and the Special Operation Group (SOG) of the J&K police have been carrying out a search operation in the forest areas of Rajwar, Ramhal and Hafruda for the past few days. The operations were later called off, as no militant was found in the area. During these searches, however, three solar rockets were recovered from a hideout in the Hafruda forests.

“We are maintaining a tight vigil in the areas where militants groups are usually received after infiltrating into the Valley. While we are ascertaining the inputs about the fresh infiltration, there is a possibility of infiltration in the coming days,” a police officer in north Kashmir said.

“No infiltration has taken place. We are prepared and our counter infiltration grid is in place. The troops are alert...,” GOC-in-C of the Army's Northern Command Lieutenant General Sanjiv Chachra had said in Srinagar in Sunday.

On April 8, the Army had claimed to having foiled an infiltration attempt in the Nowgam sector of Kupwara, 120 km from Srinagar, when a group of four militants tried to sneak in. This is the time when militants try to sneak into the Valley, as temperatures go up and mountain passes open.

In 2012 and 2013, there were 541 infiltration attempts in the state and the Army fears that militant influx to Kashmir will increase once the US troops withdraw from Afghanistan.

On fresh infilitration

* The Army has claimed there has been no recent infiltration

* In a recent search operation in the forest areas of Rajwar, Ramhal and Hafruda, the Army recovered three solar rockets from a hideout. No militants were found

* The Army claims militant intrusion in Kashmir will increase once the US troops withdraw from Afghanistan

Samba, May 30
Most of the Community Information Centres in Samba are crying for attention as the computers and other equipment at these centres has become non-functional.

The Community Information Centres (CICs) were set up to provide information about government schemes and internet and vocational training facilities to the rural youth at affordable prices in various blocks of the state.

The central government started the centres in 2004.

“The CICs were functioning properly till they were under the control of the Centre. After these were handed over to the state government in 2009, their condition became worse,” an official source said.

“The government spent millions to start these centres. Dozens of computers were installed with V-sat connectivity. The Community Information Centres of Samba have become defunct and all computers and other equipment are now non-functional. Even the staff deployed their do not exist,” said Sugreev Singh, a local youth.

“The government’s tall claims of providing computer and vocational training facilities to youths of rural areas is a joke with them,” said Varsha Rani, a student from Pangdore village in Samba. “Youth availed of the facilities at these centres for a short period,” she said.

“We were very happy to have vocational courses and internet access but our expectations were dashed after the information centres were closed due to the ineffectiveness of the state government,” Said Rajeev Singh, another youth from Samba.

“Dust has accumulated on the computers and all equipment has been reduced to junk. The government has failed to restore the CICs,” Rajeev said.

Assistant Commissioner, Development, Samba, Pradeep Manhas said the CICs had not been closed.

“The Community Information Centres have not been closed but there has been some problem in their functioning,” said the assistant commissioner, Development, Samba.

“I don’t know the current status of the Community Information Centres of Samba. After getting full details, I will be able to say something,” he said.

Katra, May 30
Goods worth crores were damaged in a fire that broke out today at a warehousing complex of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board at Katra. The incident took place at 4 am. The pilgrimage to the cave shrine is proceeding normally.

Board officials said the cause of the fire could not be ascertained. — OC

Jammu, May 30
While the BJP is vociferously raking up the plight of West Pakistani refugees to defend its demand of abrogation of Article 370, the Congress today has shifted all blames to its coalition partner National Conference (NC) for not granting citizenship rights to the refugees.

Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief Saifuddin Soz, who termed Article 370 as a closed and settled issue, was defensive when his attention was drawn towards an argument of the BJP that the citizenship rights have been denied to the West Pakistani refugees due to this Article.

“The Congress is committed to granting citizenship rights to the West Pakistani refugees, but the National Conference is not convinced,” said Soz, while shifting blames on the NC for unending woes of refugees.

“The then UPA government was ready to solve the problems of refugees and our revenue minister, who belongs to the Congress, had placed a proposal before the Cabinet, but it was not approved,” he said.

The West Pakistani refugees living in the Jammu region since 1947 have been struggling to get citizenship and other fundamental rights. These refugees, majority of who are Dalits, are being denied these rights under Article 370. The BJP is raking up the issues of these refugees to substantiate its argument that Article 370 is against the weaker sections.

Soz, who was here to hold meetings with workers after the worst-ever debacle of the party, asserted that no power on earth could abrogate or amend Article 370.

When his attention was drawn towards the “over-reaction” of the NC on the issue, Soz argued that Article 370 was a closed and settled issue and needed no debate.

Meanwhile, to ascertain the causes of the debacle of the party, the Congress leadership has initiated efforts to establish contact with grass-root level workers to get the real feedback. Soz is going to start this effort from Rajouri tomorrow.

His tour will be followed by Ghulam Nabi Azad, who will visit Doda and Reasi districts in the first week on June.

“We have decided to rejuvenate the party. Ghulam Nabi Azad and I will hold joint meetings in different parts of the state,” said Soz.

Shopian, May 30
Complete shutdown was observed in Shopian town of south Kashmir to pay tributes to two women, Aasiya and Neelofar, who were allegedly abducted, raped and subsequently killed by men in uniform in Shopian on this day in 2009.

Residents took out a procession from Jama Masjid to the main market after the Friday prayers. They raised slogans demanding justice for the victims and their families. All shops, business establishments and educational institutions were closed in the town. Traffic also remained off roads in the district.

Residents of the town said they were observing a black day today as two daughters of the town fell prey to some "beasts in the security forces".

The bandh call was given by Hurriyat chairman Syed Ali Geelani, which evoked a total response.

"We are not acting on the call of the Hurriyat, but the residents of Shopian feel that the town has lost something irreparable and justice is yet to be done," said Mohammad Shahid, a youth participating in the procession.

Aasiya (17) and Neelofar (22) had gone missing on the evening of May 29 and were found dead in Rambi Ara Nullah (a rivulet) flowing along the town.

The death of the two girls had erupted protests in the town for 23 days in which many people had suffered injuries.

Rajouri, May 30
Students and faculty members Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU) today took out a peaceful march on the university premises demanding affiliation of the newly established Rajouri Medical College to the university.

Prof Mohd Asgar, Dean, College of Mathematical Sciences and Engineering, led the march.

They also sought intervention of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the matter.

Prof Asgar said Prof IA Hamal, Vice Chancellor, BGSBU, was keen on getting the medical college affiliated to the university and students and staff were supporting it.

Speaking to the gathering, Prof Asghar said, “The district hospital in Rajouri is already facing space crunch and requires infrastructure, while the BGSBU has more than 7500 kanals, a major chunk of which is available for development.” As per the guidelines of the Medical Council of India, the new medical college needs 100 kanals and at least 200-bedded hospital. 

Dog bite cases

According to the official data, the hospitals run by the Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir, have recorded 68,876 dog bite cases from 2008 to 2013 (till Aug). This is excluding the figures registered by the Anti-Rabies Clinic at the SMHS Hospital.

Srinagar, May 30
Doctors suspended work across the Valley hospitals for an hour today and staged a sit-in in protest against the state government for not revoking the Doctors’ Association Kashmir (DAK) chief’s suspension order.

The strike was observed in response to the call given by the Doctors Association Kashmir, Junior Doctors’ Association, and the Resident Doctors’ Association.

The DAK has also contested the National Conference’s claims of its chief airing political views which was legally wrong for a public servant.

The DAK said Dr Nisar-ul-Hassan was simply presenting his opinion on social issues which was the right of every citizen.

The DAK said that if the government did not agree to its demand, the doctors might be forced to go on an indefinite strike.

Srinagar, May 30
The Awami Action Committee, led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, has decided to celebrate 50 years of its founding.

The party plans to hold a rally in the city’s Municipal Park on June 20 to mark the golden jubilee celebrations, Hurriyat Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq announced while addressing a Friday gathering at Jama Mosque in Srinagar today.

“The J&K Awami Action Committee has decided to celebrate its 50 years on June 20, which will mark the beginning of year-long golden jubilee celebrations,” Mirwaiz said in his address today.

Mirwaiz urged the members of the party, particularly the youth, to start preparations for making the golden jubilee celebrations a success, which he said, would continue the whole year.

“Since it founding on June 20 in 1994, the Awami Action Committee has given tremendous sacrifices for reclaiming the usurped rights of people. To achieve the right to self-determination, the leadership and activists of this party have braved atrocities and miseries, but they did not bow to any pressure,” Mirwaiz said. — TNS