Srinagar, June 11
Governor NN Vohra today inaugurated a two-day international conference on “Culture and Literature in Medieval Central Asia” at the University of Kashmir.

The conference has been organised by the Kashmir Society in association with the Centre for Central Asian Studies of the university.

The Governor recalled the invaluable bonds which existed for the centuries past between Central Asia and India before its subjugation by the colonial masters.

He said in India the evidence of these historical linkages could be observed in art, literature, music, cultural traditions, public gardens, fruits and vegetables, cuisine, handicrafts, town planning, architecture, fauna and varied other arenas.

The Governor said in the medieval period, the Central Asian countries had made great advancement in the fields of science, mathematics, astronomy and many other subjects and the close and congenial ties contributed to the enrichment of the culture and civilisation of the countries in the region.

He urged the Centre for Central Asian Studies to undertake more extensive research on historical linkages between India and Central Asian countries and particularly encourage the studies of Central Asian languages and literature.

The Governor appreciated the initiative of Farooq Renzushah, chairman, Kashmir Society, in collaborating with the University of Kashmir to organise the conference which, he hoped, would go a long way in further enhancing the ties between India and the Central Asian countries. He also welcomed the continuing efforts of the Kashmir Society to encourage and revive the Sufi traditions in Kashmir.

The Governor, on the occasion, released “Pani-Maa-Alamba” a book in Gojri which has been translated from Urdu by Sajjad Poonchi. The original work is by Farooq Renzushah.

Saidov Saidbeg Boykhonovich, Ambassador, Republic of Tajikistan, conveyed greetings on behalf of the Government of Tajikistan and wished for fostering valuable ties between the two historically linked countries. He assured full support to the Centre for Central Asian Studies and the researchers working in this field. He also presented copies of a few literary volumes from his country to the dignitaries participating in the conference.

AM Shah, officiating Vice Chancellor of the university, spoke about the influence of the Central Asian culture and traditions on the present cultural milieu of the Valley.

GN Khaki, Director, Centre for Central Asian Studies, spoke about the influence of cultural and economic interactions between the Indian sub-continent and Central Asian countries on their cultures and civilisation.

Renzushah talked about the contributions of great literary and Sufi personalities of the Central Asian countries in evolving a composite culture based on mutual respect and brotherhood. 

Srinagar, June 11
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah today said, “Concerted attempts are underway to change the demographic character of J&K.”

“Vested interests who have nurtured a longstanding desire to break the spine of the identity and nationalism of Kashmir have come together to wage a war against the National Conference (NC),” said Abdullah while speaking at a function here to commemorate the death anniversaries of party leaders Mirza Mohammad Afzal Beg and Ghulam Mohiuddin Shah.

Abdullah said his party had given blood in the past to protect the interest of the state. “If there is anything that can foil their evil plans is the staunch ideological roots of the National Conference. We are the only hurdle in their path and that is why they have all come together to oppose the NC,” Abdullah added.

“We safeguarded the aspirations of our people when those who are shedding crocodile tears today were the biggest collaborators in the erosion of Article 370. Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah spent 24 years in prison when others were falling over each other to earn the spoils of treachery. Mufti Mohammad Sayeed was one of these opportunists when he was Sadiq’s trusted lieutenant at a time when Sadiq sold the special status of J&K to New Delhi,” the ruling party president said.

Abdullah said the recent statement from the Prime Minister’s Office on the abrogation of Article 370 was a “serious indicator of troubles ahead of us.” “We will have to stand up to this challenge by identifying the enemy within our state, an enemy that is actively collaborating with anti-JK lobbies for a chance at power. We cannot be cowed down by any secret pacts or covert alliances,” he said.

CM Omar Abdullah in a statement paid tributes to Beg and Shah on their death anniversary and described them as stalwarts of political struggle and social justice. 

Srinagar, June 11
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today asked the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) to “immediately” start work for ascertaining feasibility of the third phase of the Baglihar power project to give yet another fillip to “indigenous power generation” of the state.

“Immediately start work for ascertaining feasibility of Baglihar-III, utilising the existing infrastructure, so that indigenous power generation receives yet another fillip in the state,” Omar, who is also the chairman of the JKSPDC, said while chairing the 70th meeting of the Board of Directors of the organisation here.

The Chief Minister said self-reliance in power generation was imperative for laying strong edifice for the state’s economic development and welfare of the people, an official spokesman said.

“This is the sector which promises financial independence and all round development of Jammu and Kashmir,” the Chief Minister said.

Omar said his government was focused on the holistic development of the power sector to achieve “tangible results”, both in the generation and distribution disciplines.

The Chief Minister, on the occasion, received brief on the status of various ongoing power development projects and the current power generation and distribution scenario in the state.

The official spokesman said the meeting approved Rs 3,416 crore budget for the Corporation for the year 2014-15.

“While ascertaining the details on the status of various ongoing projects, the Chief Minister was informed that Rs 6,000 crore Baglihar-II Hydro Electric project will be completed by the end of September 2015, while the work on 93 MW New Ganderbal project will start shortly,” the spokesman said.

Principal Secretary, Power Development Department, AK Mehta while giving brief on various ongoing mega power projects in the state said the state was set to add another 450 MW of power to the system by completing Baglihar-II by the end of September 2015.

He said another 93 MW will be added by the completion of New Ganderbal Hydro Electric project.

Srinagar, June 11
The government has constituted a four-member committee to probe the alleged embezzlement of crores of rupees sanctioned to the Floriculture Department for renovation of Shalimar Garden for the Zubin Mehta concert.

The committee headed by the Additional District Development Commissioner, Srinagar, have the Director Planning, APD/BPE /floriculture and horticulture, Technical Officer to the Chief Engineer, Roads and Buildings Department (Kashmir) and Technical Officer to the Chief Engineer, PDD, (Kashmir) as its members.

The committee, according to the officials, has been directed to find out works claimed being done by the Floriculture Department ahead of the concert.

“Most of the works claimed by the department do not exist on ground. However, the funds have been withdrawn against all these nonexistent works. So the probe has been launched to ascertain the actual facts about it,” the official source said.

The committee has been asked to submit its report within 15 days.

A high-profile concert, which was mired in controversy, took place at the historical garden on September 7 in 2013.

The government had said it would order a probe into the incident.

“The committee shall be serviced by the Floriculture Department and submit its report within 15 days,” a government order read.

Sources said the move had come after a senior minister proposed the formation of a panel to probe the renovation works done in Shalimar Garden for the gala event.

Sources said the ministrative department (floriculture) was told to set up a committee to verify the works amounting to Rs 3.66 crore for renovation of Shalimar Garden ahead of the event.

They added that Rs 3.66 crore was released by the Planning & Development Department a few days before the concert, while the remaining Rs 2.66 crore was not cleared.

The Zubin Mehta concert organised by the German Embassy in New Delhi had sparked off a major controversy in Kashmir with separatist groups opposing it and as a mark of protest the whole Valley witnessed a shutdown.

Srinagar, June 11
Governor NN Vohra today flagged off the “Walkathon — Proudly Kashmiri-II” from the Duck Park located along the Foreshore Road in Srinagar. Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Sham Lal Sharma was the Guest of Honour on the occasion.

The event was organised by SPACE Communications in collaboration with The Tribune, with the aim of enhancing awareness among students about environmental issues and Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage. Over 1,000 students from various educational institutions and many dignitaries, prominent citizens and people from different walks of life participated in the event.

The Governor appreciated the initiative of the organisers to arrange the Walkathon and assured his continuing support to all such meaningful endeavours which promote the interests of the youth of the state.

Srinagar's Deputy Commissioner Farooq Ahmad Shah; PHE (Srinagar) Chief Engineer AM Lanker; PHE Department’s Communication and Capacity Development Unit, Executive Director, Rajiv Ranjan; The Tribune’s National Head Circulation Ameet K Sharma; and SPACE Communications Chief Executive Officer Amit Wanchoo were also present on the occasion.

Srinagar, June 11
Mohan Pal Singh Ishar, Vice Chancellor, Jammu University, called on Governor NN Vohra, Chancellor of the university, at Raj Bhawan today.

Ishar briefed the Governor about the preparedness of the university for the ensuing academic session-2014 and about the progress made in implementing the semester system in the constituent colleges of the university.

Srinagar, June 11
Magic show and Kashmir folk dance and music enthralled schoolchildren at a cultural show organised to mark walkathon on “Proudly Kashmir-II” here today.

The show was held at the convocation complex of the University of Kashmir as part of the walkathon organised by the SPACE Communication in collaboration with The Tribune.

Earlier, the Governor flagged off the walkathon from Duck Park on foreshore road. Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Sham Lal Sharma created awareness among the students about water and environment.

Srinagar Deputy Commissioner Farooq Ahmad Shah, Chief Engineer, PHE, AM Lankar and Rajiv Ranjan, Executive Director of the CCDU, were present on the occasion.

The programme started with magic show that received applause from hundreds of students in the audience. Other events that were organised included local dance performance and a short film on the need to preserve and conserve water.

Local boy Abid sang a Bollywood song “Tare Zameen Par” that received a lot of applause.

The short film on preservation and conservation of water focused on the water crisis around the world. It noted that women in many parts of the country go long distances to fetch water.

Those who contributed for the event included the district administration, Srinagar, New Bonvivant School, IHM, Srinagar, Khyber Cements, Traffic Police, J&K, J&K Bank, TCI Max Cements, Uncle Advertisers, Colour World and International Advertising Agency. 

Jammu, June 11
Hundreds of transformers have been damaged due to overloading in the city since April. Residents are facing eight to 10-hour power curtailment these days.

As the maximum temperature in Jammu has crossed 44°C, the requirement of power has also increased. This led to overloading of the transformers, resulting in damage to hundreds of transformers since April. More than 170 transformers have been damaged in the city since April, which is adding to the residents' woes in the sizzling heat.

In April, 71 transformers got damaged. In May, 99 transformers got damaged. However, in the first three days of June 10 transformers got damaged. The Power Development Department (PDD) claims that it is replacing the transformers within a day or two.

“Jammu residents are face triple torture these days — scorching heat of 44°C, irregular water supply and hide and seek of power supply,” said Ayesha Mahajan, a scholar at Jammu University.

“Sometime I feel that we are living in the Stone Age, where there was no electricity. We beg a bucket of water from others,” she added.

Pankaj Saroch, a resident of New Plot, said, “When I woke up yesterday, the power was off, inverter was about to die and unfortunately hardly a few buckets of water was left in the tank.”

“It was the longest day of my life as we all were waiting for our transformer to get repaired so that our life get back on the track and it was restored at 11 in night,” he added.

Officials of the Power Development Department (PDD) say that most of the transformers are being overloaded due to rising temperature and getting damaged.

KK Raina, Superintending Engineer (SE), PDD, said, “There is no power constraint, but due to overloading the machinery gets heated and trips.”

“I would like to appeal to the residents of the city to kindly use the power judicially so that we could provide electricity to everyone round the clock,” he added.

Meanwhile, the heatwave continues to grip Jammu as the mercury soared to 43.8°C and no sign of relief from the heatwave has been predicted by the Met Department.

The Met Department forecasts, “Mainly clear sky. Maximum and minimum temperatures will be around 44°C and 29°C, respectively.”

Jammu, June 11
The Vice Chancellor, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Jammu, Pradeep Kumar Sharma, has urged the scientists of the varsity and officials to work for ensuring food security by increasing the production and productivity with the help of technologies and resources.

Pradeep Kumar Sharm was delivering a keynote address at the Zonal Research and Extension Advisory Committee (ZREAC) meeting on “agriculture, command area development, horticulture and floriculture”, held in the university.

The Vice Chancellor also called upon the university scientists and field functionaries to work in close tandem for producing high-yielding varieties and enhancing seed replacement rate for the benefit of the farming community.

He hoped the deliberations during the meeting would go a long way in ameliorating the farmers’ problems thereby making a significant step in improving the agriculture scenario of the state.

Officials of the departments of agriculture, horticulture, floriculture and command area development raised various issues regarding the intervention for off-season vegetable production, standardisation of spawning of milky mushroom and production technology for millets, concept of integrated horticulture, identification of low- chilling varieties of stone fruits and apple, upgrading of technologies in walnut and pecan nut and hybrid commercial varieties of marigold.

Earlier, KS Risam, Director, Extension, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu, welcomed the chairman, guests and other participants at the meeting.

Jammu, June 11
The Natrang Children Theatre Camp-2014 was inaugurated at Natrang Studio Theatre by Balwant Thakur with the lighting of traditional lamp.

The camp is designed especially for children between the age group of seven to 15 and there will be regular classes between 8 am to 10 am in Studio Theatre of Natrang. The camp will feature new trends of theatre and arts that have been evolved exclusively to transform personalities.

The main focus of the camp is to develop the overall being of the children and make them ultra active and super responsive towards the competition, which they have to endure.

Speaking about the summer vacation 40-day-long theatre workshop, Balwant Thakur said highly professionally designed curriculum of the camp would not only make the children creative, but also enthuse self-confidence in them.

The camp would include creative exercises, innovative dances, painting and drama training. The workshop would be conducted by Sumeet Sharma, a postgraduate in drama and a trained and qualified theatre professional.

It will also be conducted by Aarushi Thakur, a postgraduate from the University of Leicester, UK, and a trained actor from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, London.

The participants of the workshop include Mehak Bansal, Sparishita Sharma, Anika Gupta, Vandita Sharma, Parnamika, Suditi Jamwal, Yajur Mahajan, Akshit, Anukhav, Hariyansh, Amranta Dhar, Medha Gupta, Satvika Gandhotra, Aarushi Gupta, Sanchita Dubey, Chander pratab Singh, Gopi Sharma, Heetain Jamwal, Dushayamt Dhar, Sahil, Mridhul,Kartikey, Eitan Jamwal Shivangani Sharma, Swaeanjali Sambyal, Uddhav Pratab Vohra, Yajur Mahajan, Riya Jandial, Anirudh Bhatia, Aanandita Sethi, Vidit Shirsh, Samyak Shirsh, Niddyaat Singh Jamwal, Divyan, Mania Gujral, Mihir Jamwal, Shambhavi Gupta, Agam Kaur, Asma Gul, Chirag Anand, Navya Jain, Jasmeh Kour, Anubhav Sharma, Hamaad Salif and Vedant Suri.

Jammu, June 11
The week-long summer camp “Saahas” at MV International School concluded with a cultural festival, attended by the school management, parents and students.

Various events, which included yoga, meditation, cookery classes, pottery, lessons in playing guitar, dance and music, coaching in cricket and football, art and craft, lectures by experts from defence, career counsellors and doctors, computer classes, fun race, visit to amusement park, teaching basic etiquettes and table manners and splash pool party, were organised during the camp held on school premises.

The function began with the display of exhibits prepared by the art and craft, pottery and home science departments. The participants enthusiastically interacted with parents and displayed their works.

Later, a mesmerising cultural programme was presented by students, where they displayed their talent in music, dances, cookery, yoga, guitar, etc, in front of the fellow students and parents.

Chairman of the school Hira Lal Abrol was the chief guest and vice-chairperson Savita Abrol was the guest of honour at the concluding ceremony. Directors Gourav Abrol and Aakriti Abrol were also.

Principal of the school KL Dogra presented the report of the camp, which highlighted the work done by the students and teachers during the camp.

Jammu, June 11
In a major initiative, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Katra, today launched a five-year integrated dual degree M.Sc programme in economics after 10+2 and three-year MCA programme after graduation.

The courses will start from the coming academic session, beginning next month.

The university also launched introduction of the summer semester system for various degree programmes, grant of assistantship to the UGC-NET qualified students joining Ph.D programme on a full-time basis and introduction of post-doctoral fellowships in various schools of study on the campus.

“From the coming academic session 2014-15, we are launching a five-year integrated dual degree M.Sc (economics) programme. This innovative programme was approved by the executive council at a meeting chaired by Governor NN Vohra,” Prof Sudhir K Jain, Vice Chancellor of the SMVDU, told mediapersons here.

Flanked by university registrar Ajay Khajuria and other officials of the SMVDU, the V-C said only few universities or institutes offered the integrated programme in the country.

“The proposed M.Sc (economics) along with B.Sc (Hons) degree would provide a great opportunity to the meritorious students passing the 10+2 examination of the CBSE or the state boards. The admission will be purely on merit,” Prof Jain said.

The M.Sc programme will enable students to compete in the job market, he said, adding, “the curriculum will include courses and topics which equip students for lucrative jobs in top multi-national companies, including those in the country.”

“The last day of submission of application forms for the course is June 30. The intake capacity of the first batch will be 50 and will be increased to 90 in the next few years,” he said.

The Vice Chancellor also said the students in the MCA programme would have the option to take several management courses to develop their managerial skills which would help them in achieving better career prospects.

Besides, he said under the new summer semester of eight weeks during the summer break, the university would offer various degree programmes or courses in the interest of the students.

Srinagar, June 11
The Cabinet which met here today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah authorised the School Education Department to implement a scheme for the temporary appointment of 8,475 teachers, along the lines of a scheme already being implemented for higher secondary schools for the appointment of lecturers.

An official spokesman said the Cabinet decided that temporary appointments shall be made for the duration of the academic session or till the regular selection of teachers by the Services Selection Board, whichever is earlier.

The Cabinet gave the nod to appoint 8,475 teachers, after the Deputy Chief Minister also the Education Minister moved the proposal for a discussion 
before the Cabinet. The Cabinet later gave a go-ahead to the proposal.

In another decision, the Cabinet accorded sanction to the creation of the State Project Directorate, Rashtriya Uchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA). This will include the creation of 43 posts of different categories to implement the Centre-sponsored scheme RUSA in the state.

The Union HRD Ministry launched RUSA as the third tier of the Centre-sponsored schemes in the education sector following the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (elementary level) and Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (secondary level). The scheme was approved in October last year.

The Cabinet also sanctioned revision of the list of the identified post (gazetted and non-gazetted) of persons with disabilities.

The Cabinet also approved the promotion of Mohammad Shafi Zahid, Deputy Director, Archives, Archaeology and Museums, as its Director.

Srinagar, June 11
Hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani today said Kashmiri Pandits who migrated from the Kashmir valley 24 years ago on the onset of militancy are welcome back to their houses and would be provided security.

Geelani, who addressed a rally outside his home on the outskirts of Srinagar, referred to Kashmiri Pandits as “brothers” and said they would be “welcomed” on return to their homes.

“We have always welcomed them and we will continue to welcome them. They are our neighbours and we have no objection to their return. We have repeatedly said it that they should be brought back,” Geelani said.

The Narendra Modi government this week termed the return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley as one of its priorities while outlining its agenda for the next five years.

Nearly 4 lakh Pandits had migrated from Kashmir in the early 1990s when militancy erupted in the region.

The separatist leader, however, objected to creation of separate colonies where some of the Pandit families have been provided accommodation in recent years.

“We oppose the creation of safe zones for them (Kashmiri Pandits). They should return to their houses…we will welcome them and like good neighbours will protect them,” he said.

Geelani, who is the chairman of the hardline Hurriyat Conference, also opposed the settlement of refugees from Pakistan in the state, saying such a plan would affect the demography of the region.

“It will change our demography. They should be settled in some other state,” he said. The separatist leader addressed a rally outside his residence after the authorities disallowed a scheduled seminar organised by his party.

The seminar was to commemorate the death of 128 protesters and civilians, killed in the summer of 2010. As people were prevented from entering Geelani’s residence, which also houses the office of the separatist group, it led to a protest.

Shabir Ahmad Shah and Nayeem Khan, leaders of a breakaway moderate separatist faction, accompanied Geelani while he addressed the rally on the roadside.

Jammu, June 11
A day after President Pranab Mukherjee said his government would make efforts to ensure the return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley, the Panun Kashmir on Tuesday reiterated its demand of separate homeland as the only solution to the plight of the minority community.

Panun Kashmir president Ashwani Kumar Chrungoo said the community appreciates the recent statements that tend to bring the issues pertaining to Kashmiri Pandits on the centre stage.

“The reference to our plight, for the first time, in the presidential speech in Parliament reflects the concerns of the leadership of the country towards the displaced community. The privations of two and half decades of exodus were always, unfortunately, not a priority for the governments in the past,” Chrungoo said.

The Pandit leader, however, said a comprehensive settlement must always include political rights and constitutional guarantees that would ensure no further exodus of the community.

“In this context, we need to be guided by our historical experiences and the exodus of 1990. The demand of homeland having a Union Territory status with free and full flow of the Indian Constitution would alone satisfy the urges and aspirations of the displaced community,” he said.

The President, while addressing a joint session of Parliament yesterday, had said: “Special efforts will be made to ensure that Kashmiri Pandits return to the land of their ancestors with full dignity, security and assured livelihood.”

The Panun Kashmir held a meeting of its executive council on Tuesday to discuss the emerging scenario in the state. 

New Delhi, June 11
President of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mehbooba Mufti has urged Union Food and Civil Supplies Minister Ram Vilas Paswan to improve the functioning of the public distribution system (PDS) in Jammu and Kashmir.

She has also urged the Centre to tide over the shortage of ration in the state. PDP’s national spokesperson Samir Kaul said Mehbooba met the minister here last Monday and urged for his intervention in the matter.

The minister has assured her that he would seek a report from the state government on the issue and initiate necessary action, the PDP spokesperson said.

Mehbooba pointed out to the minister the lacunae in the public distribution system. She alleged that the supply of food grains by the PDS depots was erratic, he said.

She pointed out that there were long delays, sometimes running to three months, in the supplies by the depots. She urged for immediate toning up of the delivery mechanism of the depots, Kaul said.

She further alleged that the distribution of the grains was done on calculation and projections on the basis of the 2010 Census and demanded that it be done on the basis of 2011-12 Census.

Anantnag, Jun 11
Former Member of Parliament from Anantnag and National Conference leader Mehboob Beg today held party colleague and Minister for Finance Abdul Rahim Rather responsible for the group’s drubbing in the recently concluded parliamentary elections.

“The vested interests of some of our party’s senior leaders have alienated people from the National Conference and as a result there has been a wave in favour of the Peoples Democratic Party,” Beg said, adding, “Rather is the one to be held accountable for the party’s poor show in south Kashmir.”

Beg was speaking to mediapersons after commemorating the 32nd death anniversary of his father and NC leader Mirza Muhammad Afzal Beg at Sarnal here today.

He alleged that Rather, who heads the District Development Board (DDB) in Anantnag, didn’t listened to party councilors and scolded them during Board meetings.

He also accused Rather of bias and said the senior leader directed the appointments of various people from his constituency, Chrar-e-Shareef, but ignored other segments.

He was also critical of NC’s “anti-people policies” and said the party needs to needs to “introspect” and “mend ways” failing which there will be a repeat of the Parliamentary elections in the forthcoming Assembly polls. — OC

Srinagar, June 11
Militants opened fire on the house of Tariq Ahmad Kakroo, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, today evening.

The incident took place at the Kanispora area of Baramulla district, 50 km north of Srinagar around 9 pm.

Kakroo was present in his house when the firing took place.

“There was firing for a brief time,” said Kakroo, adding that everyone in the family was safe. His house is guarded by policemen.

Senior police officers rushed to the spot to trace the militants involved in the attack.

Kakroo is son of retired Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court and chairman of the Andhra Pradesh State Human Rights Commission Nissar Ahmed Kakroo.

Jammu, June 11
Taking serious exception to the outgoing Congress-led UPA government’s directive to discontinue the All India Radio’s ‘Yuva Vani’ service from Jammu without assigning any convincing reason, Union Minister of State in Prime Minister’s Office Dr Jitendra Singh today said he has urged the Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Minister to review the decision and restore the services at the earliest.

In his letter to Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Information and Broadcasting, Prakash Javadekar, Jitendra Singh pointed out that large number of youth got opportunity to exhibit their artistic talent through the ‘Yuva Vani’ programmes.

He also mentioned that the programme was able to create a sense of belongingness among the people and reinforce integration of the local population into the national main stream,

Singh said the ‘Yuva Vani’ service was started from the All India Radio, Jammu, in 1973 with a view to encourage talent and provide an outlet to young broadcasters and artists.

Over the years, it had proved to be highly popular among radio listeners in general and youth in particular, he said.

The minister also pointed to the reports that the earlier government’s decision was “politically motivated” and said it sent out a “negative signal” at a time when there was an all out effort to “provide fair governance without any discrimination”.

Singh said he also spoke to Javadekar about the issue on the sidelines of the Parliament session today.

He assured me that he would immediately look into the matter, Singh said.

Srinagar, June 11
Militants last night hurled a rifle grenade at the headquarters of the J&K Armed Police here.

Sources said unidentified militants fired a rifle grenade at the Armed Police headquarters at Batamaloo in Srinagar around 9 pm on Tuesday, which exploded on the premises.

The grenade, however, did not cause any damage.

The policemen guarding the complex took position after the explosion but did not open fire.

The complex houses the offices of the Additional Director General of Police, Armed, Shiv Murari Sahai, Inspector General, Armed Police and the Indian Reserve Police, Sunil Kumar and Inspector General, Railways, Mohammad Sulaiman Salaria.

“No senior officer was present in the office complex at the time of the grenade attack,” said a police officer.

“All senior officers had left the office almost an hour before the grenade attack,” he said.

Immediately after the grenade attack, senior police officers rushed to the spot. Searches were conducted in nearby localities after the blast.

The Armed Police headquarters is located adjacent to the highly secured Zonal Police headquarters of the J&K Police which houses the offices of the Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, Inspector General, Security, Deputy Inspector General, central Kashmir, Senior Superintendent of Police, Srinagar, and Superintendent of Police, Counter-Insurgency Kashmir.

This year, security forces have stepped up their operations against militants. So far, 37 militants, including eight commanders, have been killed.

While a majority of the gunfights have taken place in the hinterland in the Valley, it is for the first time this year that militants targeted security men in Srinagar.

New Delhi, June 11
Cautioning the BJP against making statements that may have “international ramifications”, senior Congress leader Ashwani Kumar today slammed the Government, referring to a statement by MoS in Prime Minister’s Office Jitendra Singh on the Article 370.

“Please restrain yourself from making statements that may have international ramifications,” Kumar said, participating in a debate in the Rajya Sabha on motion of thanks on President’s address.

He also sought to remind the BJP-led NDA that it was the Congress government in the Jammu and Kashmir which initiated the process of rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits.

“Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad, when he was the Chief Minister of the state, initiated the process (of rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits). We (Congress) understand the feelings of people. We are not unmindful of it,” the former minister said.

Apparently the BJP is working on a comprehensive plan for the return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley and their rehabilitation.

It includes enhanced financial aid, security for life and property, government jobs and other employment opportunities as an incentive for the return of Pandits, as per the government officials.

Srinagar, June 11
Following the instructions of Governor and Chairman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board NN Vohra, the Chief Executive Officer of the Board, RK Gupta, today undertook a day-long visit to the yatra area for assessing the existing condition of the Baltal-Panjtarni track ahead of the annual pilgrimage.

During a review meeting on June 9, the Governor had asked Board officials to take stock of the existing situation of the yatra area and make all the necessary arrangements ahead of the pilgrimage.

The CEO, accompanied by Additional CEO Preet Pal Singh, and other Board officials also reviewed necessary yatra arrangements to be made at Baltal and Panjtarni base camps.

General Manager (works) RK Pandita, camp directors and additional camp directors of Baltal and Panjtarni camps were also present on the occasion.

On his return to Srinagar, the CEO informed the Chairman that the entire Panjtarni camp area was still covered with considerable snow.

He also said several critical stretches between Railpathri to Brarimarg and Sangam Top to the holy cave have been badly affected by the extensive snow accumulation and require urgent repairs.

In this context, the CEO said, he has asked the Roads and Buildings, Ganderbal, and Pahalgam Development Authority to deploy additional labour, on double shift basis, to ensure yatra tracks are fully restored by June 20.

The CEO also reviewed the overall status of repair work in a meeting held at the Baltal base camp with officers of the Public Health Engineering, Power Development Department and the Roads and Buildings Department.

Camp directors and additional camp directors of Baltal, Domel, Neelgrath, Sangam, Panjtarni and the holy cave were also present in the meeting.

Gupta, particularly reviewed the work done for ensuring electric supply, water supply and restoration of the Rangamorh-Domel road.

At Panjtarni, the CEO gave directions to the Board’s engineering wing to put in time-bond effort to restore the snow-damaged infrastructure by June 14 so that the camp director and additional camp director could be positioned there from June 15.

He also asked the engineering wing to report the progress of the repair and restoration work on daily basis.

The CEO shall undertake a similar ground survey of the Pahalgam route on June 12 and 13.

Srinagar , June 11
The Tajikistan Government has invited students of Jammu and Kashmir, especially those researching on the Central Asian history and culture, for its national celebrations of the birth anniversaries of Asia’s revered Sufi saints Hazrat Bulbul Shah (the first Muslim Sufi saint of Kashmir) and the saints of Samarkand and Bukhara (believed to be the descendants of Prophet Muhammad).

Tajikistan’s Ambassador to India Saidow Saidbeg Boykhonovich, guest of honour at the two-day conference on ‘Culture and Literature in Medieval Central Asia’, which started today at the University of Kashmir, was impressed with the rich cultural heritage and Sufi civilisation of the Valley dating back to 1300 A.D.

“Hazrat Bulbul Shah lived his whole life in this Valley of saints and was originally from Tajikistan. He is a link which connects the two oldest civilisations of the world, Central Asia and India, and a harbinger of secular values in both countries. His preaching aimed to bring together the oldest religions of the world, including Hinduism, Islam and Buddhism. There should be more platforms available for researchers and historians from both countries to dig into the history of the Sufi ‘secular’ culture,” the Tajikistan Ambassador said.

He said signing a Memorandum of Understanding between Tajikistan National University and the University of Kashmir could go a long way in exploring commonality between the Sufi traditions of Kashmir and those of Tajikistan.

The Tajikistan Ambassador presented some works (translated versions) of its “Poets of the Country” to Governor NN Vohra and officiating Vice Chancellor of the University of Kashmir AM Shah.

Rajouri, June 11
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Rajouri-Poonch range, AK Attri today held a ‘reddress of grievances’ camp at Rajouri to know about the problems of the officers, officials and police personnel and suggest ways to mitigate them.

The camp was organised at the District Police Lines and a total of 355 police jawans, policewomen and Special Police Officers participated in it.

As many as 35 non-gazetted police officers, including Station House Officers of all police stations of Rajouri district, were present.

Police personnel raised problems being face by them and demanded their redress.

After giving a patient hearing to the problems of police personnel, the DIG assured them that required measures would be taken soon to solve their genuine problems.

He took some decisions on the spot to improve overall policing. He also solved some issues of police personnel and exhorted them to work with more dedication to maintain the prevailing atmosphere of peace and tranquillity. 

Kupwara, June 11
The remote Duggarpora village in the Lolab valley of Kupwara district is groping in dark for the past two months.

The residents said the transformer was lifted for repair work two months ago but has not been reinstated to date.

“We are groping in dark for the past two months and despite repeated pleas to the officials of the Power Department the transformer has not been installed,” said Zahoor Ahmad Wani, a local.

The locals appealed to power minister for restoration of electricity.

“We make a fervent appeal to the power minister to intervene and restore electricity at the earliest. In the absence of electricity, we are forced to illuminate our houses with candles and kerosene lamps,” said Naseer Ahmad Ganie.

The residents said they would be forced to protest against the power department if the supply was not restored soon.

“By ignoring our problem, the department is testing our patience. We will be forced to protest if supply was not restored,” said a local. — OC

Srinagar, June 11
The All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC) today expressed hope that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the Centre would solve the pending issues of the Sikh community of the state and reiterated its demand for minority status.

In a statement issued here, APSCC Chairman Jagmohan Singh Raina said the members of the Sikh community in the state “are up against many odds” and needed immediate attention.

“It is good that the new Central government has started taking steps to solve the problems of various communities living in the country. It must be kept in mind by decision-makers that members of the Sikh community have been fighting hard for their rights and their problems too need to be addressed at the earliest,” said Raina.

Raina said the Sikh community in the state should be granted the status of a minority community since they very much fall under the provisions set out in this regard. He said the Minority Act as framed by the National Commission for Minorities should be extended to the state without any dilution whatsoever.

“In case there is any dilution to the Minority Act then the members of Sikh community would come out and lodge strong protests in support of their genuine demands,” said Raina. 

Srinagar, June 11
Sham Lal Sharma, Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, called on Governor NN Vohra at Raj Bhawan here today.

Sharma briefed the Governor about the measures being taken by the PHE Department to augment the supply of safe drinking water in all three regions of the state to meet the existing and arising demands.

He also apprised the Governor about the status of various projects being undertaken by the Flood and Irrigation Department to increase the net irrigated area in the state by adopting newer technologies such as rain water harvesting.

Jammu, June 11
Intensifying its agitation against the alleged harassment of students on the campus, the Student Scholars Joint Action Committee (SSJAC) today staged a demonstration in the varsity and demanded immediate removal of the incumbent Vice Chancellor, Prof Mohan Paul Singh Ishar.

The protesters again requested the Union HRD Ministry and Governor NN Vohra, who is also the Chancellor of the varsity, to appoint a “competent and noted academician” as the new Vice Chancellor of the institution.

Led by Lovedeep Singh Mankotia, SSJAC activists, including female students of the university, raised slogans against the administration and accused it of adopting dictatorial policies to harass students and scholars.

They alleged that the scholars, who had qualified NET/JRF in sociology and political science, were being denied admission for the PhD programme.

Nishi Slathia, Balwinder Kour and Saroj Sani, female scholars from the Department of Strategic and Regional Studies (DSRS), alleged that the JU authorities had turned a blind eye towards growing nepotism on the campus and were working under the pressure of some influential political leaders who had allegedly destroyed the sanctity of the university.

Nish Slathai said in a Jammu University order issued on March 25, 2014, the Registrar of the varsity had said all those students who had completed MPhil would get the admission in the PhD programme as per seniority in MPhil, but the Director, DSRS, allegedly dishonoured the order and denied admission to the scholars.

The SSJAC leaders demanded the immediate removal of the Vice Chancellor and the appointment of a noted academician from outside the state as the new Vice Chancellor of the institution.

Jammu, June 11
The All Jammu and Kashmir Non-Gazetted Forest Officers’ Association has threatened to start a demonstration across the state if the government fails to fulfil their demands without further delay.

The demands of association include removal of pay anomaly, provision of risk allowance, promotion avenues, change of designation of helpers, regularisation of daily rated workers engaged prior to ban and enhancement of 135 posts of Range Officer (RO) Grade-II.

Provincial president of the association Ravi Kumar projected the long-pending demands of the employees and warned the government to resolve the demands or face a long-term agitation by the association.

Others who spoke included general secretary of the association Bupinder Singh, Rajesh Bakshi, Mahesh Abrol, Ajit Raj, Amardeep Singh, RS Jasrotia, Gurcharan Singh, Amit Gupta and Mushtaq Ahmed.

Samba, June 11
A person died after being hit by a train on the Jammu-Pathankot railway track at the Jatwal area of Samba today morning.

After the incident, the General Railway Police (GRP) reached the spot and recovered the body.

The deceased has been identified as Gani Mohammad, 45, a resident of Sohanda village of Samba.

The GRP said the victim was crossing the track near pillar number 59.9 at Jatwal when a Duronto Express hit him resulting in his instant death.

Later, the body was shifted to District Hospital, Samba, for postmortem and other legal formalities.

The police have registered a case in this connection.

Srinagar, June 11
A seminar titled “Awaami Aawaz” to create awareness against drug abuse and corruption was held on the campus of Kashmir University (KU) here today.

Several prominent citizens spoke during the event that was organised by a civil society group.

Quoting a recent survey, Gulam Mohammad Dar, an educationist, claimed that around 75,000 people were engaged in drug abuse that included 4,000 girls.

Dean of the Students Welfare Department, KU, Neelofar Khan said there was a need to create awareness among women and also educate them against drug abuse.

Director, EMMRC, Shahid Rasool said: “We should first prepare ourselves against corruption and also should start a complaint box through which people can submit their grievances against the prevailing system.”

Hazratbal SP Rayees Ahmad and Advocate Javed Iqbal Wani also spoke on the occasion. — TNS