Jammu, July 1
Following the directive of the Central Government to rein the hoarders in, the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) Department has constituted special squads to identify them.

Though common masses are not impressed by these teams, keeping in view the political-businessmen nexus, which control the major supply chain in the city, officials said a series of inspections would be carried out across the city to ensure the consumers got supply of essential commodities.

The squads have been constituted to keep a check on overcharging, sale of goods on the black market, profiteering, besides quality of essential commodities, especially in view of the Shri Amarnath yatra and Ramzan.

Officials said direction had been passed by the district administration to comprise teams of officials from the Legal Meterology Department, CAPD Department and Chief Health Officer, Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) to conduct raids daily and check the quality and weight of the products sold to the consumers. The team had been constituted under the Price Control Quality Assurance, Compliances of Food Safety and Standard Act and Consumer Protection Act.

However, residents feel that the announcement is mere an eyewash and past efforts have failed to rein profiteers in. “We want action. Every few months the administration announces to launch a drive against hoarders, but we have never heard that anybody has been booked or exposed. It seems government is just befooling the people to give them false sense of assurance that it is working,” said Rajeev Sharma, a local resident.

Similar views were expressed by a cross-section of people across Jammu, who are feeling the pinch of rising prices of vegetables, milk and other consumer goods.

However, when contacted, Director, CAPD, GS Chib, said there was clear direction to the officials that anybody found hoarding or charging excess amount from the consumers should be booked under the relevant laws.

“Fines have been imposed on several traders and distributors who were found violating the rules. We urge the people to inform us if they find anyone charging extra from them or hoarding essential commodities,” Chib said.

In the absence of any mechanism to control the prices, the state government has constituted a working group (WG) to formulate rules to curb hoarding and profiteering in J&K and it is studying the ways to streamline the pricing.

The adulteration is mainly found in milk, sweets, meat products, processed food and eatables served at hotels and restaurants.

Srinagar, July 1
Days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s maiden visit to J&K, Kashmir has been put on an alert and security has increased in the region.

An eight-member team of the Special Protection Group (SPG) --- that is responsible for the security of the Prime Minister --- arrived in the Valley today. The team visited the venue near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Uri sector, where Modi will inaugurate a power project on July 4.

The SPG will take over the venue a day ahead of the PM’s visit.

Sources said security men had been told to increase round-the-clock vigil in their respective areas to keep an eye on the situation. Security forces set up check points in various parts of the Valley, including in Srinagar city, on Monday morning.

“Security has been beefed up as part of measures taken to ensure that no untoward incident happens during the PM’s visit,” said a security forces officer. “We have told our men to be on an alert. Keeping in mind last year’s deadly attack in June, a day ahead of former PM Manmohan Singh’s visit to the Valley, which left eight solider dead, we are not taking any chances,” he added.

Meanwhile, police and CRPF men were seen checking vehicles in the city.

The sources said the security forces, including the Army, had been told to increase night patrol in the sensitive areas of the Valley.

A three-tier security will be in place when Modi inaugurates the 240 MW Uri II power project near the Line of Control.

The project was to be inaugurated by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in June last year during his two-day visit to the state, but had to cancel the programme as the project was not ready and the tunnel of the project was leaking at several places. The work on the Uri II project was started in 2006.

The Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, and other senior police officers visited the border town of Uri today to review arrangements for inauguration of the power project.

In Valley, Modi is also scheduled to hold a security review meeting at the Army’s Srinagar-based headquarters at Badamibagh.

Jammu, July 1
The Joint Forum of Kashmiri Pandit Organisations has again reiterated its demand for separate homeland for Hindus in Kashmir. The forum has said it is the only solution to the plight of the minority community, who were forced to leave their land by militants.

A meeting of forum, which was attended by Ashwani Kumar Chrungoo, president, Panun Kashmir (PK), Vijay Raina, president, Kashmiri Samiti Delhi, RK Raina, vice-president, ASKPC, DN Kissu, chairman, ADKPUF, Kamal Bagati, organising secretary, PK, and Virender Raina, official spokesperson, joint forum, discussed the current political situation in the state.

Speaking on the occasion, Panun Kashmir president Ashwani Chrungoo expressed his satisfaction that more and more Kashmiri Pandit groups are gravitating towards the core edifice of Pandits’ aspiration that is a separate homeland.

“Ever since the Kashmiri Pandits’ rehabilitation has come up as a frontline national issue, a debate has generated in the community and almost every group has endorsed that the geo-political aspirations of the displaced community need to be settled by carving out a separate homeland in Kashmir,” Chrangoo said.

He said moreover, the issues pertaining to exodus of the minority community could not be brushed aside and need to be addressed in order to find out the causes for the rise of fundamentalism and terrorism in the Valley leading ultimately to exodus of the Pandits.

Vijay Raina, president, Kashmiri Samiti Delhi (KSD), said the return and economic rehabilitation were two separate issues and could not be linked together. “Our overage youth need to be given a onetime compensation and the government shall not waste any more time in this issue,” he demanded.

Virender Raina, spokesperson of the joint forum, appealed to the government to implement the recommendations contained in the 137th and 179th Report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs as a beginning towards addressing the issues related to displaced Kashmiri Hindus.

Jammu, July 1
Despite widespread panic among farmers about a deficient monsoon, the state government is yet to come up with a detailed contingency plan to deal with the situation.

The monsoon is expected to hit the state on July 7, but weathermen have predicted that it will be delayed keeping in view its general slow approach over the subcontinent in the last three weeks.

Rainfall is expected to be less compared to last year. The north-west region of the country is already facing a 53 per cent rain deficit, receiving below normal pre-monsoon showers.

Officials said the Centre had directed states to divert 10 per cent funds under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna, but departments concerned had not deliberated on creating a mechanism to implement the plan.

“No lesson has been learnt from 2009-10, when farmers lost 50 per cent of the kharif crops in 18 districts of Jammu and Kashmir,” a source said.

“There is lack of coordination between the departments of agriculture, irrigation and flood control and the local administration in coming up with a detailed plan,” the source said.

When contacted, Asgar Ali Samoon, Commissioner Secretary, Agriculture Production Department, said, “I do not control the rains and the monsoon has not arrived so far. We will look into the issue and officials will be asked to take appropriate measures to deal with the situation.”

Agricultural and horticultural produce was hit due to the failed monsoon from 2007 to 2010. A special girdawari was conducted in 18 districts, which pegged losses to farmers at Rs 211.28 crore.

Money was sought from the Centre under the Calamity Relief Fund, but only a few farmers had received the compensation.

“The delayed monsoon is a continuous trend for years, but the government has no policy to help farmers. Those who suffered losses are waiting for compensation and cannot afford loss now,” said Tejinder Singh, a progressive farmer.

Officials said that scanty rainfall during 2007, 2008 and 2009 had adversely affected the agricultural sector in all the three regions of the state.

They said it would take years before the sector would be back on track. Jammu and Kashmir imports foodgrain to meet the requirements of its population.

Srinagar, July 1
Muslims are being urged to pay special attention to their health when fasting during Ramadan.

To sustain long hours of fasting this summer, experts and dieticians in the Valley have advised people to take simple diet that is rich in fibre and fluids and avoid sleeping during day hours.

The holy month of Ramadan has just begun in the Valley with mercury touching more than 30 degrees Celsius. During the 30-day period of fasting, choosing the right kind of diet is very important to remain healthy.

“Due to the long hours of fasting, consume slow-digesting foods, including fibre-containing foods, which last up to eight hours, rather than fast-digesting foods, which last only three to four hours,” an expert said.

Muslims in the Valley prefer eating fruits, dates and pickles when breaking the fast at dusk. The experts, however, said the diet should be chosen in such a way so that it did not cause dehydration on constipation.

“One has to eat foods rich in fibre, fruit salads or vegetable salads to address the problem of dehydration during the month,” said dietician Wasiya Khan from Srinagar.

“It you consume mutton or chicken, there will be a tendency to increase thirst during the day,” she added.

The gastroenterologist also suggested eating bread, cereals, milk and vegetables to maintain the water level in the body.

“Intake of fruits after meals is strongly suggested. Our diet in Ramadan should not differ much from normal. It should be as simple as possible. The diet should be good enough that we maintain our normal weight,” the doctor said.

With 16 long hours of fasting, the doctors also suggested consumption of oily and complex carbohydrates or slow digesting foods during “sehri” (dawn) so that the food lasts longer for about eight hours making people less hungry during the day. “These carbohydrates have low glycemic index and take long to convert to glucose and they stay in our stomach till eight hours. Oily food is also suggested during dawn. They also stay in our body till long, making us less hungry,” the expert said, adding that fried food, very spicy food and food containing too much sugar such as sweets should be avoided as they can cause health problems. It should be limited during the fast.

“They cause indigestion, heartburn and weight problems. High fibre diets have a good effect on our satiety and are most suited for Ramadan,” the dietician said.

• Muslims in the Valley prefer eating fruits and dates when breaking the fast at dusk. Experts, however, say the diet should be chosen in such a way that it doesn’t cause dehydration on constipation
• Eat bread, cereals, milk and vegetables to maintain the water level in the body

• Fried and fatty foods
• Foods containing too much sugar
• Over-eating especially at dawn
• Too much tea at sehri
• Smoking cigarettes

What to eat

• Complex carbohydrates at dawn so that the food lasts longer making you less hungry
• Almonds are rich in protein and fibre with less fat
• Bananas are a good source of potassium, magnesium and carbohydrates
• Take as much water or fruit juices as possible between Iftar and bedtime so that your body may adjust fluid levels in time

Jammu, July 1
All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary Ambika Soni will present the crucial report on the possibility of a pre-poll alliance between coalition partners National Conference and Congress ahead of the Assembly polls to party chief Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday.

The report is based on the feedback gathered from state leaders of the party during a six-hour-long meeting on the functioning of the coalition at Srinagar last week.

“I have taken appointment with Congress president Sonia Gandhi for Wednesday evening to present the report prepared on the basis of feedback received from the party leaders of J&K,” Soni told The Tribune.

She said the final decision on the alliance would soon be taken by Sonia. “The final decision in this regard would be taken by Sonia Gandhi herself,” the senior leader said.

Soni, who was at Srinagar on June 25 to deliberate with the state Congress leaders the causes of recent poll debacle, has prepared the report after meeting party leaders individually to get actual feedback regarding continuation of the alliance with the NC.

During the deliberations at Srinagar, a group of Congress leaders had voiced their resentment at the alliance with the NC and suggested parting ways before the announcement of the forthcoming Assembly elections. Another group within the party had suggested that the decision on pre-poll alliance should be taken only after the present regime completed its tenure. As there was no consensus on the issue of continuation of the alliance with the NC, Soni had decided to meet party leaders individually to get their view point.

“There were many issues which I had discussed with the party leaders at Srinagar,” the Congress general secretary said, adding the state leaders also discussed the importance given to the coordination committee of the coalition (CCC) by the NC.

Soni also disclosed that during one-to-one meetings with the Congress representatives, a number of them raised the issue of the failure of party leaders to implement the party’s manifesto in the government.

Sources in the Congress said during their meetings with Ambika Soni, party leaders were angry with NC leaders for undermining the sanctity of the CCC, which was constituted to set the agenda for the coalition government.

Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief Saifuddin Soz is the chairman of the CCC, but recommendations of this committee were never taken seriously by the NC.

Ramban, July 1
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is also the working president of the National Conference (NC), said today that opponents would not be able to erase the historic role that the NC had played all along to uphold people’s cause and seek political and economic stability for the state.

“It was the National Conference in the past and it is the National Conference at present which is lucidly and confidently clear about the political addressing of Kashmir imbroglio, creating necessary thaw in Indo-Pak relations and making the ‘table’ only means to settle all issues,” he said.

He said friendly Indo-Pak relations had been the benchmark of the party’s political discourse and it would continue to be the centre pillar in the NC’s political viewpoint.

Addressing party workers’ conventions at Neel, Kastigarh, Razgarh and Ukral in Banihal and Ramban Assembly constituencies today, Omar asserted that the NC would continue its march towards achieving the goal of political and economic stability in the state.

He said it was he who as the Chief Minister of the state highlighted the importance of resolution of political issues of Jammu and Kashmir politically and told the Prime Minister and the Union Government that the Kashmir issue could not be settled by economic measures.

“I told at all forums that the relation between the state and the country is unique and special and we have to strengthen this bond by strengthening the special status of Jammu and Kashmir granted by the Constitution of India,” he added.

Omar said the National Conference was not merely a party formulated to rule the state, but it was a “programme”, a “campaign” and a “movement” to seek peace and political stability in the state.

Srinagar, July 1
The ruling National Conference party, which has been battered by the parliamentary poll results, will meet in the coming days to make a final selection of candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections.

The party’s parliamentary board will meet under the leadership of National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, who has taken over the active command of the party after the Lok Sabah poll debacle, to decide the final list of contestants.

A senior party official said the selection process was currently going on and the nominations were likely to be announced next week.

The parliamentary board will discuss more than 250 names that have been suggested by the party’s district presidents from all over the state and will finalise the candidate list for 87 Assembly seats. The Central Working Committee of the ruling party had earlier asked the district presidents to put forward the names of three candidates with resumes for each constituency.

Another party official said the process of submitting the list of names by district presidents had been completed and the list was now with the parliamentary board. The board was likely to meet in the coming days to take the final call, he added.

The board had been awaiting the return of Farooq and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah from their holiday abroad, party sources said.

Omar, who had been elected to the Assembly from the Ganderbal constituency in 2008, may be given a “safer seat” of Hazratbal or Sonawar or both this time, the sources said.

The party has adopted several radical measures to win back the support which slipped out of its hands during the parliamentary polls and is fighting against time to gain the lost ground ahead of the Assembly elections scheduled at the end of the year.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a young opposition which took away all three seats in the Valley and left the National Conference decimated in parliamentary polls, has already taken the lead, a sign of its growing confidence, by announcing the candidates for 49 Assembly seats. The PDP will soon be announcing the names for the remaining 38 seats.

Jammu: The NC has almost finalised its list of candidates of the Jammu region for the upcoming Assembly elections and all sitting MLAs are set to be nominated again.

The NC is planning to announce its first list of candidates within a week.

“All six sitting MLAs of the Jammu region, Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo, Abdul Gani Malik, Surjeet Singh Slathia, Rachpal Singh, Radhay Sham Sharma and Aijaz Jan are set to be selected to contest elections,” a source said.

“Apart from the sitting MLAs, big guns like Devender Singh Rana, who is the party provincial president of Jammu, will be contesting election from Nagrota, Member of Legislative Council and Minister for Planning Ajay Sadhotra from Marh, MLC and former MoS Khalid Najeeb Suharwardy from Doda and Deputy Chairman of Legislative Council Javed Rana from Mendhar,” the source added.From Inderwal Assembly constituency, two names are making the rounds: Tanvir Kichloo and Abdul Karim Wani. The chances of Kichloo getting the nomination are high.

“There are deliberations going on as to who should be given the nomination from Jammu West and Gandhinagar Assembly constituencies of Jammu city,” the source said. — TNS

Srinagar, July 1
Several workers of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during a function held here today.

Spokesman for the BJP Kashmir unit Altaf Thakur said Abdul Ahad Sheikh, Abdul Hameed Sheikh, Ghulam Qadir, Bilal Ahmad, Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad, Firdous Ahmad, Irshad Ahmad, Shabir Ahmad, Tariq Ahmad, Irshad Ahmad and Showkat Ahmad among others, who according to him were previously associated with the PDP, joined the party fold.

He said they were welcomed into the party fold by Ali Mohammad Mir, president, central Kashmir, and other local leaders.

Speaking on the occasion, Thakur said the BJP was determined to change the destiny of the people of the state.

“Joining of PDP workers is a clear indication that people have realised that only BJP has the agenda for good governance and development,” he added.

Mir said the party had always stood for the people and would continue to represent the aspirations of all sections of society.

BJP leader Ashok Bhat termed the decision of joining of workers as the right decision at the right time. “This would help the people of Kashmir in all spheres of development. With the joining of workers, the BJP would strengthen its base at the grass-roots level in Srinagar city,” he said.

Srinagar, July 1
Noted economist and former chairman of J&K Bank Haseeb A Drabu today joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

A PDP spokesman said Drabu had written to party president Mehbooba Mufti about his wish to join the party.

“I want to leave the perch of punditry and slug it out in noise and chaos of politics. I have earlier had the occasion to work with and for the people of J&K. Not only was it professionally an absolute privilege but also personally it was by a long way most satisfying. I want to participate and, to the extent that I can contribute to this overall change by working within aegis of the PDP. I do hope you will provide me the opportunity to do so,” Drabu wrote in the letter.

While welcoming Drabu into the party, PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said he had ably assisted the state in its post-2002 economic and financial restructuring. “The entry of professionals like Drabu into the PDP indicates the positive impact this party has made among the intelligentsia in the state,” Mufti said.

Hasseb Drabu has been associated with Mufti since 2003 when as the Chief Minister, Mufti appointed him the economic adviser to the government, with the rank of a minister of state.

Starting his career with the Planning Commission of India, he has also worked with the Finance Commission.

Drabu was appointed as the chairman of J&K Bank in June 2004 and continued to serve on the post till June 2010.

Srinagar, July 1
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti today claimed that bad governance had pushed the people into destitution as was evident from demonstrations all over the state.

Addressing various meetings in the Devsar constituency of Kulgam district, she said apart from its political agenda, the PDP would focus on improving the quality of life for the people of the state.

Mehbooba said she was pained by the frequent sight of the people holding dharnas and demonstrations for even drinking water at many places.

“If this can be the case in a state that is rich in water resources, nobody other than the National Conference and the Congress, who have been in power ever since Independence, can be blamed for such conditions,” she said.

Meanwhile, renowned advocate Sheikh Manzoor of Rawathpora, Kupwara, today joined the PDP.

Jammu, July 1
The Vigilance Organisation on Monday booked the Joint Commissioner of the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) and other officials, besides a beneficiary, in a case involving unauthorised construction of a commercial structure in a residential area.

A probe conducted to look into allegations of allowing construction of an unauthorised commercial structure in a residential area by JMC officials revealed that Ravinder Kumar, a resident of Talab Tillo in Jammu, was granted permission by the corporation for constructing a residential building.

Kumar in connivance with JMC officials constructed a three-storeyed commercial building with a basement.

“In pursuance of criminal conspiracy, the officials of the JMC namely Babu Ram, Joint Commissioner, and others who as per the Municipal Act and by-laws were required to conduct periodic inspections and ensure compliance of the sanctioned plan willfully turned a blind eye and maintained criminal silence over blatant violation of sanctioned permission and master plan and facilitated unauthorised construction which was commercial in nature,” stated an official release of the Vigilance Organisation.

The omissions and commissions on the part of the public servants and the beneficiary constitute offences punishable under Section 5(1) (c), read with 5 (2) of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act 2006, and Section 120-B of the RPC.

A case has been registered at the Vigilance Organisation police station, Jammu, and further investigations are on, read the release.

Jammu, July 1
Throwing all norms to wind and in a serious security lapse, a senior official of the trans-LoC trade at the Chakan da Bagh Trade Centre in Poonch district today allegedly allowed an Indian truck of an unregistered Jammu-based company to cross the LoC and enter the Pak-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) with merchandise, that too, in brazen violation of a court order.

“Today the custodian of the Chakan da Bagh Trade Centre, Mohammed Bashir Lone, allowed a total of 25 Indian trucks carrying merchandise to PoJK that included a truck (JK03/0498) of an unregistered company Vasu Sharma,” said Pawan Anand, president of the Chamber of LoC Trade, Jammu and Kashmir. He alleged that the custodian received Rs 2 lakh from this unregistered trader before allowing his truck carrying consignment of bananas to the PoJK.

Krishan Singh, general secretary of the Chamber of LoC Trade, claimed that the custodian, who enjoyed the backing of the nodal officer (Poonch DC), had ruined the trade.

“Yesterday, when we came to know about this deal between the unregistered company (Vasu Sharma) and the custodian, we met the Poonch SP, who took up the matter with the Poonch DC, but the latter didn’t do anything,” said Krishan Singh. “We will be filing a contempt petition against the custodian tomorrow. Sajjad Ahmed Khan, DC, Poonch, who is the nodal officer of the trade, however, feigned ignorance.

New Delhi, July 1
The Supreme Court has directed the Jammu and Kashmir Government to concentrate on efforts to restore the pristine beauty of the world-famous Dal Lake.

The direction was given by the court when it rejected the plea of the state government for discontinuing the service of Irfan Yasin, Vice-Chairman of the Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA), whose term was extended after superannuation.

"No merit. The Special Leave Petitions are dismissed," a Bench of Justices TS Thakur and C Nagappan said yesterday.

The state government had approached the apex court challenging the order of the J&K High Court in which it was directed to extend by six months the term of Yasin, who was due to superannuate on March 31, 2014.

The court said the state would have to comply with all directions of the high court concerning the restoration of Dal Lake and to prevent pollution and encroachments in its periphery.

The high court had earlier directed the state to appoint a full-time official as the chairperson of the J&K LAWDA, but as the deadline for appointment was reaching, the government gave additional charge of the Lake Authority to an already serving official.

It, however, did not go well with the high court which had asked the state to extend the term of Yasin in the absence of regular chairperson of LAWDA. — PTI

Jammu, July 1
The Rural Development Ministry has released grant-in-aid to the tune of Rs 180.86 crore for the state under the Central-sponsored Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) for the current financial year.

The ministry has directed the state to release the amount to the J&K State Rural Development Agency.

Sources said the ministry has expressed concern over the alleged delay in release of funds, which has adversely affected various projects in the state.

“You will appreciate that since the PMGSY is a time-bound programme any delay in the release of funds would hamper the pace of the programme since timely payment to the contractors agencies who execute the programme on the ground would be adversely impacted,” a statement from the Central Ministry stated.

“I would, therefore, request you to direct the Finance Department of the state to release the funds sanctioned under the PMGSY to J&K State Rural Development Agency without further delay to ensure smooth implementation of this flagship programme,” it stated.

The Rural Connectivity Division of the ministry, meanwhile, has directed in charge PMGSY to plant fruit-bearing and shelter-giving trees on either side of roads.

The programme envisages connecting all habitations having population of 500 persons and above (as per 2001 Census) in plain areas and in respect of the hilly state like J&K, under the integrated action plan as identified by Ministry of Home Affairs/Planning Commission, having 250 persons and above.

As per data, out of sanctioned 1,984 road works covering 10,154.80 km, the state has completed only 775 road works covering 4,366.96 km.

Jammu, July 1
Pakistani troops again violated the truce deal by opening small arms and automatic weapon fire on Indian forward posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Mendhar sector from 10.45 pm to 10.55 pm yesterday. The Indian Army retaliated.

“Last night around 10.45 pm, Pakistani troops opened small arms and automatic weapon fire on our posts in the Mendhar sector, also called the Mendhar Battalion area. Indian troops responded in equal measure,” said an Intelligence source.

Jammu-based defence spokesperson Lt Col Manish Mehta said firing by Pakistani troops was unprovoked to which our troops retaliated in equal measure using similar calibre weapons.

There were no reports of loss of life or injury to the Indian troops or civilians.

Around 11 am today, the Army launched a search operation in the area.

This year, truce violation and intrusion bids have become a routine on the Line of Control in the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri.

Yesterday’s truce violation was the 36th on the Line of Control in the Jammu region.

There have also been 10 other violations so far this year, including intrusion bids, south of the Pir Panjal range.

The truce violations last year were 149.

Srinagar, July 1
The Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) has alleged that the health department is “brazenly” violating the transfer policy and blue-eyed doctors are enjoying “prized postings”.

In a statement issued here, the Doctors’ Association said the Health Department had been violating the transfer policy which was adopted in the interest of patient care and smooth functioning of health institutions especially those located in far-flung areas.

Quoting the transfer policy, DAK president Nissar-ul-Hassan said, “The policy states that the postings of doctors shall be made on rotational basis to sensitive and non-sensitive posts and that the minimum tenure of a doctor on a post shall be two years or a maximum period of three years.”

“However, the spirit of the transfer policy is buried fifty fathoms deep by its non-implementation and gross violation on ground. Blue-eyed doctors enjoy the privilege of prize postings in and around the city or to their places of convenience. Favourite doctors remain posted on their places of choice for decades thus violating the very idea of transfer policy,” the DAK alleged in its statement.

The DAK statement added that this “messy transfer system” in the health department had taken a toll on patients as doctors instead of focusing on patient care try to secure their places of postings.

Jammu, July 1
After an agreement was reached between the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) authorities and Akhil Bhartiya Safai Mazdoor Sangh (ABSMS), the latter suspended its proposed strike for July 2 for next 15 days.

A meeting of the JMC authorities and representatives of the ABSMS was held in the office of Kapil Sharma, Joint Commissioner, JMC, in which demands put forth by the union were discussed and an agreement was reached.

As per the agreement, Joint Commissioner, on behalf of Commissioner, JMC, considered three out of the six demands of the union with immediate effect, while remaining the three demands were recommended to the Administrative Department and higher authorities.

In the agreement, the JMC issued the list of 29 civic workers through order number MT/Estt, 1900-1901, dated 24-06-2014, for time-bound promotion. The authorities also paid pending arrears of the Sixth Pay Commission and handed over cheques for two-and-a-half-days’ salaries of last five month.

The Joint Commissioner also sent three cases to the Administrative Department, which include appointment of all 1,413 civic workers as casual workers in the JMC who are presently engaged with NGOs, insurance cover of minimum Rs 5 lakh for civic workers and release of pending arrears of civic workers.

Jammu, July 1
Natrang honoured young theatre director Abhishek Bharti for his outstanding contribution to the theatre in Jammu.

He was honoured by Natrang Director Balwant Thakur during a function held at Natrang Studio Theatre.

Abhishek Bharti conducted a 15-day-long theatre workshop at Natrang and trained young aspirants for theatre and acting. Honouring Abhishek Bharti, Balwant Thakur said, “This is the high time that we spot the rarest hopes of the Indian theatre and appreciate their work and contribution in the larger interest of the future of theatre and art”.

Abhishek Bharti, after completing his MA in Dogri, qualified NET and went to Punjabi University, Patiala, where he did MA in theatre and TV. Thereafter he got the JRF from the UGC and joined the Indian Theatre Department as an assistant professor.

Abhishek Bharti has the distinction of working with top directors of the country, including Mortain Craig, Balwant Thakur, Sanjay Upadhaya, Dr Navnendra Behl, Probir Guha, Kumar A Bharti, Bhumikeshwar, Partho Bandhopadhaya, Dr Sunita Dhir, Probir Guha, Dr Yogesh Gambhir, Dr Mahendra Kumar, Kewal Dhaliwal, Vasant Joesalkar, Dr Gurcharan Singh, Kavi Rattan, Dr Sudhir Mahajan and Dr Navdeep Kaur.

His special accomplishments include gold medal in MA from the Department of Theatre and TV, Punjabi University, Patiala, State Award for Best Director-2010 for the play, “Gagan Damama Bajyo”, from the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art Culture and Languages, Jammu, State Award for Best Director-2011 for the play, “Agni Barkha”, from the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art Culture and Languages, Jammu, State Award for 2nd Best Director-2012 for the play, “The Government Inspector”, from the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art Culture and Languages, Jammu, and State Award for Best Music-2012 for the play, “The Government Inspector”.

Jammu, July 1
A deputation of the All J&K ReT Teachers Forum (ReTTF), led by state president Vinod Sharma, called on Director, School Education, Jammu (DSE), Tushar Kanti Sharma and apprised him of their demands.

While interacting with the DSE, Vinod Sharma brought in his notice their demands, which included inclusion of eligible regular ReT teachers for promotion as masters by implementing government order number 469, dated 25-06-2014, and issuance of regularisation orders of EV-converted ReT teachers and other ReT teachers whose files have been submitted to the Directorate of School Education, Jammu.

The DSE gave a patient hearing to the deputation and assured it of resolve grievances on priority basis.

Jammu, July 1
The All J&K Senior Citizens’ Welfare Council (SCWC) in its annual general meeting discussed its future plans under the presidentship of Raj Sharma.

The meeting, which was also attended by the governing body of the council, discussed in detail its future plans besides achievements in the last one year. Meanwhile, the audited accounts of the council were also put before the members by vice-president of the council SN Koul.

Addressing the meeting, the president of the council gave account of the work done by the elected committee in the last one year. She also put before the house future plans of the council envisaged for the coming years.

While briefing the house on various activities done by the council, the president said a Day Care Centre at Raika Lubana village was being run by the council, where about 50-60 senior citizens were actively involved in day-to-day activities and being looked after by the council.

It was also disclosed in the meeting that the committee had approached the Social Welfare Department for financial support to run the Day Care Centre at Raika Lubana and the case is with the Director, Social Welfare, for approval on merit.

The meeting was conducted by general secretary of the council Balbir Singh and a vote of thanks was presented by SN Koul.

Srinagar, July 1
To discuss issues related with holding of undergraduate (UG) examinations, Vice Chancellor of University of Kashmir Prof AM Shah today chaired a meeting at the committee room of the administration block of the university which was attended by principals of various degree colleges of the Valley.

During the meeting, several decisions regarding effective implementation of single paper scheme and drafting of a road map for successful introduction of semester system of examination at UG level were taken.

Seeking feedback and suggestions from the principals of various colleges on improving the examination system at UG level, Shah informed them that a committee had been constituted to draft a scheme for effective implementation and introduction of semester system of examination at UG level from 2015 in Valley colleges.

During the meeting, Prof Shah stressed on complete coordination between various colleges and the university so as to streamline the examination and evaluation process to come up with broader common mechanism for examination reforms and to inculcate a unique set of practices for the university in this regard.

The examination evaluation system was an important part of any university setup, adding that innovations were needed to make progress with respect to the examination reforms, Shah added.

Jammu, July 1
The Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry has restored the “Yuv Vani” service on All India Radio (AIR) from Jammu station.

The orders in this regard were issued by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Information and Broadcasting, Prakash Javadekar.

Minister of State in Prime Minister’s Office Jitendra Singh, who is Member of Parliament from Udhampur-Doda parliamentary seat, had sought restoration of the service from Jammu station of AIR on June 11.

Jitendra said Javadekar told him that the technical problems cited for stopping Yuva Vani service had been overcome. “Yuva Vani will now be relayed from a different frequency. Instead of AM frequency, it will now be from FM frequency, making the radio signals more clear,” Jitendra said quoting Javadekar.

Jitendra thanked Javadekar for his prompt response to the demand for the restoration of Yuva Vani, which was discontinued on June 1, following a decision taken by the former UPA government.

He said the Yuva Vani service was popular with youth as it encouraged young talent in broadcasting as well as provided an outlet to them to air their grievances.

Meanwhile, the state unit of BJP has welcomed the decision of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, saying it is a step in the right direction.

In a press statement issued here today, BJP state spokesperson Nirmal Kamal appreciated the decision taken by the NDA government to restore the important service.

Jammu, July 1
The patients and nursing staff of 166 Military Hospital at Satwari organised a function to celebrate national Doctors’ Day today. The hospital also celebrated its 44th Raising Day.

“Fortunately our hospital Raising Day coincides with national Doctors’ Day so we are doubly greeted on this day,” said Brig Man Mohan Harjai, Commandant of 166 Military Hospital.

“The celebrations of hospital Raising Day and the Doctors’ Day is a time for our soldiers to show their appreciation and say thanks to the doctors who care for them and their families when they are away on borders,” the Commandant said.

He also said the hospital has put in honest, untiring efforts to maintain the highest standards of services, both qualitatively and quantitatively, which were at par with the quality medical care provided to the patients at apex armed forces hospitals.

Lt Gen KH Singh, GOC, White Knight Corps, said the doctors were life saviours, who work relentlessly to cure soldiers and their families. “On this special occasion we express our gratitude to all doctors of armed forces who have been doing so much for us throughout the year,” he said.

The 166 Military Hospital is the largest garrison hospital for troops in Jammu, Nagrota and adjoining areas and has conducted a number of health activities during the preceding one year, including a medical camp for civilians at Thanamandi in Rajouri district during which about 800 patients were screened for various diseases and treated free of cost.

A medical camp was also held in Pallanwala for civilian population, during which specialists of different specialty took part, screened and treated all patients. As part of Sadbhavna initiative, medical camp was also held at Jagti in December 2013 and nearly 1,106 patients were examined and treated. — TNS

Rajouri, July 1
Deputy Inspector General of Police, Rajouri-Poonch range, AK Attri today constituted a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the blast at Naib Tehsildar’s office at Dhargloon in Mendhar tehsil of Poonch on the intervening night of June 25 and June 26. The police have so far failed to develop any lead in the matter and trace the culprits behind the explosion.

Attri said Additional Superintendent of Police, Poonch, Amit Gupta would head the SIT comprising SDPO, Mendhar, Surinder Choudhry; DSP, Operations, Javed Naz and SHO Gursai police post.

“They have been directed to carry out the probe in full pace so that the facts can be brought to limelight as soon as possible. These officers have also been asked to camp at the blast site,” the DIG said.

Sources said the members of the team have been directed to bring all the over ground workers of the militant organisations operating in the area and surrender militants under the ambit of their investigation

The DIG has also instructed the members to investigate the utilisation of explosive substances by contractors engaged in road projects in the area.

“The SIT has been constituted to pace up investigation into the blast. The police are working on the case quite closely and facts will be drilled out soon,” the DIG told reporters.

Srinagar, July 1
A labourer identified as Bashir Ahmad Soial, a resident of Chakhadway Banihal, died after he suffered fatal injuries while working at a stone quarry on the city outskirts, the police said today.

The labourer was injured while loading stones at the quarry in Zantrag area of Khrew. He was shifted to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries, a police spokesman said.

The police have initiated proceedings under Section 174 of the CrPC. — TNS

Srinagar, July 1
The body of a woman, who went missing over a week ago, was fished out today from the Jhelum river in Bandipora district of north Kashmir, the police said.

The woman was later identified as Neelofar by her relatives. A resident of Chattabal locality in Srinagar, she was reported missing on June 23 and her body was seen floating in the Jhelum river by some locals in Bandipora, 55 km from here, this morning, a police spokesman said.

The police rushed to the spot and fished out the body, the spokesman said. Later, the body was handed over to her relatives for the last rites after completion of all medico-legal formalities. The police were enquiring the case to ascertain the cause of Neelofar's death. — PTI

Srinagar, July 1
A volleyball tournament organised by the District Gurdwara Parbandak Committee, Budgam, concluded here yesterday.

Foujipora Warriors Khag Budgam lost to Khampor Warriors, Chadoora Budgam, a statement issued by the committee said today.