Jammu, July 23
In the absence of any dedicated parking space, illegal parking of vehicles at Gole Market, Apsara road, is leading to daily chaos in the area with hundreds of vehicles randomly placed on the busy road.

The problem is more chaotic during the evening hours when hundreds of people visit the area for shopping.

The place was once considered a posh area and is often compared to the Connaught Place in New Delhi has become a congested market as the civic authorities have failed to maintain one of the planned areas in the temple city.

Parallel parking of private vehicles on both sides of the road near Apsara and shops near Gole Market, especially in front of showrooms, shopping complexes, rehris with eatables and other food points are getting out of the control of the traffic police.

“Unauthorised parking of vehicles near commercial units and on the roads are creating chaos throughout the area making the movement of the general public difficult. The ever-increasing number of vehicles coupled with limited road infrastructure and paucity of parking space has been playing havoc with the traffic management in the city,” said Aparna Sharma, a university student.

Traffic congestion in the city is emerging as the biggest problem and in the absence of a proper management; it is becoming a nightmarish experience for the people.

“If the authorities are responsible for the failure to create a better parking space, the traffic police is also not doing their job with dedication, said Darshan Singh, a trader.

The Jammu Development Authority (JDA) and the Municipal Corporation is also responsible as if a parking space is created, it will ease the burden on the area. They need to act now because it is becoming difficult to travel through the area. 

Jammu, July 23
The Ministry of Urban Development in its recently prepared report claimed that there was lack of a comprehensive storm drainage system for Jammu city and the existing system faces severe flooding problem during the monsoon.

The report further claimed that due to dumping of solid waste and inflow of household sullage, storm water drains get blocked and the system is inefficient. The ministry stressed on the need for a complete planning and development of the comprehensive drainage system for Jammu.

“Cost escalation is the key challenge faced by the JMC in implementing the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM)-funded projects. There is no comprehensive policy on providing basic services to all urban poor as of now. There is no separate department within the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) that deals with the issues of the urban poor,” the Central ministry report claimed.

The report added that the state authorities had not prepared any policy on public participation of the urban poor in various rehabilitation programmes.

In another major finding, the report stated that encroachments on streets by shop owners and vendors further reduced the width of roads of Jammu city. It added that absence of road expansion and adequate parking lots was leading to haphazard parking on the streets and causing traffic congestion.

“Almost 30 per cent of the roads are not covered with lighting. The Electricity Department is responsible for installation, replacement, repairs, and operation and maintenance of streetlights in the city. There are 30,351 streetlights in working condition in Jammu, spaced at an average distance of 91 m. The streetlights mainly comprise sodium lamps.

As per the data available, the total drainage length in the city is 3,028 km. The open drains are 90 per cent, while the closed are 10 per cent. Total 93.75 km of the drains was built by the JMC with a total investment of Rs 1,406.52 lakh out of its own sources.

Further, Jammu city comprises 3,982 km of roads. Of the total number of roads under the coverage of the JMC, 57.5 per cent are surfaced, while 42.5 per cent are kutcha roads. Total 986.32 km of roads was built by the JMC with a total investment of Rs 9.241.55 lakh out of its own sources. 

Jammu, July 23
Several Jammu-based organisations today staged a protest against Pakistan over repeated violation of ceasefire on the border and demanded tough action against the neighbouring country.

In two separate demonstrations, activists of the Jammu West Assembly Movement (JWAM) and Dogra Front, Shiva Sena, alleged that the Central government was following the policies of the previous UPA government and people of the state were dejected by the response of the present dispensation in New Delhi.

Addressing a gathering, Shiv Sena activists demanded strong response to the repeated firing from the Pakistani army on the border, which has created fear among the villagers living along the villages close to the border.

Meanwhile, the JWAM led by its president Sunil Dimple also held a protest against Pakistan and demanded strong action from the Army and the Border Security Force (BSF). Protesters also burnt Pakistan’s flag to express their resentment. 

Jammu, July 23
The birth anniversary of great freedom fighter Chandra Shekhar Azad was celebrated at GS Accounts Institute, Lower Moti Bazar, Parade, today.

Girish Sharma, a teacher at the institute, along with students paid floral tributes to Azad. Sharma said, “The life of Azad is an inspiration to every citizen of the country.
There should be justice in society.”

They garlanded the statue of the great freedom fighter and raised slogans in his memory. The entire institute reverberated with slogans of patriotism.

Speaking on the occasion, Sharma highlighted the life of Azad. “He was a great freedom fighter of the Independence movement against the British rule in India,” he said. 

Jammu, July 23
A 21-day-long workshop on “Research Methodology and Manuscriptology” concluded at Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan, Shri Ranbir Campus, Kot Bhalwal, today.

Prof Ved Kumari Ghai was the chief guest on the occasion, while Prof Ramanuja Devanathan, Principal of the campus, presided over the valedictory function.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest said, “Science gives us speed but not direction. The direction comes from the wisdom enshrined in the works of the ‘rishis’ who were the first researchers at the dawn of the civilisation”.

She exhorted the scholars to unlock such pearls of wisdom with the use of modern research methodology. In his presidential address, Prof Devanathan expressed satisfaction over the successful completion of the workshop. 

Jammu, July 23
The ongoing state level inter-district swimming competition organised by the Department of Youth Services and Sports continued at Jodhamal Public School, Sainik Colony, today.

A total of 59 boys and 14 girls from various districts of the state are competing in the event to vie for top honours.

In U-17 boys 100-m breast stroke, Sanand Sharma of Jammu bagged gold in 100-m breast stroke by taking 1: 42: 46 minutes, while the silver in this event went to Idrees Hussain of Srinagar district, completing the event in 1: 51: 84 minutes.

The bronze medal was claimed by Dilawar Abbas of Srinagar by taking 2: 00: 74 minutes. In U-17 boys 100-m back stroke, Abhinav and Rasagya Tandon of Jammu bagged gold and silver medals by completing in 1: 55: 97 and 2: 06: 50 minutes, respectively. The bronze medal was bagged by Dilawar Abbas of Srinagar, taking 2: 15: 60 minutes.

Similarly, in U-17 boys 200-m free style, Sidhant Sharma and Nabhaya Saraf, both from Jammu, won gold and silver medals, respectively, while the bronze 
medal went to Sajid Nazir of Srinagar.

In 50-m butterfly, gold went to Aditya of Jammu, while Dilawar Abbas of Srinagar and Raghu Nandan of Kathua claimed silver and bronze medals, respectively.

In U-14 boys 200-m free style, Karan Dhar of Jammu won gold, Divyam Sharma of Jammu clinched silver medal and the bronze medal went to Aadil Hussain of Srinagar. Basharat Ali of Srinagar clinched gold in U-14 boys back stroke, while the silver and bronze medal in this event were claimed by Dhairya and Daksh, both from Jammu district.

New Delhi, July 23
The Central government today said time was “not appropriate” for withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from Jammu and Kashmir.

Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, said the issue was raised by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during the conference of chief ministers on internal security on June 5 last year.

Rijiju said, “The Chief Minister raised the issue of withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from the state in a phased-manner, beginning from the areas which have been free from militancy for quite some time.”

“However, various stakeholders, particularly the security agencies, have expressed their apprehension to the government that the revocation of the Act from the state of J&K will jeopardise their efforts in maintaining security and law and order in the state.

“Hence, it has been decided that the time is not appropriate at the moment for withdrawal of AFSPA from the state of J&K,” the minister said.

Regarding the north-eastern states, Rijiju said, “Representations have been received from time to time from different organisations/NGOs from Manipur for withdrawal of AFSPA. On security matters, the Government of India carefully evaluates the situation on the ground before taking any decision.”

In reply to a separate question, Rijiju said the resolution of the Kashmir issue involved multi-faceted approach to address the issues besieging the state such as terrorism, infiltration, Pakistan factor and political polarisation among others.

The government has taken several actions from time to time to resolve the above issues emanating from the domestic and external factors, he said.

“On the domestic front, the government in tandem with the state government adopted a multi-pronged approach to contain the cross-border infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir, which includes, inter alia, strengthening of the border management and multitiered and multi-modal deployment along the international border and infiltration routes, improved intelligence and operational coordination and proactive action against the terrorists within the state,” the minister said.

The minister said that during bilateral talks between the Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan following the swearing-in ceremony of the Central government on May 26, 2014, “it was agreed that Foreign Secretaries of both countries would get in touch to explore the possibility of how to move bilateral relations between the two countries forward.

“Our Prime Minister further emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity at the borders and upholding the sanctity of the Line of Control,” he said.

Further in the Budget of 2014-15, Rs 500 crore have been earmarked for the rehabilitation of the Kashmir migrants, he added.

In another reply, he said so far 2,264 special police officers had been made constables/followers in J&K under the government policy.

“As per report, there is no proposal or policy under consideration of the state government to consider village defence committees for regularisation, as their nature of engagement is purely voluntary,” Rijiju said. —- PTI

Jammu, July 23
Men in olive green paid their last respects to Naik Mongchon P in Akhnoor on Wednesday while their colleagues continued their search in the thick jungles along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Pallanwala area, where Pakistan-backed terrorists came 700 metres inside Indian 
territory on Tuesday before killing the young braveheart.

The group of eight or nine militants exchanged fire with the Indian patrol team since 9 am on Tuesday, grievously injuring Mongchon P. The militants could not be spotted by the troops in the jungle as it had thick wild vegetation growth. The soldier later succumbed to his injuries.

After paying tributes to the martyr, Major General AK Dhar, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Akhnoor-based 10 Infantry Division, also known as the Crossed Swords Division, said Tuesday’s incident was a “kind of intrusion bid”.

“An infiltration that was foiled, but this brave man lost his life in the exchange of fire. He was a brave soldier, but one should be prepared to lay down his life in this kind of a firefight,” Maj Gen Dhar told mediapersons.

“The cordon and search operation is still on. We are searching for the militants. We do not know whether the militants are still there. We have to see how many we can we get hold of,” said the GOC. On the modus operandi of militants trying to infiltrate from across the LoC, he said putting mines and opening fire simultaneously was their strategy.

“Since the area is across the Munawar Tawi river, which has a thick jungle, one cannot really see beyond three or four yards. We are facing this problem in searching the militants,” he said in response to a query. It was learnt that Pakistani troops gave covering fire to the infiltrating militants.

Many high-ranking officers attended the wreath-laying ceremony of the martyr on Wednesday. A Defence spokesperson said wreaths were placed on the mortal remains of Mongchon P by the GOC, White Knight Corps, Lt Gen KH Singh, the GOC, Crossed Swords Division, Maj Gen AK Dhar, the Station Commander, Akhnoor, and other officers. The martyr, survived by his mother, was a native of Aniangan village under the Noklak police station in Tuensang district of Nagaland.

Jammu, July 23
The Army foiled another intrusion bid along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Tarkundi area of the Balakote sector in Poonch district during the intervening night of July 22 and 23.

“Around 11 pm on Tuesday, a group of eight or nine ultras made an intrusion attempt near a forward location in the Tarkundi area in Mendhar tehsil. However, alert troops of the 6 Rajput Regiment noticed the movement and immediately challenged them,” said an Intelligence source.

Consequently, a small arms firefight broke out between the militants and the troops, which continued for half an hour and then intermittent firing lasted till 1 am before the ultras escaped back to Pak-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), he added.

The source said there was no casualty or injury on the Indian side.

There have been a number of infiltration attempts and ceasefire violations recently on the borders in the Jammu region, both the Line of Control and the international border. On May 18, a soldier was killed in an attack by Pakistan’s Border Action team in the Jogwan forward area on the LoC in the Akhnoor sector. On June 12, a soldier was killed and seven others, including a Major, were injured in two IED blasts in the Tarkundi area on the LoC in Poonch sector. The IEDs were planted by “rogue elements” from Pakistan inside the Indian territory.

On July 16, BSF constable Sanjay Dhar was killed while seven others, including three Bihari labourers and a local youth, were injured in Pakistan Ranger’s fire in the Arnia area of the RS Pura sector. On July 22, Naik Mongchon P of the 3 Naga Regiment was killed by a group of armed terrorists in the Kachrial area of Pallanwala in Akhnoor sector. 

Srinagar, July 23
National president (Yuva) of the Lok Janshakti Party Sanjay Saraf called on Governor NN Vohra at Raj Bhawan here.Saraf discussed issues relating to protection of migrant property in the Valley and Prime Minister’s Rehabilitation Package for the return of the Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley.

He also apprised the Governor about the problems and issues relating to development of the Habba Kadal Assembly constituency of Srinagar.

Samaba, July 23
The BSF has handed over the body of an intruder, who was killed during the exchange of fire on the international on July 21, to the Pakistani Rangers during a flag meeting at Karol Matreyan forward post in the Hiranagar sector of Kathua.

“We handed over the body of the Pakistani intruder to Rangers at the Karol Materyan forward post along the international border in the Hiranagar sector last evening,” a BSF official said.

Heavy exchange of fire erupted along the border after Pak Rangers targeted Indian posts to push in a group of militants.

The intruder had been identified as Iftikhar Ahmed, resident of Chak Papu, Nangal, district Narowal, Pakistan.

The BSF also lodged a strong protest with the Rangers over the infiltration bids along the border.

“The BSF is maintaining strict vigil along the border and troops are alert to foil any cross-border designs,” a BSF official said.

Srinagar, July 23
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today stressed speeding up the process of granting an autonomous status to Islamia College, Srinagar, and Government College for Women, Parade, Jammu.

The Chief Minister directed the Higher Education Department to draft the Act for the formation of two cluster universities in the state.

Omar directed for taking on board the Vice Chancellor of the University of Kashmir and the University of Jammu for finalising the autonomous status of the two colleges. He said the issues should be sorted out at the meeting to be chaired by the Higher Education Minister. He also said the minister should chair the meeting of all Vice Chancellors of the universities in the state to formulate the draft Act for the two cluster universities before the Law Department is told to vet the same.

The Chief Minister was speaking at the second meeting of the State Higher Education Council, held here today under his chairmanship.

Minister for Higher Education Mohammad Akbar Lone, Chief Secretary Mohammad Iqbal Khandey, Principal Secretary, Planning, BR Sharma, Vice Chancellors of the Universities of Kashmir, Jammu, Central University, Kashmir, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Islamia University of Science and Technology, Awantipora, and Commissioner Secretary, Higher Education, were present at the meeting.

The Chief Minister, who is also the chairman of the Higher Education Council, was briefed on various aspects relating to the functioning of the Council and those pertaining to the implementation of various educational programmes in the state.

Commissioner Secretary, Higher Education, Sheikh Mushtaq Ahmad explained the items listed in the agenda and gave an overview of the action taken on decisions taken during the first meeting of the Council. He dwelt in detail about the creation of universities by conversion of colleges into a cluster, infrastructural grants to universities, new model colleges, upgrade of existing colleges to model colleges, new technical colleges, faculty requirement, faculty improvement, vocational education, management information system, support to polytechnics and other related matters.

The meeting discussed recast state higher education plan, financial and physical components, capacity-building, consultation and training, data collection and compiling, mission directorate, submission of detailed project reports to the Ministry of Human Resource Development, delegation of powers, research, innovation and quality improvement in universities, matters pertaining to the JK Institute of Mathematical sciences and grant of an autonomous status to degree colleges in the state. 

Jammu, July 23
The National Conference (NC) candidate for the Ranbir Singh (RS) Pura Assembly constituency Romesh Motton today castigated both the BJP and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for “playing divisive politics” to fetch votes.

“Their entire edifice stands on falsehood and populism,” Motton said while addressing public meetings at Melawar in RS Pura.

“People can no more be hoodwinked by false and emotive sloganeering as they have been yearning for development and implementation of various welfare schemes for the overall good of society,” Motton said, adding the NC alone can satiate the aspirations of people.

He emphasised that the Omar Abdullah-led government had already laid a sound foundation for infrastructural development in the state, which would be taken forward in a “missionary spirit”.

The NC representative said the report card of Omar government stands testimony to the agenda of the party to ensure overall and equitable development of all the three regions of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.

He said a massive developmental initiative was underway to enhance the quality of life of the people by ensuring equal opportunities of progress to all.

Motton urged party workers to generate awareness among the people about the welfare schemes initiated by the government for their empowerment and economic emancipation.

He said the policies and programmes of the NC have been designed keeping in view the urges of every segment of population. 

Srinagar, July 23
The Director General of Police (DGP) has ordered a massive reshuffle in the Police Department. Over 50 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) have been transferred and posted against the available vacancies.

As per orders issued by the DGP, Mohammad Shafi has been posted as the DSP, Security, Bursar Hydroelectric project, Kishtwar on a deputation basis.

Ghulam Jeelani has beenposted as the DSP in Special Security Guard, J&K.

Mohammad Aziz Khan has been posted as the DSP, CID Special Branch, Rajouri.

Ravinder Singh has been posted as the DSP, Sher-i-Kashmir Police Academy, Udhampur.

Ali Mohammad Reshi has been posted as the DSP, CID, Special Branch, Budgam.

Abdul Rashid has been posted as the DSP, DAR Kupwara.

Ashok Kumar has been posted as the DSP in the Indian Reserve Police, 1st Battalion, and further attached with the SP, Reasi, to function as the DSP, Bhawan.

Madan Lal has been posted as the DSP in the Police Training Institute, Vijaypur.

Nazir Ahmed Latoo has been posted as the DSP, CID, Special Branch, Kupwara/Handwara.

Naresh Kumar has been posted as the DSP, CID, Special Branch, Kathua.

Ram Ji Dass has been posted as the DSP in the JKAP, 14th Battalion.

DSP Mohammad Shafi has been posted as Assistant Command, Home Guard, Srinagar.

Gurvinder Kour has been posted as the Special Officer to the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of police, Armed, Jammu.

Mohammad Muzafar has been posted as the DSP, Anti-hijacking, Srinagar.

Ayoub Pandit has been posted as the DSP, JKAP, 3rd Battalion.

DSP Predhuman Krishan has been posted at Home Guard, Samba. Mohammad Yousuf has been posted as the DSP, Police Control Room, Srinagar.

Tejinder Singh has been posted as the Assistant Commandant, Home Guard Udhampur.

Abdul Majid Mir has been posted as the DSP, Civil Defence, Budgam. Parvez Ahmed has been posted as the DSP, Crime, Srinagar.

Ghulam Mohammad has been posted as the DSP, Police Training School, Manigam.

Bashir Ahmed Dar has been posted as the Assistant Commandant, Home Guard, Kupwara. Manzoor Ahmed has been posted as the DSP, STC, Sheeri against available vacancy.

Rakesh Kumar has been posted as the DSP, STC, Talwara. Sushma Kumari has been posted as the Special Officer to the DIG, Home Guard, Jammu.

Bilal Hussain has been posted as the Assistant Commandant, Home Guard, Pulwama. Zahid Saif Wani has been posted as the DSP, Traffic, Ramban. Farooq Ahmad has been posted as the DSP CIV (Crime Intelligence and Vigilance) Police Headquarters. Mohammad Shafi has been posted as the DSP, Crime, Kashmir.

Syed Hussain Qadri has been posted as the DSP, SDRF, 1st Battalion.

Nissar Ahmad has been posted as the DSP, DAR, Handwara. Manzoor Ahmed has been posted as the Deputy SP in the JKAP, 13th Battalion.

Mohammad Yousuf has been posted as the Assistant Commandant, Home Guard (HG), Shopian. Kuljit Singh has been posted as the DSP, DAR, Kathua. Sajad Ahmad has been posted as the DSP, Sub-Divisional Police Office, Bhaderwah.

Sonam Dorjay has been posted as the DSP, Civil Defence, Kargil.

Arvinder Kotwal has been posted as the Assistant Commandant, HG, Kathua.

Mohammad Shafiq has been posted as the DSP Police Training School, Manigam.

Sukhdev Singh has been posted as the DSP in the JKAP, 4th Battalion.

Kuldeep Kumar has been posted as the DSP in the JKAP, 14th Battalion.

Varinder Singh has been posted as the DSP, SKPA, Udhampur.

Mohammad Aijaz Bhat has been posted as the DSP, CID Headquarters, J&K.

Parvez Alam has been posted as the DSP in the STC, Talwara.

Abdul Aziz Khan has been posted as the DSP, Security,k Police Transport workshop, Jammu.

Manjeet Singh has been posted as the DSP in the IRP, 7th Battalion . Altaf Ahmed Dar has been posted as the DSP, Security, Kashmir.

The DGP has also ordered shifting of DSPs.

Tanveer Jeelani, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Handwara, has been transferred and posted as the SDPO, Awantipora.

Arif Amin Shah, DSP, JKAP, 7th Battalion, has been transferred and posted as the DSP in the JKAP, 11th Battalion.

Sajad Khaliq Bhat, SDPO, Khanyar, has been transferred and posted as the DSP, CID, CIK Headquarters.

Dawood Ayoub, DSP, Traffic, Srinagar, has been transferred and posted as the SDPO, Sadder Srinagar. Perbeet Singh, DSP, CID, CI, Ganderbal, has been transferred and posted as the SDPO, north Jammu. 

Pulwama, July 23
A local court today canceled the interim bail of four persons, including the personal security officer (PSO) of National Conference legislator Showkat Ganaie, who were accused of beating the Peoples Democratic Party polling agents during the recently-concluded parliamentary elections, and sent them to judicial custody.

Earlier today, the counsel of the accused withdrew the revised bail plea, which he had filed against the cancellation of the interim 
bail plea.

Chief Judicial Magistrate, Shopian, Farooq Ahmad Bhat cancelled the interim bail of constable Bilal Ahmad Ganai, Showkat Ganaie’s PSO; his brother Sartaj Ahmad Gania; nephew Rafaqat Ashraf Ganai and another of his relative Mehrajudin Malik of Chitragam Shopian, while ordering thier their arrest.

The court directive came after the police today produced the challan against accused.

A case under section 326, 341 and 34 of the RPC has been registered against the accused in Zainapora police station in this regard.

The accused had reportedly beaten two PDP polling agents in Chitragam Kalan village of the Anantnag parliamentary constituency, which had gone to polls on April 24.

The polling agents, who were grievously injured in the incident, had alleged that they were beaten under the instructions of National Conference MLC at booth number 70A.

The duo had received grave injuries and were admitted to District Hospital, Shopian, where from they were later referred to Dental College Srinagar.

Srinagar, July 23
Member of the Legislative Assembly MY Tarigami called on Governor NN Vohra here today.

Tarigami spoke to the Governor about the obtaining political environment, trans-border factors, the forthcoming Assembly elections and the importance of maintaining peace and normalcy in the state.

Rajouri, July 23
Wife of a migrant labourer at Thanamandi town in the district has alleged sexual harassment by two local residents and claimed that the police was not taking action against the duo.

Mehraj-ud-Din, SHO of the Thanamandi police station, claimed that the matter was investigated about a month ago on the direction of the court and it was established that the complaint was fake and accordingly, a final report was submitted to the court.

However, the victim alleged that the police was not taking action against the accused for reasons best known to them.

The victim met the SSP yesterday and apprised him about the matter and urged him to direct the police to take action on their complaint.

She alleged that recently the accused had again attempted to abuse her physically and had been threatening her of dire consequences. This was the third attempt by the accused, the victim’s husband said.

However, the SHO said about a month ago the woman had approached the police against Nissar Ahmed and his brother-in-law alleging sexual harassment by them. In this connection an FIR was lodged on the direction of the court and the matter was investigated.

During investigation, the victim failed to produce any witness against the accused, the SHO said, adding that the case was closed and a report was submitted to the court. He also claimed that he had briefed the SSP on Tuesday about the investigation in this matter.

Jammu, July 23
Claiming that all subordinate engineering staff of the All India Radio and Doordarshan is performing a minimum of 200 hours overtime allowance (OTA) in militancy-hit areas of the state, the All India Radio and Doordarshan Technical Employees Association (ADTEA) has urged the higher authorities to raise the OTA limit at least for 100 hours.

The matter was taken up at the recently concluded zonal council meeting of the ADTEA which was attended by all state zonal secretaries across the country. 

Srinagar, July 23
A total of 260 officials of the J&K Armed Police have been promoted.

The officials were promoted after the departmental promotion committee, under the chairmanship of ADGP (Armed) SM Sahai, approved promotions.

“Those promoted include 48 ASIs to the rank of SIs, 59 head constables as ASIs, 78 senior grade constables as head constables and 65 constables to the rank of senior grade constables,” a police official said. — TNS

Srinagar, July 23
The National Conference General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar today announced the second list of 14 candidates for the forthcoming Assembly elections here.

The parliamentary board of the party under the chairmanship of NC president Dr Farooq Abdullah cleared a list of 14 candidates —- 13 for the Jammu region and one for Kashmir, a statement from the party stated.

Chief Minister and working president of the party Omar Abdullah was also present at the meeting, it added. Earlier the NC had announced a list of 32 candidates.

The parliamentary board comprising of Abdul Rahim Rather, S Harbans Singh, Ali Mohammad Sagar, Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan, Qamar Ali Akhoon, Nasir Aslam Wani and Devender Singh Rana met here this afternoon and discussed the names of candidates received from the block and district committees of the party, the statement read.

As per the list, Mohammad Shafi Uri will contest from Uri, while Peer Mushtaq Bukhari will be in the fray from Surankote.

Dr Chaman Lal will represent the party from Ramban, Sajaad Shaheen from Banihal, Sunil Verma from Udhampur, Devender Singh Bindu from Bhasoli, while Khalif Najeeb will be NC candidate from Doda.

Besides, the party has decided to field KK. Bakshi from Kathau, Romi Khajuria from Billawar, Chnadu Ram from Hiranagar, Satwant Kaur Dogra from Samba, Dr Kamal Arora from Bishna, TS Toy from Suchetgarh and Satpal Lakhotra from Raipur Domana.

Rajouri July 23
Victims of “fake tests” being conducted by unauthorised diagnostic laboratories have approached the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Deputy Commissioner (DC), Senior Superintendent of police (SSP) and other authorities concerned to take action against owners of such establishments under relevant sections of law.

Advocates Ahsan Mirza and Shokat Hussain said their families faced a lot of trauma when diagnostic reports prepared by Aftar Diagnostic Laboratory showed them suffering from cancer and kidney failure.

When the patients rushed to other health institutions for specialised treatment, all the reports were found to be fake as the patients were found to be suffering from minor diseases.

“The matter was taken up with Dr Rajiv Sharma, Chief Medical Officer , and he took up the matter with senior officials. The Chief Medical Officer also urged the Senior Superintendent of police to take appropriate action against owners of such diagnostic centers,” said Mirza.

He added that if the Health Department and the police failed to take action against the laboratory, he would approach court for further directions.

The Chief Medical Officer has been receiving several complaints against such unauthorised clinics and diagnostic centers. He said according to some complaints, Aftar Diagnostic Laboratory, which is being run in the vicinity of the district hospital, had been conducting “fake tests” by using “sub-standard equipment and their employees were also not qualified”.

The Chief Medical Officer said he had told the SSP to conduct an inquiry against the laboratory. However, when the matter about fake tests came to light today, the owners of the laboratory closed their establishment before the police could reach their place.

Earlier, after several complaints about the functioning of unauthorised clinics and diagnostic centers, the Chief Medical Officer had served a notice on such owners to close their establishments within seven days. However, despite the notice, many continued to work without authorisation.

The Chief Medical Officer had also urged the Rajouri SSP to investigate all such units and see whether their staff was qualified or not. However, the police failed to take any action.

“The matter has been taken up with the SSP and the District Magistrate,” the Chief Medical Officer said.

Agents of such unauthorised clinics and diagnostic centers are frequently found moving inside wards of district hospitals asking patients for guaranteed tests in their laboratories and many patients fall prey to these agents. 

Srinagar, July 23
Minister for Forest, Environment and Ecology Mian Altaf Ahmad called on Governor NN Vohra at Raj Bhawan here today.

The Governor and Mian Altaf reviewed the current status of the Srinagar-Sonamarg road and the pending forest clearances for the proposed Zojila tunnel project, besides environmental issues.

The duo also discussed matters relating to the recent incidents at Baltal and need to ensure smooth conduct of the ongoing Amarnath yatra. — TNS

Srinagar, July 23
Vice Chancellor of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) Sudhir K Jain called on Governor NN Vohra at the Raj Bhawan here today.

Jain briefed the Governor, who is also the Chancellor of the SMVDU, about the to-date status of the ongoing infrastructure development projects, teaching programmes, and admissions to the academic session 2014-15, steps being taken to fill vacant faculty position, measures underway to boost research activities in various departments and the sports and cultural activities’ calendar for 2014-15.

The Governor stressed the importance of sustained initiatives being taken to improve the standards of teaching and research at all levels in the university.

Kupwara, July 23
Residents of remote Kuligam village in the Lolab valley of Kupwara district today protested the shortage of potable water in their village.

Protesters blocked the Kupwara-Sopore road near the office of the Executive Engineer, Public Health Engineering (PHE) division, Kupwara, for about an hour and raised slogans against the district administration. “Even in the month of fasting, we have no potable water for the past two weeks,” said Habibullah Mir, a local. 

Srinagar, July 23
With the state government admitting to the frisking of female visitors to the Central Jail in Srinagar by female CRPF personnel, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court has observed that this practice runs contrary to the rule position and Section 41 of the Prisoners Act.

It has directed the government to clarify if the frisking of female visitors by the female CRPF personnel is being done due to jail staff shortage and if yes, to justify its permissibility to be in conformity with rules.

Earlier, in its June 3 order, the court sought a clarification from the Srinagar Central Jail authorities with regard to the frisking of female visitors to the prison by the CRPF staff and not the jail staff.

“Frisking of female visitors by the female CRPF personnel is admitted to be done in a separate enclosure in view of paucity of female jail staff in the Prisons Department and their other commitments,” a Division Bench comprising Justices Mohammad Yaqoob Mir and Hasnain Massodi said.

The order was passed in response to a public interest litigation by the Kashmir High Court Bar Association on Wednesday. The Bar association, in its application, had submitted that visitors to the Central Jail in Srinagar, particularly female visitors, were being subjected to frisking by CRPF personnel in violation of rules, which specified frisking by the jail staff.

The Bar had submitted that the petitioners had no objections if frisking of visitors to the jail, particularly female visitors, was carried by women staff of the jail. He said the petitioner had objections to the frisking by CRPF personnel, which was not authorised under any rule.

“Frisking by female CRPF personnel runs contrary to the requirement of the rule position, Section 41 of the persons Act and the circular issued on December 6, 2013,” the Bench said, commenting on the practice of frisking of female visitors to Central Jail by female CRPF personnel.

The Bench further observed that the status report filed by the jail authorities was not clear on whether frisking by female CRPF personnel was allowed in view of non-availability of female jail staff.

“They have to clarify whether there is paucity of female staff or they are allowing frisking by female CRPF personnel otherwise,” the court said.

They would have to justify its permissibility to be in conformity with rules, the High Court said in its order, directing the state counsel to ensure filing of a fresh affidavit within two weeks.

The High Court said the jail authorities would have to spell out in the status report “what compelling circumstances persuaded them to allow frisking of female visitors by female CRPF personnel”.

Srinagar, July 23
With the youth becoming more fashion conscious, wearing trendy Khan dresses or Pathani suits has become the preferred choice among the youth in the Valley this Eid to modernise their culture.

Khan dresses, known as Pathani suits, are popular among men in the Valley. But this Eid, Khan dresses in different styles and patterns are being sold in the markets in Srinagar with some tailors and shops specialising in stitching a variety of designs.

“I have got an order for stitching more than 150 Khan dresses of different fabrics. Most of those are for the youth, many bringing photographs printed from the Internet and wanting the same style to be stitched,” said the owner of a tailor shop in Srinagar.

“There are some special orders, particularly for Eid. This has become the new craze among the youth nowadays. Some people even get Khan dresses stitched for children,” he said.

The youth said it was best to stick to ethnic and traditional Eid clothing since Eid was a classic festive occasion. Pathani suits undoubtedly topped the list of standard Eid apparel for men in the Valley.

Besides rendering the desired ethnic gaze, many said Pathani suits looked great on tall young men. A Pathani suit featured a loose-fitting salwar with a matching or contrasting kurta, often with full sleeves. Asked the reasons for preferring Khan dresses this Eid, many youths gave trend-based, cultural and religious reasons.

“It is sunnah to wear new clothes on Eid, but nowadays, it has become a craze among the youth. Different colours and styles of Khan suits were not in use earlier. I include fashion as I have designed my own Khan outfit with jeans straps on pockets and collar for this Eid,” said Zubair Ahmad, a local youth.

“Two things have attracted me towards the Khan dress. It identifies me with my culture of being a Kashmiri and looks elegant and charming, particularly on occasions like Eid. It identifies me of being a Muslim,” said Irfan Rashid.

Many people took to wearing Khan dresses from Pakistani movies and serials. Many youths were wearing toof (a long white gown worn in Saudi Arabia), particularly the young imams leading Qorani Tarawi in mosques in the city. Many local boys had adopted the dress code.

“The youth have a craze for black-coloured Khan dresses. I have already stitched hundreds in two months. Short-length dresses and buttons on sleeves made of linen is common among the youth these days,” said another maker in the Old City market of Srinagar.

Rolling up sleeves gave a casual touch, making it more beautiful. Since Eid required a modest and traditional look, ethnic Eid Pathani suits had become the preferred Eid costume for men in the Valley.

Many youngsters believed that wearing a Khan dress on Eid showed cultural importance. “We want to modernise our culture and at the same time be fashionable. A Khan dress is the perfect fashion combination,” said Moiz Nissar of Srinagar.

Srinagar, July 23
Protests broke out on the outskirts of the city on Wednesday over the mysterious death of a Hyderpora resident. The protesters blocked the airport road.

Sources said that body of Muhammad Yousuf, a resident of Hyderpora, was recovered from a locality in the neighbourhood. His brother, who was found injured in the area, was rushed to a hospital.

The bereaved family and other local residents later staged a sit-in on the airport road. They suspected that Yousuf was murdered. The protest led to a traffic jam on the airport road.

Senior police officials rushed to the spot and assured the family that a probe would be conducted into the mysterious death.

The local residents dispersed peacefully, the sources said. The police said they would record the statement of Yousuf’s brother, who was being treated in hospital.