Jammu, August 17
Union Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani will visit Jammu on August 19 to formally kickstart the BJP campaign for the Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

After appointing national general secretary JP Nadda as the election affairs in charge for the sensitive state, the BJP high command has decided to depute its popular face Smriti Irani to formally launch its campaign in the state.

Irani’s two-day visit to Jammu will be followed by Amit Shah’s maiden visit to the state on August 25 after taking charge as the national BJP president. During Shah’s visit to Kathua, two-time Congress Lok Sabha member and former Health Minister Chowdhary Lal Singh will join the BJP.

BJP sources said Irani’s tour was confined to Marh and Raipur-Domana Assembly segments of Jammu district earlier, but her itinerary was changed on Sunday after the National Conference (NC) announced that it would field Devender Singh Rana as the party candidate from Nagrota.

“According to the rescheduled programme, Irani would also visit the Nagrota Assembly segment and interact with polling booth level workers in tmeeting he segment,” sources said. They added, “Irani will address workers in the Nagrota Assembly segment on August 20.”

The NC on Saturday announced its Jammu provincial president Rana as the party candidate from Nagrota Assembly segment, which was considered as a BJP citadel.

When contacted, BJP general secretary Bali Bhagat, coordinating arrangements for tour programmes of ministers, confirmed that Irani would visit Raipur-Domana and Nagrota Assembly segments on August 19 and 20.

“She will address meetings of party workers at both places in connection with preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections,” he said. He added that Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh would visit the Kashmir valley on August 23 to interact with party workers.

The sources said the party leadership had realised that the decision to field Rana from this segment would make the fight for Nagrota tough because the NC leader had developed a good network in the segment.

In the recent Lok Sabha elections, Nagrota was the only segment in Jammu district where the BJP failed to get a lead of more than 5,000 votes even though it was the home constituency of party candidate Jugal Kishore Sharma.

In other Assembly segments in Jammu district, the BJP lead was more than 10,000 votes. “The decision to arrange Irani’s visit to the segment is aimed at boosting the morale of party workers,” the sources said.

Newly elected Lok Sabha member from Jammu-Poonch, Sharma had won two successive elections from the Nagrota Assembly segment in 2002 and 2008.

Jammu, August 17
Mentioning of their miseries by the Prime Minister has rekindled a ray of hope among West Pakistani refugees, who have been struggling since 1947 to get their basic fundamental rights.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing a rally after inaugurating the Chutak hydroelectric project at Kargil on Tuesday, had promised to solve problems of all displaced persons of Jammu and Kashmir, including West Pakistani refugees.

“See the condition of Jammu and Kashmir where 20 per cent of the population is displaced. We want to settle these displaced people and give them an opportunity for their livelihood,” Modi said while referring towards West Pakistani and other refugees living in the state.

“Modi’s statement is significant in the sense that first time a Prime Minister has publicly mentioned miseries of West Pakistani refugees,” said Ram Singh, a 
leader of the West Pakistani refugees.

“This statement signifies importance because the Prime Minister is aware of the woes of helpless refugees who are deprived of their basic fundamental rights by the successive state and Central governments,” he said.

“Modi’s predecessors had succumbed to fundamentalist forces in the Valley due to which no decision to grant citizenship to West Pakistani refugees has been taken so far,” Singh said.

The West Pakistani refugees have been struggling to get citizenship rights since 1947.

At the time of the Partition, Hindus and Sikhs from West Pakistan had entered Jammu and Kashmir with the hope that in democratic India they would be given all democratic rights. However, even after six decades, these refugees have no voting rights for the state legislative Assembly, no citizenship right, no ration card and no permanent residence certificates due to which neither they can apply for government jobs nor purchase any land in the state. Even their children cannot pursue higher and professional studies.

The West Pakistani refugees have reasons to pin hopes on the Prime Minister because Modi in his address has said, “Displaced people of Jammu and Kashmir are our brothers and sisters. Their joys and sorrows are ours.”

Two years ago on August 22, a high-level delegation of the Jammu and Kashmir Congress Committee had met then Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi regarding their problems. Though the Central government had assured to solve their problems, the Congress could not take any decision due to opposition by Kashmir-centric mainstream parties and separatist groups, who opposed granting fundamental rights to these “stateless” refugees. 

What lies ahead for the youth in Jammu and Kashmir? It is a pertinent question that needs to be asked because the youth are finding themselves at the crossroads, not exactly knowing what is the right path for them. This is despite the fact that the youth in this state have shown a lot of promise of excellence in this highly competitive world. The youth want to free themselves from the grimy past that often attempts to stage a comeback. They want a future of certainty for themselves and for their families, friends and society.

Having seen all the ugly sides of the conflict in which they were born and brought up, they were fed on two contradictory images. The first image showcased their past as their future. Perpetrators of conflict wanted them to stay glued to their past, which was a scene of a chronic conflict.

Even after the youth have tried to come out of the shadows of the past, some forces are trying to drag them back to the bad old days. The second image is that of a bright future with political and economic certainties. That a bright future is beckoning them is a fact of the 21st century. For this, there is a need to create a necessary atmosphere for them to look into the future with hope and confidence. The only option left before them is to shape their future on their own. While they are taking all the important steps in this direction, they are being interrupted by ideas of conflict. A sense of helplessness and hopelessness is corroding their confidence. The forces of corrosion are also at work.

To the credit of the youth in Jammu and Kashmir is the fact that they are bright, intelligent, competitive and know the world around them. They know that they have to make their presence felt in this world of high competition, and they have succeeded too.

A lot of credit also goes to their elders —– retired officers and genuinely concerned people in civil society who held their hand and led them on the path of knowledge, underscoring the importance of competition in this world, which has travelled far beyond books and newspapers. This is particularly true of the Kashmir valley, where social leaders have come to conclude that the world is not confined to a few lines here and there on the political and geographical map.

This sense is important. Equally important is the fact that the youth need a positive and peaceful atmosphere to grow and show their talent. There is no dearth of talent in any part of the state. But the latent talent comes out in a particular atmosphere. The foremost requirement is that of sustained peace. The search for this kind of future would be incomplete if it is done within the specific physical and psychological boundaries —-– the world has to accommodate them and they have to accommodate others. Respecting the viewpoint of others is more important than rejecting the dissent. A spirit of this kind has to be developed and nurtured. Taking along others makes a caravan, where one helps the other to move ahead.

Jammu and Kashmir deserves a better deal. That would come only when the road to progress and prosperity is opened and talks about mutual accommodation. There is a need to rise above the unnecessary controversies. If past is any guide, the state has gained nothing out of the controversies which have tended to arouse passions. Such arguments and counter arguments only stir a toxic brew. This state has already had enough of it. 

The youth need a positive and peaceful atmosphere to grow and show their talent. There is no dearth of talent in any part of the state. But the latent talent comes out in a particular atmosphere. The foremost requirement is that of sustained peace. The search for this kind of future would be incomplete if it is done within the specific physical and psychological boundaries — the world has to accommodate them and they have to accommodate others.

Srinagar, August 17
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has sought the details of the total number of irrigation canals in the Kashmir valley and their present status.

Seeking personal appearance of the Chief Engineer for Irrigation and Flood Control in Kashmir on the next hearing, the court has asked him to explain the steps taken or proposed for preserving, protecting and restoring the water bodies.

The directions have been issued by a Division Bench of the High Court on a public interest litigation seeking preservation of the Padshahi Bagh canal, one of the oldest systems irrigating fields in Ganderbal and Srinagar districts.

“It is a known fact that water sustains life. The authorities are duty bound to protect the water bodies of the state. Dereliction of duty or connivance by officers will play havoc with the people in the near future,” the High Court observed in its order, made available on Saturday.

“To ensure that the water bodies are restored, it is appropriate to direct the Chief Engineer to appear in court on the next date to indicate the steps taken or proposed for preserving, protecting and restoring the water bodies,” the High Court said.

It directed the Chief Engineer to inform the court by filing an affidavit on how many irrigation canals existed in the Valley according to the official record and give their present status.

“This information should be provided before the next date by filing an affidavit,” it said, posting the matter for further consideration in the week commencing September 15.

Srinagar, August 17
Heavy showers that have been lashing the Valley since Saturday morning have resulted in waterlogging in many parts of the city.

People complained of improper drainage system and blamed the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) for the failure.

Locals said during winter months the authorities had said they were undertaking a drainage project to solve problems in the city, but nothing had been done on ground.

Shopkeepers in Magarmal Bagh, Poloview and Saraibala said rain led to blocking of roads. They said despite bringing the attention of the authorities concerned towards the drainage system nothing was done. They said they were facing losses this tourism season.

“Last time, when the whole city was submerged the officials visited the areas and promised to solve the problem with a drainage project, but nothing was done. No proper drainage system is in place. It is not something that they are unaware of. It is in the face of the city, but still nothing is being done,” said a businessman in the city.

“The authorities wake up only when we protest. Many a time, we have to close our shops in protest. There is no drainage system in place,” said a city shopkeeper. Many shopkeepers have to come up to their own rescue by putting iron stairs in front of their shops during rains for the convenience of customers.

Locals say a few minutes of rain is enough to leave the plush Residency Road and adjoining areas in knee-deep waters. Locals of residential colonies, in most of the low-lying areas in the south city, lack drainage system and subsequently remain inundated during monsoon.

“We had designed a drainage system that could take 10mm of rain and if there is more rain it results in waterlogging. We have already started improving the drainage system from Jehangir Chowk that will help the areas of Magarmal Bagh and Saraibala too. In other parts of the city, the older drainage system is in place and it will take some time to improve it,” said Drainage Officer of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation Jankar Nath.

Though weather improved today, many city areas are still waterlogged. “With the failure of the administration in improving the infrastructure, the work of dewatering is always left to sunshine,” said a resident of Mehjoor Nagar, a low-lying area in Srinagar.

The water level in major water bodies has also increased, but there are no immediate threats of flood.

Srinagar, August 17
Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna, was celebrated with religious fervour across the Kashmir valley today.

While members of the Kashmiri Pandit community were seen visiting local temples for prayers especially in the morning hours, devotees said the main pooja was performed mainly in houses.

“Though we performed the usual pooja in temples, we offered the main pooja at homes only,” said Hindu Welfare Society Kashmir (HWSK) spokesman Chunni Lal.

He said, as per the traditions, they observe a fast on Janmashtami till midnight. “As per Kashmiri traditions, Pandits observe fast on this day when Lord Krishna was born on Badun Krishna Pakshy Ashtami. In view of this tradition, we continue to observe a fast that is broken after a special pooja at midnight when Lord Krishna was born. Fast is usually broken with milk and fruits.”

A “jhanki” was taken out yesterday on the eve of Janmashtami. Several devotees, including Muslims, were seen accompanying the “jhanki” that was taken out from Kathleswar Mandir at Tankipora and passed through several areas, including city centre Lal Chowk. 

Jammu, August 17
On the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami, the city of temples is dipped in festive spirit. Various temples, religious organisations and mandlis celebrated the festival with joy and enthusiasm across Jammu.

Janmashtami is one of the most popular festivals in Jammu celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna on the eighth day (Ashtami) in the month of sravana.

To mark the festival, all temples of the city, including prominent bazaars, were decorated and illuminated with lights. The markets are flooded with a variety of items required to celebrate the festival. Many people were seen flocking the markets to buy decorative items to beautify tableaux at their houses and pandals.

Clothes of Lord Krishna in myriad hues embedded with pearls, jewellery items, bed-sheets and pillows for Krishna’s cradle were a major attraction among the devotees.

The Jammu and Kashmir Dharmarth Trust had organised a huge ‘Shobha Yatra’ from old traditional routes of the city, a day prior to Janmashtami , in which various social, religious, and spiritual organisations participated. The traditional routes of the procession was Raghunath Bazaar, Residency Road, Kanak Mandi, Purani Mandi, Link Road, Jain Bazaar, Mubarak Mandi, Pacca Danga and Moti Bazaar.

Srinagar August 17
The Advisory Committee on the Srinagar International Airport headed by senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and MP Tariq Hameed Karra has sought immediate operation of night flights and international flights from the Srinagar airport.

The Advisory Committee, which met here Saturday under the chairmanship of Karra, asked the District Development Commissioner, Budgam, and the Budgam SSP to immediately take up the issue of installation of approach lights on the runway with the Air Force authorities to facilitate operation of night flights.

“The meeting was informed that once the approach lights are installed on the runway, the airlines operating from the Srinagar airport will take a call on the matter and propose suitable timings for the morning and night flights,” a PDP spokesman said.

Regarding the operation of international flights, the meeting was informed that the matter had been already taken up by Karra with Union Civil Aviation Minister Ashok GR Pusapati and a positive action was expected soon.

“It was also decided in the meeting that the issue regarding naming of Srinagar International Airport as Sheikh-ul-Aalam International Airport would be taken up with the Centre,” he said.

The meeting decided that the Airports Authority of India (AAI) would be asked to improve facilities at the airport to make it more people-friendly by installing vehicle scanner at the drop gate, increasing number of X-Ray Baggage Inspection System (XBIS) machines at the drop gate and increase the number of entry gates at the terminal building.

The other issues discussed in the meeting include expansion of the terminal building, setting up of integrated cargo terminal, providing waiting hall facility outside the terminal building, increase in the number of arrival conveyor belts, making adequate heating arrangements inside the terminal building, improving washroom facilities and the public address system.

The meeting also reviewed the arrangements for Haj flights.

The meeting also impressed upon the airlines to increase flight frequency on the Srinagar-Leh sector.

Srinagar, August 17
Hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani on Sunday said tripartite talks between India, Pakistan and Kashmiri leaders could prepare the ground for implementation of United Nations (UN) resolutions, which he termed as the only democratic solution of the Kashmir issue.

Chairing the executive council meeting of his separatist amalgam which deliberated on the upcoming Indo-Pak Foreign Secretary level talks, Geelani repeated his stand on the issue, saying implementation of UN resolutions was the solution. In a press note issued by the separatist amalgam, the council agreed that Geelani should meet the Pakistani High Commissioner to India and inform him about the hardline Hurriyat Conference faction’s stand vis-à-vis Indo-Pak talks.

“In principle, we are not against the talks, but our demand is that unless the Kashmir issue is addressed as the core issue, talks will be a meaningless process,” Geelani said in the press note. He said the “most practical and democratic” solution to the Kashmir issue was implementation of UN resolutions.

“Tripartite talks can prove to be the starting point to reach this stage,” he said adding that he would inform Pakistan that the people of Kashmir would not accept any solution which was not in accordance with their “aspirations”. 

Jammu, August 17
To mount pressure on the coalition government, activists of the State Government Employees Joint Action Committee (SGEJAC) from all districts of Jammu will hold a demonstration in Srinagar under ‘Kashmir Chalo Programme’ on Wednesday.

According to SGEJAC statement, employees of Jammu, Akhnoor, Rajouri and Poonch would march under Sushil Sudan, Subhash Verma and Kartar Dubey on Monday, Employees of Udhampur, Reasi, Ramban , Banihal would march under Suresh Sharma, Yash Sharma, Darshan Magotra, Manjoor Ali and Vijay Gupta on Tuesday. Employees of Doda, Bhaderwah and Kishtwar would hold protest under Babu Hussain Malik, Bharat Bushan and Mohd Iqbal on Monday.

The joint presidium comprising Sushil Sudan, Subhash Verma, Suresh Sharma, Babu Hussain Malk, Vinod Sharma, Bishan Verma, KC Dubey, Yash Pal Sharma, Yash Pal Magotra, Rinku Gill, Dashan Magotra, Maheshwar Sharma, Moh Farooq, Jarnail Kohkhar, Vijay Gupta said more than 500 employees from Jammu district and an equal number of employees in Srinagar, under the aegis of Aijaz Ahamed Khan, would participate in the demonstration. The SGEJAC appealed to leaders to participate in the demonstration in large number and make it a success.

The employees are demanding regularisation of daily wagers, ad hoc, contractual and consolidated workers, removal of pay anomalies of clerical and other cadres, payment of balance Sixth Pay Commission arrears in cash, release of 10 per cent DA, implementation of Defined Pension Scheme, budgetary support to the PSUs, mediclaim policy for non-gazetted employees of the government/PSUs/autonomous bodies, restructuring of PSUs, qualifying service for pension at par with the Centre, dislocation allowance to employees posted in rural and far-flung areas, Rs 1,000 increase in the monthly medical allowance, daily wages to be revised to Rs 300 per day, re-organisation of various departments in view of increased workload and area of operation. 

Srinagar, August 17
In the wake of populist measures taken by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the opposition PDP today said the ruling NC had "wasted" six years in power and was now trying to "sell moon and stars" to the people in its last bid to retrieve some ground.

"Governments are elected by the people for giving good governance and not wasting the full tenure by pursuing anti-people policies and then in the last moment trying to sell moon and stars. The rout in the Lok Sabha elections has served the NC a big blow and they have now suddenly realszed that people who had reposed faith in them for many decades have become fully aware of its dirty tricks and deceitful politics," PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said here.

She said the NC had taken the people "for granted" over the decades because they had in the past been able to "exploit" their emotions through "hollow slogans" and also "subverted" the electoral system to enjoy power in spite of their "misdeeds, corruption and nepotism".

Citing the "clear lead to PDP" in the Lok Sabha polls, she said, "Omar has displayed a total desperation ever since, as he had demonstrated that good governance was neither his priority nor ability in the past six years."

Mehbooba, the MP from south Kashmir's Anantnag constituency, said after having been rejected by the people in the Lok Sabha polls, it had suddenly dawned on the NC that they could even lose power in the state later this year.

"The NC leadership is frightened by the defeat in the LS polls and the prospect of looming rout in the forthcoming Assembly elections and that is why in desperation they have virtually pushed the state into virtual anarchy and chaos," she said.

Referring to the poll-time "populist" measures taken by the state government, she said it was not because of any concern for the people but "their fear of losing power" which was now leading the ruling party to take "desperate measures" in the dying hours of its tenure. — PTI

Jammu, August 17
The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan (RGKA) in its recently released operations guidelines has identified sports disciplines for identification and nurturing of sporting talent of the state under the Centrally sponsored scheme.

These disciplines are athletics, archery, badminton, basketball, boxing, cycling, football, gymnastics, handball, hockey, judo, kabbadi, kho-kho, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, volleyball, weight lifting, wrestling, wushu and tennis.

Sources said the guidelines also proposed to use sports activities as a tool to develop a sense of belonging leading to national integration by reducing conflict in society, particularly in areas affected by insurgency and terrorism.

The sources claimed that the Central Ministry had emphasised upon nurturing of sporting talent among rural youth of the state and assured every possible help to bring them on the national and international map while giving them the much-needed exposure.

“The details of sports disciplines identified for creation of sports infrastructure facilities at gram panchayat level and block level depending on the availability of land free of cost is an important component of the RGKA,” a Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports statement said.

“The ministry has stated in its guidelines that its main motive is to provide universal access to sports in rural areas and promote sports culture among both boys and girls. Further, it aims at harnessing available and potential sporting talent among rural youth through a well-designed competition structure from the block level,” sources in the Department of Youth Services and Sports said.

Sources added that the state authorities had been told to put in place an effective mechanism to identify and nurture sporting talent in rural areas and also to make focused efforts to give adequate training and exposure, under the existing schemes of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

The RGKA is envisaged to be an important and foundation part of the grand strategy for development of sports facilities and identification and nurturing of sporting talent in the country. The main objective of this scheme is to encourage and promote sports and games among rural youth by providing them access to basic sports infrastructure in the form of play fields at panchayat level.

It also aims to provide access to advanced sports infrastructure facilities, including sports equipment of requisite quality at the block level, and opportunity to participate in sports competitions at the block, district, state, regional and national levels.

Jammu, August 17
The Jammu and Kashmir Gujjar Bakerwal Joint Forum, the main organisation of tribal community of the state, on Sunday opposed reservation to Pahari-speaking people on linguistic grounds and termed it “unconstitutional and unlawful”.

The forum has alleged that it will open a new tug-of-war between originally suppressed people of the state and those privileged classes who wanted to get reservation at any cost. The community was reacting to CM’s announcement for grant of 5 per cent reservation to Pahari-speaking people.— TNS

Jammu, August 17
Natrang today staged new Dogri play titled ‘Aitvaar Di Sair’ in its weekly theatre series at the Natrang Studio Theatre here. The play written by Narendra Khajuria and directed by Neeraj Kant opened when ‘Deewakar’ is shown sleeping as it was Sunday and he wanted to spend maximum time sleeping.

On the contrary, his wife Uma had a long list of things to do for him which were listed for Sunday and, moreover, a much pending picnic was the utmost priority for her. Reluctantly, Deewakar agreed to her demand and started his day as per plan, but he was not even ready when the unexpected and unwanted guests (Deewakar’s friends) arrived at his home just to spend their Sunday. He tried hard to get rid of them, but to no avail.

Eventually, he succeeded in sending them out and they changed their plan of picnic as it was too late for that and decide to go for a movie. But to their dismay, another guest arrived and this time it was not Deewakar’s friend, but a close friend of Uma, who had come to meet her after a long time with a planning to spend the entire day with her.

In the end, they had to spend the Sunday it as per the wish of their guests. Natrang actors who performed in the play included Mohammad Yaseen as Deewakar, Sakshi Parkash as Uma, Mihikshit Singh Langeh, Pankaj Verma and Juhi Singh. The show was coordinated by Sumeet Sharma.

Jammu, August 17
The Progressed Harmony Development (PHD) Chamber has thanked Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for reduction of 12 per cent electricity duty and reservation to Paharis and Other Social Castes (OSCs).

In a meeting held here on Saturday, the Progressed Harmony Development (PHD) Chambersaid the reduction in electricity duty would provide much-needed impetus to local industry, trade, tourism, commercial establishment and would provide substantive relief to domestic households. The Progressed Harmony Development chamber also hailed the Independence Day interaction organised by Income Tax Commissioner AK Thatai.

Jammu/Poonch, August 17
Pakistan today again resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violation on the international border as well as on the Line of Control (LoC).

The firing from across the border targeted the Ranbir Singh Pura sector along the international border around 1.15 am and the Pittal border outpost came under heavy attack from Pakistan Rangers at 2.35 am. In the Arnia sector, Pakistan Rangers violated the truce pact around 2.55 am.

The Border Security Force (BSF), guarding the 198-km-long international border of Jammu frontiers, exercised restraint but when the shelling increased they retaliated around 3.30 am.

BSF officials told The Tribune that there was no loss of life or damage to property in the ceasefire violation by Pakistan. “Both R S Pura and Arnia came under heavy fire from the Pakistani side. The firing stopped around 6.30 am,” a BSF official said.

In Hamirpur sub-sector of the Balakote sector in Poonch district on the LoC, the Pakistan army violated ceasefire around 8.40 am today.

The defence spokesperson said the Pakistan army used small arms and automatic weapons to target Indian posts. The Indian Army retaliated with similar calibre weapons. “There was no loss of life or damage to property in the firing on this side of the LoC,” he said.

Pakistani troops had violated the ceasefire in Mendhar and Balakote sectors in Poonch on August 14 as well.

This was the eighth ceasefire violation by the Pakistan army during the last 10 days on the LoC. 

Pulwama, August 17
Several residents of Koil village near here were allegedly beaten up by members of the Special Operation Group (SOG) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police after two Border Security Force personnel were killed and four injured in a militant attack in the area on Saturday. The police refuted the allegation.

Eyewitnesses said SOG members barged into the houses of residents and started beating them up. “We were watching news about the incident in the area when the policemen barged in and started beating up those who came in the way. The policemen did not spare women and children,” they alleged.

One of the youths who was seriously injuredt, identified as Mudasir, was taken to the SMHS hospital in Srinagar, reports said. Four others sustained serious injuries in the action. The residents alleged that they went to the police station to lodge a first information report, but the in charge did not pay heed to them.

Health officials said four persons were admitted to the district hospital in Pulwama, of whom two were referred to the SMHS hospital and one to the bone and joint hospital in Barzulla. The police refuted the charge and said they chased protesters.

Jammu, August 17
The Kousar Nag issue is likely to get global attention as displaced Kashmiri Hindus have set up a task force comprising eminent religious scholars for a fact finding mission to the Kashmir valley which will prepare a report to be submitted to various human rights bodies worldwide.

The report will be submitted to the United States State Department Office of International Religious Freedom, which monitors religious persecution and discrimination worldwide.

The step is aimed to get first hand account of the situation in the Valley after the community was denied permission to visit the lake by the government following pressure by separatist groups. Kousar Nag is a glacial lake at a height of 12,000 feet in Kulgam district of south Kashmir which is revered by Hindus in Kashmir. It is believed that the lake was formed after Lord Vishnu set foot here, the reason for it being called Vishnupad as well.

The Kashmir Overseas Association (KOA), comprising non resident Kashmiri Pandits based in the United States, and the All India Kashmiri Samaj (AIKS) have set up a team of legal experts to determine the way ahead if efforts continue to deny Pandits the freedom to visit shrines and ancient religious sites.

The annual yatra is being organised from Reasi district for the last few years. Displaced Pandits had sought permission last month to revive the traditional route via the Kashmir valley after a 25-year gap. After protests by separatist groups, the government had withdrawn permission to 40 pilgrims.

“World human rights bodies need to know the reality in Kashmir. Why has no action been taken against people who incited local residents?” asked KOA president Surinder Kaul.

Jammu, August 17
The Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) on Sunday flayed the state government for the unprecedented power cuts being effected in the Jammu region amid the sweltering heatwave conditions.

In a press note issued here, JKNPP chairman Harsh Dev Singh took on the state government for the “callous and insensitive attitude” of the Power Development Department.

He said the people of the Jammu region were being made to suffer due to the scorching heat and searing humidity with no respite from scheduled and unscheduled power cuts. “Students are the worst sufferers, particularly those preparing for various examinations,” he said.

“Despite persistent appeals to the government to adhere to the schedule on power supply and repeated assurances of the government, no action has been taken, adding to the woes and misery of the common man,” he said.

The JKNPP leader said the Jammu region was the major sufferer with the government and its ministers being mute spectators in the face of a critical and crisis like situation. “The ground situation is highly pathetic with the power scenario having deteriorated further during the last few days,” he said.

Lambasting the government for its “highly parochial and biased” approach, Harsh Dev Singh pointed to the “obnoxious” aspects of power distribution within the state.

He said power consumption between Jammu and Kashmir regions was in the ratio of 40:60, but when it came to revenue realisation, Jammu contributed more than 66 per cent of power tariff, with barely 33 per cent coming from the Kashmir region.

He said power supply to the Jammu region had been further curtailed during the current year due to “highly prejudicial and callous approach” of those at the helm.

Srinagar, August 17
Differences have surfaced among members of the Privileges Committee of the Legislative Council on whether or not to issue summons to Union minister and former Army Chief General VK Singh (retired) in connection with the pay-off row.

Sources said two members of the panel were in favour of issuing summons to General Singh while one was against it. “There was difference of opinion,” said a member of the panel. “There was a discussion on the privilege motion and one member was against issuing the summons,” he added.

The Legislative Council panel is looking into a privilege motion against General Singh, who had sparked a political storm last year when he alleged that certain Jammu and Kashmir ministers were “paid by the Army” to keep Kashmir “integrated” with India. A privilege motion was moved by NC members Ajay Sadhotra, Devender Singh Rana and Khalid Najeeb Suhrawardy.

Mohammad Rafiq Shah, chairman of the panel constituted after expiry of the term of the previous panel, confirmed that there was no consensus on the issue. “We will meet next week or after the Assembly session and take up the motion to reach a conclusion,” he said.

Besides Shah, Jehangir Hussain Mir of the Congress, Nayeem Akhtar of the PDP and Shehnaz Ganai of the NC attended the meeting. The previous panel had failed to reach a consensus and there was difference of opinion over the issue.

Baramulla, August 17
Functioning of five Industrial Training Institutions (ITIs) in the state has been badly affected as these are headless for the past many years. Director, Technical Education, Kashmir, Parvez Ahmad Khateeb told The Tribune that efforts were afoot to appoint superintendents at the institutions.

“The big worry is that these ITIs may be de-recognised by the Director General Employment and Trainings because of non-availability of superintendents. The norms are so strict that a superintendent cannot be in charge of two ITIs for more than three months,” said Khateeb.

Although there are a number of prospective candidates eligible for the post of superintendents, sources said the Department Promotional Committee (DPC) had not sit for the past over a decade as the seniority list had not been finalised for last many years, leaving ITIs in lurch.

“I have made some alternative arrangement to run these ITIs, but I am pushing hard for the release of seniority list so that the DPC sits and promotion list is issued,” Khateeb added.

The ITIs working without superintendents include ITI-Rohama in Baramulla, ITI-Kupwara, ITI-Lalpora, ITI-Gurez and ITI-Pulwama. Students learning different trades like plumber, carpenter, and electrician, stenography and electronics at these ITIs said the authorities had put their career at stake.

“The work culture in ITIs is badly affected due to the absence of superintendents. Contractual employees are handling the affairs and mismanagement has put our career at stake. We urge the Chief Minister to intervene and take necessary steps to save our career,” said Nazir Ahmad, a student at ITI-Kupwara.

Rajouri, August 17
Residents of Potha village and relatives and family members of Aurangzeb, a rehber-e-taleem (ReT) teacher, who reportedly committed suicide on Saturday, blocked Rajouri-Thanamandi-Darhal road, near the district hospital. They alleged that the deceased teacher was killed by his in-laws.

Some sources said the teacher had taken this extreme step due to his alleged sour relations with his in-laws.

Raising slogans against the police and the district administration, the protesters blocked the road for three hours and lifted the protest demonstration after Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shiv Kumar Chohan assured the people that deceased’s father-in-law and co-brother (sandu) had been arrested by the police as demanded by the family members.

The sources said Aurangzeb was married to Saheen Akhter, daughter of Abdul Hamid, around 18 months ago. Since then, he had some misunderstanding with his in-laws, especially with his co-brother, Mohd Shabir, a resident of Poonch. Shabir is a police constable and is posted at Rajouri.

Aurangzeb’s family members alleged that on August 15 his wife gave birth to a female child at the district hospital and was taken by her parents to their house. Aurangzeb was also called by his in-laws, said a family member. He added that the deceased rang up at his house at 12.30 pm and informed his parents that he was being harassed by his co-brother and in-laws over some issues.

Before the victim’s relatives could arrange to go to the house of his in-laws they received another call that their son had committed suicide by jumping from the second storey of their building.

Family members of the deceased rushed to the hospital. After taking stock of the circumstances that led the deceased to take the extreme step, they took the body to a nearby road on Saturday and held a protest demonstration.

They demanded that either the Deputy Commissioner or the SSP should come to the spot and assure them of conducting a fare investigation. They also sought action against those, who forced the deceased to commit suicide.

DSP, headquarters, reached the spot and tried to pacify the protesters, but they refused to budge. Later an ASP rushed to the spot and informed them that Abdul Hamid , father-in-law of the deceased and his co-brother have been arrested. Police parties had been sent to arrest others, who were alleged to be involved in forcing Aurengzeb to commit suicide, said the ASP.

A senior officer said a case under Section 306 of the RPC would soon be registered against the accused as all officials were out of the police station.

Jammu, August 17
The Army flood relief columns rescued several villagers from Ramgarh area on Saturday. The area was flooded due to rising water levels of Basantar River and had caused extensive damage to crops and properties. Due to incessant rains, the level of water in Basantar River increased rapidly from 16 to18 feet along the anti-flood bund at Kamore village of Vijaypur block of Samba district. It resulted in sudden overflow of water along the 290-metre patch of bund, recently re-constructed by the Irrigation Department.

Giving details, the PRO, defence, Jammu, Lt-Col Manish Mehta, said the overflowing water damaged the anti-flood bund at Kamore creating a breach and flooding neighbouring villages of Kamore and Rangor. Many villagers were surrounded by the rising water level. The situation was expected to worsen due to continuous rains in the upper reaches.

He said the Brigade commander sensing the danger instantly carried out aerial survey of the flood-affected areas. On request from the civil administration, he immediately positioned four flood-relief columns from Pakhri, Bari Brahmana, Ramgarh and Satwari (Jammu) to evacuate the affected villagers. “In a swift and timely action by the Army, flood relief columns under Major Ajay Kumar Pal and Major Amardeep Singh Gill reached Rangor village along with flood relief equipment and evacuated a 33 villagers, including women and children to safer places,” the defence PRO added. —TNS

Doda, August 17
The Kailash Sewa Sangh, Bhaderwah, has demanded formation of a divisional-level committee headed by the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, for the annual Kailash yatra. The body also demanded earmarking of separate funds for the promotion of the yatra.

The president of the Sangh, Hari Kant Khajuria, along with general secretary Om Parkash Sharma and other senior members demanded that the annual Kailash Kund yatra in Bhaderwah be promoted on the pattern of the Shiv Khori and Sukrala Mata pilgrimage.

The body also sought the constitution of a separate board for the yatra. In a statement the body has appealed the government as well as the private stake holders to promote the Kailash Kund yatra. It urged the government for providing adequate facilities and infrastructure to promote the yatra. Highlighting the historical significance of the yatra, the Sangh stated that the Kailash, believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, was one among the 12 holy places in the Himalayas. Baderkashi or the Kailash Kund is situated at a height of about 14,500 foot, it stated.

It has a sacred fresh water lake like the Mansrover. Thousands of herbs are found in the area, the Sangh said, adding for the last thousands of devotees undertook the pilgrimage. The body, however, rued the lack of facilities for the pilgrims.

“Unfortunately there is lack of facilities and infrastructure,” the Sangh rued.

Jammu, August 17
The University of Jammu has postponed all examinations scheduled for tomorrow on account of Janamashthmi holiday.

According to the public relations officer (PRO), Jammu University, the examinations scheduled for August 18 have been postponed in view of Janamasthmi holiday.

“The fresh dates for the postponed examinations would be notified later,” the PRO said.

Batote, August 17
The 65th annual Gurmat Samagam was organised here today under the aegis of Mahant Manjit Singh of Dera Nangal Sahib, Poonch, at Gurdwara Yadgar Sant Mela Singh Ji at Baggu Nallah. Rendition of shabad kirtan and kathas by several raagi jathas and Sikh preachers marked the function.

The guests of honour, MLC Arvinder Singh Micky and MLC Sham Lal Bhagat, assured the Biradari that their long-pending demand of granting one time settlement to the 1947 PoK refugees, besides giving their children jobs and educational reservation would be taken up with the authorities concerned.—OC

Bhagat also announced sanctioning of Rs 5 lakh from his Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for the construction of a community hall near gurdwara.

Pulwama, August 17
Suspected militants gave the police the slip in Pulwama district of south Kashmir on Sunday. The area had witnessed deadly attacks since last one week.

Sources said militants fled after a brief exchange of fire around 9 pm. The police laid a naka at Achan village in Pulwama after getting information.

On seeing the security forces, the militants turned the vehicle and went towards Heff village in Shopian district. A motorcyclist was apprehended from the spot.

A police official refused to disclose the identity of the motorcyclist, but said he was a resident of Heff village and was probably guiding the militants. — TNS

Jammu, August 17
Seven pilgrims were injured in a landslide on Sunday while they were on their way to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district, said a police official.

The landslide occurred near the Ardhkuwari spot on the 14-km trek to the hilltop shrine, a senior police officer said. “The injured have been shifted to a hospital,” said the officer. — IANS