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Protesting teachers press for payment of salaries
LIC launches ‘Jeevan Rakshak’ policy
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Sikh United Front criticises Bhagwat’s statement on Hindus
2-day science, mathematics exhibition begins
Four-day mushaira starts
GMC holds 2-day workshop on cardiovascular interventions
PDP appoints mahila wing office-bearers
Alumna of JK Public School qualifies KAS
Shifting of bus stand opposed
Militant killed in Kupwara
Ceasefire violation a ploy to infiltrate militants, says BSF Inspector General
PDP spreading false info about Omar
govt: NC
Smriti kicks off BJP campaign, but unhappy with party preparation
After scrapping of talks, no fresh shelling by Pak
Vikramaditya urges youth to join PDP’s campaign for change
Make efforts for lasting peace: Mir
Cancellation of Indo-Pak talks unfortunate, says Farooq
India, Pak can’t live in perpetual hostility: PDP
Cricket probables to attend camp in Srinagar
NSAB delegation meets Chief Secy
35 KAS probationers appointed BDOs
BSF to plant 1.8 lakh saplings along border
Cong, NC indulging in mock fights: Baig
Daksum sheep farm gets 50 KW solar power plant
Weeklong theatre workshop concludes
Creation of new admn units a historic decision, says Mir
Speaker nominates advisory panel members
Cops foil timber smuggling; 200 sleepers seized
Girls protest as classrooms get inundated with filthy water
Agitating PHE employees lathicharged in Kashmir
Fire damages coffee house in Valley
Govt notifies vaccination programme for Haj pilgrims
Taj inaugurates Red Cross training programme
Importance of ‘girl education’ highlighted
Six years on, Tagore Hall remains closed
BJP accuses govt of not providing potable water
2 held with narcotics
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Protesting teachers press for payment of salaries
Jammu, August 19 Raising slogans against the government, ReT Teachers Forum’s vice-chairman Bhupinder Singh alleged that for the last eight months thousands of youth engaged as ReT teachers across the state have not been paid their salaries, which is a human rights violation. Bhupinder Singh also appealed to the government to fix the seniority of the teachers strictly in accordance with the recent Cabinet decision approved by the government vide order No 469, dated June 25, 2014. Members of the forum also discussed various promotion orders recently issued by the Director of School Education, Kashmir. The forum alleged that the orders were not in accordance with law and had created resentment among the ReT teachers, whose rights had been violated. State convenor Nenu Lata threatened to start agitation across the state if their demands were not met as the youth were doing their work with sincerity.
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LIC launches ‘Jeevan Rakshak’ policy
Jammu, August 19 After the launch of a new policy of LIC, “Jeevan Rakshak” (Table-827), Thakur said they have received many complains in their office that customers are getting some calls, which say that they are calling from the LIC head office or IRDA office and ask about policy number or other personal information. They later say that the policy has some problem and ask the customer to withdraw the policy. “Never disclose your personal information or policy details on phone. This kind of calls can be fraud and people should beware of this kind of calls,” said DC Thakur, Divisional Managar, LIC Srinagar division. “LIC never make this kind of call to its customer. Anyone receiving this kind of call should report to the police,” he added. Meanwhile, Thakur launched LIC’s new attractive policy “Jeevan Rakshak” in Jammu. While disclosing the performance of the Srinagar division, the Divisional Manager said the division (which covers entire J&K) has completed more than 31,000 policies while procuring Rs 60 crore of fresh premium in the current financial year as on August 15, 2014 in addition to Rs 41 crore in pension and group schemes. While in the last financial year, the Srinagar division was able to complete 1,84,000 policies while underwriting more than Rs 226 crore in addition to Rs 174 crore in pension and group schemes. DC Thakur appealed to the policy holders for registration of their email addresses and mobile numbers and also registration of customer portal in LIC’s website for getting online and prompt services from the corporation.
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Sikh United Front criticises Bhagwat’s statement on Hindus
Jammu, August 19 Avtar Singh Khalsa, general secretary, J&K Sikh United Front, said by calling all the inhabitants of India as Hindu the true colour of the RSS has been exposed, which intends to eat into secular foundation of India. He advised Mohan Bhagwat and his cronies to go through the Constitution of India, where in the very beginning the country has been named as India or Bharat and the word Hindustan, perhaps, exists only in the conspiracy to weaken the secular fabric of India. He called upon the progressive and nationalistic forces to see through the game of the RSS and educate people about the dangerous designs of the RSS. Others who spoke on the occasion were Surinder Singh Khalsa, Ramneek Singh Bijral and Kulwant Singh.
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2-day science, mathematics exhibition begins
Jammu, August 19 Chief Education Officer, Jammu, Tarsem Lal, Principal of GGHSS, Shastri Nagar, Farida Javed, staff of the SIE, faculty members and students were present on the occasion. In the exhibition, 55 models were put on display by those students who had stood first, second and third at elementary, secondary and higher secondary-level exhibitions organised by the DIETs of their respective districts. Nirmal Sharma took keen interest in the models displayed by the students and while interacting with them asked about the utility of their concepts. She appreciated the efforts of the students put in for preparing models to depict innovative concepts in science, mathematics, besides suggesting solutions for environment protection. She asked them to utilise their scientific temper for the betterment of the society and emphasised the need to organise such exhibitions every year so as to provide a platform to the students to showcase their hidden talent and innovative ideas. In his welcome address, the Director, School Education, Jammu, highlighted the importance of holding such exhibitions for imbibing scientific temper in the students. He asked the students to work hard and pursue their dreams with commitment and dedication.
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Four-day mushaira starts
Jammu, August 19 Chanchal Dogra, a prominent Hindi writer, presided over the function. Parmeshwari Sharma, Head of the PG Department of Hindi, and Arvind Singh, additional secretary, J&K Acadamy of Art, Culture and Languages, were also present. Ajeet Kumar Sahu appreciated the roll of the academy in organising the four-day literary function with an aim to provide the platform to the new generation for their all-round development.
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GMC holds 2-day workshop on cardiovascular interventions
Jammu, August 19 Dr Dave is the Chief Medical Executive, Holy Spirit Cardiovascular Institute, and Director, Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories, Pennsylvania, USA. It was the fifth of its kind workshop being conducted in the department. The workshop was an initiation of activities to keep abreast with the latest in international trends in cardiology. Talking to mediapersons on the sidelines of the workshop, Dr Raj Dave, who originally belongs to Ahmedabad in Gujarat, announced that they would work in close coordination with the Department of Cardiology, Government Medical College, Jammu, in future and all measures would be taken to ensure world-class infrastructure and manpower in the department here. “We will also send our experts from the USA for providing training to doctors here so that the public is benefited at large,” he said.aDr Sushil Sharma, Head, Department of Cardiology, Government Medical College, Jammu, said they had been organising workshops in different aspects of intervention cardiology regularly and was making efforts to develop complex coronary and endovascular interventions at Government Medical College, Jammu.
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PDP appoints mahila wing office-bearers
Jammu, August 19 Zahida has been appointed Poonch district coordinator of the mahila wing, while Raj Mohni Sharma state secretary of the PDP. These appointments have been made on the recommendation of Shanti Devi, president, mahila wing, PDP. — TNS
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Alumna of JK Public School qualifies KAS
Jammu, August 19 A total of 99 candidates have qualified the exam. After completing her graduation, Nipun worked for a private firm, but she always had an inclination to work for the welfare and development of the society. The school management has congratulated her on the achievement and wished her good luck for future accomplishments. — TNS
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Shifting of bus stand opposed
Jammu, August 19 Addressing the members, forum president Pavitar Singh alleged that the administration is trying to create problems for people of Jammu, especially the traders, who hold the economy of the Jammu. Pavitar Singh alleged that the business community is against the shifting of the General Bus Stand to the new location, which is against the interests of the traders. Pavitar Singh said the traders are already facing huge financial crisis and now they need immediate remedial measures to improve their financial positions.
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Militant killed in Kupwara
The encounter took place at a village, 185 km from Srinagar, when troops noticed suspected movement in the Dhanni forest area. “The troops operating near Barwan village of the Tangdhar Sector observed suspicious movement and cordoned off the area, blocking escape routes. As search operations commenced, the terrorist hiding in the village opened fire on the troops. The troops also retaliated, ensuing a brief encounter,” Srinagar-based defence spokesman Lt Col NN Joshi said. “During the encounter, a terrorist was killed and his body along with an AK-47 rifle was recovered from the site,” he added. The search operations were still in progress. Defence sources said the encounter took place nearly 4 km inside the LoC and they were ascertaining whether the militant had infiltrated recently or not. The encounter in Tangdhar close to the LoC took place a day after Pakistan violated the ceasefire in the neighbouring Nowgam sector, 120 km from Srinagar. The officials said the Pakistan Rangers had fired towards the Indian posts in the Nowgam sector for almost 2 hours on Monday. There was, however, no report on any causality during the exchange of firing. “We had firing across the LoC by Pakistan in the Nowgam sector yesterday and we retaliated in more than equal measure,” Inspector General of BSF, Kashmir frontier, PS Sandhu said. “As of now, today Nowgam is quite, but what will happen the next movement, I can’t predict. But the security forces on the LoC is fully geared up to fully meet any challenges and we will retaliate in more than equal measure as and when the adversary attempts to opens fire,” He said the firing was basically a ploy to push in militants. The defence sources said it was the Unlike the Jammu border, where ceasefire violation has been taking place on the LoC and international border, Kashmir has witnessed few such incidents.
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Ceasefire violation a ploy to infiltrate militants, says BSF Inspector General
Srinagar, August 19 Sandhu said, “The number of militants actually operating have reduced, there ordnance and strike capability has been greatly cut down and they have been specifically instructed to loot weapons from the security forces as their handlers have been unable to provide them adequate weaponry. So, I find the element of desperation being communicated to their cadres here.” There has been a spate of attacks in south Kashmir since the last week, which left five security men dead and 13 BSF jawans injured. Sandhu said in two recent audacious attacks his men did not open fire fearing collateral damages. “The BSF jawan is there to protect the people of this nation, even if he loses his life in return,” he added. He added with the Assembly elections round the corner things were definitely going to heat up and security agencies were geared up for the challenge.
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PDP spreading false info about Omar
govt: NC
Jammu, August 19 Ridiculing the statement of the PDP president regarding the performance of the Omar government, Gupta said the initial years of the present government proved beyond any doubt that right approach could win over the confidence of people and restore normalcy braving all odds. “It was due to the fast dawning normalcy across the state which paved the way for holding panchayat elections after 33 years and empowering people in a big way,” he said. He added that making the administration responsive and accountable through the Public Services Guarantee and Right to Information Acts were other revolutionary measures that exhibited the vision of the Chief Minister. “If jaundiced eyes cannot see the initiatives taken over the years by the Omar government, the malady cannot be treated any way,” he said. |
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Smriti kicks off BJP campaign, but unhappy with party preparation
Jammu, August 19 In the House of 87 elected MLAs, the BJP has set a target of 44 plus seats to form its own government in the only Muslim majority state of the country. The BJP top brass has decided to depute Union Ministers to review the poll preparations on the ground in J&K. Smriti was the first Union Minister to visit Jammu in this connection. Although the media was disallowed from covering Smirti’s interaction with party workers, sources said that the HRD Minister was not impressed by the preparations made by the state unit to face the challenge. The sources said that during her meeting with booth-level workers of the Raipur-Domana Assembly segment, Smriti inquired about the setting up of “shakti kendras” but to her surprise the majority of the workers were not aware of the concept, which is the basis of the party’s election strategy. One shakti kendra comprises five polling booths of one Assembly segment. The party has decided to engage 10 youth to manage one polling booth, and thus 50 youth shall manage one shakti kendra. When the minister asked about steps being taken to ensure the maximum voter turnout, the workers again failed to give a satisfactory reply. The sources said Smriti bluntly told party workers that without strengthening the party at the booth level, it would not be possible to win the elections. She emphasised the need for constituting strong teams at the booth level to mobilise voters on the polling day. After addressing booth-level party workers, Smriti held a meeting with senior party leaders to devise a strategy for the coming Assembly elections. She warned the leaders against half-hearted preparations, which were not going to help the party win elections in the sensitive J&K state, the sources said. Earlier, BJP state general secretary Kavinder Gupta pacified workers to ensure that the meeting ran smoothly as a group in the party was opposing the entry of sitting MLA Bharat Bhushan in the meeting. This group had announced that it would boycott the meeting if the MLA was allowed to attend the meeting. Gupta managed to pacify the annoyed workers, who later let the MLA to sit on the dais. Election strategy
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After scrapping of talks, no fresh shelling by Pak
Jammu, August 19
The Pak shelling and firing had continued till Monday morning. “Thankfully, there is no fresh shelling and firing by Pakistan and as a result some semblance of normalcy could be seen today. But fear psychosis is still there among the villagers because we don’t know when Pakistan will start firing at us,” said Sushil Kumar of Pindi Charkan, a village virtually on the Zero Line in the Arnia area. He said intense Pak shelling and firing had brought a sea-change in the lifestyle of hundreds of border villagers. “After sunset, a creepy silence and darkness descends on forward villages,” said 58-year old Sham Singh of the same village. “We finish our daily chores early and avoid switching on lights during night for safety precaution,” he added. According to an estimate, over 40,000 people live close to the international border from the Paharpur post on the Kathua-Punjab border to the Chicken Neck area of Akhnoor. “Deafening sounds of mortar explosions still send chill down our spine,” said Preeto Devi, a villager. “Last night there was no firing in this village, but still many of us could not sleep through the night,” said Singh. At Indreshwar Nagar in RS Pura today, BSF, Jammu Frontier, IG, Rakesh Kumar Sharma said the BSF had been giving a befitting reply whenever the Pakistan Rangers opened fire at BSF posts and civilian areas. “They have been violating the ceasefire regularly targeting our posts and civilian areas. We are responding to them strongly, but we avoid targeting their civilian areas,” he said. He said since the past few days (since July 16) when the Rangers killed BSF jawan Sanjay Dhar and injured seven others, the BSF was regularly requesting them to uphold peace on the border in the interest of border population on both the sides. “But they are regularly firing at us. They used small arms, and high-trajectory weapons like 82 mm, 61 mm and 52 mm mortars,” he said. He said the Rangers were trying to disturb peace on the border with mala fide intentions and to take advantage by trying to push ultras to this side. “Our boys are fully alert and aware of the machinations of Pakistan. If there are any infiltration bids, they will be foiled effectively. We will not allow them to succeed in their nefarious designs,” he added. When reminded about damage to border fence in the recent rain, he said requisite systems were in place and the damaged stretch was immediately repaired by the engineering staff. “However, if the damaged portion could not be repaired immediately, extensive patrolling and domination is done by the boys,” he said. Meanwhile, the Rangers refused to hold flag meet to de-escalate tension on the border. “They are not responding in a positive manner to hold flag meets. When contacted on hotline, again a junior official of the Rangers informed us that the officer concerned was not available to talk to us,” said a senior BSF officer. |
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Vikramaditya urges youth to join PDP’s campaign for change
Jammu, August 19 Addressing a meeting at Slehar village in support of PDP candidate Bhushan Dogra from the RS Pura Assembly segment, he said, “Mufti Mohammad Sayeed during his tenure from 2002 to 2005 as Chief Minister treated all regions equally. He carved out a path of equitable and balanced development in the state.” He reminded the people that special focus was given to the neglected and backward areas of Jammu region. Calling Sayeed a statesman and a visionary leader, Vikramaditya, the elder son of Dr Karan Singh, called upon the people of Jammu to strengthen the PDP patron, who would change the destiny of the residents of Jammu and Kashmir. He said, “I joined this party only due to the visionary policies and credibility of the PDP leadership.” Urging the youth to come forward and join the campaign for change to its logical conclusion, he assured that PDP would formulate an exclusive agenda to address the problems of the unemployed youth. “We are aware of the problems of the J&K youth”, he said and assured that a comprehensive policy would be formulated to create job avenues for the youth to solve the problem of unemployment.
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Make efforts for lasting peace: Mir
Srinagar, August 19 The minister said the state government had achieved concrete results and taken the state towards growth and affluence with a sense of commitment. Mir, who addressed a series of public meetings at Pathallan Ringmodu, Khadar and Hingipora in Dooru constituency of south Kashmir, said the rural masses had to play a larger role and extend cooperation in implementing various welfare schemes. He urged the people to take part in the democratic and all round developmental process initiated by the government across the state.
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Cancellation of Indo-Pak talks unfortunate, says Farooq
Srinagar, August 19 “It is a matter of misfortune for prospects of peace between India and Pakistan and also particularly for the people of Jammu and Kashmir that the foreign secretary-level talks scheduled between New Delhi and Islamabad had to be called off,” Abdullah said in a statement issued by his party. “The National Conference hopes and appeals that the dialogue process is resumed at the earliest possible instance and that this is done in an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding between New Delhi and Islamabad,” Abdullah said. The secretary-level talks between India and Pakistan were called off yesterday after New Delhi took an exception of Pakistan High Commissioner’s meeting with Kashmiri separatists. Abdullah said his party had been a “strong votary and advocate” of sustained engagement between New Delhi and Islamabad to resolve “all outstanding issues” between the two neighbours. He said the meetings between Hurriyat leaders and Pakistan’s diplomatic delegations had taken place at regular intervals in the past. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s gesture of inviting the Pakistan Prime Minister along with premiers of SAARC member-states to his swearing-in ceremony was a “significant indication of movement towards diplomatic engagement” and greater cooperation in the region. “We hope that the same spirit of cooperation is institutionalised by all member-states in their relationships with each other, more particularly the bilateral ties between New Delhi and Islamabad,” he said.
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India, Pak can’t live in perpetual hostility: PDP
Srinagar, August 19 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and Member of Parliament, Mehbooba Mufti, today said India and Pakistan could not live in perpetual hostility. There was no option other than peace in South Asia, which could be achieved only through dialogue and reconciliation, she added. Addressing various wayside meetings at Tral constituency in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district, Mehbooba said the PDP would use its representative character to press for resumption of dialogue between India and Pakistan and resolution of all problems including Kashmir. “Dialogue process cannot be held hostage to hawkish voices or unforeseen interruptions. It is unfortunate that the Modi government has failed to reach the visionary levels of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who set a new course for resolving South Asia’s endemic problems,” she added. Mehbooba said Jammu and Kashmir has a huge stake in peace as it is this state which had suffered as a result of continuous hostility between the two countries ever since Independence. “Aggressive posturing has never helped in sorting out matters. The futility of such hard-line stance has been established in the past as after every cancellation of talks we have had to come back to the negotiation table,” she said. Disapproving the cancellation of Indo-Pak foreign secretary level talks, CPI (M) state secretary Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami said, “The latest diplomatic break off is a severe blow to the peace process aimed at normalisation of relations between the two neighboring countries.”
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Cricket probables to attend camp in Srinagar
Jammu, August 19 Office-bearers of the JKCA’s Jammu wing had lodged a written protest with the state cricket chief, Dr Farooq Abdullah, over the alleged decision of the JKCA chairman, Arvinder Singh Mickey and general secretary ML Nehru, while announcing the camp for boys selected from Jammu at Srinagar from August 20. — TNS |
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NSAB delegation meets Chief Secy
Srinagar, August 19 The NSAB delegation, which is on visit to Srinagar, Leh and Jammu, has been interacting with senior state government officials, experts, NGOs, and civil society representatives to familiarise itself with various areas related to political, economic, energy and security concerns. Principal Secretary (home) Suresh Kumar, Director General of Police K Rajendra, Commissioner Secretary (R&B) Tanveer Jehan and other senior officers were present during the interaction. “During the meeting areas covering the LoC Trade, harnessing of hydro-power, economic reconstruction, agriculture, education, indigenous industries, employment avenues for youth, environment, health and communication, besides security related issues were discussed,” a spokesman said. “The Chief Secretary appraised the delegation about the overall development scenario and progress achieved by the state in various socio-economic sectors. He also highlighted the initiatives taken by the state government with regard to harnessing the huge hydro-electric potential, enhancing employability of youth and incentives made available for growth of the indigenous industries,” he added. The delegation sought details about the cross LoC trade and steps to be taken in terms of better infrastructure and communication facilities to make trade more viable.
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35 KAS probationers appointed BDOs
Jammu, August 19 According to an order issued by the General Administration Department (GAD), the services of 35 junior scale KAS probationers of 2013 batch, who had completed their district training, had been placed at the disposal of the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj. They would be working as BDOs in the newly created community development blocks. “These probationers shall be posted immediately. They shall neither be attached nor kept waiting for posting in any manner. It shall be ensured that the posting orders are strictly complied with. If it is considered necessary to modify a transfer order under some compelling circumstances, it should be done only after obtaining the approval of GAD for which sufficient justification shall be advanced,” the GAD order said. Probationers would be posted strictly in conformity with the instructions of the Election Commission of India conveyed on July 14, said the order. “These 35 officers shall continue to be on probation during the period of their deployment as Block Development Officers,” the order said, adding that the inter se seniority of these junior scale KAS probationers would be maintained by the GAD in terms of Rule 18 of the KAS Rules, 2008. In February this year, the Omar Abdullah-led coalition government had announced creation of 659 new administrative units, including 46 sub-divisions, 135 tehsils, 177 CD blocks and 301 niabats in Jammu and Kashmir. The government had also constituted an expert committee to examine the feasibility and demands for the creation of new administrative units in the “left-out” pockets following violent protests and agitation in various parts of the state.
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BSF to plant 1.8 lakh saplings along border
Samba, August 19 The ninth battalion of the BSF continued its development work in Samba on Tuesday by launching a large-scale tree plantation campaign for spreading awareness against the hazards of deforestation. Plantation programme was inaugurated by Samba MLA Yashpal Kundal, who was also the chief guest on the occasion. “Over 10,500 BSF troopers will plant 180,000 saplings in 30 minutes along India’s entire border with Pakistan and Bangladesh,” said a BSF official. “By concluding this gigantic task in a record time, we are trying to enter the Limca Book of Records,” he added. “Decreasing number of trees in recent years is a cause of concern. This plantation drive by the BSF is an effort to make the area greener,” said Kundal. “Besides providing security along the border areas of the country, the BSF has taken initiative to safeguard the environment. It is determined to continue this task, plant trees and care for them whenever and wherever there is a chance,” said OP Upadhyay, Commandant, ninth battalion, BSF. “We have taken a pledge to nullify the effect of the environmental hazard that our nature is facing due to the felling of trees for the last many years,” he added. Around 1,155 trees were planted on the first day of the programme, which was organised by the BSF at Samba. The environmental drive, which has been titled “My earth, my duty” is expected to continue till August 21.
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Cong, NC indulging in mock fights: Baig
Srinagar, August 19 Referring to the statement of the Congress leader, Prof Saifudin Soz, about the inability of the Chief Minister to convene Cabinet meeting and its possible fallout in the shape of collapse of the coalition, Baig said the two parties were engaging in futile mock fights. “If the Congress feels that the coalition has damaged the interests of the state, the party should have walked out of the government by resigning from it. Instead of doing that it is again looking up to Omar Abdullah for his failure to convene Cabinet meeting rather than take a pro-active stance,” he said while addressing a public meeting in Langate constituency of Kupwara district. “The state has suffered major damage under the present government. The ‘tu-tu-main-main’ (altercation) between the National Conference and the Congress is ridiculed by the people as they can see through this game, which is aimed at diverting their attention from the collapse of administration, complete anarchy and loot under Omar Abdullah,” the PDP leader said. Baig called upon the people to use their vote consciously in the forthcoming Assembly elections to see the end of their grievances and plights.
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Daksum sheep farm gets 50 KW solar power plant
Srinagar, August 19 Speaking at the function, Gurezi said Daksum Farm would now get uninterrupted power supply, which was a long pending demand of the area. — TNS
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Weeklong theatre workshop concludes
Kargil, August 19 Two plays titled “Jamun ka Ped” by Krishan Chander in Urdu and “Khargyabsi Loqsa” (Jaisi Karni Waisi Bharni) by Akhone Asgar Ali Basharat in Balti language, produced during the workshop, were staged on the last day. Haji Muhammad Shafi, executive councillor for CAPD, Health and Rural Development, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Kargil, was the chief guest on the occasion. The workshop was conducted under the guidance of Kacho Ahmed Khan, a National School of Drama graduate from Kargil district. As many as 50 young artistes from across the district attended the workshop. In his address, Shafi, while appreciating the initiative of the academy for theatre revival in Kargil complimented the artistes for their efforts and hard work in the workshop. The two artistes, Ahsan Ali and Sonam Yangzes, who participated in the workshop, also spoke on the occasion. They termed the workshop as instrumental in cultivating the necessary elements of mind development, expression of skills, concentration, yoga, imagination, spontaneity, dialogue delivery, script writing, sounds and lighting and stage acting skills. Earlier, in his welcome speech Muhammad Ali Tak, cultural officer, Kargil, said the workshop was held with the objective of reviving the tradition of theatre in Kargil and to reform its lost glory, which was once at its peak especially in the 1970’s. Kacho Ahmad Khan, in his address, said theatre was an instrument to revive and keep alive the culture and identity of a society. It could be used to control and wipe out the evils from society, he added.
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Creation of new admn units a historic decision, says Mir
Srinagar, August 19
The meeting was organised to celebrate the grant of tehsil status to Karhama. Mir termed the creation of new administrative units in the state as a “right decision at the right time”. “This was a historical decision of the government in the right direction. The government is making efforts to provide basic amenities to the people, especially in rural areas on par with the urban areas,” he said. The minister said Karhama had been fixed as the headquarters of the new tehsil due to its “historical importance and centrality”. The new tehsil, carved out from Tangmarg, comprises of two niabats and six patwar halqas and is spread over 29 revenue villages with a population of about 50,000. |
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Speaker nominates advisory panel members
Srinagar, August 19 The special invitees include Hakim Yaseen, Tsetan Namgyal, Ashok Khajuria and Ashwani Kumar Sharma. The Assembly session would begin on August 25. — TNS |
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Cops foil timber smuggling; 200 sleepers seized
Rajouri, August 19 The recovery was made after police raided the house on a tip off provided by reliable sources. A senior police officer said after the directions from SSP Mubassar Latifi, a police party headed by Mehraj-ud-Din Raina, DSP probationer and SHO Thanamand and SDPO Surjeet Kumar searched the house of Barkat Hussain and recovered the wooden logs illegally dumped in the store. Barkat Hussain and his son Mohd Rafqat were arrested by the police on the spot and a case under Section 379 RPC and 6/15 Forest Act (FIR 119/2014) was registered at Thanamandi police station against the accused. The SHO said, “Large amount of wooden sleepers have been recovered from the house of the ex-serviceman. The involvement of some forest officials or employees cannot be ruled out,” said the SHO. He added a case had been registered against the accused and some other persons and if found during investigation that forest employees were involved, stringent action would be taken against them.
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Girls protest as classrooms get inundated with filthy water
Rajouri, August 19 The school is situated at a stone’s throw from the CEO’s office and since the last two years the students and the school authorities have brought the matter to the notice of these officials, but to no avail. In March, students boycotted their classes and some work was carried out by the PWD Department to stop the water, but during the recent torrential rains the situation got aggravated, after which the students held a demonstration today. Filthy water inundates the school during the rains that destroy the plinths behind the school, risking the lives of the students here. Uzma Kousar and Shakshi, students of the school, said, “The rainwater along with the garbage and human waste float in our classrooms.” In a written complaint to their headmaster, Shahbaz Khan, these girls had given seven days time to the authorities to take necessary action and or else threatened to boycott their classes indefinitely. Shahbaz Khan said, “The matter has been taken up with successive deputy commissioners in the past and the last deputy commissioner Hemant Kumar along with additional DC (ADC) had also visited the school in March and assured us of immediate action, but each assurance is just another hollow promise.” Despite repeated attempts, CEO Ch Lal Hussian did not respond to phone calls, while the DC Jatinder Singh said the matter had not been brought to his notice, but assured to take up the matter with the concerned authorities as soon as possible.
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Agitating PHE employees lathicharged in Kashmir
Srinagar, August 19 The employees had earlier assembled near Press Enclave, Srinagar, from where they tried to take out a protest march which was later foiled. Casual labourers and daily wagers of the PHE Department were protesting against the failure of the government in meeting their demands of regularisation of services. They alleged that the state government had also failed to release their wages on a monthly basis. The protesters gathered under the banner of the All Kashmir PHE Causal Labourers Association at Municipal Park, Srinagar, and raised slogans against the government. As they proceeded towards the CM’s residence, a large contingent of the police swung into action and chased them away. The protesters earlier announced to hold protests outside the residences of cabinet ministers. The employees have been demanding regularisation of daily wage workers, casual labourers and need-based workers who have been engaged in the department after 1994. They said successive governments had failed to come up with a solution to their long pending demands, which includes release of pending salaries. The employees have been frequently holding protest demonstrations in support of their demands. Over the past several months, the employees staged various demonstrations and sit-ins to press for their demands.
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Fire damages coffee house in Valley
Srinagar, August 19 The Fire and Emergency Services Department pressed fire tenders into service to douse the flames and contain the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings and a plush market. The incident led to a massive traffic jam in the area as the department made attempts to contain the flames. Hundreds of vehicles came to a stop and traffic on the Dalgate-Batamaloo road was diverted to other routes. The fire broke out around 4pm in the upper portion of the three-storey building near Polo View Street of Lal Chowk, sending plumes of smoke in the air. Sounds of bursting of gas cylinders thundered around the city centre. The exact cause of the fire was not immediately known, but it is suspected that short-circuit caused the fire.
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Govt notifies vaccination programme for Haj pilgrims
Srinagar, August 19 Similarly, the Haj pilgrims of Chadoora tehsil will be vaccinated on August 23 at the sub-district hospital, Chadoora, and Haj pilgrims of Khansahib will be vaccinated on August 24 at sub-district hospital, Khansahib, while Haj pilgrims of Budgam tehsil will be vaccinated at the office of the Chief Medical Officer, Budgam, on August 25. The vaccination during all days notified will be conduct from 11 am to 4 pm in Budgam district. The statement said the Haj pilgrims of Kupwara tehsil will be vaccinated at ATM School, Kupwara, near SDH, Kupwara, on August 21, while as the vaccination of Haj pilgrims of Karnah tehsil will be conducted on August 21 at sub-district hospital, Tangdhar. Similarly, the vaccination of the Haj pilgrims of Handwara tehsil will be conducted on August 22 at the District Hospital, Handwara. “The respective Haj pilgrims have been asked to bring the vaccination card along with them on the date of immunisation,” the statement added. Accordingly, the Haj pilgrims of Pulwama district will be vaccinated on August 20 and 21. The pilgrims of Pulwama tehsil will be vaccinated at Old Hospital, Pulwama, while the pilgrims of Pampore tehsil will be vaccinated at sub-district hospital, Pampore, besides the Haj pilgrims of Tral tehsil will be vaccinated at sub-district hospital, Tral, and pilgrims of Awantipora tehsil will be vaccinated at Primary Health Centre, Awantipora. The vaccination of Haj pilgrims of Kulgam district will be conducted from August 21. As per the vaccination programme, the intending Haj pilgrims of Devsar and its adjacent villages will be immunised at PHC, Devsar, on August 21, while those belonging to the Yaripora block will be immunised on August 21 at the SDH, Yaripora. Similarly, the Hajj pilgrims belonging to DH Pora and its adjacent villages will be immunised on August 22 at SDH, DH Pora, besides those belonging to the Qaimoh block will be immunised on August 22 at the PHC, Qaimoh.
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Taj inaugurates Red Cross training programme
Srinagar, August 19 J&K is the first state to impart such training that aims at developing trainers and volunteers. The services of these volunteers will be utilised for awareness programme and community mobilisation during disasters. “The objective of the programme is to explore the possibilities of developing linkages with the state health system so as to ensure that the Certified First Medical Responders become an integral part of the public health system,” the spokesman said. “Directions to the concerned will be given to cooperate with the Red Cross Society to further its objectives in the interest of needy,” the minister said. — TNS
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Importance of ‘girl education’ highlighted
Srinagar, August 19 The seminar was inaugurated by the Joint Director Training/Principal SIE, an official statement said. The importance of girl education in the present day scenario was highlighted during the day-long seminar. On the occasion, it was stated that the SIE, Kashmir, being an academic institution of provincial level in the School Education Department is striving hard to boost the girl education at grass-roots level for which a number of programmes in the academic calendar for enrichment of girl education have been devised, the statement added. A number of eminent scholars, writers and columnists spoke at length and elaborated the past, present and future of girl education and impressed upon the teaching community to inculcate human values in students particularly among girls in the light of glorious Koran and Hadith.
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Six years on, Tagore Hall remains closed
Srinagar, August 19
The cultural activities have been adversely affected due to non-availability of full-fledged theatre for artistes in the Valley. They say the government is least bothered to start its functioning. “The work is in the final stage and even the chairs required for the seating arrangements have been dumped on the premises. Sources say the delay in its opening is in response for release of work done claim of Rs 8 crore,” said President of the Theatre Body, Kashmir, Amin Bhat. The closure of this only performing place in the Kashmir valley has paralysed the literary and cultural activities of Valley-based artistes. “The government could not build a full-fledged theatre in the past 50 years and now the only hall is lying closed. Our artistic activities have come to a halt due to which artistes are being discouraged,” said a Srinagar-based artist. The government initiated renovation work on 800-chair Tagore Hall in 2009 through the Jammu and Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation (JKPCC). “The theatre was closed for activities in the same year and it was said that it will be completed in six months, but six years have passed now. The work is almost complete now, but its opening is being unnecessary delayed. The chairs are to be installed and lights to be fixed,” said a member of the artistes’ body. Sources said the government failure to provide continuous funds also affected the repair works. “The government gave money in smaller installments and many a time stopped the funding for reasons best known to them,” said another artist. He added that the officials in the Academy of Art, Culture and Languages were trying hard get the money released. The artistes also said the academy charged very less amount from artistes and other institutions for holding activities and functions as compared to SKICC and auditoriums of other organisations. Tagore Hall was constructed to pay homage to Rabindranath Tagore to commemorate his centenary in 1958. “The Government of India constituted Tagore Memorial Committee (TMC) and decided to construct Tagore halls in many states,” said a senior artist. The hall was completed in July 1961 and the then Union Finance Minister, Morarji Desai, and the then Prime Minister of J&K, Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad, inaugurated it. “It was then the first state-of-the-art theatre in the Valley. It had lighting, sound system and multi-layer cyclorama on which effects are made,” the artist added. The theatre was considered as the most modern and cultural activities, including theatre, drama, music, seminars and conferences were organised, they said. Important figures in the field of art, culture and music, including Begum Akhtar, Talat Mehmood and Muhammad Rafi, have performed on this stage. The hall was renovated continuously and in 1990 an explosion took place inside it damaging some of its portion. Some part of the hall was also damaged due to a blaze. It was later occupied by the CRPF in 1990 and closed for cultural activities. “In 1996 after Dr Farooq assumed power as Chief Minister, he got it renovated in 1998 at a cost of Rs 25 lakh,” officials said, adding that the hall was reopened in 1999 after the CRPF was evacuated. Officials of the JKPCC said, “The opening of the hall depends upon the subjective release of funds. It is not that the work is being delayed deliberately, but yes there is slow release of funds on part of the government. Its opening will take two more months,” said a senior official of the JKPCC. Home for cultural activities
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BJP accuses govt of not providing potable water
Srinagar, August 19 Jehangir, while referring to the recent incidents of people falling sick in Kupwara and Budgam areas, said more than 1,500 people fell sick after consuming contaminated water. “This shows lackadaisical attitude of the people at the helm,” he added. He said Omar Abdullah in 2008 raised the slogan of “Bijli Sadak and Pani” and had assured the people that he would provide good governance if his party formed the government. “During the past five and a half years, power tariff has increased manifold, roads are in shambles and people have to buy drinking water to save themselves from water-borne diseases,” he said. Jehangir demanded that the government should take immediate steps to redress the issue of providing basic amenities to people and providing clean drinking water to people should top the agenda. — TNS
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2 held with narcotics
Srinagar, August 19 Acting on a tip-off, the police established a check-point at Kellar area of the district and during checking Khan and Aslam were intercepted, a spokesman said. He said during questioning the duo revealed that there were some other smugglers involved in selling of narcotics among the youth of the area. A case had been registered under the NDPS Act. — PTI |
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Refuting the allegations of the calls to the policy holders by the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India, DC Thakur.
Jammu, August 19
Jammu, August 19
Jammu, August 19
Jammu, August 19
Srinagar, August 19
Samba, August 19
Kargil, August 19
A fire broke out in a building in Lal Chowk area of the city this afternoon. The building houses the famous Café Robusta Lounge, which got damaged in the mishap.
An official of the Fire and Emergency Services Department said the upper portion of the building caught the fire and the exact assessment of the damage was yet to be done.
Srinagar, August 19
Srinagar/ Kupwara, August 19
It is a matter of misfortune for prospects of peace between India and Pakistan and also particularly for the people of Jammu and Kashmir that the foreign secretary-level talks scheduled between New Delhi and Islamabad had to be called
off