Jammu/Poonch, August 21
The Pakistan army once again targeted Indian forward posts in twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu region with small arms and automatic weapons.

The gun duel in Poonch district lasted till midnight on Wednesday night and till 4 am today in Rajouri district, where a mosque and two houses suffered partial damage in enemy fire.

“Pakistani troops of 651 Mujahid Regiment again violated ceasefire along the Line of Control in the Balakote sector of Poonch district last night opening small arms and automatic weapons fire from 9 pm to midnight,” said an Intelligence source. Our troops from 15 Bihar Regiment responded in equal measure, he added.

He divulged that some senior Pakistani Army officers were camping across the border to “supervise” truce violations and at the same time push armed ultras into the Indian territory. “Following Intelligence inputs, the Indian Army has also intensified searches along the LoC in Poonch district,” he added.

Defence spokesperson Lt Col Manish Mehta said there were no casualties or injuries on the Indian side. However, troops of the 37 Rashtriya Rifles and border police launched a search operation in Narol village of Mendhar tehsil late last evening following inputs of suspicious movement by two or three persons, said the source. The search operation was still on, he added.

While the Poonch sector remained hot this year, Pakistani troops also targeted the Manjakote sector of the neighbouring Rajouri district firing small arms and automatic weapons fire from 9.45 am till 4 am today. Rajouri district SSP Mubassir Latifi said, “Pakistani troops opened unprovoked fire at Indian positions in the Manjakote sector.”

The firing was intermittent and bullets hit a mosque and two houses in Mangalnarh village triggering panic among the villagers, he added. The mosque and houses belonged to Mohammad Iqbal and Mohammad Akram, residents of Mangalnarh, he said. There were no casualties or injuries in the unwarranted act of Pakistan, said the SSP. The latest firing by Pakistan in the twin border districts takes the total number of truce violations on the frontiers of the state to 83 this year.

Though firing and shelling has come to a halt on the 198-km-long international border, a high alert has been sounded, especially in the Londi and Paharpur areas of Kathua district, considered to be traditional routes of infiltration by Pakistani ultras.

“Pakistan Rangers have been opening fire in Arnia and the RS Pura sub-sector while we have inputs of infiltration from Paharpur and Londi areas in Kathua district. Therefore, a high alert has been sounded,” said a police source.

In Arnia and RS Pura areas, villagers have been advised not to venture out of their homes in the night and avoid switching on lights, he added.

Meanwhile, the Rashtriya Rifles and the police smashed a militant hideout in Banihal area of Ramban district last evening and recovered an AK-56 rifle, three AK magazines, 329 AK ammunition rounds, 137 PIKA ammunition rounds, five Chinese grenades, 7.5 kg RDX explosive, an ICON radio set, two radio set antennas and an IED circuit.

Srinagar, August 21
Security forces recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition from a car in north Kashmir’s Bandipore district on Wednesday.

The police said the recovery included seven AK 47 rifles, five Chinese pistols, one UBGL (under barrel grenade launcher), 74 rounds of the grenade launcher, 21 hand grenades and hundreds of bullets.

The arms and ammunition were recovered at Matrigam village of Bandipore, 60 km from here, during a routine checking late last night.

Superintendent of Police, Bandipore, Mohammad Shafi Mir said the arms and ammunition were probably being transported to the Sopore area of north Kashmir.

“Around 10.30 pm at a naka at Matrigam, a Maurti car was signalled to stop by a joint party of the police and the Army but the driver did not do so. Instead, he reversed the car and in the process hit an electric pole. He then abandoned the car and fled the spot along with the co-passenger. We recovered arms concealed under vegetables from the car,” the SP said.

The driver and the co-passenger were chased, but they managed to flee, taking advantage of the darkness. A search has been launched to trace the duo.

“The investigations carried out so far have revealed that the car had a fake registration number,” a source said. “Two senior officers are investigating the case,” the source added.

Srinagar, August 21
A massive search operation is under progress in Furqian Gali near the Line of Control (LoC) in the frontier district of Kupwara, where two militants were killed in a gunfight on Wednesday evening.

Sources said the troops suspect more militants were hiding in the dense forest, who were believed to have infiltrated a few days ago.

“We suspect that more militants were hiding in the dense forests. The search and combing operation in the thick forest is continuing,” the sources said.

“Two member of the group, whose identity is yet to be ascertained, were killed after a brief encounter Wednesday evening,” he added. In the past one month, 10 militants have been killed in four different operations along the LoC in the Kupwara sector.

Only last evening, two militants were killed in Furqian Gali, 155 km from here. The encounter took place hours after Northern Army Commander Lt General DS Hooda had visited the forwards posts in Kupwara and reviewed the security situation along the LoC.

“The Army Commander expressed satisfaction over the robust counter-infiltration grid along the LoC,” the defence spokesman said in Srinagar today.

The defence sources said militants were desperate to sneak into the Valley as the natural passes along the LoC would be soon closed with the onset of winter.

Jammu, August 21
The BJP appears to be at its wits’ end after Congress Minister Sham Lal Sharma on Wednesday talked about a “Hindu chief minister” for the state.

The BJP is repeatedly claiming that it will achieve the target of “Plus 44” seats.

The BJP, which has unofficially announced that it will instal a Hindu chief minister, is in a dilemma as it can neither support nor oppose Sham Lal’s statement.

Sources said after Sham Lal’s statement on a Hindu chief minister, a meeting of BJP leaders was held on the issue on Thursday.

“The leaders admitted that the demand for a Hindu chief minister by a Congress minister had put the BJP on the defensive as the Congress will try to consolidate its position in the Jammu region,” the sources said.

They added that a majority of BJP leaders were of the opinion that it would be appropriate for the party to announce its chief ministerial candidate in order to counter the Congress.

BJP leaders have been claiming that they will make history in the Assembly elections by forming the government on its own.

The BJP is banking on the Jammu region, which has a Hindu majority and comprises 37 Assembly seats, to meet its target of “Plus 44” seats, but Sham Lal’s statement has forced the party to change its strategy.

Instead of initiating a debate, BJP leaders have stepped up attacks on the Congress for “betraying” the people of the Jammu region.

“The Congress, which is demanding a Hindu chief minister, had ditched the people of Jammu twice, in 2002 and 2008, after holding out the promise that voting for the Congress would be for the chief minister from Jammu and end of discrimination against them” said state BJP, president Jugal Kishore Sharma.

The Lok Sabha member from Jammu-Poonch said the Congress had let down the people of Jammu by not fulfilling any of the poll promises it had made in 2002 and 2008 to seek the mandate of the people.

National executive committee member and campaign committee chairman Nirmal Singh claimed that the party would change the political course in Jammu and Kashmir by forming the government on its own.

In a bid to corner the Congress, he called upon the people to teach a lesson to those who were responsible for compounding their misery for nearly six years.

Jammu, August 21
The National Conference (NC) has advised Congress minister Sham Lal Sharma not to polarise the people for petty political gains. Devender Singh Rana, NC president for Jammu province, ridiculed the minister for looking at things only through a political prism.

“In a democracy, the will of the people prevails. Jammu and Kashmir is a multi-lingual, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-religious society. Any attempt to play politics of polarisation will lead to a catastrophe,” said Rana in reaction to the statement by Sharma.

“We should look at the big picture and not get into the politics of division,” Rana said. Asked what was wrong if a person from the minority community became the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir if a Sikh could become the Prime Minister and a Muslim the President, he replied, “Whatever I have to say, I have made it clear.”

Baramulla, August 21
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and Member of Parliament Muzaffar Hussain Beigh on Thursday criticised Congress minister Sham Lal Sharma for his remarks that the Congress would pitch for a Hindu chief minister.

Beigh asked Sham Lal to desist from issuing statements which could lead to communal tension in Jammu and Kashmir. “The minister’s recent remarks are controversial. What did he mean by advocating a Hindu chief minister in a Muslim majority state known for communal ties?” asked Beigh.

“Sham Lal is a victim of frustration due to the PDP’s remarkable victory in the last parliamentary elections and the Congress rout,” he added. The PDP leader was addressing a public gathering in Uri town of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

Beigh launched a scathing attack on state Congress chief and former Union minister Saif-ud-din Soz for criticising the government, but not withdraw support to it.

“The Congress chief has been pressing for a Cabinet meeting. He is saying the government has failed to deliver and the Chief Minister is playing golf abroad, leaving the state at the mercy of the Almighty. He does not have the courage to withdraw support to the government and make his point,” Beigh said.

The PDP leader said the party could form the next government on its own if it won a few seats in the Jammu and Ladakh regions in upcoming Assembly elections. PDP leader Raja Aijaz Ali also addressed the gathering.

Sham Lal on Thursday pitched for a Hindu chief minister and asked the Congress cadre to popularise this new slogan during the upcoming Assembly elections.

Jammu, August 21
With an objective to reach people in every nook and corner of the state, the IT cell of the BJP today launched mobile number 9230002323 for SMS. People can remain in touch with the party by sending message on it.

The state convener of the IT cell of the BJP, Jaidev Rajwal, along with state vice-president Sakina Bano, BJP cells in charge Sat Sharma, BJP spokespersons Nirmal Kamal, Balbir Ram Rattan and Arun Gupta, state convener of the ex-servicemen cell Anil Gupta and migrant cell prabhari Shilpi Verma released the pamphlet bearing this number and related information.

Jaidev Rajwal, in his address, said the IT cell of the BJP has brought into use all the means of social media to reach every area of Jammu and Kashmir. “We have already been using Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, Youtube, email, etc, and now adding one more facility. Mobile phone SMS number has been launched so that more and more people have access to the party,” he said.

He said the use of mobile phone has become a routine. Maximum people have mobile phones and they can message us their views and suggestions by going to the message box of the mobile phone, writing “JKBJP” then leaving space and writing the desired message.

Jammu, August 21
President of the National Mazdoor Conference (NMC) Subash Shastri today appealed to the Chief Minister to pave way for the regularisation of services of all casual need base seasonal labourers, contractual ad hoc workers deployed in various departments before the implementation of the model code of conduct.

Shastri said these daily rated workers are facing serious financial hardships due to inflation and price hike as their services have not been regularised for the last 20 to 25 years, nor they are getting their salary in time, He said about 55,000 families are involved with these daily wagers forming parts of the state electorate and these voters are likely to play a major role in the coming state Assembly elections.

He said sincere efforts at the level of the Chief Minister are required to take such a bold initiative to regularise the services of the poor daily rated workers before the announcement of election date schedule by the Election Commission of India for the ensuing Assembly elections, so that confusion and uncertainty among the working class on this vital issue come to an end.

Shastri urged Omar Abdullah to release 10 per cent DA due from January last and the fourth installment of the Sixth Pay Commission arrears for the state government employees and pensioners in cash. “The DA and fourth installment of the Sixth Pay Commission arrears is the part of salary and routine financial matter and as such there should be no hitch in releasing them," Shastri added.

Rajan Babu Khajuria, Sunil Kochhar, Surrinder Kumar, Sudesh Kumar, Paramjeet, Ashok Kumar and Baj Singh were also present.

Jammu, August 21
Demanding regularization of service, Public Health Engineering (PHE) workers continued their strike affecting the water supply in several areas of the city.

Workers alleged that the government had adopted an apathetic attitude towards them.The government had already gave them assurances that they will be brought on regular payroll.

Under the banner of the J&K PHE ITI-Trained and CP Workers Union, the workers have been on a strike for the last 48 hours to press for their demand of immediate framing of a policy for the regularization of their services. They also staged a demonstration.

Due to the strike, several areas in the city, particularly in Old Jammu, faced drinking water shortage as the ground staff did not work. The striking workers threatened the government that if their demands are not met, they will continue their agitation.

Addressing the gathering, Tanveer Hussain, association president, criticised the government for delaying fulfilling their long-pending demand of regularization of services. He said the state government has engaged the ITI-trained casual labour vide government Cabinet decision No 116/4, dated May 11, 2006, and CP workers and need-base workers, who have been working for the last 15-20 years, but till date the government has not framed a policy for the regularisation of their services.

The state Cabinet had approved the mechanism for the regularisation of services of daily wagers in 2009, with directions passed to various departments to furnish details about the workers, so that financial and legal issues could be sorted out. The criteria for the regularisation of service of Daily Rate Workers (DRWs) are provided in the SRO-64 of 1994. “Besides, as per government order No 26-F of 1994, dated January 31, 1994, only those daily wagers shall be eligible for regularisation of service who stand engaged on or before January 31, 1994, and have completed seven years of continuous service without any break beyond permissible limits,” said Munish Abrol, a senior member of the union.

Others present in the demonstration were Subash Chander, Deepak Gupta, Ripan Singh, Manjeet Singh, Chandan Singh, Sumit and Dushyant Sudan.

Jammu, August 21
The Yuva Rajput Sabha today alleged that the successive governments have neglected the patriotic and nationalist Rajput community in the state and they have been denied their due share in employment and professional education.

Addressing a press conference, newly elected state president of the sabha Surinder Singh Gilli alleged that under a well-conceived policy, the state government has deprived the community of its rights and continue to follow discriminative policies against them.

He cited an example of a recent incident at Bari Brahmana in which notorious criminals attacked Jatinder Singh Chib with sharp-edged weapons over a trivial issue, but the police failed to act.

“The family of Jatinder Singh lodged a complaint with the police station concerned, but no action was taken against the notorious criminal, who also opened fire on the family members of the victim,” Gilli alleged.

He said the Yuva Rajput Sabha has taken a strong notice of the government inaction and sheltering of notorious criminals and if no action is taken within 48 hours, the Rajput community would come on roads. He demanded immediate arrest of the accused under the Public Safety Act which was revoked recently under political pressure.

Jammu, August 21
The Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) today expressed concern over the loss suffered by the farmers due to damage caused to their maize crop in hilly areas of the Jammu region due to storm.

Talking to mediapersons here, Hari Chand Jalmeria, general secretary and spokesman for the JKNPP, urged the state government to adequately compensate the affected farmers.

Condemning the firing by Pakistan on the international borders and Line of Control (LoC), he expressed concern over the loss of human lives, cattle and property of the farmers living in the forward areas on the Indo-Pak border as well as on the Line of Control (LoC).

He asked the Union Government and state government to ensure protection of the people living in such areas and also provide immediate and adequate relief to the affected people.

The JKNPP leader also criticised the government for its inability to ensure regular supply of water and electricity in the entire Jammu province, where people are suffering in intense heat and forced to resort to protests.

Jammu, August 21
The BJP has come under fire for maintaining a ‘cryptic silence’ on the issue of granting Union Territory (UT) status to Ladakh after taking charge at the Centre.

The party, which recently won the Ladakh parliamentary segment, had promised during its election campaign that it would grant UT status to the Ladakh region.

Ladakh is the largest parliamentary segment of the country and it spreads over a total area of 1.73 lakh square km, a major chunk of which is still under the occupation of China and Pakistan.

“The BJP exploited the sentiments of the people of Ladakh during election campaign and sought votes in the name of UT status to the region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi didn’t utter a single word on the issue during his recent visit. The BJP owes an explanation as to why it remained silent over the issue,” Nawang Rigzin Jora, MLA, Leh, and a senior Cabinet Minister in the Omar government said.

Modi during his maiden visit to Ladakh after becoming the Prime Minister did not touch the UT issue despite the fact that there were great expectations among the Ladakhi people that the PM could make an announcement vis-à-vis their demand for UT status to Ladakh.

The PM had visited Ladakh to inaugurate two hydel power projects in Leh, besides laying the foundation stone of the Leh-Kargil-Srinagar transmission system.

Tondup Tsewang, president of the Ladakh Buddhist Association, said they were wondering why the Prime Minister had not mentioned the demand of the people about UT status.

“The people of Ladakh had great expectations from him that he would announce something with regard to our demand, but he did not even mention it in his speech, which has led to a great disappointment among the people,” he said.

He said they would soon make a representation through their newly-elected Member of Parliament Thupstan Chhewang before the Centre. “The Central leadership will be approached and it will be asked to revisit its election manifesto where it had promised UT status to the region,” Tsewang said.

Tsering Samphel, president, district Congress Committee, Leh, alleged that the BJP had befooled the people of Ladakh by raking up emotive issue of UT status during the last parliamentary elections.

“During their election campaign, they promised that UT status would be granted to Leh within six months of government formation, but the Prime Minister remained silent. They have fooled the people but they should not undermine the strength of the Ladakhi people. Let them complete six months and we will go to the people to expose them,” said Samphel, who was Congress candidate from the Ladakh parliamentary seat in the recently concluded elections.

Thupstan Chhewang admitted that there had been anger among the people of Ladakh as they had turned up at the venue of the Prime Minister’s rally expecting that he might announce with regard to their demand for the UT status.

“This is a serious and sensitive issue. No Prime Minister so far has touched it during the past 60 years. Definitely, there has been some resentment and anger among the people as they had great expectation from the Prime Minister’s visit, but we should understand that it is just a few months that he has taken over the regime of the country. Our party is serious on the issue and we will seriously pursue it with our Central leadership to get the demand of Ladakhi people fulfilled,” Chhewang told The Tribune over phone from New Delhi. 

Poonch, August 21
The lack of coordination between the Education and Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Departments in Poonch district has led to a lapse of Rs 65 lakh grant sanctioned for the temporary restoration of 32 government school. The buildings of these schools were damaged in rains and flash floods on August 15 and 16 last year.

A complete one year has passed, but the students are still compelled to sit under open sky in these schools. Dozens of houses and schools suffered damage during heavy rains and flash floods in the mid August last year. To restore all government school buildings a comprehensive report was submitted to the Divisional Commissioner (DC), Jammu. Thereafter, on the recommendations of the DC, Jammu, vide his letter No. Div.Com/SDRF/08/2013, dated 27/8/2013, Rs 65 lakh were sanctioned for the restoration of all 32 school buildings. The Chief Education Officer, Poonch, had forwarded the funds to the Rural Development Department, Poonch, for execution of the work. But after the passage of a complete one year, the condition of these schools still remains the same. Students are still compelled to sit under an open sky for their classes or enjoy holidays during rainy days.

Government Middle School, Chowki Sagra, in Mankote Zone, Mendhar tehsil, is a place where 120 students of Class I to VIII are compelled to either sit in open or in a single class room, which is already filled with school material. The thin attendance of the students has also become a regular phenomenon in the school. Students have no toilet facility on the school premises.

“The roof of our school building was blown upin August last year. From then onwards, we have been sitting under open sky for our classes. We do not have toilet facility, despite our school being located on the main Mendhar-Sagra road. We have to go home for using toilet,” rued Mumtaz Akhtar, a Class VII student.

“In the rain we cannot study and in the scorching heat we have no shelter to protect ourselves from the sun, which shines directly on us,” said Mohd Anwar, a Class V student.

“I have written several times to the higher authorities that it has become very difficult to run the institution without building and toilet facility, but I did not get anything accept assurances,” said Mir Hussain, headmaster of the school.

District Education and Planning Officer, Narinder Suri, on being contacted said, “We have released Rs 65 lakh to the Rural Development Department. They had to renovate all the affected buildings. If they have not completed their job, the funds might have lapsed automatically.”

“We are going to take up the matter with Deputy Commissioner, Poonch. We hope that the school buildings will be renovated at the earliest,” added Suri.

When contacted, Assistant Commissioner Development, Shokat Malik, said, “Since I have joined my post recently, I do not know about the issue. I’ll take up the matter seriously and do the need full.”

Jammu, August 21
Former Union minister and MLA Chaman Lal Gupta has said Jammu & Kashmir is an integral part of India and accession of the state with India is not negotiable.

Commenting upon the controversy created by Pakistan that Kashmir is a dispute, Gupta said the Maharaja of the state, Hari Singh, by using his legal authority had signed the Instrument of Accession. This was also supported by then largest party of the state National Conference led by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. This was also ratified by the constituent Assembly of the state. Thus, the issue of accession was finalised, he added.

Gupta said Pakistan had not only invaded Jammu & Kashmir but also was illegally holding over one-third of the state. “It is also flouting UN restrictions by not vacating the held territories. Pakistan has rather changed the demographic character of occupied areas as also annexed large parts of Gilgit and Baltistan. Several constructions, including Mangla Dam, of permanent nature have been raised illegally in the occupied areas to the benefit of Pakistan, ignoring interests of locals,” he said.

Referring to the claim of Pakistan and their henchmen in Kashmir that Kashmir was a dispute, Gupta said they had no right to put such claims. “They have no representative character and more so the Indian Constitution did not permit for such claims,” he added.

He also criticised the meetings of the separatists with the Pakistan High Commission and questioned whether the Pakistan authorities would permit the separatists of Balochistan or any other part of that country to have such meetings with other foreign powers. “No country can permit such behind the scene machinations with forces inimical to India,” he said.

“Pakistan is not honouring earlier agreements, including that of Shimla and Lahore. Ceasefire is being violated with impunity. There is no let up in the designs of pushing ultras. In such situation talks have little meaning,” he said.

Srinagar, August 21
Continuing their agitation against the state government for failing to regularise them ever since their engagement in 1994, daily wagers, casual labourers and need-based employees of the Public Health Engineering Department (PHE) today tried to gherao the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar.

However, the gherao was foiled by the police that used water cannons and batons to disperse the protesting government employees. Several government employees were detained in the Kothi Bagh police station, while a few others got injured and were later hospitalised.

The employees later raised slogans against what they called the high-handedness of the police and suppression of their rights.

Earlier, the PHE employees had also attempted to take out a protest march to the Chief Minister’s residence in the posh Gupkar Road, Srinagar, which was foiled by the police. The employees say their persistent struggle cannot be overlooked by the state government which is against the service rules.

“Around 1,500 employees who have worked as daily wagers and casual labourers were left by the state government in 2000 when the regularisation took place, a majority of them being from the PHE Department. We have completed the mandatory years of service which is required for our regularisation, but the government has failed to meet our demands,” the protesting PHE employees’ delegation told The Tribune.

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.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had hinted at regularising the daily wagers and casual labourers as a part of the populist measures being taken by the NC-led coalition government.

Srinagar, August 21
The state government has constituted a six-member team of experts to examine guidelines for medico-legal care for survivors and victims of sexual violence, which had recently been released by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The six-member committee, with the Commissioner for Civil-Military Liaison as its convener, has been entrusted the task of examining suggestions and guidelines and preparing a report within four weeks.

“Sanction is accorded to constitution of the committee to examine guidelines for medico-legal care for survivors and victims of sexual violence, which shall submit its report to the Home Department within four weeks,” said the order, issued on Thursday.

The guidelines and protocols released by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in June this year were aimed at more effective and sensitive medico-legal care for survivors of sexual violence and better documentation of medical evidence to improve conviction in rape cases.

The other members are Dr Showkat Geelani, head of the department of Surgery, Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar; Dr Arshad Hussain, associate professor in psychiatry, GMC; Dr Farhat Jabeen, associate professor in gynaecology, GMC; Reyaz Ahmad Darzi, deputy director-cum-chief prosecuting officer, Crime Headquarters; and Mohd Yousuf Shah, Superintendent of Police, State Human Rights Commission.

Jammu, August 21
The Jammu Business Coordination Committee and Beopar Cell of the BJP have alleged gross irregularities and violation of set norms in the purchase of solar lights worth over Rs 100 crore.

Committee chairman Kulbushan Mohtra charged the J&K Home Department of being hand in glove with a particular company dealing in manufacturing and sale of solar energy lights and frequently changing and amending the NIT, with a view to eliminate competition and going all the way out to benefit a single company in the purchase of solar lights.

Addressing a press conference, Mohtra alleged that tenders were floated by the Director, Technical Education, J&K, in October 2012 for the purchase of solar lights for Rs 32 crore. The tender was allotted to TATA by overruling the norms, despite objections raised by various members of the purchase committee, on record of the file.

“In November 2013 tenders under reference were floated for inviting bids for the subject amounting to Rs 100 crore. However, since the deal was not settled with TATA, the tender was cancelled under the instructions of the Home Ministry. The same tenders were floated in February 2014 and all procedures concluded and financial bids by various parties were opened. But after seeing that TATA does not figure in the list, the tenders were cancelled under one pretext or the other,” Mohtra alleged.

He said despite representation made by the other prospective bidders, including Centre Electronic Limited, a Government of India enterprise, and UM Green Light Ltd, to the J&K Energy Development Agency (JKEDA), Science and Technology Department, no consideration was given to them.

Srinagar, August 21
Northern Command chief Lt Gen DS Hooda today lauded the “exemplary work” being done by soldiers of the Chinar Corps in clearing the Tosa Maidan in Budgam district of dangerous material and bringing succor to the nearby local population through their ‘Mission Falah’.

Lt Gen Hooda visited the Tosa Maidan firing range today where he was apprised by Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen Subrata Saha about the Mission Falah, which was launched on August 1 to clear the Tosa Maidan field firing range of any live or other dangerous objects.

The lease of the firing range had ended earlier in April and the state government is ascertaining whether the firing range can continue here. If not, they will look for alternatives.

“The Chinar Corps Commander apprised the Northern Command chief about numerous humanitarian initiatives being undertaken under the Mission Falah. Since its launch, the Army had conducted three mega medical and three veterinary camps at Drang, Sutharan and Sunglipura benefitting over 1,100 people, besides following up the treatment of Master Fayaz Parrey, a victim of an accidental blast, through specialists of Base Hospital, Srinagar,” a defence spokesman in Srinagar said.

The Army and other security agencies have not been conducting any firing exercise in the area spread over 11,000 kanals. The Tosa Maidan firing range was being used by the Army and other security agencies for field firing practices since 1964.

On a two-day visit to the Chinar Corps, which culminated today, the Northern Command Chief visited a number of posts on the Line of Control and in the hinterland along with the Chinar Corps Commander.

“The Northern Command chief also spoke to all officers of the Chinar Corps and exhorted them to continue to work with the highest dedication and commitment towards national security and the good of the people,” the spokesman said.

Jammu, August 21
Matches continued in the ongoing Inter-Collegiate Chess Championship in both men and women’s sections at the University of Jammu here today.

In the men’s section, the PG Departments defeated Government Degree College (GDC), RS Pura, by 4-0. In the first match, Utkarsh Pathania defeated Ravi Kumar, while Vishal Sharma outplayed Rahul Sharma.

In other two matches, Kulveer Singh Parihar trounced Rajinder Manhas and Aayush Pandit overcame the challenge of Sachin Kumar.

The SPMR College of Commerce blanked GDC Hiranagar 4-0. In the matches played, Taranjeet Singh overpowered Shubam Sharma, Rachit Gupta outplayed Rammy Sharma, Atul Singh beat Lalit Sharma and Vivek Sharma defeated Ajay Kumar.

In the women’s section, Government College for Women (GCW), Parade, toppled SPMR College of Commerce 4-0. In the first match, Harsha Langeh beat Diksha Mahajan, whereas Virsha Rani trounced Harneet Kour.

In the remaining matches, Navneet Kour drubbed Negam and Mansi Sachdeva outclassed Kajal Mahajan.

The tournament is being organised by the Directorate of Sports and Physical Education, University of Jammu.

Srinagar, August 21
Assembly Speaker Mubarak Gul on Thursday reviewed issues concerning media coverage and dissemination of proceedings during the upcoming Assembly session, scheduled to begin on August 25.

During the media advisory meeting, the Speaker urged the media to ensure smooth coverage of the Assembly session, adding that the media was the fourth pillar of democracy and the only way of reaching out to the public.

Gul said the media would be provided latest communication facilities. He said the Information Director and the Assembly Secretary were working in coordination to ensure smooth coverage of proceedings.

Taking up accommodation for mediapersons from the Jammu region, the Speaker directed the Hospitality and Protocol Director to ensure adequate accommodation for visiting journalists at the Circuit House in Srinagar. — TNS

Katra, August 21
An educational-cum-motivational tour to Jammu, Chandigarh, Delhi and Dehradun for 25 students and two teachers from the remote areas of Reasi and Rajouri districts was flagged off by General Officer Commanding, Uniform Force.

The tour is being undertaken by the Army for pursuing the objectives of ‘Sadbhavana’. The aim of the tour is to introduce students to developments in the field of modern education standards, rich cultural heritage, current developments, quality of life, places of historical interest. The Army wants to induce a drive in students so that they can develop their own areas and achieve similar environment.

Samba, August 21
Jugal Kishore Sharma, MP, today visited flood-affected areas of Samba district and assessed the damages caused due to flash floods triggered by the recent rainfall in Koulpur, Kajyal, Pakhri, Khanpur, Chak Rogla, Chak Paras, Kamore Camp, Rangoor Camp, Barota Camp, Khanpur Camp and Nanga villages.

After taking stock of the situation, he told the administration to expedite relief measures. “There is chaos and public outcry all round, which necessitates government action and rehabilitation measures on a war footing,” he said.

He called for proper assessment of losses caused to houses, standing crops and agricultural lands and announcement of a time-bound schedule of compensation. He directed the officials concerned to take necessary measures to improve power and water supply in the areas.

Srinagar, August 21
Students of J&K Sainik School, Manasbal, today interacted with Major General VPS Bhakuni (VSM), Officiating Chief of Staff XV Corps.

Col Prateek, Commanding Officer 5RR, and Col Surrender also accompanied him. During an interaction with the students and staff, Col Surrender counselled about the job opportunities.

Chief Guest Major General VPS Bhakuni (VSM) in his address assured all possible help to the students for their rehabilitation. He in his address also appreciated the principal and the staff of the school for their sincere efforts for taking the school to great heights.

The Major General distributed sweets, school bags and caps among the students who lost their belongings in the fire incident.

Principal GD Sheikh concluded his address with a vote of thanks. 

Srinagar, August 21
At least 400 casual workers of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) will be regularised, while 200 employees will be promoted.

This was announced by Minister for Urban Development and Urban Local Bodies Nawang Rigzin Jora while addressing an event on the SMC premises held today. He said formal orders in this regard would be issued in the next two or three days.

Stating that he had promised to resolve all issues of the SMC workers and employees after taking over as the Minister for Urban Development and Urban Local Bodies, Jora said the government would take appropriate steps towards reorganisation of the body. He also admitted that the SMC was short of manpower.

The Srinagar Municipal Employees Coordination Committee (SMECC) had been holding frequent protests and strikes in the past while demanding regularisation and reorganisation of the SMC.

Speaking on the occasion, SMECC leader Nazir Ahmad Khan hoped that the government would soon take steps towards reorganisation of the SMC. He also thanked Jora besides Commissioner Secretary to Government, Housing and Urban Development Department, Satish Nehru and SMC Commissioner GN Qasba, who were also present on the occasion, for announcing regularisation of the casual workers.

He hoped that the other demands of the coordination committee too would be fulfilled in the near future.

Another SMECC leader said reorganisation was the need of the hour as the SMC was short of manpower.

“Even as we need 8,000 safai karamcharis to keep the city clean, we only have 2,400 safai karamcharis as of now,” he added.

Meanwhile, an SMC official said the total revenue realised by the corporation in 2013-14 stood at Rs 1,167.78 lakh as compared to Rs 1,058.50 lakh during the previous financial year.

Srinagar, August 21
The J&K State Board of School Education (BoSE) will conduct the annual Class X examinations (regular) from October 1. The examinations will conclude on October 18.

The BoSE released the date sheet for the examinations today. Students would be taking exams in six subjects, including additional/optional subjects, sciences, English, mathematics, social sciences and Urdu/Hindi.

The BoSE has made the date sheet public more than a month before the commencement of exams which gives enough preparation time to the students. 

Srinagar, August 21
The Kashmir unit of the BJP held a join interactive meeting with new entrants here today that was chaired by state general secretary Ashok Kumar Koul.

Appreciating the desire and urge of these new entrants to serve the party, Koul said their service was going to be of immense help to the party.

He said time had come for the BJP to go into the public and expose “misgovernance”, corruption, nepotism and various scams to defeat Congress, NC and the PDP who have been ruling the state since 1947 either in collation or otherwise.

State vice-president GM Mir said during the past few months, a large number of people from different sections of society had voluntary joined the BJP “which is the indicator that the Narendra Modi wave has left impact in every area and segment of the state like other parts of the country.”

State Parliamentary Board Member Sofi Yousuf, senior BJP leaders Fayaz Ahmad Bhat and Ali Mohammad Mir and media in charge, Kashmir, Altaf Thakur also attended the meeting.

Srinagar, August 21
International Film Festival of Kashmir (IFFK), 2014, has inspired Turkish film-maker Selma Koksal who will conduct special film-making classes for amateur film-makers and students in the Valley.

Selma expressed her pleasure to be part of the festival organised by the Experimental Moving Images and Theatre Association (XMITA) that started on August 18.

“It is a great feeling to be part of the festival and exchange my ideas and experiences with audience and students. This festival also gives us the platform to know different culture and languages of the world,” Selma said.

Selma is a filmmaker and professor of cinema studies in Turkey. Her feature film “Bahar Isyancidir” (Spring is rebellious) has been nominated for IFFK 2014 in the feature film category.

The film narrates the story of a theatre group in Istanbul – from the second half of 90s till present day.

Selma will conduct classes for the students of Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Central University of Kashmir (CUK) and University of Kashmir on August 22 in the Cultural Academy hall at 11am and Islamic University Auditorium at 2pm. Amateur film-makers and college students may also attend the class.

Pramod Payyanur, director of Malayalam feature film “Balyakalasakhi”, which was also screened in IFFK, said his participation in the film festival gave him a boost.

“As a young film-maker, this was my first participation in any international festival. This will definitely open new ways for me,” he added.

The all-time classic love story of Majeed and Suhra was enacted by veteran actor Mammootty and Isha Talwar.

The IFFK 2014 will conclude on Saturday with an award ceremony at Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre at 4pm.

Srinagar, August 21
An enforcement officer of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) was arrested while taking bribe from a commoner for carrying out construction in Bagyas area. Bribe money of Rs 32,000 was recovered from the officer during the trap.

The complainant lodged a report with the SP north zone Srinagar city and the Khanyar tehsildar against the SMC Enforcement Officer for Karan Nagar, Qamarwari and Chattabal, Ghulam Rasool Dar, that he was repeatedly harassing him and asking for more money as bribe to continue his construction work in Bagiyas area. The SP, north zone, Srinagar city, and the Khanyar tehsildar completed all formalities of the case and laid a trap. 

Srinagar, August 21
To achieve the objectives of Nehru Yuva Kendra in Srinagar district for upgrading skill, promoting primary education, enrolment of children with emphasis on deprived sections of society and re-enrolment of drop-out, besides self-employment and employability generation among the youth, action plan of Rs 5.3 lakh was approved in a meeting of officers here today.

The Chief Medical Officer, senior officers of NYK and Youth Services and Sports participated in the meeting.

The Srinagar Additional Deputy Commissioner on the occasion urged the officers of NYK to achieve the tangible targets besides ensure coordination among the departments of handloom, handicrafts and sports to exploit the talent of the youth for the welfare of the society. It was also said in the meeting that the land for the construction office building for the NYK in the district would be acquired on priority. — TNS

Srinagar, August 21
Three persons died in different road accidents in Srinagar since Wednesday evening, the police said.

The incident took place when an unidentified vehicle hit an Alto car near Fruit Mandi, Parimpora, Srinagar, resulting in the death of Alto driver Shabir Hussain of Surankote, Poonch.

The Parimpora police have registered a case in this regard.

In another accident, an Alto car driver hit a minor, Nigeena, daughter of Lateef Ahmad Khole of Kanthal Delina, at Pantha Chowk on the outskirts of Srinagar, resulting in her on-the-spot death. A case was registered by the police in this connection.

In yet another incident, the police said a Tata 407 hit 65-year-old Raja, wife of Ali Mohammad Rantoo, a resident of Jamalatta Nawakadal, Srinagar, at Qamarwari Chowk, Srinagar, resulting in her death. A case was registered in this regard.

Four-year-old Aaqib Ahmad Ganie of Namblabal Pampore was injured after he was hit by an unidentified motorcycle at Karan Nagar, Srinagar. The injured was shifted to SMHS Hospital, Srinagar, for treatment. The Karanagar police have registered a case in this regard.

Meanwhile, five persons were injured when a Maruti car and a motorcycle collided at Tragpora, Sopore, in north Kashmir. All injured were shifted to the District Hospital, Baramulla.

Jammu, August 21
The police recovered 1 kg of charas from the driver of a vehicle and his accomplice in the Panjthirthi area of the old city late last night.

According to an official spokesperson, a party from the Panjthirthi police post stopped a Winger vehicle on a check point and recovered 1 kg of charas from the possession of the driver of vehicle after checking. The police team was led by Sub-Inspector Rajesh Sharma, in charge Panjthirthi police post.

The driver, identified as Aman Chawala, resident of Pacca Danga, and his accomplice Vijay Kumar of Anand Nagar, Jammu, were arrested. A case under the NDPS Act was registered at the Pacca Danga police station.