Jammu, August 22
To devise a strategy for the BJP’s much publicised “Mission Kashmir”, party president Amit Shah along with his core team will be arriving in Jammu on August 24. They will meet representatives of various Sangh Parivar organisations to prepare the party for mission “Plus 44” seats.

Amit Shah will be visiting Jammu and Kashmir for the first time after taking over as national president of the party.

As the BJP is aiming to achieve the target of “Plus 44” seats, the party’s top poll strategists, including national general secretaries Ram Madhav and J P Nadda and in charge of J&K elections Avinash Rai Khanna and R P Singh will accompany the party president during the organisational discussions.

Besides a meeting with all organisations of the Sangh Parivar, Amit Shah will participate in a rally at Kathua on August 25 in which two-time Lok Sabha member and former Congress leader Choudhary Lal Singh will join the BJP.

The BJP president will also get feedback from Sangh Parivar leaders about the party’s prospects of forming a government in Jammu and Kashmir.

Sources said that earlier Amit Shah was scheduled to visit only Kathua on August 25 to induct Choudhary Lal Singh into the party but later his visit was rescheduled to hold wide-ranging discussions with party leaders for Mission Kashmir.

Meanwhile, Choudhary Lal Singh officially admitted that he along with prominent citizens, councillors, panches, sarpanches and retired officers would join the BJP on August 25.

Choudhary Lal Singh had recently resigned from the Congress after accusing former Union Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief Saifuddin Soz of weakening the party.

Poll team at work The BJP’s top poll strategists, including national general secretaries Ram Madhav and JP Nadda and in charge of J&K elections Avinash Rai Khanna and R P Singh will accompany party president Amit Shah during the organisational discussions for ‘Mission Kashmir’ In addition to a meeting with all organisations of the Sangh Parivar, Shah will participate in a rally at Kathua on August 25

Jammu, August 22
The debate sparked by Public Health Engineering, Flood Control and Irrigation Minister Sham Lal Sharma’s demand for a Hindu chief minister is gaining momentum as the Congress has not countered the remark.

“The Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir says any citizen, irrespective of caste, creed, colour or religion, is eligible to become the chief minister,” said Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee spokesman Ravinder Sharma.

“Our minister has said a Hindu can be the chief minister. What is wrong with it? The Constitution is secular and every person can become the chief minister provided he or she has support of adequate number of MLAs,” he said.

Without naming National Conference (NC) general secretary Sheikh Mustafa Kamaal, who had countered Sham Lal’s statement, the Congress spokesman said those trying to play the communal and regional card on this issue should read the Constitution before issuing any statement.

Meanwhile, the BJP said there was nothing in the law, the Constitution of India or the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir barring a Hindu from becoming the chief minister of the state.

State BJP spokesman Arun Kumar Gupta said the controversy on the issue was misplaced. “The NC, the Congress and the PDP are trying to mislead the people of the state in an attempt to derail the BJP bandwagon,” he claimed.

“The three parties are unnerved by the success of the BJP in the state and want to thwart its rise to power in the upcoming Assembly elections. More people from other parties and different walks of life are joining the BJP due to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he stated.

Reacting to Kamaal’s statement that only a Kashmir Muslim could become the chief minister, Gupta said Kamaal should have been more specific by saying only a member of the Abdullah family could become the chief minister.

“This is dynastic politics at its worst which has no place in the public domain in a democracy like ours,” Gupta said.

Jammu, August 22
Reaffirming his commitment to work for strengthening inter-regional unity in Jammu and Kashmir, Vikramaditya Singh, elder son of Karan Singh, on Friday exhorted the people of Jammu region to remain united to get an adequate share in power.

He observed that unity was imperative for the people of Jammu region to be a part of the decision-making process. He was addressing a public meeting at Jaswa village in support of Thakur Suram Singh, PDP candidate from Marh.

Vikramaditya Singh said he had joined politics to work for betterment of the people of the state in general and Jammu region in particular.

“There is a need for people of Jammu region from Poonch to Kathua and from Kishtwar to RS Pura to remain united to get adequate representation in the government,” he said.

He reminded the people that Mufti Mohammad Sayeed had treated all regions equally and ensured development of all individuals during his tenure as Chief Minister. “It was due to his policies that I have chosen the PDP to start my political career,” Vikramaditya said.

He observed that the three-year tenure of Mufti had rightly been termed as the golden period in the democratic history of Jammu and Kashmir because equal treatment was given to all regions. He regretted that the path of equitable and balanced development of Mufti was not followed by other regimes.

“With your support and blessings, I want to restore dignity and honour of the people of Jammu region,” he said. He maintained that adequate representation of Jammu region in power was possible only during the regime of Mufti.

Srinagar, August 22
Moderate Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said today that in the garb of the forthcoming Assembly elections, efforts were underway to divide the people of Jammu and Kashmir on religious and regional basis. Back in Srinagar after meeting Pakistani envoy Abdul Basit in New Delhi, the moderate Hurriyat chairman today addressed a gathering at Jamia Masjid in Srinagar.

“The people of Jammu and Kashmir are the basic party to the Kashmir dispute, who have been divided by a bloody line which is not acceptable to us,” Mirwaiz said during his Friday address while rejecting the recent statement of the Indian Foreign Office that Kashmir is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan.

“Kashmir is neither a territorial dispute between India and Pakistan nor is it an issue of forming a government or economic packages or financial concessions,” he said, adding that it is also not a border issue between the two countries.

“Kashmir is an issue which pertains to the political future of 1.3 crore (people) living in a particular geographical area called Jammu and Kashmir,” Mirwaiz said, while apprising the people about his August 19 meeting with Pakistani High Commissioner Abdul Basit and reacting over the statements of the Union Foreign Ministry which followed the meeting.

“The Hurriyat rejects the statement that Kashmir is a bilateral issue between the two nations. History is testimony that the bilateral agreements, Tashkent, Shimla, Lahore or Agra, have so far failed and not yielded any solution to the vexed Kashmir dispute,” Mirwaiz said, while demanding the resolution of Kashmir under the United Nations resolutions, involving all parties, including India, Pakistan and the people of Kashmir.

“In J&K, attempts and efforts are underway to divide the people of J&K on religious and regional lines,” he said, referring to the recent statement by Congress leader Sham Lal Sharma and the reported efforts by the BJP to realise its target of capturing 44 plus seats in the Assembly elections.

”The conscious people of Kashmir are aware of the evil designs being formulated against them and will never allow such designs to succeed,” he said.

Sharma had said this time there should be a Hindu Chief Minister in Jammu and Kashmir, which goes to the polls later this year.

Doda, August 22
The Charri Mubarak today left for the holy Kailash yatra from the ancient Vasuki Nag Temple at Gatha, Bhaderwah.

Sub Divisional Magistrate, Bhaderwah, Bhupinder Kumar, Additional Superintendent of Police Sunil Sharma and SDPO Sajad Ahmed Khan accompanied the yatra up to Sungli village.

The yatra was given a warm send off by MLA, Bhaderwah, Mohammad Sharief Naiz and MLC Naresh Kumar Gupta.

The yatra, after staying overnight at Hayan (Nalthi), would reach the Kailash Kund tomorrow.

After offering prayers at the religious site the yatra would start its return journey to Bhaderwah on August 24.

Elaborate arrangements have been made for this year’s pilgrimage with the authorities providing adequate medical and drinking water facilities. — OC

Jammu, August 22
Health officials are on the lookout for 450 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive persons who have not come again for treatment after getting themselves registered with the Jammu and Kashmir AIDS Prevention and Control Society (JKAPCS) in the last few years.

Records say these HIV positive patients, including women, put on the free anti-retroviral therapy (ART), stopped coming for treatment and could not be traced despite efforts by officials. This has raised fears that they could have spread the infection or died with doctors not having information about them.

Officials claim that data is being collected among vulnerable groups under their targeted intervention programme, but these patients are a constant source of worry as some of them are labourers and workers from outside the state.

“We have not been able to locate the patients. They may have died or are still alive within or outside the state. Constant efforts are being made to gather information about and identify them,” said Dr Mohan Singh, project director, JKAPCS.

Asked about the reason for patients not coming back to hospitals, he said many patients had the misconception that ART cured them. He said such patients had the impression that they did not require treatment any longer and stopped coming for it.

“Some patients have been located, but many do not come forward for the free medical help due to social stigma and poor economic condition,” he said. As many as 488 patients had died since 1990, when the first case was detected in the state.

Jammu and Kashmir has 3,212 registered HIV positive cases with 1,406 taking ART, which suppresses the virus and stops the progression of the infection for some time. ART does not cure HIV, but increases life expectancy by potentially reducing the infection. The treatment prevents HIV positive cases from becoming AIDS patients.

Various sentinel surveillance rounds conducted during the last few years have put Jammu and Kashmir as a low prevalence state. The mean HIV infection rate is 0.3 per cent among high risk groups and 0.04 per cent among low risk groups.

The survey has shown a drop in the AIDS graph of 0.3 per cent in high risk groups and 0.02 per cent in the general population. In the anti-natal category, the prevalence has dropped from 0.06 per cent in 2006 to zero now.

Jammu, August 22
Senior National Conference leader Ajatshatru Singh today underscored the need for preserving pluralistic ethos of a multiple religious state like Jammu and Kashmir, saying this was the only and most strong binding force between its three distinct regions.

“We cannot afford to deviate from our chosen path,” he said while interacting with the functionaries of the National Conference this morning.

Grandson of last Dogra ruler Maharaja Hari Singh, Ajatshatru said challenges posed to the cherished ideals pursued single-mindedly by the great Maharaja and Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah could be met by maintaining time-tested unity and amity between regions and people.

He said the NC had yet again to play its historic role in forging unity and foiling the machinations of divisive forces and this could not be achieved without active involvement of the people.

Ajatshatru alleged that diversity of this unique state had been an eyesore for many, who had been attempting to trample it from time to time, but the faith reposed in secular principles by the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh had been a redeeming factor.

He exhorted the party functionaries and workers to take a frontal role in foiling all attempts of weakening the state’s secular democratic traditions.

“Fringe elements cannot vitiate the atmosphere by playing politics based on region of religion,” he said and added that the state had to grow as a single entity.

He decried the myopic political agenda of power seekers, saying their machinations were detrimental to the larger interests of the state.

He said he would be campaigning for the NC candidates across the region, especially in Nagrota, Ramnagar, Reasi and the constituencies in Jammu. 

Pulwama, August 22
After being hit for the last five days, normalcy returned to Samboora village in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district today.

The normal life in the village had remained disrupted following the alleged desecration of martyr’s grave yard signpost on which some Quranic verses were written.

The residents had alleged that a police party burnt the signpost on intervening night of August 17 and 18.

The incident had triggered spontaneous shutdown and protest in the area and residents demanded assurance from the district administration to look into the matter. They also sought apology from the police for hurting their religious sentiments.

The shutdown was called off early today after two senior officers — Murrad Hussain and Mohammad Rajab — from the district administration assured the residents that Deputy Commissioner, Pulwama, Sajad Ahmad Khan would hear the case personally on Monday and also promised that culprits would be brought to book.

The residents, however, warned that if the administration failed to deliver justice they would launch fresh agitation.

The police, meanwhile, released three youth who were picked up this morning for inciting violence in the area.

Srinagar, August 22
A delegation of the Jammu and Kashmir Urdu Council, led by Jan Mohammad Azad, called on Governor NN Vohra here today.

The delegation voiced its concern over the continuing decline in the promotion of Urdu language in the state.

Emphasising the importance of Urdu language, as a far more practical communication link between all the regions of Jammu and Kashmir, the delegation urged the Governor to consider introduction of Urdu language from the primary level up to the University in the state.

The Governor informed the delegation about the measures already initiated in the state universities and assured them that he would very early review the outcome and reiterate the concerns already conveyed to the institutions of higher learning.

The delegation comprised chief spokesman Javed Matjee, Shabir Ahmad, Sadiq Ali, Aijaz Ahmad Kakroo and Shahnawaz Khurram. 

Jammu, August 22
The Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) today requested all Jammu-based ministers in the Omar Abdullah-led coalition to counter the alleged neglect of the Jammu region and its people by the Kashmir-centric leaders.

In a press statement issued here, JKNPP chairman Harsh Dev Singh said the people of Jammu were aggrieved by the “highly parochial and biased treatment” doled out to the region by the present coalition in all fields and the criminal silence maintained by its representatives in the Council of Ministers.

“Jammu-based ministers are thriving on self-praise and self-adulation without delivering anything practically. They are not showing any tangible output on the ground,” the JKNPP leader said.

Describing the Jammu-based ministers as “toothless paper tigers”, Singh alleged that their “ineffectiveness” had been exposed in ensuring justice to the people of the Jammu region.

Making a special mention of the Jammu-based martyrs who were victims of Pakistan-backed terrorism, Harsh Dev said the government had resorted to delay and discrimination over providing ex gratia to their families.

He regretted that two Indian Reserve Police (IRP) jawans, constable Santosh Singh and constable Azad Chand, were killed by Pakistan-sponsored militants in Handwara while performing their duties on March 2 last year but the state government had failed to provide the requisite ex gratia to their distressed families.

Singh also condemned the state government for not paying ex gratia to the family of Chamel Singh, who was killed in Kot Lakhpat Jail of Pakistan. He said Sarbjit Singh, who was also killed in similar circumstances in the same jail, was given the status of a martyr by the Punjab Government and his family members were given ex gratia of Rs 1.25 crore.

Accusing the coalition government of adopting double standards, Singh called upon the Jammu-based ministers to assert themselves in view of the growing public resentment against their inaction over “the bias” against the Jammu region.

Regional bias JKNPP chairman Harsh Dev Singh said the people of Jammu were aggrieved by the “highly parochial and biased treatment” doled out to the region by the present coalition in all fields Describing the Jammu-based ministers as “toothless paper tigers”, Singh alleged that their “ineffectiveness” had been exposed in ensuring justice to the people of the Jammu region

Doda, August 22
After a gap of 42 years, a woman, Nuzhat Iqbal Zargar, is going to contest the forthcoming Assembly elections from Doda district.

Addressing a press conference today at her residence in Doda, social activist-turned-politician Nuzhat announced to contest the Assembly elections from her home turf, Doda constituency, as an Independent candidate.

Nuzhat said: “It is the plight of people which forced me to join politics. I have no lust for power. People approached me to contest the 2014 Assembly elections because they have high hopes from me as they are disappointed with the present coalition government which has failed to address their basic issues.”

“We have big names in politics from our district, but they have completely failed to provide even basic facilities such as potable drinking water, roads and health care to poor people,” she said.

Stressing on women empowerment and 33 per cent reservation to women in politics, she said: “We have no woman representation in the state Assembly from the district because of male dominance and gender discrimination. This has forced women to stay away from politics. But the time has changed and women must come forward to assert their rights.”

She said she wanted to help more women join politics and work for the betterment of this weaker section of society.

She has urged the government to take back the hydroelectric power projects in the state from the Centre. She further said she had decided to contest as an Independent candidate as she could do more work for the needy and poor of the region.

Haji Amna had taken the lead 42 years ago by contesting the elections from Doda district for the first time.

However, she could not make it to the state Legislative Assembly. — OC

Jammu, August 22
The release of payment of insurance claims to affected people of Kishtwar riots has been caught in red tape as the insurance company concerned while admitting the delay in this regard said it was yet to receive assessment reports vis-à-vis losses suffered by victims from their field functionaries.

More than a year has lapsed since rioters looted shops and set it on fire after Eid prayers in violence-hit Kishtwar town on August 9 last year, but the victims have not been compensated by the administration as yet and now insurance companies are delaying their claims.

Surinder Gupta, vice-president, Traders Association, Kishtwar, said, “All traders who had lost their shops in Kishtwar riots last year have got their insurance claims, except those who were insured with New India Assurance Company Limited.”

“Other companies have, however, settled the claim amount, but about seven-eight traders are still roaming around the surveyor, who is harassing them with his delaying tactics,” he added.

Traders alleged that surveyor Rajesh Gupta, who had been appointed by the Udhampur Branch of New India Assurance Company Limited, was asking for different formalities day by day to harass the clients.

However, Rajesh Gupta, surveyor, said, “It was delayed as it took time to collect papers from the traders. The report will be submitted within a week.”

The traders also alleged that the claims of private and commercial vehicles were also pending with the same company.

Ravinder Raina, branch manager, New India Assurance Company, Udhampur, said, “There were about seven-eight claim cases of shop damages from Kishtwar. Two have been settled, two are pending with me and reports of two-three cases are pending with surveyor.”

Accepting the delay in settling the claim, Raina said, “Paper work took some time. It was delayed from both sides, surveyor as well as clients, but I think all the cases will be settled within a few days,” he added.

Last year, around 100 shops, seven hotels and 35 vehicles were damaged in violence in communal clashes that broke out between two communities on August 9. At least three people were killed in the clashes.

Srinagar, August 22
After a series of militancy related incidents this month in which five persons, including a civilian, were killed in south Kashmir, Lt Gen Subrata Saha, GOC of the Srinagar-based 15 Corps, on Friday reviewed the security situation in Awantipora area.

Lt Gen Subrata Saha was briefed by PS Sandhu, Inspector General, Border Security Force (BSF), about the situation at Koil in Awantipora area of Pulwama district, particularly in the aftermath of recent incidents.

The GOC interacted with BSF personnel and complimented them for guarding the Awantipora air base. “The GOC emphasised optimising operational capability,” a Defence spokesman said.

He added that the GOC emphasised on learning lessons from recent incidents and urged the personnel to be prepared for all challenges. Assuring the BSF of support and assistance, Lt Gen Saha emphasised on the need for professional and ethical conduct.

Two BSF men were killed when militants ambushed a Gypsy in Koil near the Awantipora air base. Two policemen and a civilian were killed when militants attacked a police party in Galandhar.

At least eight BSF men were injured in another attack in Pampore. All three incidents occurred in Puwlama district of south Kashmir this month.

The Hizbul Mujahideen had claimed responsibility for the attacks, but the police and security forces believed that the attacks were carried out by the Lashkar-e-Toiba.

Rajouri, August 22
A youth was allegedly killed by his relative in a fit of rage after a dispute over possession of a temporary hut on a pasture in the Pir Panjal Range late last night.

Police sources said the incident took place around 5.30 pm on Thursday and the police were informed by the kin of the deceased around 9 pm.

A police party headed by Haji Bashir, Station House Officer (SHO), of the Kotranka police station left Kotranka at 10 pm yesterday and reached the spot around 4 am today and took the body into its possession.

During investigation, the police arrested the accused who had gone into hiding. The accused has been identified as Muneer Hussain. A 12 bore gun used in the murder was also recovered.

The SHO said Muneer Hussain and Mohammad Bashir, both residents of Khadyoon (Kandi) village and close relatives, had common pastures in the Pir Panjal Range.

During the summer, members of both families migrate to dhok Bara Nullah (temporary hut) situated on the pasture, he said.

For the last few years, both families were claiming the ownership of the “dhok”. On Thursday, Muneer had a verbal spat with Mohammad Maroof, son of Mohammad Bashir.

The dispute turned violent and there was a scuffle between the two. In a fit of rage, Muneer picked up his licensed gun and shot Maroof in the forehead, resulting in his instant death.

The police have booked Muneer under Sections 302 and 109 of the RPC and 3/25 of the Indian Arms Act.

After legal formalities and postmortem, the body was handed over to the family for last rites, the SHO said, adding that the police have started investigation.

Srinagar, August 22
The Awami Mutahida Mahaz (AMM), a political group comprising CPM leader MY Tarigami and MLA Hakim Yasin, has said it was concerned about the “communal overtones” being expressed by some political voices ahead of the Assembly elections in the state.

In a statement here, the group has urged the people of J&K to “defeat such communal designs”, saying such communal overtures are detrimental to communal harmony in the state.

It said a meeting of the AMM was attended by Tarigami, Hakim Mohammad Yasin, Abdul Rashid Kabuli and Sheikh Abdul Rehman during which a resolution was passed.

“It is a historical reality that the edifice of Jammu and Kashmir is based on inclusiveness, communal harmony and pluralistic ethos and we believe that any move aimed at disturbing the culture of amity and religious brotherhood for petty political interests will have a ripple effect in the region,” the AMM said.

“Some myopic political forces playing partisan politics are eying the electoral gains ahead of the Assembly elections in the state and are hell bent upon destroying the secular credentials of our people,” it said.

The statement comes following Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee leader Sham Lal Sharma asserting that the “next CM in J&K should be a Hindu” and the reported attempts by the BJP to secure more than 44 seats in the Assembly elections. “We want to caution the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir to remain vigilant to such forces who want to put the state on fire for their narrow electoral considerations ahead of the Assembly elections,” the AMM said, appealing to the “political mainstream” to refrain from divisive political tendencies and exhibit accommodative characteristics, aimed at strengthening the bonds of amity and brotherhood between various communities of the state.

“Unity in diversity is the strength of Jammu and Kashmir and the ethos has to be maintained at all costs,” it said.

Jammu, August 22
The Crime Branch today booked owners of a finance company for misappropriating the deposited amount and duping the depositors of their hard-earned money through a criminal conspiracy.

The accused were identified as Kewal Koul, Rakesh Kumar, Ashwani Kumar and Kamal Kumar Gupta, all residents of Rajouri town.

According to the official spokesperson of the Crime Branch, a written complaint in the shape of legal notice, served by Deepak Sharma, advocate, Rajouri, on behalf of his client Parshotam Lal, resident of Rajouri, upon the Director, Non-Banking Institutions, Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Jammu, was received in the Crime Branch, Jammu.

The complainant alleged that a company under the name of Vikrant Finance Company was floated in Rajouri district by some persons giving a notion that the same was registered with the Reserve Bank of India and the Registrar of Companies, etc, the spokesperson said.

“The company started accepting deposits from the public after alluring them with high rates of interest and also provided loans to different borrowers. “When the company turned a defaulter and bankrupt, the accused persons, who are partners in the company, started harassing the borrowers and depositors on one pretext or the other and duping them of their hard-earned money,” the spokesperson added.

On the receipt of the complaint, an inquiry was initiated by the Crime Branch, Jammu, besides a report was also sought from the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Rajouri, wherein it was found that the accused persons opened the finance company in 1994-95 with their office at the main market of Rajouri town without any authorisation or registration from the Reserve Bank of India and started accepting deposits from innocent depositors illegally after alluring them with high rates of interest.

“However, in 2012 Vikrant Finance Company turned a defaulter and the accused persons refused to pay an amount of about Rs 7-8 crore belonging to poor depositors, thereby misappropriating the deposited amount and duping the depositors of their hard-earned money,” the spokesperson said.

Rs 7-8 crore misappropriated An inquiry was done by the Crime Branch, Jammu, besides a report was also sought from the SSP, Rajouri, wherein it was found that Kewal Koul, Rakesh Kumar, Ashwani Kumar and Kamal Kumar Gupta, all residents of Rajouri town, started Vikrant Finance Company in 1994-95 with their office at the main market of Rajouri town without any authorisation or registration from the Reserve Bank of India and started accepting deposits from innocent depositors illegally after alluring them with high rates of interest. In 2012, the company turned a defaulter and the accused persons refused to pay an amount of about Rs 7-8 crore to depositors.

Jammu, August 22
A team of Food Safety Officers, headed by Municipal Health Officer Dr Mohammad Saleem Khan, today inspected various sweet shops — Darshan Halwai, Nai Basti, Mewar Ice-Cream Workshop, Shastri Nagar, Surya Milk Outlets, Bansi Halwai, Nai Basti, Casino Milk Shop, Channi Himmat.

During the drive about three quintals of ice-cream prepared under unhygienic conditions was destroyed on the spot and the utensils for storage/manufacturing ice-cream were seized.

One quintal milk and 30 kg of stale cooked food was also destroyed on the spot. About 10 quintal milk was checked and Rs 17,300 were realised as fine from the defaulters.

Health Officer Dr Khan has urged all the food business operators not to sell any type of food items not conforming to prescribed quality and standards, which can put the health of people in danger, otherwise stringent action under the Food Safety and Standards Act-2006 will be taken against them.

Jammu, August 22
The clerical staff under the banner of the Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh All Departments Clerical Staff Association observed a complete pen-down strike.

They held demonstrations in all district headquarters across the state in protest against the non-implementation of various agreements held between the government and representative of the association regarding removal of pay anomalies of the clerical cadre in the Fifth Pay Commission and exemption from secretariat training assistant course exam. In Jammu, Ravi Singh Bhau, Sukhbir Singh, Ravinder Singh, Ravi Kumar, Bashir Malik, Hamid Husain, Anil Kesar and others addressed the demonstrators at different office complexes, viz Director Health Services, RTO Office, Excise and Taxation, PWD, Sheep and Wool, PDD and Forest.

They condemned the callous attitude of the state government. They appealed to the state government to remove the pay anomalies of the Fifth Pay Commission, while granting the pay scale of Rs 4,000-6,000 to junior assistants, Rs 4,500-7,000 to senior assistants, junior statistical assistants and Rs 5,500-9,000 to head assistants/statistical assistants.

Jammu, August 22
The National Panthers Students Union (NPSU) today lambasted the state as well as central government for following appeasement policy towards separatists while ignoring the nationalist and patriotic youth of Jammu, whether it is jobs, scholarships and loan schemes.

Addressing a press conference, union president Thakur Virender Singh said the people of Jammu had a hope on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but even after the formation of the government, policies are being framed for the people of Kashmir and no heed is being paid to the plight of the youth of Jammu.

Thakur Virender Singh said immediately after the formation of the government at the Centre, the State Bank of India (SBI) issued a notification for recruitment only for Kashmiri-speaking people ignoring the youth of Jammu.

Thakur also took serious note of the notification issued by the District Magistrate, Udhampur, debarring the legal and democratic rights of people to hold protest.

Jammu, August 22
Jammu, often called temple city, is fast become a city of rehris (mobile carts) selling fruits and vegetables, as they have mushroomed in recent years creating nuisance for the public.

Though the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) has been regularly launching anti-encroachment drives in the city, but no strict action is being taken against hundreds of carts, which have emerged in every nook and corner of the city.

It is estimated that there are around 500 to 800 rehris operating in the city, which is leading to traffic jams and generation of solid waste seen on the roads.

“We are not against people who run these units, but their operation should be regularised and specific areas marked for them. Some people are earning livelihood through selling fruits and vegetables on rehris, but they should not give unpleasant look to Jammu,” said Arpita Mahajan, a university student.

A resident of Janipur, Anil Gupta, observed that at several places vendors have encroached upon the footpaths causing problems for pedestrians.

The MC has not been able to take any action against these carts that are flourishing despite the knowledge of the officials of the Khilafwarzi wing. According to sources, the traffic police had proposed the relocation of vendors from congested areas, but they opposed the move apprehending loss in business.

“The fruit vendors and other hawkers catering to passengers leave waste on the roads, which emits foul smell,” said Meenakshi Sharma, a government teacher.

As usual none of the officials, including Municipal Commissioner Kiran Wattal, was available for comments citing their office engagements.

It is quite unfortunate that neither the traffic police, nor the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) authorities are taking action against the vendors and shopkeepers encroaching upon the road and footpath by extending their makeshift stalls.

Kupwara, August 22
The Military Engineering Services (MES) contractors from different areas of north Kashmir today protested at Kupwara against non-payment of bills.

The contractors staged a sit-in in the premises of the MES Garrison, Kupwara, and raised slogans against the authorities.

They alleged that their bills were pending for the last two years. “We approached the MES officers with the request to release our payment without further delay but to no avail. Today we were forced to protest for the release of pending dues,” said Ghulam Ahmad, an MES contractor from Kupwara.

“We are not able to re-pay loans taken from banks and other financial institutions and have received foreclosure notices,” he said.

Contractor Abdul Ahad said: “Some of us have borrowed money from friends and relatives in addition to the hefty bank loans. We are not even able to pay the fee of our wards.”

Doda, August 22
A six-year-old girl was killed in a bear attack in the Marmat area of Doda district last night,

The incident happened when Manu Devi, daughter of Subash Chander of Marmat Badi, was playing outside her residence.

As per reports local residents chased the animal but could not save the minor from his clutches. The girl was rushed to district Hospital, Doda, where doctors declared her brought dead.

Superintendent of District Hospital, Doda, Yaqoob Mir said the body was handed over to the family after conducting a postmortem.

Jammu, August 22
Humanity Public School felicitated its student Aditya Yadav of Class VIII and in charge teacher Sandeep Zutshi for getting excellent project award for “hybird solar refrigerator and wind mill” in the fourth district-level Inspire Award Science Exhibition, organised by DIET, Samba.

The programme was sponsored by the Ministry of Science and Technology under the Inspire Award Scheme. As many as 232 schools participated in the event, while only 19 schools got selected for the excellent project award, in which Humanity Public School bagged the second position.

Earlier the student and the teacher were received by Principal Gaurav Charak, Vice-Principal Anku Gaurav Charak, in charge Akashdeep Raina, Nitin Jamwal along with other staff members on the school premises with great enthusiasm.

Samba, August 22
Three people have been killed and four others critically injured in separate road accidents in Samba district.

One person was killed and two others injured when a car rammed into a truck at Ghagwal late last night, the police said.

The police rushed to the spot and shifted the injured to District Hospital, Samba, where from they were referred to Government Medical College and Hospital, Jammu. The injured have been identified as Pardeep Chowdhary and Anita Devi, while the deceased truck driver has been identified as Ranjeet Singh, son of Khar Singh, resident of Mukerian, Punjab, the police said.

In another incident, two persons were killed when the car they were travelling in was hit by a speeding truck at Sandbadi near Ghagwal this morning. The vehicle was on its way to Jammu from Haryana.

The injured were rushed to District Hospital, Samba, where from Sunil Kumar of Karnal and Surender Singh, a resident of Sangroor, were referred to the Government Medical College and Hospital, Jammu. The deceased were identified as Joginder Singh and Goldy Kumar, both residents of Karnal, Haryana, the police said.

The police have registered a case in this regard and started the investigation. — OC

Srinagar, August 22
The National Book Trust (NBT)-sponsored book fair will start in the Valley from tomorrow with an aim to promote reading habit among locals.

Addressing a press conference here today, NBT Director MA Sikandar said 90 publishers would display their books at the fair and they also wanted to rejuvenate the intellectual culture here.

“We want that Srinagar should not be just known as a tourist place and we want that intellectuals should get together,” he said.

He said the last NBT book fair was a success and schoolchildren benefited from the same. He said the fair would be turned into a festival from next year.

Additional Director General, Press Information Bureau, Obaidur Rahman said Kashmir had a prominent reading culture and there was scope and need for further nourishing this relationship with books. He said the event would be made an annual affair.

He said the fair was not a “money-making” exercise and they wanted to develop reading habit especially among the youth. Sikandar said 140 reprinted Urdu books would also be available for the readers.

The fair is being organised in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Federation of Publishers and Booksellers Associations in India, National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language and the Srinagar District Administration.

Governor NN Vohra is scheduled to inaugurate the fair at the Exhibition Ground, Kashmir Haat, and will continue till August 31.

Apart from exhibition-cum-sale of books by the publishers/booksellers from various parts of the country, the fair will also showcase a range of literary events for promotion of reading habit which includes panel discussions, storytelling sessions for children and “Meet the author” among others.

A 10 per cent discount will be given to all buyers on purchase of books and various literary and children’s activities will also be organised during the fair.

Meanwhile, Sikandar said they were making sure that the book fair did not remain confined to the city only and would take the NBT mobile vans across the districts of the Valley. He said a similar book fair was on cards in Jammu in November.

The book fair of 2012 was held after a gap of 26 years.

Governor to inaugurate fair 90 publishers will display their books at the fair. Governor NN Vohra is scheduled to inaugurate the fair at the Exhibition Ground, Kashmir Haat. It will continue till August 31 The fair will also showcase a range of literary events for promotion of reading habit, including panel discussions, storytelling sessions for children and ‘Meet the author’ among others. At least 140 reprinted Urdu books will also be available for readers. The fair is being organised in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Federation of Publishers and Booksellers Associations in India, National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language and the Srinagar District Administration. 10 per cent discount will be given to all buyers

Srinagar, August 22
An old two-storeyed private building which was in the process of being demolished in Parraypora area of Srinagar collapsed this morning, the police said.

Six people have been extricated from the debris so far. It is not clear that how many people are trapped under the debris. Those rescued said there were 10 people working inside when the building came down, the police said.

The old building was being razed for new construction when the crane that was being used to pull it down crashed on the building causing it to collapse, the police added. — IANS

We have to ensure the rule of law at every cost and strengthen the image of the organisation among the masses. Transparency in our working will bring a positive change in public perception. K Rajendra Kumar, dgp

Srinagar, August 22
Director General of Police (DGP) K Rajendra Kumar today reviewed law and order and the security scenario of south Kashmir at a meeting of police officers held in Pulwama district of south Kashmir.

Addressing the meeting, K Rajendra stressed upon the officers of the south Kashmir range to ensure regular coordination at every level and keep the law and order maintained in their jurisdictions. He sought reports from the officers regarding situation in different areas of policing, including law and order, security, crime and anti-militancy operations. The meeting was apprised of the overall situation in the range, comprising four districts of Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam and Shopian. Achievements on different fronts, including the anti-militancy front, were also discussed in the meeting.

Rajendra, expressing his satisfaction over the security scenario and successes in the anti-militancy operations, said coordination among different security agencies and wholehearted support of the people has enabled the JKP to meet the challenges firmly. He also appreciated the range police for the peaceful conduct of the Amarnath yatra.

Earlier, IGP (Kashmir zone), AG Mir, gave a detailed briefing to the DGP about the overall situation in south Kashmir districts. He said, “Joint efforts with other agencies have been made to curb the activities of criminals and anti-social elements in the range. The efforts have been yielding good results which are evident from the successful operations against such elements.”

Later, the DGP addressing a police darbar urged the jawans and officers to make public service their motto. He said the J&K police had demonstrated great valour and courage while restoring peace and order in the state. “We have to ensure the rule of law at every cost and strengthen the image of the organisation among the masses. Transparency in our working and better attitude with the public will bring positive change in public perception,” the DGP added.

Handwara, August 22
The J&K Police and army soldiers busted two militant hideouts in the Hafruda forests of the Handwara area of north Kashmir and recovered a large quantity of weapons and explosives.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Handwara Maqsood Zaman, said, “We have made recovery from two hideouts which were busted in each area of the Hafruda forests of Handwara. It is believed to be one of the major recoveries done.”

“We have around six AK-47 rifles, one Pika rifle, Pakistani-made pistol, 18 rocket boosters and six rounds of RPG,” he added. — ANI

Srinagar, August 22
With the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections slated for later this year, a new political party aiming to eradicate corruption from the state is set to be launched here.

“The People’s Republican Party will be launched at a simple function tomorrow,” general secretary of the party Mohammad Amin Andrabi said.

“Our main focus will be to make J&K a corruption-free state as we are ranking at the top of the list of corrupt states in the country,” he added.

The party set to contest the forthcoming state Assembly elections will also work towards formation of a rehabilitation board for the victims of conflict over the past 24 years.

“We will work for constitution of a reconciliation commission for addressing these issues,” he added. — PTI

Srinagar, August 22
The selection trials for the third Dragon Boat Race national championship were held at Nehru Park here today in which over 200 youth, including 70 girls, participated.

The national championship is being organised in the city by the State Sports Council in collaboration with the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Federation, New Delhi, from August 30 to September 2.

The selection committee constituted by the Sports Council comprised Zahoor Ahmed Latoo, Parvaiz Shagoo, Imtiaz Ahmed, Feroz Ahmed, Adil Mohiuudin and Mustafa Kand.

The committee is required to select the best players to form two teams to represent the state. One team will comprise only male members and the second will be a mixed team with both male and female participants.

Sixteen states in addition to J&K will be participating in the national championship consisting of 200 m, 500 m and 2000-m events.

Additional Director General, Armed Police and Civil Defence, SM Sahai was the chief guest on the occasion.

Contest from Aug 30 The national championship will be organised in Srinagar by the State Sports Council in collaboration with the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Federation, New Delhi, from August 30 to September 2 Sixteen states in addition to J&K will be participating in the national championship

Srinagar, August 22
A pedestrian has been injured in a road accident in the city, the police said today.

The incident took place when an unidentified vehicle hit Mohammad Maqbool Baktoo, a resident of Latribal Pampore, at Nowgam in the city here, a police spokesman said. The incident happened last evening.

The injured was shifted to the Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) hospital, while the police have registered a case.