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assembly in session
Panthers Party, BJP disrupt House over power crisis
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Over 300 cases against govt officials under investigation
Over 1 lakh students on roll in 97 degree colleges of J&K
Plan formulated for implementation of RUSA: Minister
Geelani calls for unity among separatists to counter Modi
NC’s failure gave rise to divisive forces in Jammu: Mehbooba
NC not even a regional party: State BJP chief
Hurriyat slams govt for deleting its Facebook page
PDP seeks people’s support to strengthen Mufti’s hand
house in session
Governor briefed about ceasefire violations by Pak
Need for sustained dialogue with Pak: Farooq
Pulwama youths booked for attacking BSF party
Cleanliness drive after Amarnath yatra reviewed
Army distributes relief among displaced border residents
Gujjar Mahasabha president visits village hit by Pak shelling
EC may announce J&K polls in Sept
GOC flags in youth tour
2 new trains for Kashmir
3 cops suspended after man dies in custody
Seminar on use of library
Punjab man held with 4 quintals of narcotics
TT tournament’s semifinals today
No threat to Vaishno Devi pilgrims: Govt Mongolian Ambassador meets Leh CEC
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House resolves to give 35 kg ration for Rs 70
Implementation of resolution to burden the state exchequer with Rs 6,000 crore Ishfaq Tantry Tribune News Service
Srinagar, August 27 It will put an extra burden on the state exchequer as the government will have to make a provision for Rs 6,000 crore to implement the resolution, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Minister Choudhary Ramzan told the Assembly before the resolution was unanimously adopted. The private member’s resolution was moved by CPM leader and Kulgam MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami. He asked the House to adopt the resolution, saying that it would empower the government to press for more food and rationing and would enable the state to get more food and ration from the Centre. “This House urges upon the government to provide 35 kg ration at the rate of Rs 2 per kg to each family as per the 2011 census,” the resolution adopted by the J&K Assembly today read. While stating the aim of his resolution during the discussion which ensued, Tarigami warned that the National Food security Act, if implemented in J&K, would have an adverse effect and there would be a drastic reduction in the food ration which the people in state were currently getting. While urging Tarigami to take back his private member’s resolution, the CAPD Minister assured him that the “sentiment of the House” would be conveyed to the Government of India while pressing for the allocation of more subsidised ration to the people in J&K. He said the matter for enhancement of coverage area under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) had already been taken up with the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and the final decision about the issue was yet to be received from the Centre. The minister also told Tarigami that the NFSA if implemented would cover only 74.13 lakh population, thereby meaning that a large section of society would not get subsidised ration. “If this resolution is passed then I will have to make a provisioning of Rs 6,000 crore. Wherefrom I will get this money as the government will be duty-bound to implement it once the resolution is adopted by this House,” Ramzan said while showing reluctance on the part of the government to provide 35 kg ration to each family on subsidised rates. The House also adopted two amendments moved by PDP MLAs Nizamuddin Bhat and Choudhary Zulfikar Ali, urging the government to “make necessary arrangements within the time frame of two months for the same (subsidised ration)”…“in a time-bound manner to mitigate the problem of food scarcity in the state”.
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Panthers Party, BJP disrupt House over power crisis
Srinagar, August 27 As soon as House proceedings began, NPP members led by Harshdev Singh and BJP MLAs stood up, holding banners and raising concern over unscheduled power cuts in Jammu region. They demanded that the government should take steps for regularisation of daily wage workers. They alleged bias against Jammu region in terms of regularisation of contractual Rehbar-e-Ziraat (agriculture graduates) was concerned. As the members kept shouting slogans and disrupted the Question Hour for nearly half an hour, the Speaker assured them that they would be given time during Zero Hour to raise their concerns and the minister concerned asked to reply. Only after this assurance was given by Speaker Mubarak Gul did the legislators resume their seats to allow smooth conduct of proceedings. |
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Over 300 cases against govt officials under investigation
Srinagar, August 27 MLA Tarigami had sought details of corruption cases pending against various officials, including the retired ones, with the State Vigilance Organisation and the Crime Branch. He had also sought the stage of investigation in the cases registered with these anti-corruption organisations. “In the State Vigilance Organisation, 189 cases are registered against over 450 government officials, whereas the Crime Branch of the state police is investigating 115 other such cases,” the government said in its reply today. The Jammu wing of the State Vigilance Organisation is investigating 95 cases against 233 officials. Documents reveal that most of these cases have been registered between 2006 and 2014. Likewise, the Kashmir wing of the State Vigilance Organisation is investigating 93 corruption cases registered against 195 officials between 2007 and 2014. Most of these cases have been registered under various Sections of Prevention of Corruption Act and the Ranbir Penal Code under various categories like corrupt practices, misuse of official position and misappropriation of government funds, illegal appointments and land grabbing. |
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Over 1 lakh students on roll in 97 degree colleges of J&K
Srinagar, August 27 A committee constituted by the Higher Education Department established by the state government on August 13, 2012, as per the official reply has visited most of places/identified sites for setting up new colleges in the state. “The committee has prepared a feasibility report which has been submitted to the Higher Education Department. The Planning and Finance Departments will also be the stakeholders in establishing new colleges keeping in view the availability of financial sources,” the Higher Education Department official reply read. Besides, 15 various off-site campuses of Jammu and Kashmir universities have been approved by the state government to be made functional in border areas of the state which include Bhaderwah, Kishtwar, Kathua, Udhampaur, Poonch, Bilawar, Ramanagar, Reasi, Surankote and Doda campuses for students of Jammu region and Delina Baramulla, Fatehgarh Anantnag, Kupwara, Kargil and Leh campuses for students of Kashmir and Ladakh regions. The Higher Education Department is in the process of filling the teaching and non-teaching vacancies in the offsite campuses and has already sanctioned the number of vacancies under each post in these campuses. In both Jammu and Kashmir divisions, the city colleges have maximum enrolment of students, whereas in the rural colleges, the number of students is less.In Jammu, WC Parade College has maximum roll of 5,485 students, whereas in Kashmir, Government Women’s College, MA Road, has a maximum roll of 5,454 students. Higher Education Department’s reply
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Plan formulated for implementation of RUSA: Minister
Srinagar, August 27 Replying to a question, the minister said two cluster universities have been identified in Jammu and Kashmir under RUSA for creation of new universities/autonomous colleges. The minister further said the University Council has approved the BEd course for the Bhaderwah campus. “However, the course shall be started only after the necessary infrastructure is created and subject to the availability of resources,” he added. — TNS
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Geelani calls for unity among separatists to counter Modi
Srinagar, August 27 “Unity based on principles and ideology has become the need of the hour to counter (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi government’s dangerous policies on Kashmir and the irresponsible approach of the local parties such as the NC (National Conference) and the PDP (Peoples Democratic Party),” Geelani said in a statement, issued after a meeting of his amalgam’s executive council. Geelani said he appealed to all “pro-freedom groups” to gather at one place, however, with “certain conditions”. The hardline Hurriyat Conference leader said the “doors are open” for all separatist groups which reject “out-of-box solutions” on the Kashmir issue, refrain from participating in “bilateral or triangular” talks and would not take any “direct or indirect” part in the elections. Geelani broke away from the Hurriyat Conference in 2003 as he demanded action against one of the constituent members of the separatist amalgam for fielding proxy candidates in the election. He later led his own faction which went on to reject the four-point formula of former Pakistan President Pervez Musharaf. Attempt towards reunification have failed over the past decades as the moderate and hardline separatist factions have stuck to their positions. The appeal towards unification comes days after separatists held a meeting with Pakistani High Commissioner in New Delhi which also led to the cancellation of scheduled Indo-Pak secretary-level talks. Geelani said he had “no hesitation” in acknowledging that the past divide within the separatist ranks was caused when “options” other than those enlisted in the amalgam’s constitution were considered. “Based on the experience of the past, it is important that the future unity will also have a condition that anyone who opposes the agreed constitution and the agreed conditions will automatically be out of the unity and the membership will be cancelled,” he said. |
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NC’s failure gave rise to divisive forces in Jammu: Mehbooba
She said it had led to the emergence of “forces” such as the BJP, which was seeking “access to power by dividing people and regions”. Addressing a number of meetings in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district today, she said from autonomy to removal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act and providing ration, water supply, power or jobs, the NC-led government had failed on every front and had given an opportunity to the BJP to emerge as a force in some areas of Jammu province. “The hatred against the NC-led coalition had created an unprecedented vacuum on the political scene of the state which was filled largely by the PDP which emerged victorious in as many as 41 Assembly segments in the Lok Sabha elections. Unfortunately, the collapse of the Congress which was the major player in some areas of Jammu and its fall at the national level created conditions for the BJP to come into the state with a divisive agenda,” Mehbooba said. She said it was obvious that communal polarisation on which the BJP had based its ambitions could pose a threat to the unity and integrity of the state. “The only practical option would be for the people from all regions of the state to strengthen the progressive initiatives of the PDP under the leadership of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed,” she added. Mehbooba, who is also an MP, said it was a matter of elementary logic that only a party like the PDP, which had established its popularity among the people, could form a government that could neutralise the dangers that the BJP’s rise in the state would entail. “To resist the negative politics of the BJP, there is a need for strengthening the hands of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed,” she said.
— TNS |
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NC not even a regional party: State BJP chief
Jammu, August 27 The recently elected Lok Sabha member said the NC, like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Congress, did not have a support base in Jammu and Ladakh and its little support base was confined to a few pockets in the Kashmir valley. He said the NC was not even a regional party. “The NC is a sub-regional party and enjoys some support in parts of the Kashmir valley,” he added. He said the NC would lose its support base in the upcoming Assembly elections as it had become the most unpopular party due to its acts of omission and commission and the cult of corruption it had promoted along with the Congress. He said the NC and the PDP had turned so desperate that they were now toying with the idea of granting general amnesty to anti-India stone throwers, but would fail in their ulterior game plan. |
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Hurriyat slams govt for deleting its Facebook page
Srinagar, August 27 However, the ban on Hurriyat activities on Facebook in Kashmir is a direct attack on freedom to opine and express,” Hurriyat’s media adviser Shahid-ul-Islam said in a statement here, adding that its official Facebook page has been removed by the authorities. Terming the removal of the official Hurriyat page from Facebook a “clear case of frustration”, Shahid said the government had already put restrictions on the peaceful activities of the party due to the fear of its popularity among the people. “Such repressive tactics are, however, not going to affect our determination to pursue our goal,” he said. The removal of the Hurriyat’s Facebook page follows a crackdown by the police on the users of mobile internet messaging application, WhatsApp, recently after it booked three people for allegedly spreading rumours and wrong information through the groups they had created on the messaging application. The moderate Hurriyat had hoisted its official page “All Parties Hurriyat Conference” on Facebook and would often post its activities, including official press releases, on it. Several other separatists groups, including the hardline Hurriyat Conference headed by Syed Ali Geelani, also have their Facebook pages, which attract a lot of views. The moderate Hurriyat Conference recently opened an official handle on Twitter, which has attracted over 2,000 followers so far. Online surveillance stepped up
Security agencies have stepped up surveillance on social networking and other internet sites following hoisting of ‘Islamic State’ flags during recent protests in Kashmir. |
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PDP seeks people’s support to strengthen Mufti’s hand
Jammu, August 27 Addressing a function to welcome some prominent persons of Ward No.40 and Ward No. 8 who joined the party today, PDP leaders said only a statesman like Mufti had the capability to change the destiny of the people of the state. Former Chief Transport Officer, Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), Shiv Kumar Sharma and Sohan Lal, along with hundreds of their supporters, joined the PDP in the presence of senior leaders. Welcoming the new entrants into the party, PDP leaders said the empowerment of Jammu region would be ensured only after the formation of the PDP government in the state. |
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Canine population down from 91,000 to 48,000, says govt
Our Correspondent
Srinagar, August 27 Minister of Urban Local Bodies and Urban Development, J&K, Nawang Rigzin Jora said the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) had taken several measures to control the population of dogs in Srinagar. “Besides sterilisation of dogs, animal birth control programme has been launched by the SMC to manage the population of dogs in the city,” said the minister in a written reply in the Legislative Council on Tuesday. The minister also revealed that a fresh survey has been conducted by an independent agency - Human Society International - and it has been established that the dog population has reduced since last two years. “The total dog population in Srinagar is 48,949 which indicated a drop in population with respect to census conducted two years ago,” he said. In order to enhance the number of animal birth control surgeries on daily basis, the minister said they have also signed an MOU with an NGO last year for creation of an independent operation theatre. “The operation theatre is functional now and sterilisation is going on and a project of sterilising 5,000 stray dogs was made during the current financial year,” he added. To take scientific measures for control of stray dogs, the minister said the scientific garbage system was started in the city to reduce the availability of feed to stray dogs. “About 150 open garbage sheds have been closed across the city and special garbage collection vehicles have been put in place,” he said. The minister added that more than 1,400 dog surgeries have been conducted during the past two years. “About 1,000 surgeries of stray dogs were conducted in 2013 and in 2014 441 surgeries have been conducted till date,” the minister said. The dog menace is becoming one of the major problems in Srinagar city with dog bite cases being reported every day. Locals also claim that the population of dogs in the city alone is more than 1 lakh that contradicts the government figures. “The population of dogs in Srinagar alone is more than 1 lakh, leave aside other districts,” said a Srinagar-based animal expert.
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Governor briefed about ceasefire violations by Pak
Srinagar, August 27 The Governor has also been briefed in detail about the situation by Lt Gen Praveen Bakshi, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 9 Corps. The Governor has been informed about initiatives taken by the 26 Division and other formations of the 9 Corps to provide emergency assistance to a large number of civilians who have been displaced from their homes in villages located close to the international border. Vohra thanked and complimented the Army, which in coordination with the Jammu district administration, has provided assistance to over 4,000 people who have been displaced from their homes in the affected areas. The assistance being provided by the Army to the displaced persons includes shelter and toilet facilities, generators for lighting, food and medical support. The Governor was informed that the displaced persons had been provided shelter in camps established by the civil administration at RS Pura, Dablehar, Devigarh, Salehar, Rehal, Ramgarh and Habtal. In some of the camps, the Army has provided support and assistance to government school teachers to hold classes for the displaced children. The Governor especially complimented the GOC of the 9 Corps for sending teams, including nine women officers and four lady doctors, to visit the camps and take care of the large number of aged persons, women and children. Sources in the Raj Bhawan secretariat said the Governor would visit the relief camps later this
week. |
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Need for sustained dialogue with Pak: Farooq
Srinagar, August 27 Farooq said the National Conference (NC) would continue to work for the political resolution of the Kashmir issue and advocate a “just solution” that would be acceptable to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, to New Delhi and Islamabad. He also welcomed UN Secretary-General Ban
Ki-moon’s appeal to India and Pakistan to resolve their issues peacefully and through a dialogue. “Political point-scoring and brinksmanship on the issue of ceasefire violations was unfortunate and disappointing,” Farooq said. “The need for a sustained and comprehensive dialogue with Pakistan was crucial as there was no alternative to diplomatically engaging at various levels to resolve all
points of friction and hostility between the two neighbors,” the NC president said. He said the cancellation of the foreign secretary-level talks between New Delhi and Islamabad was unfortunate. He appealed to the leaders of India and Pakistan to choose the “path of reconciliation and dialogue and shun the path of hostility”. |
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Pulwama youths booked for attacking BSF party
Pulwama, August 27 Residents of Koil alleged that the police was picking youths from the village on the basis of fabricated cases. However, the police, while denying the allegations, said the youths were wanted in stone-throwing incidents that rocked the village during the parliamentary elections. “These youths have been booked after they were found involved in stone-throwing incidents in April when polling was held for the Ananatnag constituency,” said a police official. The police was looking for some more youth involved in these incidents. Meanwhile, the residents alleged that the police had been harassing them from the day Koil firing incident took place and had been unnecessarily picking youths.
— OC |
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Cleanliness drive after Amarnath yatra reviewed
Srinagar, August 27 It had been decided to convene this meeting during a recent meeting chaired by Governor NN Vohra, the chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board. The CEO of the PDA said all refuse and garbage found on the track from Chandanwari to the holy cave had been collected and disposed of as per the approved garbage disposal plan. The CEO of the SDA, responsible for ensuring cleanliness in Sonamarg and the road from Sonamarg to the Baltal base camp, said all waste generated during the yatra had been disposed of as per the approved action plan. It was decided that to encourage yatris and service providers to voluntarily collect plastic bottles and other non-biodegradable waste, a scheme should be launched next year in the entire yatra area, in which any person collecting plastic bottles or other non-biodegradable waste from the yatra area and depositing those at the designated counters in Baltal and Chandanwari would be paid a suitable incentive, which would be fixed and paid by the shrine board. It was decided that the CEO of the shrine board would evolve a proposal in this regard and secure the Governor’s approval well in time before the yatra next year. It was decided that the CEO would, through Deputy Commissioners and the State Pollution Control Board, organise extensive publicity of this new scheme. |
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Posthumous collection of Jan’s poems released in Anantnag
Anantnag, August 27 The book which has been published by
the poet’s sons is his lifelong work and was unveiled in a hardbound cover at the function. The function was attended by eminent poets, scholars and literary persons from across the Valley. They talked about Jan’s life and work and also read from their own works. Ashiq Kashmiri, president of the
Idaar-e-Fikr-o-Adab, presided over the function. Ghulam Muhamad Mir, chairman, Falahi Aam Trust, and Ajaz Ghulam Muhamad, president, Adbi Markaz Sangam attended the function. Ashiq Kashmiri, while releasing the book, called Jan a visionary and a down to earth social worker. “He (Jan) was not formally educated and that makes his work all the more worthwhile,” Kashmiri said. “I had known him since 1960 and very rarely have I come across such a humble and visionary soul,” he said. Jan, a shopkeeper by profession, was a founding member of the school where the function was held and had been active in social works related to education and other issues. |
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Army distributes relief among displaced border residents
Jammu, August 27 A total of 11 teams of the Army provided medical, tentage, food, water and temporary sanitary facilities, including toiletry items, to over 3, 000 civilians, mostly women, children and elderly,” said a defence spokesperson. The civilians are living in over 11 camps established by the civil administration in RS Pura, Dablehar, Devigarh, Salehar, Rehal, Ramgarh and Habtal. The Army team also included nine women officers, four women medical officers who specifically addressed the needs and medical care of a large number of women and children, he added. Children residing in various camps established by the civil administration were provided sports equipment to keep them engaged and motivated, he said. At some camps, government teachers were motivated to take classes for displaced children. The locals appreciated the efforts of the Army and the civil administration. The border residents were made aware of the actions and precautions to be taken during shelling by Pakistan. |
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SHO, 2 constables suspended after man dies in custody
Jammu, August 27 “We have suspended three policemen, including the SHO of the Khour police station, following the death in police custody. We have ordered an inquiry to ascertain the cause of death,” Uttam Chand, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Jammu, said. The policemen suspended were attached in the Police Lines in Jammu. They were identified as sub-inspector Surinder Raina, the SHO, and constables Vijay Kumar and Sanjeev Kumar. “A departmental inquiry has been initiated. Since the death has taken place in police custody, a magisterial inquiry has been initiated to establish the truth and find the cause of death,” the SSP said. He said the deceased, identified as Harbans Lal, alias Panchi Ram, a resident of Calrian Gharota on the outskirts of Jammu, complained of chest pain on Tuesday night and was immediately taken to a hospital in Pallanwalla. He was later shifted to the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Jammu, but breathed his last due to “apparent medical complications” while being shifted. The police said Harbans was arrested around 12:45 am on Wednesday for his reported involvement in a case registered under Section 302 of the RPC at the Khour police station. Raj Dev Singh, sarpanch of Gharota, who was among the protesters outside the GMCH mortuary, said they handed over Harbans to SP (Rural) Mohan Lal Kaith on August 23 after a police team in civvies raided Harbans’ house around midnight on August 22. “After a police team raided Harbans’ house, around 25 of us hired a minibus. We went to Kaith’s office and handed Harbans to him. It was a shock for us when we heard about the death,” the sarpanch said. Harbans’ family and relatives said there were severe torture marks on the body. They alleged that he was tortured to death. Sources said Harbans was earlier arrested in the last week of July in connection with the case of murder of Joginder Lal of Khour camp, a cattle dealer. Joginder’s body was recovered from the Khour area on July 26 and it was alleged that Harbans was accompanying him when Joginder went missing from his house. Harbans’ family and relatives alleged that Akhnoor subdivisional police officer Farooq Kesar had demanded Rs 2 lakh for hushing up the case. They said the police had assured them of Rs 5 lakh as compensation and a job for the deceased’s wife. Jammu Deputy Commissioner Ajit Kumar Sahu said they would help the family through the Red Cross Society as there was no provision of compensation or ex gratia in such cases. “The police have assured the family that they would give some compensation. A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the case,” he said. The postmortem examination was conducted by a board of doctors. The cremation would be held tomorrow. |
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Chopans threaten hunger strike
Srinagar, August 27 He said the legislative Assembly had passed a resolution on April 10, 2000, recommending the Scheduled Tribe status to the Chopans of the state. He said the state had recommended the case to the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs in October, regretting that no action had been taken so far. Rehman pointed out that a similar section of people in Jammu had Schedule Tribe status. “In the Jammu province among the Rajput class, Gaddi is a class which renders services of shepherds to other class of the community and they have been included in the schedule of constitution as Schedule Tribe along with Gujjars, Bakerwals and Changpas,” he said. “It is imperative to mention that the Chopans of the Valley pursue the same profession as that of Gaddis. The treatment violates Article 14 of the Indian Constitution. The Chief Minister had recently announced 5 per cent reservation to Phari-speaking people of the state but ignored the Chopans,” Rehman added. The JKCWA hoped that the announcement of reservation and formation of a Chopan Advisory Board would be made in the forthcoming Cabinet meeting failing which they would start an indefinite hunger strike. |
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Traffic cops take to social networking sites to reach out to J&K residents
Srinagar, August 27 Minister for Transport and Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan today outlined measures taken by the government to de-congest traffic in the state. He said, “There is a lot of chaos on city roads as at least 30,000 vehicles are registered in the districts annually.” Replying to a calling attention notice moved by Prof Chaman Lal Gupta, the minister informed the upper house that an inter-state bus terminal had been set up at Transport Nagar and bus stand at Khanpur had been started. “In Jammu, the fourth bridge over Tawi River has taken the load off over the old Tawi bridge and has helped in de-congesting the areas of Jewel Chowk, Gumat and Canal Road as it is now directly linking Ware House and Talab Tiloo areas,” he said, adding that the upcoming flyover at Bikram Chowk will also reduce the traffic congestion to a great extent. The minister also maintained that delineators, traffic cones and road dividers have been installed on various roads of Srinagar and Jammu city to enforce lane driving and discipline among drivers. He said rotaries had been constructed at various locations to streamline the flow of traffic at major junctions in Jammu. Moreover, he said traffic signals had been installed at crucial junctions. “In order to establish interface with various stakeholders, the Traffic Police Department has launched website (www.jktrafficpolice.nic.in) as well as page on the Facebook to reach out to people. He said mobile traffic squads had been deployed on vulnerable routes to check jamming of traffic and prevent traffic violations,” the minister said. The minister said the final report of comprehensive mobility plan has been received by the Government in 2014 and is under examination. The plan envisages a number of measures which aim at reducing the congestion on the roads in the core city. |
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Smuggling of banned polythene carry bags into J&K continues
Jammu, August 27 During the market-checking campaign, the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) has recovered hundreds of kilograms of banned polythene bags in the recent past, raising question mark over the source of its entry in the state, at a time when its production has been banned following the High Court order. Sources said the lack of coordination between the civic authorities, police and Pollution Control Board (PCB) has given a free run to coordinated inter-state smugglers, who are bringing polythene bags clandestinely in the state reaping a huge profit. “The government has failed to stop influx of banned polythene products from Punjab and Delhi. Till Lakhanpur it is brought in vehicles and from there smugglers carry bundles on foot towards J&K to evade the police,” said an official source. Since 2009, when the High Court imposed ban on the use of carry bags, keeping in view its environmental hazards, nearly 400 tonnes of polythene has been seized by the Pollution Control Board (PCB) and respective Municipal Corporations. However, Municipal Health Officer Dr Mohammad Saleem Khan said the campaign launched by them have almost stopped the entry of illegal items. “I think now we have better coordination with other agencies and efforts are being made to stop the entry of polythene bags in the state. Maybe a few people manage to bring them, but items are being seized in the markets during checking,” Dr Khan said. A ban has been imposed on 16 items of non-biodegradable material, including polythene, poly bags, nylon and thermocol, as per SRO-182 (ban on carrying polythene bags) under the Non-Biodegradable Material (Management, Handling, and Disposal) Act 2007 in 2009. In pursuance of its SRO 122 issued later, powers were delegated to different authorities to punish the offenders. |
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Lack of fencing around transformers poses threat to lives
Jammu, August 27 At most of the places, these transformers have been put up in open spaces or between two electric poles without considering safety of the people. During the rainy season, the threat increases as the rainwater damages equipment, creating a dangerous situation for residents. “The transformers have been installed very close to the ground level with low-lying wires posing a grave threat to lives of people, particularly children,” said Tarsem Lal, a resident the Satwari area. In the recent years there have been a number of incidents where people have been electrocuted when they came in contact with the wires and transformers installed without following the norms. But despite spending crores of rupees for upgrading the power infrastructure, not much has been done to secure the transformers. About 7,395 distribution transformers (DTs) were damaged in the Jammu region during 2012-13. Damages were mainly due to excess load on them and lack of maintenance. The PDD has also admitted that the damage rate of transformers in Jammu and Kashmir is highest in the country. "With increased pressure on transformers installed by the Power Development Department (PDD) for supplying electricity to people, their damage rate in Jammu region is 40 per cent during the summer months, with the department facing a problem in repairing them due to shortage of spare parts", said a PDD official. Sources said with people drawing extra electricity from the stations above the marked load, the service life of transformers has shortened, leading to frequent tripping at various places. A senior official claimed that at the moment the installed capacity of every transformer is about six times the total agreed load of consumers fed from it, but the rate of damage to distribution transformers is increasing every month — during summer months in the Jammu region and winter months in the Kashmir valley. |
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Gujjar Mahasabha president visits village hit by Pak shelling
Jammu, August 27 The village, close to the international border (IB) with Pakistan, witnessed a heavy firing from Pakistan Rangers, who directly targeted civilians, causing death of two villagers, Akram Hussain and Aslam Hussain (8 years). Poswal interacted with the Gujjar community at Higher Secondary School, where the villagers are residing in temporary relief shelters. The villagers informed Poswal that a compensation of Rs 1 lakh was given to the family, which is not enough. Poswal demanded compensation for the victims on the line of the SRO-43 policy. He also met Sushma Devi, panch of the Gharana panchyat in RS Pura, who complained about the rude behavior of the district administration, which, she said, did not provide relief facilities to the villagers at the temporary shelter in Bal Asharam. |
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Preparations in full swing for Ganesh Chaturthi
Jammu, August 27 The 10-day-long festival will start on August 29 and several teams of artisans are giving final touches to the idols, which will be immersed in the Tawi and Chenab on the concluding day of the festival. Prayers are offered at the Lord Ganesha idols and sweets distributed among devotees during the period. Lord Ganesha symbolises wisdom and prosperity. |
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EC may announce J&K polls in Sept
Jammu, August 27 This Assembly election is going to be crucial as the National Conference-Congress coalition government in the state had faced one of the worst-ever defeat in the Lok Sabha elections when they lost all six seats. Now, the Assembly elections would be a test of credibility for both these parties. The PDP and the BJP are posing great threat to these coalition partners as the PDP has emerged as a strong force in the Valley after its foundation in 1999 and the BJP is aiming “44 plus” seats in the state after its brilliant performance during the Lok Sabha elections. The threat of polarisation is looming large on these elections following the trend in the Lok Sabha elections. This election is going to be a litmus test for the EC also as already a controversy had been evaded when electronic voting machines, being brought from Gujarat were cancelled and were replaced with EVMs from Bihar and
Jharkhand. |
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GOC flags in youth tour
Jammu, August 27 The tour was organised to bring awareness about the rich historical and cultural heritage of the country and to get a glimpse of India, he added. During the tour, the youth had the privilege of interacting with President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice-President Hamid Ansari and Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan. A motivational lecture by Talat Ahmed, Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia University, Delhi, was also organised for them. They got an opportunity to visit the Rashtrapati Bhawan, Red Fort, Parliament House, India Gate, Jamia Millia Islamia University and the Indian Agricultural Research Institute. |
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2 new trains for Kashmir
Srinagar, August 27 “We will introduce two trains between Banihal in Ramban district of Jammu region to Baramulla in north Kashmir,” said a senior Northern Railway official. “With these new trains, there will be 26 trips between Baramulla and Banihal everyday,” he added. The Railways has almost finalised formalities and put men and machinery in place for the new trains. “One train will be operated between Budgam and Baramulla and the other between Banihal and Baramulla,” the official said. At present, there are 22 train trips in Kashmir, between Baramulla and Banihal. Twelve trips are made from Budgam to Banihal and six between Baramulla and Banihal. Trains cover 135 kilometres from Baramulla to Banihal and are turning out to be the favourite mode of commuting in the Valley. There has been a lot of demand for more trains. |
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3 cops suspended after man dies in custody
Jammu, August 27 The custodial death of the father of three triggered protests in Khour, Jourian and Malal areas of Akhnoor subdivision in Jammu district with protesters demanding registration of a murder case against the police officials concerned. “We have suspended three policemen, including the SHO of the Khour police station, following the death in police custody. We have ordered an inquiry to ascertain the cause of death,” Uttam Chand, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Jammu, said. The policemen suspended were attached in the Police Lines in Jammu. They were identified as sub-inspector Surinder Raina, the SHO, and constables Vijay Kumar and Sanjeev Kumar. “A departmental inquiry has been initiated,” the SSP said. |
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Seminar on use of library
Jammu, August 27 Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Kargil, Sujit Kumar was the chief guest on the occasion. He also anchored the programme. The main objective of the programme is to encourage the youth towards library and develop reading habits so that students and youth of Kargil could excel at all levels in
this competitive era, the officer said. Referring to libraries available in Kargil district, the SSP encouraged the youth to utilise the service of these libraries and assured them that the Police Public Library would be made functional 24X7 if it received good response. |
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Punjab man held with 4 quintals of narcotics
Srinagar, August 27 Besides the narcotics, Rs 4.93 lakh was seized from the vehicle, he said. However, his accomplice Surjeet Kumar managed to flee the scene and a hunt has been launched to nab him, the spokesman said. Raba is the third Punjab native arrested by the police for drug peddling in the Valley since yesterday. Yesterday, the police arrested two Punjab residents from Batmaloo area of central Srinagar and 8 kg "Fukki" was seized from them.
— PTI |
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Hypertension, diabetes detection camp held
Jammu, August 27 More than 200 patients were examined at the camp. Dr Dhar examined the patients. Free blood sugar tests were done and free medicines were distributed among the patients. Dr Dhar delivered a lecture on the ill effects of hypertension and diabetes, which was appreciated by the residents, gurdwara management committee and patients. Speaking to mediapersons, Dhar said, “Earlier, I have conducted such camps in various parts of Jammu district and got an excellent response from the people. It is my prime duty to serve people by giving free consultation and medicines during the camps. Such camps will be organised in the coming months in the Jammu (West) constituency.” Later, the Gurudwara management, local residents and patients expressed their gratitude to Dr Dhar for organising the camp. |
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TT tournament’s semifinals today
Jammu, August 27 In the first quarterfinal, Government Degree College (GDC) defeated GGM Science College by 3-0, while Mahant Bachitar Singh (MBS) College beat the Sri Pratap Memorial Rajput College (SPMR) College of Commerce
by 3-1 in the second quarterfinal. In the third quarterfinal, Government Medical College (GMC) defeated Government Maulana Azad Memorial (MAM) College by 3-2, while the Acharaya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences (ASCOMS) beat the PG Department of the University of Jammu by 3-0. In the women’s section, Government College for Women (GCW), Parade, trounced GGM Science College by 3-0, whereas GCW, Udhampur, defeated the PG Department of University of Jammu
by 3-2. In the third quarterfinal, the SPMR College of Commerce beat Government Degree College, Paloura, by 3-1. Both semifinals in the men’s section will be played tomorrow at the same venue. The matches were officiated by Ravish Vaid, Gourav Sharma, Amit Sharma, Sandeep Khadotra and Rekha. |
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DPS students win 9 medals in inter-school tournament
Jammu, August 27 A special assembly was organised by the school to felicitate the medal winners. In the U-19 swimming event, Ahmed Ikram clinched a gold medal each in 100 m freestyle and 50 m backstroke. In the U-19 roller skating event, Ishita Singh clinched one gold medal each in quads event, 300 m race and road race. In the fencing event, Anchal Dogra and Ashinita fetched gold and bronze medals, respectively. In the U-19 badminton event, Bhaushwar and Vibhior Jain claimed a gold medal each. Dr D Joseph, Principal of the school, congratulated the winners for their brilliant performance in the events and also urged them to work hard in order to win more medals at the national level. Meanwhile, Ajatshatru Singh, president, Rajput Charitable Trust, Ritu Singh, pro-vice-chairperson, DPS, Jammu, and SS Sodhi, director, have also conveyed their good wishes to the winners and other participants. |
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Srinagar, August 27