|
|
|
|
|
DGP reviews security
BJP unlikely to repeat ‘tainted’ legislators in polls
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
Governor reviews functioning of Vaishno Devi university
on the frontline
Gul condemns RSS chief’s ‘Hindu nation’ remark
SMVDU hosts workshop on entrepreneurship development
Lecture on functional English held
Live 3D street painting kicks off in Valley today
Four filtration plants in Kupwara defunct
Pulwama town without water as scheme fails to start
Annual conference on Kashmiri language begins
Sword hangs over future of Kashmiri students in Punjab
Congress seeks inputs from leaders on candidate selection
Race for post of Kashmir University VC hots up
JU braces up to host 3 national badminton, handball meets
Geelani expresses concern over Hurriyat leader’s detention
Gujjars accuse Cong of ignoring community
J&K taekwondo team leaves for nationals
Badminton team for sub-junior nationals selected
Staff crunch in ITIs worries students
Tipper rolls down into Chenab, conductor killed
Shawetica is gen secy of Tawi Trekkers
College holds rangoli competition
Minor killed in Kulgam road accident
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Security up for President’s Jammu visit today
Jammu/Katra, August 31 The President is scheduled to arrive at the Jammu airport by a special plane on Monday around 3:45 pm. He will proceed to General Zorawar Singh Auditorium at Jammu University, the venue of the convocation. The programme is expected to last around an hour and a half. A total of 67 doctorate passouts in seven faculties who completed their degree in 2013 will be awarded PhD degrees and 68 others will be awarded university gold medal, cash awards and endowment medals. The event will be attended by Governor NN Vohra, who is Chancellor of the university, and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is Pro Chancellor. After the convocation, the President will go to Raj Bhawan, where the Governor is scheduled to host a dinner in his honour. The Chief Minister, his Cabinet colleagues and senior bureaucrats are expected to attend the dinner. On Tuesday, the President is scheduled to reach the Sanjichat helipad in Trikuta hills around 9 am and pay obeisance at the holy cave around 10 am. He will inaugurate a 27-step elevator, specially designed for the aged persons, at the cave shrine around 10:30 am. He will inaugurate the Panchi helipad, an emergency helipad constructed about a kilometre away from the cave shrine, around 11:15 am before leaving for the Jammu airport. Meanwhile, security has been tightened in Jammu, Katra and the 12-km Vaishno Devi trek in view of the visit. Additional deployment of police, special protection group of the state police and paramilitary personnel has been made. All vehicles entering Jammu are being frisked thoroughly. Security agencies conducted a rehearsal in Jammu on the eve of the President’s visit. Entry to Jammu University campus has been restricted and students and employees are being allowed to enter the campus only after verification of identity cards. The venue of the convocation has been sealed. The traffic police said diversions would be effected in various parts of the city in view of the visit. |
|
DGP reviews security
Jammu, August 31 During the meeting, security arrangements of the President’s visit, including routes and venues, were discussed. Deployment of manpower from forces and intelligence agencies was discussed in the meeting. Rajendra stressed for greater synergy among various agencies and forces being deployed for security. He said a common strategy would be adopted to ensure that the visit remained peaceful. Traffic arrangements were discussed and it was decided that public transport would be diverted to alternative routes so that the common man did not face any inconvenience due to security arrangements. The DGP stressed upon sharing inputs regarding activities of suspicious elements and ensuring preventive measures to foil any ill designs of such elements. He said law and order should be ensured during the visit and cooperation of the people should be sought for this purpose. He sought use of security gadgets, including CCTVs, en route and at the venues. He said a comprehensive communication network would be established to coordinate among agencies involved in security. |
|
BJP unlikely to repeat ‘tainted’ legislators in polls
Jammu, August 31 Sources said a serious thinking was going on in the party against repeating the seven legislators, who were earlier expelled from the BJP on charges of voting in favour of the National Conference and Congress candidates in the Legislative Council elections held on April 13, 2001. “Majority of the leaders in the core group of the party are against repeating these tainted MLAs, arguing that it will give very wrong impression and will provide ammunition to the opponents to target the party during the election campaign,” a source said, adding the party has already identified candidates who would replace these “tainted MLAs” in case a decision was made to field fresh faces. Prof Chaman Lal Gupta, MLA Jammu West; Bharat Bhushan, MLA Raipur-Domana; Garu Ram, MLA RS Pura; Baldev Sharma, MLA Reasi; Durga Dass, MLA Hiranagar; Jagdish Sapolia, MLA Basholi; and Master Lal Chand, MLA Bani were expelled from the party in 2011 after the cross voting episode. However, keeping in view the Lok Sabha elections, expulsions of all these MLAs, except veteran leader Prof Chaman Lal Gupta, were revoked. But now the party leadership was seriously thinking of replacing these legislators with new faces. Sources said two-time Lok Sabha member and former Congress leader Choudhary Lal Singh, who joined the BJP on August 25, would be party candidate for the Basholi segment. “The party is also trying to rope in a serving bureaucrat to contest election from the Bani segment,” a source. He added that name of former legislator Bali Bhagat has almost been finalised for the Raipur-Domana segment. The source further said, “Instead of repeating Prof Garu Ram, the party leadership is facing pressure from the local unit to give ticket to young leader Gagan Bhagat for the RS Pura segment.” The party was also looking for new faces for the Reasi and Hiranagar Assembly segments, the source said. As far as the Jammu West segment was concerned, sitting MLA Prof Chaman Lal Gupta was unlikely to get the ticket as his expulsion is yet to be revoked. Former Mayor and senior leader Kavinder Gupta is a front runner for the constituency. The BJP is also likely to release its first list of its candidates within a week as the party has finalised names of the “winnable” candidates. |
|
BJP hopeful of achieving ‘44 plus’ seats in Assembly elections
Srinagar, August 31 Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function here, Rajya Sabha member and BJP’s in charge of Jammu and Kashmir affairs Avinash Rai Khanna said Hina Shafi would be contesting from Srinagar city’s Amira Kadal constituency while Sofi Yousuf would be in the fray from south Kashmir’s Pahalgam segment. Khanna claimed that the party was getting positive reports from the ground and would easily cross the “Mission 44 plus” and get around 50 seats in the state. Interestingly, the BJP, in the past, has failed to open its account in the Valley. The party, however, said it would contest all the 46 constituencies of Kashmir this time. Khanna though said the full list of candidates would be formally announced after the report was submitted to the party’s parliamentary committee. While Yousuf has been associated with the party for long, Hina, a dentist by profession, joined the BJP recently. Spotted in almost all the BJP functions these days, she happens to be the daughter of Mohammad Shafi Bhat, who had had won the Amira Kadal seat in 1996 on the National Conference (NC) ticket. Khanna, meanwhile, flayed Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s recent statement alleging that the BJP was trying to take advantage of poll boycott in the forthcoming Assembly elections and was dividing people on communal lines. The senior leader said Omar was “scared” of the BJP. He said if the BJP was a communal party it would not have won three seats in the recent parliamentary elections in the state. Addressing the party workers earlier Khanna said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had ushered in a “period of stability and prudent governance with integrity”. He urged the party workers to convince the masses to vote for the BJP in the forthcoming Assembly elections. Speaking on the occasion, senior party leader Ramesh Arora said the coming Assembly elections were going to be very significant for the political future of the state. He added that the party workers had a crucial role to play at this junction. |
|
|
Governor opens accommodation for Vaishno Devi pilgrims
Jammu, August 31 The Shrine Board had earlier two transit accommodation complexes at Jammu-Vaishnavi Dham and Saraswati Dham which have a total of 1,050 beds. Three years ago, the Governor had directed the Chief Executive Officer of the SMVDSB to initiate time-bound action for augmentation of transit accommodation for pilgrims at various important halting places, particularly Jammu, Katra, Adhkuari and Bhawan. The inauguration of Kalika Dham was a part of the exercise. Kalika Dham is a five-storey building with a basement. The project has been implemented by the Shrine Board’s engineering wing within a record time of 21 months and at a cost of Rs 14.80 crore. With a built up area of 6,765 sq m, the total land area under Kalika Dham is 5 kanals, of which 3 kanals is the covered area. It has a bed capacity of 340, including 240 dormitory beds and 50 double-bed rooms. The Governor complimented HL Maini, member and technical consultant, SMVDSB, for his personal interest which helped in completing the project within a tight time-frame. The Governor went around the building and inspected rooms and dormitories, ‘bhojanalaya’ and other facilities for the pilgrims. He emphasised the need for daily cleanliness and proper upkeep of the new facility. He was accompanied by Sudhir Bloeria, member, SMVDSB, Maini, Rakesh K Gupta, Principal Secretary to the Governor, Mandeep K Bhandari, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB, and other officers of the Shrine Board. Giving further details about the salient features of the project, the CEO said the Kalika Dham building comprises 11 dormitories. There are 50 double-bedded rooms with attached bathrooms. The basement has a parking facility for 20 vehicles. Bhandari said the building had a kitchen and a dining hall for 80 persons and two elevators. The fourth floor has a 50 seater conference hall and an office. The complex has a fire fighting system and a fire alarm. The building shall also have a solar water heating system with a capacity of 21,000 litres per day. He said the building also had a ramp, elevators and toilets for the convenience of physically challenged persons. |
|
Governor reviews functioning of Vaishno Devi university
Jammu, August 31 The Governor went around the university and inaugurated the extension blocks of the hostels. The Basohli Boys Hostel now has another 75 beds and the Vaishnavi Girls Hostel has a block of 89 new beds. The Governor went around the new rooms and checked the facilities for boys and
girls. He was briefed by the Vice Chancellor, Prof V Verma, Dean, Faculty of Engineering, and Ajay Khajuria, Registrar, SMVDU, about various ongoing projects at the university, budgetary issues and new schools to be opened. The Governor suggested to the VC to strengthen access control and install CCTV cameras at various points for monitoring and surveillance. He also reiterated his directions about the care of the main lawns and the lawns adjacent to the hostel buildings and for planting flowering shrubs and trees on the entire campus. |
|
|
Governor reviews progress of medical institute at Kakriyal
Jammu, August 31 Accompanied by Dr Mandeep K Bhandari, Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, the Governor visited Ashvin Bhawan, Dhanvantri Bhawan, Aayush Bhawan, Sushruta Bhawan, Nivedita Bhawan, Charak Bhawan, Sanjeevani Bhawan and Aashray Bhawan. Build at an estimated cost of about Rs 45 crore, these buildings would provide hostels and residential accommodation for doctors, para-medical and ancillary staff and nurses. The infrastructure also includes an inn for the attendants accompanying the patients and a guest house. The Governor also reviewed the implementation status of ongoing work to ensure water supply, backup power supply, construction of sewage treatment plants and completion of roads. During the course of the power point presentation made by the Chief Executive Officer the Governor was also apprised about the recommendations of the security review committee constituted for ensuring the security of medical institute. For making the complex eco-friendly, the Governor urged the CEO to plant ornamental plants along the entire length of the campus roads and install rain water harvesting and solar energy systems in the complex. |
|
|
Governor urged to ensure smooth conduct of Kousar Nag yatra
Jammu, August 31 The delegation urged the Governor to take timely action to ensure that the state government provided the necessary arrangements and security for this important pilgrimage. The Samiti was informed that the difficulties faced by the pilgrims would be duly conveyed to the state government. The other members of the delegation included Leela Karan Sharma, president state Vishwa Hindu Parishd; KK Khosa, president, Kashmiri Pandit Sabha, Jammu; Swami Ram Sharan Dass Ji, Laxmi Narayan Mandir, Bhari Dhari, Reasi; Shiben Khaibri, eminent writer and social activist; Prabhat Singh, general secretary, Sanatan Dharam Sabha, Jammu; V Kashkari, co-convener, J&K Nationalist Movement; Pairay Lal Bhat, Sanjeevani Sharda Kendra, Anand Nagar, Jammu; Taken Dass, Sanatan Dharam Sabha, Jammu; and Avtar Krishen Trakroo, Sanjeevani Sharda Kendra, Jammu. |
|
|
Look beyond the cup of tea
Arun Joshi There is absolutely no argument, and can be none whatsoever, against a dialogue between India and Pakistan to resolve all outstanding issues. That the talks with Pakistan are important has been underscored by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has asserted that India will continue to make efforts to “ build friendly ties” with the neighbouring country. It is an accepted fact that a stable, peaceful Pakistan is in the best interests of India, particularly Jammu and Kashmir. The kind of spectacle unfolding in Pakistan of today, where the capital Islamabad is a scene of violent clashes and siege and the talk of a military takeover is becoming louder is dismal. The violence and clashes are spreading in other parts of the neighbouring country. It is a situational irony that Pakistan that tried to make a spectacle of Indo-Pak talks has become an unseemly spectacle itself. This is bad for the people of the subcontinent, already fearing so many onslaughts in the wake of withdrawal of NATO troops from Afghanistan. This kind of situation is ominous. Who will know it better than the people of Kashmir, who have suffered the worst ever violent era in the past 25 years? Council resolution
First thing first, the state Legislative Council on Thursday passed a resolution urging the Union Government to resume talks with Pakistan. The resolution moved by chairman of the council Amrit Malhotra, which rejected some members’ plea that there should be an “appropriate time” and “ congenial atmosphere” for the talks, neither condemned the Pakistan firing on innocent civilians living in border areas, nor did it ask Pakistan to stop hostility on the borders. The plea for talks was for New Delhi only and Islamabad was not mentioned. That way, it was “historic” indeed. This resolution has done an incalculable damage to Jammu and Kashmir. Under the Jammu and Kashmir Constitution, the state has no right to draw guidelines on foreign policy for the country. Since the state has crossed this red line, tomorrow it will not be in a position to do or say anything when the Indian Parliament may choose to deliberate and decide on matters relating to Jammu and Kashmir. Article 370 will get automatically diluted, then blame the resolution. Revisiting 2010
Just take the clock back to 2010, when Kashmir was burning and more than 120 youths were killed on the streets. How had Chief Minister Omar Abdullah felt when he was told by the Centre that he should move out, visit the places and meet the people? How had he seethed with anger when the then Union Home Secretary announced the lifting of curfew in Srinagar from New Delhi while the Omar Abdullah Cabinet was deliberating on the issue? On Saturday, the Chief Minister, in his speech in the Assembly, spoke of “shutdowns, peace disturbances, hurdles in normal activities, disturbing education and health services” during his tenure. Whom was he referring to? Are they not the same elements who had a “cup of tea” with the Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit on August 18 and 19? Alongside a question to both Omar and Mehbooba Mufti: Do they recall how much hue and cry was there in Pakistan when both of them had landed there? “Since both of them had landed in Pakistan on SAARC passports, we can do nothing”; this was the explanation of the Pakistan government. Now, when the Prime Minister has spoken that despite the fact that “Pakistan had made a spectacle of the talks by talking to secessionist elements” and asserted that India would continue to make efforts to “build friendly ties with Pakistan in an atmosphere of free of violence and terror”. What is the quarrel about? Tea with separatists
The separatists are free to have a cup of tea anywhere with anyone. They had cups of tea with Pervez Musharraf, Sartaj Aziz, and stunningly beautiful Hina Rabbani Khar, to name a few. It is not a quarrel with their cup of tea, but when their tea causes real-time storms, that creates a problem. During their 20-year-long talks with Pakistani leaders, did they ever ask Pakistan to stop militancy in the Valley? They did not. This time, they have promised that they will effect the boycott of the Assembly elections. Is that music to the ears of those who have stuck their lives for the sake of democracy? It was not a “routine meeting” of the separatists with Basit. These “routine meetings” in the past have brought trouble for the state, and those crying foul over the now cancelled Foreign Secretary level talks between India and Pakistan should answer why they are supplicating to Pakistan. Do they still think that pro-Pakistan noises can make them win votes? If so, then perhaps they are out of tune with the times. BJP’s recent role
At the same time, the BJP has a lot of explaining to do. What has been its role in the last few months? There is something more in the life of a political party than “mission 44 plus”. Jammu and Kashmir needs bonds and bridges, not just the electoral victories based on the boycott theme. Governments cannot inject nationalism, it comes from within. |
|
|
Gul condemns RSS chief’s ‘Hindu nation’ remark
Srinagar, August 31 The Speaker made the remarks after a Peoples Democratic Party legislator raised the point with regard to Bhagwat’s recent statement in the Assembly yesteday. The PDP MLA was joined by other members also. “India is a secular country and it belongs to members of every faith,” Gul said while pacifying the members. “People of all sections, be it Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus or Parsis, have given sacrifices for the country and these statements create wedge between the communities,” he said. |
|
|
1.05 lakh traffic offenders fined
Jammu, August 31 As per the data released by the traffic police, Rs 10 lakh has been imposed on people for wrong parking in the winter capital of the state and court fine of Rs 33 lakh has been realised by the courts as traffic challans during the same period. On an average, the traffic police booked 31,000 vehicles per month in J&K for violation of traffic rules. Figures say during 2013, 1,91,796 vehicles were challaned in the city and a fine of Rs 2.97 crore was realised from them. In addition, towing charges of Rs 32 lakh (for wrong parking) and court fine of Rs 47 lakh has been realised by the courts as traffic challans. A final report of comprehensive mobility plan for the city has been received by the government in 2014 and is under examination. However, it will take years before any major project is started as there is need for crores of investment far beyond the reach of the existing budget plans of the government. Officials said on average day, 800 traffic violators were being booked by the police mainly related to overloading, over-speeding, rash driving, riding two-wheelers without helmet, overcharging by autos, jumping of red lights and wrong parking. Now violation includes seat-belt violations, which has been included from December 17, to ensure that drivers remain safe in case of accident. Comparing it with the past data, in 2009, 4,39,514 vehicles owners were panelised, in 2010 3,79,319 vehicles and in 2011 , 3,36,260 vehicles have been challaned by the traffic police.“Notable violators include riding a two-wheeler without helmet, triple driving on two-wheelers, driving a car without a seat belt and driving while using mobile phones. In the recent past, traffic violations are on the rise,” a traffic officer said. Nearly 1,000 persons have lost their lives in 6,000 road accidents across the state during 2012-13 with capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar leading the list. |
|
|
SMVDU hosts workshop on entrepreneurship development
Jammu, August 31 The workshop was sponsored by the National Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB), Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, and aimed at developing the road map for setting up the first-ever Technology Business Incubation Center (TBIC) in Jammu and Kashmir. The workshop prepared ground for setting up of TBIC at SMVDU for initiating the process of science and technology-based entrepreneurship with special focus on biotechnology. In his inaugural address, Jitendra Singh said the SMVDU had emerged as one of the premier institutes in the country and described the Technology Business Incubation Centre as the “vision” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Professor Sudhir K Jain, Vice Chancellor of the university, in his welcome address highlighted the strengths of the SMVDU and said the university had adequate infrastructure and potential. Professor SK Joshi, former director general, CSIR, was the guest of honour and delivered the keynote address besides chairing the round table session. Prof Joshi said the SMVDU had all the ingredients for entrepreneurship. Prof V Verma, Dean Faculty of Engineering, presented the vision for the TBIC and presented vision of all projects being carried out in the SMVDU. He said 100 incubates could be produced with the proposed TBIC. Ajay Khajuria, registrar of the university, deans, directors, faculty members, staff members and students were present on the occasion. |
|
|
Natrang stages Hindi play ‘Zameen ka Sawaal’
Jammu, August 31 The play opened in a trial room where a high-level committee was enquiring about a grim incident where five people at different locations were killed by sending letter-bombs. ‘Ranganathan, a senior scientist was accused of crime as all evidence was against him. Initially he did not admit to the crime, but when given a false news that his only son was also killed in the same manner, he broke down and admitted to the crime which he had committed to take revenge from all those who were responsible for hurdles in his growth and promotion. Despite being the most talented and deserving scientist, he was denied due promotion as it was granted to someone else who was close to a minister. That made a harsh impact on his mind. He thought that only hard work and ability would take you nowhere in this system, where corruption and favoritism were deep-rooted. Artists who performed in the play included Syed Mudassar Ali Shah, Mahikshit Singh, Varun Sharmal, Namit Dubey, Shekhar Sharma and Rajan Thakyal. Lights were designed and operated by Neeraj Kant. The show was coordinated by Sumeet Sharma. |
|
|
Electoral officer urged to exempt teachers from election duty
Jammu, August 31 The college teachers said the University of Jammu had introduced semester system from this year and examination of the first semester might start in November and teachers would be busy conducting exams. Sanjay Verma, president, College Teachers Associations (CTA), while addressing a press conference said, “The election duty will directly affect the working of colleges and will be a loss for the students.” “We would request the Chief Electoral Officer that if possible, he should spare college teachers from election duty,” he added. Verma also raised the issue of SRO-124 and urged the government to expedite the process of removal of anomalies in the said SRO. |
|
|
Lecture on functional English held
Jammu, August 31 The Resource person was Prof Chanchala Naik, Dean International Studies, English Foreign Language, University of Hyderabad. The programme started with welcome address by Dr Sonia Khajuria, Associate Professor in English. Prof Naik told the students about functional English as a subject that develops effective communications skills in day to day life. Prof Kailash Baral, Department of English, University of Guwahati, Prof Hemla Aggarwal, Principal, GCW, Parade, Prof Posh Charak, Dean Research Studies and Centre for New Literatures, Culture and Communication Studies, JU, Prof Sucheta Pathania, Dr Sadaf Shah, and Dr Garima Gupta, were also present. |
|
|
Live 3D street painting kicks off in Valley today
Srinagar, August 31 The stakeholders say art tourism is very popular in several foreign countries and is now being introduced in the Valley through a live 3D road trip that will be attended by international 3D street artists, including Guinness world record holder Limnesh Augustine. “Live 3D street painting is a great form of art and is quite famous in Europe, West Asia and other countries,” said Amit Wanchoo, CEO of Space Communications, which would host the event along with the Tourism Department. “We thought of introducing it in Kashmir as it is beneficial for locals and an attraction for tourists. Art tourism is growing a lot these days and we have decided to focus on this activity in the state. The goal is to make our state one of the finest destinations for new art forms,” he said. Besides Bahrain based Augustine, the event would be attended by Mexican artist Vero Gonzalez, with a number of Guinness records and global awards to his credit in the art form, Wanchoo said. Director Tourism Talat Parvez announced the event on Sunday. He said they believed that the tourism industry should “add on tourism products,” and art tourism focused on inclusive growth of artisans “who could learn further value additions,” by connecting to artists of other areas. “We want Kashmir to be on the global canvas of artists,” he said. Wanchoo said the initiative had been taken to promote the state as a “friendly artistic location”. He claimed that it would open new vistas for the tourism fraternity in the Valley. He said the live 3D workshop would be held at Zabarwan Park on Monday. He said the event would conclude in Kerala after a 47-day journey across the country.
|
|
|
Consumers have harrowing time in getting LPG refills
Jammu, August 31 Sources said the new outlets were to start functioning from the end of this year but so far only
52 outlets had been made operational which were carrying limited operations. The process of opening the LPG outlets was started about two years ago. As per data, there are a total of 114 LPG outlets in J&K, 62 are in the Jammu region and 52 in the Kashmir valley, including Ladakh, which are proving ineffective to deal with the consumer demands. New outlets were to be opened in 65 blocks of J&K with a population of 4,000 and potential of 60 connections. Across the state, except in twin capital cities Jammu and Srinagar, consumers have to face hardships to get LPG refills. After the cap was put by the Central government in 2013 on the number of cylinders, the process has been further complicated. “I feel miserable about my condition outside the gas agency. In this fast moving world, we have to remain in long queues and wait for our turn. It amazes me as to what development does our government talk about,” said Adarsh Bali, a Jammu resident. Bali had to skip work to get his refill. “The existing LPG dealers having political connections have created a monopoly over the market,” said an official of the Consumers Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) Department. Every dealer has a large area under his control so the profits are high for them. They are also responsible for not allowing emergence of new dealers, the official said. Three oil companies, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Limited and Indian Oil Corporation distribute refills in the state. “I had booked my gas cylinder three weeks ago and have not received it yet. Every alternate day, I call the distributor and his answer is just wait for a day as there is shortage of supply. How is a common man supposed to live?” asked Ruchi Gupta, a working woman living in the Janipur area. Minister for Consumer Affairs Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan said the CAPD Department had no role in granting permission to new outlets. “Distributors are being appointed by the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas through its oil marketing companies and we have no role in the process,” said the minister. Ramzan said of the 172 proposed outlets, 52 had been made functional across the state under the regular dealership procedure and the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen LPG Vitral Scheme. “We know people are facing problems but every effort is being made to ensure that regular supply is maintained and new outlets are made operational by the companies,” the minister said. None of the officials from the oil companies was available for comment. |
|
|
Four filtration plants in Kupwara defunct
Kupwara, August 31 The plant in the Darbal area of the Langate constituency, built at a cost of Rs 11 lakh, was put to test last year but started leaking at a few places. However, the department did the repair work but could not address the problem fully, leaving the plant defunct. “We are forced to consume filthy water and it can lead to outbreak of water-borne diseases such as gastroenteritis and jaundice. What was the point in spending lakhs on construction of the filtration plant when it is of no use?” asked Abdul Ahad, a Darbal resident. “It took the department seven years to complete the plant but in the end it proved a failure,” he added. Over 1,200 people, including women and children, suffered from gastroenteritis in Zurhama village last week. The water samples taken from the village confirmed contamination of water and a case was registered against the PHE. Similarly, the filtration plant in Gushi village, 6 km from Kupwara town, was completed five years ago but due to poor maintenance, the plant has never been started, locals claimed. “The department is supplying us muddy water as the filtration plant is lying defunct. We made several representations to the senior PHE officials of the Kupwara division, requesting them to make the plant functional but to no avail,” said Javid Ahmad Malik, a local. Residents of remote Guzriyal village also complained that the flirtation plant in their village was non-functional. “The plant is of no use and we are supplied unfiltered water, which on many occasions has led to outbreak of gastroenteritis. It is a sheer wastage of the state exchequer,” said Ghulam Rasool Pir. In Gulgam village, the department set up a filtration plant two years ago which is lying defunct, villagers said. |
|
|
Border children learn to run for safety during Pakistan firing
Arnia/RS Pura, August 31 The children in the age group of eight to 12 years of border villages have been taught by their families basic rules which are to be followed at the time of firing. “Children are more intelligent and quick in their actions as compared to us. They know how to act at the time of Pakistan firing,” said Bansi Lal (60) of Trewa village. “My grandchildren are aware of the dangers of firing. They immediately take refuge in the cellars or behind mounds to protect themselves when firing starts,” Bansi Lal said. Lal said a fear was looming large that Pakistan might open fire when their children were away at school or had gone for some work. Hansraj, a resident of border Vidipur Jattan village, said children use their wisdom to protect themselves during firing and their families also teach them how to react at the time of firing. “Children know how to react during routine firing but now heavy shelling has been going on and abiding by basic rules cannot guarantee life,” Hansraj said. Amrit Kour, headmistress of Government Girls High School in Rangpur Maulanian village, said the schools in border areas also taught basic tactics to the students. “Our teachers do tell and train the children how to act during firing,” said Amrit. This correspondent saw some girl students being trained by a teacher about safeguards to be adopted at the time of contingency. The school has 150
students. “Yes, we take refuge in bunkers and behind mounds in the village when firing starts but these days there has been intense firing by Pakistan. They are firing bombs at us,” said Guddi Devi, 8, of Laiyan village. Suman, 10, of Laiyan village, said she and other children in the village were frightened by explosions. |
|
|
Pulwama town without water as scheme fails to start
Pulwama, August 31 The scheme is being delayed by the authorities thus leaving most parts of the town without water from the past many years, residents said. “We have been forced to drink dirty water. We have been neglected by the government,” said Abdul Rahim, a resident of Pulwama. The District Development Forum (DDF), a district body which had been fighting for the scheme since its inception, said it was sheer negligence of the district authorities who did not start work
on time. “It was after repeated requests by the District Development Forum that the scheme was approved,” said Ghulam Mohammad, vice-president of the DDF. “They (authorities) had promised that the work would be started by June 20 this year but nothing has happened so far,” he said. Accepting that there was scarcity of water in the town, Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) FH Rizvi said the scheme had been delayed as the land notified for it was under dispute. “The land has been notified near Kangan village, about one and a half kilometre from the town, which was shown as state land by the revenue officials but Ghulam Nabi, a resident of Kangan, claimed that the land belonged to him,” the AEE said. “Ghulam Nabi had claimed the land had been acquired under the Roshni Act 2005 and he was now the legal owner of the land,” he said. The AEE said Ghulam Nabi had failed to produce any valid documents till date and the department had been negotiating with him. “We assured Ghulam Nabi that he would be compensated if he produced valid documents,” Rizvi said, adding that if he did not cooperate,
the Revenue Department would take action against him. |
|
|
Annual conference on Kashmiri language begins
Banihal, August 31 Former director of the All India Radio, Kashmir, Rafiq Raaz delivered the keynote address. Prof Mohammad Amin Bhat, general secretary of the Markaz read out a brief report on the past activities of organisation for the promotion of Kashmiri language. On the occasion, three books — ‘Goshan Hund Posh’ written by Bashir Baderwahi, ‘Wachas Tal Mazar’ by Shamshudin Shamim and ‘Taawus Banihali’ by Manshoor Banihali — were released by the chief guest and other dignitaries. |
|
|
Sword hangs over future of Kashmiri students in Punjab
Moga, August 31 The money granted to them under the Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme has not been released by the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development since July 2013. As many as 18 students — 14 boys and four girls —were given admissions into the above mentioned courses in Baba Ishar Singh Group of Institutions at Gagra village in the Moga district. The spokesperson of the institute Ashok Jhatta told The Tribune that these students were given admissions at the behest of the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development under the Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme. The All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) is the nodal agency monitoring this scholarship scheme. On the allegations made by the students that the institute has cancelled their admissions, Jhatta said: “We have provided free education and accommodation to the students. We are not even charging a single penny for providing meals to them in the college mess.” He said the college authorities had just asked these students to create pressure on the authorities concerned through their state government so that the grant was released for their studies. Samia Ashraf, who is pursuing B. Tech from the institute, said: “If the scholarship money is not released we would be left with no option but to leave the studies in between and go back home.” The students said they had traveled hundreds of kilometers from their homes in the Valley to the plains of Punjab to make their career, but the “insensitive attitude” of the Union Government might spoil their career. Vice-chairman of the managing committee of the Baba Ishar Singh Group of Institutions Dr Navjot Dhaliwal said principals of various colleges under the group’s banner had filled scholarship forms and forwarded them to the AICTE authorities last year. “We have also had three rounds of meetings with the AICTE authorities even then the scholarship grant has not been released to the students,” Dhaliwal said. Pertinently, all these students selected under the PM’s Scholarship Scheme belong to poor families and cannot afford to pay the hefty fee being charged by the private institutions. |
|
|
Congress seeks inputs from leaders on candidate selection
New Delhi, August 31 Chairman of the Congress’ Screening Committee for Jammu and Kashmir Ajay Makan held discussions this evening with leaders from all three divisions of the state – Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. These leaders were chosen from among J&K Pradesh Election Committee members. Among those who met Makan and AICC secretary Sumanta Sarkar, member of the screening committee for J&K, were state ministers Taj Mohiuddin and GA Mir from the Valley, Nawang Rigzin Jora from Ladakh, chief spokesperson of the state Congress Ravinder Sharma from the Jammu division and chiefs of all Congress frontal organisations from the state, including Youth Congress, NSUI, Mahila Congress etc. Sources said the meeting was held to “discuss poll strategy and get individual feedback” from senior leaders after the state election committee recently met in J&K to discuss candidates. The Tribune has learnt that the State Election Committee chaired by J&K Congress chief Saifuuddin Soz has already submitted its report on candidates to Makan, who held a pre-screening exercise today to seek deeper inputs on candidates and strategy. Soz said, “This is a good exercise on the part of the screening committee chairman who wants to be doubly sure of the record of candidates recommended before beginning the process of shortlisting. The full screening committee will meet soon as we are keen to announce candidates early.” The J&K Screening Committee comprising AICC general secretary in charge of the state Ambika Soni and Soz is scheduled to meet once ahead of Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s expected travel abroad in early September. |
|
|
Race for post of Kashmir University VC hots up
Srinagar, August 31 Mehta, chairman of the selection committee, as per sources has directly forwarded his submissions to Governor NN Vohra, who is also the Chancellor of the university. The Chancellor will be appointing the VC of KU in consultation with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is also the Pro-Chancellor. Sources said Uttar Pradesh-born Naqvi was most likely to become the next VC of KU because of his strong resume and good track record. The 11 contenders who were earlier called for interview in Delhi on August 23 included Dean Research, KU, Khursheed Andrabi; Director, Department of Students Welfare, Neelofer Khan; Mustafa Shah, Dean, College Development Council. Meanwhile, the KU campus is abuzz with rumours that the university is likely to get its VC soon. Registrar, KU, Zaffer Reshi told The Tribune that the KU management had a limited role in the VC selection process. “We were asked to collect all entry submissions. We got 42 submissions out of which 11 were shortlisted for interview. After which, the selection committee is responsible for the process,” Reshi said. Earlier, Kashmir University Teachers Association (KUTA) members in one of its meetings had urged the committee to select a local candidate for the VC’s post. However, the KUTA could not arrive at a consensus and later withdrew the resolution. The final three
|
|
|
Kashmir’s young writer to come up with second novel
Srinagar, August 31 “After seven days of training, we were asked to submit a project in the form of a story. Everyone in the workshop was trying to write a short story. Trying to do something different, I decided to write a novel. I assured them that I can do it. So I toiled day and night and wrote the first draft of 89,000 words and submitted it,” said Mir, who hails from north Kashmir’s Baramulla district and is one of the youngest novelists from the Valley. In her first novel “The Escaped Moments” - a young-adult fiction - Jaasindah tells the story of Aatirah, a young girl living in Kashmir. Her family torn apart, she leads a life of a complete slave in her house. The story is about the girl’s constant exchanges with her stepmother and a disapproving father. Life is not as easy as she imagines and gradually it dawns upon her. With time she tries to seek solace from different facets of life and in it she gets involved completely. “It somehow tells the story of Kashmir teenagers who want to escape from the problems of their daily lives. I have even put some attributes of my own self into Aatirah’s character. The novel was about the struggle of a teenager,” Jaasindah says, who is pursuing graduation from Srinagar’s Government College for Women, MA Road, in literature. Jaasindah, who loves reading, drafted her first novel when she was a ninth grader. She got her first novel published by Mahavir Publications. The author is working on her second novel – “The Kohl Girl” - which is a romantic novel. “The first draft is almost complete and I have to again work on it,” she says. For Jaasindah writing a novel was a struggle in itself. “People thought I was wasting my time, but when the novel came it was a surprise for everyone, including my mother,” says Jaasindah who has dedicated her first novel to her uncle Altaf Khan, without whom she says it would not have been possible. “He believed in me when no one did,” she added. Young start
|
|
|
JU braces up to host 3 national badminton, handball meets
Jammu, August 31 The first competition is to be held in the discipline of badminton i.e. North Zone Inter-Varsity Championship to be hosted by JU from October 27 to 31. Badminton championship will be followed by North Zone Inter-Varsity Handball Championship to be held from November 7 to 13. Lastly, the All-India Inter-Varsity Handball Championship will be held from November 16 to 19. All three championships will be played at JU. Prof Dhian S Bhau, Director, Directorate of Sports and Physical Education, JU, saidall necessary arrangements were put in place for the successful conduct of sporting events of national repute. “Yes, all preparations are in its final phase for the upcoming competitions and we are aware of the importance of hosting them successfully because this is for the first time in the history of University of Jammu that three national competitions are being hosted,” Prof Bhau said. “A total of 32 teams from different universities have confirmed their entries for badminton championship whereas more than 30 have confirmed participation in north zone handball competition and 32 in the All-India Inter-Varsity Handball Championship so far,” the Director added. Prof Bhau said the committees for the forthcoming championships were likely to be constituted within a few days and the appointed officers in these committees would be asked to ensure proper coordination. “Hosting of any national-level competition at the university level is a big advantage not only for the host university but also for the state as a whole,” the Director, Sports, maintained. |
|
|
BJP welcomes 24 new entrants
Srinagar, August 31 Khanna, while welcoming the new entrants into the party fold, said with the joining of the youth a strong message had been sent that the BJP was for justice to all and discrimination to none. Senior BJP leaders, including in charge, Kashmir affairs, Advocate Ramesh Arora and state vice president GM Mir, were also present on the occasion. Mir said the BJP had received an overwhelming response from the masses. A party statement stated that the new entrants said they joined the BJP as it stood for good governance, eradication of poverty and corruption. "They assured to work wholeheartedly to further strengthening the BJP in Kashmir," the statement added. |
|
|
Geelani expresses concern over Hurriyat leader’s detention
Srinagar, August 31 Geelani in a statement issued here today termed Bhat’s “repeated arrest” as the “worst kind of state terrorism” and demanded his immediate release. He also expressed concern over the continuous imprisonment of all political prisoners, including Mushtaq-ul-Islam, Amir Hamza, Mohammad Yousuf Falahi, Abdullah Nasir, Abdul Majeed Parray, Mohammad Altaf Khan, Asadullah Parray, Showkat Hakeem, Mehraj-ud-Din Nanda, Molvi Sajad and Showkat Ahmad. Chairman of hardline Hurriyat faction Geelani said Bhat’s repeated arrest “vindicates our stand” that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is “merely a show boy”. Geelani appealed to Amnesty International, International Committee for Red Cross and other human rights organisations to take “serious notice” of the cases of Kashmiri prisoners. |
|
|
Gujjars accuse Cong of ignoring community
Jammu, August 31 The Gujjar and Bakerwal Joint Forum alleged that the Congress was ignoring Gujjars in distribution of tickets and during the course of finalising panel for allotment of mandate of various constituencies in the state in favour of party candidates, the community leaders were ignored. Forum president Haji Noor-ud-Din Bhadana said in Rajouri there were four seats, but the Congress was “ignoring” the community in the district.
— TNS |
|
|
J&K taekwondo team leaves for nationals
Jammu, August 31 The J&K Taekwondo Association (JKTA) selected players for the championship from the recently concluded state championship. The team was screened by the J&K Sports Council at MA Stadium, in the presence of divisional sports officer Rajan Sharma. JKTA chairman Anil Gupta, president PC Sharma, general secretary DN Pangotra and vice-president Nissar Hussian wished the team luck. The team comprised Atul Sharma, Anuj Sharma, Sanjay Kumar, Brinder Singh, Arvind Satti, Tashi Tundup, Sunil Singh, Shazia Batool, Shehnaz Parveen, Yashumant, Rohit Sharma, Arvind Mishra, Ashok Kumar, Shravan Kumar, Jai Kumar, Sumit and
Amarjeet. |
|
|
Badminton team for sub-junior nationals selected
Jammu, August 31 The team will leave for Rohtak on September 2. The shuttlers were selected on the basis of selection trials conducted by the J&K Badminton Association from August 25 to 27. The team comprised Savinay Mengi, Aamil Ishaq Ahmed, Aryan Verma, Ayesh Goswami, Naman Mansotra, Mehak Mughal, Noor Mughal, Bhavini and Rashami Kashyap. Balbir Jamwal, Nipul Jasrotia and Sat Pal Sharma will accompany the team. |
|
|
Staff crunch in ITIs worries students
Baramulla, August 31 The students alleged that the authorities kept on ignoring their just demand for adequate staff at the ITIs. “Since the beginning of the course, we have not seen instructors at the institute,” said Rukhsana Jabeen, a student of Fashion and Technology at the ITI Baramulla. “We approached higher officials several times requesting them to appoint a teacher, but to no avail,” she said. Students of Kupwara ITI also complained of shortage of staff and demanded appointment of sufficient number of instructors ahead of the examinations. “For the past several months, we have been missing classes in the electrician course as no instructor was available. We are afraid that we may not be able to qualify the forthcoming examination,” said Pirzada Shahid. Staff members at various ITIs alleged that “ill-timed transfers” have made the matter worse.
— OC |
|
|
Tipper rolls down into Chenab, conductor killed
Doda, August 31 The police said the conductor of the tipper, Yasir Ahmed, a resident of Beoli village in Doda, had drowned in the river
and his body had not yet been retrieved. Meanwhile, a rescue operation was launched by the divers of the Police Department and the Chenab rescue groups. The police said they would continue their efforts until the body of the conductor was retrieved from the river.
— OC |
|
|
Shawetica is gen secy of Tawi Trekkers
Jammu, August 31 Shawetica (28) is a qualified national judge in sport climbing. As a sport climber, she had represented the state in a number of zonal and national competitions besides winning medals at zonal level. A postgraduate in sociology, Shawetica is presently treasurer of the Mountaineering Association of J&K and an executive member of the Indian Mountaineering Foundation North Zone Committee, New Delhi. |
|
|
College holds rangoli competition
Jammu, August 31 They drew beautiful rangolis depicting the spirit of oneness and religious tolerance. Students of all the communities took part in the festival. Rohit Singh Jawal, Diksha Shrma and Nain Sharma, bagged the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes, respectively. They were honored by Dr Roop Lal Sharma, chairman, Sain Charitable Trust, in the presence of principal of the college Prof PK Koul, staff and students. |
|
|
Minor killed in Kulgam road accident
Srinagar, August 31 The deceased has been identified as Faiq Farooq, a resident of Katipora. Police said the driver along with the car fled from the spot. “However, when he reached Kanjikulla Yaripora, a violent mob set ablaze his vehicle,” the spokesperson said. The police later arrested the driver and registered a case in this regard, he said. |
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | E-mail | |
