Jammu/Poonch, October 15
A minor boy was injured as Pakistan troops today pounded villages and posts in the Sabzian, Shahpur, Salotri and Kerni areas along the Line of Control in Poonch district.

The injured boy, Niaz Ahmed, 7, was returning home from school in Kaiyan Shahpur when he sustained splinter injuries. He has been hospitalised in a Poonch hospital. Over 10 houses were also reported to have been damaged in the Pakistani shelling.

The Poonch district administration today closed all schools close to the LoC as a preventive measure.

“Around 9 am, Pakistani troops today opened unprovoked fire on Indian positions and villages in Sabzian, Shahpur, Salotri and Kerni areas drawing Indian troops into the gun battle that raged till 3 pm,” said an Intelligence source.

After 3 pm, the volume of fire subsided but intermittent gun fight was on till 6 pm, he added.

Poonch Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Hussain Malik said: “In the wake of injuries to the boy, we closed all schools close to the LoC in Shahapur. Pakistani shelling had started early this morning.” Malik said the administration was keeping a close watch on the situation. “Depending upon how the situation unfolds, we would accordingly take a decision,” he added.

However, a defence spokesperson said Pakistani today opened firing and shelling in the Sabzian sector only from 9 am to 12.30 pm. “They fired small arms fire and 82 mm mortars but our troops gave them an effective response.” There were no casualties or injuries to the Indian troops, he added.

Incidentally, in the wake of continued Pakistani shelling, Indian defences have been reinforced and realigned all along the LoC and the international border.

Jammu, October 15
Amid shelling on the Line of Control in Poonch district, the Army has foiled a major terror plot after it recovered a claymore mine in Sabzian sector — the epicentre of Pakistan’s target area.

A Pakistan origin claymore mine along with a knife, shawl, tracksuit and caps was recovered along the LoC in the Sabzian sector in Poonch on October 14 by an alert patrol party, said defence spokesperson Lt Col Manish Mehta.

“We have always been facing acts of uncalled for aggression from across the LoC in various forms but alert troops deployed in the challenging terrain of the Pir Panjal range have always been answering these provocative acts with resolute, firm and appropriate response,” said the spokesperson.

Unable to penetrate into Indian defences, whether the international border or the LoC, inimical elements have now started taking assistance from terrorists in planting IEDs and mines on the LoC, he added.

The IED blast in the Balnoi sector in Poonch on October 10 was one such incident, he said.

An Intelligence source said three Pakistani terrorists were planting the mine when alert troops spotted them.

Jammu, October 15
Pakistani cannons, mortars and bullets aimed at Indian villages along the international border and the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir have led to closure of over 250 schools since October 1.

Schooling continues to suffer as the authorities are in a dilemma whether or not to open schools in shelling-prone areas due to “element of surprise” in Pakistani firing.

More than 250 government schools were directly affected due to firing and shelling on the international border and LoC from October 1, said official sources.

They said life was more important than anything else and the question of putting lives of children at risk did not arise. They said a chill used to run down the spine whenever Pakistan started shelling.

The sources said the authorities were forced to close schools or run classes in relief camps set up in Kathua, Jammu, Rajouri and Poonch areas.

Residents along the international border had to suffer more because of intensive firing as nearly 240 schools were affected along the international border, the sources said.

Tarsem Lal, Chief Education Officer, Jammu, said at least 12 schools in RS Pura, Jourian and Marh areas of the district had been given to migrants from border areas.

“A total of 62 schools have been closed due to border firing in RS Pura. At least 35 schools have been shut in Jourian. The building of the government primary school in Gojpur was damaged in firing,” he said.

He said they planned to open schools in some parts after firing and shelling was stopped across the border, but the administration decided to keep the schools closed as a precautionary measure.

“We cannot put the lives of students at risk. We are monitoring the situation along the border. Schools will be reopened after ensuring safety and peace in border areas,” he said.

In Kathua district, the district administration had to close about 140 government schools in Hiranagar and Marheen zones after shelling and firing on October 7.

“Of the 140 schools, 61 have been set up in relief camps and 79 institutions closed. The administration has engaged children in co-curricular activities in relief camps,” said Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Kathua Deputy Commissioner.

In Poonch district, five schools, including a higher secondary one, were closed in the Gagriyan sector after firing along the LoC. Some schools along the LoC in Rajouri district were affected by shelling.

Govindgarh, October 15
As Pakistani guns continue to target border villages in the Jammu region, the martyrs’ memorials in these areas stand witness to the sacrifices made by the people to safeguard country’s borders over the years.

With a long tradition of serving in the armed forces, hundreds of young men have laid down their lives in numerous battles fought since the independence.

Before the partition, most of the recruitment in the erstwhile Dogra rulers’ army was made from the southern belt of Jammu and military service still remains the most favoured career for the youngsters in the border belt of RS Pura, Arnia, Samba, Kathua, Hiranagar and Akhnoor.

Each village has built a memorial to honour its fallen heroes, symbolising the contribution made by respective area in defending India’s sovereignty.

Every village has tried to outwit the other in building a local war memorial, installing statues of martyrs or constructing a huge gate depicting pictures of deities and solider at the entrance of their hamlet.

“Valour is in our blood. A young man who is commissioned in the Army becomes a celebrity. While he fights for his country, the families back home are soldiers without uniform,” said Captain Surjit Singh (retd) from Ramgarh.

Local lore revolves around tales of war and valour as generation of young men have fought and died in the battlefield while their villages have been constantly targeted by Pakistani forces and infiltrating terrorists.

The firing and shelling has become a part of life of the population living along the international border and the Line of Control in the Jammu region. Perhaps, the local population has adapted itself to the changing dynamics of the South Asian diplomacy.

“My brother is serving in the Army. The repeated attacks by militants and destruction caused by Pakistani guns motivated him to join the armed forces,” said Rakesh Kumar from RS Pura.

During the last two decades, the border population has also actively participated in village defence committees to track the movement of militants. They act as eyes and ears for the security forces in the hinterland.

Srinagar, October 15
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met Governor NN Vohra here today.

In their over an hour-long meeting, the Governor and Chief Minister discussed issues relating to the continuing incidents of ceasefire violations across the international border and the Line of Control. They also discussed the directions given by the Chief Minister to the administration regarding amelioration of the hardships being faced by border dwellers, particularly the provision of temporary shelters, food and other support arrangements.

The Chief Minister briefed the Governor in detail about the to-date status of the ongoing flood relief measures of the state government and the estimates of the total losses incurred by the people and the state, forwarded to the Centre recently.

Omar also informed the Governor about the discussions which he had with the Union ministers during his visit to Delhi yesterday.

The Governor discussed with the Chief Minister matters relating to the functioning of the state-run universities, including the filling up of top posts at two universities.

Nandini (Jammu), October 15
The breakdown of a vehicle near the road leading to Nandini Tunnel led to a six-hour traffic jam on the Jammu-Srinagar highway Wednesday.

Hundreds of trucks, buses and light motor vehicles remained stuck between Nagrota and the tunnel, affecting movement of Vaishno Devi pilgrims.

Officials said there was chaos as the traffic police could not handle the situation. The road near the tunnel is narrow.

“One vehicle got stuck due to a mechanical snag, leading to the traffic jam till the toll plaza at Ban. The highway was closed for three days for repairs between Chenani and Ramsu. Hundreds of trucks were stuck in Jammu, which aggravated the situation,” said a traffic policeman on the condition of anonymity.

Haseeb Mughal, SSP, Traffic, Highways, said after landslides washed away the highway, it could be opened for one-way traffic.

“There was large-scale damage during the rain. We are allowing vehicles to pass one way daily. Efforts are being made to minimise problems,” he said.

The traffic police had reportedly failed to streamline movement of vehicles. Landslides between Batote and Banihal had halved the road at over a dozen places.

Jammu, October 15
The Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Forum (JKTF) today held a protest alleging that the Education Department has adopted pick-and-choose policy in the adjustment of newly promoted masters, lecturers and headmasters in the state.

The forum lashed out at the government for the delay in the release of salaries of teachers and masters working under the Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA). The teachers have not been getting salaries for the past some months.

Speaking on the occasion, forum general secretary Ganesh Khajuria said frequent transfer of teachers during the middle of academic session is unacceptable and violates the norms set by the government as it affects the academic session in the schools.

“There is huge corruption involved in transfers and some people are using influence and money to get the posting of their choice. The Education Department should immediately release the promotion list of headmasters and lectures in different streams,” Khajuria said.

Khajuria criticised the state government for not giving heed to the long-pending demands of the teaching community and warned to start an agitation in the coming weeks if their demands are not met. “Despite several assurances by the state government, nothing has been done to address our pending issues and hundreds of teachers are waiting for promotion and their salaries,” he said.

The forum said the masters who were repatriated from different districts to their home district Jammu are facing hardships for getting vacant posts sanctioned for withdrawal of their salaries, which is leading to corrupt practices in department.

Jammu, October 15
A protest was held by casual labours and need-based, ITI-trained and CP workers under the banner of the United Front outside the Public Health Engineering (PHE) office here today.

The protest was held under the leadership of Tanvir Hussain, Akhil Sharma, Ajay Kumar, Rajan Sharma and Puneet Gandotra, wherein it was alleged that workers in all departments have been suffering badly due to non-regularisation of their services.

Addressing the workers, the leaders of the front demanded immediate introduction of one policy for the regularisation of all the casual labours and need-based, ITI-trained and CP workers who have rendered regular service to the department for 15 years.

The front also decided that the protest would continue for 24 hours in front of Chief Engineer, PHE Complex. Others who spoke on the occasion included Kulbushan Singh, Deepak Gupta, Satish Kumar Sharma, Sanjeev, Ranjeet Singh, Banu Partap Singh and Manjeet Singh.

Jammu, October 15
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) today announced the first list of party’s candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections in the state.

A meeting of the state election commission of the NCP was held under the chairmanship of former minister and president, NCP, J&K, Thakur Randhir Singh wherein the names of candidates were announced.

The candidates for the Jammu province are Gourav Kapoor (Gandhi Nagar constituency), Sandeep Singh Manhas (Marh constituency), Bhajan Lal Totura (Chamb constituency), Bodh Raj Salaria (Ramban constituency) and Bhori Singh (Bhaderwah constituency).

Similarly, candidates from the Kashmir province are Prof Ghulam Mohammad Shafi Naz (Gulmarg constituency), Dr Showkat Ahmed (Batmaloo constituency) and Gaffar Dar (Kulgam constituency).

Srinagar, October 15
The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) got a shot in the arm as the youth president of an influential religious group in Kargil — Islamia School Kargil, Inayat Ali, joined the party today.

Islamia School has traditionally been an ally of the ruling National Conference (NC).

Meanwhile, it was not immediately known whether Ali’s joining the PDP was his individual decision or had the support of his group.

Islamia School has been instrumental in NC’s previous successes in Kargil.

“Ali’s joining the PDP is an acknowledgement of the increasing popularity of the party in all three regions of the state,” PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said at a function where Ali was inducted into the party.

Ali was welcomed into the party fold by Mufti Sayeed, party chief spokesperson Naeem Akhtar, Molvi Imran Raza Ansari and senior leader and legislator Abdul Haq Khan, a PDP spokesman said.

Ali is likely to be the PDP candidate from the Muslim-dominated Kargil district of the Ladakh region in the upcoming Assembly polls, scheduled later this year.

The Kargil Assembly segment is being represented by NC leader and former minister Qamar Ali Akhoon.

“In Kargil, the party was struggling for a foothold and Ali’s joining has given us a strong face,” said a senior PDP leader.

The voters in Kargil are divided mainly on their allegiance with two powerful sects of Shia Muslims. The puritanical group is associated with Islamia School and the moderates are linked with the Imam Khomeini Memorial Trust (IKMT). The IKMT is an ally of the Congress. The two religious groups are, however, traditional rivals in Kargil.

The NC, Congress and the PDP have not announced the names of their candidates from the Ladakh region.

Srinagar, October 15
J&K Pradesh CongressCommittee chief Saifuddin Soz today demanded reservation for people living along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

“I welcome the decision of the Cabinet for identifying land for allotment to people living on the border. I urge the government to include the people for reservation in RBA category,” Soz said in a press note. He was referring to the Cabinet order for identifying land outside the radius of five km on the international border and the LAC.

“This land is required to be allotted to people living within the five-km radius along the border. They will construct shelters on the land.” Soz congratulated inspector Shakti Devi, who was conferred the International Female Peacekeeper Award 2014 by the United Nations’ Police Division. — TNS

Jammu, October 15
Socialistic Democratic Party (SDP) president Darakhshan Andrabi Wednesday demanded that Assembly elections be postponed till March next year as a majority of the population was passing through testing times and struggling to start their lives afresh.

“I wrote letters to the Chief Election Commission and Election Commissioners, explaining the situation. I told them that elections on schedule will be a mockery of the democratic process. When people are trying to deal with the worst-ever floods, it is against ethics of democracy to hold elections,” he said.

The SDP president said the political groups adamant on holding elections were interested in exploiting the situation. He said such politicians had always played political games.

He demanded the imposition of President’s rule for four or five months.

Srinagar, October 15
With most of the roads in Srinagar city damaged due to floods, frequent traffic jams and congestion has become a routine affair for commuters travelling to different parts of the city.

Locals blamed the government for delay in repairing roads and ‘bad diversion’ for the congestion problem. The worst traffic jams and congestion was witnessed at Solina and Jawahar Nagar through diversion routes ahead of a flyover construction. Commuters had to wait for a long time to reach their destinations this morning. Vehicles were seen moving from the unsafe Mehjooor Bridge, leading to more chaos. “This is usual problem here. One can see garbage lying on roads in the city, which has narrowed down the roads further leading to traffic jams,” said Mubashir Ahmad, a commuter.

After September 7 floods in Srinagar city, the road diversion was not followed due to crisis. However, recently the Department of Traffic here has again come into action. Locals said chaos had become a routine affair on these routes where traffic diversion is implemented due to the ongoing construction of Jehangir Chowk to Rambagh flyover. Commuters who ply everyday via these routes said they had been facing a lot of inconvenience due to every day traffic mess.

On plying from Jehangir Chowk to Rambagh, traffic mess indeed worsens near the Jawahar Nagar crossing up to Rambagh Bund after the floods as the bund was breached near Solina to drain out water from localities in Jawahar Nagar and Gogji Bagh. Locals said the road from bund had turned slippery and sunken, which is risky for vehicles. “Though the bund has been plugged, it has become very slippery and risky. The government is not doing anything to repair it,” said Sahil, a resident of Rawalpora.

The locals said from diversion routes, the vehicular movement is slow due to mess that it takes half an hour from Jawahar Nagar to Rambagh which otherwise is a five minute journey.

The Superintendent of Traffic Police, City, blamed the protest in Srinagar post floods for traffic jams. He said they were in constant touch with the Roads and Building Department for improving the damaged roads. “Traffic jam is due to protests in Srinagar city by people after the floods. The protesters blocked roads at Solina early in the morning, they blocked Budsha bridge for two hours. It was very difficult,” “Also, roads and bunds were damaged at many places, but they have been plugged and filled. The work is on by the department concerned. Currently, 60 per cent traffic rush is on Srinagar roads,” said Haseeb-Ur-Rehman.

Jammu, October 15
For the International Female Police Peacekeeper Award winner, Shakti Devi, it has been an arduous journey from a remote village of the Jammu region to the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan.

Despite financial constraints and family compulsions, Shakti, inspector in the J&K Police, didn’t bow before the challenges thrown by life and worked hard to accomplish her mission —- “serve your state and nation with utmost dedication”.

Originally from Panara village in Majalta tehsil of Udhampur district, Shakti —- third of the six siblings, lost her mother when she was in her teens. Her father passed away two years after she joined the Police Department but she proved her mettle by accepting her deputation to the UN Peace Mission in Timor-Leste in 2012.

Shakti has an experience of 14 years in the Police Department and has been working with the United Nations Mission in Afghanistan since 2013, wherein she has contributed to improving the status of the women police and has effectively helped the Afghan Police move towards achieving their goals by fully adopting the democratic principles of policing.

The prestigious award by the UN’s Police Division was delivered to Shakti during the International Association of Women Police Conference at Winnipeg in Canada earlier this month. She has been honoured for her “exceptional achievements” in leading the establishment of Women Police Councils in several parts of Afghanistan.

“It’s not been an easy journey for Shakti ‘massi’ to achieve the international award which is the outcome of her utmost hard work, dedication and commitment to the Police Department. She used to share with us the tough times she had seen during her childhood. She always told us that she used to collect firewood and even graze the cattle in her childhood,” Shakti’s niece Sunaina Sharma told The Tribune. Sunaina, a law graduate, said she (Shakti) was a role model and a source of inspiration for her and other women in the state. “I would be happy to achieve even five per cent of what she (Shakti) has achieved in her life, which has been full of challenges and difficulties,” Sunaina said.

Anuradha Sharma, Shakti’s sister-in-law, said the family was opposed to her deputation to the UN peace mission, given the volatile situation in Afghanistan but she had remained steadfast.

Rajouri, October 15
More than a month has passed since the floods struck Rajouri district, but many victims are claiming that they did not receive any government relief.

A deputation of women from the Ghambhir Muglan area of Manjakot tehsil held a protest before the office of the Rajouri Deputy Commissioner on Tuesday and alleged that the people of the area had not been getting routine ration at government fair price shops.

“As the ration at the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) outlets is not available for the last about two months, people, including the flood victims, are forced to purchase ration on higher rates in the open market,” said Rukhsana Begum, one of the protesters.

The Ghambhir Muglan area was worst affected by the floods. The district administration had airdropped ration and other items in the area in the second week of September.

The protesters warned that they would block the Jammu-Poonch highway, if ration was not made available at the government shops in the next few days.

Kewal Krishan, Assistant Director, CAPD, said sufficient ration was available with the department. He said government ration depot-holders who are not distributing ration would be identified and action under law be taken against them.

Meanwhile, a family affected by the floods and putting up at a primary school at Mangota in the Thanamandi tehsil alleged that they had been neglected by the district administration.

Rubina, one of the members of the family, said the school had three rooms which were being used by them and also by the students and teachers during working hours.

“During working hours, we have to wait till 4 pm to prepare our lunch as the rooms are occupied by the students and it is not possible to cook meals in the open,” Rubina said and added that no one from the administration had come to mitigate their problems.

Residents of Jamola, 5 km from Rajouri city, have said the district administration had neglected them in relief distribution.

Farooq Ahmed and Latief, both residents of Jamola, said their houses and agricultural lands were damaged by the floods and landslides recently.

Even after a gap of more than a month, many people are living in tents or with their relatives and no government official had visited them and provided relief or any other help.

They held a protest at Jamola and urged the district administration to visit them and provide relief and compensation.

Srinagar, October 15
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a high-level meeting to review the ongoing rehabilitation process. He was informed that Rs 71 crore had been approved for the flood victims whose houses had collapsed in the deluge in Kashmir division last month and 80 per cent of the amount had already been disbursed, a state government spokesman said.

The spokesman said the information was provided by Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Rohit Kansal during the review meeting. The meeting, held on a daily basis, was attended by ministers, Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, principal secretaries, administrative secretaries and other senior officers.

The Chief Minister issued directions for “intensifying the assessment of losses” and told the Deputy Commissioners concerned to speed up the process by introducing more revenue teams. “He (Omar) directed the Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, to ensure that teams of the Revenue Department constituted for the purpose reach every affected household to record the magnitude and nature of losses to the property,” the spokesman said.

About the supply position of the essential commodities, the Chief Minister was informed that 247 trucks loaded with LPG cylinders had arrived in Srinagar and were being released for distribution among consumers.

The Chief Minister was also told that the disposal of garbage by the Srinagar Municipal Corporation was 1500 to 1800 tonnes per day. “It was stated that for full clearance of the city areas which remained submerged for quite some time it will take another week,” the spokesman said.

Omar also received a brief about the supply of power, drinking water, restoration of breaches, roads and bridges in the flood-affected areas of Kashmir and Jammu regions, the spokesman said. “He also received details on the status of procurement of prefabricated structures,” the spokesman added.

Srinagar, October 15
The recent floods which wreaked havoc across Kashmir, particularly Srinagar, also caused delay in payment of compensation to victims of the Kunan Poshpora mass rape case dating back to 1991.

The Jammu and Kashmir High Court today gave the government four weeks to make payment after it sought more time to revive the record washed away by the floods.

Over 30 women were reportedly raped by Army personnel in Kunan Poshpora, a remote village in Kupwara, on February 23, 1991. The charges had not been proved as no trial was held.

“On account of the devastating floods, delay has been caused. The needful will be done in four weeks,” a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice MM Kumar and Justice Ali Mohammad Margay observed.

The Bench directed the authorities concerned to make payment and submit acknowledgment receipts along with a status report by the next hearing. The Bench directed the authorities to file a report about the status of investigation by the next hearing.

On August 12, 2014, Additional Advocate General Riyaz Khan said, “The government has agreed in principle to pay compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to 23 victims named in the first FIR.”

The counsel representing the victims objected to it, saying that the number of victims was much higher. Seeking time, Riyaz submitted that the decision to pay compensation had been taken at the highest level and formal orders would be issued.

During his submission Wednesday, he sought more time, citing the situation arisen from the devastating floods which destroyed official record of many departments. He submitted that it would take time to revive the record.

Srinagar, October 15
Shaheena (name changed), a resident of Srinagar’s posh locality in her 30s, who scored nearly 90 per cent marks in her Class X in the early 2000, is one among 740 candidates shortlisted for interview to be held for Class IV posts.

To the surprise of many, which indicate the galloping unemployment trend in the state, the cut-off merit for the interview for Class IV posts has been fixed at 88.66 per cent in matriculation, the minimum qualification required for the post. The maximum qualification for the post is Class XII.

In case of Reserved Backward Area (RBA), the cut-off merit for the posts has been fixed at 86.14 per cent.

There are nearly 6 lakh unemployed youth in the state and government jobs here have always been the first priority among the unemployed youth. The major reason for youth looking for government jobs is the absence of private sector and they are left with no option but to look for government jobs.

According to officials of the state government, 1.17 lakh candidates had applied for 148 Class IV posts advertised by the General Administration Department (GAD) in June this year. Those with higher qualification would not be counted by the government for the post.

The criteria for shortlisting candidates for the interview were fixed by the government. “The weightage given to matriculation was fixed at 90 points and 10 points were awarded to Class XII marks,” said an official.

Significantly most of the shortlisted candidates have not mentioned their higher qualification fearing that it may disqualify them from the interview.

"There are surely aspirants with higher qualification like postgraduates and even MPhil, who were shortlisted for the posts. But it will not be counted. Those shortlisted who have secured nearly 90 per cent marks in Class X must be promising students who must have done good in studies," said a senior official in the state government.

He said they were in dilemma as how could the highly qualified youth work as Class IV employees.

"It is difficult to make the highly qualified work as orderlies,” he added. “But on the other it also shows desperation for a government job in the state,” he added.

Srinagar, October 15
Following court orders against the sale of flood-affected items, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) today raided several areas and sealed a prime city-based medical shop and food store.

SMC media relations officer said the health officer of the corporation Dr Rubeena Shaheen along with a team of food safety officials conducted the inspections.

“While inspecting various food establishments, including provisional stores and medical shops, the Health Officer, SMC, inspected a prominent business establishment, Bindroo, selling medicines and other day-to-day commodities. The owner was caught red-handed selling flood affected medicines and other eatables,” the SMC official said.

The health officer said most of the medicines, including baby food and other eatables of his provisional store, were found flood affected. She said they had sealed down the shop and cancelled its food licence. “I had further informed the drug controller about this, who immediately rushed to the spot and got his drug licence suspended. We are warning all the food business operators, including pharmaceuticals, to refrain from selling of any kind of flood-affected daily essentials, otherwise stern action will be taken against them, besides cancellation of their licence on spot,” she added.

After the sealing, SMC Commissioner GN Qasba said: “We shall not in any case tolerate such an illegal act at the cost of public health. All such defaulters shall be severely punished and booked under law, who intends to sell flood-affected material to the people.”

Jammu, October 15
As per an order issued here today by the District Magistrate, Jammu, Ajeet Kumar Sahu, no firework, cracker or explosive shall be stored or sold in place other than those specified by him for the areas within the Jammu municipal limits and by the respective SDM/tehsildar for the areas outside the Jammu municipal area in the district.

The order said stalls for the sale of fireworks, shall be put up by the dealers only at places mentioned in their licences after getting clearance from the Deputy Director, Fire Services, police, MC, NAC and revenue authorities. — TNS

Srinagar, October 15
Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Mubarak Gul today toured Noorbagh, Palpora, Pamposh Colony, Guzzarbal and other areas of the Eidgah constituency to take stock of relief and rehabilitation measures post floods.

The Speaker as per an official statement expressed sympathy with the affected families and assured them that every possible help would be provided by the government to them for their rehabilitation.

He said the government had initiated rehabilitation and relief measures on war-footing basis and that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was personally monitoring it. The Speaker also lauded the role of local youth for helping the people during flood by organising relief and rescue operations.

Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Farooq Ahmed Shah and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.

Jammu, October 15
The protest of candidates shortlisted for the posts of jail warden continued today. The candidates said many political and non-political organisations have supported the demands raised by them, but the government has yet to release the selection list.

Ashwani Kumar, one of the protesting candidates, said 41,182 unemployed youth had applied for the post advertised in 2005. Out of them, 1,247 candidates were shortlisted for interview, which was held in September, 2010, but the selection list is yet to be released.

The candidates have urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to personally look into the matter for getting the selection list released. They claimed that no recruitment has taken place in the Prison Department after 1995 and there are more than 2,000 vacancies.

New Delhi, October 15
In view of the devastation caused by recent floods in J&K, the Income Tax Department will take steps to process expeditiously refund claims of taxpayers in the state who have submitted their returns electronically.

There have been instances of refund cheques not being delivered on the addresses of taxpayers in their returns due to dislocation caused by floods.

Non-corporate taxpayers in Jammu and Kashmir who desire to give new addresses for delivery of refund cheques can log on to the e-filing site and update their addresses. — TNS

Srinagar, October 15
The waving of ISIS flags in Kashmir is a matter of concern and deserves the highest attention of security agencies so that the youth are prevented from being lured into the ranks of the organisation, Lt Gen Subrata Saha said Wednesday.

The comments by General Officer Commanding of the Army’s 15 Corps, Lt Gen Saha, came a day after Chief Minister rubbished the appearance of the group’s flags in the Valley as an act of some idiots.

Noting that the ability of the ISIS to attract a large number of volunteers was a cause of worry, Lt Gen Saha said concerted efforts had to be made to secure the right to prosperity of the youth in the Valley if they were to be kept away from the path of terror. — PTI

Srinagar, October 15
National Panthers Party chief patron Bhim Singh called on Governor NN Vohra here today.

Governor NN Vohra with Bhim Singh at Raj Bhawan in Srinagar on Wednesday. Tribune photo

Bhim Singh apprised the Governor about the hardships being faced by border residents due to continuing incidents of ceasefire violations across the border and the Line of Control.

He also discussed with the Governor issues relating to relief and rehabilitation of flood victims in the state.

Bhim Singh shared his views about the emerging political scenario.

Jammu, October 15
The special convocation of the Jammu University was today postponed again in view of the upcoming festivals. The convocation was scheduled to take place on October 24.

“The special convocation has been postponed keeping in view the various aspects, including upcoming festivals. I got a phone call from Raj Bhawan intimating me that the convocation had been postponed,” confirmed Prof Mohan Paul Singh Ishar, Vice Chancellor of the University of Jammu.

He said the special convocation would now be held at 10 am on November 14.

Earlier, the university had to defer the special convocation scheduled for September 16 in view of the floods in Jammu and Kashmir.

The university organised its 14th convocation for the candidates who completed their degrees in 2013 on September 1. The convocation was addressed by President Pranab Mukherjee.

The university had announced that it would organise a special convocation on September 16 in which the Ph.D degrees and the Gold Medals would be awarded to around 1,100 candidates for academic sessions from 2006 to 2012, which was later deferred due to the floods. — TNS

Jammu, October 15
Army Public School (APS), Damana, organised a walkathon under the Swachh Bharat Swachh Vidyalaya Abhiyaan.

The walkathon was aimed at inculcating the spirit of hygiene, cleanliness and aversion to unhygienic conditions in the school and surroundings. The walkathon was flagged off from the school campus.

As many as 500 students, teachers and volunteer parents participated in the walkathon. The walkathon started from the school gate and passed through Netar Kothian village, Gita Colony, Rajouri Lines and finally back to APS, Damana.

Proper arrangements of security, medical aid, vehicle and other equipment like grass-cutting machines, auto–driver spray machines, fumigation machine along with conservancy staff was provided by the Station Headquarters, Chenab Brigade, and local Army units.

The students moved in 12 troops carrying banners, placards and raising slogans related to the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan. More than 500 “Swachha pamphlets” were also distributed among people en route for spreading mass awareness about the campaign.

Jammu, October 15
A Hindi poem recitation contest was organised by Delhi Public School (DPS), Jammu, for the students of Class II. The students presented variety of interesting poems on the theme, “Humare Bhartiya Tyohaar”.

Students participated in the contest with great enthusiasm and left the audience mesmerised by their confidence exhibited on the stage.

The first prize was won by Hiral Divya Kohli and Aarya Giri. The second position was shared by Dikshansh Gupta and Parikansh Rakwal, while Mayra Nargotra and Aanvi Singh got the third position.

Meenu Gupta, Headmistress up to middle school, DPSm Jammum appreciated the delivery and expressions of the participants and stated that such competitions help the children develop effective communication skills.

Dr D Joseph, Additional Director/Principal, DPS, Jammu, congratulated all the participants for their wonderful performance.

Srinagar, October 15
A resident of city’s Rainawari locality died in a road accident in south Kashmir’s Bijbehara town, the police today said.

Shabir Ahmad Najar, the resident of Naidguni area of Rainawari locality, was hit and injured by a passenger bus at Uranhall in Bijbehara town, a police spokesman said.

Najar succumbed to his injuries while he was being shifted to a hospital. The spokesman said a case has been registered in this regard and further investigations were on.

In another accident, a woman died in a mishap in south Kashmir’s Qazigund town.

Zoituna (65) was hit and injured by a vehicle near Qazigund market. She was shifted to a hospital where she succumbed to her injuries, the spokesman said. A case has been registered.

Doda, October 15
Five persons were injured as a minibus rolled down into a gorge in the Bhagwa area of Doda district Wednesday afternoon.

The mangled remains of the minibus in Doda district on Wednesday. A Tribune photograph

Reports said the minibus (JKO8-8075) was on way from Bhagwah to Doda when it rolled down into a gorge after the driver failed to control it on a sharp curve.

Local residents informed the police and the district administration.

They took the injured to the district hospital in Doda.

All victims were reported to be out of danger.