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Worn-out power infrastructure threatens Jammu residents
Udhampur KV celebrates annual sports day
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Rs 1 crore donated for flood victims
Civilised society has to honour human rights: NHRC chairman
500 delegates to attend dental conference
Rank ceremony of newly promoted ASIs organised
North Zone Inter-Varsity Badminton Championship
All eyes on Ganderbal as NC yet to announce Omar’s
candidature
Top cop in spot after son uploads ‘power-abuse’ pictures on Net
Tainted BJP MLAs may not get ticket
Minority votes crucial in Habbakadal
2 more militants killed in Kupwara gunfight
Karra not to contest Assembly polls
457 border villages to have stand-by polling booths in safer zones
BJP kick-starts election campaign in Jammu
Politicians rely on social media to connect with electorate
Azad urges Chenab Valley residents to vote for Cong
JU VC’s ‘sudden’ resignation ‘shocks’ faculty, students
Floods leave trail of destruction in Valley’s 2nd oldest college
Rajouri flood victims protest govt apathy, allege mismanagement
Guv briefed on health care restoration
Finance Minister calls on Governor
BGSBU team heads for Kurukshetra
Flood-ravaged traders take to streets to protest against govt
Ex-NC leader, five others join PDP
Pvt schools defend mass promotion to students
Choice-based credit system by 2015: KU Vice Chancellor
SKICC shut doors for month after floods
City youths develop web portal to monitor flood victims’ rehabilitation College students seek postponement of mid-term exams Soujanya takes over as Info Director Residents protest police
action
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Worn-out power infrastructure threatens Jammu residents
Jammu, October 29 Electricity is being supplied to most of the city through worn-out cables that were laid decades ago, but the process to change them is quite slow due to funds shortage. An electricity pole has bended in Satwari and can fall anytime. “There is no accountability. The Power Development Department (PDD) has simply turned a blind eye towards the problem. The pole could injure passersby, if it falls,” said Sudesh Gupta, a resident of Satwari. Similarly, in posh localities of Gandhi Nagar, Shastri Nagar, Trikuta Nagar and Channi Himmat, falling of trees often lead to snapping of electricity supply to various localities. Due to the lack of policy at the highest level of government, which has failed to provide necessary funds for upgrading infrastructure, nearly 50 lakh people in the Jammu region may face a major power shutdown in the near future as most of equipment at grid stations of Gladni, Udhampur and Janipur has outlived its life and there has been no major maintenance for the last two decades. Official sources said no action has been taken to replace power current transformers, switch gears, circuit broachers installed since the establishment of grid stations, which supply electricity to half the population of the state. J&K has highest transmission and distribution (T&D) losses in the country at 63 per cent and reason is old distribution network. All trees and other vegetation near power lines need to be trimmed to ensure safety and reliability of the electricity system. Trees left unattended can result in fire or extensive damage to the power distribution and transmission system. Funds shortage
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Udhampur KV celebrates annual sports day
Jammu, October 29 Besides a welcome song, one cultural item was also presented by students of the school, which enthralled the audience. After the oath ceremony by sports captain Sapna Tiwari, a pyramid show, “Surya Namaskar” and lazium–dumbles show were conducted. Principal Dr R Prasad, senior-most PGT Vikramaditya and sports in charge Rajiv Singh released sports newsletter. Events like lemon and spoon race, sack, three-legged, hurdle and relay races were held. Shweta emerged as the winner of the musical chairs, whereas Ravikant won the brisk walk competition. The tug-of-war between male and female teachers with Class XII students was the centre of attraction. After the prize distribution ceremony, a vote of thanks was proposed by Rajiv Singh, Shambhu Sharan and Surinder. The programme was coordinated by Sanjay Purohit, Jyotsana, Minakshi Sharma and PK Shukla.
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Rs 1 crore donated for flood victims
Jammu, October 29 The donation is aimed at providing aid to the flood-affected people, along with the rebuilding of infrastructure destroyed during the floods. “Our heartfelt sympathies are with all those who were affected by the floods,” said Kazuhiko Mimura, Managing Director, Bridgestone India Private Limited.“This is truly an unforeseen and unfortunate incident and Bridgestone hopes to play a part in rebuilding the lives of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
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Civilised society has to honour human rights: NHRC chairman
Jammu, October 29 Speaking at the two-day National Seminar on “Satyagraha, Self Discipline and Gandhi: A Discussion”, organised by the Law School, University of Jammu, in collaboration with the NHRC, Justice Balakrishnan said Mahatama Gandhi was himself subjected to racial discrimination in South Africa, which amounted to grave human rights violation at that point of time. Justice Balakrishnan said the civilised society has to honour the human rights of all segments of society and work towards ending any sort of violation or discrimination. He called for making the conditions of various segments of society conducive so that they live as honored, dignified and useful citizens of the nation. Earlier, Prof Arvind Jasrotia, Dean, Faculty of Law, and Director, Law School, welcomed the guests and deliberated upon the importance of Satyagraha and how Mahatama Gandhi was inspired by the teachings of the Upanishads and Bagwad Gita. In his presidential address, Prof Mohan Paul Singh Ishar, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, said human rights assume immense significance in situations like strife and disturbed conditions. He said it becomes important to have due regard for human rights and the sensitivities of the people. He said it is therefore necessary that while maintaining reasonable balance in dealing with the situation, human rights do not get trampled. The Vice Chancellor said human rights is a wider subject which relates to every aspect of human activity, be it employment, right to live, right to freedom of expression and right to protection of life and property. Dr Sudershan Iyengar, Vice Chancellor, Gujarat Vidyapith, Ahmedabad, delivered the keynote address at the seminar. He called upon the student community to identify the violations and find why the rights are violated. Dr JS Kochar, joint secretary, NHRC, shared his views on the topic of the seminar. His speech emphasised the need to make students aware of human rights and urged students to get inspiration from Gandhi's principles and ideas. The programme was also attended by Dr SK Shukla, Assistant Director, NHRC, Dr Sudershan Iyenger, Vice Chancellor, Gujarat Vidyapeeth, and Prof Gurjeet Singh of the Department of Law of Guru Nanak Dev University. Seema Rohmetra, organising secretary, presented the formal vote of thanks and also conducted the proceedings of the event.
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500 delegates to attend dental conference
Jammu, October 29 The event is being organised by Indira Gandhi Government Dental College (IGGDC) in collaboration with the Jammu branch of the Indian Dental Association (IDA) and Institute of Dental Sciences (IDS), Jammu. Dr Romesh Singh, Principal, IGGDC, Jammu, while briefing the media said pre-conference courses and workshops will be held on October 31 at IGGDC and IDS, Jammu, simultaneously. “These courses will benefit the budding dentists as well as established practitioners. There will be scientific deliberations and the theme is ‘Latest trends in dentistry’. The conference will help the doctors to showcase their talents as well as make them aware of the latest innovations and technological advancements in the field of dentistry,” he added. Dr Gautam Sharma, general secretary, IDA, said scientific deliberations, cultural programmes and poster presentation will be held at Zorawar Singh Auditorium, University of Jammu. He said a team of doctors from IDA, IGGDC and IDS Sehora are working day and night to make the event a great success. He said more than 90 per cent population is suffering from gum diseases, 70 per cent from dental caries and 30 per cent from oral cancer. Dr Gautam Sharma said the stress during the conference will be on the methods to prevent such diseases. Others present included Dr Rakesh Gupta, Dr Ritesh Gupta, Dr Arvind Mengi and Dr Rajiv Mengi.
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Rank ceremony of newly promoted ASIs organised
Jammu, October 29 The officers felicitated the newly promoted ASIs and inspired them to work with full zeal and devotion. Later a police-public meet was held on the premises of the GRP Lines in which members of the Taxi Stand Union, Matador Stand Union, Auto Stand Union, coolies and prominent persons participated. In the meeting, the grievances of the participants were heard and issues pertaining to proper maintenance of roads, cleanliness and maintenance of the railway station in Jammu were discussed.
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North Zone Inter-Varsity Badminton Championship Tribune News Service
Jammu, October 29 However, the quarterfinal line has also been drawn in both men and women sections. In the women section, JU women will take on formidable Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar tomorrow. In the second quarterfinal, Punjab University, Chandigarh, will lock horns with Aligarh Muslim University, while MDU, Rohtak, will face Punjabi University, Patiala. In the last quarterfinal, Punjab Technical University (PTU), Jalandhar, will play against University of Delhi. Similarly in the men section, MDU, Rohtak, will play the first quarterfinal against the University of Delhi. Uttarakhand Technical University will face Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, in the second quarterfinal. In the third quarterfinal, Kurukshetra University will square off against Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, and in the last quarterfinal, Himachal Pradesh University will take on Panjab University, Chandigarh. The matches in both men and women sections were officiated by Krishan Gopal, chief referee, Jyoti Rajput, Shakeel Ahmed, JS Arneja, Anil Gurkha, Sunil Gurkha, Vikram Jamwal, Balbir Singh Jamwal, Vipan Sharma, Amit Sharma, Taranpal Singh and Manmohan Sharma. The championship is being organised by the Directorate of Sports and Physical Education, University of Jammu.
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All eyes on Ganderbal as NC yet to announce Omar’s
candidature
Srinagar, October 29 The party announced its first list of 32 candidates on July 15. The second list of 14 candidates was announced on July 23 and the third list of 16 candidates on August 16. Since the party announced its first list, it has held several rounds of discussions to decide a set of safe seats for Omar but has not reached a conclusion. “There is no delay. We have announced so many candidates so far, more than any party has done,” said Junaid Mattu, NC spokesman. “We were completely focused on the rehabilitation process and the elections were not our immediate focus,” Junaid said, further suggesting that a decision about the last list, which will include Omar’s name, will be taken in the next few days. Omar’s tenure as the Chief Minister ends on January 19 next year and his Ganderbal constituency is going to the polls on November 25. The last date of filing nomination is November 5. Sources said several political parties were expected to contest from Ganderbal in central Kashmir and Omar was likely to fight the elections from there, his party’s and family’s stronghold. Omar’s grandfather, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, was elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1977 from Ganderbal when he became the Chief Minister for the first time. Ganderbal has also been Farooq Abdullah’s constituency in 1983, 1987 and 1996. Omar’s first bid to enter the Legislative Assembly, however, failed when he lost Ganderbal to Peoples Democratic Party candidate Qazi Mohammad Afzal in 2002 before he made a comeback and defeated Afzal by a huge margin in 2008. If Omar chooses Ganderbal, he will be pitched against his 2002 nemesis, Qazi Afzal, former National Conference loyalist Ghulam Ahmad Saloori and the yet to be decided Congress candidate. The National Conference leaders have so far held several rounds of meetings, the latest held earlier this week, to zero-in on a secure seat for Omar. The three constituencies which have been discussed for Omar include Ganderbal, which the party considers its bastion, and Srinagar’s Hazratbal and Sonwar seats. Omar was to decide his two constituencies before the floods but the deluge ravaged the region and parts of the Hazratbal and Sonwar constituencies, likely to influence Omar’s choice in favour of Ganderbal. National Conference bastion
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Top cop in spot after son uploads ‘power-abuse’ pictures on Net
Srinagar, October 29 The DIG, however, said someone else must have posted such pictures from his son’s Instagram account. “Please don’t malign me at this point of my career. I have led a simple and respectable life. I am sure someone else must have posted such pictures from my son’s account,” said Shakeel Beig. Tony had posted the pictures of his father Shakeel Beig getting his shoe laces tied by a domestic help on Instagram, an online mobile photo-sharing site. “Real king – My Dad!! Last time he put his shoes himself was almost 15 years ago #BossLife #King xx,” read Tony’s Instagram, who lives in Melbourne, Australia. However, the DIG, Kathua, said the person tying his shoe laces was not his servant but a shoe-seller who had requested him to buy his shoes. In another Instagram picture, Tony brags of his father’s power saying: “Motivation right here! Traffic and this is how police and gunmen clear traffic when my dad is on the road! #power #king #guns.” The photograph shows a police gypsy surrounded by armed policemen. The photos were shared widely on the web and invited criticism from people who said the father-son duo was abusing power as many other top government officials. Tony hit out at the media saying, “I spend 3-4 days visiting family every year and this is what media turns it into. No wonder, I don’t belong there anymore as people are not used to self made individuals. However, kinglife continues 365 days a year and not just 3-4 xx”. Meanwhile, Tony’s Facebook account was deactivated today. A resident of Melbourne who knows DIG's son said Tony and his brother Johnny were used to a lavish lifestyle and showed off their father's abuse of power. "They live off their father's money and post these show-off pictures on Facebook and Instagram all day," he said.
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Tainted BJP MLAs may not get ticket
Jammu, October 29 Out of its current strength of 10 MLAs, the BJP has almost decided not to nominate the seven “tainted” legislators who were earlier expelled from the party on the charge of cross-voting. Later, however, the expulsion of six of them was revoked. During the meeting to finalise names of potential candidates for the first and second phase of the Assembly elections, some members of the BJP election committee opposed giving ticket to the tainted MLAs. Highly placed sources in the BJP said during deliberations on the names of potential candidates, a majority of the election committee members opposed repeating tainted MLAs and suggested that re-nominating these legislators would send out a wrong message to the masses. The sources said the election committee also discussed names of new faces for the Reasi Assembly segment because sitting MLA Baldev Raj Sharma is one of the seven legislators expelled from the BJP after the cross-voting episode in April 13, 2011. “Discussing names of other candidates for the Reasi Assembly segment is a clear indication that the fate of tainted MLAs hangs in balance,” a source said, adding that the BJP high command was very firm about uprooting corruption. Instead of clearing the name of Baldev Sharma for the Reasi seat, party leaders deliberated on advocate Ajay Nanda for this prestigious seat. Nanda belongs to a known RSS family of Reasi. “The BJP will lose the moral authority to raise the issue of corruption with the present NC-Congress government if they give ticket to the tainted MLAs,” a source said, quoting a senior leader present at the election committee meeting. In the 2008 Assembly elections, the BJP had won 11 seats. After the cross-voting in 2011, seven of the total 11 MLAs were expelled from the BJP. Ahead of Lok Sabha elections on 2014, the expulsion of five MLAs was revoked as the top brass wanted to utilise their services in the parliamentary polls. After the Lok Sabha polls, the expulsion of one more expelled member was revoked because he “had worked with dedication during elections”. Veteran leader and former Union Minister Chaman Lal Gupta, an MLA from Jammu West segment, is still expelled from the party. Out of the remaining four “loyalist” MLAs, Jugal Kishore Sharma has been elected as Lok Sabha member. The party now has to take a decision on the three loyalists. Cross-voting taint
Sources in the BJP said during deliberations on the names of potential candidates, a majority of the election committee members opposed nominating MLAs involved in cross-voting and suggested that re-nominating these legislators would send out a wrong message to the masses. |
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Minority votes crucial in Habbakadal
Jammu, October 29 Habbakadal is situated on the banks of the Jhelum. It is in Srinagar parliamentary constituency and has a considerable number of voters from the displaced community. They exercise their franchise in Jammu and other parts of the country in special booths established for them after their exodus in 1989 following the eruption of militancy. Polls in Srinagar will be held on December 14 in the fourth phase. In 2008, 12 Pandits were in the fray. Most candidates relied on votes from the community as the poll boycott call kept others away. At present, the constituency is represented by Shamima Firdous of the National Conference (NC). In 2008, Firdous received 2,374 votes compared to BJP’s Hira Lal Chatta, who got 671 votes. From 1996 to 2002, the constituency was represented by Piyare Lal Handoo of the NC. From 2002 to 2008, it was represented by Raman Mattoo, an Independent. “The Pandit vote bank in this constituency is enough to decide the fate of candidates in case of poll boycott. It is only possible when they vote in special polling in Jammu,” said Veer Saraf of the BJP. The Srinagar Lok Sabha seat has 30,054 minority community votes, of which Srinagar district has 27,015. Budgam has 3,039, Habbakadal 14,892, Amerakadal 4,107, Khanyar 1,219, Sonawar 1,058, Batamaloo 2,746 Eidgah 581, Zadibal 265 and Hazratbal 2,147. All Party Migrant Coordination Committee chairman Vinod Pandit said due to the cumbersome procedure to fill in the M-form, mandatory for the displaced outside Kashmir, thousands of voters could not vote. “A significant number of members have been deprived of their democratic right because of the complex registration process,” he said. Voter sway
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2 more militants killed in Kupwara gunfight
Srinagar, October 29 A Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) of the 30 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion, Rajesh Kumar, a resident of Himachal Pradesh, and an unidentified militant were killed in the gunfight in the Waderbala forests of Handwara yesterday morning. “We have recovered the bodies of three militants. While one militant was killed yesterday, two were killed this morning,” said a defence official. A defence spokesman in Srinagar said the militants were foreigners and belonged to the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT). “The killing of three foreign terrorists of the LeT clearly establishes the robustness of the counter-infiltration and counter-terrorist grid of the Army,” the spokesman said. Meanwhile, there has been no exchange of fire since 9.30 am today, but troops are combing the forest area, sources said. “The search operation in the forest area of 4 or 5 sq km is continuing,” the defence official said, adding that the area has been sealed by the Army. He said the two militants were killed in the gunfight around 9 am this morning. A large cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from the slain militants. Besides three AK rifles and other ammunition, three matrix sheets, maps and a global positioning system was recovered from the forest. Sources said the slain militants had sneaked into the Valley last week. They said an input about their presence was received last Saturday after which a joint operation was launched by the Army and the police. The contact with the militants was established in the forest after 72 hours of combing and search. The area where the operation is going on is mostly used by infiltrators as a transit hideout after sneaking into the Valley. Search operation on
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Karra not to contest Assembly polls
Srinagar, October 29 The party is yet to decide on the candidature of three Assembly segments of Batamaloo, Habbakadal and Eidgah in Srinagar district, one of these having been represented by Karra. “I will in no way contest the upcoming Assembly polls,” Karra said. “The party has called a meeting of its Political Affairs Committee on Friday to decide candidates for the left out seats in the state,” he added. Polling is scheduled to take place in Srinagar on December 14. Out of the three MPs of the party, the PDP has only announced a candidate for the Wachi seat, which was represented by party president Mehbooba Mufti. The party is yet to take a decision on Baramulla, to nominate the replacement of Baig, who twice represented the Baramulla Assembly segment. However, there are enough indications that he may return to state politics. Sources said there were differences within the PDP leadership on whether Baig should return to the state politics or be in New Delhi. The sources said some party leaders were of the opinion that Baig’s wife or his nephew should be given mandate from Baramulla. However, some leaders wanted Baig to contest from Baramulla as he was a winnable candidate. Meanwhile, The PDP on Wednesday named Haji Inayat Ali as the party candidate for Kargil and Mohammad Ismail Lone for the Gurez constituency, which are going to the polls in the first phase. Meanwhile, noted medico Gazzanfar Ali joined the PDP today. Gazzanfar is the son of late Abdul Qayoom, National Conference leader.
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457 border villages to have stand-by polling booths in safer zones
Jammu, October 29 The five-phase Assembly elections in the state will start from November 25. Over 72 lakh voters will decide the fate of the parties. “During the recent visit of an ECI (Election Commission of India) team to the state, we raised the issue of Pakistan firing and its impact on border villages. So the ECI asked us to set up stand-by polling booths for all 457 border villages in Poonch, Rajouri, Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts,” said Jammu Divisional Commissioner Shantmanu. “Each border village within the radius of 5 km from the Zero Line in the five districts would have stand-by polling booths in safer places, out of the Pakistani firing range, so that polling doesn’t get affected and voters remain safe and secure,” said the Jammu Divisional Commissioner. The Divisional Commissioner said all stand-by polling booths would have adequate contingents of security personnel and basic amenities of water and separate washrooms for men and women. Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Jammu-Kathua range, Shakeel Beigh said adequate security arrangements, as per the ECI guidelines, would be made for the elections. “We would be on a high alert in Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts. Quick reaction teams, naka checking and highway patrols would also be pressed into service while paramilitary forces from outside the state would assist us in ensuring hassle-free polls,” said the DIG, Jammu-Kathua range. Meanwhile, sources in the security forces and Intelligence agencies said they anticipated resumption of Pakistan firing during the elections. Shelling by Pakistan on the international border and the Line of Control in the Jammu region from October 1 to 12 claimed the lives of 10 persons while 95 others, including 13 security personnel, were injured. The shelling also forced over 35,000 villagers from over 120 border villages of Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts to flee their homes.
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BJP kick-starts election campaign in Jammu
Jammu, October 29 Leader of BJP’s legislative party Ashok Khajuria and state election campaign committee chairman Dr Nirmal Singh were also present on the occasion. “With the inauguration of this office, the party has sounded the campaigning begul,” Jugal said and expressed hope that the party would achieve its target of 44 plus seats in the Assembly elections. The party BJP is yet to officially announce its list of candidates for the coming poll. BJP leader and former mayor of the Jammu Municipal Corporation Kavinder Gupta also inaugurated an election office at Bakshi Nagar to intensify campaign in the Jammu West Assembly segment. Gupta exuded confidence that his party would achieve the desired target and said the BJP was going to “create a history” in the polls. “We are committed to form a nationalist government in J&K,” Gupta said and exhorted party workers to reach out to each and every household to spread the party’s message. While appreciating the party workers’ enthusiasm in establishing the office at such a short notice, he said people were fed up with the Congress, National Conference, Peoples Democratic Party combine. Gupta also said the Jammu West constituency had the largest number of voters in the entire state and reaching to every voter in the segment would require a determined effort from the party workers. The BJP leader further said the grassroots workers would have to remain active till the elections and their hard work would benefit the entire state and society.
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Politicians rely on social media to connect with electorate
Jammu, October 29 Six years ago, when Omar Abdullah became the Chief Minister, he was a role model for many netizens and has many followers on Twitter. Potential candidates of different political parties in J&K do not want to miss any chance and have created their personal accounts and pages on Facebook. A few candidates have a dedicated team working behind these pages and accounts and keep a track on movement of these leaders and upload their pictures and status. Till a few years ago, this trend was limited to urban areas and Assembly constituencies. Probable Congress candidate from Akhnoor Sham Lal Sharma is quiet active on Facebook. His team continuously updates his status and pictures. BJP leader from Jammu Aditi Sharma is also active on Facebook. Within weeks after she joined Facebook, her account reached limit for maximum number of friends and now people follow Aditi by liking her page. Politicians from far-off areas like Ghulam Muhammad Saroori, who is presently representing the Inderwal Assembly segment, Sajjad Kichloo of the NC, Daleep Singh Parihar of the BJP from Bhaderwah, Shakti Parihar of the BJP from Doda and many others are also active on Facebook and seek support from netizens.
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Azad urges Chenab Valley residents to vote for Cong
Jammu, October 29 Azad said the coming election was a historic opportunity for the people of the Chenab Valley to assert themselves and retain their importance in the political landscape of the state. “People of state in general and the Chenab Valley in particular have always given me lot of love and affection and I have always tried my level best to serve the people with dedication and humility,” Azad said, adding that they would again display enough “political sagacity” to sustain the momentum that infrastructure building, developmental process and decentralised governance have received with the emergence of the Congress on the political scene of Jammu and Kashmir after 2002. The Congress leader was speaking in public meetings at Khari and Ukerhal areas of the Banihal Assembly constituency. He said people of the Chenab Valley fully realise the fact that political weight of the region came to be recognised after 2002 when they reposed faith and confidence in the Congress party and developmental activities received major thrust in the area after 2005. Azad was confident that people of this region would vote very wisely and will not allow exploitative forces to dilute its improved political status and weightage. Cautioning people to beware of those forces who want to divide the votes in order to further their own nefarious agenda, Azad exhorted people to come out in huge numbers to vote for the Congress in the coming Assembly elections and put the state on the new course of development and progress.
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JU VC’s ‘sudden’ resignation ‘shocks’ faculty, students
Jammu, October 29 Visitors made a beeline to the VC office to know the reasons of his resignation, while the protesters didn’t miss the “opportunity” to express resentment against “irregularities” on the campus and demand for a vigilance inquiry into the appointments, both in teaching and non-teaching, made in the university during the last one year. Prof Ishar has submitted his resignation to Governor NN Vohra, who is also the Chancellor of the university, three months ahead of the completion of his three-year tenure, which was to be ended on January 27, 2015. He had joined Jammu University as Vice Chancellor on January 27, 2012. He has urged the Governor that he may be relieved from the post of the Vice Chancellor of Jammu University. Before his joining as the Vice Chancellor, he was a professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Punjab. Sources said Prof Ishar has cited personal reasons in his resignation letter. However, there was speculation on the campus that he resigned from the chair after he was “denied a three-year extension”. “Prof Ishar is likely to join his parent department in the GNDU on October 31. Despite the fact, he has been granted a four-day without pay leave till November 4. There are two weekend holidays on November 1 and November 2, while he is attaining the age of superannuation on November 3,” sources said. Meanwhile, the protesting students under the banner of the Students Scholars Forum and the Panthers Students Union (PSU) held a demonstration against the Vice Chancellor demanding vigilance inquiry regarding the appointments made by him during the last one year. They alleged that the appointments made by the Vice chancellor and other university authorities were completely bogus and biased. They also demanded quashing of all such appointments and vigilance inquiry into them.
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Floods leave trail of destruction in Valley’s 2nd oldest college
Srinagar, October 29 With mud still inside the college lawns, which is spread over 280 kanals, students find it difficult to attend classes. More than 40,000 books, 117 service records of teachers and students’ marksheets have been washed away by the deluge here where 4,000 students are on the roll. As many as 10 single storey buildings, including the principal’s chamber, were completely damaged in the floods. Wilayat Rizvi, Head of Department, Botany, of the college, who was a member of the college rescue and relief team, said theft also occurred at the college. The principal’s office is being re-constructed and at present the accounts and administration sections are functioning in the corridors of the college. With the officials from the Srinagar Municipal Corporation nowhere in sight, post-flood cleaning were done by a seven-member staff led by Ghulam Hassan. Hassan said somebody had to step in and take the initiative of cleaning the college. “I have dedicated 20 years of my life to the college and I share an emotional bonding with it. More than my job, I consider it a responsibility to help this institution,” Hassan said. Although a team led by the Commissioner Secretary, Higher Education, visited the college to assess the damage caused by the floods, students here are not expecting any support from the government. Politics goes tech savvy
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Rajouri flood victims protest govt apathy, allege mismanagement
Rajouri, October 29 The flood victims from Ranji Pera, Rooga and other villages yesterday held a protest at the Army ground in Suderbani alleging that they have not received any free ration as declared by the administration earlier. The protesters raised slogans against the district administration and also accused it of mismanagement. “The names of many victims whose houses were either fully or partially damaged in the last month’s calamity are missing from the beneficiary’s list while names of some blue-eyed persons have been inserted in the records by the officials concerned,” alleged Foola Begam and Suman Devi. The duo said social and religious organisations, besides some activists from NGOs had visited their places with relief material but many of the flood victims could not get adequate help due to the mismanagement of the local administration. “As far as free ration and other government relief is concerned it should immediately be distributed equally among the victims. Despite information provided to the officials concerned no aid has been provided to the people at fair price shops (run by the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department),” alleged Mohammad Farooq, a panchyat member. The protestors warned that they would block the Jammu-Poonch highway if free ration was not made available to them within next few days. Deputy Commissioner Jatinder Singh, meanwhile, said free ration has already been distributed among the beneficiaries. “Why the free ration did not reach the victims…the matter will be investigated and discussed with the officials concerned,” the official said.
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Guv briefed on health care restoration
Srinagar, October 29 The Governor advised Kansal to ensure against any delay whatsoever in restoration and delivery of basic services to the flood-affected people, particularly keeping in view that the winter, which was setting in rather early this year.
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Finance Minister calls on Governor
Srinagar, October 29 Rather also apprised the Governor about the history of various government departments engaging casual labourers and the current position regarding the regularisation of services of those engaged from 1994.
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BGSBU team heads for Kurukshetra
Rajouri, October 29 Dean academic affairs Prof AK Koul; special secretary to Vice Chancellor Suneet Gupta; and special secretary to Vice Chancellor and deputy director physical education and sports Mohammad Din were also present on the occasion. At least 50 universities of North India would be participating in the event. The team would be led by Aamir Ameen while Dr Javaid Iqbal is the manager and coach, said a university spokesperson. Choudhary while interacting with the team members said Vice Chancellor Irshad Ahmed Hamal was serious about the overall development of the scholars and on his advice the team was being selected by the Directorate of Physical Education and Sports to compete in this prestigious tournament. “Though the team has been sent to win the tournament yet it is equally important to create sportsman spirit and keep them physically and mentally fit to carry on the studies in a better way,” said the Registrar. Co-curricular activities are very important for over all development and university is striving hard to keep students involved in sports activities, he added. |
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Flood-ravaged traders take to streets to protest against govt
Srinagar, October 29 The traders assembled near the clock tower and raised slogans against the government failure to compensate the traders. The protest was organised by the Traders Association, Lal Chowk. “Almost two months have passed after the floods devastated Srinagar, the government has failed to compensate the traders in the city centre. This shows that the government is not serious to address the issues that we have been facing post floods,” said Manzoor Ahmed, a trader. The protesters also staged a sit-in at city centre, leading to traffic jam. The traffic was diverted to alternative routes. The traders had also erected a tent for the sit-in protest. The traders have been demanding exemption in income and sales taxes and international aid for their rehabilitation. “We will be forced to take extreme steps if our demands are not met by the government,” said another trader. The traders alleged that not a single official from the government had visited them to assess the scale of damage to their businesses caused by the floods. The September deluge had devastated hundreds of shops of Lal Chowk and they remained inundated for nearly two weeks.
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Ex-NC leader, five others join PDP
Srinagar, October 29 "Prominent political activist and senior NC leader from the Rajpora Assembly constituency in Pulwama district, Abdul Ahad Tantray, joined the party at a function here," a PDP spokesman said. He said PDP president and MP Mehbooba Mufti welcomed Tantray into the party fold. Tantray, who has been associated with the NC for the past 37 years and worked in different capacities, was accompanied by party leader Mohammad Amin Khan and scores of supporters. In another function chaired by PDP Patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, medico and social worker Dr Gazzanfar Ali joined the party. Ali is the son of politician Abdul Qayoom from the Charar-e-Sharief constituency in Budgam district. Qayoom was a minister in the NC government between 1996 and 2002. Agriculture scientist Ghulam Nabi Bhat, educationist Dr Abdul Gani, Professor of Agronomy Gulzar Ahmad Wani and former deputy director Planning Ghulam Qadir Chaloo and retired agricultural officer Mohammad Abdulla Sofi also joined the PDP at the function chaired by Sayeed. — PTI |
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Pvt schools defend mass promotion to students
Srinagar, October 29 The committee also expressed their apprehension about opening of schools in March due to bad weather. “Just see our history, March comes with unexpected weather with temperature remaining below 15 degrees,” said AG Masood, spokesman for the CCPS. “Even this year we had witnessed heavy snowfall in March that forced schools to open in March-end. Therefore, in an ideal situation exams can be possible only in April and the next session starts in May 2015,” he added. The committee said such a situation would harm career of thousands of students. The committee reiterated that all schools that have granted mass promotion to students abide by government rules. “There is no question of creating confusion among students. We are going to conduct exams for all higher classes whenever government orders,” said Masood. “We have mass promoted the students up to Class 7 and their certificates would be issued in March or as is deemed fit by the government. It is just change of syllabus for them and nothing else,” he added. The committee termed the mass promotion as flood-relief compensation to students. “At a time when the government has literally done nothing for the education sector, it is we who have taken an initiative that has been lauded at the national level too,” said Masood. “With mass promotion, flood-affected students won’t have to buy books for previous classes again. They won’t have to pay the examination and printing charges and above all for the next six months they will know what to study,” he maintained. The committee said the civil society and the representatives of the schools were fighting for making March as a permanent session. “If we had any ulterior motive of mass promoting students then why would we demand a permanent March session,” Masood said, adding, “We came to this conclusion after discussion with education experts and accessing meteorological data.” The committee said, “If the government wants to oppose mass promotion then they should come in the open. Let them say no relaxation would be given to flood-affected students and they will have to suffer.” Apprehension over opening of schools in MarchThe Coordination Committee of Private Schools expressed apprehension about opening of schools in March due to bad weather. “Just see our history, March comes with unexpected weather with temperature remaining below 15 degrees. Therefore, in an ideal situation exams can be possible only in April and the next session starts in May 2015,” said AG Masood, spokesman for the CCPS.
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Choice-based credit system by 2015: KU Vice Chancellor
Srinagar, October 29 On choice-based credit system, Andarbi said he would personally ensure that initial hiccups that had surfaced in the implementation of this system would be overcome in due course of time and the scheme would be implemented in its totality in all departments by 2015.
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SKICC shut doors for month after floods
Srinagar, October 29 As the water level in the Dal Lake had risen, it had its impact on working at the SKICC, where at least 15 official and non-official conferences slated for September were cancelled. The activities resumed in the first week of October. The SKICC, functional for the last over three decades, is located on the east bank of the Dal Lake with the Zabarwan hills in the backdrop and the Cheshma Shahi area overlooking the the lake. The Centaur Lake View Hotel, which plays host to national and international guests, faced the brunt of the rising waters. The SKICC is the only venue in the Valley for organising events over two decades. For about two weeks, road connectivity to the centre remained under water with the basement of the SKICC submerged, causing damage to offices, files and stores. The SKICC has 22 office rooms in the basement and stores of requisite material required for holding meetings and conferences. The material ranges from furnishings and furniture to food and beverages. “All stores were damaged even as restoration work was started immediately,” said Yasmeen Khan, Director of the SKICC.
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City youths develop web portal to monitor flood victims’ rehabilitation Srinagar, October 29 The portal aims to help smooth and fair distribution of food and medicines to needy persons. “I think this is very important. There should be a specific place where you can send reports and have a specific site where you get to know where relief has been provided so that we can make sure that every person who has been hit by floods can get relief,” said Seher Qazi, a journalism student. Many NGOs have enrolled on this portal to do relief work in a transparent manner. The Federation Commerce Industries Kashmir has helped these youths by providing them an office and some infrastructure. Jammu and Kashmir saw extensive flooding last month with Srinagar particularly hit hard. Hundreds of people were killed and tens of thousands left homeless. More than 75,000 people were in partly submerged homes in Srinagar, where roads had transformed into stagnant canals strewn with wreckage, trash and dead animals. — ANI
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College students seek postponement of mid-term exams Srinagar, October 29 University of Kashmir has postponed all undergraduate and postgraduate exams in the Valley till March keeping in view the conditions of students belonging to flood-hit localities of Srinagar city. The students said when the university could postpone the exams by three months, why were the colleges conducting the exams. “We are in no condition to appear in the exams, as we have lost everything - our homes and all belongings. Leave the loss, we are in mental trauma, we are not able to concentrate,” said a student of Degree College, Bemina. The aggrieved students said it would be difficult for them to sit in exams as their books and notebooks were washed away in the devastating floods. They added that colleges were the worst-hit by the floods and it was not safe to sit in and give exams due to risk of infections. “The college authorities should delay the exams for the welfare of students,” a group of college students said. Ten colleges across the Kashmir valley, most of which are located around Srinagar city, have been declared worst-hit and some of them are still not functional. Controller of Examinations, University of Kashmir, Professor Salam Bhat said, “Mid-term exams are a part of internal assessment which is solely conducted by colleges themselves. In mid-term exams, only one unit is to be covered so there should be no problem for students. It is just an excuse. They have to appear in internal exams that is a part of their internal assessment. Conducting of exams is a college decision. We have given guidelines that not more than one unit should be covered in this exam.”
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Soujanya takes over as Info Director Srinagar, October 29 Soujanya comes with rich experience of working with the media and he has already served the department as Joint Director, Information, Jammu; Joint Director, Information, Kashmir; and also as Director, Information, in his previous stint. A member of the J&K Information Service, Soujanya has also held several key positions in the state administration, including Director, Tourism, Jammu; Administrator, Kala Kendra, Jammu; Executive Director, Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society; and Chief Executive Officer, Surinsar-Mansar Development Authority. The media fraternity has hailed the posting of Soujanya hoping it would further cement the relations between the media and the government.
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Residents protest police action Srinagar, October 29 "The claims of the police are baseless and our relatives have been framed," said a protester. The protesters raised slogans against the police. On October 26, the J&K Police had claimed that they busted a recruitment module of militant outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba in north Kashmir's Sopore area by arresting eight members of the group.
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