Jammu, November 10
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has asked people to give his party a majority in the Assembly and in return he guarantees prosperity.

Addressing a public rally at Chanderkote organised by the NC unit of the Jammu province, Omar Abdullah said today that a conspiracy was being hatched against the NC to scuttle its “Naya Jammu and Kashmir agenda” aimed at bringing political stability, solidarity, peace, youth welfare and equitable development of all regions and sub-regions of the state.

“You give me majority in the Assembly, I promise a new and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir where economic development and empowerment of youth, women and work force will rule the roost,” he said.

The NC working president said the NC had no need to prove its secular, democratic and people-friendly credentials as the party had always proved its mettle and characteristic of being the only party in the state which sacrificed beyond imagination.

He said, “People can themselves judge the PDP’s credentials and its sincerity towards public cause by scanning through individuals. It is an amalgam of those who are wallowed in the morass of corruption, wrong-doings, unscrupulousness, political opportunism, power hunger and lust for chair.”

“Rejecting these political opportunists in the election is the need of the hour and people of all areas and all sections of society have to teach them a lesson in the elections,” the Chief Minister said.

Speaking on the occasion, NC provincial president, Jammu, Devender Singh Rana said people were wise enough to differentiate between friends and foes. He said the NC’s agenda and policy programme for all-round, inclusive and equitable development of all sections of society, particularly those living in remote, far-flung and hilly areas as also those belonging to poor sections of society, was lucid and clear.

“We have never compromised on our policy and our credential is time tested,” he said.

New Delhi, November 10
Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad will lead the Congress campaign in the upcoming Assembly elections in the state.

The Congress today named Azad as the chairman of the J&K Campaign Committee which will comprise 28 members.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi approved the committee today and authorised it to constitute district-level campaign committees in consultation with the state party chief Saifuddin Soz.

The members of the Congress campaign committee are — Janak Raj Gupta, Madal Lal Sharma, Rigzin Spalbar, Thakur Hari Singh, BR Kundal, Muzaffar Parray, Jehangir Mir, Shahnawaz Chaudhry, Arvinder Micky, Thakur Puran Singh, Tasaduq Hussain, GN Monga, Mohammad Aslam Goni, BS Slathia, MK Bhardwaj, YV Sharma, Indu Pawar, Prem Sagar Aziz, Shafeeq Mir, Chuni Lal Bhat, Farooq Andrabi, Swaran Lata, Haji Nisar Ali, Neeraj Kundal, Balvinder Singh Sambyal, Chenni Singh, Amreen Badr and Gurmukh Singh.

Srinagar, November 10
Kashmir’s Grand Mufti Bashir-ud-Din Monday denied any meeting with BJP leaders in connection with the Assembly elections in the state.

He claimed that the BJP was spreading lies to boost its image in Kashmir, where it had been trying to rope in groups and small political organisations to cobble up a post-poll alliance.

“I have no problem in meeting them. I swear by Allah and the Koran that I have not met any BJP leader. It is a lie. The BJP should not indulge in such activities,” he said. Asked about his stand on the elections, he said, “I have no stand on the elections.”

BJP leaders Ram Madhav, JP Nadda and Avinash Rai Khanna had visited Kashmir. They had met Peoples Conference leader Sajjad Lone, Democratic Party (Nationalist) head Ghulam Hassan Mir, Awami Ittehad Party chief Engineer Rashid and religious leaders. BJP’s Kashmir spokesman Khalid Jahangir said: “I will have to clarify from seniors before commenting on the issue.”

Srinagar, November 10
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said the upcoming elections to the state Assembly would be a ‘testing time’ for the people. He said the people of the state had got ‘politically emancipated’ and knew who was going to do justice with their votes.

He said this while addressing a function at Anantnag district in south Kashmir today.

The PDP patron said the political uncertainty dotting the state’s history ‘not only deprived the people of a responsible and responsive leadership but also marred its economic development.

Mufti said: “Unfortunately, we got politicians, who perpetuated this political uncertainty for their own survival in politics and never cared about the well-being of the state or its people.”

He said it was only after the 2002 Assembly elections that a serious effort was made not only at the political but at the governmental level to channelise the aspirations of the people on one hand and to address their development needs on the other.

Mufti said the Anantnag constituency had suffered a ‘deliberate neglect’ during the past six year and the PDP had a comprehensive vision for its overall development and growth.

“The PDP realises the importance of Anantnag town as a major stop in the tourist circuit of south Kashmir and its historic importance as a trading hub and administrative headquarters of the area,” he said.

Mufti said the PDP during its brief tenure in the government between 2002 and 2005 had taken some historic initiatives for the welfare and growth of the area but all initiatives taken to modernise infrastructure in the area had been shelved by the present National Conference-led government.

Samba, November 10
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today reiterated the resolve of his party to address the aspirations of all regions and sub-regions of the state.

He said the PDP would empower every section of society to ensure equal opportunity, adding that the party believed in the policy of inclusive growth and balanced development.

Addressing a public rally at Vijaypur in Samba district while kick-starting the election campaign in support of party candidate Harmesh Singh, Mufti said backwardness of this belt reflected that elected representatives had ‘miserably failed’ to perform their duty.

“The National Conference-led government has nothing to highlight as its achievement. Except indulging in deceit tactics, this regime has done nothing to address the grievances of the people during the last nearly six years,” Mufti said.

The PDP patron said border residents were the worst victims of the hostility between India and Pakistan. “As the peace process was pioneered by the PDP, the party would take it to its logical conclusion by establishing lasting peace in the region,” he said.

“It is my desire to strengthen the inter-regional unity among the Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh regions,” said Mufti and expressed satisfaction the PDP had earned trust and credibility of the people of Jammu and Ladakh.

“We sought support of the people to carry forward the agenda of inclusive growth. Our aim is not only to attain power but our agenda is also to win hearts of people by empowering all regions and sub-regions of J&K.”

Jammu, November 10
Congress leader Sham Lal Sharma today stepped up his campaigning and toured various villages of the Akhnoor constituency. He sought people’s support in the Assembly elections.

Addressing a series of meetings at various villages, Sharma, who is also the Minister for Public Health Engineering (PHE), Irrigation and Flood Control, highlighted the development initiatives taken by him in the villages during his two tenures as an MLA and sought support on the basis of his performance.

He asked the people to judge his performance during his stints ain Akhnoor nd repeat his candidature in the elections.

Making a scathing attack on the BJP, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the National Conference (NC), the minister said the parties do vote bank politics and play with the sentiments of innocent people.

“Similarly, the BJP’s role also remained dubious in the state and the party is losing its ground. The party’s credentials are known to all as it believes in disintegrating society in the name of religion, caste, creed and color, which is dangerous for the pluralistic society of our country,” Sharma said.

Jammu, November 10
BJP leader Girdhari Lal Bhagat, who had filed his nomination papers from the Ramban Assembly seat as a BJP candidate, today joined the National Conference (NC) in presence of CM Omar Abdullah.

On November 3, Bhagat had filed his nomination papers as BJP candidate whereas party had nominated Neelam Langeh to contest from the Ramban seat. He was forced to retreat and today he withdrew his nomination. — TNS

Jammu, November 10
With Pakistan’s dual strategy of fuelling terrorism in J&K and at the same time raking up the “Kashmir dispute” at international forums, including the UN General Assembly, a massive multi-tier security grid comprising nearly 80,000 paramilitary and police personnel is being put up to ensure free, fair and transparent Assembly polls in the border state.

Amidst Intelligence inputs of a possible spurt in Pakistan-backed terror activities and firing by the Pakistani forces on the borders, highways connecting Jammu with Pathankot, Srinagar and Poonch will get special attention. Security will also be beefed up in districts of Kupwara, Baramulla, Srinagar, Poonch, Rajouri, Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Ramban and communally sensitive Kishtwar.

The records suggest that these areas have been vulnerable to terror attacks, ambushes, Pakistani firing and law and order problems, said a top police officer.

• In addition to road opening parties of paramilitary forces and the Army, police patrols and quick reaction teams to dominate highways 24x7.
• The Army, CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF, RAF, SSB, police and Intelligence agencies to promptly relay and share security-related information and inputs.
• In the wake of boycott call by separatists, police and paramilitary forces to keep a check on intimidation of voters.
• The BSF seals the 198-km-long international border with more men.
• 457 border villages in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Poonch and Rajouri to have standby polling booths, out of the Pak firing range.
• Subversive elements to remain under constant watch of police.
• Security of candidates in fray to get priority.
• Intel agencies have shared information with security forces about possible plan of Pakistan to disrupt polling in 650 polling booths near the international border.
• Special Operations Group of the state police activated to keep tabs on subversive activities, including hawala transactions.

Chandigarh, November 10
With Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir around the corner, security forces have warned about isolated incidents of terrorism in an effort to create a sense of fear among local residents.

RS Tayal, Special Director General of the CRPF in Jammu and Kashmir Zone, said recent incidents of firing along the international border and the Line of Control were aimed at disrupting the electoral process.

He said the second tactic which could be employed was spreading terror to prevent people from voting in large numbers in the state.

“We are dealing with terrorism and law and order issues. We do not foresee any major problem during the elections, but stray incidents cannot be ruled out,” he said.

He was speaking on the sidelines of a passing-out parade of recruits at the Group Centre in Pinjore. Giving an example, he said a CRPF vehicle was fired at in Qazikund a few days ago, injuring four personnel.

He said an assessment of the security scenario had been made in coordination with the government. He added that security agencies were taking steps to protect opinion makers and persons of influence.

The CRPF had completed its pre-poll deployment. Additional forces, including those from other police forces, will be moved later.

The CRPF has around 60 battalions in the state. A total of 381 additional companies will be deployed on poll duty in the state.

Tayal inspected the parade, in which 714 recruits forming the 228th Battalion, were inducted as constables. This is the fourth CRPF battalion to be raised this year, increasing the strength to 232 battalions.

January 7: ASI Kafeel Ahmad killed and three policemen injured in an encounter in Sopore town.

January 13: JeM 'divisional commander' among three foreign militants killed in Sopore.

January 20: Hizb “commander” Javed Ahmad Mir killed in Qazigund area of Anantnag.

February 13: Hizb commander Arshad Ahmad Sheikh and his associate killed in Shopian.

February 24: Seven LeT militants killed in Lolab forests of Kupwara District.

March 10: Lashkar ‘divisional commander’ Abu Huraira killed in Handwara.

March 28: One soldier, two civilians and three LeT militants in an encounter in Kathua.

April 7: Five persons, including an Army officer, two policemen and two LeT militants, killed and six security personnel injured in Zunreshi area of Kupwara.

April 13: Two cops and two militants killed in a militant attack on the house of NC leader Yawar Masoodi in Pulwama.

May 8: Militants killed NC worker Gul Mohammad Bhat in Kulgam.

August 16: Two BSF personnel killed and four others injured in militant attack in Pulwama.

September 17: Two militants killed in Macchil Sector of Kupwara. 

Kulgam, November 10
Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad today said an alliance with the BJP would drown any regional party.

Azad was addressing mediapersons on the sidelines of a public rally in the Devsar area of Kulgam district today. He said there had been a certain obvious change of stance towards the BJP in some regional parties of the state.

“I’m cautioning every one that an alliance with the BJP to form a government will drown them, wipe them out,” said Azad. He said Kashmir was saved in the recent floods by God's grace, however, nobody could save the party forging an alliance with the BJP. Asserting that the Congress’ primary goal in the Assembly elections will be to form a government on its own, Azad avoided a question regarding his party's stance on forming an alliance with the NC or the PDP. He, however, blamed the regional parties for creating misconceptions about the Congress.

Srinagar, November 10
Former MP and NC candidate Mehboob Beg is pitted against stalwart PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in the electoral fight from the Anantnag Assembly seat.

Beg had lost the election from the same parliamentary constituency in May this year. Beg had represented the Anantnag parliamentary constituency from 2009 to 2014 before losing to Mufti’s daughter and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti.

Beg said he would campaign from door to door in the upcoming electoral contest from the Anantnag Assembly segment. “I will not hold any big rally and will stay away from the limelight. I will go from door to door,” Beg said.

The Anantnag Assembly constituency, located in south Kashmir, will go to the polls in the fourth phase on December 14. The town generally records low turnout. Voters in peripheral and rural areas of the constituency have come out in large numbers to form lengthy queues in previous elections.

The constituency will pit former Chief Minister Mufti against Beg. It will be the second consecutive election in Anantnag that Beg will face off against Mufti.

In 2008, Mufti had won the electoral battle in the Anantnag constituency by defeating Beg, his closest rival, by 4,891 votes. The polling percentage in Anantnag had increased to 41.23 per cent from 7.16 per cent in the 2002 Assembly elections.

PDP insiders say Mufti will shift his focus to Anantnag after completing the campaign in Jammu region. They said campaigning in Anantnag would focus on development and local issues. During Beg’s tenure as MP, he had recommended 357 works from his Local Area Development Fund for Anantnag. The second highest number was 30 for Bijbehara.

In 2008, Mufti had won the electoral battle in the Anantnag constituency by defeating Beg, his closest rival, by 4,891 votes. The polling percentage in Anantnag had increased to 41.23 per cent from 7.16 per cent in the 2002 Assembly elections.

Katra, November 10
Matwal Singh, who is 118 years old, has appealed to people to vote. He is one of the oldest voters in India and a believer in democracy since 1951.

His two-minute video was posted by the district administration on its official Facebook page under its pledge to vote campaign under the Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation.

The elections will be the largest democratic exercise ever with over 72.25 lakh voters. It is the story of a man never missing the opportunity to vote.

Matwal Singh, a farmer in Reasi district on the foothills of the Himalayas, has voted in every General Election since 1951. He pledges to vote and so should others, mentions the Facebook page. "Voters should exercise the right to franchise and hand over the reins of the government to an honest leader who can end corruption and check price rise," he had said in an interview. He lives in the picturesque Pouni village near Shiv Khori. His family includes three sons and four daughters. He has several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

"I was told about the none of the above option. I believe that one must use the right to franchise," he had said. He is eagerly awaiting December 2, the day of voting.

He was among the first to vote in the first Lok Sabha battle in October 1951 in the Udhampur constituency. He is concerned about the deterioration of politics. "It is common to hear about corrupt politicians. Parties rarely approach people with genuine policies. They waste their time in Parliament by creating ruckus instead of serious discussions on issues of public interest," he had said.

Jammu, November 10
MLA Durga Dass has resigned from the BJP and joined the J&K National Panthers Party (JKNPP). He accused the BJP leadership of betraying the mandate of the people and blamed six MLAs for the wrong committed by the leadership.

Dass declared that he had joined the Panthers Party as it was the “only party fighting for the cause of people of Jammu” and fighting relentlessly inside and outside the legislature for people of all sections of society.

Prof Bhim Singh, chief patron, JKNPP, welcomed Durga Dass and gave a call to all “honest and dedicated” legislators and other leaders to join the Panthers Party to strengthen their movement in the state. 

Jammu, November 10
Member of the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) KB Jandial called on Governor NN Vohra at Raj Bhawan here today.

Jandial briefed the Governor on various issues rela ed to the Public Service Commission’s functioning.

Jandial demits office on November 16 on the completion of his tenure.

Jammu, November 10
Ramban District Election Officer Farooq Ahmed Shah Bukhari Monday held a meeting-cum-training with the micro observers who would be deployed for Assembly elections in Ramban and Banihal constituencies.

The meeting was attended by election observer Sandeep Kumar. Bukhari enumerated and explained various responsibilities of micro observers.

He said the active involvement of micro observers and prompt reporting was significant for quick removal of any bottleneck in the way of free and fair elections in the district.

He informed the participants in the meeting that all arrangements, especially transport and board and lodging, had been made keeping in view the hilly terrain of the district.

He said all micro observers would have to move along with teams of the polling staff who had been allotted their polling stations.

Work begins at Guv’s Secretariat in Jammu

Jammu: The Governor’s Secretariat at Raj Bhawan in Jammu became functional here on Monday. It had closed in Srinagar on October 31. Governor NN Vohra inspected various wings of the Secretariat and directed staff to ensure cleanliness, prompt disposal of all references, methodical record-keeping and satisfactory maintenance of the estate. He called for proper upkeep of the gardens. Vohra also took stock of the solar power plant at Raj Bhawan. He visited CRPF and J&K Police camps. Rakesh K Gupta, principal secretary to Governor, and other officials accompanied Vohra during his round. — TNS

Udhampur, November 10
Nominations of two of the three candidates who had come to file their papers for the Chenani constituency of Udhampur district were not accepted by the Assistant Returning Officers (ARO) as their documents were incomplete.

The two candidates whose nominations were not accepted are Samajwadi Party candidate Pushpa Dogra and Congress candidate Ashok Kumar Gupta.

As per official information, PDP candidate Sukhdev Sharma filed his nomination from the Udhampur Assembly seat while Congress candidate Krishan Chand Bhagat and BJP candidate Dina Nath Bhagat filed their nominations for the Chenani Assembly constituency. — OC

Jammu, November 10
Director General of Police (DGP) K Rajendra Kumar was presented a guard of honour at the Police Headquarters (PHQ), which re-opened here this morning following the Durbar Move.

On his arrival, the DGP was received at the headquarters by senior police officers, including ADGPs SP Vaid and SM Sahai.

Expressing satisfaction over the arrangements being made for the smooth re-opening of the PHQ, the DGP stressed for more dedication to bring more efficiency in day-to-day working. He said efficiency in working would strengthen subordinate units to work for the betterment of people.

The DGP also visited other moving police establishments in the winter capital, including security, CID, traffic and crime headquarters, and interacted with officials of these wings.

During his visit to various establishments, he discussed different administrative and other matters related to the upcoming elections. He gave instructions for creating better working environment in their respective wings.

Later, the DGP chaired a meeting of senior police officers and discussed various issues related to administrative matters and professional policing. Officers present at the meeting briefed the DGP about the progress being achieved on different fronts of professional policing and efforts put in place for maintaining law and order and creating a conducive atmosphere for the polls in the state.

Jammu, November 10
The president of the National Mazdoor Conference (NMC), Subash Shastri, today appealed to the main political parties to make their stand clear regarding regularisation of services of 62,000 causal/seasonal labourers/adhoc and contractual employees of the state government.

Addressing a huge rally of causal labourers, he demanded that these parties incorporate their stand regarding the fate of these workers in their election manifesto as a commitment. He added that if a party was sincere about the issue, it would commit to them in the manifesto.

Shastri said the state government was not sincere about the regularisation of services. He added that it would be a pivotal issue in deciding the fate of many candidates in their respective constituencies in the upcoming Assembly elections.

The demands of the NMC are release of installment of 17 per cent DA due from January and July, hike in the wages to Rs 10,000 per month, implementation of the CP Fund scheme in all the departments. — TNS

Jammu, November 10
Students of Government College for Engineering and Technology (GCET), Kot Balwal, held a protest against poor infrastructure and lack of permanent faculty members, which they said was affecting their studies.

Raising slogans against the government and the Higher Education Department, the protesters alleged that they were unable to concentrate on their studies due to the apathetic attitude of the authorities. They said the college was fast becoming defunct.

“Nearly 50 per cent of the lecturers engaged in the college are working on ad-hoc basis. This has affected the academic performance of the institution’s students. “The engineering college was established in 1994 and today it is the only government engineering college here,” said Manvi, an engineering student.

At present, there are only 48 faculty members in the college against 71 sanctioned posts, including 28 of temporary lectures and 20 of permanent lecturers.

“In the past two decades, 12 poorly paid temporary faculty members have left the institution for better avenues. The government has still failed to come up with a promotion policy,” said a senior professor.

The GCET was established in 1994 in the old campus of the University of Jammu (JU) on the model of the erstwhile Regional Engineering College (REC) in Srinagar and was supposed to be developed as one of the premier technical colleges in the country.

Jammu, November 10
Senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and Deputy Speaker of Legislative Assembly Mohammad Sartaj Madni has accused the National Conference and the Congress of failing to solve the problems of Kashmiri Pandits and deceiving them.

He said the PDP believed in politics of inclusiveness and once voted to power, it would take care of the aspirations and sentiments of every section of society, including Pandits. “Both the National Conference and the Congress are responsible for the hardships and miseries of Pandits. They have only been making hollow promises and doing nothing substantial to mitigate the community’s sufferings,” he said.

Madni said the PDP would create a conducive atmosphere for their return to their native places with honour and dignity. He said Kashmir was incomplete without Pandits and their return was a must to restore the age-old traditions and composite culture. — TNS

Jammu, November 10
The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) has decided to include the state’s history in the curriculum.

Prof Nutan Kumar Rasutra, chairman, JKBOSE, while briefing mediapersons at his office at Rehari Colony, said new books will be introduced other than those recommended by the board in private schools.

He stressed the need to discourage unhealthy practices and said burden on students would be reduced. Prof Rasutra admitted that the quality of books was not that good as compared to those of private publishers.

He directed the publishers to improve the quality of paper used for printing books. The JKBOSE chairman said necessary measures would be taken to conduct examinations in a foolproof manner, thereby plugging all loopholes. Further, the marking process would now be monitored through CCTV cameras, he said

The JKBOSE chairman stressed the need to improve the IT sector so that employees of the department do not have to run here and there to get data and it is available on a mouse’s click.

Srinagar, November 10
The shopkeepers likely to be affected by the construction of Jehangir Chowk-Rambagh flyover today reiterated their demand for suitable rehabilitation.

The Traders Federation, Exhibition Road Magarmal Crossing, general secretary Abdul Rauf accused the government of “cold shouldering” their demands.

“The government has failed to provide an acceptable alternative for the shops that are to be demolished due to the construction of flyover. Moreover, all the shops from Rambagh to Jehangir Chowk had remained inundated in flood water and several of them are yet to resume business as the government has once again failed to rehabilitate us,” Rauf alleged.

He said the government should soon announce an “acceptable rehabilitation package” for the affected shopkeepers.

The flyover project was announced in July 2009 and was to be completed in three years. But the construction work could not take off due to various issues, including rehabilitation of the affected shopkeepers.

The work finally started in September last year and the fresh deadline for its completion is 2016. However, the work was again disrupted during the floods. 

Jammu, November 10
Former employees of the State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) today organised a rally to protest the failure of the government to fulfill its promise when they took voluntary retirement.

The employees raised slogans against the Managing Director of the Corporation and Finance Department for the delay in fulfilling the promise. The association has demanded a probe by the Vigilance Bureau into the alleged misuse of crores of rupees released for clearing the COLA slabs of the employees.

Under the banner of All-J&K SRTC Volunteer Retirement Employees Association (VREA), former employees of corporation have alleged that they were duped by the management with a false promise that employees who took voluntary retirement would have their all their dues, including 126 Slabs of Cost of Living Allowance (COLA), cleared.

Association president Dev Raj Bali alleged that the management had not fulfilled their demands such as the release of COLA, pending arrears since 1999 and 6th pay commission w.e.f. 2006.

He alleged that the SRTC management had wrongly represented their case before the Finance Department and it was still pending due to which they had been struggling for the past two years.

“They trapped us first and assured that money will be cleared on time but only few people have got their dues cleared,” said another employee, DN Sharma.

Srinagar, November 10
The National Conference (NC) today appealed to the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Central government to focus on rehabilitation of flood victims.

The party also urged the Centre to take “immediate measures” to assist the flood victims in the reconstruction of their houses and provide relief to the affected business owners.

NC general secretary and Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Ali Mohammad Sagar in a statement said the rehabilitation of all flood victims whose houses were damaged should be the foremost priority of the Central government and that the ECI.

“The Central governmemt and the Election Commission should take all necessary measures to ensure that there are no systemic or procedural hurdles in the rehabilitation process due to the electoral process,” Sagar said.

He said the Omar Abdullah-led state government had submitted Rs 44,000-crore proposal to the Central government for the rehabilitation of the flood victims and it did not want any delay in delivering adequate relief and compensation to the victims.

“However, we are still to hear about the decision of the Central government on the proposed package,” he said, while making a fervent appeal to the Centre and the ECI to take into account the gravity of suffering and devastation.

Srinagar, November 10
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Srinagar based 15 Corps, Lt Gen Subrata Saha, today flagged in a group of students who had been on an educational tour to New Delhi, Jaipur and Ajmer.

The tour was aimed at educating, motivating and creating awareness among the young generation of the Mawar Valley.

The touring group comprised 24 students and two teachers. They visited various historical places, Army establishments, motivational installations, IT hubs and planetariums, a Defence spokesperson said.

The students also had a rare honour to meet President Pranab Mukherjee and Member of Parliament and Olympic medalist Col Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore (retired).

The focus of the tour was educating and motivating these children towards greater achievements in life. Towards this end, the children visited Hindustan Times office, the NTPC thermal power plant, Pepsi bottling plant and various other places.

Lt Gen Saha gave away mementos to all participants and prizes to the winners of an essay writing competition organised on the occasion. 

Srinagar, November 10
The core security group met at Anantnag today to review the situation and to draw out plans for ensuring incident-free Assembly elections in south Kashmir.

The meeting was chaired by Lt Gen Subrata Saha, General Officer Commanding of the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps, and attended by IGP Kashmir AG Mir; DIG, South Kashmir Range, Alok Kumar; SSP, Pulwama, Tajender Kumar; SSP, Anantnag, Junaid Mahmood; SSP Kulgam, Mumtaz Ahmad; SSP, Shopian, A Wahid; SP, Awantipora, Tahir Saleem; GOC, Victor Force, and other Army officials.

Addressing the meeting, Lt Gen Saha complimented the members and the officials of the Core group South Kashmir for the high level of synergy among all the agencies in addressing the security concerns of south Kashmir.

AG Mir, meanwhile, elaborated on the key security initiatives, specific to south Kashmir, that have been put into place to manage the law and order situation and to counter the threats posed by inimical elements during the elections.

The other officers in attendance coordinated the functional aspects pertaining to their areas of responsibility. 

Srinagar, November 10
The “harud” or autumn, the Valley’s most cherished season, has almost past unnoticed. The season, when the falling leaves of mighty chinar trees make Kashmir shine like gold, was unable to soothe the scars of the flood-hit Valley.

A palpable air of gloom still shrouds the parts of the summer capital, which were totally devastated by the September deluge.

The only thing which the people remember are the collapsed houses and a trail of destruction left behind by the rampaging Jhelum.

People are no more interested in spending hours in the open air discussing politics and gossiping around.

The public parks wear a deserted look. Groups of youngsters are conspicuous by their absence.

“The scars left by the floods are still fresh in my mind. There is not much happiness. We are trying to recover from the devastation. The sight of these ravaged parks is also depressing,” said Zahid Ali, 24, an engineering student, who would often spent his evenings with friends in the parks along the Jhelum.

“From the last two months we haven’t been there. It will take a long time to return to the routine,” Zahid said.

The unprecedented floods seem to have left the people in “trauma”.

“There is only slush and mud left behind in the gardens. There is no place left for meeting friends in the open. The floods left deep scars on our minds… how we survived, what happened to our homes and to our city. It is not easy to get back to routine in such a short time,” said Samia Majid, a teacher.

The ‘harud’ this year doesn’t have any good news for the farmers either. They are battling to dry their flood-soaked stocks before the winter intensifies.

“Our livelihood is dependent on farming. The floods washed away everything, our crops, our belongings… leaving behind the scars, which are not going to heal in a shot span,” said Nazir Ahmad from Pohru on the outskirts of Srinagar, whose paddy field was washed away by the gushing Jhelum.

The vast spread golden-brown rice fields, which once soothed the eyes, have turned into a sight of pain.

The cool morning and evening autumn breeze and the gentle warmth of the day is no more refreshing.

A leading Valley physiatrist is of the opinion that people were in shock and trying to recover from the losses.

“Everyone in the Valley was directly or indirectly affected (by the floods). People are still trying to get their things sorted out…. Once everything returns to normal they will again go for outings or visit places,” said Dr Mushtaq Margoob.

He, however, added that many people were vulnerable and are suffering from anxiety disorders post floods. 

Jammu, November 10
The North Zone Inter-University Handball Championship at the University of Jammu (JU) today witnessed high drama. The host JU team alleged that the defending champion, MDU Rohtak team, had included three players from outside in the quarterfinal match today.

Sources said the players of the host university played the match under protest. The jury committee of the tournament had kept the match decision pending and decided to convene a meeting tomorrow to sort out the issue.

Prof Dhian S Bhau, Director, Directorate of Sports and Physical Education, said, “The decision of the match is pending and is likely to be taken tomorrow by the jury committee.”

Meanwhile, the campaign of the JU women’s team also ended today after losing quarterfinal match. Earlier, in the first quarterfinal in the men’s section, the Kurukshetra University toppled the PTU, Jalandhar, 46-38 while the PU, Chandigarh, beat the GNDU, Amritsar, team. The Punjabi University, Patiala, overcame the challenge of the LPU, Phagwara.

In women’s section, the Kurukshetra University lost to the PU, Chandigarh, 28-32. The Punjabi University, Patiala, beat the RMLA University, Faizabad, 28-24.

Jammu, November 10
Students of Rich Harvest School Monday attended the flag-cum-foundation day function of the Jammu and Kashmir State Bharat Scouts and Guides at the headquaters in Gandhi Nagar.

Eight students of the school went under the supervision of trustee Ruchi Charak. Teachers Monika Bharti and Kanika Gupta took part in the function. More than 200 students from various schools were present.

During the function, students attended regular sessions. They were taught how to to inculcate leadership qualities, problem-solving abilities, team-building skills, confidence and sense of responsibility.

The function began with the welcome speech by IG Soni, Commissioner of Scouts and Guides. Minister for Youth Services and Sports Raman Bhalla was the chief guest.

J&K State Bharat Scouts and Guides president RS Chib presided over the flag-cum-foundation day function. — TNS

Srinagar, November 10
The Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) has taken exception to Ram Jethmalini’s remark that majority of pro-freedom representatives in Kashmir want to be with India.

“Ram Jethmalini’s remarks that majority of pro-freedom representatives in Kashmir want to be with India is unfortunate and unacceptable. It has hurt the sentiments and emotions of people of Kashmir,” the DAK said in a statement here.

The DAK further said Jethmalini was advocating a hidden agenda by engaging Kashmiris in “non-issues and alternative formulas”.

“He should come out from cozy rooms of five star hotels and see the writing on the wall,” the statement added.

In a statement, Geelani had asked the Kashmir Committee head, Ram Jethmalani, to identify those pro-freedom political leaders who want to be with India.

“It is not right to create confusion and doubts about pro-freedom leadership. If he (Jethmalani) is right then India in no case should delay plebiscite,” Geelani had said.

“We have rejected four-point formula of Pervez Musharraf as it does not serve any purpose and we think it is against the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” Geelani said in response to Jethmalaini’s assertion that Musharraf’s formula should form the basis of any permanent solution to the Kashmir issue.

Rajouri, November 10
In an initiative to identify, nurture and harness sports talent, the headquarters of the 16 Corps launched the Pir Panjal Knights Premier League competition in the Pir Panjal region.

Trials and selections of players was conducted at the brigade level in Nowshera, Poonch and Rajouri to select teams in cricket and kho-kho.

They will represent the Rajouri-based Ace of Spades Division in the finals, likely to be held at the headquarters of the Uniform Force in the third week of November.

The finals of the first phase were held at Raina Stadium. The cricket final was won by Poonch and the kho-kho event by Rajouri. — OC

Jammu, November 10
In line with the Prime Minister’s flagship programme “Swachch Bharat Abhiyan”, the authorities of Sainik School in Nagrota organised a cleanliness drive in the vicinity of the premises.

Under the leadership of Colonel Kapil Dev Koushal, Principal of the school, 450 cadets and teachers carried out a cleanliness drive from the school gate to Nagrota market, gathering garbage and polythene littered along the 1.5-km stretch.

Prior to the commencement of the campaign, the Principal addressed students and stressed the need of social obligation of students.

He said they could have a significant role in creating awareness among people about the hazards of using polythene and spreading filth.

Gloves were arranged for all the participants of the campaign. They were told to mask themselves with their handkerchiefs.

The main aim of the campaign was to make the vicinity litter-free and motivate residents of the locality to maintain the same.

As the cadets and staff began their task enthusiastically, a large number of residents were inspired by them and joined them in the cleanliness drive.

The two-hour-long cleanliness campaign culminated at the school’s main gate with a word of appreciation by the Principal for the cadets and staff for their service to society.

Jammu, November 10
KC Public School Monday celebrated World Animal Welfare Day on the junior school premises.

The event was organised to sensitise students about the need for cooperation to address matters of animal welfare.

A special assembly was conducted in the school, wherein emphasis was laid on the need to end cruelty towards animals and improve welfare worldwide.

The assembly comprised animal welfare songs and a dance and talk show.

A street play was staged as well and it was followed by a puppet show.

Headmistress of KC Public School Sofia Rana spoke about the diverse roles of animals and their good characteristics.

Srinagar, November 10
An unidentified man was found dead in the Khonmoh area on the outskirts of Srinagar, the police said here today.

A police spokesperson said an investigation has been launched and the identity of the deceased was being ascertained.

“The police station Pantha Chowk was informed by some locals that a body is lying near the nullah Gurrail in the Khonmoh area. A police party rushed to the spot. The body was taken to the hospital and is now kept in the Pantha Chowk mortuary for identification,” the spokesperson said.

The deceased is about 52-53 years old and his height is about 5 feet 7 inches and was found wearing brown pants and white shirt, the spokesperson said.

The police have also sought information from the public to trace the identity of the deceased.

Rajouri, November 10
A 26-year-old man reportedly committed suicide over domestic problems at his residence in Kotli Kalaban Monday afternoon. The deceased was identified as Mohd Sageer.

When he did not come out of the room for a few hours, his family knocked on the door, but when there was no response. They broke the door and found him hanging from the ceiling fan.

The matter was reported to the Manjakot police. After legal formalities, the body was taken to the district hospital for postmortem examination.

The police started inquest proceedings under Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Code. Sources said the victim was unemployed and had some problems with his family.

Batote, November 10
Three persons were killed when the Jammu-bound bus (JK03-2047) they were in rolled down about 50 feet into the Nachlana nullah on the Jammu-Srinagar Highway in Banihal this afternoon.

The police said the deceased had been identified as Abdul Rashid Peer (driver) of Handwara, Abdul Lateef Naik and Mohd Imran Naik of Mohu village in Banihal. — OC