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Jammu & Kashmir Votes 2014 manifesto released
BJP wants good ties with Pak: Rajnath
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Want progress? Vote for Congress: Azad to Jammu
Constituency watch: Reasi
Omar links polls to 1953 ‘struggle’
snapshots
Raj Babbar back for Round 2
Netas shun white, add colour
‘Ambush tactics’ of traffic police claims biker’s life
School celebrates annual
day
Arnia terror attack condemned
Teachers trained in heritage conservation
JU teachers express inability to perform election duties
Army pays homage to slain soldiers
Hideout busted in Doda
SKUAST-Jammu VC calls on Guv
Tight security for Kupwara polls
Year on, no action on inquiry report into fake appointments
Football body hails J&K Bank’s sports policy
Governor for promotion of Scouts & Guides movement
Residents demand another ration ghat
Nami Dogri Sanstha calls on Guv
Ladishah: The forgotten storyteller of Kashmir
‘Politically inclined’ varsity teachers refuse poll duty
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PDP swears by ‘self-rule’ to resolve Kashmir issue
Promises to restore Article 370 to original status, withdraw AFSPA Majid Jahangir Tribune News Service
Srinagar, November 28 The manifesto, which was released by party patron and former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed three days after the first phase of elections, has focused on five key agendas, including “self-rule” as the frame work for Kashmir resolution, reconstruction of the economy, government reformation and revival of the civil society. “The ‘self-rule’ agenda will be the guiding framework for the resolution,” Mufti said while releasing the manifesto titled Aspirational Agenda. “Self-rule will bring closer ties (with those) across the Line of Control, make borders irrelevant and complete connectivity,” he said. The PDP’s self-rule framework was originally unveiled in 2008 and it called for redefinition of Kashmir's relations with New Delhi in a broader politico-economic framework involving Pakistan for resolving the Kashmir issue. The self-rule framework also calls for economic integration between the two parts of Kashmir. The ruling National Conference had recently lashed out at the PDP for “burying” its self-rule document. “The party will use Article 370 itself to restore the original special status of state. Article 370 impacts everything from political discourse to personal responses, economy to emotions, society to sensibilities and institutions to ideologies,” the manifesto read. The opposition party, which is confident of accomplishing its 44 plus target, has also promised to restore the powers of the state Assembly and empower the sub-regions of the state through constitutional restructuring. The party said it would also review all the cases against youth and stop the use of inhuman crowd control methods like pellet guns. “A special toll-free hotline will be created in the Chief Minister’s office for young state subjects who are in distress outside the state,” the manifesto said. Relief for flood-hit
The party promised that rehabilitation of the flood-affected people would be the party’s first priority. The party also promised to develop Srinagar and Jammu as smart cities with rapid transport system and other basic amenities besides creating more satellite cities in the state. Resettlement of Pandits
The manifesto also talks about Kashmiri Pandits’ return to the Valley. “Kashmiri Pandits will be reintegrated and absorbed in the Kashmiri milieu. The reintegration has to be a process that must start within the state as we as the civil society,” it said. The party also promised a legislative framework for empowerment of minorities. “We will recommend to the Government of India to declare Sikhs and Christians a minority in J&K under the National Minorities Act,” it said. “The PDP will also workout one-time compensation for PoK refugees and pursue the resolution passed by the J&K Assembly in 2005 for grant of ST status to the Pahari-speaking people,” the manifesto said. The party also promised that they would make it mandatory for all political parties to field 33 per cent female candidates in elections. Economy reconstruction
The PDP manifesto talks at length on reconstructing the shattered economy of the state. “The overall economic policy will align the economic structure of J&K with its own resources, skills and society,” the manifesto read. “Economic policy will not be formulated for government’s activities but for private businesses and enterprises,” it added. No alliance with BJP
"The PDP will have no alliance with the BJP. But we will work in coordination with everyone. In 2002, we had no coordination with the Centre and started various model steps," said Mufti. What is Mufti’s self-rule agenda
The PDP has put forward the “self-rule” formula for the resolution of the Kashmir issue. The formula envisages joint management of two Kashmirs by India and Pakistan and making borders irrelevant. The ‘self-rule’ agenda will be the guiding framework for the resolution,” Mufti said while releasing the manifesto titled Aspirational Agenda. “Self-rule will bring closer ties (with those) across the Line of Control, make borders irrelevant and complete connectivity,” he said. |
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BJP wants good ties with Pak: Rajnath
Srinagar, November 28 BJP state vice-president Ramesh Arora said the Home Minister also telephonically addressed rallies at Karnah in Kupwara district and Akad in south Kashmir from the summer capital as his chopper could not reach these remote areas due to bad weather. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s handshake with his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif at the SAARC summit yesterday, Singh said: “Just shaking hands won't help, the hearts should come together.” Regretting the militant strike at Arnia, he said the BJP would take J&K out of the shadows of terrorism if voted to power. Singh promised 24-hour power supply and a major hospital in Uri if the BJP came to power. At Akad, he blamed some anti-national elements and “some of the political parties for spreading terror” in the region to just grab power. Stating that the 73rd Amendment to the Constitution of India was made so that the money meant for development could reach the panchayats, Singh said: “The state government, however, has been adamant and has made sure that the amendment does not pass in the state legislative Assembly. This has hampered the development of panchayats in J&K and in turn the overall development of the state.”
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Want progress? Vote for Congress: Azad to Jammu
Jammu, November 28 He said they had a credible track record of performance on the front of development, growth and infrastructure building. He said the Congress would be a viable option at this juncture. He was addressing public meetings in the upper reaches of Reasi, Gool-Arnas, Gulabgarh-Mahore and Chenani constituencies. “The entire state has seen my performance on the parameters of development, infrastructure building, governance and work culture. We are seeking a decisive mandate from the people on the basis of that record,” said the former Chief Minister. He said, “Though exploitative, divisive and region-specific parties have restarted a high-pitch election rhetoric to fool the people, wise and sagacious people in the state have decided to reject them and revive an era of progress and prosperity.” He was accompanied by AICC general secretary Ambika Soni and candidates contesting from Reasi, Gool-Arnas, Gulabgarh-Mahore and Chenani Assembly seats. “We are facing a gigantic task of reviving the flood-ravaged economy, rebuilding public infrastructure on a fast-track basis and creating employment opportunities for the youth. Our political leaders have again started a discourse of emotional blackmail for the sake of gaining power,” said Azad. Cautioning the people against the divisive and polarising agenda of the BJP, Azad claimed that they had exploited the people of the state for the last 60 years over Article 370 and were now asking them to forget the issue. Reacting to allegations of the BJP about the so-called Roshini scam, he said the saffron party was bankrupt and without any issue. He claimed that the BJP had gauged the mood of the people in the first phase of elections and was using diversionary and misleading methods to exploit the people. He said the Roshini scheme was a pro-poor and people-friendly measure of his government.
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Likely game changers: Independents
Devinder Thakur
Katra, November 28
Independent candidates like Saraf Singh and Karnail Singh, who are contesting the polls for the first time, are not lagging behind the mainstream political parties in any manner. A millionaire who declared assets worth around Rs 618 lakh, Karnail Singh is campaigning hard to get the people on his side ahead of the polls. Saraf Singh, a former Kashmir Administrative Services officer, on the other hand is banking on the youth power. He has successfully managed to involve youngsters in his campaign and political observers feel that he has emerged as a strong contender. The Independent candidates are also getting the backing of various trade organizations, which has only strengthened the doubt among the mainstream contenders. “I am supporting an Independent candidate. If he wins we will fight together for the welfare and development of Reasi. All major political parties have failed to bring a change,” said Ashok Kumar. However, the effect of Prime Minister Narendra Modi cannot be ignored in this part of the Jammu region as was evident in the parliamentary polls earlier this year. BJP’s Jitendra Singh had managed to fetch 50.67 per cent of total votes polled in this part of the Udhampur-Doda Lok Sabha constituency and the party would be hoping to repeat the feat in the Assembly polls. The expulsion of the incumbent legislator Baldev Raj Sharma from the BJP ahead of the Assembly polls might though have an adverse effect on the saffron party’s chances in the area. Sharma is contesting the election for the seat as an Independent after being shown the door by the BJP. The party has fielded its district president Ajay Nanda for the seat. Congress’ Jugal Kishore, who had finished as a runner-up in the previous state elections, is also staking his claim on the seat. The party has won the seat three times in 1967, 1987 and 2002. However, with the Independents posing a strong challenge to the mainstream political parties in the area it has become difficult pick a clear favourite.
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Omar links polls to 1953 ‘struggle’
Srinagar, November 28 “The National Conference is fighting an ideological battle for the dignity of the state,” Omar said while addressing party workers and activists in central Kashmir’s Beerwah segment. He is contesting from Beerwah and Sonawar. “The NC’s demand of reversing erosions in Article 370 and restoration of internal autonomy in Jammu and Kashmir is not an electoral plank. It had formed the basis of a struggle for which Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah had to spend 23 years in jail,” he said. Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah was the Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir when he was dismissed in 1953 and arrested on charges of hatching conspiracy against the state. The NC has been demanding restoration of pre-1953 position when the state enjoyed a greater autonomy in its internal affairs. “Thousands of NC workers did not sacrifice their lives for elections. We have a history of sacrifices and courage and dream of a future of dignity and honor for our people. We are not seeking power to facilitate the BJP’s ambitions. We are asking for your vote so that we can again fight the battle that we fought in 1953 under Sheikh Sahib’s command,” Omar said. The NC leader listed achievements of his government in the last six years. “We will continue to empower the common man with rights to ask questions to ministers, MLAs and the Chief Minister. We will continue to devolve and decentralise power to the grassroots. Our efforts at liberalisation of power through panchayati raj system and creation of administrative units is noteworthy.” Omar emphasised that development was “not a substitute for the political resolution” of the Kashmir issue. “Our proposed resolution is the reversal in the erosions made to the Article 370 and the complete restoration of internal autonomy. We will continue to stand by these perennial demands with renewed vigour and strength.” “Our political honour is not second to our developmental needs, both aspects of our identity and collective being need to be addressed simultaneously and this is something the BJP needs to acknowledge and accept,” the NC leader said. Meanwhile, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah who is undergoing treatment in London, has cautioned people to vote “wisely” and termed the statements by BJP leaders about Article 370 as “dangerous and unfortunate”. “BJP leaders should take caution before issuing such statements. Article 370 is an issue of life and death,” the veteran leader said.
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Mustafa Kamal campaigns in Gulmarg
He addressed rallies at Kongamdara, Khore Sherabad, Tantraypora, Tunjiheran, Malmoh, Hardashoora and Mirwaiz hits out at right-wing parties
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Netas shun white, add colour
Jammu, November 27 Prime Minister Narendra Modi’’s coloured jackets grabbed ttention in April-May. State BJP leaders are trying to copy him. Kavinder Gupta, Sat Sharma, Rajesh Gupta and others prefer saffron colour. They wear bright kurta pyjama and sleeveless jacket with party scarf. NC leaders sport western dresses like suits. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah wears ‘phiran’. Congress leaders wear white kurta pyjama with khadi jacket. PDP president Mehbooba Mufti wears green ‘’abaya’.
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‘Ambush tactics’ of traffic police claims biker’s life
Jammu, November 28 The driver lost control over the bike when traffic policemen stopped them suddenly on the Fourth Bridge of the Tawi this morning. According to eyewitnesses, Sidharth Mattoo, son of Deepak Matto, along with his friend Vishal Mancho, son of Vijay Kumar Mancho, residents of Talab Tillo, were on their way to Bhagwati Nagar from the Fourth Bridge, when the traffic police suddenly came in their way to stopped them and they lost control over the bike and hit the traffic Gypsy on the roadside. Sidharth Mattoo died on the spot and Vishal Mancho was seriously injured in the accident. Passersby alleged that the traffic policemen fled away from the spot leaving the deceased and injured on the road. They were later shifted to Government Medical College (GMC) by another police vehicle. To show their anguish against the traffic police, local youth blocked the bridge for hours demanding arrest of the traffic policemen involved in the incident. Rahul Jamwal, a local resident, said, “Traffic policemen have started a new tactics to stop vehicles. They hide on the curves and suddenly come out to stop the vehicle, which shocks the rider and he looses control over the bike.” “Sidharth was wearing helmet and all his documents were complete. Then what was the purpose to stop them in such a manner?” he asked. Rakesh Sharma, another protester at the bridge, said, “The policemen themselves disturbed the balance of the biker. Is this the way to stop someone? If they didn’t stop the policemen could have passed the wireless message to the next naka.” “The traffic policemen have killed him. They should be arrested immediately and till then we will not allow the administration to open the bridge,” he added. The police seem to be trying to hush up the matter by showing ignorance. Neither the check post in charge, nor the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Jammu, had details of the incident. Uttam Chand, SSP, Jammu, when contacted, said, “I do not have much details about the incident, The SP (North) must have the detailed information about it.” However, SP (North) Shiv Kumar Chowhan informed that an FIR had been registered at the Canal check post against traffic policemen and investigation was on.
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School celebrates annual
day
Jammu, November 28 Intellectuals, guests and parents were present. Chairman, J&K State Board of School Education, Nutan K Resutra was the chief guest. Rameshwar Mengi, Chairman, RM Charitable and Educational Trust, was the guest of honour. Sharad Khajuria, retired Deputy Commissioner, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, and Rajkumar Katoch, Additional Secretary, Transport Department, were special guests. — TNS |
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Arnia terror attack condemned
Jammu, November 28
The timely action of the Army and other security agencies to eliminate the terrorists was appreciated and the government was urged to provide immediate compensation to the families of the victims, who died in the attack by militants. The High Court Bar Association, Jammu, termed the attack an eye-opener for those who are consistently advocating the removal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA). “Time has come to strengthen the security grid and Village Defence Committees in border villages of Jammu, Samba and Kathua to counter militants,” said Bar Association president, MK Bhardwaj. He made an appeal to the citizens of the state to remain united, vigilant and cooperate with the police and armed forces in fighting militancy. State Vishwa Hindu Parishad patron Dr Ramakant Dubey demanded that the Union Government should take strong measures against terrorism and the Army should be given free hand to destroy terror sanctuaries. “Pakistan is directly involved in supporting the militants and there is need to expose their doublespeak at the international level,” he said. State president, Shri Ram Sena, Rajiv Mahajan expressed sympathies with the families of those killed in the terrorist attack. He urged the Central Government to reconsider its decision of continuing talks with Pakistan when it is time and again violating norms of civilised behaviour between countries. Meanwhile, Congress candidate from the Jammu (East) Assembly constituency Vikram Malhotra said such cowardly acts were perpetrated by the forces of terror with the intention of disturbing peace and harmony, besides derailing the democratic process of elections in the state. |
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Teachers trained in heritage conservation
Jammu, November 28 These teachers from government primary and secondary schools participated in a two-day workshop at the Uttar Behni temple and were given information on how to involve students in their campaign. The teachers were trained in making schoolchildren aware of conservation and preservation of the national heritage. Hemant Sharma, Director, Command Area, who was the chief guest at the function, and Principal-Director, INTACH, Purnima Dutt, distributed certificates among the teachers. Prof Sudhir Singh and Prof Anita Billowria enlightened the teachers on the “Importance of culture in modern times”. Dr Sonia Jasrotia coordinated the workshop and explained about the Buddhist culture in Jammu and Kashmir.
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JU teachers express inability to perform election duties
Jammu, November 28 “The JUTA while making a representation to the Registrar has given the plea that in the executive council meeting of the association held on September 15 it was unanimously resolved that JUTA members would not supply the information as per the format supplied by the District Election Officer, Jammu, and the same was communicated to the university authorities,” the statement has said. The JUTA has said the faculty of Jammu University has a strong resentment over the issue. “As the University of Jammu is an autonomous institution and governed by the UGC norms where teachers are permitted to take part in political activities, most of the teachers have political affiliations. Also, some of the teachers of the university are contesting the Assembly elections and some are openly going to people with candidates asking them to vote for them,” it said. The JUTA said they might not be objective in performing the election duty, if assigned, and might cause avoidable controversies after the outcome of the election results. “Moreover, university teachers are not only taking classes, but also doing research projects as well as supervising research scholars with a deadline and most of the teachers have their prior research and academic commitments, including collaborative research, consultancy projects and visits at the national and international levels to present research papers,” it said. It has requested the varsity authorities to withdraw the circular seeking information from the teachers regarding election duty.
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Army pays homage to slain soldiers
Jammu, November 28 While Naik Kulwinder Singh of Jalandhar and Naik Jagsir Singh of Mansa were part of the 5th Battalion of the Sikh Light Infantry, Balwinder Singh of Dhar Kalan in Pathankot was a paratrooper. During a wreath laying ceremony at the Mamun Military Station, wreaths were laid with full military honours on behalf of Army Chief Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag, a Defence spokesperson said here. Lt Gen KJ Singh, GOC-in-C, Western Command, laid wreath on behalf of all the ranks, the spokesperson added. Lt Gen Rajeev Tewari, GOC of the 9 Corps, and other officers, JCOs and soldiers of all units of the Mamun Military Station were present at the ceremony.
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Hideout busted in Doda
Doda, November 28 On receipt of specific intelligence about the presence of a likely militant hideout in the dense forests of Marmat, a joint operation was launched by the Rashtriya Rifles troops based at Dharmund and the Jammu and Kashmir Police, a Defence official said. The seizure included one AK-47, two Chinese pistols, two .303 rifles, three 12 bore guns, one sniper rifle, one country made pistol along with four magazines of AK-47 and three magazines of .303 rifle. In addition, two radio sets, around 216 rounds of assorted ammunition, four hand grenades and several other logistic stores were also recovered, the official said.
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Jammu, November 28 Dr Sharma briefed the Governor, who is the Chancellor of the university, about the to-date status of teaching and non-teaching positions, issues of academic and administrative importance, the ongoing research projects and new varieties of seeds of various crops developed and released by the university in the recent past. The Governor asked the VC to give priority to establishment of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in the Jammu region which are still in the pipeline and to also ensure effective functioning of all existing KVKs. — TNS
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Tight security for Kupwara polls
Srinagar, November 28 Five Assembly segments in Kupwara district are scheduled to go to polls on December 2. “The security coordination meeting was held at Kupwara and was chaired by Maj Gen JS Sandhu, General Officer Commanding of the Kupwara Division,” the Army said in a statement. Ghulam Hassan Bhat, DIG, North Kashmir; NK Mehta, DIG, BSF; Itrat Ahmad Bhat, Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara; SSP, Kupwara; and SSP, Handwara, along with other Army officials participated in the meeting. The statement said the meeting provided an opportunity to share the experiences of the commanders and other officers who were responsible for the phase-1 of polling on November 25. “Fruitful discussions took place in which minute details of coordination were planned,” the statement added.
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Year on, no action on inquiry report into fake appointments
Srinagar, November 28 The report states that three persons were recruited as Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) teachers on fake Class XII certificates, even as they had not cleared the Board of School Education exams. Furthermore, the report states that huge embezzlement of funds took place when various primary schools in the Beerwah and Hardpanzoo zones of Budgam district were upgraded to middle schools under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan scheme (SSA). However, no action has been taken by the authorities concerned against the accused officials, including Chief Education Officer, Budgam, and Zonal Education Officer, Hardpanzoo, who made these fake appointments. In fact, the teachers who produced those fake certificates have been regularised as general line teachers in various schools. The inquiry report prepared by the then Budgam Deputy Commissioner, Khursheed Ahmad Shah; Director, School Education, Mir Tariq Ali; and Budgam District Treasury Officer Mohammad Yaseen Sarfaraz had found that the teachers had produced fake Class XII certificates. The then Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Shailendra Kumar, had on August 16, 2013, constituted a committee to look into the alleged fraudulent appointments of paid workers as well as Rehbar-e-Taleem teachers after a written complaint was filed by residents of various villages of Beerwah block in Budgam district before the Chief Minister. The report was submitted to the former Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, by former Budgam DDC Khursheed Ahmad Shah on September 25, 2013, a copy of which lies with The Tribune. The Director, Education, was not available for comment. Scam in Education Department
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Football body hails J&K Bank’s sports policy
Srinagar, November 28 The chairman of the J&K Bank had recently approved the revised sports recruitment policy of the bank, where they said national and international players would be given special consideration. “Besides, preference will be given to talented players of the state on merit basis,” the officials of the bank said. Terming the move as a positive step, the association congratulated Chairman of J&K Bank Mushtaq Ahmad and Chairman of the J&K Bank Sports Board Abdul Hamid Banday for devising such a policy. The J&K Football Association (JKFA) has urged upon the state government to frame sports policies in public departments such as J&K Forest, J&K Police and Food and Supplies. The JKFA has said if sports policies are devised in various government departments, players of the state particularly footballers will get employment opportunities. Zameer Ahmad Thakur also said J&K has produced many international football players so far and the state is full of talented football players at present. However, many football players are still unemployed which is a matter of concern for JKFA. The association also appealed to the government to regularise the football players who are working on contractual or consolidated basis in various government departments.
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Governor for promotion of Scouts & Guides movement
Jammu, November 28 First Lady Usha Vohra was also present on the occasion. Describing celebration of Annual Flag Day as a very important event, the Governor congratulated all functionaries of the J&K State Bharat Scouts and Guides, scouters, guiders and the scouts and guides on this occasion. The Governor and the First Lady made a contribution to the Annual Flag Day Fund and wished the scouts and guides all success in their mission. The Governor called upon all sections of society to contribute generously to the Annual Flag Day Fund for facilitating enhanced scouts and guides activities in the state. Earlier, the scouts and guides presented scarfs to the Governor; the First Lady; and Rakesh K Gupta, Principal Secretary to the Governor; and pinned on them the Flag Day stickers, symbols of the scouts and guides movement. In his welcome address, ID Soni, State Commissioner, J&K State Bharat Scouts and Guides, dwelt on the activities of the organisation undertaken in the recent past and those planned for the coming months. He thanked the Governor for taking keen interest in the scouts and guides movement and for extending strong support for the purpose. Among those present on the occasion were RA Inqlabi, Director, School Education, senior functionaries of the organisation, scouts and guides and principals of various educational institutions.
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Residents demand another ration ghat
Srinagar, November 28 “We have only one ration ghat to be shared among 1,000 families. We are facing difficulties in getting turn. Whenever the supply comes to the ration depot people come and take while others have to wait,” said Abdul Rahman, a resident. The locals said the problem had increased since the government had announced free-of-cost ration for six months for flood victims. “The authorities concerned know about our problem. We have told them time and again to provide us another ration ghat, but to no avail,” said another local Riyaz Ahmad. CAPD Director Bilal Ahmad said he didn’t know about it and appealed to the residents to approach him and he would solve their problem. — OC
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Nami Dogri Sanstha calls on Guv
Jammu, November 28 The delegation apprised the Governor about the need for compulsory teaching of Dogri language at the primary class level in the state, provision of facilities for publication and translation of Dogri literature, creation of a separate Dogri academy for promotion of poets, artists and music composers and institution of awards in the field of arts, music and kathak dance under the aegis of this academy.
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Ladishah: The forgotten storyteller of Kashmir
Srinagar, November 28 This 18th century art, which he loved to perform and earned him well three decades ago, is now facing extinction. Dressed in Kashmiri cap and pheran, Bhagat, a resident of Wathoora, used to go door to door playing “dehra” (Chimta), a musical instrument. In earlier times, a ladishah would go door to door and from village to village asking for paddy and rice in return for his humorous songs. The artist communicates a particular message about the social, cultural and political vandalism. Sometimes, the songs are complicated and hard to digest, but they are highly entertaining. “I have travelled the whole of India performing at various cultural events and people loved it. However, the state government didn’t try to preserve the art. I only perform because I have been doing it for long and love doing it. I don’t earn much, unlike artistes in other states,” says Bhagat, who has composed more than 1,000 songs on various situations. Though everyone is familiar with ladishah in the Valley, the art is dying a slow death, as only a few artistes in the Valley are able to perform it now. The songs are composed on the spot. “We also composed songs on problems that people faced in day-to-day lives because there was no media at that time. We would sing about injustice done to people be it social problems, religious issues or political issues. We would also read out poetry on serious subjects such as drought, floods, tyranny of rulers, escalating prices of essential commodities, new inventions and social concepts,” says Bhagat. For all these people involved in the art of performing Kashmiri folk music, it was a family profession. From grandfather to son to grandson, the art inherited from generations.
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‘Politically inclined’ varsity teachers refuse poll duty
Jammu, November 28 In a press statement issued here, the Jammu University Teachers Association (JUTA) has expressed surprise over the decision of the university authorities of seeking information from the teachers regarding election duty. “The JUTA while making a representation to the Registrar has given the plea that in the executive council meeting of the association held on September 15 it was unanimously resolved that JUTA members would not supply the information as per the format supplied by the District Election Officer, Jammu, and the same was communicated to the university authorities,” the statement has said. The JUTA has said the faculty of Jammu University has a strong resentment over the issue. “As the University of Jammu is an autonomous institution and governed by the UGC norms where teachers are permitted to take part in political activities, most of the teachers have political affiliations. Also, some of the teachers of the university are contesting the Assembly elections and some are openly going to people with candidates asking them to vote for them,” it said. The JUTA said they might not be objective in performing the election duty, if assigned, and might cause avoidable controversies after the outcome of the election results. “Moreover, university teachers are not only taking classes, but also doing research projects,” it said. It has requested the varsity authorities to withdraw the circular seeking information from the teachers regarding election duty.
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Srinagar: National Conference additional general secretary Mustafa Kamal on Friday addressed several rallies in Gulmarg constituency. He alleged there was a “concerted attempt” by parties aligned with BJP “like PDP and DPN” to destroy the special status of the state and “wrangle out of the national and international commitments” over Kashmir problem.
Srinagar: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, chairman of moderate separatist amalgam, on Friday criticised the “right wing parties” for making efforts to change the “political and social identity” of Kashmir and weakening the communal bonhomie. “For the sake of coming to power, these parties are playing divisive and communal politics,” he said addressing a Friday congregation at Jamia Masjid. Mirwaiz’s comment follows BJP’s vision document in which it had advocated reservation of three seats for displaced Kashmiris — TNS