Residents of Jammu West Assembly constituency holding protest demonstration at Jammu on Monday.
JAMMU, June 16: The residents of Jammu West Assembly constituency held protests and blocked road at various places, against the PDD, PHE Ministers, and demanded for RADRP scheme in Jammu region here today.
The protest was led by Sunil Dimple president Jammu West Assembly Movement along with the traders, irate angry mob to stop the power cuts in Jammu region and especially the Jammu city, and no regular water supplied to the people of the Jammu city.
Sunil Dimple said measured discrimination with Jammu region surfaced under the RADRP scheme in which only 11 cities of Jammu region has been taken up for the up gradation of the PDD infrastructure against the 19 cities of Kashmir valley where the work has already been started. Adding said that Jammu being the hot climatic zone region with 45 degree temperature only 11 cities work is to be done.
Dimple demanded the Chief Minister to install the fresh new receiving station of 50 MVA at Janipur to over come the load problem and the curtailment of power cuts. “free of cost” water to the people of Jammu and Kashmir State.
Dimple appealed PDP, BJP, and Panthers party, BAR, Chamber, traders, people to get united against the discrimination of the Government and for the power cuts and for the Jammu bandh.
Mohinder Verma RAMBAN, June 16: Shocking it may sound but it is a fact that Rs 78 lakh worth Critical Care Ambulance positioned at District Hospital Ramban is being put to use only during the visits of the VVIPs and not for the critical patients requiring transportation either to Jammu or Srinagar for specialized treatments.
The Critical Care Ambulance was provided by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to the District Hospital Ramban through National Highway Authority of India in the month of September last year for the use in shifting critical patients to hospitals either in Jammu or Srinagar for specialized treatment.
The District Hospital Ramban was chosen for Critical Care Ambulance, which contains Rs 66 lakh worth state-of-the-art equipment like ventilator, keeping in view the fact that numerous tragic road accidents take place on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway 1A after regular intervals and critically injured patients are required to be shifted to the hospitals in the capital cities.
However, the ambulance could not be used for the critical patients till date and rather is being put to use only during the visits of VVIPs to the erstwhile Doda district, official sources told EXCELSIOR, adding “whenever any VVIP visits the area instructions come from the higher up to the Medical Superintendent of District Hospital, Ramban to depute the Critical Care Ambulance to the spot”.
When asked about the reason behind not allowing the ambulance to be used for the intended purpose, sources said, “only anesthesiologist can operate the equipment installed in the ambulance but during the past quite long time neither any anesthesiologist has been deputed in the hospital nor exclusively for the ambulance”, adding “during the VVIP visits, the ambulance is deputed along with one Assistant Surgeon and some technicians”.
They regretted, “it is most unfortunate that for want of one anesthesiologist benefit of Rs 78 lakh worth Critical Care Ambulance is being denied to the critical patients notwithstanding the fact that even minor surgery on emergency basis can be performed in this ambulance”. They disclosed that the issue of providing two anesthesiologist to the District Hospital was brought to the notice of Director Health Services, Jammu a number of times but till date no step has been initiated in this regard.
In response to a question, sources said, “whenever attendants of any critical patient approach the hospital administration for providing ambulance service they are told to pay Rs 4000 to Rs 5000 for shifting the patient either to Jammu or Srinagar on the ground that fuel average of the ambulance is three kilometer per liter”. However, during the visit of VVIPs, the expenditure on account of fuel of the ambulance is borne by the administration or authorities of Health Department under different heads of accounts.
What to talk of making optimum use of this Critical Care Ambulance, the District Hospital is also crying for CT Scan machine during the past four years. “In 2010, we were told that CT Scan would be provided to the hospital very shortly but till date the machine has not been provided as a result of which for CT Scan facility the patients are being referred to other destinations”, sources informed.
The situation vis-à-vis health facilities for the accident probe district can be gauged from the fact that Trauma Hospital building is ready with certain equipment but its optimum use remains a dream due to the shortage of necessary machinery and manpower including doctors and para-medical staff. “In such a situation major part of the building stands like a white elephant”, sources remarked.
When contacted, District Development Commissioner, Ramban, M H Malik confirmed that for want of anesthesiologist the facility of Critical Care Ambulance was not available to the patients. “I have taken up this issue as well as shortage of manpower and equipment in the Trauma Hospital with the concerned authorities and hopefully they will initiate steps to improve the situation”, he added.
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 16: The Political Affairs Committee (PAC) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) met here last evening under the chairmanship of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed to discuss the electoral strategy for the upcoming Assembly elections in the State.
The PAC reviewed the political situation of the State in light of the results of the Lok Sabha elections in which the party swept the Kashmir valley winning all three Parliamentary seats. The ruling coalition faced a complete white wash.
The party patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed while expressing his appreciation for the well organised election campaign said the ability of the party leaders and workers in carrying its message to the voters had been crucial to their mobilisation. He said the absence of negativity in the party’s poll discourse, clear agenda and our ability to identify actual issues had brought the PDP to the centre stage of State’s political scenario. The renewed and broad based faith of the people earned by the party had not only made it the premier political party of the State but has added to its challenges in view of the difficult situation created by the present coalition, he said.
Mufti said peace and development along with a special focus on issues facing the youth, especially employment generation should continue to guide party’s policies and agenda. He said the party would continue to provide an inclusive platform for all regions and communities of the State for opportunities of growth. “It is unfortunate that the elections in many areas were driven by a communal polarisation and it would be necessary to reverse this trend for building a modern welfare state” said Mufti.
Mufti said there are strong indicators that the PDP is headed for victory in the Assembly elections as well but the LS election results should not lead to complacency. “We have to continue with our mass contact program and organisational activities to seek a decisive mandate from the people for a strong and accountable Government” Mufti said and added the people must get a dependable alternative which can address their problems, curb corruption, ensure upholding of human rights and offers a new world to youth.
Apart from the party president Mehbooba Mufti, those who participated include senior leader and MP Muzaffar Hussain Baig, Maulvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari, Tariq Hameed Qarra MP, S Rangeel Singh, general secretaries, M Dilawar Mir and Yashpal Sharma, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, Dr Sameer Kaul, Tarlok Singh Bajwa and Naeem Akhtar.
A spokesman of the party said the names of party candidates were discussed considering different parameters. He said for a party which happens to be the youngest political organisation of the State it was a matter of satisfaction that the selection has to be made from multiple choices. He said the PAC recorded the contribution of all contenders for the party mandate and the obvious inability to accommodate all of them should not shut doors on their growth within the party. “The PDP is a vibrant and growing party based on democratic principles and every worker will receive due place and opportunity to serve people through different democratic institutions which have been made dysfunctional by the present Government” the spokesman said.
The list of candidates will be released shortly, he added.
Meanwhile, Mufti today said that PDP, being a trusted and credible voice of the people of State, would play historic role to change political discourse of Jammu and Kashmir. He reiterated that PDP would facilitate any meaningful initiative to solve Kashmir issue.
“Our party, through its convictions and commitments, had earlier convinced successive Governments at New Delhi to take bold initiatives for restoring lasting peace in this region”, Mufti said while addressing a function here.
He especially mentioned that PDP led coalition, without compromising with the dignity of the people of the State, had pursued the reconciliatory process which was endorsed by successive Governments at New Delhi. He reiterated that PDP would play the role of peace facilitator to establish sustainable peace in this sub-continent.
He said that aim of his party was to create an atmosphere of peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir. Seeking support of the people to solve all contentious issues, Mufti said the PDP has created a new space within the democratic system for the resolution of Kashmir issue. “Having emerged as a strong regional force, PDP has to play a crucial role in the new democratic discourse for the resolution of Kashmir issue”, he said.
Exhorting party cadre to educate people about PDP’s agenda of peace and development, Mufti said that in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections people of State have given a clear message of change. “With the support of the people, PDP is committed to change the present corrupt and inept dispensation to establish a new system of justice and equality in Jammu and Kashmir”, he said.
“After 2002 elections, PDP had proved how to carry forward, simultaneously, the agenda of peace and reconciliation along with the good governance”, he said and reminded the gathering that PDP had set an example of governance by bringing transparency and accountability in the administration. Reiterating resolve of his party to bring people of different regions and sub-regions of the State together by bridging the gap, Mufti asserted that PDP would remove the trust deficit between people of the Jammu and Kashmir and rest of the country.
“During our tenure we had proved how to treat all regions and sub-regions equally and party would further facilitate the process of bridging the gap to ensure justice and equality to all regions and sub-regions”, Mufti said.
Calling upon party workers to agitate for people’s issues, PDP patron said that system has completely collapsed in the State and there was no Government on the ground. “Being a responsible opposition party, it is duty of the PDP cadre to force the State Government to solve day today problems of the common masses”, he said.
The ill-fated vehicle after accident at Balwas in district Doda. —Excelsior/Tilak Raj
DODA, June 16: Two passengers were killed, while 22 others were injured, five of them critically, when the mini-bus they were traveling in skidded off the road and plunged into deep gorge at Balwas.
The ill-fated vehicle bearing registration number JK11-1169 was on its way to Doda from Bhagwah, when the driver failed to negotiate a sharp curve, resulting the vehicle plunged into deep gorge at Balwas this morning, causing grievous injuries to 24 passengers.
On getting information, police and locals rushed to the spot and started rescue operation. Rashtriya Rifles Battalion, based at Doda, swung into action and rushed to the accident site and assisted the police and locals.
All the injured were rushed to District Hospital Doda in police and other vehicles, where doctors declared two persons namely Amir (18), son of Gul Mohammad of Chapnari Doda and Ghulam Nabi (40), son of Sikander of Chapra Dandal as brought dead.
Later, five seriously injured were airlifted to Srinagar hospital for advance treatment.
The injured have been identified as Sanjeet Singh (19), son of Bharat Singh of Pul Doda, Raviti Raman (45), son of Jagdish Singh of Kastigarh, Kifaytullah Khan (25), son of Mohammad Sharief Khan of Akramabad, Muzamil Khan (18), son of Khushi Mohammad of Akramabad, Mohammad Yousuf (47), son of Ghulam Mohammad of Zadaan, Mohammad Amin (38), son of Ghulam Mohammad of Menchar, Muneera Akhtar (37), wife of Mohammad Amin of Akramabad, Javed Ahmed (45), son of Ghulam Qadir Batt of Kuddhar, Asif Ilahi (30), son of Abdul Hamid of Gurmul, Muneera Begum (40), wife of Ghulam Mohammad of Menchar, Kamaljeet Singh (25), son of Prem Raj of Gaddi, Shokena Banoo (18), daughter of Ghulam Mohammad of Menchar, Sansvi Devi (30), wife of Rajesh of Chulas, Aneet Raj, son of Rajesh of Chulas, Rakesh Gupta (35), son of Hem Raj of Doda, Tahira (16), daughter of Mohammad Iqbal of Kurdhar, Shima Farha (25), daughter of Tasduk Kelam of Akramabad, Kesar Singh (39), son of Omkar Singh of Majmi, Shahid (25), son of Jabar Butt of Kotal, Zia-ul-Haq (43), son of Mohammad Khaleel of Doda, Nasir Jameel (4), son of Mohammad Amin of Doda and Jameela.
A case in this regard has been registered at concerned police station and investigation started.
Meanwhile, Minister for Roads and Buildings and Mechanical Engineering Abdul Majid Wani along with District Development Commissioner, Doda Mubarak Singh and SSP Doda MS Chouhan immediately rushed to District Hospital Doda to supervise the treatment being provided to the injured.
Wani directed hospital authorities to provide best medicare facilities to the injured.
He also interacted with the injured persons and enquired about the treatment being provided to them besides wishing them early recovery.
Expressing grief and sorrow over the death of two passengers in the mishap, Minister said that all possible help and relief would be provided to the next of the kin of those who lost their lives in the accident. He expressed his condolences with the bereaved families and prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls.
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 16: Presiding Officer Fast Track Court, Sanjeev Gupta awarded one-month imprisonment and fine of Rs 20,000 to one Surinder Singh for molesting six years old girl.
While awarding sentence, Court observed, “if the fine amount is realized from convict, than whole of the amount shall be paid to the prosecutrix as compensation who had suffered due to the act of convict”.
National Conference general secretary Ali Mohd Sagar alongwith other party leaders during a provincial working committee meeting at Srinagar on Monday.
SRINAGAR, June 16: National Conference held a special provincial working committee meeting for Kashmir province at NC headquarters here today.
The meeting was presided over by NC general secretary Haji Ali Mohammad Sagar, who asked the members of the provincial working committee to work with utmost dedication and sincerity to serve the mission of the party and alleviate the issues faced by the common man.
He said the party leadership was committed to take all necessary measures to enhance the party’s performance in the forthcoming Assembly elections in the State. Ali Mohammad Sagar also assured the party cadre that all decisions would be taken after consulting them and evolving a consensus at the grassroots level.
NC additional general secretary Dr Sheikh Mustafa Kamaal also addressed the meeting and said that National Conference would script a glorious future for the people of this State. He also welcomed the appointment of Haji Ali Mohammad Sagar as the new NC general secretary.
The NC provincial working committee meeting adopted a resolution pledging to continue its faith in the leadership of Dr Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah while appreciating the role played by them in leading the party and the State with a progressive, inclusive vision and inspiring leadership in spite of various challenges.
In another resolution, the party expressed its gratitude and appreciation towards the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the State Government for taking landmark steps of enhancing the recruitment and employment policy, meeting the genuine demands of Rehbar-e-Taleem Teachers, enhancing the retirement age of State Government employees and increasing the upper age limit of eligibility to apply for Government employment.
The provincial working committee also urged the State Government to create more job opportunities for the youth, implement further infrastructural improvements in the power distribution system in order to mitigate problems faced by consumers, reduce the power tariff by taking into account the financial hardships of the common masses and allocate ration to consumers as per the Census of 2011.
Various members of the provincial working committee spoke on the occasion and reiterated their unfaltering faith in the party leadership and its mission of public service while provincial president Nasir Aslam Wani introduced the resolutions and the agenda for the meeting.
Arms, ammunition and explosives seized in Kishtwar on Monday.
JAMMU, June 16: Army and police today recovered a large quantity of arms, ammunition and explosives from Bonda forest in Chatroo area of Kishtwar district.
The recoveries were made during a joint search operation conducted by Army and police on the basis of specific information development about the hideout.
Recoveries included one Rocket Projectile Gun with one round, one Pika rifle, one .303 rifle, one .315 rifle, one 12 bore rifle, two pistols, 5 rounds of 9 mm pistol, 209 rounds of 7.62mm caliber, 225 rounds of AK-47, 54 rounds of Pika, six hand grenades, four UBGL grenades, seven detonators, three kg RDX and one radio set.
A terror plot has been foiled with the recoveries of large quantity of arms, ammunition and explosives, official sources said.
Police have registered a case under Section 7/25/27 Arms Act and 4/5 Explosive Substance Act at Chatroo police station. However, no arrests have been made so far.
Participants during Spiritual Exhibition at Sudhmahadev.
UDHAMPUR, June 16: To make the awareness among the masses about the Shiv Sandesh, Self Transformation through meditation and positive thinking, a 3-day Spiritual Exhibition was held at Sudhmahadev in tehsil Chenani.
The exhibition was organized by the Brahma Kumaris Geeta Pathshalla Jakheni in Udhampur district and the Assistant Commandant 187 Bn CRPF, Sudhmahadev, Amit Kishore was the special guest in the valedictory function today.
Speaking on the occasion, Assistant Commandant lauded the efforts of the organizers to hold this exhibition to create awareness among the general people. He said that man has now become more dependent on material things which have led to loss of peace and happiness. Spiritual education and meditation is the real cure for our mental ailments, he added.
Sister B K Mamta incharge Geeta Pathshalla said that promotion of spirituality and human values among the masses which has been the main objective of this exhibition is imperative in today’s society marred by steep moral decline.
Disseminate such sacred knowledge and know-how to connect our inner self with him in Rajyoga Meditation for self empowerment and enlightenment, she said
Among others, Dy SP Prem Raj Shan, Sub Inspector Thakur Dutt Sharma, senior officers of 187 BN CRPF, Sewadari of the Pathshalla, B K Kailash Thakur, B K Sham Lal, B K Dinesh, B K Mansi, B K Khushi and large number of followers were present in the exhibition.
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 16: Intensifying the drive against the unauthorized construction, violations and encroachments, Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) today sealed a showroom at Talab Tillo in violation of laws and COBO Act.
The showroom was sealed by the Enforcement Staff led by the Chief Enforcement Officer of JMC under the guidance of Kiran Wattal, Commissioner, JMC with the assistance of police force from Police Post, Talab Tillo and District Police Lines, Jammu.
The sealed showroom belonged to Gashi Devi W/o Late Bhram Dass at H No- 1, Tirth Nagar, near Sai Baba Mandir Talab Tillo, Jammu.
Besides this, the team removed vendors and hawkers selling goods on footpaths and pavements in the areas of Shalamar, Indira Chowk, Hari Market and Gummat Bazaar, and about a truck of goods were seized and impounded in the Municipal Yard.
PCCF Abhai Kumar awarding a pass out recruit in Jammu on Monday.
JAMMU, June 16: A total of 26 Forest Guard trainees today passed out from Forest Guards Training School, Doomi in an impressive passing out parade.
Abhai Kumar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, took the salute as passing out parade.
Top Forest officers attended the function including CCF Working Plan Research and Training SP Sharma, CCF Jammu Roshan Jaggi, CF East Circle AK Gupta, CF West Circle Sameer Bharti, CF Vigilance Roop Avtar Kour, DFO Jammu VS Senthil Kumar and DFO Demarcation Hitender Singh.
Bilal Ahmed Rather of Doda Forest division stood first and was awarded gold medal. Kuldeep Singh of Billawar forest division and Mohammad Farooq Bhat of Batote Forest division stood 2nd and 3rd respectively.
The Forest Guards were trained in first aid, rescue and survival skills in association with Civil Defence organization and Natural Disaster Management Authority.
After the function, Abhai Kumar inaugurated renovated hostel blocks in Forest Guards Training School, Doomi.
