Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Jan 15: Reiterating its belief that laws like Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) can not be a permanent feature of governance in Jammu and Kashmir, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) today strongly objected to the statement of the Army chief on the subject.
In a statement, the party president, Mehbooba Mufti said AFSPA has outlived its utility and J&K is ready for full restoration of fundamental rights, which are severely, restricted by such laws.
Mehbooba said the people of J&K have repeatedly reaffirmed their faith in the democratic process, over the past many years, and it is time that Government of India responds positively to the growing democratic culture in the State.
She said while holding elections and participation of people in them are essential for a democratic polity, democracy in the State will lack vibrancy as long as the civil institutions, judiciary and elected bodies don’t feel fully empowered, as in rest of the country.
Referring to the recommendations made from time to time on the subject, Mehbooba said the special working group, appointed by Prime Minister had recommended rolling back of AFSPA. The PDP had taken up the matter with the Prime Minister in January 2007, in response to which a high level committee had also been appointed to review the law.
She said the PDP has time and again emphasized that gun and force from either side will not resolve the problem. “Instead it is democracy, engagement and dialogue that are needed for a permanent settlement of the problem for which a beginning had been made with the initiative in 2003. Shrill statements will take us nowhere, in restoring the confidence in peace process and wining the hearts and minds of people,” said Mehbooba.
AFSPA can’t be permanent feature of governance: Mehbooba
JKGB disburses loans worth Rs 3.53 cr
Excelsior Correspondent
AKHNOOR, Jan 15: J&K Grameen Bank (JKGB), Branch Chowki Choura today disbursed loans amounting to Rs 3.53 crores to 404 beneficiaries under KCC scheme.
The loan was disbursed among the beneficiaries by JKGB Chairman, Vagish Chander during a KCC camp-cum Financial Literary Programme organized by the bank at village Chowki Choura here.
Earlier, while inaugurating the camp as chief guest, the Chairman highlighted the initiatives taken by the bank for credit dispension in the diversified activities for the purpose of setting up economic units for augmenting the income of the families and in turn overall development of the rural people through institutional credit.
G M Sadiq, General Manager of the bank highlighted the policies and programmes of the bank for facilitating Financial Inclusion programme.
VK Sharma, Senior Manager, Micro Finance and Financial Inclusion, KL Sharma, Senior Manager, Advances of JKGB apprised the large gathering of more than 600 people about the various lending schemes of the bank for providing credit to agriculturists, business community, transporters etc.
SDO Agriculture Akhnoor, Panchs, Sarpanchs and members from other line departments were also present on the occasion.
KL Sharma, Senior Manager, Advances, also presented the vote of thanks.
AAP starts membership drive in J&K
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 15: Aam Aadami Party started membership drive in Jammu.
Addressing a largely attended gathering at the venue of Jammu Club, Prof Ajit Kumar Jha said that the basic target of AAP is to enroll one crore members upto to January 26, 2014 across the country. Prof Jha added that APP is a national movement in the hands of common man as the people of Delhi have shown the beacon light.
He further elaborated that there is a strong wave across the country to show the door to the self styled rulers who have forgotten the Aam Aadmi after achieving the success to the corridors of power viz Parliament or Assemblies.
The national executive member Prof Jha said that the process of joining the movement of AAP is free and available on line and appealed the common man to join the movement to uproot the dynastic rulers from the power who have exploited them either single handedly or after entering into unholy alliance during last 67 years befooling the masses during every election making false promises.
On the occasion, vote of thanks was presented by Kuldeep Kumar Rao and S Deep Singh who appealed the gathering to work hard with honesty and sincerely rising above their affiliations, caste, creed or colour and give a tight fight unitedly to throw away the ills and evils.
The membership drive was welcomed and joined by several groups of people from other districts, present on the occasion.
Lathi-charge on employees taking out `Mashal’ rally
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 15: At least 13 senior JCC members were detained as the police resorted to lathi-charge on the State Government employees when they were taking out a `Mashal’ rally towards Chief Minister’s residence on Residency Road here this evening.
A large number of employees under the banner of Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) of State Government employees under the leadership of Abdul Qayoom Wani, Ganesh Khajuria, Amrik Singh and others assembled at Hari Singh Higher Secondary School near Eidgah this evening. They were holding burning candles/ marshals in their hands and started their protest march towards Chief Minister’s residence on Residency and Wazarat Road.
As the employees had covered a small distance on the residency road, a strong contingent of police led by Dy SP City intercepted the agitating employees and foiled their march. The cops resorted to mild lathi-charge on the employees and made many of them to flee. Several fell down during procession and also sustained injuries.
During this action, the police also packed some of the employees and their leaders into vehicles and shifted to City Police Station. They included Qayoom Wani, Ganesh Khajura, Jamat Ali, B B Kotwal, Amrik Singh, Surjit Singh and others.
Mr Wani later told the Excelsior that suppressive measures of State Government cannot deter the employees and gag their voice. He said the employees would continue their struggle in the democratic way for their rights. Such acts of Government will give more strength to the JCC movement. He alleged that Government has failed to honour its commitment and resolve the pending issues of the employees.
China trying to revive ‘silk route’: Dr Jitendra
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 15: BJP National Executive Member & J&K chief spokesperson Dr Jitendra Singh said that even as the Congress led UPA government continues to remain undecided about how to deal with China’s intrusionary designs on the Northern borders, latest intelligence reports indicate that Beijing has worked out a definite strategy to revive what is popularly called the “Silk route” or the traditional trade route of Central and South Asia.
In a statement issued here today he said this will amount to trespass of the Northern areas of erstwhile Jammu & Kashmir including Gilgit Baltistan presently under illegal occupation of China and Pakistan.
Elaborating, Dr Jitendra Singh said the “silk route” is bounded in the North East by Tibet, further North by Xinjiang province of China, in the North West by the Wakhan corridor of Afghanistan, in the West by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and further South by Punjab of Pakistan. This geographic layout is strategically important, also because of its high mountain range, he said and explained, that is why for hundreds of years in the past, Russian, Persian, Chinese, Tibetan and British Indian empires constantly sought access to this region to dominate each other. Even today, this “ancient axis of Asia” provides a gateway for both India and China to Central Asia, he added.
Dr Jitendra Singh disclosed that Beijing has recently allocated huge budget to build infrastructure through highways connecting Tibet to Xinjiang through the Chinese occupied Akshai Chin plateau and Xinjiang to Pakistan via the Karakorum Highway through the Kunzreb pass. This highway then connects Gwadar port on the Arabian sea, giving further access to the Indian Ocean, he added.
Dr Jitendra Singh said, China has deployed more than ten thousand troops for the purpose of developing infrastructure in the area of Gilgit Baltistan which is de facto under its control since Pakistan is reported to have leased it out under the pretext of facilitating development. Curiously, the road construction work by China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is going on in clear violation of the agreed freeze on border area work between the two countries but New Delhi continues to remain unconcerned, he alleged.
China is a fast growing economy, looking for easy and inexpensive access to world market and its intrusionary designs are motivated by this larger,long-term design, he added.
10 bovine animals seized
Excelsior Correspondent
SAMBA, Jan 15: In its continuous drive against the illegal trafficking of bovine animals, a Police Party of Police Station Ghagwal headed by Inspector Anu Sharma SHO P/S Ghagwal under the supervision of Anil Magotra, Superintendent of Police, Samba and Munish Anand, DySP HQ, Samba intercepted One Mahindra load carrier bearing registration No. JK08C/2914 during Naka at Jatwal which was found loaded with five bovine animals being transported illegally from Kathua to Jammu. The Police seized the vehicle, however the driver of the vehicle fled from the spot. A case FIR No. 07/2014 U/S 188 RPC, 2/3 PC Act, 184 M.V. Act has been registered at Police Station Ghagwal and investigation started.
Another party of Police Station Vijaypur headed by Inspector Mohd Iqbal SHO P/S Vijaypur under the supervision of Anil Magotra, Superintendent of Police, Samba and Ashok Singh, DySP SDPO Vijaypur intercepted One Tata Mobile bearing registration No. JK08C/9507 during surprise Naka checking at Vijaypur Chowk and seized the vehicle which was loaded with five bovine animals being transported illegally from Kathua to Jammu.
The driver of the vehicle fled from the spot. A case FIR No. 12/2014 U/S 188 RPC, 2/3 PC Act, has been registered at Police Station Vijaypur and investigation started.
Ramzan for expediting computerization, digitalization of CA&PD records
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 15: Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CA&PD) Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan today chaired a meeting of officers of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CA&PD) and National Informatics Centre (NIC) to review the progress on the Centrally sponsored project – End-to-End computerization and digitalisation of CA&PD records in the State.
The Minister directed the concerned for commencing the two pilot projects for computerization of CA&PD records in the twin capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar ensuring its completion by April this year, adding that other districts would be covered in the phased manner.
Directing for expediting the computerization of CA&PD records and digitalization of ration cards, the Minister asked the concerned to review the progress of the project periodically and complete it in a time frame manner.
The meeting was informed that the digitalization of ration cards of Anantnag, Pulwama and Bandipora districts has been completed, while as work on digitalization of ration cards for Ganderbal, Kulgam and Baramulla districts is in progress.
Secretary, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Mohammad Abbas, Directors CA&PD Kashmir and Jammu Mustaq Ahmad and. G S Chib, besides Director, NIC Dara Singh attended the meeting.
Ex-police personnel highlight demands
Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI, Jan 15: A meeting of Ex-Police Personnel Welfare League was held here today, wherein the participants highlight their demands.
The meeting expressed resentment over non-release of 6th Pay Commission arrears due since April, 2013 and stressed the administration for releasing the same in favour of Ex-police personnel.
Besides, it also demanded release of 10% DA installment with effect from July 2013 in favour of Ex-police personnel, enhancement of medical allowance from Rs 300 to Rs 1000 and 15 % reservation in recruitment for their wards.
The participants also expressed that cases of GP Fund of some retired police personnel, which have not been settled, may be got settled by the concerned DDOs of the respective districts.
The meeting also urged the police administration to allow re-imbursement of medical bills of all Ex-police personnel irrespective of any rank.
Chenab Valley emerging as hub of hydro power generation: Kichloo
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 15: Minister of State for Industries and Commerce, Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo today said that for the first time in the history of the State that Coalition Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, has framed a well-planned policy to tap the huge Hydle Power Potential in the State.
“Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah has conceived a well-planned and realistic power generation strategy and set a target to generate 9000 MWS of electricity in next 5 to 6 years in the State”, Kichloo said, adding that Chenab Valley in particular is emerging as hub of power generation where about five hydro- electric power projects are coming up on the river Chenab.
Discussing developmental scenario in Chenab Valley with deputations of people from Paddar, Naghbini, Kishtwar and Bhaderwah at Civil Secretariat Jammu this afternoon, Mr. Kichloo said that the Chenab Valley is gifted by God with abounded hydro power potential which is being exploited optimally under the New Power Generation Policy of the Government. He said a separate agency Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited (CVPPP) has been constituted by the Government to explore all the possibilities to tap maximum power potential. He said tenders for about Rs 8848 crore Pukal Dul Hydro Electricity Project have been floated as the No Objection Certificate/ clearance with regard to environs and ecology, forest and defence has been obtained.
“It has also been cleared by PWT, CWC and Geology and Mining”, he said and added that the project is being executed under Joint Venture mode as Chenab Valley Power Projects has reached at an agreement with three consortiums, the State Power Development Corporation (PDC), National Hydro Electric Power Corporation of India (NHPC) and CVPPPL. He said the HEP project will be executed on 49:49:2 share basis.
“Other projects which are being executed in Chenab Valley include 39 MW Kirthai II, 48 MW Lower Kalnai, 37.5 MW Parnai HEP, 9MW Dah, 600 MW Kirn HEP” Mr. Kichloo added and said that about 27 Mini Hydle Power Projects (HEP) with a combined capacity of 373 MW are also being executed in the State involving a whooping investment of about Rs. 2200 crore. He said these projects, on completion, would go a long way in socio- economic transformation of the State.
Speaker attends Bhhartiya Chhatra Sansad
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 15: Speaker Legislative Assembly Mubarak Gul has called upon the youth to contribute their bit in strengthening democracy and democratic institutions in the country.
“We are proud of our great leaders and sincerely commemorate wholehearted sacrifices made by them for envisaging a democratic and parliamentary system for the future generation countrymen. We should not forget our freedom movement which has been achieved by our leaders by sacrificing their lives”, Speaker said while addressing students at 3rd session of the 4th Conclave of the Indian Student Parliamentarians (Bhhartiya Chhatra Sansad) at Poona Maharashtra.
He said that the freedom struggle under the leadership of the Father of the Nation, Mahatama Gandhi, with his inspiring principle of non-violence had to pay a heavy cost to achieve the goal of Independence.
However, he said that during its post-Independence journey it has seen many of ups and downs but the country is indebted to the people who with the passage of time not only succeeded to keep the country united but also curbed the evil designs of the vested interests.
“Ours is a multicultural society with varied linguistic and ethnic origins bestowed with different languages, communities, religions, beliefs, customs and traditions, etc. and we are proud of this kind of unique and colourful Union”, he said.
Mr. Gul said that this kind of formation has indeed not only given a special identity to the nation in the entire world but has strengthened its federal structure as well.
“We have embraced and met tough challenges in the past and we should always be prepared in future, as well, to overcome our problems and ensure that there should not be any discrimination with any section of the society or region”, he added. He advised the youth to follow the path and Principle of ‘live and let live’ with the spirit of tolerance, brotherhood and mutual understanding.
The Speaker said that under the prevailing circumstances the biggest democratic country on the planet is confronted with certain challenges and organizing of such kind of conclaves is inevitable.
He said that it is not only obligatory on the part of every responsible citizen of India but for the institutions as well to contribute fully towards the strengthening of the democratic system. Though our towering leaders in the past have contributed a lot towards strengthening this system we should also realize our responsibilities towards our nation.
The Speaker said the empowerment of youth is necessary for a healthy society to ensure good governance, transparency and accountability which is possible only with innovative education. As such the scholars, educationists, authors, writers and academicians of the country have to play an important role in this direction. The Governments, both at the Central and State levels, are bound to provide a free atmosphere for education in addition to the basic infrastructure which would provide an opportunity to the youth of this country to come up to the expectations of the general masses.