Mir Iqbal
Srinagar, Jan 12: Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) National President Minority Morcha, Abdul Rashid Ansari today accused Kashmiri politicians of exploitation by making false promises for last 66-years.
While speaking at one day party workers convention here, Ansari said Congress, National Conference (NC) and other politicians have failed to work as per the aspiration of people in the State.
“Successive Government didn’t give anything to Kashmir despite ruling the State for last 66 years,” he said, adding that the Kashmir lags behind in education sector, developmental projects and industrial sector.
He said that once BJP comes to power, it will change the political culture in Kashmir by ending the dynasty rule.
Criticizing the NC’s autonomy and Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) Self-rule formula, Ansari said these parties have befooled public by coming with such formulas. “NC’s Autonomy and PDP’s Self rule was not the demand of people, but these parties designed it for their personnel benefits and it has nothing to do with general public,” he said.
Ramesh Arora, state vice president of BJP on the occasion said the traditional politicians here have kept public in dark with misleading facts and false promises. He stressed that issues like Article 370 without going into its provision are thrown in public in such a way that gives them (politicians) opportunity to exploit the helplessness of people.
“Article 370 is the hindrance for the development of Kashmir, but these politicians have portrayed it in such a way that it has become a tool for them to lure voters,” Arora said, adding Article 371 which gives other benefit to state like Punjab, Maharashtra cannot be implemented here due to article 370.
Other leaders present also demanded that refugees from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) be given full benefits as given to other citizens. “PoK refugees are also part of our state and they must be given full citizenship rights in the state,” they said.
Muslim Morcha State Chief Mushtaq Noorabadi and other leaders also spoke on the occasion.
BJP accuses Kashmiri politicians of exploiting people
Cong MP seeks reservation on economic criteria
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 12: Member Parliament from Jammu-Poonch constituency and senior Congress leader, Madan Lal Sharma for the first time today, raised the voice for Brahmans and members of other castes/communities demanding reservation on the economic criteria. Addressing a large gathering of Brahmans at a function organised by Dehati Brahman Sabha at Bishnah today, the Congress MP advocated reservation for the marginalized Brahmans and other communities on the basis of economic criteria. He said the time has now come to rethink on the issue of reservation in the country and provide real justice to the people from all the communities. At the same time, the Congress leader said that all the under privileged communities like Jats, SCs, STs and OBCs should get their due share here at par with other states of India. Mr Sharma said that some Brahmans and the people from other communities who very poor and not covered under any social protection schemes and fall Below Poverty Line, the Government should seriously think to formulate a reservation policy for such marginalized communities on the basis of economic criteria. On this occasion, the whole community members appreciated the issue raised by the MP. Meanwhile, the MP also celebrated Lohri festival with Jat community at Channi Bypass and extended good wishes to all the members of the community and other people. Later, he also visited JRC Home for Handicapped at Jammu and celebrated Lohri with the inmates.
PPP mode in health sector to benefit patients: Govt
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 12: Government today said that Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode in the health sector has been conceived for the help of the patients.
Keeping in view the financial constraints, Task Force on Health & Medical Education Sector in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah felt that wherever non-availability of funds will come in the way of installation of machinery for better health care, Government would involve private sector in the interest of patient care on the terms and conditions set by the Government, a spokesman said.
“It is only a small group with vested interests who oppose the move on one pretext or the other to safeguard their interests. The fact is that under the PPP mode diagnostic machinery would be used by hospital authorities as they are using their own machinery round the clock and the charges would be as determined by the Government”, the spokesman further said.
Not only this, he said that the students, faculty and doctors can use the machinery as freely as they would in case of the facilities owned by the hospital, adding “this is not the first State in the country adopting PPP mode for installation of machinery. Several States like Himachal Pradesh have already adopted the practice”.
“It is not the question of privatizing State hospitals but to facilitate general public with 24×7 sophisticated diagnostic facilities at the Government approved rates/conditions”, the spokesman said.
Gupta for adopting scientific measures to promote agriculture
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 12: To take stock of the problems being faced by the farmers and villagers of rural belt, JKDF held a public rally at Marh block, here today.
Hundreds of people attended the rally, which was addressed by JKDF State President, Anil Gupta.
Besides senior JKDF activists, the rally was attended by JS Baju, Chamel Singh Chib, Devinder Singh, Sunil Rakka and Deepak Sharma.
On the occasion, Suchet Singh Langeh was nominated JKDF Block President for Domana Block.
Addressing the gathering mostly dominated by farmers and villagers from the block, Anil Gupta stressed for the need to adopt latest scientific measures to improve the production and quality of food grains.
He said that the poor irrigation facilities and natural calamities are the major hurdles in the agriculture sector, adding that Government’s indifferent attitude to promote agriculture and provide soft loans for encouragement of farming have resulted into starvation and poverty among the farmers due to which this community preferred to shift to other professions, which caused decrease in agriculture productions.
Expressing concern about the people living below poverty line Gupta said, “Due to embezzlement in the distribution of BPL ration cards by the concerned department, the genuine people are being deprived of getting the subsidized rations for which they are entitled to.
Meanwhile JKDF has decided to contest the Parliament and State Assembly elections on all the seats of Jammu in order to play vital role in State polity to bring the people out of mess, which the existing NC-Congress rulers have created in this trouble torn State.
The prominent JKDF activists present on the occasion were Rohit Sharma, President JKDF Sewa Dal, Shalleen Gulati, Vice-President, Sewa Dal and Ravi Mehra, General Secretary, Sewa Dal.
Govt accountable for fiscal crisis: Dr Jitendra
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 12: BJP National Executive Member and J&K chief spokesperson Dr Jitendra Singh has held the National Conference (NC)-Congress Coalition Government accountable for the acute fiscal crisis into which it has landed the State of Jammu and Kashmir.
Commenting on the current financial crunch, he said as the coalition enters the last leg of its six year term, it cannot be allowed the liberty to leave empty State coffers behind it.
Taking a dig, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the Government which clamours for “autonomy”, is unable to release the salary of its employees on time and the ruling party which took over in 2008 with the promise of ushering in a new era of development is sparing only Rs 9378 crore for developmental activities out of the State’s total budget of 38608 crore because remaining 75 percent of the budget goes for paying salaries and pension of the employees.
Dr Jitendra disclosed that J&K has a total employee strength of 3.90 lakh and their annual salary bill including pension of former employees is around Rs 28,690 crore. Inability to generate sufficient funds for this purpose has resulted in regular protests by employees’ unions, making it virtually a perennial feature during the entire term of the NC led Coalition Government, he observed.
He regretted that on the one hand, the NC-Congress coalition is always found seeking mileage by denouncing the security forces while on the other hand, under the Security Related Expenditure on Police and Relief & Rehabilitation scheme introduced in the State after eruption of militancy in 1989, Government of India has reimbursed Rs 6575.26 crore to compensate J&K Government during the past 24 years.
Dr Jitendra Singh further said the scenario would have been different if the ruling party leadership had, instead of harping on symbolism like “autonomy”, “AFSPA”, etc, concentrated on progressive measures at the ground level.
William Shakespeare’s world famous play ‘Richard-III’ staged
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 12: Natrang’s Sunday Theatre today witnessed 10 year’s most exciting theatrical wonder on stage with the staging of William Shakespeare’s world famous play ‘Richard-III’ with 2nd group of actors at Amar Mahal.
Staged by Natrang and Rangroots Theatre in association with Amar Mahal Museum and Library, the play was produced in a 35 day workshop conducted by Asheish Nijhawan with the support of National School of Drama New Delhi.
The cast of the play included Ashwani Bali as Richard, Syed Mudassar Ali Shah as Clarence, Susheel Raina as Hastings, Sajra Qadir as Anne1, Aarushi Thakur as Anne2, Gazalgeet Kour as Elizabeth,Varun Sharma as Gray, Mahikshit Singh Langeh as Riverse, Namit Dubey as Stanley, Pankaj Verma as Messenger, Shivam Manhas as Buckingham and Brakenberry, Neeraj Kant as King Edward, Shazia Batool as Dutchess, Syed Mudassar Ali Shah as Arch Bishop, Manik Sharma as Prince York, Sachin Saini as Prince Edward, Rajan Thakyal as Mayor, Vickey Kaw as Catsby, Varun Sharma and Pankaj Verma as Citizens Gaurav Jamwal as Father-1 Ravinder as Father-2 and Uplaksh Singh Kotwal as Richmond. The music of the play was scored by Uplaksh Singh Kotwal, Make-up by Mohit Sharma and the stage management was looked after by Mohammad Yaseen, Rahul Singh and Pankush Verma.
Rich tributes paid to two soldiers killed in avalanche near LoC
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Jan 12: The GOC of Chinar Corps Commander, Lt General Gurmit Singh, and all ranks paid rich tribute to the mortal remains of two soldiers who died after a forward post was hit by a snow avalanche near Line of Control (LoC) in Machil sector on January 9.
Defence Ministry spokesman Lt Colonel N N Joshi said a solemn wreath laying ceremony was organised in Badami Bagh Cantonment here on Sunday, where in Chinar Corps Commander and all ranks of Chinar Corps laid wreath as a mark of honour for the brave soldiers.
A post of 5 Assam Regiment was hit by twin Avalanche in Muthal Gali at around 1215 hours on January 9, 2014. There were a total of eight soldiers manning the post in spite of inclement weather, guarding the LoC to foil any infiltration attempt from across the border by militants.
However, six soldiers were able to escape unharmed while Naik Lempa Konyak and Sepoy Thoudam Sanaton Singh were trapped under the Avalanche.
Rescue operation was immediately launched, Lt Col Joshi said adding the body of Singh was recovered at around 1515 hours on the same day while body of Naik Konyak was recovered at 1745 hrs on January 10 after which search operations were called off.
Chinar Corps Commander in a message to the families of the deceased said, “my heart goes out to the families and relatives of the two brave soldiers. May the almighty bestow strength to them to bear the ultimate loss. I on behalf of whole Chinar Corps salute the brave soldiers”.
Protest in Pulwama after CSC visit
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Jan 12: Massive protests erupted today in Litter area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district against the Government after rumours about recommendations of Tehsil status to Lassipora village in the district.
Around 3,000 people including women from the area assembled at Litter Chowk, forced shopkeepers to shut their shops and marched towards nearby Niloora village.
Fearing that mob can attack Congress District president’s House located in the village, scores of police personnel were sent to deal with law and order situation.
The protests erupted a day after the Cabinet Sub Committee constituted for eliciting suggestions and demands from general public and public representatives for creation of new administrative units visited South Kashmir districts of Kulgam, Anantnag, Shopian and Pulwama.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Pulwama, Tajender Singh told Excelsior the police party was rushed to the area to control the protesters from creating chaos in the area.
Deputy Commissioner, Pulwama Manzoor Ahmad Lone said some rumour mongers spread misinformation in the area to disturb peace. “The members of Cabinet Sub Committee are assigned to collect the inputs/opinion from general public and note down the same,” Lone said, adding, the Cabinet Sub Committee has taken no decision about granting Tehsil status to any of the villages.
Lone said that protesters also damaged the goods of some shopkeepers in village Niloora after later refused to close down their shops over the issue.
One dies as car rolls down near Dudhar Pull
Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, Jan 12: One person died when a Santro car rolled down in a deep gorge near Dudhar Pull Dhar Road in Udhampur.
The deceased was identified as Udhay Gupta (40), son of Om Parkash Gupta of Adarsh Colony Udhampur.
The accident took place when his Santro car bearing registration number DL8CG- 0445, on way from Samba to Udhampur and being driven by him, slipped into Dudhar nullah at Dhar Road late last night.
Police rushed to the spot and shifted the injured to District Hospital Udhampur where doctors declared him as brought dead.
In another road mishap, a Tanker bearing registration number JK02AC-9983, on way from Jammu to Udhampur, rolled down into a deep gorge near Battal Balian. Driver of the tanker, identified as Rajendir Singh son of Bhagwan Singh of Doda,sustained critical injuries in the accident and was shifted to hospital by police.
Samba Police foil 2 bovine smuggling bids
Excelsior Correspondent
SAMBA, Jan 12: In its drive against the illegal trafficking of bovine animals, Police Station Vijaypur headed by Inspector Mohd Iqbal SHO P/S Vijaypur, under the supervision of Anil Magotra, SP Samba and Ashok Singh, DySP, SDPO Vijaypur intercepted and seized one truck bearing Registration No. JK02AH-2565 during surprise ‘naka’ checking on National Highway at Vijaypur, yesterday.
The vehicles were found loaded with 8 bovine animals which were being transported illegally without permission from Kathua towards Jammu.
The driver of the vehicle, Azad Ahmed S/o Zahoor Shah R/o Saldar, Mahore, Reasi has been arrested on spot and case FIR No. 09/2014 U/S 188 RPC, 2/3 PC Act has been registered against him for further investigation.
In another case, a truck bearing registration No. JK14-7978 hit a car bearing registration No. PB35Q-1141 at Smailpur Chowk, Bari Brahmana.
On this occasion, Police party of P/S Bari Brahmana nabbed the truck which was found loaded with 6 bovine animals and being transported illegally without permission.
However, the accused driver managed to flee from the spot.
An FIR No. 03/2014 u/s 279/337/188 RPC has been registered with Police Station Bari Brahmana and investigation has been started.