SRINAGAR : Two unidentified militants were killed in a gunbattle in Sopore area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district today, police sources said.
The encounter broke out between security forces and militants in Bomai village of Sopore, 55 kms from here, following an anti-militancy operation, the sources said.
As per intelligence inputs, a group of five militants were believed to have taken shelter in the village and an operation was launched to neutralise them, they said.
When the security forces moved towards the target houses, militants hiding there opened fire and in the ensuing encounter, two militants were killed, the sources said.
They said the operation in the village was going on. (AGENCIES)
2 militants killed in encounter
There should be no dilution of AFSPA in J-K: Army chief
NEW DELHI : Army chief Gen Bikram Singh today said there should be no dilution of AFSPA in Jammu and Kashmir in view of the prevailing situation in the region, including possible terrorist spillover into the Valley after US drawdown in Afghanistan. “We need to look at developments in Afghanistan in 2014 before we can look at perhaps tampering with or diluting the disturbed areas (act). This is in regard to the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in J&K,” he said here. Gen Singh said it would be prudent to “wait and watch for a while” before taking a call on AFSPA. “As per military’s prespective, (in view of) the situation prevailing in the Valley, I think we should wait for a while to see whether the situation remains the same, worsens or improves. Based on that we should take action,” the Army chief said. In a word of caution, he said perhaps there may be a certain amount of spillover from Afghanistan into J&K. “There are certain inputs alluding to this already. And, therefore, we need to be on guard,” he said at a press conference on the eve of the Army Day on January 15. Asked about the statement of Aam Aadmi Party leader Prashant Bhushan that AFSPA should be lifted from J&K, Gen Singh said as a matter of principle, “I never comment on statements of political leaders….Our national prespective is that it is our country, J&K is our state and nobody should have any doubts about it. We are implementing the national strategy and the army is playing its role as part of that.” Bhushan has batted for the lifting of AFSPA, saying it gave the army immunity in cases of human rights violation while causing alienation amongst the people. APP has dissociated itself from his remarks. (AGENCIES)
No more ‘janta darbar’, Kejriwal goes for course correction
NEW DELHI : After his first ‘janta darbar’ ended in a total chaos, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today said there would be no such public meets and the government will open new channels where people can report their grievances online, via post and through calls.
He, however said that as there are people who just want to meet the Chief Minster, “so I will be available once a week for two to three hours to meet the people. People need not come to us for their grievances. For that we are opening several avenues”.
Talking about Saturday’s ‘janta darbar’ where Kejriwal had to leave the venue midway as hundreds jostled with each other to register their grievances, he said, “that day a lot of people had come. We had a meeting today. Now, we are making a system through which people can report their grievances online. We will also set up a call centre”.
“And all those who cannot write to us can call on that call centre and their grievances will be noted down…. They can also send us their complaints via post and we will also set up a help box down here (Secretariat). It will start in 2-3 days,” he said.
Questioned about reports of an IB alert about threat to his life from water tanker and tender mafia, Kejriwal said that there is no threat to his life and all the security should be given to the common man.
“My life is not under threat. I do not need any security. I want to live like a common man….The job of these security agencies is to provide security to the people of the country. Security of the Chief Minister and Ministers is not that important. All the security given to the VIPs in the country should be given to the common man,” he said.
He also rejected ‘Z’ category security provided to him by Ghaziabad police saying, “I don’t need security. I have said it so many times.” (AGENCIES)
CAT results to be declared tomorrow
NEW DELHI : The Common Admission Test (CAT) results for admission to the IIMs and other B-schools will be declared tomorrow.
Candidates can log into www.Cat2013.Iimidr.Ac.In from tomorrow onwards to retrieve their results, said a statement today. Access to the results will be available till the end of this year.
Candidates have been advised to retain a printed copy of their score card.
CAT 2013 was conducted in 76 secure test centres across 40 cities over a 20-day testing window from October 16 to November 11, 2013. (AGENCIES)
Infiltration bid foiled along LoC in Poonch
JAMMU : Army today foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control in Poonch district.
There was suspected movement of a group of militants along the LoC in Krishnagati forward area of Poonch around 0615 hours today, a defence spokesperson said.
Alert Army troops guarding the border challenged them, he said, adding that there was brief exchange of firing in the area.
Troops are conducting search operations in the area after the infiltration bid was foiled, he said.
Further details are awaited. (AGENCIES)
EPFO approves raising Provident Fund interest rate to 8.75%
NEW DELHI, Jan 13: Retirement fund body EPFO today decided to increase the rate of interest on Provident Fund depositsto 8.75 per cent for 2013-14, a move that will benefit about 5 crore subscribers.
“We have decided to recommend to the Government 8.75 per cent rate of interest for 2013-14 to its subscribers,” Labour Minister Oscar Fernandes told reporters after a meeting of the EPFO trustees here.
The Central Board of Trustees, which is the apex decision-making body of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), met today and approved the interest rate.
According to sources, the body had surplus funds, which enabled the interest rate to be increased from 8.5 per cent in the previous financial year (2012-13).
The EPFO’s recommendation will be vetted by the Finance Ministry. Once the ministry approves the decision, the interest would be credited to the accounts of subscribers.
According to sources, the decision to enhance the rate was taken in view of the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls.
The EPFO is estimated to have an income of Rs 20,796.96 crore in the current financial year.
Payment of interest at the rate of 8.5 per cent to subscribers would have required Rs 20,740 crore and left a surplus of Rs 56.96 crore, according to earlier projections. (AGENCIES)
Kejriwal to get ‘Z’ level security from UP police from today
NEW DELHI : Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejrwal will be given ‘Z’ category protection by the Uttar Pradesh police from today wherein 30 security personnel will be posted round the clock at his home in Kaushambi, Ghaziabad.
Mr Kejriwal had earlier turned down the offer by Delhi police as well as Ghaziabad SSP’s offer for security cover.
However, after an attack on the Aam Aadmi Party office on January 8 wherein activists of a right-wing group had attacked and vandalised the Aam Aadmi Party headquarters in Kaushambi in protest against party leader Prashant Bhushan’s remarks on Kashmir, the UP police have decided to give ‘Z’ category protection to Mr Kejriwal.
In Delhi too, Mr kejriwal is being given ‘discreet’ security cover after the ‘Janta Durbar’ by the Chief Minister and his Delhi cabinet colleagues saw an uncontrollable crowd outside the Delhi secretariat on Saturday.
Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde had said that Mr Kejriwal was being protected by security men without his knowledge.
Sources said Mr Kejriwal will now have two escort vehicles accompanying him when he is on the move in Ghaziabad. These vehicles would be carrying two head constables and six constables armed with sophisticated weapons.
The Uttar Pradesh Government had on Saturday decided that security was to be provided to Mr Kejriwal despite his refusal to accept it. (AGENCIES)
Kashmir highway open for one-way traffic from Jammu to Kashmir
SRINAGAR : Only one-way traffic continued on the the Srinagar-Jammu national highway, connecting the Kashmir valley with the rest of the country.
A traffic police official said vehicles from Jammu to Srinagar will be allowed today. However, the vehicles had to cross the Nagrota by 0900 hrs and Udhampur 1200 hrs. No vehicle will be allowed after the deadline.
He said no vehicle will be allowed from Srinagar to Jammu to avoid any traffic jam or accident on the highway.
Meanwhile, several thousand of vehicles, including trucks carrying essentials, including vegetables, rice, atta, gas cylinders, petrol, diesel, chicken and sheep besides those carrying passengers left Jammu this morning for Kashmir. (AGENCIES)
GDC Zanskar to start functioning from April: Feroz
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 12: All Zanskar Students Union (AZSU), an amalgam of students of Kargil, Zanskar and Drass Tehsils of Ladakh region of the State, presently putting up at Jammu in connection with their higher and professional education, organized ‘Losar’ -the new year of Buddhists, at Dogra Hall this afternoon.
Minister of State for Science Technology, Information Technology, Education and Youth Services and Sports Feroz Ahmad Khan was chief guest on the occasion.
Executive Councilor, LAHDC Kargil Skalzang Angdus was also present at the function.
Extending warm greetings to the people of Ladakh and Kargil especially the Budhhist community on the auspicious occasion of ‘Losar’,- the Minister hoped that the festival will prove harbinger of peace, progress and prosperity for the State and its people. He highlighted the centuries old rich traditions of communal harmony, brotherhood and co-existence of different faiths and cultures symbolizing high values of humanity.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister said that Government has expanded the opportunities of higher and professional education across the state, adding that focused attention is given to improve the basic infrastructure of education institutions in remote and far-flung areas with the aim to provide quality education to the students in every nook and corner of the State at their door steps.
The Minister said that a whooping amount of Rs 10.00 crore has been earmarked for creation of infrastructure for Government Degree College, Zanskar, during this financial year. He said the College, sanctioned last year is presently functioning from Higher Secondary School, Paddam, Zanskar, and will start functioning fully from April this year. He said the full-fledged College would have all modern facilities, adding that all streams including Science, Arts, Commerce and IT based education will be taught in the College which will be inaugurated in first week of April 2014. He further said that 6 more posts of lecturers of various streams have been sanctioned for the college.
The Minister announced setting up of a Sub Office of Board of School Education at Zanskar and said that the Sub-Office will start functioning at Paddam- the head-quarter of Zanskar Tehsil shortly, having a distance of more than 230 kilometers from the district headquarter Kargil. He said this was the long pending demand of the people of Zanskar which has been fulfilled. The students of this far-flung and remote area were facing tremendous problems in absence of the Sub-Office as the nearest Board office is situated at Kargil.
The Executive Councilor, LAHDC, Kargil, also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the problems being faced by the people of the area.
President, All Zanskar Students Union (AZSU), Rigzin Kalsang, presented a memorandum of demands which include opening of BOSE Sub-Office at Zanskar, upgradation of Tehsil Library, recruitment of qualified Bhoti teachers in Government schools, conducting SSRB Exams at Zanskar and funds for organizing career counseling, education and health awareness campaign.
Responding to the demands, the Minister announced Rs 5 lakh out of his Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for upgradation of Tehsil Library, Zanskar. He assured that the other genuine demands will be looked into sympathetically.
Lohri celebrated with religious fervour
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 12: Lohri festival was celebrated with religious fervour and enthusiasm.
Lohri was celebrated at Government College for Women (GCW), Parade. Ramapanday, CEO Montage Films and Anjali Director Doordarshan were the guest of honour, while as Principal, Dr Hemla Aggarwal, staff and students participated in the celebrations. A Rock concert was performed by ‘Mythya’ a progressive rock band.
GGM Science College celebrated Lohri festival. Principal Dr NK Resutra lit the traditional bonfire and NSS Volunteers along with staff performed the rituals and also danced around the bonfire. Prof DS Manhas, Staff Secretary, Dr Rajinder Singh, NSS Programme Officer, Dr Jagjeet Singh, staff members, Rama Pandey, Artist along with her team were also present.
Government College of Education organized a cultural program to celebrate Lohri. The theme of the program was ‘Kuria di Lohri’. The chief guests were VK Singh, Additional Director General of Police Security and Shiv Dev Singh Chib, Range Officer, Jammu, Department of Social Forestry. Principal of the College Prof Koushal Smotras and Prof Ashu Jolly, NSS Programme Officer were also present. Students presented various cultural items and lit the holy fire and danced around it.
Government Degree College, Billawar celebrated Lohri. Students and teachers performed Punjabi Dance “Bangra” around the bonfire. Principal Dr BL Gupta, Prof Sanjeev Gupta, Prof Rakesh Sharma, Prof Amit Kumar Sharma, Prof Joginder Kumar and staff members were also present.
Kawa College of Education and Kawa Institute of Management and Technology celebrated Lohri festival, in which students and staff members participated. Dance performance by students was the special attraction. Managing Director Abhimanyu Katoch and Principal Dr Anita Bali were also present.
Lohri festival was celebrated at Rajiv Gandhi Memorial College of Education, Kathua, in which students and staff members took part. A bonfire was lit and encircled by Chairperson, Anu Dogra, Principal, Dr GP Sachdev, distinguished guests, students and staff members. The students and faculty members also danced on the tunes of Dhol and Music.
Students and staff of Sai Shyam College along with Sai Shyam Public School Ghou-Manhasan celebrated Lohri with religious fervour and gaiety. The bonfire was lit by CL Tickoo, Chairman of the Institution. Students sang folk songs and danced around the bonfire. Dr Usha Tickoo, Principal of the College highlighted the importance of festivals.
Sacred Heart College of Education celebrated Lohri, in which Principal Dr KK Tiwari, staff members and students participated. Cultural items were presented by the students.
RM College of Education, Management and IT celebrated Lohri festival, in which students participated and presented colorful items. Trustee of the College Rita Mengi and Principal PK Dhar along with staff members lit the sacred fire.
Bharat College of Education, Kathua celebrated Lohri. Director Dr RC Bhagat and Principal Sahil Mahajan lit the bonfire in presence of staff members and students. On the occasion, students presented cultural items.
Vimal Muni College of Education, Ramgarh celebrated Lohri festival. Chairperson of the College Anu Gupta, Principal Dr SD Gupta, staff and students lit the holy fire. Students sang Lohri songs and danced on the tunes of music. Cultural items were also presented by the students.
Lohri was celebrated with enthusiasm at Bhartiya College of Education, Udhampur. Students presented cultural bonanza. Prof Sukham Chand, Principal of the College said that it is only with these festivals that we are able to maintain our ancestral values and traditions.
Luthra College of Education and Luthra Public School celebrated Lohri festival with pomp and show, in which staff members and students participated actively. Students presented cultural items, which was appreciated by the audience. Anil Gupta, president, JKDF was the chief guest, while Principal of the college Vijay Laxmi, Sanjeev Luthra, Principal of the School and Chairperson Rajeev Luthra were also present. Upasana Sharma, NSS Officer presented vote of thanks.
SVS Degree College and Guru Gang Dev Ji College of Education, Chann Arorian celebrated Lohri festival, in which students participated actively. Prof RL Sharma, Principal SVS Degree College and Prof Jagmohan Singh, Principal, Guru Gang Dev Ji College of Education highlighted the importance of the festival. Teachers and students also expressed their views.
Lohri festival was celebrated at Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Udhampur. Students presented various cultural items and mesmerized the audience. Sunil Sharma, Principal threw light on the importance of the festival. Anuradha, lecturer in English and Ranjana, lecturer in Information Technology acted as stage secretaries.
Lohri was celebrated at Government Girls High School Udhampur. The programme commenced with a special assembly, in which students sang songs and performed Gidda. Headmaster Mridula Sharma along with staff members lit pious fire and highlighted the importance of the festival.
Dogra Higher Secondary School, Shastri Nagar celebrated Lohri festival under the supervision of MD Gambhir Dev Singh Charak. Students presented colourful cultural items. Davinder Kour Principal and Nirmala Koul Vice Principal highlighted importance of festival.
Lohri was celebrated at SP Senior Secondary School, Bari Brahmana, Sarore. The students were apprised about the importance of the festival. On the occasion, chief guests were Shivang Satya Gupta, CEO and Shilpa Gupta, while Founder member Prabha Gupta, Administrators Prithvi Raj Gupta and Ravi Khajuria were also present.
Shastri Memorial Higher Secondary School celebrated Lohri festival, in which staff members, students and their parents participated. Principal of the School threw light on the importance of the festival.
Lohri was celebrated at NITL Higher Secondary School Udhampur. Students presented cultural items and mesmerized the audience.
Lohri was celebrated at Anuradha Mission School, KB Nagar, Bantalab. Cultural items were presented by students. Principal AK Pandita apprised the students about the importance of the festival.
Bhargava Public School, Supwal, Samba celebrated Lohri festival with verve and enthusiasm. The celebration began with a special assembly, where the Principal Viveak Arora enlightened the students and staff about Lohri festival. Students and staff tapped their feet on Punjabi Dhol around the bonfire. Chairman Prakash Sharma, Directors Rajesh Sharma and Vandana Sharma were also present. Former MLA and Chairman of the institution Prakash Sharma blessed the children with encouraging words.
Lohri was celebrated by May Fair Group of institutions at Chand Nagar and Janipur branches. Vijay Basur, Chairman was the chief guest, while Abhey Basur, Director was the guest of honour. Vidya Sagar, Principal, Chand Nagar branch and Ranjeet Kour, Principal Janipur branch highlighted the importance of the festival. Students presented cultural items.
Bhartiya Vidya Mandir High School, Ambphalla celebrated Lohri festival, in which staff member, students and their parents participated. Organizing Secretary of BSS Sameer Saproo presided over the function. Students presented colourful cultural programme. Principal of the school presented vote of thanks.
Lohri was celebrated with full zeal and enthusiasm at Dream Land Public High School Udhampur. Principal highlighted the importance of the festival. Students presented cultural items.
Special Assembly was organized at RM Public School to celebrate Lohri. Students presented Bhangra item, while Ajinder Kour and Meenakshi Pathania presented their views. Trustee of RM Public School Rita Mengi highlighted the importance of Lorhi celebration. Principal Ravinder
Kour, Vice Principal Shashi Jamwal, Administrator, Meenakshi Sharma, Pre-Primary Co-ordinator Pooja Padwal, staff and students were also present.
JK Little Millennium School, Tirth Nagar, Talab Tillo celebrated Lohri festival. Students were attired in colorful dresses. The teachers narrated them the story of Parladh and Holika for explaining them about the importance of celebration of Lohri festival. Rajni Gupta, Managing Director, JKMS was also present.
92.7 BIG FM in collaboration with Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar and supported by Sahai Group of Companies has conducted a special Lohri celebration at Girls College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, where special cultural performances were given by college students. The show was hosted by RJ Sarang and RJ Juhie. On the occasion, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Shantmanu was the chief guest. The celebrations culminated with a bonfire with gathering singing and dancing on the tunes of Lohri songs. Social Activist, Ved Ghai, Additional Secretary PDD, Sheetal Nanda and senior Journalist Yogita Yadav were honoured by 92.7 Big FM for their contribution in different fields in the State. Dr Kiran Bakshi, Principal Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, Rahul Sahai, Chairman Sahai Group of Companies, Syed Mujtaba Ali Jaffery, Station Head 92.7 Big FM and Vikrant Sharma Programming Head 92.7 Big FM addressed the gathering.
Lohri festival was celebrated by All India Jat Mahasabha under the chairmanship of its president Manmohan Singh with people from different communities. The celebrations witnessed live performances by local artists and performing groups from Punjab, followed by cultural programme by school children from various schools.
Swami Vivekananda Sardh Shati Samaroh Samiti celebrated Lohri festival at Trikuta Nagar, in which residents of the area participated. Rattan Kapoor presented the welcome address. Rakesh Kumar was the chief guest. BD Gupta, basti pramukh and a philantropist presented wheel chair to the needy. Children participated in drawinmg competition and sang patriotic songs and also recited poems. Ajay Gupta, Rajinder Gupta, Jog Raj Gupta, Yash Puri and Bharat Bhushan were also present.