Man is acclimatized to the fury of the nature because he is helpless before its might when unleashed by the elements. Earthquakes, tsunami, wild fires, storms, avalanches, hurricanes, cyclone, tornados and tempests are the manifestations of this brute power of nature that claim life too violently and too quickly. Scientists and geologists give us the physical reason for these unpredictable changes. Yet despite all the destruction that these cause, man moves on to be part of the entire process.
We in the State of Jammu and Kashmir are faced with a recurring scenario that haunts us year after year and season after season. The State is located on the western fringes of the Himalayas comprising the Pir Panchal, Salkhala and Shivalak ranges and sub-ranges. According to geologists, these mountain ranges are younger in years and hence not so solid as to withstand the onslaught of elements or wanton intervention by human beings. The road from Jammu to Banihal meanders through kacha mountains that are highly vulnerable to the effect of heavy rains and snow. Particularly during the monsoons and the winter when we have heavy rains and snow alternatively, the entire belt of NH-1 and the arteries like Batote – Doda-Kishtwar road or Udhampur-Reasi road or Rajouri-Poonch road and Batote-Banihal road become highly vulnerable to landslides and slips that disrupt normal vehicular transport. Landslides are a common feature during the rainy season. When the road is blocked thousands of vehicles along the road and passengers get stranded for days at end. It becomes a matter of worry for the government and for the civilian population. More often, people perish in such conditions.
We may not be able to predict the vagaries of nature and the fury of elements when geographical changes are at work, but we need to think seriously whether we are becoming an instrument to aggravate violent physical changes all along the highways and mountainous road links in the State. We are repeatedly told that some interventions could become the cause for loosening of the earth of these young mountains and ridges that could lead to downslide of enormous mass of earth, stones and rocks called landslides. De-foresting and denying the slopes their green cover, absence of drains to save the soil from erosion, blasting of rocks and quarries to obtain constructional material like stones, pebbles, sand etc, tampering with rock formations to make tunnels, bridges or to widen the roads by cutting the earth are all having impact on the mountains through which roads are built. Movement of heavy vehicular traffic causes vibrations that could also be the reason for loosening of the earth. At many places such as from 14- to 135 kilometers of NH-1, the region is more prone to landslides owing to very loose formation of rocks.
The Jammu-Srinagar-Leh Highway is the lifeline of our State. We cannot afford its closure even for one hour. It is the feeder to the requirements of more than a crore of people and the entire economy of the state depends on it. Therefore we need to constantly take care that the link remains intact in all seasons and under all conditions. It calls for some urgent and serious measures. Foremost is that axing of the trees and spoliation of green cover over should be immediately forbidden with very harsh punishment for violation of this rule. Then there should be plantation on scientific basis meaning such trees should be densely planted as have deep roots and grip the soil fast. Trees of special specie will have to be identified and planted on regular basis. The green cover of the soil has to be maintained at any cost and with perfection. Quarries should not be allowed close to the Highway. It is just possible that the Forest Department may need creating a separate range for the National Highway exclusively.
Raising protective and supportive walls and bunds is also important. Border Roads organization is doing excellent job in trying to keep important and strategic road open the year round. But the construction of supporting walls and balustrades has to be undertaken as a major project to be completed over a period of time. It is hoped that the proposed tunnel from Chenani to Nashri now under construction will overcome the problem of landslides. But that should not minimize the importance of keeping the old highway open and in trim for use.
Meeting nature’s fury
Loot of intellectual property
Out of a total of about four lakh books in 69 public libraries in the valley, 42,000 volumes are either missing or are lying with borrowers who have not cared to return these despite several official letters sent to them. 2659 books unreturned are lying with bureaucrats. Even they pay no attention to the official notices. This is general loot of public property and reflects the height of irresponsibility and social unwariness. Libraries, the standard of books preserved and the visitors and readership all put together speak of the cultural level of a society. These are old libraries and, obviously, they have old and rare volumes preserved in their vaults. Libraries are the cultural treasure of a society. Remember that during World War II, Great Britain had secured most of its precious fund of books and manuscripts in the British Museum at underground safe vaults which would not get damage owing to bombardment. Libraries are public property, something that makes a society civilized, historically conscious and futuristically inquisitive. Vandalizing this national fund is a big crime and the report brought out by the Directorate of Libraries laments that there are no stringent laws to take proper action against defaulters. Firstly membership laws should be made more stringent and the registered borrowers should be asked to deposit a good amount with the concerned library authorities as security against loss or non-return. Then there should be a penalty for loss or non return also. All libraries need to be provided with photo copying facility on payment and an exclusive identity card with full home address and photograph. All books preserved should be digitalized and access to volumes made technically very easy and quick. Library buildings have to be on modern lines, airy, with sunlight coming in plentiful or air conditioned. The staff has to be well trained and dedicated to the profession.
Budget session set for storm, Hindu terror issue defused
NEW DELHI, Feb 20:
The Budget Session of Parliament beginning tomorrow looks set to be stormy with Opposition vowing to strongly raise issues like corruption and inflation even though Government expressed readiness to discuss all issues and order any kind of probe into the chopper scam.
However, a possible confrontation between Government and BJP over Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde’s “Hindu terror” remark was averted on the eve of the session as he expressed regret and the main opposition welcomed it.
Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj had demanded that Shinde withdraw his comments and tender an apology, failing which the party would boycott him.
The three-month long session will begin with the customary address by President Pranab Mukherjee to the joint sitting of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
The session has a heavy legislative agenda, including getting Parliament nod to three ordinances, introduction of as many as 16 bills, consideration and passage of 35 bills.
The Railway Budget will be presented on February 26, the Economic Survey the next day and the General Budget on February 28.
NDA, which held a strategy session here this evening, said it wanted Parliament to function smoothly and would make all efforts in this regard.
However, it said there were lot of “challenges” before the which needed to be raised in Parliament with “full strength”.
NDA convenor Sharad Yadav listed these issues as the helicopter scam, other corruption cases, inflation, farmers plight due to drought in Maharashtra and hailstorm in Madhya Pradesh and ordinance on stronger anti-rape laws.
The main opposition’s aggressive posturing came even after Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and other ministers said the Government was ready for discussion on any issue and hoped all parties will join hands to find productive, constructive solutions to the formidable challenges facing the nation.
On the helicopter scam which the NDA would be raising on Friday, the Government said it is ready for any kind of probe.
With an aim of ensuring a smooth sail of the Budget session, Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar held a meeting with leaders of all political parties today.
After the meeting, the Prime Minister said he hoped that all political parties will join hands to find productive, constructive solutions to the formidable challenges facing the nation.
“Parliament is the forum for discussions or dialogue and all parties have an obligation to ensure that parliament runs smoothly. I am hopeful and confident that this session is going to be a fruitful session,” he told reporters.
Noting that all parties have an obligation to ensure that Parliament runs smoothly, Singh said, “I am hopeful and confident that this is going to be a fruitful session.”
Swaraj said parties want discussion on several issues including VVIP chopper scam, Indo-Pak ties in the backdrop of beheading of two Indian soldiers, situation in Maldives, attempts by China to encircle India, severe drought in Maharashtra and plight of farmers due to hailstorm in Madhya Pradesh as also the burden of rising prices on the common man.
Hours later, NDA convenor Sharad Yadav said, “There are several challenges facing the country. The helicopter scam will certainly be raised. Some other scams were left halfway. We will try to raise them too.”
On the controversial chopper deal, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath said the Government is willing for any type of inquiry for which there was a political consensus.
“I have told all political parties that the Government is willing to have any type of inquiry for which there is political consensus on the helicopter issue because this is not just an issue concerning corruption. This is an investigation carried out overseas which is a slur on India,” Nath said.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde tonight expressed regret over his controversial Hindu terror remark as the faceoff with opposition BJP was defused just on the eve of the Budget Session of Parliament.
In a brief statement by way of clarification, Shinde, who is also the Leader of the Lok Sabha, said his comment has created a “misunderstanding” and that he had no intention to link terrorism with any religion.
“Since controversy has been created on account of my statement, I am issuing this clarification and expressing regret to those who felt hurt by my statement,” he said.
“My statement given in Jaipur last month has created a misunderstanding. It has been understood to mean that I was linking terrorism to a particular religion and was accusing certain political organisations of being involved in organising terror camps.
“I had no intention to link terror to any religion. There is no basis for suggesting that terror can be linked to organisations mentioned in my brief speech in Jaipur,” he added.
Shortly after Shinde expressed regret, BJP welcomed it but said it ought to have come much earlier.
“The delay had created a condition which gladdened the hearts of terrorists and their patrons in Pakistan,” BJP chief spokesman Ravi Shanker Prasad said.
Shinde had made the controversial remark at Jaipur exactly a month ago at the Congress’ Chinthan Shivir raising the hackles of the principal Opposition party and the Sangh Parivar.
Earlier in the day, Shinde along with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath had a meeting with Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha and BJP leader Sushma Swaraj after which Government managers worked overtime to formulate a statement which was acceptable to both sides.
The Home Minister has been under severe attack from BJP which had promised to rake up the issue in the Budget session beginning tomorrow.
“I will continue to perform my duties to the best of my ability to ensure that harmony is maintained in the social fabric of India,” Shinde said.
Shinde’s statement came on a day when BJP took to the streets in Delhi to protest against his remarks. (PTI)
J&K seeks coal block for 1000 MW thermal power: CM
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 20: Jammu and Kashmir is seeking allocation of coal block from Union Ministry of Coal under Government dispensation route for setting up of a Pit-Head Thermal Power Plant of 1000 MW capacity to meet the energy needs of the State.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, on whose directions the State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) has initiated action on this initiative, today received detailed brief on the proposed project at the 68th meeting of Board of Directors of JKSPDC.
Managing Director, JKSPDC, Basharat Ahmad Dhar informed the meeting that with the approval of the Chief Minister the Corporation has sought allocation of coal block out of the eight suitable blocks notified by Union Ministry of Coal in Chattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal and Jharkhand. He said eight papers have been submitted by the JKSPDC for allocation of coal block.
This path breaking initiative would help to augment power supply by 1000 MWs and meet the generation needs especially during the winter when the generation of hydro electric projects recede and demand increases.
Underlining the necessity of a coal-run thermal power plant to generate 1000 MW electricity round the year, the Chief Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir would get greatly benefited by such a type of power project and help mitigate the difficulties on power supply count in the peak demand periods.
Omar said that power sector is the focused area and multipronged strategy has been put in place by his Government to increase the power generation manifolds and help flourishing of wide-ranging economic activities in the State besides meeting the domestic power needs.
The Chief Minister said that his Government is determined to transform Jammu and Kashmir from power deficit State to energy sufficient one and relieve the people from the constant burden of load sheding and power cuts. He said availability of sufficient power is also necessary for the growth of industry and trade activities.
Omar Abdullah asked the JKSPDC to fast track the completion of projects under its implementation in the State. He also directed for ensuring time line completion of works under execution in joint venture and other modes.
The Board approved the proposal of placing the recommendation of JKSPDC before the Cabinet for award of EPC contract for construction of 48 MW Lower Kalnai and 21 MW Patnazi Bunjwah HEP through IPP route to successful bidders.
With these two projects the number of projects approved for award during the current financial year will increase to 13 with a capacity of 712 MWs.
The Board also approved the road map for capacity addition of about 9036 MWs in the State during the 12th and 13th Five Year Plan periods comprising 7357 MWs in State sector including JV and IPP mode projects. As many as 10 projects with an aggregate capacity of 3824 MWs would be constructed by JKSPDC.
The meeting discussed matters relating to the funding of power projects, construction of external access road to Sawalakot, financial closure of 9 MW Dah and 9 MW Hanu HEPs, setting up of 5 MW TDP-cum-Resource Assessment Geo-thermal project at Pugah Leh, status of implementation of projects, setting up of football academy, action taken on decisions taken in previous meetings and issues pertaining to administration and management of the Corporation.
The Board also reviewed the status of implementation of Baglihar HEP-II, Parnai, Lower Kalnai, New Ganderbal, Sawalakote, Karthai-I and II HEPs. It also discussed matters of pension policy, regularization policy and compassionate appointment policy for the Corporation employees.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary, Mohammad Iqbal Khanday, Economic Advisor, Jalil Ahmad Khan, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, B. B. Vyas, Principal Secretary Power Development Department, A. K. Mehta, Executive Director, Zahoor Ahmad Chat, Secretary JKSPDC, Sunil Gupta and senior other officers.
Poonch firm blacklisted for cross LoC trade
Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, Feb 20: For the first time after the cross LoC trade activities commenced between India and Pakistan though Chakan-da-Bagh LoC point in Poonch, two firms on both sides of the LoC have been black-listed for carrying out any business ties further.
The Poonch based firm has been black-listed for cross LoC trade via Chakan-da-Bagh while Indian authorities today conveyed the Pak authorities to ban a Rawalakot based firm as it was found supplying cartridges of AK-47 rifles, concealed under goods twice in last three months.
Authoritative sources told the Excelsior that M/S Dewan Traders of Poonch has been blacklisted for the cross LoC trade after some cartridges of AK-47 rifle were recovered from the goods destined to him from Rawalakot in Pak occupied Kashmir twice. A trader Hamid Raza Hashmi from Rawalakot in PoK had sent the goods (almonds) to the Poonch based firm.
During scanning at the Chakan-da-Bagh trade facilitation centre, the Indian authorities had detected some cartridges concealed in almond boxes, apparently for trial. The attempt to smuggle ammunition was however foiled on two occasions in last three months.
General Manager, District Industries Centre (DIC) Poonch, Krishan Lal confirmed that on the basis of its involvement in illegal activities, the Poonch based firm has been black-listed and Pak authorities through Indian Trade Facilitation Officer, Paramjeet Singh were today conveyed that Rawalakot (PoK) based firm, owned by Fazal Rehman Hashmi, be banned for the cross LoC trade as the same firm was found sending some cartridges concealed in almonds to M/S Dewan Traders of Poonch twice in last 3-4 months. On the basis of the illegal activities, both the firms have been debarred from carrying further trade activities through Chakan-da-Bagh LoC point.
It has been decided at the higher level that goods sent by this Rawalakote based firm will not be accepted in future at all the LoC points here and the authorities in Pakistan in this concerned have been sounded appropriately.
Mr Lal further disclosed that this was for the first time that any firm involved in the cross LoC Trade was penalized at this cross LoC trade centre.
He said on one occasion a PoK visitor was arrested at the Chakan-da-Bagh after a satellite camera was found concealed in his suit case by the Indian authorities. He was coming to meet his relatives in Mendhar area. He was arrested and a case registered against him.
Meanwhile, total 19 trucks loaded with goods crossed sides at Chakan-da-Bagh LoC point today. The PoK traders sent goods including dry fruits and herbs worth Rs 51 lakhs to the Indian side while Indian traders sent goods worth Rs 40 lakh in 13 trucks to PoK today. Majority of the goods included fresh fruits. The LoC point was opened between 12 noon to 1 pm and then between 3 and 3.30 pm. Paramjeet Singh from Indian side and Fazal Rehman from Pak side facilitated the trade.
Stormy budget session on cards, Govt to face heat
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Feb 20: Budget session of the State Legislature beginning February 28 was likely to be very stormy especially in the initial days with main opposition, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and others raking up the issue of Afzal Guru’s execution while Jammu based Opposition parties taking up the Government on failed promises of employment, refugees, empowerment of Panchayats, holding of Municipal elections and giving corruption free governance.
On their part, the National Conference-Congress coalition partners have geared up to counter the Opposition. The Alliance would devise its strategy jointly in the Legislature Party meeting on the eve of session especially its stand on Guru’s execution on which a lot of uproar was expected with the Opposition attempting to move Motion and Resolution seeking return of Guru’s body to his family.
Apart from the Opposition, the ruling Alliance could also face some heat from the MLAs, who failed to make it to the Council of Ministry in last month’s expansion, which was under taken after three and a half years and the Ministers, who were dropped.
Though the Kupwara trio—Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan, Saifullah Mir and Kafeel-ur-Rehman—who had quite often created trouble for the Government in the Assembly were now part of the Government with first two inducted in the Cabinet and Kafeel given Cabinet rank as Vice Chairman of Pahari Welfare Advisory Board and Nazir Gurezi also inducted as the Minister of State with Independent Charge, the other aspirants in both the parties could embarrass the Government, the insiders said.
This would be first session of present dispensation without Speaker Mohammad Akbar Lone, who used to tackle the Opposition very effectively with his statesmanship and arguments, albeit sometimes losing temper. The Government had to elect new Speaker on first day of the session.
“Guru’s shadow would definitely cast trouble in the Assembly. We are not even able to think of Bills, Resolutions and other issues as the Government of India has pushed every thing including the peace process way behind by executing Guru in such a manner which has generated a lot of anger among the people of Kashmir’’, senior PDP leader and MLA Nizam-ud-Din Bhat said.
His stand dropped enough hints that the PDP was going to pursue the issue vigorously in the Legislative Assembly making the budget session stormy. Though Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has also echoed sentiments of the people by supporting demand for return of Guru’s body, the NC leaders admitted that it would be tough to control rampaging PDP in the House especially when the Congress members can’t back the NC leaders as it was their Government, which executed Guru.
However, Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather said it was the job of the Opposition to rake up issues in the Assembly but the Government has effective replies to their each and every query.
“We know what issues the Opposition parties would raise. Some of their issues are just for the sake of doing opposition of the Government. We would counter them effectively. We will reply to their arguments’’, Mr Rather said, adding “it was, however, a different matter that if the Opposition was adamant on creating trouble, who can stop them’’?
Though the Government has set up the State Vigilance Commission (SVC) ahead of the session by nominating former DGP Kuldeep Khoda as Chief Vigilance Commissioner and RK Jerath as Vigilance Commissioner, the Opposition planned to grill the Government on diluting powers of Chief Information Commission (CIC) and State Accountability Commission (SAC).
“I would move a legislation in budget session of the Assembly seeking suo moto powers to SAC for taking action against the corrupt political leaders’’, CPM leader Mohammad Yusuf Tarigami said, adding this was a must to tackle the menace of corruption.
Mr Tarigami said the Panchayats have been rendered handicapped without powers and the Government has failed to keep up its promise of holding elections to Municipalities. “What happened to the Government promise of fast track recruitment of 60,000 jobs and 43,000 casual appointments’’? he asked.
NPP Legislature Party leader Harshdev Singh said the NPP would forcefully take up the issue of “non governance’’ in the State. “There is no accountability, no work culture, unemployment is increasing every day. Administrative machinery has paralysed. The people were disenchanted with the Government. The fiscal indiscipline is increasing’’, he added.
BJP president and MLA Nagrota, Jugal Kishore said the party would grill the Government for delay in empowerment of Panchayats, which have been rendered defunct, addressing problems of West Pakistan and PoK refugees and delay in holding elections to Municipal bodies.
Congress leader and former Minister Ghulam Mohammad Saroori said the Congress would seek discussion on State Finance Commission (SFC) report and implementation of the recommendations given by one of its members, Swami Raj Sharma, which haven’t been incorporated in the report deliberately.
“To check uneven distribution of funds, we would like SFC report to be discussed and implemented including recommendations of Mr Sharma’’, he said, adding that the Commission had been set up by former Chief Minister and Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad for equal treatment to all three regions. Mr Saroori said the Congress would seek Hill Development Council for Chenab Valley and Rajouri-Poonch.
Jammu State Morcha (JSM) MLA Ashwani Sharma said the Government has not met the demands of border people, refugees, unemployed youth and failed to address concerns of Jammu people on discrimination.
“Unemployment is rampant. The Government has promised fast track recruitment but done nothing so far. All these issues would be raised in the Assembly’’, he said, adding the Government would be taken to task for its week policies on terrorism.
Sources said Legislature Parties of all main political parties would meet a day or two ahead of the session to devise strategy to be adopted in the House.
High-level Committees to ensure hassle free implementation of Rs 1200 cr worth projects
Mohinder Verma
JAMMU, Feb 20: The Planning and Development Department has constituted high level Coordination Committees to ensure hassle free implementation of Rs 1200 crore worth infrastructure development projects in Jammu and Srinagar cities, which are being taken up under the third tranche of Asian Development Bank (ADB) loan. In the meantime, a team of the Bank is expected to arrive by March ending to see preparedness for the execution of projects before allowing the Government to lift entire amount of loan.
Official sources told EXCELSIOR that keeping in view the requirement of multi-level coordination before and during the execution of Rs 1200 crore infrastructure development projects in both the capital cities, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA) Sourabh Bhagat recently projected before the Government the need of ensuring removal of impediments from one platform for early start of work on the projects and their smooth execution.
Realizing the necessity of proper coordination, the Government decided to provide exclusive platforms to the ERA to ensure hassle free implementation of the projects in both the capital cities. Now, Principal Secretary, Planning and Development Department, B R Sharma has constituted two high level Coordination Committee for Jammu and Kashmir divisions to address the issues like land acquisition, removal of encroachments, shifting of utilities, forest clearance, No-Objection Certificates from Border Roads Organization and Railways for smooth execution of projects being taken up under the ADB funding.
The Committees headed by Divisional Commissioners would ensure coordination of the implementing agency(ies) with other departments on all matters relating to the smooth implementation of the projects including the road cut permission along with its time schedule and restoration.
Moreover, the Committees will resolve day to day problems of all the concerned departments/agencies referred to them including matters regarding land acquisition, utility shifting and eviction of encroachments wherever required for implementation of the projects. The Committees have the mandate to take any decision with regard to any rehabilitation of persons to be displaced due to the projects.
The members of the Committees are Deputy Commissioner concerned, Inspector General/Deputy Inspector General of Police (Traffic), Chief Conservator of Forest/Social Forestry/Child Wildlife Warden, DGM Railways, Vice-Chairman of Jammu as well as Srinagar Development Authorities, Director Floriculture, Director Local Bodies, Chief Engineers of BRO, PHE, PWD, R&B and UEED, Commissioners of Jammu and Srinagar Municipal Corporations and one representative of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). A representative of the Economic Reconstruction Agency would be the Member Secretary of the Committees.
According to the sources, under tranche-III loan of the Asian Development Bank, in Jammu the Government will execute Rs 750 crore worth water supply scheme whereby water will be lifted from River Chenab to meet the drinking water requirement of Old Jammu City and parts of city on other side of River Tawi.
Under the project, 31 kilometer long network of pipeline, huge filtration plant at Akhnoor, numerous pumping stations, steel bridge across River Tawi, numerous siphons over Ranbir Canal and 12 reservoirs would be created.
In Srinagar, Rs 220 crore worth sewerage scheme in Aluchibag area, three drainage schemes on Srinagar Bypass between Pantha Chowk and Hyderpora, multi-level parking near Biscoe School would be constructed.
Sources disclosed that as the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah has desired to lift entire amount of loan from the Asian Development Bank by June this year, a team of the Bank would arrive by March ending to see the preparedness for the execution these infrastructure development projects.
Fresh rains, snow on weekend
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Feb 20: The State is all set to witness another round of inclement weather as the Meteorological (MeT) Department has forecast that both the Kashmir and Jammu divisions would be hit by rains and snow on Friday and Saturday.
Meanwhile, Srinagar, the summer capital of the State, recorded the hottest day of the year as well as this winter season. The day temperature in Srinagar was recorded as 16.4 degrees Celsius while as the night temperature was recorded as 1.2 degrees Celsius. Jammu, the winter capital of the State recorded the day temperature of 21.1 degrees Celsius while as the night temperature was recorded as 10.0 degrees Celsius.
Director Meteorological Department, Sonam Lotus said that higher reaches of the State would receive moderate snowfall on February 22 and 23. He said that the plains are likely to be hit by rains during these two days adding that the impact may be more in Jammu division as compared to Kashmir division.
“Light to moderate rain/ snowfall is likely on February 22 and 23 in the upper reaches of the State. Some places in south west of the State mostly in Jammu division too are likely to receive moderate to heavy rain/ snow. Ladakh region may also receive light snowfall during these days,” Lotus said.
An official of MeT Department said that light rain/snow may occur at isolated places in the State in the next 24 hours. The official said that scattered rain/snow would occur from February 22 to February 24 in most parts of the State.
The MeT official said that Srinagar would witness partly cloudy sky and this would become generally cloudy as the day progresses by. He said the maximum and minimum temperatures will be around 15 degrees Celsius and 2 degrees Celsius respectively. The official said that Jammu would also witness partly cloudy sky. It would become generally cloudy with the passage of the day. He added that maximum and minimum temperatures will be around 22 degrees Celsius and 9 degrees Celsius respectively.
Meanwhile, Srinagar along with the other parts of the Valley too witnessed a sunny day on Wednesday. Qazigund, the gateway town to Kashmir, recorded the maximum temperature of 14.5 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature of 0.2 degrees Celsius. The world famous tourist resort of Pahalgam in South Kashmir recorded the day temperature of 10.6 degrees Celsius while as the night temperature was recorded as minus 0.8 degrees Celsius.
Kupwara in North Kashmir recorded the day temperature of 16 degrees Celsius and the night temperature of 0.7 degrees Celsius. The world famous ski resort Gulmarg also in North Kashmir recorded the day temperature of 6.0 degrees Celsius while as the night temperature was recorded as minus 6.7 degrees Celsius.
Day temperatures in Ladakh region too witnessed an increase. Leh and Kargil recorded 6.4 and 3.0 degrees Celsius maximum temperatures respectively while as the minimum temperature at these places was recorded as minus 10.8 degrees Celsius and minus 13.0 degrees Celsius respectively.
Meanwhile, one-way traffic continued to ply on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. While traffic plied from Jammu to Srinagar today, a Traffic Police official said all kinds of vehicles would be allowed to travel from Srinagar towards Jammu on Thursday subject to fair weather conditions.
Mixed response to strike
Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, Feb 20: There was a mixed response to the strike called by the hardline Hurriyat Conference in support of the demand for handing over the body of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, who was hanged in Tihar Jail early this month.
The hardline Hurriyat Conference chairman, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, who is under house arrest in Delhi, had called for three day strike in Kashmir to press for the return of Guru’s body to his family. Geelani had called for complete civil curfew on Wednesday and Thursday, while a shutdown after Friday prayers followed by peaceful protests.
The shops and business establishments in the commercial hub of Lal Chowk, old city area remained closed, while in most the shops were open in other parts the Valley.
The public transport remained off the roads in most of the major towns of the Valley, however, some of the private cars were plying in Srinagar and other major towns of Kashmir valley.
In Srinagar, outskirts and parts of civil lines area, life was near normal as the strike call failed to evoke much of a response in these areas. Majority of the shops were open.
The Government offices and banks in Kashmir valley remained open. However, majority of the employees faced difficulties in reaching their offices due to lack of public transport.
Hundreds of policemen donning riot gear were deployed in the sensitive areas in Srinagar and other towns to thwart any possible protest.
However, in Srinagar’s old city areas, the authorities had kept minimum presence of police and para-military forces in the streets. There were no reports of any protests or clashes from old city area. However, shops were closed and hardly few private cars were seen plying in the old city.
Authorities on Tuesday imposed restrictions under Section 144 CrPC in Srinagar apprehending law and order problems in view of the three-day strike called by the separatist group. While imposing restrictions, he had said the restrictions have been imposed to avoid breach of peace and tranquillity, besides loss of life and damage to property.
A police spokesman said here this evening that the situation remained peaceful across the Valley. “No incident of violence or stone pelting was reported from any place”, he said.
The spokesman said that private traffic was plying normally while as public transport was partially plying in all parts of the Valley.
However, there were minor clashes in Shopian, Pulwama and Tangmarg areas of Kashmir valley. Police used batons and fired tear smoke to disperse the protesters.
In the meantime, a statement issued by the moderate faction of Hurriyat Conference said that senior leaders of the outfit – Professor Abdul Gani Bhat, Agha Syed Hassan were put under house arrest while Mukhtar Ahmad Waza, Hakim Abdul Rashid and many others were detained.
4 yrs RI to JE in trap case
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 20: Additional Sessions Judge Anticorruption Jammu, Jaffer Hussain Beigh today awarded four years imprisonment and fine of Rs 4000 to the then Junior Engineer Mohd Bashir, son of Fiaz Mohd of Gujjar Mandi Rajouri, who was arrested by the Vigilance Organization while demanding and accepting illegal gratification.
The trap to arrest JE was laid on the complaint of Mandeep Sharma, a resident of village Sair, Kalakote mentioning that JE was demanding Rs 10,000 for releasing the payment of construction work executed by the complainant.
After hearing CPO Anil Magotra with Senior PO Himanshu Gupta for the Vigilance Organization whereas Advocate Nazir Ahmed Choudhary appearing for the accused person, Additional Sessions Judge observed, “from the evidence on record it is proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused Mohd Bashir received Rs 6000 from the complainant in bar room of a hotel at Narwal Chowk in the presence of prosecution witnesses”.
“The breach of trust and criminal misconduct by a public servant are certainly serious offences calling for a deterrent sentence and in modern civilized societies, such type of crime deserves as matter of fact deterrent punishment in the larger interest of the society”, the Court said.
With these observations, Court awarded two years rigorous imprisonment each under Section 161 RPC and Prevention of Corruption Act. The Court, however, clarified that both the sentences will run concurrently.