Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 8: Troops of Rashtriya Rifles and police today arrested two Over Ground Workers (OGWs) of the militants from village Kahra, about eight kilometers from Gandoh in Kishtwar district.
They have been identified as Mohammad Rafi, 22, son of Mohammad Ibrahim and Mushtaq Ahmed, 23, son of Hashim Din, both residents of village Guni in Gandoh area.
After questioning, police handed over the accused to Kishtwar police for sustained interrogation.
Official sources said the OGWs could be knowing whereabouts of three militants wanted by the National Investigating Agency (NIA) in connection with blast outside Delhi High Court on September 7, 2011 in which 15 persons were killed and scores others were injured.
Three militants, whose name had figured in the blast, have been identified as Shakeer Ahmed alias Chotta Haafiz, Aamir Kamal alias Kamran and Junaid Akram Malik, all residents of Kishtwar.
All of them were still at large despite some close encounters with security forces and police.
2 OGWs held in Kishtwar
DB directs CS to produce record or appear in person
PIL against illegal transfer of 623 kanals of forest land
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 8: In a PIL filed by Bhim Singh, Supremo JKNPP alleging that 623 kanals and 10 marlas of forest land has been illegally transferred to JDA in violation of Section 2 of Jammu & Kashmir Forest (Conservation) Act, 1997, Division Bench of State High Court comprising Justice JP Singh and Justice Hasnain Massodi expressed its displeasure over the non-production of records by the State counsel and anguish over seeking of adjournment by Advocate Srishti Pal Mengi appearing for Advocate General.
In the PIL, it has been alleged that in order to please his party men and disgruntled associates Chief Minister found a novel project to built colony on the forest land. “One million people of Jammu have been made to suffer by the destruction of forest and greenery around the city for the pleasure of politicians in power and the high flying bureaucrats”, the PIL said, adding “Supreme Court in a judgment has prohibited the destruction of forests or trees and the same judgement is also applicable to J&K”.
With these submissions, the petitioner has been seeking indulgence of Court to protect the fundamental rights of the people and quashment of the Government order dated June 10, 1998.
After hearing both the sides, DB observed, “the counsel appearing for Advocate General is seeking adjournment but has no reasons to offer for non-production of the summoned records”, adding “due to non-production of the records, the issues raised in the PIL could not be considered”.
After considering the submissions of Amicus-Curie Advocate SK Shukla, DB said, “finding no justification for non-production of records by the State Government, court is of the view that the directions needs to be issued to the Chief Secretary to produce the records”.
Accordingly, the Chief Secretary was directed to ensure that the requisite records were produced on the next date failing which he will have to appear in person to justify non-production of the records.
Taj, Sham inaugurate lift irrigation scheme
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 8 : Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Taj Mohi-ud-Din and Minister for Health, Horticulture and Floriculture, Sham Lal Sharma today inaugurated Rs. 83lakh lift irrigation scheme at Leharian in Leh Akhnoor tehsil under AIBP.
The scheme will augment and upgrade the existing irrigation facility to the area benefiting the farmers.
After inaugurating the scheme, the Minister said that several schemes have been launched in Akhnoor constituency for improving water supply in the area. In 2011-12, 2 deep drill tube wells were completed out of the 4 sanctioned tube wells besides 4 such tube wells have been sanctioned for the area during this financial year. He said that 32 hand pumps were installed and 37 WSS schemes were completed with Rs. 13 crore. He also announced Rs.3 crore for flood protection works in the area.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Taj said Water Resources Act enabled the state to consolidate and conserve water resources across the state. He said that State is blessed with abundant water resources and the Government is endeavouring to exploit these to the fullest to make the state self sufficient in power production.
Responding to the local needs and demands, Mr. Taj said that government is conscious of the difficulties of the people of kandi and border areas. He said these areas are being given focused attention in every development sector. He sought cooperation and support from the people in the effort of the government of steering the state towards peace, progress and prosperity.
On the occasion, Sham Lal Sharma said that faster development of the area is receiving priority attention in the policy and planning and various schemes in health, R&B, PHE, Tourism and Education sector have been initiated to ensure balanced development of the area.
He said that acceptance of the justified demands and taking right action to redress the grievances of the people is important ingredient in service delivery system of Coalition Government. He said that various measures aimed at ameliorating the lot of weaker sections of the society have been already initiated during the last over three years which are showing visible impact on ground.
He said that Sarpanchs and Panchs have to play a vital role for implementation of the schemes in kandi and border areas. He called upon them to work with zeal and dedication for implementation of government development schemes and uplift of poor people of the area. He also urged upon them for close monitoring of the development projects being executed in the area.
PYC to launch Jan Chetna Yatra today: Shah Nawaz
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 8: Pradesh Youth Congress is going to launch Jan Chetna Yatra from Bhaderwah tomorrow to project policies and programmes of the Congress Party and create awareness among the masses about Centrally sponsored schemes.
Talking to Excelsior here today, Pradesh Youth Congress president Shah Nawaz Choudhary said that the Youth Congress would start this State-wide campaign from Bhaderwah town. Commencing from Bhaderwah Assembly constituency on Saturday (June 9), represented by Congress legislator Mohd Sharief Niaz, the Youth Congress Chetna Yatra would cover Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban and all the Assembly segments of Kashmir and Jammu region. It will culminate in district Kathua, bordering Punjab. Entire PYC team as a one unit is expected to participate in this vigorous campaign.
PYC chief further disclosed that State executive of the Pradesh Youth Congress would meet shortly and chalk out next strategy. He said he himself, accompanied by Kathua-Doda-Udhampur Lok Sabha constituency PYC president Pankaj Basotra, Bhaderwah Assembly segment president Nadeem Sharief Niaz besides other senior leaders, would launch the campaign.
Commenting on the poor participation of the women delegates in the Youth Congress elections recently, Shah Nawaz said it is matter of concern. Youth cadre associated with the party had concept in mind that only those youth who have family member at top position in the party or Godfather can achieve a position and they lacked interest in the party activity due to sheer exploitation. With the new system of elections introduced by AICC general secretary and in charge Indian Youth Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, a new hope has been witnessed among the young cadre. The role of women is very important as they contribute 50 percent of the vote bank. In the coming days, it is hoped that more and more young girls and boys would join Youth Congress, he maintained.
Shah Nawaz disclosed that as per the instructions of the Rahul Gandhi, the newly elected office bearers of PYC, Lok Sabha and Assembly Committees from J&K would undergo a special training programme being held in Dehli under the leadership of top Congress leaders Dr Jairam Ramesh and Dr Vijay Mahajan. They are considered as the best trainers in the party.
Responding to a question, PYC chief said fighting corruption is the top agenda of the Youth Congress besides raising issues of public importance. As per directions of their leader Rahul Gandhi, they can even go against their own party Minister, if the issue pertains to general public. Their struggle for decentralization of powers and strengthening of RTI movement, Panchayats and Local Bodies will go on as it may keep check on corruption.
Besides this, the PYC would organize various programmes in the State inviting leaders and ministers including PCC chief Prof Saif-ud-din, Union Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, DyCM Tara Chand, Raman Bhalla, Sham Lal, Taj Mohi-du-din and others with the sole purpose to see Congress more stronger and one unit in the State. “We will be inviting all and the functions will be held in both the regions. We will be working in close coordination with the national youth leadership in this direction and cadre will try to reach even in those areas where other regional parties are dominating, particularly some segments in Kashmir”, he added.
When asked about any factionalism or his opposition witnessed during resent PYC elections, Shah Nawaz without naming any one said, “some senior party leaders tried to cause him damage and even went for campaign against him, but they could not succeed in their designs. The Youth cadre in the party did not listen to them and this is very positive indication for the party. The time has come to rise above the petty interests and work collectively for the Party,” the PYC chief said.
VC looking for alternative way
“Work Rule” by non-teaching JU employees
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 8: Non teaching employees have refused to perform their duties after office timing, after it failed to reach an agreement on their demands with University administration resulting in delay in announcement of results, revaluation of papers and other official work.
According to sources all the non-teaching employees have decided not to perform their overtime duties and instead will perform their job as per the “Work Rule” from 9:30 to 5 pm.
Due to “Work Rule” formula adopted by the non-teaching employees, Varsity administration has come into manifold problems, as it will cause much delay in rechecking and re-evaluation of papers besides hamper functioning of the University thereby affecting the students community at large”, sources said.
Talking to Excelsior, president, Jammu University Non-Teaching Employees Association (JUNTEU), Sunil Sahi, said that the University administration has failed to redress their 26 demands including release of arrears of Career Advancement Scheme (CAS), creation of new designations to adjust the non-teaching employees after promotion, besides other demands lying before the Vice Chancellor of the University.
He said that nothing conclusive has been done by the authorities to settle their demands compelling them to adopt “Work Rule” instead of agitation.
Sahi added that this decision was taken after holding deliberation with their counterparts from University of Kashmir at Srinagar, KUNTEU. Both bodies decided to strictly adhere to the “Work Rule’’ till their demands are accepted.
To a question, whether they are in the favour of strike in future, Sahi said that the JUNTEU and its comrades are not in the favour of strike as they are the well-wishers of the University. But they will not work for overtime in future, he added.
“We have constituted 17 members Vigilance Committee to keep a vigil, to identify and to report in case they found any member of the community working beyond “Work Rule”, implemented by JUNTEU”, Sahi added.
Vice Chancellor, Jammu Varsity, Prof Mohan Pal Singh Ishar, when contacted said, “all the financial decision are to be taken in the Syndicate meeting or Joint Coordination Committee meeting as I am not authorized to take any decision in this regard on my own’’.
Referring to the demands of the non-teaching employees, Prof Isher, said that all the 26 demands projected by the Union are to be resolved one by one.
“I had earlier assured the newly elected members of JUNTEU, that their demands will be redressed as all the demands cannot be conceded in one go as to redress a single demand it needs time”, Prof Singh added.
Describing the reason for adopting “Work-Rule” as un-justified, Prof Singh said that, the Union has projected a demand for sponsorship of Union office bearers trip for attending the Coordination Committee meeting, which he didn’t agree.
“If sponsoring Union office bearers trip is not in the norms of the Jammu University, then why should I make myself guilty by doing this”, Prof Singh said.
“The JUNTEU should utilize its own funds for attending the Coordination Committee meeting, but I will not pay for that, as my conscience does not allow me to do this’’.
“If JUNTEU asks to funds for educational tour, annual day celebration or any other function of social cause, the JU administration would extend all support’’ Prof Singh added.
When asked that his predecessors had sponsored the trips of the Union office bearers previously, Prof Ishar said that “they have set the wrong precedence by funding the trip of the Union office bearers in the past but I’m not going to carry it in future, as this is against the norms of the JU”.
For the effects of the “Work Rule” given by the non-teaching employees on the students, Prof Ishar said that JU is paying good compensation for the over-time to them.
“The “Work Rule” will lead to delay in re-checking, re-evaluation of papers besides other works, but the administration will find an alternative to comeback with the situation in the coming days”, Prof Ishar added.
SSP Poonch reviews situation
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 8: SSP Poonch Shamsheer Hussain today reviewed law and order situation at different villages of Mendhar town in Poonch district.
During his Mendhar tour, the SSP met local people besides Sarpanchs and Panchs in Mendhar and other parts of the border areas and had a detailed interaction with them on militancy front and law and order situation.
He advised the people to inform police if they observed any untoward movement in their area.
The SSP also briefed local officers on dealing with the situation.
He sought people’s cooperation especially Sarpanchs and Panchs in curbing the menace of militancy.
Cop among 2 held in murder case
Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, June 8: Police today arrested two more accused including a constable, who were involved in the broad-day light murder of Virender Singh alias Vicky.
Police spokesman said that on December 30, 2008, one Virender Singh alias Vicky, son of Natha Singh Bhutyal of Barrian was brutally murdered at a tea stall belonging to one Jang Bahadur near ICICI Bank on Dhar Road by accused Shalinder Singh, son of Lal Singh of Palanu, Reasi, Pawan Kumar alias Pappu, son of Madan Lal of Sihal Sallan and Som Ram alias Sheelu, son of Diwan Chand of Ganda Talab Udhampur.
The criminal conspiracy to eliminate Vicky was hatched by these three main accused in connivance with Sushant Sharma, son of Hem Raj of Ward No 1 Subash Nagar, Udhampur, Sumit Singh, son of Surinder Singh of Housing Colony, Udhampur, Sunil Kumar alias Nitu, son of Krishan Lal of Domail, Omkar Singh alias Nishu, son of Luder Singh of Jib Thati, Mohd Maqsood Chandail, son of Mohd Sharief of Gangera Udhampur (Constable then posted at STF Picket Dandi Bhaderwah), Zuber Ahmed Chandail, son of Mohd Hussain of Gangera and Mohd Bashir, son of Noor Din Chandail of Krimchi.
The spokesman said that ever since the kidnapping of real sister of deceased by Aftab Ahmed Chandail, son of Gani Ahmed Chandail of Ward No.7, Udhampur, there was enmity between deceased and Aftab Ahmed Chandail and his associates, which also resulted into an attempt to murder Aftab.
Three main accused and Mohd Bashir have already been arrested in the murder of Vicky and challan already produced in the court of law while as proceedings under Section 512 CrPC have been initiated against remaining six conspirators.
The spokesman said that yesterday a police team from Udhampur Police Station under the supervision of Additional SP Benam Tosh succeeded in arresting two absconding conspirators namely Mohd Maqsood Chandail (Constable in IR 10th Bn) and Zuber Ahmed Chandail, son of Mohd Hussain, both residents of Gangera and produced them in the court of law.
“The efforts are on to nab the remaining conspirators”, the spokesman added.
Sagar for special dispensation to JK under IWMP, Udaan, Himayat
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 8: Stressing for giving a special dispensation to the State under Integrated Water Management Programme (IWMP), the Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Law, Justice and Parliament Affairs, Ali Mohammad Sagar today said that the same is essential for its proper implementation keeping in view the topography and varied weather conditions of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Minister was speaking at the National Conference of the Ministries of the Nodal Departments for IWMP at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.
Union Minister for Rural Development Jai Ram Ramesh, Rural Development Ministers of different States of the country were also present.
Mr. Sagar while stressing for the need of capacity building and institutional development said that it will help for the greater sustained livelihood of the rural areas. He said that funds earmarked by the Union Government should be utilized judiciously ensuring the proper implementation of the scheme besides requesting the Centre to be more benevolent while extending the requisite funds.
The Minister said that under IWMP an amount of Rs 2300 crore has been approved to the State for treatment of 15.33 lakh hectares of land covering 998 Micro water sheds. He said that 41 projects have already been sanctioned amounting Rs.269 crore for 130 Micro water sheds covering an area of 1.79 lakh hectares and DPRs of more projects would be prepared soon.
Referring to the flagship programmes of Udaan and Himayat, the Minister expressed hope that the larger number of youth would avail the benefits under these schemes and maintained that it is the endeavour of the Government to ensure the proper and sustained implementation of these.
While intervening, the Union Minister assured that the special dispensation would be provided to the State under Himayat and Udaan for the greater benefit of the people of the State and their request for extending more benefits to the under developed and degraded areas under IWMP would also be looked into.
Government committed to holistic development: Omar
SRINAGAR, June 8: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah on Friday said that equitable and holistic development of the State is hisGovernment’s commitment and a befitting roadmap is being followed to reach out all areas and sections of the society in the process of development.
Terming constant public rapport essentially important to receive first hand information about the status of development schemes and the needs of people in specific areas, the Chief Minister said that public interaction has been made necessary feature in the functioning of administration.
Speaking to various deputations from all over the State who called on him in his Public Mulakat session today, the Chief Minister said that Government’s intention is to ensure that maximum benefits of the development programmes reach to the people, as such proper monitoring and feedback is all the more important in this regard.
The deputations brought matters of various nature to the notice of the Chief Minister and sought his intervention in redressal of grievances and accommodation of area specific demands.
A deputation of J&K Papier Machie Sakhta Sazan highlighted the issues of strengthening this trade and enabling educated youth to start ventures in this activity.
A deputation from Houseboat Owners Association apprised the Chief Minister of the difficulties they face for reconstruction of damaged houseboats and also discussed matters pertaining to their welfare.
A deputation of Kashmir Transformer Manufactures and Repairs Association talked about various issues relating to their trade and its flourishing. A deputation of Muslim Education Institution, Pampore requested for grant of land to the institute and gave resume of the activities of the institute in the field of education.
A deputation from Shopian raised the issue of clearance of SRO 43 cases, while a deputation of Chadoora presented memoranda for the redressal of local grievances on development front. A deputation from Chiwade, Jammu apprised the Chief Minister of their development demands and requested for upgradation of road connectivity, grant of higher secondary school and improvement in the power distribution system.
A deputation of Sikhs raised the issue of the welfare of their community while as deputation from Tral presented resume of their demands and various deputations from Sopore, Srinagar, Kupwara, Kangan, Kulgam, Bemina, Charar-i-Sharief, Shopian and other places raised the issues pertaining to their areas.
Scores of individuals also met the Chief Minister and brought to his notice the issues of individual nature seeking his help for their redressal.
The Chief Minister gave patient hearing and disposed of the issues of urgent importance on spot while the others were referred to the concerned quarters for urgent appropriate action.
Governor reviews yatra arrangements
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 8: Governor N. N. Vohra, who is also the Chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board today reviewed the progress on the clearance of tracks and positioning of the various required arrangements on ground for the forthcoming Shri Amarnathji Yatra, at the Base and Camps enroute. This special review meeting was convened after receipt of reports from Shrine Board and District Administration officers about the difficulties being faced due to intermittent rains and continuous bad weather encountered in the last few days in the entire Yatra area.
The meeting in which Navin K. Choudhary, Chief Executive Officer, Preet Pal Singh, Additional CEO, K. G. Bamba, General Manager (Works) and other concerned Board officers participated, expressed serious concern over the pace of work on the ground because of the repeated and prolonged interruptions due to frequent spells of heavy rains and fresh snows in the Yatra area.
The CEO informed about the telegram received from the Pahalgam Development Authority intimated that on the Chandanwari-Mahagunas Top- Panjtarni axis, there is snow accumulation of 18 feet at the 15th, 16th and 17th kilometer of the track. While work is underway for the clearance of track, it has been cautioned that the complete removal of snow from the track in one go will at this stage, lead to formation of steep walls of snow which could prove dangerous in case of wind storm or snow avalanches. Consequently, the snow clearance work is proceeding in stages, step by step. The CEO further informed that the fresh snow fall on 6th and 7th June has adversely affected the on-going work in the Yatra area.
The meeting also took note of the Meteorological Department report which forecasts rains and thunder showers in the Yatra area during 9th June to 13th June.
Recognizing the prevailing weather and the forecasts for the coming days, the Governor directed the CEO to take urgent necessary steps to hasten the work progress by extending the working shifts, to ensure that track clearance and other Yatra-related arrangements targets are achieved by the envisaged dates, well before the commencement of the forthcoming Yatra on 25th June, 2012.
As per understandings arrived at with the Administration, the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir would be reviewing the progress of all Yatra related work, along both routes, early next week. The Governor would also be visiting Baltal and Nunwan Base Camps during 11th -13th June, 2012.