Kishtwar district sans MDM scheme funds for last over 1 year

Teachers forced to bear expenses form pocket

Kishtwar: It may sound strange, but it is a fact that the implementation of Mid Day Meal (MDM) scheme in this mountainous district is burning holes in the pockets of the teachers, including those working as ReT as in absence of release of funds from the government, they are forced to bear the expenses of material for feeding the school children from their own pockets. The district, where a total of 37317 children, including 28582 studying in 490 primary and 9235 studying in 242 Middle schools are covered under the flagship scheme, have not received any funds for last one year to bear the expenses on material, other than rice, to run the scheme, highly placed sources said. While there are stringent directions from authorities not to miss a single day without providing meals to the children, they have failed to provide funds to the teachers for purchasing the requisite material forcing them to make the two ends meet on their own. “The condition of the teachers is so pathetic that they are unable to come in market to avoid the shopkeepers from whom they have been lifting the material on credit” said a teacher on the condition of anonymity. He said not only the regular teachers, but ReTs who are working a small honorarium have also got entangled in huge debts after taking the material on credit from the shopkeepers. The government has provided them (schools) the stocks of rice at the scale of 100 gram per head to primary and 150 grams per head to Middle schools, while it has failed to provide the funds for other materials Rs 2.69 per head for PM Schools and Rs 4.03 per head for MSs for the last over a year. As per the sources, the Middle schools have not received any funds on this account from March 2010 to till date, while during 2009 the funds for period September 2009 to march 2010 are also pending. Similarly, the Primary schools have also not received any funds during the last year till date.

Develop all tourist potential areas in Kishtwar: Sheikh Nasir

Kishtwar: Youth Congress Leader Sheikh Nasir Hussain Advocate has appealed the government to explore possibilities to tap all tourist places in Kishtwar. In a press statement issued here Mr. Sheikh Nasir has said that besides having picturesque landscape the area has many famous shrines and ancient sites having historical background, which need to be developed as pilgrim tourism.
Youth Congress leader has alleged that despite having immense tourism potential as well as historical, religious and ecological significance, the mountainous district Kishtwar has been ignored in all spheres especially in tourism sector. He has said that endowed with natural scenic beauty, Kishtwar can provide the visitors a unique opportunity to explore their inherent sporting skills as the area has a wide range of sporting activities.
He has said that Trekking is one of the most favorite sporting activities of the area. One can trek along the snow covered lanes of Kishtwar to the beautiful place of Zanskar. As per Sheikh Nasir for those tourists who do not want to explore their sportsman spirit, they can enjoy the beautiful gift of nature.
Besides developing the tourist places to attract tourists, the YC leader has also demanded that more facilities for the tourists be created, which include construction of buildings of Tourist Reception Centre, guest houses as well as road links. Sheikh Nasir has appealed the government to brought the places like Machail, Kalamsatar, Mughalmaidan, Chingam etc on the tourist map and develop all these sites for tourist attraction. He said thousands of devotees visit every year during Machail Yatra and Urs Shah Farid ud Din and Shah Asrar uddin and Government should create all necessary facilities for the pilgrims.
Sheikh Nasir has also appealed the Honb’le minister for Tourism that regular trekking events and water sports activities on Chenab River be organized to give boost to sports activities in the area.

Sheikh Nasir welcomes opening of Degree College at Marwah,

Kishtwar: Youth Congress Leader Sheikh Nasir Hussain Advocate has welcomed the decision of government for opening a degree college at far flung area Marwah in district Kishtwar. In a statement issued to press Youth Congress leader has said that by setting up a degree college at Marwah the government has fulfilled the long pending demand of the people of the vast and far flung area and now the need of the hour is to sanction a college for women at Kishtwar and a degree college at Padder and Dachhan also. He said that the people of these areas were demanding opening of colleges in their areas and Youth congress has number of occasions raised the issue. He has said that it is very unfortunate that for a vast and educationally backward district with population of more than 2.5 lacs there is no college for women. Sheikh Nasir has said that in the only degree college at headquarter the roll of students is very huge and as a result a large number of girl students cannot pursue their higher studies. Youth congress leader has said that Congress has always remained serious for solving the problems of the people of this poverty stricken area and he has expressed hope that more colleges will be set up in the district in future. Besides opening of Women College at Kishtwar Sheikh Nasir has demanded that adequate staff be engaged at Govt. Degree College Chatroo and more streams should be sanctioned for the college. Youth Congress Leader has further appealed the government especially to the Higher Education Minister to sanction degree colleges at Padder and Dachhan also.

Govt floats global tender for mining of Kashmir sapphires

Kishtwar: Famous the world-over for their unique peacock blue colour, Kashmir sapphires will soon make a comeback in international markets with the state government floating a global tender for extraction of the gemstones from Paddar Valley, in Kishtwar district.
“The government has gone for global tendering to ensure systematic extraction of sapphire at Paddar Valley in Kishtwar district. The step has been initiated to ensure competitive bidding at a large scale with utmost transparency," State Minister for Industries and Commerce Surjeet Singh Salthia said.

He said, "We have already received one tender from a global company till now. It is yet to be opened. We are expecting some more in this regard," Salathia said. The minister hoped that Paddar sapphires would now make a comeback in the market.
State-run J&K Minerals Limited had invited an Expression of Interest (EOI) from interested parties with expertise in exploration, mine planning and mining of gemstones for undertaking exploration and exploitation of sapphires in Paddar through a joint venture (JV), the Minister said.
J&K Minerals Limited holds the mining lease for a 6.65-square kilometre area on GT Sheet 52/C at Paddar, situated at a height of 4,327 metres between a latitude of 33° 20' 10" and 33° 30' 10" and a longitude of 76° 15' 00" to 76° 25' 15". Based on the EoIs received, qualified parties will be short-listed for submission of technical and financial bids, he said.
According to a notice of J&K Minerals Limited, the precious mineral is world famous because of its unique peacock blue colour, which is rarely available in other parts of the world. The sapphires are renowned for their clarity and transparency and are mainly used for jewellery, with a high ornamental value. Till now, extreme geographical conditions and lack of resources have hampered the commercial exploitation of this valuable natural reserve, officials of J&K Minerals Limited said.
“We expect to see change on this front soon, as the government has entered into the final stage of awarding the tender of extraction to a major company,” they said. The companies will be assessed for their financial and technical capability, as well as past experience, to ensure that the Paddar sapphires are mined in the most scientific manner, they added. The project would be implemented on a joint venture basis with state-owned Jammu and Kashmir Minerals Ltd (JKML), which currently holds the lease for the sapphire mines.
Extraction of these sapphires from mines in Paddar began in 1885 and they achieved legendary status in the jewellery world. The gems mined during this period are valued highly and usually fetch enormous prices around the world, officials said.
"Their colour holds up in all kinds of light, which experts describe as a magical property, as compared to other fine sapphires such as Burmese stones, which lose their rich colour in the evening light," they said, adding that the stone has a magical 'velvety' effect, creating a soft, yet strong colour.
The price of these pure sapphires easily crosses USD 100,000 a carat, making them the most expensive in their category. The state industries department plans to undertake a satellite survey as part of a multi-pronged study to determine the sapphire deposits. Toward this end, the Indian Remote Sensing Centre at Hyderabad was contacted to lend its expertise last year, they said, adding that the survey is expected take place this year.

Free fruit plants distributed in awareness camp

KISHTWAR: The Horticulture Department set up 1st Horticulture unit in the heart of Kishtwar city that too in commercial area , this all happens with the motivation provided to the land holders of Zewar, Salamkani, Nagdera, Panditgam in a awareness camp. The horticulture awareness camp was organized at Zewar Kishtwar in which Chief Horticulture Officer, Kishtwar P.S Manhas , interacted with the people and motivated them to opt the horticulture in these days to raise their living standard and earn their livelihood with dignity and honour. On this occasion free fruit plants were distributed among the people , who soon after receiving the plants were seen planting it in their agriculture land.
Appreciating the role of Manhas and his team , the land holders including Sudershan Sharma, Jamloo Butt, and others said that no horticulture scheme was known to them uptill but now the dedicated and sakeless services of Manhas they were become familer about the horticulture schemes being provided by the department. The assured full co-operation to the department to develop this horticulture unit as model unit of District Kishtwar.

Expedite work on Thathri-Kishtwar road: Sheikh Nasir

KISHTWAR: While showing concern over the deplorable condition of Thathri Kishtwar road Youth Congress Leader Sheikh Nasir Hussain Advocate has appealed the authorities to expedite the on going work on the road so that the people of this vast region may not suffer any more. In a press statement issued here Youth Congress leader has said that the work of improvement and widening on Batote-Kishtwar Highway was started few years back and upto Thathri the work stands completed but the work on 30 kilometer patch from Thathri to Kishtwar is going on at snail pace resulting in the people are suffering badly. Sheikh Nasir has said that in recent years major accidents have occurred on this road because of its bad condition and despite that the authorities seem to be in deep slumber. He has alleged that while executing the agreement it was agreed by the executing agency that the existing surface of the road will not be disturbed, but contrary to same the work was carried negligently which has turned the road in a very bad condition. He has said that it is because of the bad condition of the road even after little rains it gets blocked at various places. Sheikh Nasir has urged upon the Government to issue directions upon the BEACON authorities to execute the quality work and a dead line be framed for its completion. Sheikh Nasir has also demanded that alternate road at Pul Doda be completed at an earliest as there is every apprehension that the old existing road at Pul may get submerged into the river Chenab and twin districts Kishtwar and Doda will get disconnected from the rest of the world by surface link.

DC Kishtwar criticized, enquiry into affairs demanded

Kishtwar: While alleging large level irregularities committed in the last two years in district Kishtwar, President District Congress Committee Kishtwar Pardeep Singh Parihar has appealed the government to initiate enquiry into all affairs. In a statement issued to press Congress dist. President has said that during the last two years hundreds of back door appointments have been made and corruption has reached at its peak in the mountainous district Kishtwar. Mr. Parihar has said that the out doing deputy commissioner was always seen dancing on the tunes of few persons including few registered criminals and has committed gross level irregularities which need to be enquired. He has alleged that besides back door appointments irregularities have been committed while issuing gun licences and more than 500 gun licences have been issued and most of them without verification. Mr. Parihar has also said that in gross violation of norms the selection of Youth volunteers and Gram Rozgar Sewak was made. Against limited quota of below hundred vacancies near about 500 persons have been engaged. While criticizing Deputy Commissioner Mr. Parihar has said that out going deputy commissioner has proved to be incompetent and weak. Congress leader has appealed Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to initiate high level inquiry into all affairs and orders issued during last two years in the tenure of out going DC so that the confidence among the peoples is restored.

YC PROTESTS AGAINT IMPROPER IMPLEMENTATION OF MGNREGA

Kalakote: One day token protest was organised by Pradesh Youth Congress under the leadership of Mr. R. S. Pathania, senior Vice-President, at Kalakote with a view to reviewing implementation of Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Act. During protest people of the area charged that institution of Gram Sabha has been put into a limbo over here with political masters ruling the roost. Neither the MGNREGA plans nor BPL, IAY and SGRY enlistments are being carried out in Gram Sabhas. Even the job cards and labour payments against the works done are affected on political considerations. Individual cases were pin-pointed by people where payments had not been made good even after the expiry of one year since the execution of respective works by labourers. Senior Congress leader of the area and former M.L.A., Ashok Sharma also addressed the protesting Youth Congress activists and called for a peoples’ movement against the worst-ever reign of corruption and lawlessness in the area. While concluding the protest late in the evening, Mr. R. S. Pathania charged that implementation of MGNREGA in the area has been totally half-hearted, slip-shod and fraught with irregularities, corruption and monitored by political masters. He dwelled, in detail, and educated the people about the various statutory provisions of MGREGA, its poor operationalisation in J & K and the hardships faced by rural people. He added that compulsory statutory provisions of 100 days of job to card-holders, poor response to the card-holders' job demands, payment of unemployment allowance and full wages to card-holders denied work, payment within fifteen days, etc have more or less become hollow slogans. He lamented that the job-guarantee scheme which is brainchild of visionary national youth icon, Rahul Gandhi, has failed to achieve the desired results in the trouble-torn state where unemployed youth have taken to guns and stones. While asserting that early and planned implementation of the flagship programme is a socio-economic and democratic imperative, he first of all proposed that in order to make the scheme a success, the wage rate should be enhanced to Rs, 200.00 from Rs. 110.00 per day. A parallel set of functionaries with separate B.D.O. and separate VLWs should be recruited, trained and tested in a state-of-art way with a view to exclusively plan, run and monitor MGREGA projects. He also called for payment of labour wages through Post office accounts as Post Offices are more readily available in villages than banks.

How can Omar root out corruption

A couple of years ago, Transparency International, a Berlin-based international corruption watchdog and a non-profit, non-governmental organisation committed to curbing corruption in various countries, rated violence-hit Jammu and Kashmir as the second most corrupt state in India after Bihar.
In a society where corruption is deep-rooted, no body even think of tackling this menace. Successive governments have announced war on corruption in J&K and assured to root out the menace, but nothing has been seen on ground.
only organizations entrusted with the job to curb the menace know what kind of fish they have caught other than poor clerks and patwaris. It seems that our state is corruption free. It is our government's way to fight corruption.
Rivers of corruption flow down from highest peaks of power & it is just droplets at the lowest ranks. While a clerk will be greased Rs 500, it is the Minister or Secretary who hoards by the millions or the party fund of his private one. But, when it comes to prosecution or sentence, only Patwaris, clerks or Sub inspector get the boot.
If we think over the causes & solutions to eradicate corruption from public life, concrete solutions can be arrived at if the conscience of the executive and policy making bodies is clear.
The foremost cause of corruption is that there is no fear of law in the mind. Every corrupt individual is aware that Indian memory is short term. With new scams hogging the limelight every 3 months, who remembers what, happened a year ago? Till then, the clear favorite of every corrupt individual (especially ministers) is to simply stage a drama of moral high ground and resign; if you have guts and clout you will come back with a bang.
What has made Jammu and Kashmir notorious after militancy? There could be many reasons for that, including the unaccounted funds the centre has been pumping into the state. While it must be suiting the bureaucrats, the common man definitely wants to see an end to all this corruption business. But he cannot, as he has no right to know (what is happening) in absence of proper Right to Information (RTI) Act.
The state government, during the chief ministership of Mufti Mohd Sayeed established an accountability commission in a bid to show to the people that some commission is there to check the corruption. When the commission had tried to pin down some politicians and bureaucrats, a situation was created that the chairman of the commission, justice RP Sethi (a retired Supreme Court judge) had no option but to resign. Justice Sethi is now no more. The commission, however, till date continues to be there without a chairman.
Several ministers have resigned or sacked after serious corruption charges. But it is no punishment. The crores of public money they have looted will never be recovered. They have not been even questioned.
They will come back as they have their political base and political patronage. So who will make investigation against them so that they can be punished? Government agencies like vigilance organization and CBI are reduced to toothless tigers, which only follow the instructions of their masters, who ever the masters may be.
Political interests override moral responsibilities and official obligations. The Government goes about announcing it’s determination to eradicate corruption from public life but acts just opposite and shields corrupts & corruption.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is raising tall claims to eradicate this menace but how can he root-out the corruption from a state where there is no authority of accountability commission or no acts of RTI are in vogue?

4830 schools without buildings

Jammu: Notwithstanding the claims of the government about massive infrastructure development in education sector by pumping crores of rupees, 4830 educational institutions across the state are without buildings. The startling figures have come to fore in the latest Economic Survey tabled by the government in the Legislative Assembly.
The survey says that 4119 primary schools, 628 middle schools, 76 high schools and 7 higher secondary schools are without buildings and are being run from rented buildings or by internal arrangement. Apart from this, 984 upgraded institutions are deficient in accommodation, which include 611 high schools and 373 higher secondary schools.
Figures further reveal that 474 primary school buildings are in dilapidated condition with 28 upper middle schools without any building at all, while 52 primary institutions lack drinking water and toilet facility.
Likewise, 541 middle schools, 125 high schools and 101 higher secondary institutions lack drinking water and toilet facility, while 68 high schools and 7 government higher secondary institutions are being run in rented buildings.
It further reveals that only 75 per cent teachers at primary level in the state are trained as against national average of 89 per cent.
The report also reveals that as per the NCERT Report (2003) on assessment of Class-V student achievements, the learning achievement in Mathematics and Language at primary level in J&K is 36.3 per cent and 49.6 per cent respectively as against the national average of 46.5 per cent in Maths and 58.57 per cent in Language.
About 51 Model Cluster Schools have been made functional while out of 79 sanctioned Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidhlyas (KGBV), 78 have been made operational till date.
The survey says that though with the expansion in educational facilities the number of literates has increased but the rate has not been able to keep pace with the increasing population. “In absolute terms, the number of literates has increased from 3.93 lakh in 1961 to 45.16 lakh in 2001 and further to 61.65 lakh in 2008,” survey says.
Analysis of the progression of the Literacy Rate during 2001 census and 2008 survey results reveals that Urban Males have highest literacy rate (83.15 per cent) while rural females are least literate (52.70 per cent). “The analysis also shows that during these years the literacy among females is at a disadvantageous position than their counterparts. It is also prevalent that urban areas have much literacy concentration than rural areas.”

Former Congress legislator Arman is no more

Kishtwar: former Legislator and political activist Ghulam Hassan Arman died, here on Monday morning, after prolonged illness. He was 75.

Hundreds of people, including political leaders from most of the parties, participated in the Nimaz-e-Jinaza of the deceased in the evening following which he was laid to rest in Kishtwar graveyard.

He was the lone Congress leader, who defeated, National Conference from Kishtwar constituency and was elected to the state Legislative Assembly in the year 1983. He was also elected to Legislative Council in the year 1989.

Known for his honesty and dedication, Arman was once the most powerful Congress leader of the Chenab Valley and played active role in the agitations launched in Kishtwar for grant of district status and establishment of Degree College.

Meanwhile, number of political and social leaders have condoled the demise of Arman.

Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, in a condolence message, said that late leader served the people sincerely and highlighted their grievances and demands at various forums during his political career.

Abdullah conveyed deep sorrow and expressed sympathy with the bereaved family. He prayed for the eternal peace to the departed soul.

In a condolence message, MLA Kishtwar Sajad Ahmed Kichloo and District president NC Tanveer Ahmed said that the void created due to the demise of Arman is impossible to be filled up in near future.

MLA Bhaderwah Muhammad Sharief Naiz expressed condolence with the bereaved family and prayed peace for the departed soul.

District president PDP Shaqir Hussain Sidiqi and District president PDP Youth Ishtiyaq Hussain Waza, in a joint statement, termed Arman as the leader of utmost honesty and commitment, who has always worked for the betterment of people and upliftment of the downtrodden.A condolence meeting of Youth Congress workers of Kishtwar was held, under the chairmanship of Sheikh Nasir Advocate. In the meeting which was attended by large number of Youth Congress workers, expressed shock over the demise of Arman. While speaking in the meeting Sheikh Nasir, Advocate said that Arman was an epitome of secularism and honesty and by his demise the region has suffered an irreparable loss. Sheikh prayed for peace to the departed soul and expressed his sympathy with the bereaved family. Besides others Jalal-ud-Din, Munish Kumar, Zahid Hussain, Waqar Ahmed and Asif Ali were also present in the meeting.

A condolence meeting was held under the chairmanship of GM Saroori, EX Minister to condole the demise.

Terming the deceased leader as a great political thinker and philanthropist Saroori said that role played by Ghulam Hassan Arman in the formulation of Wazir Commission would be remembered by the generation to come.

Ghulam Mustfa Azad, Gulchain Singh Charak, Janak Raj Gupta, Gharu Ram, Pawan Rana, Vinod Mishrah, Vinod Sharma, SP Verma, Hamid Choudhary and Om Parkash Sharma were amnong others present in the meeting.

Talent haunt youth Congress held at Kishtwar

Kishtwar: Talent haunt for youth leaders was held at Kishtwar wherein near about 130 candidates participated. The haunt was held at dak Bunglow Kishtwar. All India youth General secretary Youth Congress Amrinder Singh Raja, President Pradesh Youth Congress Shoaib Lone and senior Vice President R.S.Pathania along with various youth leaders reached Kishtwar, they were given warn reception at Shalimar Kishtwar by thousands of youth workers, NSUI and Mahatma Gandhi Foundation workers led by youth congress leaders Sheikh Nasir Hussain Advocate. The rally passed through shahedi road and culminated at Dak Bunglow Kishtwar where talent haunt was held.

Kishtwar Congress celebrates Gandhi Jayanti

Kishtwar: Birth Anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi was celebrated at Kishtwar by the District Congress Committee, Youth congress, Mahatma Gandhi Foundation and NSUI in a joint function held at office of Block Congress Committee Kishtwar. The function was held under the chairmanship of Pardeep Singh Parihar District Congress Committee wherein Sheikh Ghulam Haider Vice president PCC J&K was chief guest on the occasion. Speakers on the occasion speakers said "Gandhiji taught us to stand resolutely against fear, to understand the importance of truth and to work for the eradication of poverty, illiteracy and discrimination. On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti let us take a pledge to follow the path of truth and non-violence and dedicate ourselves towards promoting peace, tolerance and harmony and work for the progress of the nation". Speakers said that freedom can be achieved through the path of non-violence.

On the occasion rich tribute was paid to Mahatma Gandhiji. Those who spoke on the occasion include Sheikh Ghulam Haider, Pardeep Singh Parihar, Pyare Lal Shan, Haji Ghulam Hassan Mir, Sandeep Singh, President Gandhi Foundation Azhar Kichloo, NSUI president Yasir Lone and student leader Vijay Kumar. The programme was conducted by senior youth Congress leader Sheikh Nasir Advocate who described Mahtma Gandhi a great philanthropist of truth and non-violence. He said that the Mahatma Gandhiji’s life was an eternal conquest to discover truth and his journey to that end was marked by experiments on himself.
Among others the programme was attended by large number of congress workers, youth leaders and NSUI leaders and workers of Mahtma gandhi Foundation.

YOUTH CONGRESS ADOPTS CHOR PANJIAN VILLAGE ON GANDHI JAYANTI

Jammu: - “India resides in villages and development of rural areas is a pre-requisite for the development of India” It was in the backdrop of this slogan coined by Lt. Mahatama Gandhi, father of the nation, that Pradesh Youth Congress has adopted Chor Panjian village for purposes of its alround development and provision of basic living facilities thereinover. Situated on the boundary of Majalta Tehsil, bounded by Ramnagar Tehsil and tehsils Bani and Billawar of Kathua district, it takes about three-four hours to reach here on foot from the nearest road point. The area has a population of about 5,000 souls, having worst topography, tough terrain and militancy-infested conditions. There is nil road connectivity in the area. And most of the habitations are without provision of electricity and drinking water facility. The people have to troop down on foot to the Dhar road and then travel a distance of 150 kms on road to reach their block headquarters at Jakhed (Dudu). This apart the block headquarters of the Horticulture Department, Agriculture Department, Social Welfare Deptt., Animal & Sheep Husbandry Department are situated either at Dudu or Basantgarh, (at a motorable distance of about 150 kms from these villages). It might have been a record in the history of independent India that any of the aforementioned departments has not ever organized any awareness camp or made any spot visit here. People are not getting BPL ration and kerosene oil to light lamps for their school-going children. Repeated complaints have been made by the local people but to no use. Entire cement for construction of Panchayat Ghar has been issued since the past more than ten years but building is yet to be constructed. There is no dispensary or a Veterinary/Sheep Husbandry sub-centre in the area The High School and other middle and primary schools in the area sans proper staff, laboratories, libraries, computers and other state-of-art facilities. The students of the area have to shuttle to Nagrota or Ramkot (in Tehsil Billawar, District Kathua) to pursue secondary school studies. The people of the area subsist mainly on out-of-station labourerships. The area has been enlisted in RBA category but on account of a callous typographical error on part of Backward Classes Commission in properly spelling names of these villages, the revenue authorities are not able to process the files of eligible candidates.

ANOTHER TRAGIC ROAD ACCIDENT

Five labourers of private construction company died

Kishtwar: At least five labourers of a private construction company died in a road accident, where as another one got injured, when the vehicle they were boarding was on its way from Padder to Kishtwar.
According to the reports, the ill fated tipper bearing registration No: JK02T-0313 owned by G.M.T construction meet with an accident near Shasho some 30 kilometers from Kishtwar on Kishtwar-Himachal National Highway, when the driver of the ill fated tipper Madan Lal (32 yrs) son of Baghat Singh resident of Padyarna lost his control over the sand laden vehicle and plunged it into the river chenab, resulting into the death of five labourers on spot and injury to one other, who was later shifted to District Hospital Kishtwar. Five labourers were also in the vehicle. The condition of the injured person is said to be stable. He has been identified as Sanjay Kumar (28 yrs) son of Gulab Chand resident of Padyarna.
As soon as the news of the accident reach Kishtwar large no of people along with police rush towards the spot and shifted the injured Sanjay Kumar to District Hospital Kishtwar. As per the statement of the injured Sanjay Kumar the other labourers who were on board on ill fated vehicle at the time accident were identified as Madan Lal son of Baghal Singh (Driver), Dev Raj (36 yrs) son of Lakhmi Chand, Gulab Chand (45 Yrs), Hem Raj (37) son Faqir Chand and Robby Singh (35 Yrs) son of Jai Lal all resident of Padyarna Kishtwar. A major rescue operation was launched by the police and administration with the help of the army to retrieve the bodies of the victims from the water of the river Chenab.

2nd class student from Kishtwar tops NSTSE test in J & K.

Kishtwar: Atiba Batool Sirwal of Asrarya Valley Public School Kishtwar brings laurel not only to his parents but also the entire Chenab valley by claiming first position in “National Level Science Talent Search Examination” commonly known as NSTSE held recently in Kishtwar along with other students from different parts of the country, besides in India the test was also held simultaneously in 14 different countries of the world. Atiba was honored in a glorious function held in the premises of Boys Higher Secondary School Kishtwar organized by Impact Tutorials. The function which was presided over by the Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Guldev Raj Baghat was attended by the various dignitaries, who provided the medals and certificates to the students who participated in this examination from Kishtwar and got various positions in this examination at local level, but the 2nd class student Atiba Batool, the daughter of Manzoor Ahmed Sirwal, who was recently awarded with best teacher award, brings the joy and happiness among the people of Kishtwar by linching the first position in 2nd standard in Jammu and Kashmir. While presenting the trophy and certificate to 7 years old Atiba, Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar said that the role of parents is very important in providing the quality education to their wards and said that more such steps need to be taken to increase the strength of the students in tests like NSTSE, so that these children’s get opportunity to prepare themselves for national level competitive examinations. He urged up on the parents to keep an eye on the activities of their children for their better future. He stress for quality and moral education to the children and said that moral education is the need of the hour. Mr Baghat also appreciated the role of Impact tutorials for organizing tests like NSTSE. He assured them of every possible help for organizing such tests in future as well. On this occasion Impact Tutourial also honored Madia Shabir Kamal with trophy and certificate for claiming first position in 10+2 examination for the year 2010 declared by the State Board of School Education Jammu recently.

Epidemic and rural healthcare

The aftermath of continuous rain fall across the region has exposed the tall claims of state government regarding quality of life and health care facilities in the rural Jammu and Kashmir. While the outbreak of diarrhea in mountainous Doda and Ramban districts has created panic among the general masses, unfortunately the officials at the helm of affairs does not seem to be much moved with the epidemic. At least this is true with Director Health Service Jammu, who told a newspaper that the situation was well under control in Doda and there was nothing to panic. The director was either misinformed or has not bothered to go into the gravity of the situation. He was infact too late to arrive in Doda that too under strict security arrangements making it sure that he may not face the anger of the general masses. The spread of epidemic especially the water born diseases in the far off areas of the state, especially the mountainous Chenab Valley, was not a new phenomenon. The Valley has faced similar problems in the past. However, each time the response of the government and its functionaries at the gross root level seems to be too similar and too late. The epidemic has once again highlighted the need to have adequate Medicare infrastructure available in the far off areas. Doda district hospital has a shortage of 21 doctors and so is the situation in Kishtwar and Ramban district hospitals, where the number of doctors is too little to meet any such eventuality. The government must not only improve the infrastructure but it must also ensure that the benefit actually reaches to the people. The central government sponsored National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) is the golden programme for the state and must be implemented in its true sprit if the government was really sincere to improve the health care facilities in the rural Jammu and Kashmir

Thousands felled by diarrhea outbreak in Doda

Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) Chief, Prof Saif-ud-Din Soz distanced himself from controversy surrounding dismissal of G M Saroori from council of ministers and said that the berth would be filled up by a Congressman.
He also said the party has favoured a vigorous dialogue between various groups of different shades of opinion in the state and the centre to find a solution to Kashmir issue, acceptable to all the three regions of the state.
Soz, while fielding media queries over factionalism within the Congress Party, said the dismissal of G M Saroori was a decision of party high command and he has no role in it. “We have never pressurized the party high command for sacking Saroori. It would be better to ask, Prithvi Raj Chavan, in charge J&K Affairs Congress party and Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah over the issue,” he said
Putting all speculations to rest vis-à-vis filling up of vacancy created in the Council of Ministers in Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of dismissal of G M Saroori, Soz said somebody else from Congress party would be assigned the job. “I had served as minister for mere six months and for one year in next term but I am still working for party. It is prime responsibility of every Congress worker to strengthen the party at grass root level selflessly,” the JKPCC president said.
“The dismissal of Saroori won’t affect the government. The vacancy created in the council of ministers would be filled up by the Congress soon,” he said.
Minister for Roads and Buildings was sacked on August 26 after he refused to heed a Congress high command directive to resign in the wake of a row over alleged use of an impersonator by his daughter during a medical entrance test. On the demand of autonomy and self rule in Jammu and Kashmir, the PCC chief said, “The Party is ready to hold dialogue with all shades of people. We are also ready to discuss the different proposals like autonomy and self rule within the framework of the Constitution,” adding “Even the Prime Minister and the Home Minister has offered dialogue with all shades of the people.”
Earlier, Soz while addressing a day-long session of Congress delegates from all parts of district Samba reiterated that the Congress would play the role of a facilitator for dialogue between various groups of different shades of opinion in the state and the centre to find a solution to Kashmir issue, acceptable to all the three regions of the state.
“The strengthening of Congress is our primary responsibility, as a strong Congress is a guarantee for a strong and stable coalition in the state. It is the duty and responsibility of every Congressman to work for strengthening the party, only then the coalition would be strong in the state,” he said.

BJP opposes autonomy to J&K

People joyous over sacking of R&B minister: BJP
Kishtwar: In continuation of its series of district level workers conferences to aware the people about the policies of the NC-Congress Coalition, district Kishtwar unit of BJP on Sunday organized a massive public rally.
BJP National Executive Member and former State President Dr. Nirmal Singh, said that local people who met him yesterday convey their joy over the sacking of PWD Minister G.M. Saroori.
He asked the government to widen the already announced CBI Inquiry against Saroori and direct it to also look into the allegations of corruption charges against former PWD minister.
BJP State Vice-President Bali Bhagat said that the wrong and appeasement policies of the successive governments in the State has encouraged the regional parties and secessionists to make demands like autonomy, self-rule and pre-1953 position.
State secretary Sunil Sharma said that the people of Kishtwar and other areas have always displayed unity whenever any element has tried to harm the nationalist people. He said although many people sacrificed their lives during these years of militancy, still we are standing like a rock to safeguard the national interests in our respective areas and defeating the nefarious designs of a handful of anti-national elements. Sharma leveled serious allegation of corruption on the district civil administration and demanded a thorough probe into various matter. He also demanded immediate arrest of sacked R&B minsiter GM Saroori for his involvement in various scams.
Capt. Hukam Chand, Shakti Parihar, Ishtiaq Wani and Master Jagdev Sharma also addressed the conference.
Earlier the party activists gathered outside the Dak bunglow and raised slogans against the government and in the shape of rally proceeded towards the Om Mehta road where later a public meet took place.

Protest against sacking of Saroori

Kishtwar: Protest demonstration were held in parts of Kishtwar district and Thathri and Gundoh tehsils of Doda district against the dismissal of GM Saroori from the state council of ministers. Supporters of Saroori held protest in various parts of district Kishtwar and Thatrhi and Gundoh tehsils of Doda district. In Kishtwar protest was held in Kishtwar township, Mughalmaidan and Chatroo areas, while similar protests were witnessed in Thathri and Gundoh.
Thr protestors shouted slogans against AICC general secretary Prithvi Raj Singh Chowhan, JKPCC president Prof. saif-ud-din Soz and chief minister Omar Abdullah.
At many places protestors also burnt effigies of Chowhan, Soz and Omar Abdullah to express their resentment over sacking of the minister. The protestors were demanding immediate withdrwal of orders of dismissal and his re-induction in the state cabinet. Meanwhile District Congress Committee Kishtwar and various party leaders have welcomed the decision of the party high command and chief minister Umar Abdullah. The party leaders in a joint statement have termed the decision of ouster of R&B Minsiter G.M.Saroori as welcome step and have asked other party workers to behave like real congressmen and obey and respect the party decision. Local Party leaders have said that since G.M.Saroori didn’t adhered to the orders of the party high command. He should have tendered his resignation on moral grounds but despite the orders of the party high command he choosed not to resign and instead kept issuing statements. District President PCC Kishtwar Pardeep Singh Parihar has said that it is incumbent upon all party workers to respect the party decision and any one who tries to tarnish the image of the party shall face the stern action. However former state youth gen. secretary Pyare Lal Shan has said that to maintain the good image of the party among the masses even top leaders like Natwar Singh, P. Sangma and Shashi Tharoor were asked to resign so we must obey and respect the party decision.

Healing the valley’s wounds

Some are born great, argued the Bard, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. Many of us have "greatness thrust upon them," thanks to a quirk of circumstances, or thanks to the Creator of those circumstances. Few of us though prove ourselves worthy of the privilege or opportunity presented to us by destiny. Watching Omar Abdullah struggle, bumble and fumble at the helm even as the "paradise on earth" burns like hell, one cannot help but marvel at the strange games destiny plays with us. What makes the young chief minister qualify for the job, gifted to him by his indulgent father Farooq Abdullah, except his proud pedigree? But what’s new? Farooq Abdullah, a medical doctor by training, inherited the mantle from his legendary father Shaikh Abdullah in similar fashion. Democracy and dynasty go hand in hand in South Asia. Nothing wrong if politics runs in the family, and son — or daughter for that matter — succeeds father or mother in power as they often have in the subcontinent. Trouble arises when those born with a silver spoon cannot hold it. The mess in Kashmir these days makes you wonder if there is really a government in place in Srinagar. Young boys are getting killed like flies and no one seems to be losing any sleep in Srinagar or Delhi. Nearly 60 youths have died in little over a month. Almost all of them died of gun shots or those "plastic pillets" that are not supposed to kill. And each successive death in turn has fueled the cauldron of anger and frustration that is today’s Kashmir, bringing thousands more out on the streets. And it’s not just young men who are up in the arms. The spectacle of women throwing stones and clashing with the security forces brings out goose bumps all over. Unfortunately, South Asia today is full of self-serving, petty politicians but singularly bereft of great leaders who can bring lasting peace to this cursed piece of land. Talking of great leaders, one had great expectations from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Incidentally, Manmohan has just crossed a historic milestone by becoming the longest serving prime minister after Jawaharlal Nehru and his feisty daughter Indira Gandhi. Defying all predictions and projections, he has completed nearly six years in power. Six years! Boy, was it really that long?What the valley needs today is not more empty rhetoric or economic packages but a real healing touch and respect from politicians in Delhi and Srinagar. The valley’s wounds will heal only when the jackboots leave. For the longer Kashmir bleeds, the more distant it will grow from us.

Chenab region, Pir Panchal joins valley

Protest demos across the region

Kishtwar: Unabated killings of innocent youth in Kashmir sparked off protest demonstrations across Kishtwar and Doda districts of Chenab Valley and Rajouri and Poonch districts of Pir Panchal.
Reports said people took to streets and held protest demonstrations at some places, voice of concern was raised and special prayers were held for restoration of peace to Valley during Friday prayers in most areas of the region.
Kishtwar observed complete shutdown in response to a call by the local separatist leaders. Shops and other business establishments in most parts of the town were closed, throwing the normal life out of gear.
A large number of people assembled inside the Jamia Masjid complex and held a noisy protest demonstrations. Amid pro-freedom and anti-India slogans the protestors deplored the killings of innocent civilians by the police and troops in Kashmir Valley.
A number of leaders including Imam Moulana Farooq Ahmed and separatists leaders Ghulam Nabi Gundna, Molvi Qayoom and Abdul Gani Shah addressed the protestors and said that the people across the state have sacrificed for a just and genuine cause. They asked the Government of India and state government to stop repressive measures in the Valley, failing which people from entire state would come on roads.
Similar protest demonstration was also held in Bhaderwah, where people observed a complete shutdown. People assembled in large number outside Jamia Masjid and staged a demonstration which marched up to state guest house, where number of leaders addressed the protestors.
Reports from Poonch district revealed that people took to streets in Surankote area and staged a protest demonstration. Apart from separatist and opposition leaders, some local leaders from ruling National Conference also reportedly participated in the protest.
Strong voice of resentment was also raised by Imams in most other parts of the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch during the Friday prayers.

Kishtwar Degree College in deplorable condition

Lacks teaching staff, proper accommodation
SHEIKH NASIR
KISHTWAR: It may sound bizarre, but it is true. At a time when the state government takes pride for opening new colleges across the state, thousands of students studying in the Govt Degree College Kishtwar have little reason to appreciate the same.
Established in the 1986 and upgraded with the science stream in the year 2001 the college lacks proper accommodation and adequate teaching staff threatening the career of thousands of young souls, who face stiff competition in all the fields.
The college for which four precious lives have been sacrificed is now a picture of absolute neglect. For near about 1200 students, the college has only eight class rooms and more than 10 posts are lying vacant. At present out of near about 30 sanctioned Gazetted posts more than 10 posts are lying vacant. Various subjects like education, Mathematics, Hindi, Sanskrit, Computer applications, Sociology and Environmental Sciences is without any teacher and the students are at the mercy of God. In most of the streams not only a single regular teacher has been appointed. For Commerce stream against four sanctioned posts there is no regular teacher and same is the case with Sanskirit, Hindi and Sociology stream and the students are left at the mercy of God. Authorities have engaged contractual lecturers who too are being paid very less.
Not only this revenue papers show 91 kanals and 12 marlas land in the name of college where as ground picture is totally different.
Land has been encroached from all sides and is shrinking with every passing day. Earlier at the time of establishment in 1986 only arts classes were made functional in the college and latter in 2001 science streams were sanctioned.
"Our career is threatened and we have no where to go now", said Naveen Sharma student of part third. He further said that either there are no teachers for most of streams and if teacher are there they too are not punctual. Another student of the college Yassir has said that the libarary of the college is witout book and there is no proper seating arrangement. "There is no restriction on entry in the premises, outsiders are oftenly seen roaming within the campus" says Mehnaz Kotwal another student. Once a student of the college and presently a lecturer in GDC Bhaderwah Dr. Tariq Tamkeen says, "Four precious lives were lost for this college, but its functioning makes one to feel that the sacrifice has gone waste". "The authorities should pay their attentions towards this institution in order to save the generation" he added

Menace on Roads

Look beyond ceremonial meetings
Yet another road mishap and yet another ceremonial meeting. This is what has become order of the day in this mountainous region of the state, where human lives does not seems to be any matter of concern for the people at the helm of affairs. While the last Friday once again left Kishtwar and its adjoining areas in a palm of gloom in view of the tragic road mishap which claimed around two dozen lives, the incident has once again brought highlighted the fact that the authorities are only doing lip service beside some paper work in the name of minimizing unfortunate deaths on Killer roads of the state.
The rampant menace of road mishaps is claiming previous lives by every passing day but the politicians, bureaucracy and police is only busy in holding meetings, which only seems to be measures for rubbing salt on the wounds of those who are left behind to suffer. Jammu and Kashmir is known for the killer roads and the number of those killed on roads has now even exceeded against the number of militancy related causalities in the state. As many as 1100 people were killed and 8199 persons were injured in 5945 road accidents last year in Jammu and Kashmir, while 398 people were killed and over 300 injured in 1251 militancy-related incidents. As compared to 2009, 950 people were killed and 7597 were injured in 5236 road mishaps in 2008. Of 1100 people killed in road accidents in 2009, 781 died and 5149 were injured in 3869 road accidents in Jammu region while 319 people died and 3050 were injured in 2076 accidents in Kashmir region. Mountainous Chenab region tops the list. Every road mishap leads to fatal causalities due to topography and every mishap leaves behind trail of miseries, sufferings and pain. The Disaster Management and Quick Action Team proposed by the government to be set up in this remote areas have become thing of past as the proposal failed to take off due to the callous approach of the concerned authorities. The medical services are nominal and police is ill equipped to meet emergency situations. The Transport Department and Traffic Police is busy in passing the bucks on each other. Drivers and matador operators are risking thousands of lives every day, while the number of passenger vehicles on the road is also decreasing. The authorities need to take the menace more seriously and take some concrete measures so that the precious lives are saved. The government has to look beyond ceremonial meetings and condolence messages not at the time of the mishap but even thereafter.

Pall of gloom descends on Kishtwar

Hopes diminishing as no body recovered

Ministers visits, inspect, leave, residents say "mere formality"

SHEIKH NASIR
Kishtwar: A pall of gloom descended on the mountaneous town Kishtwar in the wake of tragic road mishap, which claimed at least 22 precious lives. Many households in a few streets lost their relatives.
With crumbling hands and infaltering voices, the relatives of the victims consoled one another. On Friday evening the news of road accident spread like wild fire in the town and its adjoining areas and people rushed to the accident site, about 10 kilometers from the town. On motor cycles four wheelers and every thing they found people were seeing moving in large numbers towards Wadra where the tragedy struck. At District Hospital people in large number including women were waiting for the bodies. While grief stricken people of Kishtwar Township observed complete bandh on Saturday to mourn the death of victims of friday’s road mishap, some heart rending tragedies start coming to light where entire family members and sole bread earners have perished in the tragic accident.
Police, in the meanwhile, Saturday released a list of twenty-two persons, who were believed to be traveling in the ill-fated vehicle, which met with the tragic accident on Friday.
Even as the life came to standstill with no activity taking place any where in the town, the people were seen going from one house to another to mourn the demise of persons killed in yet another mishap in the mountainous district.
Gloom and despair prevailed among the people during whole day, while traffic remained off the roads and markets wore a deserted look. While all the schools remained closed, attendance in the government offices was also very less. Wailing people over the death of their nears and dears presented a common scene across the township
Though actual number of casualties and identification of victims is yet to be ascertained with the administration still unable to retrieve the bodies, it is reported that all members of a Bhalesa family and a brother of six sisters was among those killed in the tragic accident .
Sources said that a family hailing from Galibatoli village of Tehsil Gandoh was killed in the mishap. They said that Mashoom Ahmed hailing from this backward village along with his wife Bibi Begum and a child who were going to Kishtwar for the treatment of their minor son Maqsood Ahmed were also on board the unfateful minibus. Another youth, Mohammad Ayub, lone brother of six sisters, was also feared to have died in the accident. Ayub, the sole bread earner of his family had lost his father in a similar accident ten years back.
The tragic accident took place when ill-fated matador (774-JK06) was on its way from Thatri to Kishtwar when it met with the mishap near Wadra Bridge on Batote-Kishtwar highway (NH1-B) at around 6 PM on Friday. Eyewitnesses said that the vehicle fell into Chenab and disappeared in the fast current of the river, which was already flowing above normal level due recent rains across the region. Three passengers, they said, managed to jump out of the vehicle and were the only survivors, till the last report came in. “The only trace of the mishap at the spot was the blood mark on some of the boulders on the river bank”, they said adding, “There was completely no trace of the vehicle, which is feared to have been washed away by the water current”. Police and locals were also clueless about the exact loss of the life in the mishap, however officials said that around twenty-five persons are feared dead. One of the injured passengers, Kuldeep Kumar son of Sewa Ram, has told the police that the matador was completely loaded with the passengers, when it met with the mishap.
One of the injured was noticed lying unconscious on the road side by a passing vehicle. Sensing road mishap the passenger traveling in the vehicle reportedly went into the gorge and found two more persons in injured condition. Police and locals rushed to the spot as soon as the injured passengers reached District Hospital Kishtwar. A massive search and rescue operation was launched but all in vain. “There is no trace of even the vehicle at the accident spot”, a police officer told, from the spot. He said that only few identity cards were record from the river bank.
Meanwhile, Minister for Roads and Building, GM Saroori and the Advisor to Chief Minister, Mubarak Gul inspected the accident siteon Saturday and later held a meeting with the prominent citizens of the area. They were accompanied by MLA Kishtwar Sajad Ahmad Kichloo. During the meeting, it was suggested to erect crash barriers on all vulnerable sites on the Batote-Kishtwar highway and widening of narrow portions/zigs of the road. It was also urged to cheek overloading in buses, operationalzing the Disaster Management at district level, phasing out of outdated passenger vehicles, widening the main road from Mali-path to Girinagar sector by GREF authorities, induction of additional SRTC buses in district, setting up of Trauma hospital at district headquarter and health care improvement at the DH Kishtwar. However, the local residents took the high profile visit as another ritual by the people in the corridors of power. “This is nothing but a mere formality”, Abdul Rashid, a local resident said adding, “Government has been doing this since years after every road mishap and forgets every promise within few days”.
Police said that not a single body could be retrieved from the mighty Chenab due to strong water current.

It happens only in J&K

SMS Services have been banned for the third time in three years in Jammu and Kashmir.
The SMS services of all telecom companies operating in the State were banned for the third time in three years after the State government termed it as a "security reason". The State said the SMS services were being used to "spread rumors and cause chaos". First time, SMS services in the State were banned for a few months after the controversial transfer of State land to the Amarnath shrine board. A ban was also imposed on prepaid cellphones in November 2009. The ban was revoked in January 2010 on conditions that the telecom companies would re-verify the identity of the existing subscribers and strictly verify the new subscribers. This year in April too, the ban was imposed on SMS services but was revoked within a few hours. Jammu and Kashmir is the only place where the State government and Government of India can ban the SMS services or ban telecommunication services and get away with it.
It is admitted fact that nothing can replace the glory of communicating through SMS anywhere in world.
As suspension of SMS services this time over is nothing new. Although it does deserve to be discussed as an infringement of public rights, but faced with far tougher restrictions people in Kashmir have almost taken it lying down. There is no attempt from any quarter to take government on this. At least our political leaders and representatives should have raised the issue as to why entire population is being put to trouble without trying alternatives that could spare some degree of trouble. Even cellular companies could become a part of that complaint as to why they don’t compensate the reduction of services monetarily. Why the monthly fee of subscribers is not reduced, if an important service is dropped from the list of services. Last time when SMS services were banned for sometime, it passed off without the government or the service providers facing any public resentment. People should think over it and a demand be raised through out the state either to restore it or companies should compensate for the reduction of services.

Doda scribes stage demo in support of valley colleagues

DODA: The local media persons under the banner of Chenab Valley Journalists Association (CVJA) including Journalists of Doda, Kishtwar, Bhaderwah, Ramban and others parts of the region held a protest demonstration at Doda against the media gag by the government. Weaing black armbands holding palte cards with different slogans, the journalist passed through different markets and streets of Doda town and raised slogans. Later they met DDC Doda and submitted a memorandum. The Association Members strongly condemned the restrictions on the movement of Journalists, curbs and attack on them. DDC Doda gave a patient hearing and assured all the Journalists that he will forward their demands to the concerned authorities. Among others who participated in the protest included Ishtiaq Ahmed Dev, Haq Nawaz Nehru, Sheikh Nasir Hussain, Fiaz Pampori, Mushtaq Dev, Tufail Lone, Gazi Tak, Faizan Ali Tramboo, Abid Malik, Gh Hassan Pampori, Vishal Jain, Shehzada Feroz Butt, Arpan Dutt, Abhimaniv Kotwal, Rohit and others

Life limping back to ‘normal’ in Padder

BJP gears for another round of agitation

SHEIKH NASIR
Kishtwar: After the days of protest, shutdown and stone pelting the life is returning to normal in Gulab Garh Padder, but still some agencies and politicians for their vested interests are bent upon to tensify the situation again. BJP has already constituted a team for holding parallel enquiry. This is not for the first time in mountainous district Kishtwar that police has crossed the limits then what compelled a national level party like BJP to take such a step? is a question roaming in everyone’s mind? Police has already registered as many as four F.I.Rs regarding the incident one (No. 15/10) against the SHO and his men for wrongful confinement and rest three (No.s 16, 17 and 18 of 2010) have been lodged against the mob with few person nominated most of them government employee.
It is pertinent to mention here that the situation in the mountainous township Padder, which otherwise is known for peace, became worst after the two local teenaged girls went missing after the alleged harassment by the police. Both the girls identified as Sapna and Sangeeta were picked up by police along with a local boy Pardeep Kumar from Maharaja Gulab Singh Qilla ( Fort) located at Gulabgarh. The situation turned ugly when the news spread in the area, regarding missing of girls. A large number of people took to street and laid siege of the police station Padder. Shouting slogans against the police, the angry mob ransacked the office furniture of the police station and damaged at least two vehicles. Station House Officer (SHO) of the police station, Farooq Ahmed Wani, was attacked by the mob when he allegedly tried to escape from the backdoor of his retiring room. A revenue officer (Naib Tehsildar) was given severe thrashing after he tried to intervene. Eyewitnesses said two cops were also beaten up after they opened fire in air to disperse the mob. As per police 23 police personnel including one inspector and two head constables have received injuries. The girls, as per the family members, were released by the police after being subjected to harassment and humiliation. “Both did not return home and it was later learnt that they have jumped in Chenab River”, a local resident alleged adding, their slippers and some other belongings had been found from the river bank. Police on the other hand claimed that there was no confirmation of their suicide, but the duo was missing.
However, police claims that the duo was released immediately after their detention. “They went back to their homes, where they were reprimanded by their families”, a police officer said adding, “They both left the house and are missing since then”. As per police clothes of one of the girls have been recovered from her home which he was wearing when brought to police station which means after police station she had gone to her home where she had even changed her dress.
Senior civil and police officials, including DC, SP and ASP Kisthwar rushed to the spot to take stock of the situation. People were demanding registration of FIR agisnt the Inspector Farooq Ahmad Wani SHO Paddar As soon as the news of the incident reached Kishtwar, the politicians from different political parties including BJP, NPPP and Congress reached the Padder and joined the people’s demands for action against the culprits.
Besides DIG Doda-Udhampur Range, IGP Jammu and Divisional Commissioner Jammu also reached Pader to take stock of the situation. Ultimately in order to pacify the agitating people FIR was registered and besides release of immediate ex-gratia of Rs. 75000/- to each family, job to one of the family member of missing girls was also assured. Life has almost returned normal in Pader, but if sources are to be believed various organizations including Bhartia Janta Party which has its stronghold in Padder is gearing up for exploiting the issue.

Omar should surrender or tender opology

How long will people be killed like this on streets and how long will the blood of our youth wash our streets. This bloodshed in valley should be stopped now. Now the worst thing which had not even happened in last two decades, the journalist were denied to work and were beaten to pulp by the security personnel. Jammu and Kashmir government firstly cancelled the curfew passes issued to the media persons and restricted their movement. Media persons were told by the men in uniform to stay indoors if they want to remain alive. From all over the world the right minded people termed media gag as an assault on the freedom of press by the government.
The Omar Abdullah government has done everything to stop media persons from discharging their professional duties.
In the wake of present turbulence, the government should have ensured free flow of information to keep people updated and to discourage rumour mongering. However, the reverse has happened.
Among others the Indian Federation of working Journalist also condemned the use of force against the journalist fraternity in Kashmir terming it a direct attack on Press. However across the world journalists expressed deep anguish over ‘the unashamed approach of the government,’ which has not shown any respect for the media as an important institution. Omar is committing mistakes over mistakes, attack on press, deployment of army all this will not help him to come out of the adverse situation but can cause more trouble for him and his government. Army may succeed in preventing protests but it cannot help Omar reclaim people’s confidence in the government. For that he will have to apply civilian means. The longer he relies on military means the more difficult he will find to restore normalcy in the valley. If Omar is serious about the issue and does not take casually, he has the only two option either to surrender or to render open opolgy.

Kishtwar police solved blind theft case in less than 24 hours,

Kishtwar: Kishtwar police solved a blind theft case of Tanveer Electronics in less than 24 hours and recovered the goods worth more than Rs. 93000/- stolen from this electronic shops situated only few meters away from Police Station Kishtwar. It was during the intervening night of 3/4-07-2010, some unknown burglars carried out a burglary in a shop namely Tanveer Electronics situated Near Hospital Road Kishtwar only few yards away from Police Station Kishtwar and decamped with Mobiles, Cameras, Prepaid mobile vouchers, TFT Screen, Memory Cards, Digital Cameras and various other electronic items. Immediately Kishtwar Police registered a Case FIR No. 117/2010 U/S 457/380 RPC on the written report of owner of the shop and took up the investigation of the case.
While giving details, SP Kishtwar, Dr. M. Haseeb Mughal said that burglars had sneaked into the shop of Tanveer Electronics on the fateful night of 3-4 July 2010 after breaking open the wall of the shop. Scene of crime revealed that burglars had taken the benefit of concealed portion of stairs lying with the said shop. On specific information generated by Police with the help of Local Public, a trap was arranged and laid down wherein suspects were identified while selling Mobile Sets already stolen by them from the above shop and subsequently arrested burglar namely Mudassir Hussian Dev S/O Abdul Latief Dev R/O Zewar Kishtwar and on his discloser his another associate Saleem Javed Kripak S/O Javed Iqbal Kripak R/O Kripakh Gwari Kishtwar has also been arrested in a raid conducted at his residence at Kripak Gwari and put both the accused to sustained interrogation in order to extract the modus oprandie adopted by the above named burglars.
During interrogation the above burglars made substantial disclosures and on their instance stolen property worth Rs. 93805/- including Mobiles, Cameras, TFT Screen, Grocery items and some cash have been recovered from their residences located at Kripak Gwari Kishtwar hide in lockers, almera and inside food stuff.
Local Public especially shop keepers have hailed the quick action of Local Police and they have also taken a sigh of relief after hearing the news about the apprehension of above notorious criminals.

Work resumed on Bhaderwah Chamba inter-state Road after 20 years

Bhaderwah: The Bhaderwah-Chamba road project has been sanctioned under Inter-State Connectivity program at a cost of Rs. 73.33 crores.
The total length of road is 145 Km and the road upto 22Km has been opened to traffic. This road was motor able for vehicles up to 1986, but due to the militancy the road has been abandoned.
Construction and widening of the 42-km-long Bhaderwah- Chamba road which had been hanging fire for the past three years has started and this will facilitate connectivity between this part of the state and Himachal Pradesh for the promotion of tourism.
"We have been dreaming since our childhood that this project will be completed one day and will further improve the economic condition of Bhaderwah and will connect Bhaderwah to rest of the country and will open the road for tourism in the state," said Jawed Ahmed
The upgradation and augmentation of Bhaderwah-Chamba project is alternate road connectivity, which will connect India with Kashmir Valley.
The completion of the project will certainly help in giving a fillip to tourism, trade and people to people contact. There by strengthening the local economy. It will improve the primitive culture, lifestyle and tradition of the mountainous valley Bhaderwah. It will also increase the potential of pilgrim tourism of the Bhaderwah which is known for Machail Yatra, Mani Mahesh Yatra etc.
The road length from Bhaderwah to Chamba is total 50 kilometers whereas first seven and a half kilometer is under GREFF and from Naltha bridge on wards it the R&B departmentn who is entrusted with the execution work. After the global tenders were floated MGCPL has obtained the contract of execution and the company has to complete the road by 2013.
Imtiaz-ur Rehman said: "Jammu and Kashmir Government has resumed work of widening of this road and reopening of this road is a major achievement for us. Our culture and climate resembles that of Himachal Pradesh and we feel connected to the state."
Completion of Bhaderwah Chambha road will help in diverting the tourists to different small tourist destinations in Bhaderwah and adjoining areas. The local made products and other items will get huge exposure in other parts of the country. It will strengthen the employment opportunities in the region.
"The work on this project is going on with full pace and you will see that the whole machinery is installed there. It has the potential to complete the width of Four Kms in one month. We have acquired the land for the width of sixty feet out of which thirty three feet width will be the actual road the mechanized road." Said Farooq Khan DC Doda. The project will exploit the potential of Bhaderwah as transition between Kashmir valley and Himachal Pradesh thereby increasing the inflow of tourists in the state and escalating the economy of the state. By Taheer Nadeem Khan (Courtesy: ANI)

Hariyangwari Padder again sinking, 25 families at risk

NARBEER CHOWHAN
Kishtwar: haryan Gwari village in Padder has started sinking againg. About 25 families living in this village are constantly living under threat as authorities had already declared it a unsafe for living’.
Locals told Bold Voice that the fresh sinking of the village has multiplied the problems of the inhabitants. It is pertinent to mention that in village from past six years fissures were visible on the ground. Despite repeated assurances from the administration, no steps had been taken for the rehabilitation of the villagers. A man was killed and scores others were injured in the village after portion of a land caved in 2005, the locals added.
Official sources said a team vide its report No 2G/TG/DGM/25/06-07/II/4327 dated 24-11-2008 declared the entire village insecure and asked the villagers to take precautionary measures. As per the report, the village is situated at an elevation of 1900 meters and lies between Latial Nallah (North) and Kher Nallah (South). "During the reconnaissance, cracks, fissures, fractures and subsidence were observed in the agricultural fields. The cracks were also observed in the walls of newly constructed houses rendering the houses unsafe for living", the report reads.
However, the administration failed to take cognizance of the report and subsequent representations of villagers submitted to the Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar urging resettlement of the households. The administration again deputed concerned Tehsildar to the village, who after visiting the village wrote to the Deputy Commission vide letter No 591/MM dated 4-11-2009 that the "village is awaiting a major catastrophe as it was not fit for living. He also sought the direction for resettlement of 25 families comprising 159 souls." Taking strong note of the report, the DC Vide his order No 1132-34/010 dated 7-7-2010 directed the concerned revenue officers to allot five Marlas of state land to each family under Khasra No 442 at Gulabgarh. However, the residents have refused to abandon their village and settle at Gulabgarh. "We want financial assistance to construct rooms, which the government has declined to provide," the residents said adding they were not in position to undertake any construction. Recently a head of tour of Tibetian leader Dalai Lama to Padder, Divisional Commissioner Jammu along with MLA Kishtwar took a Arial visit of this sinking village and the Divisional Commissioner assured the people that appropriate steps will be taken but despite lapse of more than a month nothing has been done in this regard. After fresh sinking a deputation of the villagers led by Kartar Singh Rathore met MLA Kishtwar Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo and demanded and till any permanent arrangement is made the villagers be at least given temporary shed or tents so that they leave the village for a safer place.

BJP holds protest

Serious allegations leveled against district administration
Kishtwar: BJP held demonstration at district headquarter Kishtwar accusing the state and center government for price hike. Speakers while speaking on the occasison leveled serious allegations upon the district administration. Party state secretary Sunil Sharma while terming the deputy commissioner’s office a den of corruption alleged that number of back door appointments have been made in department of Rural Development under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. He demanded immediate enquiry and action against all those officers who have been instrumental in engaging number of blue eyed candidates as Gram Rozgar Sewa in RDD. Accusing R&B minister of being communal Sharma said that the minister is ignoring the areas of minority community. He also accused MLA Kishtwar for adopting pick and choose policy while recommending schools for upgradation. Sharma said that in one ward more than four schools have been opened whereas in far flung areas like Padder students have to cover more than ten kilometers distance to attend their schools. Besides Sunil Sharma, district president BJP Hukum Chand, senior leaders Ved Parkash Gupta, Ravi Badyal, Sanjeet Kumar, also spoke on occasion and criticized state and centre governments for their alleged anti-people attitude.

Kashmir protests reach Chenab Valley

Kishtwar, Banihal obseves bandh against innocent killings
SHEIKH NASIR
Kishtwar / Banihal: Kishtwar and Banihal townships observed complete shutdown, in protest against the killing of innocent youth across Kashmir Valley, on Friday.
All the shops and other business establishments in both the towns remained closed, while attendance in the government office was also thin. Schools and other education institutions were also closed, following the strike, while heavy security arrangements were made to avert any untoward incident.
Hundreds of youth took to street in Banihal town, this morning, and staged a protest demonstration. Shouting anti-India and pro-freedom slogans the protests marched on the Jammu-Srinagar Highway.
However, the protest remained peacefull and no untoward incident was reported. Later in the day, Imamas of various locals Masjids condemned the brutal use of force on innocent youth across Kashmir Valley, which has led to killing of several youth, in the last few days. They warned the government that the people in other parts of the state will not remain mute spectators to the access by the security forces and police. Bandh also passed off peacefully in Kishtwar town, which almost wore a deserted look. However, in some parts of the town the call witnessed mixed response. Addressing people during Friday sermon, Imam Jamia Masjid Molvi Farooq Ahmed said that the sacrifices of the people will not go waste and India government will have to budge before the aspirations of the people. He asked the people to remain calm but warned that the people will come on street in case the security forces are not restrained from using unnecessary force against the innocent people. District administration and police had made unprecedented security arrangements in the communally sensitive area. Heavy contingents of police and para-military personnel guarded roads and sensitive places throughout the day.

International Day on Drug Abuse

Mere Ritual

At a time when a quarter of Jammu and Kashmir’s total student population is reportedly caught in different types of drug abuse, our state institutions and NGOs needed a greater deal of introspection especially after hosting gatherings on June 26, the International Day against Drug Abuse. Sadly, that was not be the case. As usual this year’s anti-drug abuse day also went down as a hollow ritual in which some familiar faces, bureaucrats and top cops highlighted the causes and consequences of drug addiction among people especially the youth. Numbers of official functions were organized across the state to observed the day. However, what was sadly missing in such endeavors was the vision of a proper rehabilitation project, which primarily includes the ability to propose solutions rather than mere highlighting the problems. Except for a few established names such as Save the Children and Action Aid, whenever some disaster or a menace such as drug abuse or other social crimes a host of NGOs in the state play scare-mongers rather than a facilitator for rescue and rehabilitation. Action Aid through a recent finding has revealed that twenty percent of school-goers and thirty percent of ten-plus-two youth are addicted to different forms of drug abuse. Experts believe that the steep rise in drug abuse owes itself to the unrest, political as well as economic stability and an all pervading sense insecurity among young population aging between 15 and 45. Like many parts of the state, drug abuse in Chenab Valley has also increased many folds in the recent path, which was also evident from the fact that number of youth were arrested in drug peddling cases. Concern has already been voiced through about the rising trend of teenagers, mostly school-goers falling to the trap. However, the major concern for the society was the negligence and irresponsibility being depicted by the families of such youth, who either fail to deduct the fact that their wards were indulging in such menace or they were deliberately ignoring the fact. It was the high time that we take the initiative on individual level so that we can save our future generation.

International drug abuse day observed

KISHTWAR:Chief Medical Officer Kishtwar Dr. Ajay Kumar Gupta organized a rally to observe the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking here today.
SP, Kishtwar Dr. Haseeb Mughal was the chief guest on the occasion. ASP Kishtwar Dr. Sunil Gupta, DSP Operation Kishtwar, Mr. Ashok Kumar, Medical Superintendent, DH Kishtwar, Dr B K Raina, BMO Kishtwar, DR Parvaiz Iqbal Wani, Tehsildar Kishtwar Ab. Rashid Butt, all the doctors from the district hospital Kishtwar, teachers besides over 500 students from various schools participated in the function.
The rally was addressed by Dr Haseeb Mughal, Dr Ajay Kumar Gupta and Dr Yasser Aziz, who educated the participants on the evils of drug abuse and its social impacts.
Later, the rally was flagged off by SP Kishtwar, Dr Haseeb Mughal and CMO Kishtwar, Dr Ajay Kumar Gupta.
The rally passed through the main roads of the city with students carrying ply cards with slogans and it culminated in front of CMO office Kishtwar.