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IAS couple facing wrath of J&K’s administrative head Old professional enmity over a flat behind move 5/16/2011 11:58:29 PM Syed Junaid Hashmi JAMMU, May 16: Believe it or not but a man in the top echelons of power in Jammu and Kashmir is adamant on ruining happily married life of two senior IAS officers and prevent them from constructing ‘dream home’ for themselves in New Delhi. The two officers are former Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) CEO Arun Kumar and Principal Secretary (Coordination) Sonali Kumar. Sources said that after failing to get Arun Kumar to resume duty as Chairman Special Tribunal, a man in top echelons of power has been making ‘desperate attempts’ to get Sonali back into the civil secretariat, most probably as Principal Secretary Health and Medical Education. Ironically, not because of her experience but to ensure that Arun Kumar, whose house is still under construction, is effectively rendered “homeless’ in New Delhi and be forced to rejoin his assignment in Jammu and Kashmir. It needs to be reiterated that most of the IAS officers who are sent to New Delhi with an assignment face innumerable problems in getting a good accommodation over there. Sources disclosed that Sonali K...   READ MORE

FRONT PAGE STORIES

J&K govt's meetings with Planning Commission preponed Govt 'persuading hard' for early finalisation of plan outlay, first meeting on May 20 5/16/2011 11:49:48 PM Early Times Report Jammu, May 16: Contrary to the schedule of dates fixed earlier for holding of meetings with the Planning Commission by the state government, the dates have now been preponed in order to get the plan for current fiscal year approved without further delay. The first meeting of Heads of Departments with the Planning Commission team which was earlier scheduled for May 23 will now be held on May 20, to be followed by susequent meetings at the highest level. Sources said following persuation from the J&K government, the Planning Commission has now agreed to hold these meetings few days early which will pave way for early finalisation of the plan as well. Even as these meetin...   READ MORE   Minister likely to crack whip on ‘illegal beneficiaries’ Ex-MD SFC violated norms for blue-eyed, close aides 5/16/2011 11:48:58 PM SUMIT SHARMA JAMMU, May 16: While allegations of nepotism and corruption forced Minister for Forest Mian Altaf to replace Managing Director (MD) of State Forest Corporation (SFC), skeletons have begun tumbling out of the cupboard. Sources said that minister has already begun action against the guilty and those who were given undue benefits during Khan’s tenure but the fact remains that more is required to be done. Documents in possession of Early Times reveal that one Asif Ali Najjar, an employee of Jammu and Kashmir State Forest Corporation was given out of turn promotion from the post of Supervisor Grade 2nd, despite falling at serial No 27 in the seniority list of Supervisor Grade 2...   READ MORE   State Congress leader again rakes up rotational CM issue 5/16/2011 11:48:28 PM Srinagar, May 16 (KNS): Though the Union Health Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad led faction of state Congress has been downplaying the demand of rotational Chief Minister in Jammu and Kashmir, leaders of the other faction led by PCC president, Prof Saif-ud-Din Soz have been constantly raking up the issue. Latest to join the bandwagon is senior Congress leader and prominent Supreme Court lawyer, Ashok Bhan. Addressing party workers here on Monday Bhan said that state Congress leaders were striving hard with high command in New Delhi that about the rotational CM issue. “It is coalition politics. Ultimate decision lies with Congress Working Committee and Sonia (Gandhi) Jee. However, you people...   READ MORE   Not only Omar but security forces too deserve credit for incident free Panchayat poll (Behind the veil) 5/16/2011 11:47:47 PM Early Times Report Jammu,May 16 :-People in the Kashmir valley responded fully to the separatists' calls for shutdown and street protest rallies in the summer of 2010.These very people ignored the call for Panchayat election boycott during the current summer season.What went wrong in the summer of 2010 ?What did not go wrong in the summer of 2011? The idea is worth analysis.And the political experts cite a number of factors that have ontributed to the heavy polling in the ongoing Panchayat elections.The 70 to 82 per cent polling in the first eight phase,out of 16 phase,polling may have amazed even those that run the coalition Government.These exp...   READ MORE   Jammu leadership has surrendered interests of Dogras, says JKNPP Dogra Certificate 5/16/2011 11:46:24 PM MINCING NO WORDS NEHA EARLY TIMES REPORT JAMMU, May 16: It is not always possible to share the views of the Panthers Party chairman, Bhim Singh, or endorse what he says. He is one political leader in Jammu who is known for inconsistencies. The fact of the matter is that he is simple and straight and democrat of democrats and a well wisher of the Dogras in his heart of hearts. But his weakness is that he can be influenced by anybody anytime. As a result, he remains always controversial, with the discerning and serious people not taking him seriously. Had Bhim Singh remained steadfast and firm on his Jammu-specific agenda, he would have become the most acceptable voice among the Dogras...   READ MORE   Every Tom, Dick & Harry in Pak threatening India Irresponsible New Delhi 5/16/2011 11:45:58 PM STARK REALITY RUSTAM EARLY TIMES REPORT JAMMU, May 16: Something is fundamentally wrong with those governing India and managing her foreign affairs. It appears they are flapping aimlessly, thus giving opportunity after opportunity to the rogue and failed states like Pakistan to threaten and browbeat us and cause affront to the Indian self-respect almost everyday. Take, for example, Pakistan, which is disintegrating; which has mortgaged her sovereignty to the United States and provided her air bases inside Pakistan for meeting her financial needs; which is witnessing an ethnic strife of sorts; which has no civil administration; which has also bartered away her interests to befriend the ...   READ MORE   SC ruling evokes widespread appreciation Will it over rule AFSPA? 5/16/2011 11:45:22 PM Early Times Report Jammu, May 16: The Supreme Court ruling prescribing death penalty for men in uniform involved in fake encounters has evoked widespread appreciation in the Valley. Most of the Srinagar based dailies have written editorials on the decision. The human rights defenders believe that the ruling shall go a long way in eradicating the inhuman and illegal practice. In its landmark decision, the apex court held that `encounter philosophy was a criminal philosophy’. The court urged all policemen to know this. Commenting on the judgment, a renowned lawyer said: “The apex court has finally come to the rescue of the people of India. But a question remains unanswered. Will the ruli...   READ MORE   In view of Geelani declaring Osama as martyr Pandits still fear worst on return to Valley 5/16/2011 11:44:41 PM Early Times Report JAMMU, May 16: Expressing apprehensions on their return to Valley at this juncture, Kashmiri Pandits have made it clear that the community can’t live together with Muslim majority of Valley which has since rejected the co-existence. Making their apprehensions known to visiting European Union diplomats a delegation of Kashmiri Pandits made it known to them that the Pandits fear worst on their return to Valley in view of the close proximity of radical islamists in Valley with Talibans. ``We fear worst on our return to Valley where the radicals still rule the roost and situation has not changed for a better for us’’, Veer Saraf one of the members of the KP delegation to...   READ MORE   'As registration process picks up, govt needs to clear confusion over date of Yatra 5/16/2011 11:43:54 PM Jammu , May 16 There is a controversy on the date of commencement of Amarnath yatra and the devotees are confused Different versions on auspicious aspect of yatra adds to confusion. There is another controversy over the origin of pilgrimage to the holy cave of Shri Amarnth. ET spoke to few people on Amarnath yatra. ...   READ MORE   MLA Jugal Kishore, BJP, Nagrota: 5/16/2011 11:38:08 PM This is purely a religious issue and nobody should be allowed to interfere in the sensitive issue. The practice of going to Shri Amarnath shrine is continuing since centuries and will continue, But certain elements trying to politicize this issue. This is a matter of Faith for crores of devotees and no one should play with the sentiments of the people. The duration of two months is appropriate as it is difficult for Lakhs of devotees to have darshan in short period of time. ...   READ MORE   Narinder, Student Inst of Music and fine Arts, Jammu:- 5/16/2011 11:37:43 PM With the registration process for Annual Amarnath yatra entering its 7th day and over 80,000 pilgrims have registered through internet based e-registration facilities. There is a confusion among devotees about the commencement of yatra and this prevails to uncertainity Govt should try to come clear on the issue. ...   READ MORE   Naresh Malhotra, student, Inst of Music and fine Arts, Jammu:- 5/16/2011 11:34:49 PM Why so much of hue and cry over the issue. Yatra should be allowed as per past practice and politicians should a loaf from interfering in religious matters and such keep religion out of politics. There are other issue like price rise, medical facilities, roads, electricity for Govt to look into and should make elaborate arrangement for security and accommodation. ...   READ MORE   Police beat up college student, people protest 5/16/2011 11:30:25 PM JAMMU, May 16: Over an alleged incident of police beating up a college student, people today held an anti-police protest, while family moved court. B Com part II student Manpreet Singh, son of Manjeet Singh of Nanak Nagar sector 12, and three youth, who were riding another motorcycle, were intercepted by cops outside a petrol pump at Gandhinagar last evening. The cops took out the keys from the two mobikes and asked all of them to accompany them to the nearby Gandhinagar police station.While the three youth managed to flee the spot on their mobike as they had a duplicate key with them, Manpreet followed the cops to the police station. At the police station, cops asked him about the ide...   READ MORE   Bajrang Dal activists catch hold of cattle smugglers after a clash 5/16/2011 11:30:09 PM JAMMU, May 16: Some cattle smugglers, who crossed several police barriers between Satwari and Gandhinagar, were apprehended by Bajrang Dal activists near Ganghinagar women college after a scuffle in the wee hours of Monday morning. The smugglers were said to have come from the side of Tawi islands in Satwari area. Acting on a tip-off that some cattle smugglers would be clandestinely taking about 50 milch animals for slaughtering them in Kashmir, some Bajran Dal activists, led by Rakesh Kumar, laid a naka near Gandhinagar women college early in the morning. Official sources said when the activists intercepted the smugglers, they attacked them with swords and lathies. Despite the assau...   READ MORE   Zero tolerance on HR violations: GOC 5/16/2011 11:29:37 PM Srinagar, May 16 (KNS): The General Officer Commanding 15 Corps Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain, Monday said that there would be ‘zero tolerance’ for human rights violations. Addressing a human rights seminar here, he said, “Power does not flow from the barrel of the gun, but by upholding the dignity of people. Army would try to win over hearts and use that as its main weapon in combating insurgency in Kashmir.” Chief of Army’s Northern Command Lt. General K.T. Parnaik in his address commended the track record of Indian Army in upholding human rights despite challenges. Spread over two sessions, several personalities including former Army Generals, High Court Judges, Vice Chancellors, journali...   READ MORE   Girls continue to shine in University examinations All first positions captured by females 5/16/2011 11:28:53 PM Mishu Gupta Jammu, May 16: On the expected line the Girls once again toppled boys from the merit list of University examinations the result of which were declared today in all the three stream i.e. Science, Art and Commerce girls captured the first position with handsome pass percentage . Out of total 34 positions in faculties of Science, Arts and Commerce, girls clinched 23 slots. The overall pass percentage stood at 64 percent. Girls virtually made clean sweep in Science stream by clinching ten out of total eleven positions while in Commerce faculty, girls outdone boys by clinching six out of ten positions. Out of total first ten positions shared by 13 candidates in Arts Stream, ...   READ MORE   24 houses gutted in fire in remote Samba village 5/16/2011 11:28:33 PM JAMMU, May 16: In a devastating fire that broke out in the remote Sodam hamlet of Samba, 24 houses belonging to 13 families were burnt to ashes this evening. Though the families survived unhurt, a calf and a goat were burnt alive, official sources said. Sodam is 5 km ahead of Gouran, which is 23 km from Samba town. There is no road link between Sodam and Gouran and the two are connected by a rugged terrain. It takes about two hours to reach there on foot. The fire broke out from one of the houses at about 4.30 pm and soon spread to the 12 nearby houses, burning them all to ashes, official sources said. The Sodam residents are very poor and majority of the men in the hamlet are labou...   READ MORE   Over unfavourable result, staff locked inside polling station 5/16/2011 11:28:09 PM BANIHAL, May 16: After the declaration of result, the losing side protested and locked the election staff, including returning officer and some cops, inside a polling station at Kumait in Rajgarh area of Ramban today. The panchayat election staff was held hostage at Kumait by the group, which opposed the result, official sources said.There was also a clash between the two groups after the declaration of the result, the sources added. Additional cops had been despatched to the village from Chanderkote when reports last came in. ...   READ MORE

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BCP protests irregular water supply Condition of Samba to Goran road poor, say residents Omar pleads religious leaders for redressing situation Don’t play with sentiments of Dogras: JKNPP 82.13 percent polling in 9 CD blocks Favicryl organises 6 day workshop Coordinated efforts for mitigating problems of people: DyCM J&K people yearning for return of permanent peace Jammu gets replica of famous Ganesh Temple of Kashmir BJP Janipur Mandal protest against rise in petrol prices Bharat Scouts and Guides camp organized Investiture ceremony held in SOS Herman Gmeiner School. Awareness camp on SGSY organized CEO inspects schools, mid-day-meal scheme CA&PD team challans 14 shopkeepers Students protest cancellation of BA/B Sc/B Com part-II exam Mela Kheer Bhawani arrangements discussed J&K AECC demands reorganization of accounts cadre Salathia inaugurates upgraded High school at Ramgrah HC upholds SKUAST librarian termination Lok adalat has no jurisdiction over non-compoundable offences: HC Kashmir holds peaceful panchayat polls Paharis meet European Union delegation, demand ST status Kashmiri engineer reaches back home Police files charge-sheet against Ahsan Dar JKPCC chief grieved over Wani’s death Ladakh development scenario reviewed Delegations call on DyCM Tarigami condole’s demise of Nasir’s father Meetings of house panels should be result oriented: Lone Buyer-Seller meet forges long term business relations: Vohra CEC on forest meets Guv NC coercing, bribing Panches to stage fake victory CF demands separate allocations for all the three regions Sadhu Dharamsthan Surakshni Samiti held a meet Kargil Zanskar road reopened after five months Rs. 2.5 crore tube well at Rampura soon, says Bhalla NCC organizes annual training camp Information Security Awareness workshop held Women AIKS delegation meet European Union RBI sub office functional in Srinagar Free Medical check up camp inaugurated at Doda PAD hold meet, criticize state govt. Two Vaishnodevi pilgrims die due to heart attack   READ MORE THIS SECTION

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Servad Club wins by 16 runs in Reasi Cricket Jammu footballer in India camp Poonch Cricket: 149-run win for YCC District Rope Skipping meet held Police cricket tournament concludes   READ MORE THIS SECTION

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