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| Why support demand for CBI probe into Kishtwar violence? | | | | Early Times Report
JAMMU, Aug 23: The State BJP on Thursday demanded CBI probe into the recent acts of violence in Kishtwar. The demand was made by two BJP leaders, both former state BJP presidents, after their return from the affected area. "We want CBI probe in the Kishtwar violence, besides compensation for loses of shops and other business establishments in Kishtwar town and immediate shifting of DIG Doda-Kishtwar Range," they said while talking to reporters. They also charged the State Government with "hatching a conspiracy to implicate BJP leader Sunil Sharma in false cases, as Sharma is a popular leader of Kishtwar". Should their demand for a CBI probe be considered and conceded? The following questions will help find a right answer:- Why did not the local administration act when posters of Afzal Guru and Maqbool Bhat, both death row terrorists, appeared in Kishtwar with "messages written in Urdu of Jihad through holy war"? Why did not the local administration rid Kishtwar of undesirable elements knowing it full well that all the three terrorists, who were identified by the ... | |
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FRONT PAGE STORIES |
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| GAD helpless against backdoor appointments | | | | Early Times Report
JAMMU, Aug 23: Even as scores of files of Coalgate scam disappear, recommendatory letters from VIPs have been obtained through RTI Act 2009. The letters, concerned officials believe shall go a long way in exposing the scam. Surprisingly most of the persons, whose recommendatory letters have been obtained raised a hue and cry over backdoor appointments in the legislative assembly.
The GAD even issued an order No. 09-GAD of 2013 dated 26-03-2013 regarding the discontinuation of persons engaged in violation of "The Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Special Provisions Act), 2010 and SRO-64. Among other things Administrative Secretaries are impressed upon to (i) Discontinue ... | |
| | | | Privilege of travelling in Govt vehicles in J&K...... | | Pay no toll tax, get a smooth entry on roads closed for one way traffic | | | Early Times Report
JAMMU, Aug 23: In a number of privileges which politicians and bureaucrats enjoy in J&K is one more which categorizes the state as having 'special' tag to these VVIPs. On their own or otherwise they have the benefit of exemption from paying any of the toll tax or such taxes imposed by Municipal Committees while entering their areas and even by the various Development authorities when they visit tourist spots in Kashmir and Jammu as well. When thousands of passenger vehicles carrying common passengers pay these taxes every day, the political bosses and their babus seldom pay any amount and instead rush through the barriers at toll points after indeed getting a sa... | |
| | | | Fashion of 'Lal Batis' makes mockery of rule books | | | |
Early Times Report
JAMMU, Aug 23: While the constitutional position of who should and who shouldn't use a 'Lal Bati' on his/her vehicle is more than clear so-called VIPs of all hues and colours are these days sporting a 'Lal Bati' on their vehicles to assert their status in the society, The latest addition to this tribe of 'Lal Bati' privileged class are some Sarpanches who had started displaying flags on their vehicles while are highlighted after sunset by the use of 'Lal Batis'. This has made a mockery of the rules as every tom, dick and harry is nowadays seen moving about in traffic displaying a flag which is highlighted by a red beacon light during the night.
As per rules already cl... | |
| | | | JKPCC dents state exchequer by revising project costs | | | |
Arun Singh
JAMMU, Aug 23: Already lagging behind in executing many development works within stipulated time frame, crores of rupees of taxpayers' are being wasted by Jammu and Kashmir Project Construction Corporation (JKPCC) Ltd under the garb of revised cost policy in most of its projects resulting into huge cost escalation. If sources are to be believed, JKPCC is weakening the economy of state through its functioning by revising DPRs to escalate its cost. Generally when a project spills over its stipulated time frame, which is usually 3 years, there is an escalation in cost and executing agencies prepare revised Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), they said. "Due to revision of DPRs, the ... | |
| | | | Fresh objections raised by Army delaying Jammu Airport's expansion | | | |
Akshay Azad
JAMMU, Aug 23: Fresh objections raised by Army authorities with Jammu and Kashmir Government have seemingly stopped the expansion of Jammu Airport, for which an amount of Rs. 70 Crores was approved by Union Government in beginning of year 2011. Source informed Early Times that Army authorities have raised some new objections and have refused to handover defence land at Satwari, acquired by state for the expansion of project.
"Some days back another letter was forwarded by Army authorities to Jammu and Kashmir Government, asking latter for creation of various type of infrastructure at alternate land at Sunjwan first. Army has made it clear that they would only handover defenc... | |
| | | | 'VDCs heavily aided in curbing terrorism in erstwhile District Doda' | | Why this propaganda? | | | Early Times Report
JAMMU, Aug 23: With too much being said all over the state, commoners across the board believe that Village Defence Committees (VDCs) have heavily aided in bringing down incidents of terrorism across the state and especially in erstwhile District Doda. There is belief around the erstwhile District Doda Village Defence Committees (VDCs) mushroomed all over Jammu region after large-scale massacres by militants took place. These massacres then took place at place where women and children were afraid to even cry out for help and where nearest police station was two to eight hours trek away. Picking up the gun was the only way to survive for the villagers. That is the lesson ... | |
| | | | Curfew relaxed in three phases, businessmen, students most aggrived lot | | Kishtwar limping to normalcy.... shops remain shut | | |
Early Times Report
JAMMU, Aug 23: Though normalcy is limping back in district Kshtwar after fourteen days of trouble and violence , demands from various corners have started pouring in for redressal of their grievances.
The businessmen demanded compensation commensurate with the losses they have suffered .The parents of the students demanded over time schooling so that syllabi could be completed before exams. Sources said that even administration gave relaxation in three break ups in curfew imposed district Kishtwar but the business establishments remained shut as the businessmen demanded compensation from government first that too at par with the losses.
As per reports, the admi... | |
| | | | Pakistan National Assembly adopts two anti--India resolutions in nine days | | Islamabad seeking to achieve the unachievable | | | Rustam
JAMMU, Aug 23: Rogue Pakistan within a short span of just nine days adopted two anti-India resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir. It adopted a highly outrageous resolution on August 13, which was countered by both the Houses of Indian Parliament a day later warning Pakistan not to cross the line and behave failing which New Delhi would be left with no other option but to act. On August 22, Pakistan National Assembly adopted yet another anti-resolution blaming India for the ongoing firing on the border and Line of Control.
Both the Pakistani resolutions condemned India for what had been happening on the border and LoC since days, notwithstanding the fact that it was Islamabad, the Pakist... | |
| | | | NC not interested in peace in Kishtwar? | | Kamaal's attack on BJP | | | Neha
JAMMU, Aug 23: The ruling National Conference (NC), which has all along sought to polarize the society on communal lines to strengthen its vote bank, is not interested in restoring peace in Kishtwar district, which witnessed gory incidents on August 9 and remained under curfew for more than 12 days. It wants the situation to deteriorate further so that it could play its dirty politics and divert attention of the people away from its acts of omission and commission. If what NC additional general secretary Mustafa Kamaal said at party headquarters in Jammu on Thursday is any indication, then one can surely say that the NC could play a mischief to arouse passions to promote its agenda.
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| | | | Experts sound alarm against forest encroachment | | | |
Early Times Report
JAMMU, Aug 23: The environmentalists and ecologists are worried over the growing constructions in the forest areas by blocking the naturally formed ravines and nullahs posing a severe threat to ecology in the state.
Following the recent cloud burst in Uttarakhand which created havoc in Kedarnath, Ruderprayag and other areas of the State by killing thousands of people and washing away standing houses, hotels and other commercial complexes, the environmentalists have sounded an alarm to State Government asking it to take pre-emptive measures to avert any natural calamity in future. Sources said the growing encroachment and land grabbing in forest and hilly areas of th... | |
| | | | Crime rate increasing alarmingly in J&K | | PHQ fails to fix accountability, responsibility | | | Sumit Sharma
JAMMU, Aug 23: Despite serious indictment against State Police by Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India for alarming law and order situation in state in its report of 2011, the crime graph of 2012 in the state reveals that the state police have failed to take stringent measures to curb the alarming increase in crime in the state, which is believed to be the ten times more than the militancy related activities. While experts in Police department said that till police (PHQ) fix accountability and responsibility of concerned Police officers right from SHO to IGP level, the situation would not improve.
Going by crime graph in the state, capital cities, have taken the ... | |
| | | | HC takes serious note of MGNREGA scandal in Bhalessa | | Comm to file detailed affidavit | | | ET Report
JAMMU, Aug 23: Responding to a PIL, a division bench of the High Court comprising Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur and Justice Bansi Lal Bhat has directed the Commissioner/Secretary Rural Development Department to file a detailed Affidavit on alleged scandal in implementing MGNREGA in Bhallessa.
The petitioners believe that there has been gross violation in regard to the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, Scheme. According to them fake job cards in the name of dead persons , employed and the minors were prepared to dupe the authorities.
The petitioners also named Noor Mohd. S/o Butta Kunkar and Paramvati D/o Prem Raj, who they believe are d... | |
| | | | NC incites communal passions: Khajuria | | `Rana plays Jai Chand' | | |
Early Times Report
JAMMU, Aug 23: Lambasting National Conference leader Davinder Singh Rana for accusing BJP for getting dictation from Nagpur, senior Bhartiya Janata Party leader Ashok Khajuria Friday said that at least BJP does not get dictation from Pakistan.
"What Jai Chand did to India, Rana is doing it for Jammu and Kashmir. His party and its coalition partner, Congress know it well that they cannot make it in coming Assembly Elections. NC has started spreading hatred and playing communal politics," Khajuria said adding that Rana should refrain from issue baseless statements.
He said that it was National Conference that disrupted peace in Kishtwar. "This party did it for petty be... | |
| | | | More than half of adolescent girls, women in India are anaemic : Azad | | |  Agencies
New Delhi, Aug 23: A national survey has found that more than half of adolescent girls and women are anaemic.
These also include women who are pregnant. The survey has found that percentage of women who are anaemic in the country has touched an alarming 70 per cent in some states. In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said on August 23 that in some states the percentage of women suffering from anaemia is nearing 70 per cent. Also, 30.2 ... | |
| | | | Minority community in Kishtwar aghast over Omar's insensitivity | | | | Early Times Report
JAMMU, Aug 23: Minority community in Kishtwar is enraged with the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for not only keeping off so many days after the violence but also for not taking their demands seriously.
The minority community has continued to observe bandh to express their dissatisfaction over response of the Government and insensitivity shown by the Chief Minister.
"Omar has shown total insensitivity to our feelings. Being a head of the Government he should have come here and held talks with us. But not only has he refused to conced to our demands, he has shown how the CM cares for minorities in the State," said a resident of Kishtwar.
Minorities in Kishtwar have ... | |
| | | | 5 months elapse, Planning department yet to authorize 100% plan | | | | Akshay Azad
Jammu, Aug 22: It can be rightly called as careless approach of Planning and Development department (P&DD) that almost five crucial months of this financial year have elapsed but P&DD is yet to give 100 percent plan authorization to various Government departments, hampering various development works across the state.
Sources informed Early Times that on July 9 this year the annual plan of state was approved while the scheme of finance was conveyed to Jammu and Kashmir by Planning Commission of India.
"Despite getting scheme of finances from PCI, the state planning department has failed to give 100 percent plan authorization to Government departments, raising a serious questio... | |
| | | | BJP finally realizes its citadel 'crumbling', popularity on wane | | Carving out one more district in Jammu Mahanagar….! | | |
Early Times Report
Jammu, Aug 22: State unit of BJP may well be in euphoria for the lead it took and some gains it made in the political developments post clashes in Kishtwar, it has yet to strengthen its grip in Jammu and adjoining areas which are considered to be strong bastions of the party. Thanks to the 'policy of appeasement' (of stalwarts and senior leaders) as also the culture of lobbyism which is driving the party into fragments rather than making it as one cohesive force, formidable for the rivals.
Sources from within the party said that the major cause of worry for those who are associated with the party as a matter of conviction and ideological commitments is that BJP'... | |
| | | | Dozens of employees injured, scores arrested | | Police wield batons, lob water cannons; foil employees march to CM residence | | | Jehangir Rashid
SRINAGAR, Aug 22: Police used force and resorted to lathi-charge while foiling the march of state Government employees towards the residence of Chief Minister here on Thursday. Police also lobbed water cannons on protesting employees who were adamant to march towards the residence of Chief Minister.
Reports said that dozens of employees suffered injuries during the police action and scores among them were arrested by police and then lodged in different police stations. The police action led to disruption of traffic and pedestrian movement on the busy Maulana Azad Road. The people who were walking on the road could be seen running for safety as the police swooped on the pro... | |
| | | | Denies information about its own functioning | | Custodian of RTI, SIC violates Act itself | | | Arun Singh
Jammu, Aug 22: Explicitly violating the norms it stands guarantee to, the State Information Commission (SIC) has failed to provide information sought by an information seeker with regards to the SIC itself per the provisions of Right To Information (RTI) Act.
State Information Commission that is responsible for ensuring accountability on part of the PIOs of various departments and insuring that relevant information was provided to the seeker within stipulated time has faltered when information regarding its own working was sought.
Raj Kumar an information seeker had filed an RTI under receipt number EE875264590 with PIO of SIC on June 20, 2013 to know about the status of vari... | |
| | | | Govt in no mood to extend LA's autumn session | | | | Bashir Assad
SRINAGAR, Aug 22: Though the demand for having an extended session of the State Assembly in Srinagar is gaining momentum, the Government seems determined to have the session as brief as possible.
According to reliable sources the Speaker of the J&K Assembly, Mubarak Gul was in favour of an extended session, however, the Government seems adamant to have a brief autumn session.
They said the Government is in no mood to have an extended session at Srinagar though the Speaker in view of the demand of the legislators was favouring an extended session.
Sources further averred that the session will be of 7 to 8 working days only-which the MLAs cutting across the party lines have b... | |
| | | | Pro Azad Ministers Refuse to Boycott Cabinet Meeting | | Congress at crossroads | | |
Javaid Naikoo
SRINAGAR, Aug 22: As the routine Cabinet meeting is likely to be held shortly, the Ministers of owing allegiance to Azad , sources said have refused to boycott the meeting. The party had called for boycott of Cabinet to protest tirade of Mustafa Kamaal.
Sources said the Azad loyalists have refused to boycott the Cabinet meeting. Sources said that all the Congress Ministers after a through consensus with their colleagues across the country and particularly with their role model, Ghulam Nabi Azad have decided not to boycott the forthcoming Cabinet meetings, as according to them, such a move can prove fatal for not only to the coalition Government but can further degra... | |
| | | | Irregularities in social welfare department | | `Sakina's silence sending wrong signals' | | |
Early Times Report
Jammu, Aug 22: A massive scam involving misappropriation of funds meant for student scholarship has surfaced in the Social Welfare Department.
According to documentary evidence, names of scores of students figure twice and even thrice in the list of the beneficiaries. When contacted, such students said the money has been given to them only once.
The sordid tale does not end here. Funds meant for Scheduled Tribe, handicapped and other categories have been given to candidates from open category. The process, sources said, has been going on for quite some time without any check from the authorities.
The scholarship, it is pertinent to mention is given from class Ist... | |
| | | | Rattanpuri challenges Omar, ridicules Kamaal | | NC hand-in-glove with 'RSS' | | | Neha
JAMMU, Aug 22: The ruling National Conference (NC) is being roundly denounced by almost all the parties. Even some of the Congress leaders do not spare the NC. But more importantly, the NC is being condemned by some NC leaders as well. One of the NC leaders has even gone to the extent of challenging NC working president and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, ridiculing his uncle and party additional general secretary Mustafa Kamaal and accusing one NC leader of being hand-in-glove with the RSS and the Bajrang Dal. The case in point is what Ghulam Nabi Rattanpuri, who is party MP in Rajya Sabha, said on Wednesday while taking on the top NC leadership. A few days ago, a report suggested that... | |
| | | | Himachal Sport Company gets Crores from Tourism Deptt, JK Bank | | Mughal Road Rally | | | Mustansir
SRINAGAR, Aug 22: The Jammu and Kashmir Government is annually spending 4 to 5 crore rupees on a Himachal Pradesh based private motor sports company which organizes Mughal Road car rally every year since 2008. And what is even more shocking is the fact that reports of spreading false and malicious information by the tour and travel operators of Shimla about J&K Tourism are still appearing in news-papers. Though the tourism department has been stating that the Mughal Rally is being organized annually to promote adventure tourism in Jammu and Kashmir but truth behind spending huge amount by a cash starved state on the event is to give direct benefit to the Himachal based Motorspo... | |
| | | | SIC serves penalty notice to Add Secretary Home | | | | ET Report
SRINAGAR, Aug 22: The State Information Commission (SIC) in one of its strict orders passed recently has sought an explanation from Additional Secretary to Government Home Department for his failure to furnish information under J&K RTI Act 2009 to an Information seeker from Srinagar.
As per the details available with Early Times an Information seeker (RTI Applicant) Khurram Parvez from Srinagar had filed an application before PIO of Home Department on 12.1.2012 and subsequent first appeal was filed before the First Appellate Authority (FAA) Home Department on 26.4.2012 . As the PIO as well as the FAA Home Department had failed to dispose of the information seeker's request ... | |
| | | | Kishtwar minorities explode normalcy myth | | Observe strike against `doctored' peace by Taj, Rana | | |
Early Times Report
Jammu, Aug 22: The state government's doctored peace and stage managed peace march in the Kishtwar has been exposed within the 24-hours with minority communities observing strike.
The doctored peace was engineered by Devinder Rana, close confidant of chief minister, on the day when the state government in an affidavit in the Supreme Court stated that it had put in efforts to build confidence among the two communities.
Rakesh Mahajan and Somnath Sharma of Kishtwar, who were taken out by NC provincial president Devender Singh Rana to participate in peace march have made it clear that they didn't participate in the march with heart. Somnath Sharma has given in writin... | |
| | | | Kishtwar minorities explode normalcy myth | | Observe strike against `doctored' peace by Taj, Rana | | |
Early Times Report
Jammu, Aug 22: The state government's doctored peace and stage managed peace march in the Kishtwar has been exposed within the 24-hours with minority communities observing strike.
The doctored peace was engineered by Devinder Rana, close confidant of chief minister, on the day when the state government in an affidavit in the Supreme Court stated that it had put in efforts to build confidence among the two communities.
Rakesh Mahajan and Somnath Sharma of Kishtwar, who were taken out by NC provincial president Devender Singh Rana to participate in peace march have made it clear that they didn't participate in the march with heart. Somnath Sharma has given in writin... | |
| | | | Will Kashmiri Hindu Government employees migrate from Valley? | | Attack on Pulwama Transit Camp | | | Rustam
JAMMU, Aug 22: Will the Kashmiri Hindu Government employees posted in Kashmir under the Prime Minister's Special Employment Package pack up and migrate to Jammu? If the August 19 deliberate attack on the Pulwama Transit Camp, Haal, and the manner in which the Kashmiri Hindu employees protested a day later is any indication then it can be said that their days in Kashmir are just numbered and that they would either give up their jobs and return to Jammu or seek transfer from Kashmir to Jammu.
About five dozen Kashmiri Hindu employees, engaged under the Prime Minister's Special Employment Package some two years ago, reside at Haal, Pulwama Transit Camp". On Monday night, their houses ... | |
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