Bogus voting:Court directs petitioner to ensure presence of respondents
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
The High Court Wednesday directed the petitioner to ensure the presence of respondents in the ‘Bogus voting’ case in Khanyar Constituency of Srinagar city.Pertinently, Muhammad Khursheed Aalam, PDP candidate from Khanyar who lost recent assembly election to NC candidate Ali Muhammad Sagar, had submitted a petition before the CJM Srinagar Virender Bohu, praying that bogus voters were used to cast their votes during the recently held polls. The plaintiff in his petition had prayed that he had several times, via written pleas, asked the concerned authorities including the then Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar who was also District Election Officer to delete the wrong entries in the voting list, but despite his repeated pleas, the DEO did not act.While taking note of the complaint, the CJM had directed SHO Khanyar to investigate the matter and register a case against all those involved in the issue, including the electoral officer, if allegations are found substantial. The CJM had also directed the police to submit its report on February 21.
Then District Election Officer and DC Srinagar Farooq Ahmed Shah who through his counsel hadgone to High Court seeking intervention in terms of 560(1A) CrPc for quashment of proceedings in trial court. The counsel for Khurshid Aalm, Muhammad Ashraf Shah informed CNS that only three respondent through their Counsels appeared before the court on Wednesday which included Khurshid Aalam, Station House Officer Khanyar and another individual. “No respondent from the petitioner (then DEO Srinagar) appeared before the court as a result the court directed the petitioner to ensure the presence of all the respondents on the next date of hearing,” he said.
He said that the Court provided 4 weeks time to the petitioner to make all the respondents available in the court.It is worth to mention that PDP petitioner while referring to the documentary evidence collected in support of his claim, has pleaded before the Court that,“It is abundantly clear that there has been multiple entry of voters of 261+78 = 339, expired voters 97, non-existing voters 1381 and non-resident voters 2 besides as per the lists furnished by the BLOs. The number of such voters is 30+63+23+6+3+2 = 127. Thus the total number of such bogus voters is 339+97+1381+2+127=1946.” (CNS)
BJP MLA Kavinder Gupta elected LA Sepeaker
5 Dariya News
Jammu
BJP MLA Kavinder Gupta was unanimously elected as Speaker of the 12th Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday.The state's Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Basharat Bukhari moved a motion in the Assembly saying that Kavinder Gupta, a member of this house, be chosen as the Speaker. Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh seconded the motion.The speaker was elected with voice vote with no one from the Opposition going against the motion.
Gupta is an MLA from Gandhinagar constituency in Jammu district. After the election of Gupta as Speaker, he was taken to the speaker's chair by Dr Nirmal Singh, Basharat Bukhari and National Conference's (NC) Mubarak Gul.
Chief Minister Mufti Muhmmad Sayeed, former Chief Minister and NC Legislative Party leader Omar Abdullah, Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh, Congress Legislative leader Nawang Rigzin Jora, CPI(M) leader MY Tarigami welcomed and congratulated the newly elected speaker.Describing Kavinder Gupta as an appropriate choice for the post of Speaker, the Chief Minister exuded confidence that he will conduct the business of the House admirably. “I pray for your success and am sure you will conduct the House efficiently by allowing both the Treasury as well as the Opposition Benches equal opportunities in putting forth their viewpoints,” the Chief Minister added.
BSNL internet service affected to cut in OFC
‘Will restore service by Thursday morning’: GM BSNL
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
Admitting that bad weather has crippled the cellular and internet services of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) across Kashmir Valley, General Manager BSNS Wednesday informed that an Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) between Ramban and Banihal on the Srinagar-Jammu highway has developed some snag on resulting in massive disruption of cellular and net services of the Nigam.BSNL General Manager Mr Aggarwal told CNS due to heavy snowfall and landslides between Ramban and Bataote, an OFC developed some snag while at many places it has been cut. “We have dispatched a team of engineers and hopefully if weather did not hamper their work, service will be restored by Wednesday night or Thursday morning,” he said.He added that this time BSNL system is running on micro which is the main reason of sluggish internet speed.He added that some important transmission routes in the state were adversely affected causing disruption in the telecom services. “Even Microwave connectivity got disrupted due to heavy snowfall and was later restored,” he said.Pertinently, the subscribers have been fuming against the BSNL authorities for causing lot of inconvenience to them. The traders and professionals as well as media organizations have been complaining that their business suffered due to disruption in the net and cellular service.The mobile phone and internet services of other companies have also badly affected. (CNS)
Violation of Master Plan:‘Illegal shops constructed in Public Park’
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
The residents of Mustafa Abad Gousia Colony Bemina Wednesday sought intervention of higher ups to stop the alleged encroachment of a public park by some vested interests. A delegation from the area led by Abdul Hamid Mir told CNS that at the development of their colony, 90 feet road and a public park was allotted by Srinagar Development Authority to them. They said that the road was later taken over by R&B while now unscrupulous people have started annexing the part of the public park illegally and have managed to construct three storey shops there. “After bringing the issue into the notice of SDA, the construction work was stopped but not a single shop was demolished. It seems there is nexus between SDA officials and shopkeepers,” the residents said adding that the land grabbers are influential against whom no action is being initiated. They said that the construction of illegal shops in Public Park is going on without the approval of Chief Town Planner and it is a clear violation of Master Plan.The residents said the locality sans open space and the SDA land should be kept open as Public Park and all the illegal shops should be demolished. (CNS)
Daily wagers threaten to intensify agitation
Appeals Govt to regularize them
5 Dariya News
Jammu
Threatening to intensify agitation, daily wagers working in various government departments Wednesday appealed to the newly formed government in Jammu and Kashmir to frame a pro-employee policy and regularize the casual and daily rated workers without any delay. The Daily Wager leaders from Kashmir and Jammu Division organized a press conference in Jammu. Sajad Ahmed Parrey and Ajay Kumar who addressed the press conference under the banner of Jammu Kashmir Workers Coordination Committee alleged that previous National Conference Ministers proved to be the biggest hurdle in their regularization. They alleged that former Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather in league with his colleague Muhammad Akbar Lone scuttled the move of the then government to regularize the daily wagers of the State.
These two ministers played politics over the issue and forced us to suffer as we used to suffer in the past," they said. They said that more than 56000 families are suffering due to the delay caused by authorities. Sajad Parrey and Ajay Kumar said that the poor, helpless and starving employees have been repeatedly lathi charged and detained to deny them their genuine rights. Parray said that they would continue to fight for their right. "The policy of regularization has already been framed. We are hopeful that PDP-BJP Government will frame a pro-employee policy and all the daily wagers and casual labours would be regularized,” he said.The daily wagers threatened that they will intensify their agitation and will come on roads on daily basis in case the government did not regularize their services. (CNS)
Shabir Shah pays tribute to Chattisinghpora, Pathribal, Baraakpora VICTIMS
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
Democratic Freedom Party Chairman Shabir Ahmad Shah while paying glowing tributes to victims of Chattisingpora in which 36 sikh brethren were killed, Pathribal victims in which 5 civilians were killed and Barakpora in which 7 civilians were killed, on their 15th anniversary said we can never forget these innocent people and our hearts will always remember them.Expressing solidarity with the families of victims, Shabir Ahmad Shah said, "That time, on the visit of the then US president Bill Clinton, India by hatching such a nefarious conspiracy could not succeed in defaming or suppressing the freedom movement of Kashmiris. Though the Indian investigating agency CBI held Indian forces responsible for the killing and provided evidence against them, the culprits continue to roam free till date."
Terming these incidents as eye-opener for international community, Shabir Ahmad Shah said that Indian forces by perpetrating such heinous and heartwrenching massacres always tried to tarnish the centuries old bonding of brotherhood and religious amity here but Sikh brethren never fell prey to Indian machinations and they continue to live peacefully with their Muslim brethren.He said it is unfortunate that despite proper evidence India is yet to bring to book the culprit Army personnel.Rejecting the probe by Indian agencies into these incidents, Shah said that after few days of Chattisinghpora massacre,Indian forces carried out Pathribal fake encounter which also exposed them after graves were dig out, proving that the slain were civilians nor foreign militants. These civilians were arrested by forces to carry out a fake encounter.
Shah said these incidents should be investigated by international impartial agency as "Indian agencies are puppets of their governments and are not trustworthy. They even changed the DNA of Pathribal victims." (CNS)
LA-2015: Speaker seeks cooperation for smooth conduct of Business
Assures equal opportunities to Members
5 Dariya News
Jammu
After being elected as Speaker of 12th J&K Legislative Assembly, Mr. Kavinder Gupta expressed his gratitude to all the Members of the House for unanimously electing him to the Speakers Chair.In his brief address, he assured the Members that he will try his best to come up to their expectations by way of strengthening the credibility of the speaker’s institution and at the same time will seek their cooperation for the smooth functioning of the proceedings of the House. The Speaker said that “We have started a fresh journey for the development, progress, peace, normalcy, communal harmony and brotherhood and I deem it proper to impress upon you that the individual agendas always prove dangerous and wisdom demands us to stick to the basics of the constitution, the law, the rules and the regulations”, he said and asserted that “ We have to work vigorously to reshape our state by way of inducing in our minds cooperation and the element of live and let live besides we should also exercise great restraint to cheap politicking at this juncture, confine our-selves to the true spirit of the constitutional obligations by way of resorting to self-introspection and purification of our thoughts and to strengthen our will power to fulfil the aspirations and wishes of the people.
We need to keep ourselves on toes to meet the challenges ahead of us and to realize dreams of the people who actively and overwhelmingly participated in the recently held elections”. The Speaker said that service to humanity is indeed a noble achievement in life and we should be proud of being blessed by the people with opportunity. “Today is ours but tomorrow belongs to our children and vitiating atmosphere intentionally or un-intentionally will definitely leave behind a barren land for them and history will hold us responsible for our wrong doings. Let us forget the past act today and attach good hopes with tomorrow”, he asserted. Kavinder Gupta said that Jammu and Kashmir state is like a mini India, because of its socio-economic and religious fabric. He said “We have to be more cautious in our endeavour and not leave any scope to any element to disturb the very spirit of our strength i.e. unity, brotherhood and harmony”. He hoped that all the Members will rise above the party lines and affiliations for maintaining the decency and decorum of the House, which is not possible without their full cooperation”, he maintained.
The Speaker said that the opposition is undoubtedly the backbone of a democratic set up and it has rightly been said that it has to oppose, propose and expose while the government has to dispose. He, however, appealed to all the Members, both the opposition and treasury benches to raise the issues of the people’s welfare strictly in accordance with the prescribed rules, regulations and procedures. Adhering to these basics, they can achieve the goal of welfare of the general masses of this state, who have suffered due to one or the other reason during the recent past. He said the time of the House is very precious and all of us have to take pledge to use it most judiciously in the public interest, adding that un-warranted, disruptions, noisy and acrimonious scenes, interruptions, disorders, arguments and counter arguments, chaos and confusion and above all disrespect towards the chair yields no result instead cause a great harm to the legislative institution. As such, it should be the endeavour of all the Members to strengthen the very fabric of our democratic set-up, for becoming the role models for the generations to come”, the Speaker said.
“We are not above the laws, rules and regulations framed by the House from time to time, rather we are subservient to them and it is imperative on our part to follow them in letter and spirit”, he said and added that the old senior Members who are well versed with the parliamentary practice and procedure can be a source of inspiration for the newly elected members of the House. The Speaker also sought cooperation from the fourth estate of the system i.e. the media, both the print and electronic and anticipated their constructive role in the days to come with honest, fair and impartial approach to the coverage of the proceedings of the House. “This will not only go a long way towards developing a prosperous and self sufficient state of Jammu and Kashmir, but will also help us to safeguard and protect the highest and prestigious institutions of our State”, the Speaker said and ended his address by wishing all members success. (CNS)
Protest against shifting of PMGSY office
5 Dariya News
Bandipora
The residents of Sumbal in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district Wednesday staged demonstrations here to protest the shifting of Pradhan Mantri Grahm Sadak Yojna (PMGSY) office from the locality to Ajas Bandipora.The slogan-shouting residents, who had gathered here to protest against the district administration, alleged that PMGSY office that was set up in the area four years back is being shifted on the behest of some influential people. They said that the area had witnessed an overall development with regard to road connectivity and condition in presence of this office but it gave residents a shock when they came to know about its shifting.“We warn administration to revert the order otherwise the people will take to roads to stage massive protests,” Muhammad Akbar, a resident of Sumbal told CNS.Another protester said that they have no grudge against the people of Ajas area but are against the shifting of the PMGSY office.When contacted, Executive Engineer PMGSY Muhammad Rafiq said that it was a site office and under rules they shift it after every four years from one area to another. (CNS)
DAK hails termination of re-employed officials
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) Wednesday hailed termination of re-employed and re-engaged officials by government in its departments, public sector undertakings, boards and autonomous bodies. In a statement to CNS, President DAK Dr Nisar-ul-Hassan while lauding the order said that the culture of re-employment was promoted by previous government functionaries to pick favorites who were at their beck and call.This practice of favoritism was against recruitment rules and government order of blanket ban on re-engagement.These favorite officials have eroded government institutions and were spending most of their time in appeasing their masters to retain their illegally occupied positions.
These re-employed officials were advocating the agenda of their masters and were least bothered for people who were suffering because of this nepotism. People had lost faith and trust in government institutions as their legitimate grievances were not addressed by these favorite officials who had no fear of accountability.This favoritism had blocked opportunity for new comers with new innovation and ideas. This extension of retired officials had created disinterest among aspirants as their opportunity to deserved higher positions was blocked. Kashmir has the highest number of unemployed educated youth in north India who are jobless because of this practice of re-employment. This unhealthy trend of extension of services to retired government officials had adversely affected efficiency of departments and had led to uncalled for stagnation among ranks. (CNS)
Peddler arrested in Sopore
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
Police recovered Codeine Phosphate bottles meant for sale to the drug abuser from a peddler in Sopore.On a specific information, Sopore police lad a naka in Adipora area of Sopore. During the naka checking one person Wasim Ahmad Mir son of Ghulam Hassan Mir resident of Adipora Sopore was apprehended while transporting 49 bottles of Codeine Phosphate bottles and 192 capsules of Spasmo-proxyvon.He was detained and a case FIR No. 42/2015 under section 8/22 NDPS was registered against him and investigation taken up. During the investigation, it surfaced that he used to sell these prescription drugs to the drug abusing youth of the town. (CNS)
House condemns Swami’s Masjid remark
Rashid raises Afzal Guroo issue
5 Dariya News
Jammu
The Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly on Wednesday unanimously condemned BJP leader Subramanian Swamy's remarks when he reportedly said mosques are not religious places, but just buildings.As the day's proceedings started, Congress legislator G.M. Saroori demanded unanimous condemnation of the statement.The house then unanimously condemned the remark, asserting that irresponsible statements concerning religious faith should not be made by anybody.
After Governors address, MLA Langate Er Rashid, demanded that West Pakistan Refugees should be sent back to Pakistan instead of settlement them in the state.He was interrupted by MLA Ravinder Raina and said the refugees should be settled in JK as it is part on India. But Rasheed shouted back “J&K is disputed territory.”Engineer Rashid also raised the issue of parliament attack convict Afzal Guru's mortal remains.He said that if Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), a Sikh body, can erect a memorial in the name of Jarnail Singh Bhindrawale and call General Vaidya "a murderer" because he commanded Operation Blue Star against the Sikh separatist leader, why can't Kashmiris get the remains of parliament attack convict. (CNS)
Our Mission is to Strengthen Congress Party at the Grossroot: JKPCC Chief
5 Dariya News
Jammu
A day long meeting of the J&K Pradesh Congress Committee Executive Body was held here Wednesday under the Chairmanship of newly appointed President JKPCC G. A. Mir, while Sanjay Kapoor (MLA) was the AICC observer in the session. Nawang Rigzin Jora-leader CLP besides other legislators and Senior leaders of the party including former MPs, former ministers, former Legislators, District President and heads Frontal organizations from all over the State were among those who attended the meet.According to a statement issued to KNS, the day long session had a threadbare deliberations on the strategy of the Congress party for gearing up the party cadres in all parts of the State in order to play the role of an effective and vibrant political force in the State, as the party has a major responsibility being the only unifying and cementing force in the State. The party would foster an atmosphere of peace and brotherhood and fight against the communal and divisive forces who are threat to the unity, integrity and secular fabric of the State and the Nation.In the resolutions adopted on the occasion, the committee discussed the latest political situation in the State and the role and responsibility of the Congress party in the given situation.
The party resolved to highlight the issues of public importance and urges and aspirations of all three regions and different sections of the society. The resolution out lining the approach of the Congress party to play the role of a vibrant and responsible opposition and highlight the issues confronting the people in order to seek equitable and balanced development of three regions and equal share in every sphere of life. The party retreated its commitment to the principles of secularism, socialism inclusive democracy equality and social justice and defeat the politics of hatred in order to strengthen bonds of unity and integrity.The meeting also adopted a resolution endorsing the step of AICC President Smt. Sonia Gandhi for expressing solidarity and to stand solidly behind Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji-former Prime Minister in the recent Coal Controversy. The resolution said that the rank and file of the party firmly believes in the honesty and integrity of Dr. Manmohan Singh and that he would stand vindicated and come out clean in the due process of law.The meeting also emphasized on the strengthening of the organization from Booth Level upwards and to have affective party structure at all levels and go for vigorous Membership Drive to widen and strengthen the secular, democratic and progressive space in the State. The meeting also urged for holding elections to the remaining tiers of the Panchayat and Local Bodies in the state to strengthen the democratic institutions in the State.
The meeting expressed deep shock over the demise of Shri Om Chopra (Ex-MLA) & veteran Congress leader, Shri Sneh Gupta, Ch. Nek Mohammad, Pt. Keshavnand and Gopal Sharma and recalled their services to the party.Prominent among those who participated include former MPs Shri Janak Raj Gupta, Shri Madan Lal Sharma, former Ministers Shri Taj-Mohi-Ud-Din, Shri G.S.Charak, Shri Sham Lal Sharma, Shri Raman Bhalla, Shri Mula Ram, Suman Bhagat, Mohammad Sharief Naiz; Senior leaders Thakur Hari Singh, S. Gurmukh Singh, Shri G. N. Monga-MLC, Ghulam Haider Sheikh; MLAs Ch. Aijaz Ahmed Khan, Haji Abdul Rashid, Shri Asgar Ali Karbalie, Shri Usman Majid, Shri Gulzar Ahmed Wani, Mohammad Amin Bhat, Ch. Mohammad Akram, Mumtaz Khan; Shri Jugal Kishore Sharma-MLC, Jahangir Mir-MLC, Naresh Gupta-MLC, Rani Billoria-MLC, Sham Lal Bhagat-MLC; Ex-Ministers Dr. Manohar Lal, Yogesh Sawhney, Dr. Ramesh Sharma, Girdhari Lal Chalotra; Ex-MLAs Praksah Sharma, Thakur Balbir Singh, Shiv Dev Singh, Thakur Balwan Singh, Smt. Indu Pawar, Swarn Lata, Bashir Ahmed Naz, President PYC Ch. Shahnawaz, President NSUI Neeraj Kundan, President INTUC Shiv Kumar Sharma, Seva Dal Chief Balwinder Sambyal besides most of the office bearers, district presidents and contesting candidates in the recent assembly elections from all parts of the state attended the day long session of the party.The speakers and participants extended their full co-operation to the newly appointed PCC President to strengthen the party in the state and welcomed the decision of the Congress President Smt. Sonia Gandhi and Vice President Rahul Gandhi for entrusting the responsibility of the PCC to a young and dedicated partyman G. A. Mir.
Addressing the gathering President JKPCC G. A. Mir expressed gratitude to the Congress High Command for his appointment and to the Senior leaders and cadres of the party for their whole hearted support and cooperation. He asked the party workers to gear up their activities in order to strengthen the party and play the role of a responsible and vibrant opposition as assigned to the party by the people. He said that Congress has always played a historical and vital role in cementing the relationship of peace and brotherhood and unity and integrity of the State.Mir said that the Congress is the only unifying force in view of its secular and progressive approach representing all three regions of the state. He lashed out at double standards of the BJP and PDP and described the present coalition as a combination of opportunism for the sake of power only. He said that present coalition suffers from inherent contradictions on basic ideologies and issues and both the parties have put their respective poll commitments aside for the sake of power and betrayed their electorate. The proceedings of the meeting were conducted by Senior Leader Thakur Hari Singh. The meeting was held at Sainik Farms, Sainik Colony-Jammu. (KNS)
Omar visits Moton’s residence to condole death of his son
5 Dariya News
Jammu
Working President National Conference Omar Abdullah on Wednesday visited the residence of party leader Romesh Moton at R. S Pura and expressed his condolences on the sad demise of his young son.In a statement to KNS, The Working President said that no words were enough to console the bereaved family as the loss was enormous and irreparable. He expressed solidarity with the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.Provincial President Devender Singh Rana and State Vice President Th Kashmira Singh, who were accompanying Omar Abdullah, also conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family.Meanwhile, a condolence meeting was held at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan to condole the demise of Moton’s young son. (KNS)
DC Srinagar visits water logged areas, Monitors dewatering process
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Dr. Farooq Ahmed Lone visited Bota Kadal Lal Bazar area alongwith Joint Director Fire and Emergency Services Kashmir and other Revenue Officers where some residential houses were inundated. The Fire and Emergency Department had already installed one Motor pump for dewatering purposes in the area.According to a statement issued to KNS, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar issued on spot directions to Fire and Emergency Services Department to put four more motor pumps into services so that dewatering is completed at the earliest and people of the area feel a sigh of relief.Tehsildar Eidgah was directed to monitor the situation personally so that people do not face any difficulty on this count. (KNS)
Accountant General, J&K calls on Governor
5 Dariya News
Jammu
Khalid Jamal, Accountant General, J&K, called on N.N. Vohra, Governor, here at the Raj Bhavan, Wednesday.Jamal briefed the Governor about the areas of State Government functioning which have been audited in the recent past for promoting a transparent framework of policy, rules and regulations and encouraging efficiency and accountability in the functioning of the entire administrative apparatus.The Governor discussed with Jamal the need for all required steps being taken to secure the maintenance of transparency, financial probity and fiscal discipline in the entire Government machinery. (KNS)
LMD penalizes four non local dealers in Srinagar
Realizes Rs. 23,000/- as fine
5 Dariya News
Srinagar
According to Deputy Director Legal Metrology Department (LMD) four Non-local Hardware/Paint dealers penalised with a sum of Rs. 23,000/- for violating labelling norms of their products in Srinagar.The penalized dealers including Pioneer Hardwares, Delhi, Prem Brush Factory Delhi, Raina Jammu, RSV Industries Jalandhar. According to a statement issued to KNS, Under Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 every hardware and paint product in packaged form must carry on the label some mandatory declarations such as MRP, Net contents, Date of manufacture/packing, name of commodity in the package, complete address of the manufacturer with e-mail address and consumer grievance Cell No so that the consumer may make a rational choice while making purchase of such products. As the consumers have a right to know about the quality, quantity, potency, price, standard of the products they are purchasing from the markets.The consumers have complained that the hardware/paint products offered for sale in the retail markets of the Srinagar city do not adhere to labelling requirements. The department has booked about 09 non-local companies for supplying non-standard packages in the markets through wholesale/retail dealers. (KNS)