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Monday,
December 17, 2001, Chandigarh, India   
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Influx of Kashmiris worries Kangra police Defence
puts ban on fresh construction Flag code being violated
Sukh Ram authorised to take decision |
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No truck with HVC, says Stokes
Kalpa remains cut off Shimla MC to have 24 wards Digging of ancient ‘math’ stopped 23-cr ITI project submitted to Centre
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Influx of Kashmiris worries Kangra police Dharamsala, December 16 Though it was only Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh which had been affected by the spill-over of militancy from the adjoining state of Jammu and Kashmir, it now appears that Kangra, too, has become vulnerable to the militant threat. During the past two months, 111 Kashmiris have come to Kangra and got themselves registered with the police stations in various areas. According to police records, 707 Kashmiris, be it shawl vendors, shopkeepers or labourers, are registered at the 12 police stations in Kangra district. Seeing the large number of Kashmiri handicrafts shops in McLeodganj and the presence of should vendors even in remote villages, their number is definitely much higher, as not all of them comply with the police directions on getting themselves registered in the local police stations. The highest number of Kashmiris in the district are in Palampur (192), followed by Dharamsala (126), Nurpur (110) and Indora (75). These figures do not include the Gujjars, who migrate to various parts of Kangra during the winter months along with their cattle from Jammu and Kashmir. The police is, however, keeping a strict vigil on these Gujjars to prevent any suspected militants from making contact with them. The increase in the number of visits of various Islamic religious outfits to Chamba and certain parts of Kangra last year gave anxious moments to the police. Going by the experience of Jammu and Kashmir, where madarsas have become harbouring grounds for terrorists, the police and intelligence agencies increased surveillance and interrogated outsiders coming here with a religious mission. The mushrooming of madarsas in Chamba, Una and Kangra has caused much concern to the police. Their total number in this area is 41. A madarsa was set up in Chamba in 1991, while the rest have come up after 1995. People from the Tablique Jamat faith from Jammu and Kashmir and Misrewala in Sirmaur and from Anjuman Islam in Uttar Pradesh have been frequenting the area. |
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Defence
puts ban on fresh construction Kasauli, December 16 According to Revenue officials Defence authorities proposed to survey the area to record structures existing here. It is aimed at stopping further sale and purchase of land in the said area. The fact that most of the area is occupied by civilians living here for generations together has become a cause of resentment among them as they feel the move will seal all developmental works in the area. The Works of Defence Act, 1903, lays down that no construction should be allowed within 1,000 yards of a Defence installation is being cited to justify this move. A gazette notification received by the Air Force authorities from the Ministry of Defence six months back necessitated them to initiate action on it. The Act further says that no tree or high-rise building be erected within the prescribed 900 metres area as it blocks view and presence of trees could obstruct air traffic. The move, however, has failed to evolve consensus between civil and Defence authorities. The Revenue officials opine that the locals have already started protesting against the move and it could further churn up emotions if implemented. They also stated that it held good for plain area but not for a hill cantonment like Kasauli where taking into account an aerial distance of 900 metres would also bring some parts of the national highway number 22 into the purview. It is also being argued that trees planted down hill would have no effect on the sensitive radar installation located at the highest point of the town at a height of more than 2,000 feet. The decision is likely to hit property buyers the maximum, on the coming up Kimughat-Chakki-Ka Mor road the latest haunt of the rich from plains including some Army officers. The fact that the aerial distance of 900 metres will bring this road into the no-construction zone will mar the prospects of constructions here. Quite a few Defence officials also have sent proposals to the state government for owing land here after investing heavily. This land which, till now sold at exorbitant avoiding prices ranging from Rs 70,000 to Rs 80,000 has suddenly started falling with buyers to buy land where construction might not be possible. Land which is considered a major source of income to the locals here now has left both landowner as well as the buyer in the lurch. Ever since the construction of the road began as many as three four deeds were being registered daily here stated the revenue officials but this move has already starting telling on the buyers. Despite a few meetings between the Revenue and Defence officials the move has not found favour. The Revenue officials have referred the case to the Deputy Commissioner. The DC, Mr K. Sanjay Murthi, when contacted stated that the case had been sent back to the Defence officials for reconsideration though the move was legally correct. It would be enforced only after being promulgated and hearing to public objections. The Defence officials who consider the move as a sequel to the MoD notification stated that the motive was to rid the prescribed 900 metres of land encroachments but since the area also comprised civilian century-old bungalows it was not feasible to demolish the buildings and hence it became pertinent to stop further sale and purchase of land here. He also added that those finding the move detrimental to their interests could approach the court for redressal. He expressed ignorance on the affected Kimughat-Chakki-Ka-Mor road and stated that the effort would be to act in accordance with the law. He was however critical of the local police which had not initiated any action against construction going on the Lower Mall within metres of the sensitive installation despite his informing the civil authorities in the town. Another point, which is being argued here, is the fact that the Defence authorities should consider 900 metres distance from their radar installation but they have taken into account the boundary of their area. |
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Flag code being violated Shimla, December 16 In fact, display of distinctive flags and red lights atop cars has become a status symbol. More and more categories of dignitaries are being added to the list and strictly going by the book (the flag code of India), not all those included qualify for the privilege. For instance, there is no mention of Chief Parliamentary Secretary and Parliamentary Secretary in the code but they have been allowed to fly the national flag atop their cars. The list has been getting longer and longer. The government has over the past three years issued a number of notifications, adding new categories to the list. The Advocate-General was authorised to fly the national flag on his vehicle by a notification issued on December 2,1998. This category also does not figure in the code. Thereafter came a notification on March 4,1999, allowing MLAs to use red lights on their vehicles. The former Speakers of the Vidhan Sabha were allowed this privilege in May 1999. Earlier, the former Chief Ministers were added to the list. Under the state motor vehicle rules, only those categories which are the flag code are allowed to use the flag. Several categories of officers like Financial and Revenue Commissioners who have no field duties to perform, have been allowed to use red lights. Mr Rajeev Sharma, an advocate, has already filed a public interest litigation in the high court in this regard. This is not all. There are categories like chairpersons of various boards and corporations, zila parishad chiefs and SDMs who are using red lights. The logic of the zila parishad heads was that they represented a district, which had many Assembly segments. If an MLA representing just one segment could get this privilege, why not them. In this situation, every other government vehicle has been fitted with a red light. Some legislators have put red lights atop more than one private vehicle. However, after suicidal attacks, there is a feeling that this policy has to be restricted, senior police officers say. The government should review the VVIP list immediately and reduce the number of categories to the bare minimum. The flag code should be adhered to strictly, they assert. The Speaker, Mr Gulab Singh, has decided that the legislators will be allowed to use red lights atop only one vehicle and the registration number of the vehicle will be supplied to the police. |
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Sukh Ram authorised to take decision Shimla, December 16 The decision came after a prolonged debate during which one leader after the other condemned the indifferent attitude of the BJP towards the party and pleaded for the immediate withdrawal of support. The partymen were upset over the fact that the Dhumal government had been taking decision without taking the coalition partner into confidence. It had also not adopted any point of the HVC’s manifesto and had been going ahead with the BJP’s agenda. The decision like increasing the power tariff and imposing users’ charges which affected the people had been taken without taking the party into confidence. In such a situation continuing support would only hurt the party’s interest. The party opposed the government decision to set up more cement plants in the state. It passed a resolution warning the government to review the policy which would spell an ecological disaster in the hills. The two cement factories Barmana and Darlaghat had already caused much damage to environment, while cracks had appeared in houses due to blasting and many natural springs and other water sources had dried up. It supported the Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance (POTO) provided journalists were kept out of its ambit and it was not misused to harass political opponents. The party decided to contest all 68 assembly seats in the next elections. It also condoled the death of two senior party leaders Hari Krishan and Shad Ram. |
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No truck with HVC, says Stokes Shimla, December 16 Addressing a press conference on completing a year in office, she said the victory of the party in the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation elections was indicative of the change in the political scene in the region. While in opposition, the BJP made loans a major issue but after coming to power it had surpassed all limits and brought the state on the verge of bankruptcy. Instead of reducing the size of the ministry, doing away with the army of chairpersons and taking other effective steps to cut down unproductive expenditure, Prof P.K.Dhumal, Chief Minister, had imposed user charges on hospital service and increased power tariff thrice, she said. The statewide Congress stir on these issues had been a great success. These issues would be raised in the House during the winter session beginning on December 18, she said. The performance of the Vajpayee government at the Centre was no better. The Kargil conflict and the terrorist attack on Parliament were the indicators. A government which could not protect vital institutions like the Parliament House, despite prior knowledge of terrorist plans, was not fit to rule the country, she said.
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Vital role of sheep rearing
in tribal economy Chamba For quality and quantity of wool in the state, the state government is ensuring that local sheep is crossed with good quality rams being supplied by department farms situated at Karchham in Kinnaur district, Jeori in Shimla district, Tal in Hamirpur district and from Chamba. Besides, a ram centre has been established at Nagwain in Mandi district from where rams are supplied to breeders in the breeding season after which rams are brought back to the Centre. Besides, 10 Sheep and Wool Extension Centres at Choori, Lunapur, Bharmour (Chamba), Kothikohar (Kangra), Bagipul (Kulu) Lari, Udaipur (Lahaul & Spiti), Dodrakwar, (Shimla) Swar (Mandi) and Sangla (Kinnaur) are also working in the state from where rams are supplied for the purpose of breeding. Intensive sheep development project is being implemented in the Bharmour area to benefit people there and boosting sheep rearing in the area. To ensure production of quality wool, wool analysis laboratories have been set up at Tal in Hamirpur, Jeori in Shimla district and Sarol in Chamba district, and these are working for the benefit of the farmers. Nearly 1610 tonnes of wool was produced in the state last year against 1571 tonnes produced in 1999-2000. Angora rabbit breeding has been given priority, as it is of good income and self-employment. Angora rabbit farm was established initially at Nagwain. The wool production per year per rabbit is 400 gm. Later another farm was opened at Palampur where German angora rabbits are reared which produce more than 1000 gm of wool per rabbit per year. With UNDP assistance, a Germ Plasm Centre has been established at Nagwain in Mandi district where pure lines are being bred at this centre and trained persons are being provided infrastructure and rabbits for further propagation. Himachal has emerged, as the source of rabbit and technical know-how on rabbit breeding for other states also. The Central Wool Development Board through the Himachal Pradesh Wool Federation imparts training to interested and unemployed youths. Angora rabbit project has also been started in district Solan and Sirmour with the assistance of Central Wool Board. The Himachal Pradesh Wool Federation has been strengthened to benefit the sheep breeders and it intensified its activities during past three years. It procured 1,52,676 kg of sheep wool and 14,799 kg of Angora wool during this period. The State Wool Federation is also implementing various schemes sanctioned by the Central Wool Development Division, Jodhpur, which is directly benefiting the sheep-rearers of the state. Under this project, more than 1,25,000 sheep in Kangra and Chamba districts have been covered and being provided health care and facility of improved breed. The wool federation under this scheme has distributed medicines worth Rs 10 lakh for the sheep. |
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Kalpa remains cut off Shimla, December 16 The key tourist resorts of Manali, Dalhousie in Chamba district, Narkanda in Shimla district and Kufri and Fagu had moderate to heavy snow, bringing cheers to tourists. Dalhousie and Manali had the first heavy snow of the season while Kufri, Fagu, Narkanda and Khara-Patthar had moderate snow. Shimla also had a glimpse of snow but it did not last long. The tourists thronged Kufri and Narkanda. Road traffic which was disrupted at Narkanda and Khara-Patthar had been restored but Kalpa, near the headquarters of Kinnaur district, was still cut off. Lahaul-Spiti and Pangi valleys in Chamba continued to experience biting cold wave conditions as the minimum temperature dipped between —15°C and —25°C, resulting in the freezing of all natural water sources. MANALI: The entire upper region of Manali subdivision plunged into darkness due to power failure as a result of moderate snow on Saturday night. The power failure has put residents of Goshal, Shanag, Bahang, Burua, Majhach, Solang, Palchan, Ruar and Kulang villages to inconvenience. Villagers have sought the deployment of sufficient number of men and machines in this belt to ensure regular power supply. Tourists staying in hotels had to shiver from cold as heating arrangements failed to work for want of power breakdown. |
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Shimla MC to have 24 wards Shimla, December 16 The demarcation of wards has been published to invite objections from the public. The delimitation of wards was necessitated by the decision of the government to take out the 59 peripheral villages merged into the corporation in 1996. It also decided to set up three nagar panchayats for these villages. Initially, there were 21 wards in the corporation. The number increased to 25 after the merger of peripheral areas. Instead of reverting to 21 wards, the authorities have decided to reorganise the wards and carve out three new ones. The wards will be finally notified after dealing with the objections on January 27. |
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Digging of ancient ‘math’ stopped Nahan, December 16 During the digging some ‘shivlingaMs,’ ancient sculptures and other articles were found and the matter was brought to the notice of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The ASI taken serious view of the digging work and termed it as “illegal and unauthorised” exercise, violating the provisions under Section 24 of the Ancient Monuments, Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. It is learnt that the naga sadhu leading the digging work was in search of an ‘ancient dhuni of sidha sadhus’. |
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23-cr ITI project submitted to Centre Chamba, December 16 Stating this here today, Mr Chamel Singh, Director of Technical Education, Himachal Pradesh, said the project was likely to be cleared. He said a similar World Bank-aided Rs 23-crore project was launched a few years ago for modernising the technical education network in the state. The state government was also spending Rs 13 crore on the installation of sophisticated machinery in the ITIs and other technical institutes for imparting better training.
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Dhumal thanks Centre for grain Shimla, December 16 He said this would help the state to provide foodgrain to the drought-hit people at cheap rates. |
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Id-ul-Fitr to be celebrated
today Shimla In a message, the Governor said the festival symbolised brotherhood, equality and love. He expressed the hope that it would strengthen these values and inspire people to do good for the humanity. Mr Dhumal expressed the hope that the festival would go a long way in strengthening the bonds of brotherhood. |
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CM announces grant for school Shimla, December 16 Earlier, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone of a bridge at Bazir Bawari over the Satluj at Rampur and another bridge over the Kurpan khud. Later, he inaugurated the building of a police station at Nirmand constructed at a cost of Rs 85 lakh.
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Task force set up for watersheds Shimla, December 16 The task force members will be the Principal Adviser-cum-Secretary (Planning) as Chairman and Joint Member Secretary (S&T Council), Director Agriculture, Chief Conservator of Forests (Projects), a nominee each of the Yashwant Singh Parmar, University and the Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar University and Director, Rural Development. The Joint Director Planning will be the member-secretary. |
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Woman gives birth to five babies Shimla, December 16 The newborns, having low birth weight, were referred to Indira Gandhi Hospital here for check up while their mother was doing well after the delivery around 3 a.m., hospital Medical Superintendent, Dr R.P. Sahni, said. The mother, identified as one Kamlesh, belonged to the Pachhad area of Sirmaur district and was admitted to the Solan hospital about 10 days ago. This was her second delivery so far.
UNI
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Red Cross units for Mandi, Una Shimla, December 16 Mr Nadda was addressing a meeting of the state-level Red Cross managing committee here. The minister informed that Red Cross units would be opened soon at various places in the state, including places like Gohar, Sundernagar, Jogindernagar, Sarkaghat and Karsog in Mandi district and at Amb in Una district. It would strengthen the activities and network of Red Cross, besides creating massive health awareness regarding AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.
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BJP training camp at Kasauli Shimla, December 16 |
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Task force set up for watersheds Shimla, December 16 The task force members will be the Principal Adviser-cum-Secretary (Planning) as Chairman and Joint Member Secretary (S&T Council), Director Agriculture, Chief Conservator of Forests (Projects), a nominee each of the Yashwant Singh Parmar, University and the Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar University and Director, Rural Development. The Joint Director Planning will be the member-secretary.
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Student hurt Shimla, December 16 The student, who was stabbed on the arm, was taken to the Indira Gandhi Medical College Hospital. |
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