Contractors aghast, Govt assures release of payments soon
KD NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, May 13: The government announcement of funding the languishing projects who had been lingering -on for many years due to fund paucity had brought cheers not only on the faces of the public but also to those contractors whose investments had gone down the drain due to Non -completion of these projects.
But this unprecedented decision also came with its own problems and demerits. Nearly one year has passed -by, the contractors have not received a single penny causing more distress and anxiety among them.
Many contractors who had re-invested on languishing projects have been running pillar to post seeking their pending payments but to no avail. The major chunk of the languishing projects is in the R&B and PHE and I&FC Divisions. RNA has learnt from sources that government has approved 2,504 languishing projects in these three Engineering departments whereas 103 projects have been approved in Health department which include many hospitals, Dispensaries and other health facilities.
In R&B , hundreds of unfinished projects of buildings, bridges and roads were taken up for completion whereas in PHE, many filtration plants, Water supply schemes and reservoirs which had been left incomplete were approved by the high powered committee under languishing scheme . Many contractors however, told RNA that despite the completion of many schemes, there is no release of payments which has put them under stress. They said the more worrying thing is that even officers don’t know when and how the payment would be made.
“We have finished some of the projects many months ago but there is no clue about the payment which has put them under fincancial stress. They only hold review meetings but never tell us when the payments will be made.” a group of contractors told RNA
When RNA attempted to enquire about the delay in payments of the languishing projects, a senior officer in the Finance department in Civil Secretariat said that these projects have very hectic and lengthy procedure which was the main reason behind the delay of payments. He said since the process has been made absolutely error- free and extremely full proof which has forced concerned officers to process the bills with extreme caution.
“See this is not like the normal project. In these projects, the concerned officers need to verify every stage of the work with documental and photographic evidence.
Once they certify it, they submit it to their HODs, (Chief engineers in case of engineering departments), who are also required to counter check and then send it to their respective administrative departments. From administrative departments this will come here in the Finance department and Finance after verifying everything will release a user ID to the respective departments which would make the payments.”
The officer, who is not authorized to speak, told RNA, wishing not to be named. He added that process was at the final stage. Meanwhile Governor’s advisor for PHE, and PWD K.K. Sharma told RNA that the payments for the languishing projects would start this week itself and added that payments would be made for all those projects that have been approved and completed. “We will start releasing the payments of the approved languishing projects that stand completed, by this week.” Advisor told RNA.
Tourism in Kashmir at the verge of collapse: Chaya
KD NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, May 13: A delegation of Jammu Kashmir Hoteliers Club (JKHC) led by its chairman, Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya, held a meeting with the Governor of Jammu & Kashmir at Rajbhawan, Srinagar on May 13th, 2019. JKHC is an apex organization of all the leading hoteliers of Jammu & Kashmir.
In the meeting it was pointed out by Chaya that tourism industry in Kashmir was at the verge of collapse and near closure. For last almost three years we are running cash losses and were left with no resources to pump into the establishments. Hoteliers have been keeping the hotels open against all odds. The current year has shown depressing and disappointing tourist foot fall that it had become impossible for them to keep the hotels open and have the employees on board. It was suggested that way back in 2004 the then prime minister of India, Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, considered room wise financial assistance to various categories of Hotels as listed in Tourism Department for revival and refurbishment of the properties.
On the same lines we submitted that similar kind of approach needed to be adopted in instant cases in the form of Cash Assistance to be provided to various categories of hotels for each room as was done in 2004, but this time around it has to be ex-gratia and non-refundable cash support to the hospitality sector of the tourism industry till such time it shows some signs of health.
The quantum of support for each room will be worked out by us in consultation with the Govt. The financial condition of everyone is deteriorated, the maintenance costs of running a business unit is high, retaining the employees at decent salaries with benefits is impossible and keeping the standards for the customers is in danger, while it is impossible to survive in present conditions it is absolutely un-bearable to keep the commitments of repayment of bank loans with increasing interests from various institutions like J&K Bank, J&K State Financial Corporation. etc.
Kashmir tourism used to be exempted from the Taxes, however, since the extension of GST the overall tourism industry has been hit by the rise in costs and prices at hotels, guest houses, houseboats, restaurants and even the tour operator services. Even after the several promises made by Govt. and concerned, at state level, we have not been given any relaxation of tax waiver to help and promote the tourism sector in most exasperating times where the business has gone down highly.
The survival of the units and the employment provided to local youth has become questionable rather agonizing. Even Micro, Small and Medium business units be that a hotel, a Resort, a Restaurant, a Guest House, a Houseboat, a Home Stay, a Café, a Handicraft shop, a Transporter, a Shikara wala, a pony wala and others are at the verge of closure due to the continuous financial losses as a result of the nil tourism.
In this connection it was submitted that till the Govt. persuades the GST council to drop the tax the promised reimbursement of the GST be kindly done as we fall under micro, small and medium enterprise. This is the commitment made by the Govt. as a policy matter and not by way of any concession as this service (hospitality) industry is included in the industrial policy.
The electric tariff was still a pain to the hoteliers as the benefits which are extended to the small scale industry have not been given effect for hotel industry as the order issued in this behalf, in 2018, was quite clear that hotel industry will be treated at par for electricity tariff as like that of small scale industry. It was suggested that the order be kindly implemented and respected.
The Governor gave a patient hearing in a cordial atmosphere to the submissions made by the delegation. It is essential to mention here that the helpful attitude of the Governor was inspiring and we express our thankfulness to him.
The Governor was kind enough to tell the delegation that he would look into the matters and get all these problems resolved without delay. To this effect a detailed memorandum, which contains other points as well, was submitted to him for his kind consideration
Sopore, May 14 : Authorities on late Monday ordered closure of all colleges and Higher secondaries in North Kashmir’s Sopore town tomorrow on Tuesday.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Sopore in a statement said that colleges and Higher secondaries shall remain closed tommorrow as a precautionary measure, However rest of the Educational Institutions in Sub Division Sopore shall remain open for class work.
Pertainally step has been taken as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order problem in the town following protests against rape case of 03 year old girl.
Srinagar, May 13: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference on Monday asserted that serving speedy justice to the rape victim of Sumbal was the biggest challenge of the governor administration, saying the perpetrator of the gut wrenching and horrendous act should be served exemplary punishment.
Party’s senior leader and former speaker Muhammad Akbar Lone, according to a statement issued to GNS, while condemning the horrific incident said, “The evil beast who has committed this crime deserves capital punishment. The act has shamed the whole humanity and human values. I take this opportunity to impress upon the governor administration to have this particular case tried in a fast track court. It is indeed a monstrous crime and needs to be condemned by all. I express my sympathy with the family of the victim and assure them all possible help from my side.”
Lone said that serving speedy justice was the challenge for the incumbent administration. “It is expected from the governor administration to rise up to the occasion and serve exemplary punishment to the person behind the crime that has send shivers down the spine of every right thinking person. I stand in unison with the affected family. I pray for bright future and speedy recovery to the victim,” he said.
He further necessitated for strengthening the legal framework to deal with such incidents. “The local police should be equipped and trained to deal with such gruesome incidents; besides that it is expected of the governor administration to give economic support to the victim’s family so that she rises on her feet again. I also urge the society to strongly come out against the heinous crime notwithstanding their caste, creed and sectarian considerations,” he said.
Srinagar, May 13 : Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, former MLA and CPI (M) General Secretary met Governor Satya Pal Malik at the Raj Bhavan here on Monday.
Talking to news agency, Tarigami brought into Governor’s notice various issues of public importance.
“The Governor assured me that within two days the levying of toll tax at Kachkoot Sangam in Anantnag to people of Jammu and Kashmir will come to an end,” he said, adding, “Besides exempting the people from toll tax, the Governor also assured to withdraw the ban on movement of traffic on Srinagar-Jammu highway completely by May 31”. He said that from May 31 there will be no restriction on movement of traffic on the thoroughfare.
He said that governor told him he feels the pain of the people and trouble they go through. (GNS)
Srinagar, May 13 : Government forces on Monday arrested a militant of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit from Verinag area of Dooru in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
A police officer told that a joint team of army’s 19RR and SOG Dooru today afternoon carried out a raid at Panzwa village and apprehended the person namely Hilal Ahmad Naikoo son of Ali Mohammad Naikoo from his home.
The officer said that Hilal is an active militant of JeM. “Some arms and ammunition were recovered from his possession,” he said.
“A case under relevant sections of law has been registered and further investigations were taken up,” the officer said. (GNS)
Srinagar, May 13 : Two activists of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militant outfit were arrested along with arms and ammunition from Sumbal area of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Sunday late night.
A police officer told GNS that a joint team of police and SOG during a raid at Hajin area last night arrested two Over Ground Workers (OGWs) of LeT.
The officer identified the OGWs as Mohd Iqbal Wani and Zahoor Ahmad Parray.
“Two hand grenades, two AK magazines along with 60 rounds of AK series were recovered from their possession,” the officer said.
A case under FIR number 18/2019 under section 7/25 IA Act and 18 ULA has been registered in police station concerned and further investigations have been taken up, the officer said.
According to sources, Zahoor Ahmad is the brother of LeT militant commander Mohd Saleem Parray. (GNS)
Ramban, May 13 : Police on Monday claimed to have arrested two militants of Lashkar-e-Toiba outfit from Gool area of Ramban district in Jammu region.
A police spokesman in a statement said that acting on a specific information regarding suspicious movement of some Anti-National Elements (ANEs) in Hara area of Gool, a joint operation was launched by Police Component Gool along with 58 RR and 9 Para at about 3.30 a.m.
“During the process of cordon and search, two suspects were apprehended along with arms and ammunition. The duo has been identified as Showkat Ahmed Sheikh son of Gulam Nabi Sheikh of Charsoo, Awantipora, Pulwama and Tawfeeq Mohiuddin Dar son of Gh Mohiuddin Dar of Malipura, Kulgam,” the spokesman said.
The officer said that one AK 47 rifle with a magazine and 30 rounds besides Rs 8771 of Indian currency were recovered from their possession.
During preliminary investigations, the accused persons have been found affiliated with LeT outfit and were acting on the instructions of one Naveed @ Abu Talla, an active militant of the organization, the spokesman said.
“In this regard, a case FIR No 40/2019 u/s 121 A, 120 B, 122 RPC 13/17/19 ULA (P) Act has been registered and further investigation was taken up,” the spokesman added. (GNS)
Several Persons Injured In Clashes, Pattan Youth Critical; Police Says 47 Forces Personnel Injured
Asif Iqbal / Suhail Khan
Srinagar, May 13 : The rape of a 3-year-old girl in Sumbal Bandipora has sparked outrage and anger across Kashmir Valley.
On Monday, violent protests broke out for the second consecutive day in parts of Baramulla, Bandipora, Kupwara, Srinagar, Ganderbal and Anantnag.
On May 8, a youth allegedly lured the child with a candy and raped her in Sumbal area’s Trehgam locality. The police swiftly acted and arrested the youth and also constituted a special investigation team to investigate into the gruesome rape.
Central Kashmir
Scores of people staged protests at Srinagar’s Press Enclave and elsewhere in this summer capital of the state, demanding stringent punishment to the culprit.
Reports said Members of Jammu and Kashmir Itehaadul Muslimeen headed by Moulana Masroor Abbas Ansari assembled at press enclave and staged protest against the incident.
The protesters, holding placards and chanting slogans, were seeking justice for the minor.
Ansari said that the government always comes up with assurances but later fail to ensure justice to the victim. “The culprits in the heinous crime should be dealt with strictly so that it serves as a deterrent to others,” he told reporters.
Also students from different colleges also staged a protest, demanding capital punishment to the culprit.
Holding placards reading ‘hang the rapists’ and raising slogans in favour of justice to the minor girl, the protesters said that such heinous acts create fear among the girls. “We demand death to the guilty so that no one could dare to indulge in such kind of crimes in future,” the students said.
The members of JK Youth Alliances (JKYA) also marched towards Raj Bhawan here, demanding time bound investigation and exemplary punishment to the rapist.
The residents of Mandir Bagh here also staged a protest against the incident. They also marched from Mandir Bagh to Press enclave here, carrying black flags to express sympathy with the victim and his family.
The protesters mostly women were raising slogans in favour of justice to the girl and demanded stringent action against the guilty.
Students of Kashmir University also staged a protest demonstration, demanding death to the culprit so that a message was sent that society cannot accept such brutality.
Most parts of Srinagar including Old City observed a complete shutdown against the incident. Shops and other business establishments were closed while traffic movement, both private and public, was substantial reduced on roads as compared to a normal day.
Reports said a police party was attacked near Aga-lane in Budgam due to which Incharge Police Officer (DO) Soibug namely Manzoor Ahmad suffered stone injury in his head and was shifted to hospital. His PSO fired 2 aerial gun shots. However there were no reports about injury to any civilian protest in the clashes.
Reports said students of Degree College and Central University Ganderbal also staged a protest against rape of the girl.
Scores of students and a peaceful protest marched from College complex upto Beehama Chowk Ganderbal. They were demanding stern punishment to accused.
North Kashmir
Protests and demonstrations were also reported from north Kashmir districts of Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora. At places, the protests turned violent in which a number of people were injured, some of them critically.
Reports said clashes erupted in Trehgam, Odina, Chanabal, Mirgund, Hanjiwera, Hygam, Sopore, Uthoora and Baramulla. The government forces resorted to heavy teargas shelling and other means of force to quell the protesting youth.
A 23-year-old youth Arshad Ahmad son of Ghulam Mohammad Dar of Chanabal Pattan was critically injured after hit by a tear smoke shell in his forehead during clashes near Mirgund. Arshid was taken to nearby hospital where from he was referred to JVC Srinagar. A doctor said that Arshid suffered injuries in both of his eyes and skull. Reports of massive stone pelting clashes were also received from Gaggerpora Magam and other areas. In all, more than ten youth were injured, reports said.
In a statement, police said that 47 security personnel including One Assistant Commandant were injured during clashes in Pattan area.
“Miscreants staged protests and pelted stones on the security forces deployed on National Highway on the following locations— Mirgund, Chainabal, Harthrath, Singhpora, Jheel bridge, Kripalpora Payeen, and Hanjiwera, areas of District Baramulla, resulting in injuries to 47 security forces personnel including one Assistant Commandant of SSB 2nd battalion who was hit on his head,” the stamen reads, adding, “Utmost restraint was maintained by the forces on ground. However about seven miscreants got injured who are all stable.”
The students of Model Women’s Degree College Kupwara also held a protest demonstration in Salkoote. They marched SSP and DDC complex Kupwara, demanding justice for the minor girl.
Reports said students of government Degree College Kupwara clashed with government forces following the protest march for capital punishment to the rapist.
Reports said that students including girls and boys raising slogans marched from College towards main town Kupwara. Upon reaching Bohipora Bridge near water pump shed, government personnel, deployed in the area, intercept the protesters.
In the meantime, some protesters started stone pelting upon the government forces who fired tear smoke shells to disperse them.
Reports said that scores of girl students marched from Salkoote through main town Kupwara to deputy Commissioner’s Office, raising slogans in favour of the minor.
Reports said scores of people took out a protest rally from Lolab stand and marched through Jamia road upto main Hyhama Chowk. The demonstrators were raising slogans. The traders downed shutters.
South Kashmir
The students of Government Degree College Tral staged a peaceful protest demonstration near Bus Stand area against the rape of the minor girl.
The protest rally was taken out by the students, who were demanding justice for the victim and stern action against the accused.
The students and the staff of Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) in Awantipora also staged a peaceful protest demonstration against the rape of the minor.
Students of women’s collage Anantnag, ITI collage Ashajipora Anantnag, and government Girls Higher secondary school Ranibag Anantnag took out separate protest rallies against the gruesome rape.
Sources said that the students, raising slogans, were demanding exemplary punishment to the gulity.
Clashes erupt in Ganziwara area of Anantnag district as around 15 youth pelted stones on 40 battalion CRPF Camp near Ganjiwara Anantnag. The CRPF personnel fired several tear gas shells and dispersed the protesters.
The paramilitary forces fired some aerial shots besides few teargas shells to disperse the protesters. One youth Fayaz Ahmad of Achabal suffered minor injury and was hospitalized.
Report of protest by lawyers was also received who staged a sit-in in lower court premises.
A protest rally was held in district court Pulwama and work was completely suspended for whole day.
General Secretary of Bar Pulwama Bashir Ahmad Rather said that being the members of the society, “we feel ashamed and annoyed by the beastly act with 3 years baby by a devil. “We feel the pain and anger upon such unfortunate act. We condemn such act,” he said.
Meanwhile Kargil town observed shutdown and there were protests against the girl child’s rape.
The protest started from Jamia Masjid Kargil under the banner of Imam Khomeni Memorial Trust Kargil and passed through Kalon Rahim Khan (KRK) Chowk, Main Bazaar Kargil. The protesters were joined by the hundreds of students from Mutharry Public School and Women from Zainabia welfare Committee Kargil. Later the protest rally concluded at Kalon Rahim Khan Chowk Kargil (Lal Chowk).
The protesters were shouting slogans like “Punish the Guilty”, “Death to the Rapist”, “Hang the Rapist etc.” (GNS)
Appeals for peace, restraint, harmony among all sects
BUDGAM, MAY 13: Deputy Commissioner, Budgam Dr Syed Sehrish Asgar along with SP Budgam Amod Ashok Nagpure today held a meeting with members of Shia-Sunni Coordination Committee Budgam at New Conference Hall Budgam.
The meeting was called in the backdrop of spontaneous protests throughout Budgam following the horrific incident of Bandipora.
At the outset, participants condemned the horrific and dastardly act of criminality. While expressing shock over the incident, DC Budgam told the gathering that all humans irrespective of religions are outraged and want a speedy investigation/ trial of the incident so that culprit is dealt with sternly as per law and justice be done with the victim and its family.
She further added though the anger against it is genuine and all should protest against it peacefully but cautioned the members of the committee against any attempts by the vested interests to give it a sectarian touch. She urged upon the respectables of society to ensure calm and peaceful atmosphere in the district. SP Budgam also spoke on the occasion and told that preliminary action as warranted under the law has already been taken in the form of arrest of the accused. He called for restraint from the protestors and told the committee members to ensure peaceful environment. The participants assured the administration of their support in keeping the situation under control.
They demanded toughest action against the person who committed this crime.
Among others, the meeting was also attended by ADDC, ADC, ACR, and DIO Budgam.
