Barnala, Jan 20 (PTI) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday hit out at those who recently left the party, calling them “opportunists” who were greedy for posts and tickets.
Kejriwal, who launched his party’s campaign for upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Punjab by addressing a rally here, also attacked the Congress-led state government and said it had “betrayed” people as it failed to deliver on its poll promises.
Senior AAP leader and Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and the entire state unit leadership, including Harpal Cheema and Aman Arora, also attended the rally.
“Some people left AAP few days back. Our political opponents started saying AAP has begun to disintegrate. Nobody in the country has the courage to disintegrate the party,” he said.
“Congress, Akali Dal and BJP have tried their best in the last five years to weaken the party but God has been with us,” the AAP national convenor said.
“Those who have left AAP were not worthy of staying in the party. They were opportunists and were greedy for tickets and posts. They tried to break the party. God wielded the broom and all bad persons are now out,” Kejriwal said.
Two rebel AAP leaders from Punjab — Bholath MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira and Jaitu MLA Baldev Singh, besides senior lawyer H S Phoolka, have quit the party this month. Khaira was suspended from the party in November last for indulging in “anti-party activities”.
Kejriwal accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre of creating hurdles in development works in the national capital and trying to kill him.
“The Modi government tried to not allow us to run the government in Delhi. We want to build hospitals, schools but they continued to create hindrance in our efforts. But we fought them and did good work,” he said.
“I have been attacked four times in last two years. Have you ever heard of any chief minister being attacked? They conspired to kill me,” he claimed.
Training his guns at Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, Kejriwal said the former had not honoured any of the pre-poll promises, including those of farm loan waiver, raising pension and distributing smart phones.
“Two years ago, you ensured the victory of Captain sahib (Amarinder Singh) with a huge majority. They had filled forms for giving you jobs. I want to ask you to raise your hands if anybody here has been given a job yet. Not even a single job has been given by the state government,” the AAP leader said.
“Two years have passed. Captain betrayed people,” Kejriwal said.
The Delhi chief minister also accused the Punjab government of ignoring the Dalit community, backward classes and poor.
Alleging that Singh’s government was handing over the functioning of all government hospitals and schools to private entities, Kejriwal asked, “How can he be called the chief minister when the governance is going into the hands of private people?”
He claimed his government in Delhi had “transformed” the condition of government schools, enabling children belonging to Dalit, Schedule Caste and Backward Class communities to avail quality education.
“Last year, Dalit children secured over 90 per cent marks,” he said.
Similarly, the condition of government hospitals has been improved, where medicines are given and tests conducted free of cost, the Delhi chief minister said.
“We have now planned that Delhi government would bear the expenditure of private coaching for children of Dalit community,” Kejriwal said.
He also reminded people that his party made Harpal Cheema and Budh Ram, both Dalits, leader of opposition in Punjab Assembly and chairman of the party’s core committee, respectively.
Kejriwal appealed to people to vote for AAP in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
“You have seen SAD and Congress. Last time, there was a miss (in AAP forming the government in Punjab). People tell me how it had happened. AAP was to win at least 100 seats, but Congress and Akali Dal conspired against us,” he said.
“Friends, do not make any mistake this time. Ensure (AAP’s) victory on all 13 Lok Sabha seats under the leadership of Bhagwant Mann,” Kejriwal said.
He said Mann was the only MP to raise Punjab’s issues in Parliament.
“If need arises, Parliament will be disrupted for the sake of Punjab and we will ensure justice for you,” he said.
Those who left AAP were ‘opportunists’: Kejriwal
Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg wins best destination hotel award 2018
KD NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, Jan 20: The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg’s first luxury resort, has once again been appreciated and honoured by Outlook Traveller, India’s prestigious travel magazine. At the recently held Outlook Traveller Boutique Hotels Awards 2018, the resort was conferred with the Best Destination Hotel Award.
The 3rd edition of the Outlook Traveller Boutique Hotel Awards was held in Haridwar recently where the best boutique properties around the country were awarded for their contribution to the hospitality industry.
The chief guest for the night was Satpal Maharaj, the Minister of Tourism, Government of Uttarakhand.
“We are truly overwhelmed with the response from both guests and traveller writers and of course the eminent jury. This honour is testimony to the hard work by the team at The Khyber ensuring a superlative, international class guest experience and a memorable time in Gulmarg enjoying the natural beauty and activities available all year round,” said Umar Tramboo, MD, Pinnacle Resorts Pvt. Ltd, promoter of The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg.
In a short span, since it opened six years ago, The Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa has been hugely appreciated for its impeccable service, warm hospitality, and facilities at par with international standards.
The Khyber has consistently received recognition from several hospitality and travel awards including Condé Nast Traveller India, the Last Word in Travel, as Favourite Boutique Hotel –India, for six consecutive years.
In addition to luxurious guest rooms, The Khyber has a Wellness Block, which houses the world-class international spa, The Khyber Spa by L’OCCITANE along with a state of the art gym with the latest equipment, separate steam and sauna chambers for men and women. It also offers an impressive heated indoor pool offering dramatic views of the mountain ranges.
About the Outlook Traveller Boutique Hotel Awards
Outlook Traveller Boutique HotelAwards2018 are meant to celebrate an industry that is well in its prime and will remain so long as people seek new experiences and retain their wanderlust.
These are much coveted travel awards, which are given to brands that have left an everlasting impression on their guests through their hospitality and services. The esteemed jury members along with EY, the process advisors for the event, made the celebrations on the banks of the holy Ganga a great success. The jury for the 2018 edition were: Aman Nath, chairman, Neemrana Hotels; Dilip Puri, founder & CEO, Indian School of Hospitality; fashion designer Anupamaa Dayal; Anurag Mallick & Priya Ganapathy of Red Scarab Media; and Charukesi Ramadurai, travel writer and blogger.
About The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg
The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg located at an elevation of 8,825 ft. in the Pir Panjal range of the majestic Himalayas is spread over seven acres in a pristine pine valley. This international class, 85-key resort, clad in timber and stone, offers breathtaking views of snow capped Affarwat peaks. Also situated here is The Khyber Spa by L’OCCITANE with stunning vistas from all its treatment rooms, offering luxurious and holistic spa treatments inspired by the rituals of Provence, France. The wellness centre includes a Gym, separate steam and sauna rooms for men and women and a heated indoor swimming pool. Since its launch in December 2012, the resort has won several accolades and appreciation for its impeccable service, warm hospitality, and facilities at par with international standards. The awe-inspiring location of The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa combined with the unfolding drama of Gulmarg’s changing seasons has been tempting guests to return again and again. The resort is an easy walk from the Gulmarg Gondola, the highest ski lift in the world.
For more information on The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg, please visit www.khyberhotels.com.
4th class employees selection list of Baramulla full of fraud: Baig
Srinagar, Jan 20 : Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) patron and Parliamentarian Muzzafar Hussain Baig Sunday said the recent selection list of class 4th employees is full of fraud and discrepancy.
He said that the list is of Baramulla district and most of the fraud has been reported from Baramulla Constituency itself.
He demanded the Governor should refer the case to Vigilance so that a thorough investigation is done.
“I came to know that people have paid some 3 lac rupees to get themselves selected, while the deserving candidates even the MA degree holders have been left out, which is sheer injustice,” Baig told News Service over phone. (KNS)
Geelani shocked and grieved about the inhuman and gruesome incident in LD hospital
Geelani shocked and grieved about the inhuman and gruesome incident in LD hospital
SRINAGAR, JAN 20 : All Parties Hurriyat Conference chairman, Syed Ali Geelani was shocked and grieved to know about the inhuman and gruesome incident in LD hospital, where a poor lady from far flung area was denied admission in the hospital, resulting in birth of a dead baby in chilling cold on road side.
He said that social evils and immoral incidents have eroded our society to such a hollow that no artificial developments, like sky touching mansions, wide roads and expensive automotives, can help to sustain and uphold such about to fall society.
Hurriyat chairman said that medical profession is such a noble and pious profession that it is a source of hope and courage to the sick and ailing masses, but incidents like LD hospital, has cast dark shadows on this profession.
He said that our doctors, paramedics and other related personnel render praiseworthy services to the ailing humanity in this strife torn land, irrespective of their personal stresses and people of valley in general hail their sincere efforts and are proud of them, but at the same time inhuman acts like this can in no way be tolerated and such black sheep should be brought to book as early as possible.
Hurriyat chairman said that media reports about these horrifying incidents are not only alarming, but should be driving us for introspection of our social system. He very humbly requested the people in general and youth in particular to strengthen the bond of faith, take guidance from Quran and Sunnah and help building a society on the principals of humanity, brotherhood and justice irrespective of any cast, creed, religion or region, and that is the only guarantee of any viable, sustainable and flourishing society.
JRL expresses satisfaction over Pak’s SC verdict on J&K status
JRL expresses satisfaction over Pak’s SC verdict on J&K status
SRINAGAR, JAN 20 : Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and Muhammad Yasin Malik held a meeting at the aged leader Geelani residence. At the meeting leadership expressed satisfaction over the verdict announced by the seven judge-bench of Pakistan Supreme Court that upheld the disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir and directed the Pakistan government to provide more citizenship, legal and social rights to the people of Gilgit and Baltistan besides stating that the lingering dispute of J&K be resolved by means of plebiscite.
The Leadership said that Pakistan Supreme Court in its fresh verdict has laid stress on the fact that till the issue of Kashmir stands unresolved, Pakistan and India must ensure that the people of this region enjoy maximum rights for areas within each country’s control.
In the meeting, Leadership urged the UNHRC to implement its report on the human rights situation in Kashmir that UN Secretary-General keeps referring to. Leadership said it is incumbent upon the Secretary-General not only to urgently take steps to mitigate the grave human right abuse perpetuated by the Indian state in J&K which the UN report elaborates , but ensure that the commitment made by the August body to the people of entire J&K of resolving the Kashmir dispute is upheld by implementing the UN resolutions on it . The dispute continues to remain hanging since past over 70 years and it is long overdue that UN play its role in resolving one of world’s oldest disputes.
At the meeting Leadership expressed serious concern over the perpetual incarceration of many political prisoners languishing in Indian jails and the ill plight and inhuman treatment meted out to Kashmiri political prisoners lodged in various jails including Tihar Jail ,Kathua, Udhampur, Kotbalwal, Samba, Haryana, Rajasthan, Jodhpur and other prisons stating that world organizations should take strong note of the condition of Kashmiri prisoners lodged in these prisons and how legal processes and procedures are misused to detain them and prolong their detentions.
leadership said most Kashmiri inmates lodged in these prisons are serving detention for no offence other than their political ideology and their commitment towards the Kashmir dispute. Leadership said that false cases and charges are put up and under are draconian laws like public safety act youth and activists and even students are arrested arbitrarily just to break their resolve and punish them for their association with the peoples movement. The leadership said that prolonging the detention of Kashmiri prisoners even after they have served sentences and delaying bringing of charges and proper trial to prolong detention is a well planned conspiracy to harass Kashmiri’s and sheer vendetta.
The leadership said that though Kashmiri leadership have time and again knocked the doors of world community and apprised them about the plight of Kashmiri detainees, but to date, no concrete steps have been taken to ensure the release of these prisoners or improvement in their prison conditions. Leadership said that in total violation of Geneva conventions majority of the Kashmiri prisoners have been put in jails thousands of miles far from their homes.
The leadership strongly condemning the arrest and shifting of three South Kashmir youth Amir Shafi Bhat, Mohammad Shafi Mir and Suhail Ahmad Wagay to Kotbalwal Jail Jammu under PSA demanded unconditional release of all the Kashmiri political prisoners.
Govt to set up townships for rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits: Ram Madhav
Govt to set up townships for rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits: Ram Madhav
SRINAGAR, JAN 20 : BJP general secretary Ram Madhav today said that government had decided to set up separate townships for rehabilitation of migrant Kashmiri Pandits in Kashmir valley.
Ram Madhav said, “when we formed government in the state, we had a roadmap for them. We had tried to set up townships for Kashmiri Pandits at five or six places in Valley and it goes to the credit of the Mufti Mohammad Sayeed government that those places were also identified.”
He further added that progress in the matter was derailed mainly because of the prevailing security situation in the Valley.
“However, we are committed to safeguard their political rights and other rights,’’ he said. (PTK)
Swine flu death toll in Kashmir higher than reported: DAK
Srinagar, Jan 20: While the official count of swine flu deaths so far this season in Kashmir valley is 12, Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Sunday said the toll is an underestimate as many flu deaths go unreported.
“The actual number of flu deaths is higher than reported,” said DAK President and flu expert Dr Nisar ul Hassan in a communiqué.
He said many people who die from flu are not tested for flu or seek medical care later in their illness when flu can no longer be detected.
Dr Nisar said sensitive tests only detect flu if performed within a week after the onset of illness.
“Some commonly used rapid diagnostic tests to diagnose flu are not sensitive and provide false negative tests,” he said.
Dr Nisar said many flu deaths are hidden among other diseases.
For example, if a person with diabetes dies of flu, he or she will be counted as having died of diabetes.
Many patients with heart or lung disease die of flu, but their death is wrongly attributed to their underlying condition.
“While elderly people have the highest rates for hospitalization and death, they don’t develop typical flu symptoms. In them feeling weak or confused may be the only sign of having the flu,” he informed.
Dr Nisar said when patients lack classic signs, health professionals don’t think of the diagnosis. This means many patients go undiagnosed and untreated.
He said prompt recognition of flu and prompt treatment with anti-flu medication is the key to reduce the chances of serious illness and death.
“More education is needed among health care providers about the variability in symptoms of flu in different populations so that during flu season, they think of the illness more frequently, even when a patient doesn’t have classic signs,” he added.
“Swine flu virus in circulation this year is of Michigan strain that has replaced earlier California strain which was circulating since 2009 pandemic. The changed virus has become more virulent causing deaths,” said Dr Nisar.
Er Rasheed accuses Mehbooba Mufti of disempowering Jammu Muslims in her regime
Srinagar 20 January: Reacting to ongoing phenomenon of changing loyalties from one party to another, AIP President Er. Rasheed has said that regional main stream parties have disappointed people of J&K. In a statement issued today Er. Rasheed said it is horrible to see that those who have been partners in every crime, nepotism, corruption, diluting Kashmir cause are trying to prove each other guilty. He said “The entire main stream has nothing to celebrate except strengthening New Delhi’s view point on Kashmir. From 1996 till date whosoever has been in power has pushed people to the wall, given false hopes, acted as agent of New Delhi and stabbed the sentiments and sacrifices of people of J&K. Rather introspecting and trying to get closer to the genuine sentiments of masses unfortunately a huge section of so called main stream parties have been operating like underground Dons and are shamelessly engaged in hatching conspiracies against each other and everyone of them trying to be in good books of New Delhi. Time and again main stream politicians and parties have failed to convert opportunities into a goal on all fronts. Masses are fed-up and confused with the behavior of main stream leaders and do doubt their integrity, sincerity, designs and ambitions”. Er. Rasheed said that neither the main stream parties are up holding the principals of morality and ethics nor are interested in trying to gain the genuine support from masses and expect everything from their masters in New Delhi. He said “While New Delhi is engineering fragmentation in Kashmir politics, the political parties seem to have forgotten the days when Kashmiris would raise slogans in broad day light that the main stream leaders should not be allowed even to be buried in their ancestral graveyard when they die for acting like collaborators. Had main stream parties used their guts they could have played a big role in helping not only India and Pakistan to resolve Kashmir dispute but would have earned huge respect in New Delhi and Islamabad but unfortunately most of them have compromised even their conscience and used miseries of masses to raise their fortunes”. Er. Rasheed appealed main stream politicians to have individual and collective introspection and realize that they are losing respect and trust within masses at an unimaginable rate and said that one should not be surprised if the concept of main stream politics dies its own death. In the mean while reacting to Mehbooba Mufti’s concerns about Jammu Muslims especially Gujars and Bakarwals Er. Rasheed reminded Mehboba Mufti not to forget the Himalayan fact that she and her government had a key role in dis-empowering and dislodging the said community, only to ensure the unholy marriage between PPDP and BJP doesn’t get effected.
Mehbooba says Gujjars being selectively targeted in Jammu
Srinagar: PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday said that Gujjar community is being selectively targeted in Jammu and the Governor’s adminstration is not taking note of it.
Addressing a presser at her office residence in Gupkar, she said Gujjars are being targetted in the name of enchroachment and bovine smugling.
The former chief minister under whose government a horrific Kathua rape and murder occured and later solidarity rallies win support of alleged rapists were taken out in Jammu said that Muslim of Jammu are also being threatened.
“Some fanatic elements are organising programs to threaten Muslims especially from Gujjar community,” Mehbooba told reporters here.
She urged governor to take note of the fragile situation else the situation will become grim.
Agencies
Hospital building gutted partially in Baramulla fire mishap
KD Desk
Baramulla, Jan 20 : An old hospital building gutted partially in a fire mishap in North Kashmir’s Baramulla on Sunday.
Reports reaching Kashmir Despatch said fire broke out at old hospital building at Baramulla town on Sunday, however a team of fire tenders reached the spot and douse the flames and put fire under control.
In the mishap minor damage was reported.
The cause of fire was not known immediately.
Meanwhile police took cognizance of this fire mishap