Kashmiri migrant relief holders demonstrate

Kashmiri migrant relief holders and over-aged youth staged a demonstration in front of Press Club here today while three agitating youth tonsured their heads to register their protest against the Government's apathy towards them.

The protestors with placards and banners in their hands were demanding immediate enhancement of relief and compensation of ` 25 lakh in favour of displaced over aged youth.

Raising slogans against the State and Central Governments the protestors alleged that both have failed to solve the problems of the displaced youth who were totally dependent on cash relief. With Government's failure to solve problems the condition of displaced youth, totally dependent on relief, is becoming critical day by day, said Ravinder Kaul (Pappu Ji) who led the demonstration and volunteered to tonsure his head as mark of protest.

He said having no source of income it is totally difficult for the migrant youth who have already become over aged to make their both ends meet. "We appeal the Government to enhance the cash relief to ` 12,000 per month at an earliest'', he added.

The displaced youth from various camps including Jagti township and other camps participated in the demonstration. They warned to intensify agitation in case the Government failed to concede the demands at an earliest.

They said the youth who were from the age group of 18 to 25 years at the time of migration were the worst sufferers of the turmoil in Valley and they have a bleak future ahead in case the Government failed to concede their demands. "We are unable to provide better educational facilities to our children", said Ramesh Ji another youth who also got his head tonsured in protest. Chand Ji another youth who tonsured his head warned that they will launch agitation in case the demands were not settled''.

Meanwhile JCC, which also participated in today's protest demanded immediate solution of the demands. It, in an appeal to Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, urged him to keep his word regarding launching of recruitment drive in police at Jagti township and other camps.

The JCC, while expressing its compliments to J&K Bank authorities for opening of ATM in the township, expressed the hope that the Bank branch will also be opened in the camp soon.

Tribals demand ban on Aarakshan

Objecting to screening of Parkash Jha’s movie “Aarkshan” in different theaters of Jammu and Kashmir, the Tribal Research and Cultural Foundation- main organisation of Scheduled Tribes, Gujjars and other marginalized groups today demanded immediate ban on showing film in the state.

“A team of our organisation who viewed the film today has decided to oppose the screening of controversial movie in sensitive state like J&K” said Dr. Javaid Rahi, Secretary of Tribal Foundation as some continents of movie 'hurt our souls, hearts and minds'.

In a statement issued to the press, Dr Rahi said that concept of reservation has not been properly projected in the film.

He further said that reservation is neither a charity nor an aid to weaker sections of societies.

“The concept of film was based on proportion of total population of a suppressed community fall under a particular category whereby a percentage of posts are reserved in admission, employment, promotion, Assem-blies and Parliament,” said Dr Rahi.

He further added that objective of the movie is to mitigate backwardness of the socially and educationally backward communities including Scheduled Castes and Tribes who do not have adequate representation in these services and institutions but this part is missing in the film.

ST/SC/OBC constitutes a substantial chunk of J&K’s population so government should respect our sentiments and ban screening of Aarakshan in the state.

He said since three Indian states have banned a new film on the controversial issue of reservation/ quotas for low-caste people, J&K Government should take action on priority.

The northern states of Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh banned the film due to fears it may cause law and order problems.

"Tribal Foundation demanded immediate ban as this is in public interest, taking into account certain objectionable dialogues and scenes that are against Dalits and suppressed classes," he said.

Meanwhile, filmmaker Prakash Jha on Friday moved the Supreme Court seeking its direction to lift the ban on Aarakshan.

Aarakshan is the film that explores caste-based quota system for the socially backward classes, in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Andhra Pradesh, after he was forced to drop some scenes deemed offensive to certain caste groups to ensure the film's smooth release elsewhere in the country.

The Censor Board with a U /A certificate cleared Aarakshan, but it ran into trouble soon after Jha released the film's first trailer.

It triggered off angry protests by caste groups apprehensive the film will portray them in a negative light because of certain scenes and dialogue in the controversial take on affirmative action.

The film stars Amitabh Bachchan as an idealistic schoolteacher, Saif Ali Khan as a Dalit teacher romancing Deepika Padukone, who plays Bachchan's daughter in the film.

Jha has also maintained that his film is balanced and shows reservation as a "Constitutional truth." About 160 million Indians or 16 per cent of the population are Dalits, according to the 2001 census.

"While the overall theme of the film is not objectionable, it is loaded with anti-Dalit and anti-reservation dialogues," PL Punia, the chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes told local media. "Aarakshan has failed.

J&K Panchayat Polls

Jammu Kashmir Panchayat polls from April 13-June 18

Today the Government set the ball rolling for the Panchayat elections and the Elections Department officially announced that the first phase of the elections of 16 will begin on 13 April. The last phase will take place June 18, while the panchayats would be June 30 this year. With the announcement of elections to be held in a non-Party, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) came into force.

Shortly after the arrival of Prime Minister Omar Abdullah, in London, where he had gone to attend the last rites of his aunt, ordered the notice of the election. Initially, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ali Mohamed Sagar made an announcement in Parliament that the government established the Panchayat election process in motion.

Shortly thereafter, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) BR Sharma and the Minister announced 16 stage timetable for the Panchayat elections.

The elections will be held April 13, 1917, 21, 25 and 30, May 4, 8, 12, 16, 21, 25 and 29 and 02 June, 6, 11 and 18.

Although the elections are held in a non-party, the model code of conduct (MCC) came into force from today throughout the state and that applies to all political parties including the ruling party, Mr. Sharma said and called on all political parties, candidates and government officials to adhere strictly to the MCC.

Panches sarpanches names and elected by the people must be notified no later than June 30, Mr. James, accompanied by Joint Deputy CEO and Director General Harcharan Puneet Sharma, Singh said.

A total of 50.68 lakh voters exercised their right of franchise to elect sarpanches 4130 (2164 in 1966 in Kashmir and Jammu) and Pancho 29,719 (15,959 to 13,760 in Jammu and Kashmir). There are a total of 143 blocks in 22 districts in the state, going to the polls (77 of 66 in Jammu and Kashmir). The data in the region of Ladakh in Kashmir have been included.

Mr. Sharma said the sarpanches would be entitled to a charge of Rs 6,000, while a Panch could spend RS 3000 elections. Candidates had to submit a dispute the details of the costs of Deputy High Commissioner, District Panchayat Election Officer would be within 30 days after the announcement of the results.

The counting of votes will take place the same day it goes out the vote.

In 2001, elections were held by only 1,600 panchayats. Before this, the elections were held in the State Panchayat only three times in 1969, 1972 and 1978, while the Panchayat elections in most other states in the country were carried out from 11 to 12 times.

According to official sources, the elections to Urban Local Government or the Municipal Councils and Corporations Committees will take place after the Panchayat elections.

For April 13 elections, the notification will be issued on March 18 and March 25 is the deadline for filing nomination. Ballot will be held March 26, candidates can withdraw their name by March 28. April 17 elections, the notification will be issued on March 22, while candidates may submit an application until 29 March. Ballot will be held on March 30 and April 1 is the deadline for withdrawal of nominations.

For April 21 elections, the notification will be issued on March 25, applications can be submitted to the April 1 ballot will be held April 2 and April 5 is the deadline for the withdrawal of documents. From the April 25 poll, the notification will be released March 29. Applications may be submitted until 05 April, the date control was established on April 6 and the last date of withdrawal on April 8.

For April 30 elections, the notice will be published on April 1 and applications can be submitted until April 8. For May 4 elections, the notification will be issued on 5 April and applications can be submitted until 13 April. Seventh phase of voting will take place on 8 May, to which the notice is published on 9 April and applications can be submitted until 18 April. Eighth round of the notification will be issued on April 15 and polls will be held May 12. Applications may be submitted until 23 April.

ninth stage of the vote was scheduled for May 16, 1919 April notification and the date of the withdrawal in April 1926, while the tenth stage notification will be issued on April 23, the deadline for applications was set for 30 April Voting will take place May 21.

Eleventh phase polling will be held 0:13 May 5, 1929 May and 2 June for what would be the notification issued on April 27 and 30 and 04 May, while the deadline for applications is 04 May 7 and 11.

14 survey phase will take place June 6 to which the report was issued on 9 May and applications can be submitted until 16 May during the 15th stage of control is scheduled for 11 June which notification was issued on May 13 and forms can be filled until 20 May. Final phase of voting will take place on 16 and 18 June for the notification was issued on 25 May, applications submitted before 1 June elections will be held June 2 and forms can be picked until 4 June.

Jammu district would vote on 8 stages. Bishnah block go to the polls on April 13, RS Pura Satwari April 17, 1921 April 25 April de Marhan Bhalwal April 30, 2004 de mayo Dansal Akhnoor Khouri May 8 and May 12.

Rajouri district would have five stages of voting. Sunderbans block would go to the polls on May 12, May 16 Doong and Nowshera Rajouri and Manjakote Thann Mandi May 21 and June 6 and Darhal Budhal Kalakota and 11 June.

Poonch district go to the polls in four phases. Balakot will have polls on May 21 while Surankote and Bafliaz go to the polls on May 4. Poll Mandi in Poonch and is scheduled for 29 May, while Mendhar vote June 2.

Samba district will have three stages of voting. Samba block go to the polls on April 13 and April Vijaypur 17. Purmandal Ghagwal blocks and would have voted on 21 April.

Kathu district go to the polls in six phases. While Loha Malhar, Bani and Duggan blocks would have voted on April 25, Basohli going to vote April 30. Billawar vote was set for May 8 to May 12 and Kathu Hiranagar 16 May.

Udhampur district would also be a voting phase six. April 14, polls will be held in Udhampur, while Kenan vote April 17, Dudu Basantgarh Ramnagar and 21 April 25 April Ghord Majalta Pancharevo April 30 and May 4.

Reas and Ramban districts would be a ballot in four phases. Reas Poun block would go to the polls on 25 April 30 April Reas Mahora May 4 and May 8, while Ramban Arnas block would go to the polls on May 16, May 21 Ramsoo Banihal and May 4 May 29 Gool.

militancy-infested Doda district have a polling process of six stages. Assar will vote May 21 on May 4 Marmato Ghat Doda on May 29 and June 2 Gundani Bhagwati, Thathri and Bhaderwah Bhalessa June 6 and June 11. Kishtwar is a survey of five phases.

Voting for the block of Kishtwar has set May 16 May 21 Drabshalla Inderwal Padda May 4 and May 29 Nagseni Marwah, Dachhan Warwar and 2 June.

Leh district has a vote of three phases. Chuchot Leh and blocks that go to the polls on June 2, and Nobre, Panama, Nyomi, and Kahru Durbuk vote June 11. Khaltsi Suspol and vote on 18 June. Kargil has only two stages of voting. Taisure, Drass, Kargil GM pore (Trespone) Sankoo Shaket Chiktan and planned to go to the voting station on 11 June and Zanskar, Shargole Lungnuk and will vote June 18.

Srinagar district will have a seat in a May 16. Ganderbal have a ballot in four phases. Voting was scheduled for April 13 April Kangan Lar April 17 Wakura Ganderbal 21 and April 25. Budgam will stage an eight polls. Budgam block would vote April 13, 1917 de abril Nagami, Chadoora Beerwah 21 April 25 April 30 April Khansahib KClick Narbal May 5 May 8 and May 12 BK Pora.

Anantnag district will stage an eight polls. Qaimooh block go to the polls April 13 May 4 May 8 Brenga Shangus Shahabad Khoveripora May 12 May 16, 1921 de mayo Dachinpora Qazigund May 4 and May 29, Achabal. Kulgam, however, have a five-phase voting polls Quimoh Pahloo April 13, 1917 April Kulgam Developers April 21 April 25 and April 30 Damhal Hanji Pora. Shopian also have one vote with his two blocks Shopian and Keller go to the polls on June 6.

Pulwama would have voted in five stages. Keller block vote on May 21, Pulwama Kakapora May 25 May 29 June 2 Tral and Pampore June 6. Bandipora also initiate a vote of five phases on May 16 followed by Sumbal block Hajin Bandipora 21 May 25 May Tulail Gurëz June 2 and June 6.

Baramulla will take more than 12 voting phase. Uri block is scheduled for April 17 polls, 21 April Boniyar Roham Wagoora April 25 April 30, 2004 de mayo Kunze Tangmarg May 8, Rafiabad Singhpora May 12 May 16, 1921 de mayo Pattan, 25 May Zaingeer Baramulla and Sopore May 29 June 2.

Kupwara has the second highest number of the voting phase 11. Kupwara would block a vote in the first round April 17 April 13 Wavoora Sogama Ramhal 21 April 25 April 30 April Rajwada Lange Kralpora May 4 Trehgam May 8 May 12 to 16 Teetwal Tangdhar May May 21 and June 6 Kalaroos.

The CEO said that the cards electoral photo identity (EPIC) can be used by voters at the polls. However, an alternative list of 19 documents was notified by the Department for the election for the purpose of identification, if not in the possession of the epics.

The elections will take place through the ballot box and not electronic voting machines (EVMS), as envisaged in the Panchayati Raj Act. Approximately 14 thousand voting will be required for election. While 6000 is available in state polls, the surveys of 8000 will be hired by the neighboring state of Punjab.

In Jammu, Kishtwar district has 1.23 lakh votes, 2.13 lakh Doda, Ramban 1.38 lakh, 1.61 lakh Reas, Udhampur 2.79 lakh, 3.27 lakh Kathu, Samba 1.76 lakh, 5.66 lakh Jammu, Poonch and Rajouri lakh 2.47 lakh 3.16.

In the region of Ladakh Leh Kargil has 62,606 votes and 71,765.

In Kashmir, Anantnag district is 01.04 lakh votes, Kulgam 1.93 lakh, 1.34 lakh Shopian, Pulwama 2.63 lakh, 3.35 lakh Budgam, Srinagar 15,061, 1.21 lakh Ganderbal, Bandipora 1, 51 lakh, Baramulla and Kupwara lakh7 4.37 3 , 3 lakh.

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