E paper Srinagar Kashmir 19th June

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June 19 | 2013 | 09 Shaban 1434 AH | PAGeS 12 |

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VOL nO: 3 | ISSUe nO: 147 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGe FOR JAMMU /deLHI/LeH 50 PAISA)

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Largely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&K

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http://www.zabarwantimes.com

Ahad Jan fears for life Srinagar, June 18: Ahad Jan, the man who was booked for hurling a shoe on Chief Minister in 2010 Tuesday claimed that he is receiving threat phone calls from different quarters. “I frequently receive phone calls and the callers threaten me of dire consequences for no apparent reason,” he said adding the all these calls come from unknown numbers and these numbers are not visible on the display of the mobile set.

Confirming these claims made

by Ahad Jan, his Counsel Advocate Mudasir Gulzar said that Jan is getting threat calls from unknown persons and these persons have made his life hell.

“My client is telling the truth and the police should take cognizance of the matter and expose those who are after the life of Ahad Jan,” he said.

Black Bear knocks at Mufti’s residence Srinagar, June 18: Panic gripped the Gupkar residence of Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti when the family and other security men spotted a black bear inside the lawns of the house.

Sources said that the presence of an adult black bear created panic among family members and they immediately called Wild Life Department.

Wild Life Warden Central Kashmir Mohammad Sadiq said that this black bear used to roam in adjacent places for quite some time and today it entered into the lawns of PDP president. “We trapped the bear and released it at Dachigam Sanctuary,” he said.

Soz releases IRCOn documentary Anatnag, June 18: State Congress Chief Professor Saif-u-Din Soz Tuesday said that all parts of Jammu and Kashmir will get connected through rail by the year 2017. Soz was in Pahalgam where he dedicated a documentary on the Railways titling “Train in Kashmir” produced

by IRCON, conceived, and directed by noted social activist Dr Israr Sultanpuri.

While releasing the DVD of the documentary, Prof. Soz said that it was his dream to have Kashmir on the Railway map of India and as the records of proceedings in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will show that he had struggled for extension of Railway Line to Kashmir for all these years.

“The Railway Travel in Kashmir valley from Qazigund to Baramulla has become a celebration for people and its heartening to observe that people in Kashmir never try to travel without tickets,” he said.

Soz wished that after Qazigund being connected with Banihal shortly, the efforts redoubled to connect Kashmir with Jammu and Delhi. He also said that there will be a day when Jammu will get connected to Rajouri and Poonch and Baramulla will get connected with Kupwara and Uri.

Floriculture employees observe hunger strike Srinagar, June 18: Demanding the implementation of Labor Laws, Floriculture employees who are on hunger strike Tuesday said that if there services are not continued they will come on roads along with their families. According to reports, Floriculture Employees observed a hunger strike at Sheri-Kashmir Park in Srinagar on Tuesday and demanded that the department their services should be continued as prescribed in the Labor Laws.

“We being the casual labors are being forced to stay at home for two months. We want continuity of our services round the year like other employees.

See Strike on Pg. 11

Certain elements trying to create a wedge between faiths: Omar

Leh, June 18:

Certain elements want to create a wedge between the followers of different faiths for their vested interests, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Tuesday and called for nurturing communal harmony in the state.

"All religions teach amity and brotherhood and create conducive atmosphere in the society for all to grow equitably and in a peaceful environment," Omar said at a function here.

He was addressing a congregation of thousands of devotees at Lamayuru, a remote village in this district of Ladakh region, after inaugurating Great Fotang Shrine and Amphitheatre. "Certain elements, for their vested interests, want to create a wedge between the followers of different faiths and disturb the peace of the world," Omar said.

He said no religion preaches hatred but holds high, the principals of humanity and brotherhood. Omar said peace and coexistence of the people of different

Srinagar, June 18:

faiths and cultures makes the society strong and ensures equitable development of all.

The Chief Minister said pilgrim tourism constitutes an important aspect of the state's tourism and all the three regions-Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh posses rich pilgrim destinations.

He said renowned religious scholars and preachers have contributed a lot to keep the candle of communal harmony alive and inculcate the spirit of love, brotherhood and mutual respect

for each other in the hearts and minds of people.

The chief minister said that his government has taken new initiatives to showcase Ladakh's tourist potential and attract more and more visitors here.

He also referred to the beauty of Lamayuru. The Fotang Shrine and Amphitheatre has been constructed by Tourism department and the Centre has granted Rs 1.07 crores for its construction.

It will promote pilgrim tour-

NC leadership reacts to Army stand on AFSPA Srinagar, June 18: Reacting to a statement of General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command Lt General K T Parnaik where he had said that that the revocation of controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) might put at stake the "fragile" peace existing in Jammu and Kashmir, National Conference today took a dig at army for becoming hurdle in AFSPA revocation with National Conference Member parliament Mehboob baig terming it a threat to democracy.

“In a democratic country political statements issued by Army could prove dangerous. I fail to understand in what capacity Lt General K T Parnaik has given such statement when we have an elected government .Such decisions are to be taken by elected Chief Minster not by Army. Government of India should stop Army from issuing such statements,” Baig told KNS. Baig further said, “AFSPA should at least be revoked form the peaceful areas. If army claims that peace has returned to the Valley then why they

oppose its revocation?, adding that militants can strike with or without AFSPA so it is wrong to say AFSPA is necessary to maintain peace”.

Meanwhile commenting on the statement of General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command Lt General K T Parnaik,National conference general secretary Mustafa kamal said, “Army is trying to scuttle the revocation of the act to save its troops from accountability. Army has no role in revocation of AFSPA .If army claims that Act is need for See nC on Pg. 11

ism in the area and help generate wide-ranging economic activities for the people in this remote are, an official spokesman said. He said the shrine will also be utilised to observe the Great Snake Year 2013, which comes after every twelve years.

Besides, people from all parts of Ladakh and the state, a huge number of tourists from foreign countries have arrived here to observe the Great Snake Year, the spokesman said.

Srinagar, June 18: The families of three youth who were killed in fake Machil encounter in April 2010 have alleged that no action has been taken against the guilty and all the culprits involved should be brought to justice without any delay.

The mothers off all the three unfortunate youth said that killers are roaming free while the Army has taken no action against the culprits. “The probe was mere an eyewash and even after three years nothing

large numbers and protested against shortage

Verbal duel between Lone and Akhtar Srinagar, June 18: The district development board meeting in Bandipora on Tuesday witnessed a verbal duel between the ruling National Conference Minister Mohammad Akbar Lone and opposition PDP legislators over some infrastructure issues raised by the latter.

Sources said that the ‘face-off’ took place when PDP MLA Nizamuddin Bhat raised some development and infrastructure issues of the district during the meeting chaired by Congress minister Ghulam Ahmad Mir. They added that Lone interrupted Bhat and asked him that the issues raised fell in the domain of the Assembly and he should raise it there. Lone also ridiculed the PDP members for boycotting the Assembly during the budget session in March this year, the sources said. According to sources at this point, PDP MLC Naeem Akhtar intervened and urged Mir that the meeting should not be politicized.

Sources said that Lone lost his cool and entered into a verbal brawl with Akhtar. The duo according to sources used “uncivilized” language against each other. “Lone abused me so I left the meeting midway,” Nayeem Akhtar while confirming the happening during the board meeting said.

of electricity in the area.

They were also alleging

that Power Development Department has dispatched them fatty bills and they are surprised that how the department can charge them huge bills when there is no electricity in the area.

Reports said that a huge contingent of police reached the spot and asked the protesters to disperse. However, they refused after which See Protests on Pg. 11

concrete was done to ‘hang’ the killers.

Zahida Banoo mother of 19 years old Mohammad Shafi Lone son of Abdul Rashid, Naseema Bano mother of Reyaz Ahmed Lone and Aisha mother of Shahzad Khan demanded that probe should be immediately completed and killers should be hanged.

“Our innocent sons were lured by Abbas Shah, the territorial army jawan, Basharat Lone and Abdul Hamid Bhat, while for sake of promotions and rewards Army Colonel D K Patha-

On 10 June 2013, a protest petition was filed by Adv. Parvez Imroz on behalf of the survivors of Kunan Poshpora mass rape against the closure report of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, before the Judicial Magistrate, Kupwara. On 13 June 2013, the Chief Prosecuting Officer [CPO] filed objections, and today, oral arguments were made before the Magistrate.

The protest petition argued that the police investigations were incomplete and clearly mala fide as despite having the information on file regarding the involvement of 125 personnel of 4th Rajputana Rifles, the police had not questioned them and neither was an identification parade conducted. The Judicial Magistrate Kupwara while acknowledging the submissions made See Rape Case on Pg. 11

Hurriyat leader held with hawala cash

3 years on, mothers wait for justice

Several injured in Police Action in South Kashmir Anantnag, June 18:

Judicial Magistrate Kupwara J. A. Geelani, while dismissing the conclusions made by the police in the recently filed closure report in the case of Kunan Poshpora mass rape of 23-24 February 1991 has returned the case file to the police, asking for “further investigation to unravel the identity of those who happen to be perpetrators”.

As the demand by the survivors was for the reinvestigation by Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by an officer of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) rank, the court while mentioning the lack of authority in ordering SIT, asked the further investigation to be conducted by an officer not below the rank of SSP and within a time bound period of 3 months.

Machil fake encounter

Protests against erratic power supply turn violent Several persons were injured in Kannelwan area of South Kashmir’s Bijbehara town when police allegedly resorted to tear gas shelling and lathicharge to disperse the villagers protesting against shortage of electricity in the area.

Eyewitnesses said that people from Kannelwan village assembled in

Kunan Poshpora mass rape case re-opened

Srinagar, June 18:

nia, Major Maurya, Major Upinder, Subedar Satbir, Hawaldar Bir Singh, Sepoys Chandra Bhan, Nagendra Singh and Narendra Singh killed them in cold blood,” they said adding that probe is going on snail’s pace.

They said mere suspension or relieving of Army officers from their posts can’t give them justice. “We want that culprits should be given stern punishment so that no one in future will dare to commit such a heinous crime for sake of rewards and awards,” they said.

See Fake encounter on Pg. 11

A Hurriyat Conference (Mirwaiz group) leader has been arrested with alleged hawala cash of nearly Rs 1 lakh recovered from his possession, police said today. Police intercepted Farooq Ahmad's car yesterday at Thanamandi in Rajouri district with a search of the vehicle yielding Rs 95,000 in cash, a police official said.

Ahmad, who was arrested following the discovery, is now being questioned to ascertain the source of the money and its destination, police added.

A case has been registered See Hawala Cash on Pg. 11

60 additional companies of CRPF being deployed

Security beefed up for Amarnath Yatra

Srinagar, June 18: Security has been beefed up for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra which is scheduled to start in the next few days. With additional companies of the police forces, Army and CRPF have also been called for security.

Sources told said that government have made multidimensional plans for fool proof security apart from district police, additional companies of Police, army

and CRPF will look after the security arrangements.

Special strategy has been devised to prevent any untoward incident. Special directions have been made to the Road Opening Party (RPO) for the surveillance of the pilgrimage route under their control and placement of security forces on the yatra route have also be completed a high police official said.

All the police stations have been directed to keep a vigil

in the adjoin areas as well as the yatra route. Security personnel have been put on alert.

Meanwhile sources in Home department said, “To avoid any possible militant strikes during the coming Amarnath pilgrimage from Jammu to south Kashmir Himalayas, the Jammu and Kashmir Government is planning to specify places for the brief halt of pilgrims' convoy.

See Security on Pg. 11

Monsoon rains wreak havoc, 81 killed, thousands missing New Delhi, June 18: Monsoon rains wreaked fresh havoc in northern India leading to flash floods, cloudbursts and landslips as the death toll climbed to 81 and hundreds of pilgrims bound for Himalayan shrines remained stranded.

Landslides left scores of tourists and pilgrims stranded in the hill States of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh while thousands have been displaced in Uttar Pradesh where several rivers are in spate.

Flash floods, cloudbursts and landslips have claimed 52 lives in Uttarakhand while damaging 175 houses across the State. Officials said that the toll could rise manifold as there were many ar-

eas where rescue teams are yet to reach.

Rudraprayag was the worst hit with 20 people reported dead and

73 buildings, including 40 hotels, along the banks of the Alaknanda swept away in the swirling waters of the river.

A total of 71,440 pilgrims bound for the Himalayan shrines of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri are stranded in Rudraprayag, Chamoli and Uttarkashi districts of Uttarakhand with the famous char dham yatra having been suspended due to massive damage to the road network.

While 27,040 devotees are stranded in Chamoli, Rudraprayag and Uttarkashi have 25,000 and 9,850 stranded pilgrims, Disaster Management authorities said.

More than a dozen helicopters have been deployed in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh for relief and rescue operations with officials saying that all stranded people are expected to be See Killed on Pg. 11

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Rape Case...........

has mentioned in the judgment that, “Until date the investigating agency has not unveiled the identity of the culprits despite having a clear cut nominal role of 125 suspects” The response of the State, through the CPO Aashiq Hussain was “unsurprisingly bad in law, and deeply disrespectful of the victims of Kunan Poshpora,” said a statement of Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society. First, they argued that there was no right of filing a protest petition, a position unmindful of the law. Second, the State argued that the protest petition was being filed to allow other victims to get cash compensation, and that the victims appeared to have woken up after 22 years and the protest petition was barred by laches. While rejecting the submissions of the CPO, the Judicial Magistrate, Kupwara upheld the right to file the protest petition and further observed that, “The instant final report ought to have been forwarded to the Magistrate way back on 12th October 1991.”

“After 22 years of cover-ups and delay, the State conveniently blocked the High Court PIL and now was shamelessly attempting to block the victims’ remedies before the Judicial Magistrate. Instead of taking the responsibility for delay and denial of justice, the State has chosen to malign the victims and choke any remedies for the survivors of Kunan Poshpora,” the statement added.

“Today’s order is an achievement of the struggle of the Kunan Poshpora people along with those who supported their demand for justice. This will surely inspire many more victims of the recent past to wake up and fight for justice in their cases,” it said.

Hawala Cash...........

at Thanamandi police station as the investigation continues in the matter, police said.

Fake Encounter...........

Pertinently, Colonel D K Pathania, Major Maurya, Major Upinder, Subedar Satbir, Hawaldar Bir Singh, Sepoys Chandra Bhan, Nagendra Singh and Narendra Singh and Abbas Hussain Shah of the Territorial Army (TA) besides two civilians Basharat Lone and Abdul Hamid Bhat have already been charged under sections 302 (murder), 364(abduction), 120-B (criminal conspiracy) and 34 (common intent) of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC) for allegedly conspiring and kidnapping three youths from Sopore on the pretext of giving them jobs and later killing them in the higher reaches of Kupwara claiming they were terrorists.

NC............

them for counter insurgency then it would have save four army men in tral,”Kamal said.

“Time has come when GOI should revoke the law beyond the interests of Army as they used it as shield in their unlawful activities”. He said, “Army have committed “heinous crimes “in Kashmir and is actually misused the act for their personal interest. Army is actually aware that if this law is removed from the scene they will be held answerable for their unlawful activities”, Kamal said.

Protests............

police resorted to baton charge, and lobbed tear gas shells to quell the protesters. several people sustained injuries and were rushed to Bijbehara Hospital for treatment.

Eyewitnesses said police stopped a biker Wakil Ahmed Wani son of Ghulam Mohammad Wani from Wularhama Pahalgam and thrashed him mercilessly. “Policemen hit his head with gun buts and he was immediately shifted to SKIMS,” one of the protestors said.

Protestors blamed SDPO Bijbehara for using force on the peaceful protestors without any provocation. “We were addressing our problems to Tehsildar Abdul Rashid of the area and without any provocation police charged on us with lathi’s and gun buts,” they said. Tehsildar also got injured during the clashes.

The agitated protestors later on resorted to stone pelting and the clashed between the police and protestors continued for hours. Some of the injured have been identified as Saleeqa Bano, Imram Ahmed Tantray, Shafia Jan, Irsahd Ahmed Shah and Shabir Ahmed Shah.

“The power supply in our area has been totally erratic and the Power Development Department (PDD) does not even follow their own schedule,” said the villagers. They said that for last one month their village is completely reeling under darkness.

The locals accused the police of using force on the peaceful protesters.

“We were protesting peacefully and were even not hampering the movement of vehicles but the police unnecessarily used force on us,” the locals said. They alleged the police did not even spare women and children and beat them too.

Sub Divisional Police Officer, Bijbehara Sreedhar Patil denied using any force. “The protesters were blocking the traffic and though we tried to convince them but they did not budge after which we had to resort to mild lathi-charge to disperse them and restore the traffic,” he told CNS adding that protestors pelted stones even on Tehsildar who got injured while the police had no option but to react.

Meanwhile, Additional Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, Ghulam Mohammad Dar visited the spot and assured people that prompt action will be taken against policemen if it was proved that they used force on peaceful protestors without any provocation.

Security............

The Government has also fixed timings for the passage of convoys through various points enroute the 300-km long Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. Sources also said this is being done in view of the recent spurt in militant activities in various parts of the state.

IG CRPF V S Yadu said that 60 additional companies of CRPF are being called for providing security to the pilgrimage. “60 additional companies of CRPF are coming in the state for the Amaranth yatra security.” Yadu said.

Killed..........

evacuated soon. Union Home Secretary R.K. Singh said food, medicines and blankets were air-dropped in remote

Daily areas of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. “We have provided seven helicopters to Uttarakhand. The State government has also hired four private helicopters. We are providing helicopters to Himachal Pradesh.

Hopefully, all stranded people will be evacuated today,” Mr. Singh said in New Delhi. Himachal CM airlifted Himachal Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, who was stranded in Kinnaur district for nearly 60 hours due to landslides, was evacuated this morning by a chopper hired by his Congress party. Mr. Singh was airlifted after rains abated and the weather cleared. Rescue operations continued in full swing in the rain ravaged tribal Kinnaur district with about 150 persons rescued from Sangla and Rekong Peo and dropped off at Rampur till evening by one state and two IAF choppers which made about 15 sorties. A high alert has, meanwhile, been issued in Uttar Pradesh following heavy rainfall across the state and the release of water by several barrages in the past 24 hours. Four persons were killed in rain-related incidents in the State. While three teenagers were killed in Maharajganj after being struck by lightning, a woman was killed and six others injured when a house collapsed in heavy rains in Muzaffarnagar. Sources said that the Sharda was flowing above the red mark at Palia Kalan with directives having been issued to evacuate 44 villages in the Mahsi area in Bahraich. Met sources, however, said that there could be a decrease in rainfall soon although they also warned of heavy showers in isolated areas of eastern UP in the coming 24 hours. According to Central Water Commission sources, the levels of Sharda, Rapti, Ghaghra, Burhi Rapti, Rohin and Kuano rivers were constantly on the rise. A report from Bahraich said that with the release of 4 lakh cusecs from Nepal through Banbasa barrage, the threat of floods was imminent in the district. The release of water in Narora means that about 100 villages on the banks of the Ganga and the Ram Ganga in Farrukhabad district faced a threat of flood. U.P. Principal Secretary (irrigation), Deepak Singhal said that in the wake of the current situation, all divisional, district magistrates and other officers have been directed to remain vigilant and take necessary steps to deal with the emergency. He said that of the 75 districts in the State, 23 were very sensitive and 11 sensitive from the flood point of view.

Mr. Singhal added that 45 flood control rooms have been set up while 110 wireless centres, too, are operational with help from police. Haryana witnessed a decrease in rainfall following heavy showers yesterday, particularly in the Yamunanagar and Karnal districts.

There had been an alarming increase in the level of the Yamuna, with a record 8.06 lakh cusecs flowing through Hathni Kund barrage yesterday prompting authorities to sound a high alert in districts of Karnal, Panipat, Sonipat and Faridabad. But the water flowing through the barrage has continued to decrease and, at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, was around 1.73 lakh cusecs. Bhakra dam near upper limit In Punjab, Amritsar (9.5 mm), Patiala (trace rains) and Nakodar (5 mm) were among the few places to receive light rains while the level of the Bhakra dam on Tuesday touched 1,595.04 feet. The reservoir’s upper limit is 1,680 feet. “There is no reason for any alarm as of now. The present level is normal for the rainy season considering that monsoon has arrived early this season,” a Bhakra Beas Management Board official said.

Strike..........

Besides, the Floriculture department due to unknown reasons does not implement Labor Laws,” one of the protestors told CNS adding that if our demands are not fulfilled the employees along with their families will come on roads.

SKIMS hosts Conference S r i n a g a r , J u n e 1 8 : on new advances in related D e p a r t m e n t o f field which is critical to Nephrology SKIMS is remain abreast with latest organizing three day long developments in the field.

17th Annual Conference of Organising committee of North Zone Chapter of the conference informed I n d i a n S o c i e t y o f the conference will Nephrology from 21 to deliberate on critical topics 23nd June 2013 at SKICC such as infections of the Srinagar. urinary tract, kidney Director & EOSG, SKIMS transplantation, acute and Dr. Showkat A. Zargar has chronic kidney diseases, c o m p l i m e n t e d t h e prevention of various department of nephrology k i d n e y d i s e a s e s , for hosting the conference. g l o m e r u l o p a t h i e s , Such events not only nutrition and chronic renal providing a world-class failure. Besides, deliberascientific programme, but tions will be held on the also reflecting the unique preventive nephrology. role of the National and The conference will be International Societies' attended by more than 100 efforts to advance renal d e l e g a t e s f r o m t h e care in both the developed country and abroad and and the developing world. will deliver lectures and Medical experts participat- share experiences on ing in the event share their various aspects of kidney perspectives and deliberate diseases.

D.M for strict adherence to pollution control norms Pulwama, June 18: District Magistrate, Pulwama, Mr. Manzoor Ahmad Lone, accompanied by the Regional Director J&K Pollution Control Board and officers of Police Administration inspected various Cement Manufacturing Units in Wuyan area of Tehsil Pampore today.

The District Magistrate exhorted for strictly adhering to pollution control norms and took

serious note of the non adherence of pollution control norms by some of the cement manufacturing plants.

As many as 15 days time was given to J&K Cement Manufacturing Limited Khrew to install necessary pollution control equipment’s failing which the unit shall be sealed. At the same time Dawar Cement Manufacturing Plant Khrew was sealed causing the public nuisance.

ZABARWAN TIMES

Govt keen to check, monitor fee structure in Pvt Educational institutions: Tara Chand

Srinagar, June 18: Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Tara Chand has said that need of the hour is to change education policy in the State and in this regard a Board has already been constituted to review the same. The Deputy Chief Minister was addressing an Education conference held at Magam village in district Budgam today. The conference was organized by Jammu and Kashmir Teachers Forum.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that a Board has also been constituted in Education Department which will check and monitor the fee structure of all Private Education Institutions. Mr. Tara Chand said that education being a vital sector continues to receive the attention of the Government and efforts will be made to plug the gaps, if any.

He asked the teaching community to imbibe among students knowledge about various facets of education and also inculcate moral value based education among the students during their daily morning assembly. The Deputy Chief Minister directed all the Chief Education Officers and Zonal Education Officers to convene parents-teachers meet at regular intervals. Responding to the charter of demands put-forth by the J&K Teachers Forum, the Deputy Chief Minister said that government is keen to solve all genuine demands of the teachers. He said that most of the demands have been fulfilled and rest of the genuine issues will be solved in a phased manner. He said 12,000 promotion orders under different categories have been issued during

last 6 months. He said 22,000 vacant posts of lecturers and teachers have been referred to Public Services Commission and Services Selection Board and hoped that the selection process will be completed soon. He said that the government has recently accorded sanction for engagement of ReT teachers in the schools near Actual Line of Control, far-flung and backward areas.

The demands put-forth by the forum included release of six months’ salary of SSA teachers, 6th pay commission arrears in favour of head teachers, release of 10 percent state share to the teachers appointed under new pension scheme and appointing of teachers on contractual basis at elementary and secondary level for academic arrangements.

Daylong workshop held

Malik held on way to Chenab State Disaster Management Plan to be Valley prepared by Tata Institute of Social Science Srinagar, June 18: To frame the modalities for the preparation of state level disaster management plan, a daylong state level workshop was organised by National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in collaboration with the Revenue Department here today.

Finance Commissioner, Revenue, Mr. Arun Kumar while speaking on the occasion emphasized for proactive approach for designing disaster management plan for the State. Keeping in view the significance of disaster management besides vulnerability of the area to high wind velocity, land sliding and heavy snow fall, Dr. Kumar exhorted upon the stakeholders to share their responsibilities for finalisation of the frame work to develop the module for the disaster management. He also stressed for conducting capacity building programmes and collection of primary data throughout the state. He also urged for putting in efforts for micro planning to mitigate the concerns at the grass root level.

Pertinently MDMA in association with the Revenue Department has

engaged Tata Institute of Social Science to develop the state disaster plan (SDMP) for the state.

Threadbare discussions were held for developing mechanism for disaster reduction plans, mock drills besides creating effective awareness among the people. Provisions of Educational Institutes, health care institutions, public transport and evacuation were also discussed.

It was given out during the deliberations that Disaster Management Centres shall be set up in every district of the State. Tata Consultancy of Social Sciences also gave PowerPoint presentation on the functioning of the emergency operation centres and utility of disaster management on the occasion.

Collection of date about vulnerability to national and manmade disasters across all the regions of the state was also taken care of during the workshop.

Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Mr. Shailendra Kumar on the occasion assured that all possible assistance shall be made available for preparation of Disaster Management Plan by the Divisional

Chairman LC nominates members to various Committees for 2013-14 S r i n a g a r, J u n e 1 8 : Chairman Legislative C o u n c i l , M r. A m r i t Malhotra today nominated members to serve on various committees for the year 2013-14. Committee on Petitions will have Mr. Mohammad Ashraf Mir as its Chairman while Aga Syed Ahmad Rizvi, Master Noor Hussain, S. Dharambir Singh Oberoi, Mr. Abdul Majid Bhat and Smt Rani Gargi Blowria as its members.

Committee on Privileges will have Jugal Kishore Sharma as its Chairman while Davinder Singh Rana, Showkat Ahmad Ganai, Ravinder Kumar Sharma, Ghulam Nabi Monga and Mr. Ali Mohammad Dar as its members. Committee on Government Assurance will have Mr. S. Dharambir Singh Oberoi as its Chairman while Mr. Javid Rana, Sheikh Ghulam Rasool, Agha Syed Rizvi, Syed Asgar Ali and Mr. Muzaffar Parray as its members. Committee on Subordinate Legislation will have Mr. Narboo Gialchan as its Chairman while B. A. Magray, Mr. B. R. Kundal, G. Q. Pardesi, Sham Lal and Mr. Yashpal

Sharma as its members.

Committee on Ethics will have Subash Chander Gupta as its Chairman while Mr. Ajat Shatru Singh, Yashpal Sharma, Ali Mohammad Dar, Mr. Sham Lal, Mr. Abdul Majid Bhat and Smt. Rani Blowria as its members.

C o m m i t t e e o n Environment will have Dr. Bashir Ahmad Shah (Veeri) as its Chairman while Naresh Kumar Gupta, Vijay Bakaya, Showkat Ahmad Ganai, Syed Mohammad Rafiq Shah, Master Noor Hussain and Muzaffar Parray as its members. Rules Committee will have Mr. Khalid Najib Suharwardy, Jehangir Hussain Mir, Syed Asgar Ali, Ravinder Kumar Sharma and Dr. Shehnaz Ganai as its members while Chairman Legislative Council shall be the Exofficio Chairman of the Committee. House Committee will have Ajat Shatru Singh, Subash Chander Gupta, Sheikh Gh. Rasool, Mohammad Ashraf Mir and Dr. Shehnaz Ganai as its members while Chairman Legislative Council shall be the Ex-officio Chairman of the Committee.

Administration and informed that 13 Seismo metres are being installed at different locations in the Valley.

Member, National Management Authority, Dr. Muzaffar Ahmad while addressing said that necessary building codes shall be strictly adhered to during infrastructure development especially in health and education sectors in the State. He also stressed for organizing awareness campus to acquaint the people residing in active seismic zone about the measures to be taken during disaster management.

Among others settlement Commissioner, Mr. Latiefu-Zaman Deva, Additional Director General of Police Home Guards Civil Defence and SDRF, Ms. D.R. Doly Barman Deputy Comrs of Srinagar, Doda and Kishtwar, Director Ecology Environment and Remote Sensing, Dir. Metrology, Joint Secretary, NDMA, Consultants of TATA Institute of Social Sciences led by Professor T. J a y a r a m a n a n d D r.

Balamurugan Guru besides officers of the State participated in the workshop.

Srinagar, June 18: Chairman JKLF Mohammad Yasin Malik and dozens others were today arrested while going towards Doda Kistwar for distribution of relief among the victims of earthquake.

According to reports, Malik and his associates were stopped by police Sangam Islamabad and they were immediately taken into custody and lodged in Police Station Awantipora.

Pertinently, Police had not allowed Malik to distribute relief in Chenab Valley and was arrested along with his supporters last month.

Spokesman of JKLF while condemning his arrest said that once again stopping JKLF from reaching to their affected brethren in Doda, Bhelasa, Baderwah and Kishtwar has exposed all the tall claims of democracy by India.

“Not speaking of organizing peaceful meetings, there is a blanket ban on social work, providing relief to victims of natural catastrophes and uttering a word of truth even,” spokesman said adding that today people of Chenab Valley are suffering from a natural catastrophe and no one among the rulers has reached to their rescue and provided them any relief.

LA panel for extending duration of session at Sgr Srinagar, June 18: The Ethics Committee of the State Legislative Assembly has suggested extending the time duration of the assembly session at Srinagar to at least one month on the pattern of session being conducted at Jammu.

The Committee which met here today under the

chairmanship of MLA, Mrs. Bimla Luthra was of the view that extending the time duration of the session at Srinagar will serve the people in a better way and will also provide opportunity to the people of the Valley to get their problems redressed without travelling to Jammu which is a time consuming process.

DDC chairs DLRC meet

Rajouri, June 18: District Development Commissioner, Rajouri, F C Bhagat on Tuesday chaired the District Level Review Committee (DLRC) meeting which was among others attended by AGM RBI, Gopal Dass, DDM NABARD, Des Raj and district officers of line

departments and bankers.

LDM, Arvind Kapoor briefed the house about the achievement of banks under annual action plan 2012-13. He informed that against an annual target of Rs.14952 lakh total achievement was Rs.13909 lakh under priority sector.

Documents Lost

I have lost all documents of my vehicle bearing No. JK16-1426. Now I have applied for its duplicate. Anybody having any objection regarding this may produce the same to ARTO Ganderbal within seven days from the date of publication of this notice. After that no objection will be entertained.

Mushtaq Ahmad Dar S/o Mohammad Abdullah Dar R/o Ganderbal Ph. No: 9906408511, 9622423144

D.D

11 Wednesday, 19 June 2013 From Front Page........

Office of the Assistant Regional Transport Officer, Anantnag

NOTICE Whereas an application has been received from one Shabeer Ahamad Wagay S/o Mohd Sultan Wagay R/o Nowgam Shangus owner of vehicle No. JK03C 1945 for cancellation of hire purchase agreement with M/s S.B.I Bank Anantnag. Now it is therefore notified for general information that objection if any to the proposed cancellation/ endorsement of hire purchase agreement shall be filled in writing in the office of ARTO Anantnag within a period of seven days from the publication of this notice.

No: 2619/M.V.D/ANG Asstt. Regional Transport Officer S.W Dated: 16/06/2013 Anantnag

Owner, Printer, Publisher & Editor-n-Chief: Suhail Malik, RNI No: JKBIL/2011/39764, Email: zabarwantimes@gmail.com Published from: Govt. Quarters (M-13) Magarmal Bagh Srinagar -190001, J&K, Printed at: Sangarmal Offset Press Humhama Sheikhpora Tele/Fax: 2478370 Cell No: 09999964750, 9796787844

NEWS

Daily ZABARWAN TIMES

Unity in diversity is J&K’s strength:Omar LAMAYURU (LEH) JUNE 18

tourism constitutes an important aspect of the State’s tourism and all the three regions of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh possess rich pilgrim destinations. He said his government is actively engaged in showcasing this speciality of the State and cre-

country and the world for it’s this mannerism and great writers, historians have eulogized the people and the State for it’s this attitude and character.

The Chief Minister also talked about the natural beauty of Ladakh region and

Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Tuesday said that the strength of Jammu and Kashmir is in its trait of communal harmony and unity in diversity. He underscored the need for its strengthening and nurturing.

Addressing a congregation of thousands of devotees at Lamayuru, a remote village in Leh district of Ladakh region after inaugurating Great Fotang Shrine and Amphitheatre here, the Chief Minister said that all religions teach amity and brotherhood and create conducive atmosphere in the society for all to grow equitably and in a peaceful environment.

Omar Abdullah said that certain elements for their vested interests want to ate different pilgrim tourist circuits to rope said that this mountainous area possesscreate wedge between the followers of dif- in pilgrims from all over the country and ing rare fauna, flora and lakes has always ferent faiths and disturb the peace of the the world to visit holy places in the State roped in visitors and nature lovers from world. He said no religion preaches hatred and pay obeisance at the Shrines of differall over the world. He said his government but holds high, the principals of humanity ent faiths. has taken new initiatives to showcase and brotherhood. He said peace and coexThe Chief Minister said that Jammu Ladakh’s tourist potential and attract more istence of the people of different faiths and and Kashmir is abode of various faiths, and more visitors here. He also referred to cultures makes the society strong and en- religions and cultures. He said the rethe beauty of Lamayuru. sures equitable development of all. nowned religious scholars and preachers The Fotang Shrine and Amphitheatre Omar Abdullah also talked about have contributed a lot to keep the candle has been constructed through Tourism State’s rich culture and heritage and said of communal harmony alit and inculcate Department and Government of India has Lone News Agencythe Kangan Khan News Agency Ganderbal that people from all over the world keep spirit of love, brotherhood and mutual granted Rs. 107.54 lakhs for its construcGulzar News Agency Soura Zahid Book Depot Chadoora coming here to witness this beauty of the respect for each other in the hearts and tion. It will promote pilgrim tourism in people alongwith scenic splendour and minds of people. the areaNowhatta and help generate wide-ranging Tariq News Agency Hawal Bashir News Agency natural beauty.

Omar Alamgari Abdullah said thatBudshah Jammu and activities for the people in this Muzaffar Ali News Agency Bazar Newseconomic Agency Lal Chowk The Chief Minister said that pilgrim Kashmir holds respectable place in the remote area.

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Abdullah News Agency Lal Chowk Gupkari News Agency Lal Chowk Khan News Agency Regal Chowk Sheikh News Agency Hyderpora Lone News Agency Tangmarg Bhat News Agency Magam Dar News Agency Beerwah Reshi News Safapora BANDIPORA, JUNE 18: ous Agency road communication Basharat works News under Agency Bandipora R&B Sector, Rs. District Bandipora gets anNews 4.10Agency crore under PHE sector, Altaf Pulwama outlay of Rs.70.17 crore un- News Rs 9.22 crore under Irrigation Jeelani Agency Baramulla der District plan for current sector, Rs 1.88 crore under Agencyand Kupwara financial year.The nod Shah in thisNews Agriculture its allied secYounis News Agency Langate regard was given Tuesday tors, over Rs 2.59 crore under in the District Development Rural Development and Rs Reshi News Agency Islamabad Board Members meeting 38.01Agency crore on other Social Turray News Tral held under the chairman- services in the District.MinRahi News Agency Kulgam ship of Minister for Tourism, ister for Higher Education, Rah isNews Agency Byepass Ghulam Ahmad Mir who Mohammad Akbar Lone,

Sikendar News Agency Lal Chowk Raina News Agency Gund Kangan Rashid News Agency Dalgate Hilal News Agency Budgam Bhat News Agency Chadoora Zargar News Agency Kunzar Bashir News Agency Sumbal Saleem News Agency Pattan DODA, JUNE 18 road connectivity, drinking Agency water, Reyaz power News supply, edu- Pampore Continuing his extensive cation Javaid and health Newsfacilities Agency Qazigund tour to quake hit far flung arequallyG.M across the district.

News Agency Soporeeas of district Doda, Minister The Minister asked the offifor PWD (R&B) and MechaniSultan News cers to perform theirAgency duties Handwara cal Engineering, Abdul Majid Sheikh News Agency with dedication, so that the Islamabad funds approved for News the curThree Way Agency Tral rent fiscal are also utilized in Bijbehara Badru News Agency full and development scenarNews Agency Arwani io of theMalik district is improved.

Shaheen News Agency Kargil He impressed upon them to

Bandipora Annual Plan for Rs. 70.17 crore approved

also chairman of DDB, Bandipora. The plan includes Capital component of Rs. 5097.39 lakh and revenue component of Rs. 1919.54 lakh against last years’ approved annual plan of Rs. 6842.43 lakhs. During the last fiscal an expenditure of Rs. 6344.02 lakhs has been incurred on development of the District under various sectors thereby registering 99.46 percent utilization.

Against the current year’s approved District Plan, an amount of Rs. 11.20crore would be expended on vari-

Minister of State for Animal and Sheep Husbandry, Mr Nazir Ahmad Gurezi, Member Parliament, Sherief-uddin Shariq, MLA, Bandipora, Nizam –ud-din Bhat, Legislators, Nayeem Akhtar and Ghulam Nabi Monga were present in the meeting.Addressing the meeting, the Chairman stressed upon the concerned officers to achieve optimum results for development of core sectors in the district. He underscored the need for making focused attention towards improvement in

take on board the public representatives while formulating any developmental project of public utility, so that the demands of people of all the areas are accommodated equitably.

Calling for concerted efforts for making J&K a prosperous State, Mir asked the concerned for full utilization of funds provided by the Government of India for developmental purposes under several flagship programmes.

He also asked them to use local resources for the welfare of the people of the State.

Minister for Higher Education, Mohammad Akbar Lone Tuesday said that government led by Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah has taken several initiatives for the upliftment and development of the weaker and backward sections of the society. He said extending basic amenities including supply of portable drink-

addressing a large gathering of people during his tour to GundBoon area of Sonawari constituency. The Minister was accompanied by the officers of R&B, PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control and other departments.

The Minister also took stock of various developmental works being executed in various villages of Gundboon. He also inspected water supply scheme and filtra-

Gul tours Eidgah constituency SRINAGAR, JUNE 18: The Speaker Legislative Assembly, Mubarak Gul Tuesday conducted a whirlwind tour of different areas of his Eidgah Constituency including Syed Mansoor Asthan, Nawakadal, Syed Hameed Pora, New colony Syed Hameed Pora, Jamaloto chowk Nawakadal, Nawa Bazaar, Malbab Saheb Shrine, Tangpora Nawakadal, Mirjampora, Nawakadal, Goorkocha Nawabazaar, Noorbagh, Tibetan Colony opposite Eidgah Park and took stock of various under construction development works.

Gul during his visit to Nawabazaar and Sayeed Hameed Pora, areas directed PDD for immediately repairing, renovating and wherever required replacing the rotten electricity polls with new ones and asked PDD to install street lights at places where they have gone out of order. He also directed R&B department to construct footpath from Nawabazaar to Jamaloto Chowk and carry out repair and maintenance work on lanes, drains and dilapidated roads.

The Speaker also directed for immediate macadamization of the road from Nawakadal to Khankah Sokhta and carrying out repair of the lane from Khanabhawan Nawakadal near Malbab Saheb Shrine.

Gul also paid obeisance at Malbab Saheb Shrine and discussed various issues for its beautification with officials. He also directed officers for immediate repair and renovation of various lanes and drains of Mirjampora Nawakadal Srinagar and replacing the damaged manhole covers. On the occasion he issued directions to Executive Engineer PDD for replacing the damaged electricity polls and wires.

At Tibetan colony Eidgah, Mr Gul was informed that against the proposed construction of 36 dwelling units, 18 have been completed and the construction work on the remaining is in progress. He also inspected the construction work of Eidgah drain which is being constructed at a cost of Rs 20 lakh on both sides and scheduled to be completed within four months.

The Speaker also visited Ganderpora Safakadal (Tangbag) and directed for immediate repair and renovation of the lanes and drains and macadamization of the damaged roads.

people included free ration to earthquake victims on equal basis, medical facilities in the region, repairing of roads and water supply schemes etc.

While interacting with the people, Wani gave on

19 .6.2013

HOROSCOPE

Wani asks officers to hold Public Grievances camps in each block be covered under PMGSY. He directed the district administration to hold public durbars in each block.

Wani said that efforts are being made by the government to consolidate

Aries

March 21-April 19 Aries, the cosmic signs indicate that your emotional universe will once again glow with positive energy. You will meet more people, and your encounters are likely to be profoundly gratifying, emotionally and intellectually. All told, the coming month is wonderfully promising for you. Two key things to anticipate are pleasure and sensuality.

Taurus April 20-May 20

For you, Taurus, the next few weeks portend a period of timidity. You will probably go out less, introduce yourself to fewer new people, and be less prone to showing off. But any relationships you do form will be much more intense than usual. The month ahead is quite promising, though you may have to readjust some of your attitudes.

Gemini May 21-June 21

You may have spent the past few weeks exploring other horizons, Gemini, meeting new people, going out more frequently, or taking short trips. But there’s a significant change of rhythm in the air. You will settle down and bask in the comfort of your home. You will find that you have just the incentive you need to stabilize yourself for a while.

Cancer June 22-July 22

You’re likely to enjoy a change in the rhythm and quality of life, beginning right now. Do you feel a need to take your friendships beyond superficiality? Perhaps you should reestablish contact with some past friends.

You can expect another period devoted to sweeping the cobwebs out of your emotional life and letting in light and promise.

Leo

July 23-August 22 Today you can expect to be more enterprising in your human relationships, Leo. You may find new friends or enjoy quality time with old ones. It’s likely that your love life will intensify. The next few weeks provide excellent resources for improving your emotional well-being. Take advantage of it.

Virgo

August 23-September 22

Wani, Tuesday visited Dahara and Gundna villages.

The Minister held public grievances camps at remote Dhrarah and Gundna villages and took stock of problems and demands of the people.

The issues raised by

Lone tours Sonawari Constituency BANDIPORA, JUNE 18:-

Srinagar |wedneSday

maximum benefits from the scheme.

Various deputations met the Minister and brought several issues before him like repairing of water supply pipes, electric poles and wiring besides upgradation of interior roads and lanes. They also demanded a footbridge in the area.

The Minister gave several on spot directions to the concerned officers while assuring the people that all genuine de-

spot instructions to PHE and Rural Development departments to address the problems of people at the earliest.

He directed the officials to hold inquiry into poor condition of SSA school buildings.

He assured the people that all the left over habitations will

and expand the education network in the rural and unconnected areas, so that poor students get education facility within their village or habitation.

Later, Wani laid the foundation stone for Model Village Gundna.

Bhartiya Gujjar Maha Sabha deputation meets Governor SRINAGAR, JUNE 18

A 5-member delegation of the Bhartiya Gujjar Maha Sabha, J&K, met N. N. Vohra, Governor, at Raj Bhavan, here Tuesday and felicitated the Governor on his appoint-

The past month has allowed you to affirm yourself, Virgo, and cement some aspects of your personality.

You’re now entering a period of consolidation. It’s like you conceived a product, created it, and are now finally ready to put it on the market. The current period indicates that you will receive all of the rewards that your hard work has earned.

Libra

September 23-October 23 Today heralds the beginning of a very agreeable period. You will be especially happy, Libra! You will project confidence, clarity, and charisma wherever you go. You used up a lot of your reserves during the last few months. You’ve made it to this stage just in time.

Certainly you’ll agree that this is something to be celebrated!

HOROSCOPE Scorpio

of political reservation for the Gujjar and Bakarwal Tribes in the State, organizing of special recruitment drives for youth of the Gujjar and Bakarwal communities in Army and Para-Military Forces and effective utiliza-

October 24-November 21 Aries

Scorpio, this would19 be a good moment to get rid of March 21-April anything that still stands between you and achieving your goals. A certain obstacle might be sparking the impulse you have to blend into the background. Don’t forget that you’re an individual. This isn’t something to be overcome. It should be celebrated!

Sagittarius November 22-December 21 Taurus

ing water, electricity, better road connectivity, besides education and better healthcare facilities has been given top priority.

This was stated by the Minister while

tion plant at ShahGund which has been completed at the cost of Rs 3.42 crore. He enjoined upon the concerned officers to take necessary steps for proper management of the plant so that people derive

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Lone News Agency Kangan Gulzar News Agency Soura Tariq News Agency Hawal Muzaffar Ali News Agency Alamgari Bazar Abdullah News Agency Lal Chowk Gupkari News Agency Lal Chowk Khan News Agency Regal Chowk Sheikh News Agency Hyderpora Lone News Agency Tangmarg Bhat News Agency Magam Dar News Agency Beerwah Reshi News Agency Safapora Basharat News Agency Bandipora Altaf News Agency Pulwama Jeelani News Agency Baramulla Shah News Agency Kupwara Younis News Agency Langate Reshi News Agency Islamabad Turray News Agency Tral Rahi News Agency Kulgam Rah News Agency Byepass

mands will be considered.

On the occasion the people of the area appreciated the efforts made by the Minister for development of the area and redressing genuine grievances.

Khan News Agency Ganderbal Zahid Book Depot Chadoora Bashir News Agency Nowhatta Budshah News Agency Lal Chowk Sikendar News Agency Lal Chowk Raina News Agency Gund Kangan Rashid News Agency Dalgate Hilal News Agency Budgam Bhat News Agency Chadoora Zargar News Agency Kunzar Bashir News Agency Sumbal Saleem News Agency Pattan Reyaz News Agency Pampore Javaid News Agency Qazigund G.M News Agency Sopore Sultan News Agency Handwara Sheikh News Agency Islamabad Three Way News Agency Tral Badru News Agency Bijbehara Malik News Agency Arwani Shaheen News Agency Kargil

ment for the second term.

During the meeting, the delegation led by Eshfaq-urRehman Poswal, State President of the organization, presented various demands to the Governor, which included, interalia, provision

tion of funds available under Tribal Sub Plan.The Governor heard the delegation patiently and said that the demands presented by them would be taken up with the concerned authorities in the State Government.

Parliamentary Standing Committee visit State Red Cross Society SRINAGAR, JUNE 18: The Parliamentary Standing Committee (PSC) on Chemicals and Fertilizers, comprising of 11 Members headed by Gopinath Mundi visited Red Cross House Srinagar.

The aim of the visit was to review the implementation of the Jan Aushadhi Scheme, a Government of India initiative through which Quality Generic Medicines are being made available at affordable prices for the general public.

Pertinently, Indian Red Cross Society, J&K state has been entrusted with the responsibility of implementing the scheme in the state. As many as three Jan Aushadi Stores, one each at Srinagar, Leh and Anantnag are already functioning in the state.

An interactive session was

also held in the office of the Honorary General Secretary, Indian Red Cross Society, J&K state at Srinagar in which Principal GMC, Srinagar and President of the Bureau of Pharma Public Sector Units of India (BPPI) participated. The committee also visited the Jan Aushadhi Generic Drug Store in the Complex.

The Honorary General Secretary Ms. Roma Wani presented the welcome address and highlighted the benefits of the Jan Aushadhi scheme especially for the poor people who cannot afford high-priced branded life- saving medicines. She said that opening of many more Jan Ashudhi Stores is on cards and steps are afoot to extend the benefits of the scheme to large number of people of the state. She also drew the attention of the

high-powered Committee and the president of the BPPI towards the shortcomings of the Scheme and the challenges being faced by the Red Cross for effective implementation of the scheme in the State.

The Members of the Standing Committee expressed happiness and satisfaction over the efforts of the Red Cross and the state Government in implementing the Scheme in state. The participants unanimously impressed upon President of the BPPI to do away with the lacunas of the scheme and ensure smooth and timely supplies of medicines for the Jan Aushadhi stores. The committee was assured by the President of the BPPI that every possible help would be extended to make the Jan Aushadi scheme a success.

The signs say that you can expect a very profitable April 20-May 20 few weeks ahead, Sagittarius. You’ve worked hard lately, and it’s only natural that you have finally arrived at this stage. You’re going to be able to measure the distance you’ve come and evaluate your power. Whatever you do, don’t think small!

Capricorn December 22-January 19 Gemini

You may have your head in the clouds today, CapMay 21 there’s a need for you to keep ricorn.

At21-June the same time, your feet on the ground. This contradiction of energies might make it difficult to find peace, but you should find comfort knowing that this will soon end. Deal with conflicting issues the best you can. They will help you find the balance and perspective you need.

Aquarius January 20-February 18 Cancer

22for you, Aquarius. You’re likely AJune quest22-July is in store to engage in a search for physical or intellectual space.

You may be asking yourself philosophical questions.

Or perhaps you’re thinking of taking a long trip. Which will it be? Will you read philosophy or go to China? At this point, only the stars know.

Pisces Leo

February 19-March 20

In navigating your emotional life, Pisces, you may July 23-August 22effort in the past month. You’ve feel you’ve made a great been available and conciliatory, and done your best to maintain harmony. Your efforts have paid off. Now you feel a yen for more spontaneity. It seems that the enterprising and reckless you has returned! Go ahead - you deserve this release after all of your disciplined effort.

Virgo

August 23-September 22

Editorial/Opinion The Daily

Zabarwan Times Wednesday, 19 June 2013

MISSION 2014

C

ountdown for the 2014 elections has just begun at the national as well as state level. Congress party which heads United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government the center has already started working towards the big exercise. The Congress party on Sunday affected a major organizational reshuffle geared towards the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, inducting former union ministers as general secretaries and appointing several young leaders as secretaries. This was followed by a cabinet reshuffle on Monday where many oldies were entrusted with the job of running some important ministries. The reshuffle at the organizational and the government level of course had the stamp of party vicepresident Rahul Gandhi. The revamp also saw some party general secretaries and secretaries dropped. Party president Sonia Gandhi, who made the changes, also reconstituted the Congress Working Committee (CWC), the party’s highest decision-making body and appointed screening committees for poll-bound states, including Delhi, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. Although elections to the Jammu and Kashmir assembly are only due towards the end of 2014, the state's ruling coalition and the main opposition party seem to be readying for these to be held along with the Lok Sabha polls. In fact, Urban Development Minister and Congress leader Nawang Rigzin Jora is on record as saying the two elections would be held later this year or early next year. Sources in both the ruling National Conference (NC) and alliance partner Congress say the latter's high command favours simultaneous polls, whether the general elections are held in May or earlier, depending on the political situation in the country. What is the Congress logic for favouring early assembly polls? Given that it is said off and on that the alliance partners might go their own way for the assembly polls, is it essentially aimed at depriving the NC the flexibility of choosing its future partners? Or does the Congress high command fear that if the two elections are spaced apart, the NC would get crucial time to choose a new alliance partner - or go solo - for the assembly polls in case the United Progressive Alliance lost power at the centre?

A Congress leader declined to comment on these possibilities but did not disagree that the two elections would be held simultaneously if the Congress high command so desired.

Political observers are guessing whether the Congress would pull out of the alliance if the NC refused its demand to hold the two elections together. One other pointer is that already NC and Congress ministers, as also other leaders, have gone into election mode.

Most of the senior NC ministers are these days extensively touring their constituencies in the Valley. This has resulted in visitors calling on the ministers' offices in the civil secretariat in summer capital Srinagar returning disappointed. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has been regularly meeting people during his 'Awami Mulaqats' (Meet the people programmes) in Srinagar, where delegations of people from different parts of the state call on him for redressal of their problems. Mufti Muhammad Sayeed, patron of the main opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP), has of late also started extensively touring his south Kashmir Anantnag assembly constituency. The NC has 28 members and the Congress 17 in the 87member assembly. The PDP has 21 members.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has 11 seats, the Panthers Party three and the CPI-M one seat.

The Peoples Democratic Front and the J&K Democratic Party Nationalist have one seat each while there are four independents.

I

Daily

ZABARWAN TIMES 9

Wednesday, 19 June 2013

Creating Employment Opportunities for Youth

ndia is a vast country with a population of about 1.21 billion and a labour force of around 475 million. There is an open unemployment of 9.5 million as per estimates available for the year 2009-10.

Employment is the main source of livelihood and self-fulfillment for most women and men. About 6% of the total work force in India is employed in organised sector while remaining 94% are in the unorganised sector. Scope of additional employment generation in the organized sector for additional wage employment is less. India has a younger population not only in comparison to advanced economies but also in relation to large developing countries. As a result, the labour force in India is expected to increase by 32 per cent over the next 20 years, while it will decline by 4.0 per cent in industrialised countries and by nearly 5.0 per cent in China. We are, therefore, endeavoring to reap this ‘demographic dividend’ by providing for higher levels of health, education and skill development. This will create an environment where in the economy not only grows rapidly, but also enhances good quality employment and livelihood opportunities to meet the needs and aspirations of the youth.

The Government has been making constant efforts for reducing unemployment through normal growth process and implementing various employment generation programmes, such as, Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY); P r i m e M i n i s t e r ’s E m p l o y m e n t Generation Programme (PMEGP) and National Rural Livelihood Mission besides entrepreneurial development programmes run by the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises.

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (MGNREGA) also assures every rural household at least 100 days of manual

work at minimum wages. Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM): The Mission’s aim is to encourage reforms and fast track planned development of identified cities. Focus is on efficiency in urban infrastructure and service delivery mechanisms, community participation etc.

Bharat Nirman In Bharat Nirman, critical areas of rural infrastructure – Irrigation, Roads, Water Supply, Housing, Electricity and Telecom connectivity have been covered. This has improved living standards of the rural population and also created infrastructure which will ultimately enhance the economic activities in the rural areas and generate significant employment opportunities for the rural people.

Infrastructural Development The investment on infrastructure is proposed to be increased to Rs.45 lakh crore during XII Plan period. About half of this is expected to come from private sector.

Skill Development · Skills and knowledge are the driving forces of economic growth and social development of any country. Countries with higher and better levels of skills adjust more effectively to the challenges and opportunities of the world. · Government is serious in creating training infrastructure and providing quality employment to youth. According to a study carried out by Quality Council of India, placement rate has increased to about 80% to 99% because of improved infrastructure in the modernized ITIs. Skill Development Initiative (SDI) Scheme based on Modular Employable Skills (MES) was started during the Eleventh Five Year Plan for early school leavers and existing workers, especially in the unorganised sector to improve their employability. About 16 lakh persons have been trained under the scheme so far. · Sincere efforts are being made for skill

development of a large number of people under various skill development programmes. The Prime Minister has set a target of skilling 500 million persons by 2022 and the Ministry of Labour & Employment is required to train 100 million. Government is systematically working to achieve the target and the training capacity has been increased from 9 lakh in 2006 - 07 to 26 lakh in 2011-12.

All the Government ITIs are being modernized. New courses have been introduced and most of the ITIs are running in two to three shifts. During last five years, the number of Government and private ITIs has increased from 5114 in 2006-07 to 10,344 which is more than double. Government has also planned to set up 1500 more ITIs in PPP and 5000 Skill Development Centres in PPP to enhance the capacity further. 27 Advanced Training Institutes are also planned in PPP to produce adequate number of trainers in the country.

Focus Area in the 12th Five Year Plan In the 12th Five Year Plan the thrust of the Government is in bringing about an inclusive growth strategy that will provide job opportunities as well as make the young of the country employable.

The main focus areas are: a) Thrust on Manufacturing Sector-to make it the engine of employment growth-that would create 100 million additional jobs by 2025. b) To bring in supportive policies to incentivise labour intensive manufacturing sectors such as textile & garments, leather & footwear, food processing, gems & Jewellery to generate more employment opportunities. c) Expanding employment in services like IT, finance & banking, tourism, trade & transport. d) Prioritizing skill training for the informal sector; creation of appropriate skill sets among rural migrants and urban poor to make growth inclusive. e)

Ensuring the employability of skilled persons by involving Sector Skill Councils in preparation of Skill Modules matching market demand. f) Building on the potential of Modular Employable Skill programme by ensuring combination of modules to ensure employability. g) Extending Social Security benefits to Unorganized sector Workers. h) Enable skill loans for poor students (Credit Guarantee Fund) i) Streamlining the skill development programs for disadvantaged sections to ensure much larger funding for skill development. j) Setting up of National Skill Registry to link data bases across Ministries / States to provide a platform linking people who seek/provide employment. Expenditure on social services which include education, sports, art and culture, medical and public health, family welfare, water supply and sanitation, housing, urban development; welfare of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and other Backward Classes (OBCs), labour and labour welfare, social security and welfare, nutrition, relief for natural calamities, etc. by the Government (Centre and State combined) has also shown increase in recent years reflecting higher priority to social services.

National-e-Governance National-e-Governance Plan has identified Upgradation and modernization Employment Exchanges as one of the Mission Mode Projects (MMP). The MMP aims to progressively support all Employment Exchanges in the country to make effective use of IT in various activities of employment services. A national web portal will be developed to make all employment related services available on a single window and will work like a virtual job market. This will help Employment Exchanges to provide efficient and quality services at wider scale and speed.

Intensive Development in Animal Husbandry Sector Aids National Food Security

A

nimal protein in the form of milk, butter, cheese, egg, meat, fish to name a few, form an important part of the food basket of each family depending on their economic status and regional preferences. For instance we find fish in every meal in Bengal and percentage of chicken consumers has risen sharply in recent years with improved purchasing power of people. This is due to vario us d evelo pmen tal , wel fare initiatives of government and also increased growth in animal husbandry, dairying and fisheries sector.

Animal husbandry, dairying and fisheries activities play an important role in national economy and in socioeconomic development of the country.

These activities contribute to the food basket, nutrition security and household income of the farmers and play a significant role in generating gainful employment in the rural areas, particularly among the landless, small and marginal farmers and women, besides providing cheap and nutritious food.

Livestock are the best insurance for farmers against vagaries of nature like drought and other natural calamities.

Farmers of marginal, small and semimedium operational holdings (area less than 4 ha) own about 87.7% of the livestock making development of livestock sector more inclusive in nature. India is endowed with the largest livestock population in the world. Livestock production and agriculture are intrinsically linked, each being dependent on the other, and both crucial for overall food security.

According to estimates of the Central Statistics Office (CSO), the value of output from livestock sector at current prices was about Rs.4, 59,051 crore during 2011-12 which is about 24.8% of the value of output from total agricultural and allied sector at current price and 25.6% at constant prices

(2004-05). The value of output of milk was Rs.3, 05,484 crore in 2011-12, which is higher than the value of output of paddy and wheat. The value of output from meat group at current prices in 2011-12 was Rs.83, 641 crore and Rs.17,803 crore from eggs.

As Agriculture, including Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries is a State subject, the emphasis of the central govt has been on supplementing efforts of the State Governments in the development of these sectors.

Assistance to the State Governments is provided for the control of animal diseases, scientific management and up gradation of genetic resources, increasing availability of nutritious

Veterinary Hospitals and Dispensaries, and for strengthening the efforts for animal disease control. To meet the shortage of fodder, several new components were incorporated in the Feed and Fodder scheme. Further, Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme was initiated, with the objective of increasing investment in dairy sector for increasing milk production in the country while creating self-employment opportunities. An allocation of Rs.14, 179.00 crore during 12th Plan which includes an amount of Rs.7,628 crore for Animal Husbandry, Rs 4,976.00 crore for Dairy Development and Rs.2,483.00 crore for the Fisheries sector has been

Most of the milk in the Country is

produced by small, marginal farmers and

landless labourers and is used for both self consumption and to generate income.

feed and fodder, sustainable development of processing and marketing facilities and enhancement of production and profitability of livestock and fisheries enterprises under various centrally sponsored and central sector schemes. Realizing the potential of this sector, central budgetary outlay for this sector has increased manifold in the last decade. An amount of about Rs.11,313 crore including Rs.5,403.88 crore under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana and National Mission for Protein Supplements was allocated for animal husbandry, dairying and fisheries sector during 11th Plan, in addition to budgetary support under state plans. During the Eleventh Plan, Government initiated several new programmes /schemes improve

provided. India ranks first among the world’s milk producing nations, achieving an annual output of about 127.9 million tonnes of milk during 2011-12. Most of the milk in the Country is produced by small, marginal farmers and landless labourers and is used for both self consumption and to generate income. In order to meet the rapidly growing demand for milk with a focus to improve milch animal productivity and increase milk production, the Government approved National Dairy Plan Phase-I(NDP-I) in February, 2012 with a total investment of about Rs.2242 crore to be implemented from 2011-12 to 2016. NDP-I will help to meet the projected national demand of 150 million tonnes of milk by 2016-17 from domestic production.

The strategy involves increasing the genetic potential of bovines, producing required number of quality bulls, producing superior quality frozen semen and adopting adequate biosecurity measures. In order to improve productivity of animals by genetic improvement, the existing scheme relating to development of bovines and dairy development are being merged to a new scheme, National Programme for Bovine Breeding and Dairy(NPBBD) which will be implemented along with the National Dairy Plan (Phase-I).

In fisheries sector, a major initiative has been taken by Government of India by launching National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) as a special purpose vehicle to achieve sustainable development of fisheries sector through integration of wide array of activities. NFDB would be strengthened by integrating all schemes relating to fisheries development under it and enhancing investment for the sector. The Livestock sector also contributes to export in spite of the fact that limited number of livestock enterprises function in the country on commercial basis. Total export earnings from livestock, poultry and related products were Rs.33,417 crore during 2011-12 as compared to Rs.25,409 crore during previous year i.e. 2010-11 with a growth of about 31.5%. Total export earnings from fisheries products have also shown steady increase and reached to Rs.16,597.23 crore during 2011-12 compared to Rs.12,901.47 crore during 2010-11 with a growth of about 28.65%. All these focused initiatives of the Government is expected to speed up national GDP growth, generate additional employment opportunities, improve the food basket and nutritional level of people in the country.

Ultimately Food Security of the country will be bolstered.

Disclaimer : The contents and comments appearing in any article published in this paper are purely the personal opinion of the writer.

HE A L+H 58

ZABARWANTIMES ZABARWAN TIMES WEDNESDAY | 19 JUNE 2013

Best foods for stamina

You need tons of energy to cope with your hectic lifestyle, especially if you are into sports.

Here's a list of foods that give you enough stamina to keep you active throughout the day.While certain foods in your diet can actually reduce stamina, healthy foods help to build up your stamina and increase your energy levels, especially if you're interested in sports and athletics. As a sportsperson, you need foods that are designed to not only give you energy but also keep you feeling full all day long. Says nutritionist Smruti Gokhale, "Nutrients like complex carbs, proteins, fibre and vitamin C is crucial for those who are into sports. These nutrients keep you active and feeling energetic."

Essential nutrients

Complex carbs: When you are talking about building stamina, you just cannot miss out on complex carbs. Carbs are the main source of fuel for your body and brain. Says Priya Kathpal, nutritionist, "Carbs are the food that the body uses to get glucose, which provides energy.

Complex carbs are present in foods like bread, pasta and rice, which unlike simple carbs, keep you feeling energetic all day long."

Vitamin C: Vitamin C helps

strengthen your immune system and protects you from infections like cold and cough, which sap your energy. Also, when you are outdoors, you are more susceptible to

stamina and also to improve your RBC count. Green leafy veggies are rich in fibre and digest slowly while maintaining your blood-glucose level.

Bananas: Bananas are a particularly good energy source and these are best eaten a few hours before you intend to exert yourself. Along with being great sources of carbs, they are also effective because they trigger the release of 'dopamine' — a chemical that builds your concentration and focus.

Peanut butter: Peanuts are bacterial infections which hamper your health. Thus ensure that you consume foods and fruits rich in vitamin C.

Proteins:

Protein is an important nutrient for the growth, development and repair of muscle and body tissues. Protein has a higher metabolic rate than fat, so an individual can burn more calories. It is also said to increase satiety, which prevents a person from overeating.

Healthy sources of protein include lean chicken, fish, eggs and nuts.

Iron: Lack of iron in your diet can cause loss of stamina. You can get iron from meat, beans, nuts and some vegetables such as broccoli and spinach. Consult your doctor about taking iron supplements.

Foods that build stamina

Oatmeal: Oatmeal is an unprocessed carb, which gets digested slowly and hence keeps you feeling full for a longer period of time. Says Kathpal, "A power-packed cereal, oatmeal provides sustained energy for hours. Due to high content of complex carbs, it breaks down slowly in your body and keeps the blood sugar at optimum level."

Beans: Rich in mineral and iron

which helps your body to generate RBCs (Red Blood Cells) that carry oxygen to the muscles when you are exercising and also builds stamina.

Coffee: Coffee is known to be an instant energy provider. It is known to help fight against fatigue, as it triggers the central nervous system.

Coffee keeps you energised and active throughout the day.

Green leafy vegetables: Packed with micronutrients, it is essential for building

said to contain Omega 3 fatty acids that helps in reducing pain, boost heart health and develop your brain. Peanut butter is also excellent for building stamina. It is high in calories and digests slowly. Consume peanut butter in combination with complex carbs.

Lean meat, fish, chicken and eggs: Says Gokhale, "Rich in protein, these foods are important for growth and development, muscle building and repair. Meat takes a longer time to digest and thus keeps you feeling full and active all day long."

Red grapes: Red grapes contains 'resveratol' which provides increased energy. These grapes contain a very small amount of sugar, which gives you instant energy and helps build stamina.

Beetroot juice: Consuming a glass of beetroot juice before exercising will make your body work for long hours without feeling exhausted. Beetroot is rich in vitamin A and C — both help in building stamina and reducing fatigue.

10 foods that protect your heart Heart disease is one of the most feared ailment and a side effect of sedentary lifestyle. You can control the effects of your lifestyle by eating the right food.

It’s quite often difficult to change your lifestyle drastically in this competitive world. But you can surely change a little bit of eating and ensure you are protecting your heart.

Here’s a list of food that can help you protect your heart.

1. Black beans: Black beans are packed with folate, antioxidants, magnesium which are good for lowering blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol. This in turn keeps your heart in safe zone. But if you are planning to use tinned beans, please drain the liquid and wash them before use to reduce the sodium content.

2. Salmon and tuna:

These two fish are rich in antioxidants and omega-3, two important candidates who help heart.

3. Walnuts: A handful of them a day helps lower your cholesterol and reduce inflammation in the arteries.

Replace them as mid-meal snacks instead of chips etc.

4. Oranges: They contain cholesterolfighting pectin. The fruit is also rich in potassium that helps control blood pressure.

Antioxidant hesperidin also helps lower blood pressure.

5.

Carrots: Though sweet, they are good to control diabetes, which increases heart attack risk. They also help fight bad cholesterol.

6. Sweet potatoes: They are rich in vitamin A, fi-

ber and lycopene making them a healthy substitute for the white brethren.

7. Oats: Oats in all forms help your heart by lowering bad cholesterol.

8. Flaxseeds: Fiber, phytochemicals called lignans, and ALA these three ingredients in these small seeds make them a powerhouse of health. Sure protector of heart if had spoonful in pow-

dered form everyday in cereals or salads.

9. Chilli powder: Difficult to believe, but these Indian tasty spice actually protects heart and body from diabetes with its ability to spike up the natural insulin levels in the body.

10. Coffee: It can keep away type 2 diabetes, but people having high blood pressure should be cautious as it can have a counter effect.

within TCGA, Broad senior associate member, and professor of pathology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School.

"This provides many new therapeutic opportunities for squamous cell carcinoma that would be suitable for clinical trials," he noted.

The first targeted treatments for lung adenocarcinoma, erlotinib (Tarceva) and gefitinib (Iressa), were aimed at mutations in the EGFR gene. Unfortunately, and like other drugs being tested in clinical trials that target several other genes altered in lung adenocarcinoma, they do not help patients with squamous cell carcinoma.

The TCGA effort, a multicenter consortium funded by the National Institutes of Health, is the first comprehensive genomic characterization of this lung cancer subtype.

As in the three previous TCGA reports on the brain cancer glioblastoma, on ovarian cancer, and on colorectal cancer, the scientists used multiple large-scale approaches to highlight key molecular defects. They sequenced the

protein-coding segments of the genomes of 178 squamous cell carcinoma tumors, along with normal tissue from the same patients.

The researchers also sequenced the whole genomes of 19 tumor and normal tissue pairs. They mapped a diverse catalog of genomic alterations, including the rearrangements of chromosomes and other structural changes in regions of the genome that might not encode proteins but could control nearby genes involved in cancer development.

The comprehensive study confirmed some previously identified genomic alterations. For example, the TP53 gene was altered in 90 percent of the tumours and the CDKN2A gene was inactivated in 72 percent of tumours. These genes normally prevent cancer, but when they are switched off, tumours can grow unimpeded.

CDKN2A may be susceptible to a kinase inhibitor, presenting an opportunity for clinical trials.

Overall the researchers identified mutations or amplifications in three families of tyrosine kinases, which are enzymes that act like power switches for many cellular

30mins of daily exercise enough to get into shape (Thinkstock photos/Getty Images) Thirty minutes of daily exercise provide an equally effective loss of weight and body mass as 60 minutes, researchers at the University of Copenhagen have shown.

For thirteen weeks, a research team at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences followed 60 heavy but healthy - Danish men in their efforts to get into better shape.

Half of the men were set to exercise for an hour a day, wearing a heart-rate monitor and calorie counter, while the second group only had to sweat for 30 minutes. Research results show that 30 minutes of exercise hard enough to produce a sweat is enough to turn the tide on an unhealthy body mass index.

On average, the men who

exercised 30 minutes a day lost 3.6 kilo in three months, while those who exercised for a whole hour only lost 2.7 kg. The reduction in body mass was about 4 kg for both groups, reports Mads Rosenkilde, PhD student, Department of Biomedical Sciences.

Moreover 30 minutes of exercise training provide an extra bonus.

Participants exercising 30 minutes per day burned more calories than they should relative to the training program we set for them. In fact we can see that exercising for a whole hour instead of a half does

not provide any additional loss in either body weight or fat. The men who exercised the most lost too little relative to the energy they burned by running, biking or rowing. 30 minutes of concentrated exercise give equally good results on the scale, explained Mads Rosenkilde.

Mads Rosenkilde postulates that some of the explanation for the surprising results is that 30 minutes of exercise is so doable that participants in the study had the desire and energy for even more physical activity after their daily exercise session.

Sleep disorders signal Alzheimer’s disease A pattern of disturbed sleep could be an early warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease, suggest scientists.

Working on a mouse model, researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, found that when the first signs of Alzheimer’s plaques appear in the brain, the normal sleep-wake cycle is significantly disrupted.

“If sleep abnormalities begin this early in the course of human Alzheimer’s disease, those changes could provide us with an easily detectable sign of pathology,” said senior study author David M. Holtzman, professor and head of neurology at Washington, the journal Science Translational Medicine reported.

“As we start to treat Alzheimer’s patients before the onset of dementia, the presence or absence of sleep problems may be a rapid indicator of whether the new treatments are succeeding,” added Holtzman.Holtzman’s lab was among the first to link sleep problems and Alzheimer’s through studies of sleep in mice genetically altered to develop Alzheimer’s plaques as they age, according to a university statement.

In a 2009 study, he showed that brain

New hope for people with fatal lung cancer Scientists have discovered new potential targets for treating squamous cell lung cancer, which causes approximately 400,000 deaths per year worldwide.

Squamous cell lung cancer kills more people each year than breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer, ranking second only to lung adenocarcinoma in the number of deaths it causes.

But unlike the most common form of lung cancer, squamous cell carcinoma has no treatments aimed at the specific genetic alterations that drive it.

Now The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Research Network, led in part by scientists at the Broad Institute, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Harvard Medical School, has identified many potential therapeutic targets based on the large number and variety of DNA alterations they discovered in most of the tumours they studied.

"This study clearly shows that squamous cell carcinoma, like lung adenocarcinoma, is a cancer with diverse genomic causes, many of which are potentially susceptible to drug inhibition," said Matthew Meyerson, co-leader of the project

Exercise for 30 mins daily, lose weight

functions. Frequently altered in cancer, they are already being investigated as therapeutic targets in other cancers. The researchers also found genomic alterations in signalling pathways that could present important opportunities for treatment.

In another striking finding, the researchers discovered mutations in the HLA-A gene that hampered its function in tumours. HLA genes direct the arm of the immune system that discriminates between its own tissues and foreign invaders. This is the first cancer in which these mutations have been found, but they are likely to occur in other cancers, Meyerson said.

"To our knowledge, this is the first example of a tumour that has a genomic mechanism for evading an immune response.

This may be important in understanding the immune response to squamous cell carcinoma and also in envisioning how immuneregulatory therapy might be used for this disease," he said.

While much works needs to be done, the scientists see many opportunities.

levels of a primary component of the plaques naturally rise when healthy young mice are awake and drop after they go to sleep. Depriving the mice of sleep disrupted this cycle and accelerated the development of brain plaques.

A similar rising and falling of the plaque component, a protein called amyloid beta, was later detected in the cerebro-

spinal fluid of healthy humans studied by co-author Randall Bateman, professor of neurology at Washington University.The new research, led by Jee Hoon Roh, neurologist and postdoctoral fellow in Holtzman’s lab, shows that when the first indicators of brain plaques appear, the natural fluctuations in amyloid beta levels stop in both mice and humans.

Future-focused smokers likelier to quit Smokers who value the future are more likely to stop smoking, new research has found.

In order to make this discovery Drs. Heather Brown and Jean Adams of Newcastle University (UK) tapped into eight years of data from a large Australian database.

The Household Income and Labour Dynamics of Australia (HILDA) survey collects data on economic and subjective well-being, work, and family dynamics every year from over 7,000 Australian households.

Brown and Adams identified 1,817 participants who were smokers at the start of the survey (2001) and analysed their planning regarding their saving and spending to measure their future orientation.

People whose spending and saving plans looked ahead by more than three months were categorized as having a longer time horizon, while those whose financial plans looked no more than a week ahead had a shorter time horizon.

The researchers then looked at how many

of those 2001 smokers had quit or tried to quit by 2008. Seventy-six percent of quitters were long-time-horizon planners, compared with 66 percent of those who continued to smoke. Researchers in other fields have found similar associations: newly diagnosed diabetics who are futurefocused are more likely to make healthy changes to their diet and exercise habits, and cocaine users who discount the future are less likely subsequently to stop using the drug.“It is possible that helping smokers to think about the future a bit more might be a useful way to help them quit,” said co-author Jean Adams.

NATION

7 SRINAGAR Wednesday, June 19, 2013

India wants friendly relation with pakistan/Antony

Describing Pakistan as “our closest neighbour”, Antony said Indian government wanted friendly relations with it as a “peaceful and stable” Pakistan was in India’s interest.

Holding that a “peaceful and stable” Pakistan was in India’s interest, Defence Minister AK Antony today said that the neighbouring country must initiate strong action against terrorist groups operating from its soil, in order to improve Indo-Pak ties “We are concerned about terrorist groups in Pakistan. They should take strong action against them which will help improve our relations,” he told reporters here when asked whether change of government in Pakistan could spell a better relationship between the two countries.

Describing Pakistan as “our closest neighbour”, Antony said Indian government wanted friendly relations with it as a “peaceful and stable” Pakistan was in India’s interest.

On Indo-China relations and border situation, the defence minister said, “the recent problem has been solved to the satisfaction

of both the countries. We have a mechanism to sort out occasional irritants,” adding, that there was a “highest level decision” to maintain peace and tranquillity along the border.Both countries would also have joint exercises, he noted.

Antony said notwithstanding

the long standing border dispute, there were major areas of cooperation between India and China, also India’s “largest trading partner”.

He hoped his forthcoming visit to China would further improve the bilateral relations and defence cooperation between the two

Coal Scam: ex-members of Prime Minister’s Office questioned

New Delhi: The coal scam, which has already hit the government hard, now appears to be edging in the Prime Minister’s Office.As part of its investigation, the CBI has this week questioned two bureaucrats who were posted in the Prime Minister’s Office when the coal blocks were allotted to private firms at undervalued prices.

The officials were reportedly asked for details of some coal fields that were allotted to private firms between 2006 and 2009, when Dr Manmohan Singh held direct charge of the Coal Ministry.

An earlier controversy related to members of the Prime

Minister’s Office vetting a report by the CBI that was meant to update the supreme Court on its investigation. Ashwani Kumar was forced to quit as Law Minister over allegations that he asked for changes to the report to protect the government.

The CBI is scheduled to give the Supreme Court another on July 10. The agency has already said the government’s screening committee which processed applications from firms did not conduct background checks in a process that lacked transparency.

On Thursday, the CBI will question former Coal Secretary HC Gupta who headed that

committee. The government was attacked by the opposition for initially refusing to sanction Mr Gupta’s questioning. It later relented.The CBI needed permission because it is treating Mr Gupta, who is still a government official, as an accused in the case. The two mid-level officials who have been questioned in the Prime Minister’s Office were treated as witnesses, said sources. A CBI press release denied that the agency plans to question TKA Nair, an advisor to the PM, who was the Principal Secretary or the senior-most bureaucrat in the Prime Minister’s Office during the period under investigation.

Naxal couple surrenders in Chhattisgarh, another Maoist held

As the poll is conducted by the Election Commission and as elected representatives to the Tamil Nadu Assembly and voters in the poll, they had every right to exercise their franchise.

As six suspended MLAs of Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) have knocked the doors of the Madras High Court seeking a direction to allow them to vote in the June 27 Rajya Sabha polls from Tamil Nadu, Election Commission sources made it clear that no one can deny them their right to vote.

A senior EC official pointed out that the poll to the Upper House was conducted by the Election Commission and as elected representatives to the Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu and voters in the poll they had every right to exercise their franchise.

Former Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha P.D.T. Acharya told The Hindu in New Delhi on Tuesday that the order of the Speaker suspending them would apply only to the proceedings and

their conduct inside the House and this had nothing to do with their right to vote in the RS poll held by EC. “They have every right to vote under the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and no one can deny them this right,” he said.

When asked whether the MLAs could be denied entry, as they were suspended, and the premises where the poll was going to take place comes within the Assembly precincts, Mr. Acharya said this could not be done as the EC, for convenience had fixed the polling venue there (inside Fort St. George in Chennai). As such the Speaker had no jurisdiction over the venue of poll when election was held there, he said.

The six DMDK MLAs — V.C. Chandhira Kumar, P. Parthasarthi, T. Murugesan, K. Nallathambi, S. Senthilkumar and R. Arulselvam — have filed a petition in the Madras High Court on Tuesday seeking direction from the court for allowing them to vote in the RS poll. They also

Modi on patch-up yatra Meets Advani

countries.

The Defence Minister who was here to attend the foundation laying ceremony of the new Southern Command hospital here, in reply to a question to involve the army in anti-Naxal combat operations, said, “the army’s role is to protect national security. In the anti-Naxal operations it can only offer logistics support and training.”

Asked about the proposal for creating a post of Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC), Antony said the matter had been referred to a committee and the government had not taken any final decision on the issue on which suggestions from political parties too would be invited.

Earlier, the defence minister and the Chief of Army Staff Gen Bikram Singh expressed their satisfaction at the proposed modern medical facilities envisaged in the new command hospital project expected to be completed by 2015.

“The government is committed to welfare and comprehensive health care of the armed forces personnel,” he added.

Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi left all guessing by paying a surprise one hour-long visit to estranged BJP patriarch LK Advani in Delhi on Tuesday wherein he reportedly discussed party’s internal affairs and the JD(U)-BJP split.

BJP strongman Narendra Modi during BJP National Executive meet in Panaji, Goa. PTI Photo It was his first visit to Delhi after his coronation as the head of BJP’s election campaign committee. Modi went straight out of Advani’s Prithviraj Road residence without meeting the media.

However, sources say both the leaders discussed various issues relating to post-JD(U)-BJP split scene and his new role and termed the meeting as good and meaningful.

Modi also spent over an hour with ailing former prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee at his residence after meeting senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi.

“Modiji has come to Delhi to express his gratitude over his recent appointment as chairman of the BJP campaign committee at Goa. He has expressed his gratitude and said he was trying to fulfil the responsibility given to him,” Joshi later said.

tive rescue/evacuation missions and to be prepared in the event of similar natural calamities, apart from advising an awareness creation campaign as well.

The visit of the NDRF team comes on the heels of discussions initiated by Union Minister of State for Human Resources Development Shashi Tharoor with Union Minister of State for Home R.P.N. Singh and National Disaster Management Authority vice-chairman M. Shashidhar Reddy.

Mr. Tharoor, who had earlier held talks with Revenue Minister Adoor Prakash and District Collector K.N. Satheesh had also taken up the is-

Coalgate: CBI to record statement of PM’s Advisor TKA Nair

former Coal Secretary H C Gupta, who recently resigned as member of Competition Commission of India, to appear before it for questioning as an accused in the case on Thursday.

The agency is likely to question him about the clearances for the allocation of coal blocks given by Screening Committee which was chaired by him on several occassions.

Meanwhile, the agency has recorded the statements of two officials--Vini Mahajan and Ashish Gupta--who were posted in the Prime Minister’s Office during 2006 and 2009, the sources said, adding they had been questioned as witnesses in the case.During that period, the Prime Minister was handling the charge of Coal Ministry.

Mahajan, a 1987-batch IAS officer from Punjab cadre, was a Director with the PMO during the period and has now been repatriated back to the state where she is Principal Secretary level officer.

Gupta, an IPS-officer of 1989-batch from Uttar Pradesh cadre, who was the vigilance officer in the PMO, has also gone back to his cadre.

sue of including sea erosions and tidal wave attacks under disasters for which Central assistance is available. A request has been made to the NDMA to include these on the list of calamities for which Central funds are sanctioned, according to a communiqué from Mr. Tharoor’s office here.The NDRF is a national-level para-military agency constituted in 2006 following the enactment of

Speaker suspending them would apply only to the proceedings and their conduct inside the House and this had nothing to do with their right to vote in the RS poll held by EC. “They have every right to vote under the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and no one can deny them this right,” he said.

When asked whether the MLAs could be denied entry, as they were suspended, and the premises where the poll was going to take place comes within the Assembly precincts, Mr. Acharya said this could not be done as the EC, for convenience had fixed the polling venue there (inside Fort St. George in Chennai). As such the Speak-

and broadcasting minister Manish Tewari said, “What is happening in the BJP is their internal matter. It is a civil war situation playing out like reality television.” He indirectly projected Modi as a communal leader.

However, BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said, “Modi is a very popular leader because of his governance, because of his integrity, because of his leadership....”

er had no jurisdiction over the venue of poll when election was held there, he said.

The six DMDK MLAs — V.C. Chandhira Kumar, P. Parthasarthi, T. Murugesan, K. Nallathambi, S. Senthilkumar and R.

the Disaster Management Act, 2005 with the objective of meeting manmade or natural disasters in any part of the country.

Fight against all odds to become unique: A P J Abdul Kalam to children

Former President A P J Abdul Kalam today asked children to fight against all odds to become unique in the society as every child has tremendous potential to become one.

He asked children to set a goal and find a mentor as the first step of their endeavour and strive hard with perseverance to gain knowledge.

“Every child has tremendous potential to become unique and they should fight hardest against till they achieve it,” Kalam told a gathering of children at Summer Fiesta organised by National Bal Bhawan (NBB) here.

Summer Fiesta is organised every year by NBB during which children from every strata gather to participate in creative activities.

Noted personalities are invited to interact with the children.

Terming small aim as “crime”, Kalam said mantra of gaining knowledge is a combination of “creativity, righteousness in heart and courage”.

‘Suspended DMDK MLAs to vote in RS poll’ As the poll is conducted by the Election Commission and as elected representatives to the Tamil Nadu Assembly and voters in the poll, they had every right to exercise their franchise.

As six suspended MLAs of Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) have knocked the doors of the Madras High Court seeking a direction to allow them to vote in the June 27 Rajya Sabha polls from Tamil Nadu, Election Commission sources made it clear that no one can deny them their right to vote.

A senior EC official pointed out that the poll to the Upper House was conducted by the Election Commission and as elected representatives to the Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu and voters in the poll they had every right to exercise their franchise.

Former Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha P.D.T. Acharya told The Hindu in New Delhi on Tuesday that the order of the

Tuesday meeting assumes significance as Advani had resigned from key party posts expressing his displeasure at being sidelined over the Modi issue.

Advani, however, later withdrew his resignation following a telephonic talk with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and persuasion by BJP leaders.

Meanwyhile, commenting on the Modi-Advani meet, information

NDRF team in Thiruvananthapuram to help bridle sea fury

A special unit from the Arakkonam-based battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) reached the State capital on Monday to help tackle sea erosion and tidal wave attack on the coastal belt here.

The unit, a 24-member contingent led by Commandant M.K. Verma will include an Assistant Commandant, four team commanders, and 18 personnel. During the three-day visit to the city, the team is slated to visit affected areas, make assessments, consult with the police, revenue and other officials, and chart out an action plan that the district administration can put in place in times of such crisis to launch effec-

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s advisor T K A Nair will soon be called by the CBI to record his statement in the coal blocks allocation scam case even as the agency summoned as accused former Coal Secretary H C Gupta and quizzed two former PMO officials.

CBI sources said agency will soon call Nair to record his statement as witness in connection with alleged irregularities in the allocations made during 2006 to 2009.

In a related move, CBI has asked

DAILY ZABARWAN TIMES

Arulselvam — have filed a petition in the Madras High Court on Tuesday seeking direction from the court for allowing them to vote in the RS poll. They also challenged the order of the single judge of the High Court who had earlier dismissed their petition that challenged the Speaker’s order suspending them from the House.

The MLAs of DMDK, led by actor-politician Vijayakant, were suspended on March 25, 20123, for a year by Speaker P. Dhanapal, accepting the findings of the Assembly privileges committee and after getting the nod of the House, for allegedly assaulting their fellow MLA from Radhapuram Michael Rayappan, during the Assembly proceedings on February 8. Later, the punishment was reduced to six months by the House.

The participants also asked the former President a wide range of questions, from rocket science to his vision about India being superpower in 2020.

Replying to a question about his ‘Vision 2020’ and taking into account the present situation of the country, Kalam said, “For 2020, we have seven years in hand. If our economy grows by seven to eight per cent (which presently is five to six per cent),

then there is possibility to achieve that goal.”

On how he spends time after leaving Rastrapati Bhavan, Kalam said, “I am working on a project Providing Urban Amenities to Rural Areas (PURA) - which would help six lakh villages of India.

PURA proposes that urban infrastructure and services be provided in rural hubs to create economic opportunities outside of cities.”

Raja Bhaiya agrees for polygraph test

The former Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Raghuraj Pratap Singh alias Raja Bhaiya, has given his consent to undergo a polygraph test in connection with the Kunda DSP Zia-ul-Haque murder case, before the Special CBI court here on Tuesday. The court reserved its order.

Earlier this month, the CBI moved an application in the court, seeking permission for a lie-detector test on Mr. Singh. In the FIR filed by the police officer’s wife, Parveen Azad, the Kunda MLA has been charged with criminal conspiracy.Mr. Singh told reporters that he would assist the CBI. An enquiry should also be con-

ducted to ascertain why his name was dragged into the case.

He had always maintained that he would assist the investigating agency, he said.

Mr. Singh had resigned in the aftermath of the DSP’s murder at Balipur village in the Kunda Assembly constituency in Pratapgarh district on March 2.He was grilled by the CBI on May 15 and 16. Later, the investigating agency filed a charge sheet in the Special CBI court against 14 persons. Mr. Singh’s name was not in the charge sheet. However, next day the CBI moved an application, seeking the court’s permission to conduct a polygraph test on him.

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