E paper Srinagar Kashmir 21st June

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June 21 | 2013 | 11 Shaban 1434 AH | PAGES 12 |

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VOL NO: 3 | iSSUE NO: 149 | 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

DG prisons visits central Jail Srinagar, June 20: The Director General of Prisons, K. Rejendra visited Central Jail, Srinagar today and directed measures for up-gradation of vocational training facilities in the Jail and interacted with the jail inmates regarding the facilities available to them in the jail.

Rajendra stressed upon the Jail authorities for furthering various reformative programmes that can go a long way in making them self reliant so that they cannot face any problem in the society after their release.

He was accompanied by DIG prisons Mohammad Sultan Lone. The DG prisons along with DIG prisons, Dy.Commandant CRPF and Superintendent Central Jail Srinagar, Sh. Mohammad Ayub Bhat took stock of security of the Jail and interacted with Jail inmates.

The DG prisons also enquired from the prisoners about the facilities being provided to them by the Jail authorities. The Jail inmates show their satisfaction over the facilities like medical, diet and other recreational facilities provided to them.

The DG prisons also reviewed the ongoing construction works of the Jail and directed measures for upgrading the vocational training programmes for Jail inmates so that after their release from the Jail they will be able to earn their livelihood and live a respectable life in the society.

The DG prisons also visited ten bedded hospital of the Jail and interacted with the doctors and Para medical staff. He advised the doctors to provide best medical facilities to the jail inmates round the clock.

See DG Prisons on Pg. 11

Telecom services enlarged for Yatris Srinagar, June 20: For the convenience of the pilgrims undertaking the Shri Amarnathji Yatra, which commences on 28th June 2013, the Telecom Department, Govt. of India, has erected special towers at Baltal, Domel, Brarimarg, Holy Cave, Panjtarni, Sheshnag and Chandanwari to ensure that telecom connectivity is available to the Yatris. For all those Yatris who do not possess BSNL connections and those who possess mobiles with pre-paid cards which do not work in the State of J&K, the Telecom Department has given permission to private operators, in addition to BSNL, to provide the interested Yatris pre-paid Sim Cards with a validity of four days.

This arrangement has materialized after the Chairman of the Board,. N. N. Vohra had taken up the matter with the Union Communication Ministry.

Providing details, Navin K. Choudhary, Chief Executive Officer of the Shrine Board (SASB) said that such Sim Cards will be made available only to the registered Yatris at special counters being set up at the Nunwan and Baltal Yatra See Telecom on Pg. 11

Cross LoC traders highlight problems Srinagar, June 20:The Salamabad Chakoti Traders Union today met senior officials from the administration presented their long pending demands before them. The meeting which was held at the Salamabad Trade Centre was attended by President Salamabad Chakoti Traders Union, Javed Ahmad Makroo, Vice President Nazir Ahmad Lone apart from M Iqbal, Irshad Ahmad, Peer Arshad Iqbal, Gh Hassan Lone, Hilal Ahmad Bhat and Mushtaq Ahmad.

The Official delegations comprised DC Baramulla Khwaja Bashir Ahmad, Director Industries and Commerce, Secretary Industries & Commerce, Managing Director SIDCO and other officials.

The traders gave a detailed See Traders on Pg. 11

No mention of increased threat in UHQ: Omar

Yatra 2013: Confusion on threat perception

Zabarwan Times News Srinagar, June 20: Even though the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah dismissed reports of threats to the Amarnath Yatra, separatists have accused the Army and the Union Home Ministry of launching attack propaganda 'to malign Kashmiri Muslims, who are hosting yatris for the past 150 years'.

Apprehending a militant attack, the Army on Tuesday told a local daily that it has launched Operation Shiva to ensure an incident-free annual pilgrimage.

The Army said it has placed multi-level security arrangements and was using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance of the yatra route and the cave shrine.

Besides the Army, 50 companies of paramilitary forces and police would be deployed for security

of the Amarnath Yatra.

This year the pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave shrine will commence simultaneously, from both the Baltal and the Pahalgam routes on June 28 and cul-

Close aides of fake Darvesh still absconding Zabarwan Times News Srinagar, June 20: Close aides of self styled darvesh Gulzar Bhat of Budgam are still on run while the police has failed to trace them even after a month.

Meanwhile, police sources said that SDPO and SHO Khansahab have been relieved from the case whereas the case has been entrusted to Additional Superintendent of Police Budgam Harmeet Singh.

According to reports

the confidant and close aides of Gulzar Bhat especially Noor Mohammad of Hawoora and his two step-brothers Mushtaq Ahmed Dar and Nazir Ahmed Dar are absconding. Mushtaq Ahmed Dar is the one who used to help Gulzar memorizing lectures.

Sources said that most of the other close aides who had been arrested earlier have been released.

A delegation said that SDPO Khansahab was See Absconding on Pg. 11

Hurriyat proposes Indo-Pak summit Srinagar, June 20: Terming the protracted Kashmir-issue as a "political" one, moderate Hurriyat Conference today proposed an Indo-Pak summit on both sides of Line of Control (LoC) to address the issue in the larger interest of friendship, peace and prosperity in the region.

"We propose an Indo-Pak summit wherein the See Hurriyat on Pg. 11

minate on Raksha Bandhan on August 21.

However, the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday dispelled reports about a heightened security threat to the pil-

Zabarwan Times News Ganderbal, June 20: Over 900 trainees at a police training academy in Ganderbal district of Kashmir have allegedly protested against their deployment for Amarnath Yatra duty, official sources said today. Some of the trainees allegedly went on a rampage damaging the Police Training School complex at Manigam last night after they were informed at roll call that they will be deployed for security duty for the Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to begin from June 28, the sources said.

The trainees broke some

Srinagar, June 20: In a significant judgment, Jammu and Kashmir’s rights panel Thursday asked the state government to set up a high-level enquiry commission to identify officials who had failed to handle the Amarnath land row agitation in 2008, leaving 63 protesters dead.

It also directed ex-gratia relief to the injured and kin of those killed.

Disposing of a petition filed by the human rights wing of the moderate Hurriyat group, Javaid Kawoos, member of state human rights commission (SHRC), said in his judgment: “During the incidents which are under consideration, I am of the considered opinion that all the standard operating procedures (SOPs) were thrown to winds by the law enforcing agencies.

“Not to say of adhering to

window panes of the buildings in the complex, they said. Senior police officers of the district rushed to the spot and pacified the agitating trainees, they said. A police spokesman, however, denied that the trainees had refused to go on yatra duty. "They were agitating over the delay in conduct of their passing-out parade as they have completed their training some time back," the spokesman said.

He said the matter has been dealt with. Most of the trainees were recruited during on-the-spot recruitment drive launched by the police department in Srinagar

city and adjoining areas after the summer unrest of 2010.

Police sources said that at least 920 cadets had joined the Training School Manigam in March 2012. “As the rule goes, every recruit after attaining training have to be passed out after nine months. These cadets are languishing in the School from past sixteen months,” one of the police officer said on condition of anonymity.

Reports said that the masked trainees while demanding an immediate passing out parade for them smashed window panes and furniture of the Training

School and even blocked the Srinagar-Leh Highway for hours. The agitated trainees continued their protest whole night and leveled serious allegations against the Principal of the Training School.

The trainees alleged that the Principal of the School is a corrupt official who is devoid of moral principles.

“We are being charged extra amount for everything that we consume in the Canteen. Even the Principal compels us to work for his personal benefits,” one of the trainees said and added that if passing out parade See rampage on Pg. 11

any one of them, they have perhaps straightaway resorted to firing or firing of tear smoke shells directly aimed at the vital parts of the victims which yielded desired result, leaving many dead or many more seriously injured.”

It asked the state government to constitute a highlevel commission of enquiry to “identity the persons who by their omissions and commissions, express or tacit, lapsed and erred in their discharge of official functions”.

“After identifying the erring officers and their lapses, they be dealt with in accordance with the law because if they would have acted at proper time, we would not have witnessed the mayhem,” said the ruling.

The judgment asked the state government to grant ex-gratia relief to the injured and next of kin of all See SHrC on Pg. 11

No change in position on Kashmir: US Agencies Washington, June 20: The United States has said there has been no change in its position on Kashmir and encourages India and Pakistan to resolve its differences bilaterally.

"As always, we encourage cooperation and consultation and discussion between the governments of India and Pakistan," the state department spokeswoman, Jen Psaki, told reporters at her daily news conference.

She was responding to questions on the ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the See US on Pg. 11

implement working group Clashes within NC; Police recommendation: NC appeals PM resorts to lathicharge Srinagar, June 20: National Conference (NC) today made an appeal to the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to implement recommendations of his working group headed by Justice Sageer over restoration of internal autonomy in Jammu and Kashmir.

In a workers convention at Kulgam in south Kashmir the Provincial President Nasir Aslam Wani urged that implementing the recommendations of Justice sageer committee is the need of the hour to end political uncertainty in the state.

In his speech provincial President of the party Nasir Aslam Wani said that it would be for the best interests

of both the state and central governments to implement the recommendation of the working group. He said Prime Minister should show his magnanimity and initiate the process of implementations of the working group Appealing the prime minister to address the aspiration of the people of the state by announcing steps towards the restoration of the autonomy in his ensuing visit Nasir said “The autonomy document has become a legal document now. It has been recommended and passed by state legislature. The document has been endorsed by Justice Sageer also” “It’s time New Delhi should adopt a See NC on Pg. 11

Protest against PDP in Srinagar

Putting their weight behind every action and move of National Conference MLA, Mohammad Akbar Lone, his supporters staged a protest against Peoples Democratic Party on Thursday and alleged that the main opposition party has been leaving no stone unturned in defaming their Legislator. Some of the NC supporters made an unsuccessful attempt to heckle some of the media reporters who posed few questions to NC District President Bandipora which they failed to swallow.

Zabarwan Times News

Police trainees go on rampage in Manigam

Lone supporters hit back Srinagar, June 20:

grims joining the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra.

Reacting to newspaper reports that militants plan to target this year's Amarnath Yatra beginning June 28, the chief minister tweeted: "Talk about confusion within intelligence agencies, nowhere in the UHQ (Unified Headquarters) meeting yesterday (Wednesday) was a mention made of an increased threat yatra."

In another tweet, Omar said, "In fact, I asked a pointed question about whether the threats this year were higher than previous years and the answer was a categorical no." He also criticised media for overplaying the threat. "So, while we will take all the regular precautions with a multi-layer security grid, 'Yatra attack feared' headlines are a gross exaggeration," he said.

See Yatra on Pg. 11

SHRC seeks probe in 2008 Amarnath stir handling

According to reports, more than hundred workers of MLA Sonawari, Mohammad Akbar Lone assembled at Press Enclave Srinagar. The supporters came down heavily on PDP president and patron and danced on the tunes of slogans. ‘Jo karey ga so karey ga, Lone karey ga, Lone karey ga’ (Lone has every right to do anything)’ ‘Lone akeela nahi hai’ (Lone is not alone)” the supporters chanted and clapped in rhythm.

“Our protest is an answer to PDP supporters who staged similar protest on Wednesday.

Lone Sahab being the

representative of the people have every right to respond the allegations and accusations leveled against him and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah,” District President Bandipora Khazir Mohammad Dar told CNS. One of the protestors said that if some will hurl abuses against our Lone Sahab, “he will respond with scores of abuses. We don’t know what Lone Sahab has said in the Board Meeting but we being his supporters know only one thing that he is our leader,” Abdul Majeed Lone said.

See Protest on Pg. 11

Zabarwan Times News Srinagar, June 20: At least four persons were injured in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district when two factions of National Conference (NC) had an altercation with each other while as the situation went out of control when the supporters of one faction tried to hurl chairs and other items on the workers of opposite faction. Police resorted to lathicharge to bring the situation under control.

According to reports, NC

had called a convention at Town Hall Kulgam. Shortly before the arrival of Social

Welfare Minister Sakina Itoo and Provincial See Clashes on Pg. 11

Modi likely to focus on Kashmir at Punjab rally Monitoring Desk Srinagar, June 20: The newly appointed BJP election campaign committee chairman and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi is set to start the party's poll campaign from Punjab. Modi would address a public rally at Madhopur in Pathankot on the Punjab-Jammu and Kashmir border on June 23. The rally will be attended by Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal. It would be Modi's first rally outside Gujarat after being appointed the campaign committee chairman.

The day and venue of the rally holds significance since Jan Sangh founder Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherji's death anniversary falls on June 23.

Mukherji had died under mysterious circumstances in a Srinagar jail in 1953. He was arrested by government for entering Jammu and Kashmir without permit to lodge protest against the separate Constitution.

The sources in the BJP said that Modi is likely to focus on the Article 370 of

the Constitution opposed by the BJP. The permit system for entering Jammu and Kashmir was later abolished.

Article 370 of the Indian Constitution grants special autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Plans to kickstart the campaign from Punjab also favours BJP since the state is ruled by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) - the BJP's alliance partner - representing a minority community.

The campaign starting

from Punjab is being seen as a strategic move by BJP to divert the public attention within the party. The sources said that Modi is likely to speak on India's policy on Kashmir which would also attract the attention of the international media.

The Punjab BJP chief Kamal Sharma said that a rally would be held near the life sized statue of Mukherji to remind people of his sacrifice.

BJP leader and assistant media advisor to the Punjab government, Vineet Joshi said that more than 1 lakh people were likely See Modi on Pg. 11

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11 Friday, 21 June 2013 From Front Page........

Yatra..........

Separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani called for a strike on the day of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Jammu and Kashmir.

"The strike call is against repressive policies of Indian state in Jammu and Kashmir and ever increasing duration of Amarnath Yatra. We want yatra affairs to be handed over to Kashmiri Pandits and its duration should be limited to the original 15 days. You can put bar in Gangotri but not in Kashmir because you think you have muscle power and can push Kashmiris anywhere," Geelani said while addressing a press conference in Srinagar.

On June 26, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi will inaugurate the 18km-long rail-link which will connect Banihal in Jammu with Qazigund in Kashmir.

Meanwhile Jammu and Kashmir unit of CPI(M) today said the issue of security of Amarnath Yatra should not be politicised as it increments the element of uncertainty to the annual pilgrimage which is integral to Kashmir ethos. "The Amarnath Yatra is integral to Kashmiri ethos and during the critical times, the people of Kashmir have whole heartedly cooperated to facilitate the smooth passage of the pilgrimage. It should not be politicised," state secretary CPI(M) M Y Tarigami said in a statement here. Expressing dismay over the attempts being made to give "unnecessary hype" to the security of pilgrims, Tarigami said such assumptions are doing "no service either to the country or to the smooth passage of the pilgrimage". "The security matters pertain to the experts of the field and the same should be left to them to take care of and not be discussed in public," he said. He said the people of Kashmir need not to prove their religious tolerance and have always given their best in terms of hospitality and security of the pilgrims.

SHRC...........

those killed during the disturbances.

“I, after appreciating the whole gamut of 2008 disturbances and the manner in which the law enforcing agencies dealt with the same, recommend that for reasons discussed, the state government/district administration must extend exgratia relief in favour of the next of kin of all the deceased/ injured covered under the category as well.

“This will be the humane approach and extending a helping hand to all the desperate families”.

As many as 63 people had died in bloody clashes between the protesters and security forces when massive protests rocked the Valley over the state government’s controversial allotment of forest land in north Kashmir’s Baltal base camp area to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board.

Although the allotment order was later rescinded, the then Congress-People’s Democratic Party (PDP) coalition government, headed by Congress’s Ghulam Nabi Azad lost power after the PDP pulled out of the alliance.

Absconding...........

pursuing this case vehemently and he had succeeded in getting the most of the close aides of fake Darvesh arrested.

“We are surprised on what basis he along with the SHO Khansahab was relieved from the case,” they said demanding stern action against the close aides of Gulzar Bhat.

When contacted additional SP Budgam Harmeet Singh refused to talk about the subject. “We are nolt authorized to speak on any subject. It is our media cell which is permitted to talk about anything,” he said.

Meanwhile, the court is scheduled to announce the final decision on the bail pleas on three women accomplices of fake darvesh on June 24.

Rampage...........

will not be organized quickly they will again come on roads.

Another trainee said that they were forced to guard roads and streets at different places of Kashmir Valley after the execution of Mohammad Afzal Guroo. “That time we were promised that they will be relieved soon from the Training School but nothing was done in that regard.

Reports said that police personnel from Ganderbal and Kangan police stations were called to subside the protests and they resorted to lathicharge and teargas shelling which left scores of cadets injured. The trainees shouted slogans against the school principal, alleging moral turpitude, financial corruption and use of abusive language.

The cadets damaged canteens and windowpanes at the barracks. Top police officials reached Training School and played a key role in pacifying the protestors. A police official said that the trainees had been agitating against the delay in their passing out parade.

US..........

line of control. "Our position has not changed on Kashmir.

And those discussions are up to the governments of India and Pakistan," Psaki said.

Hurriyat..........

leadership of two countries along with Kashmiris can sit together to move forward and address the Kashmir (problem)," Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umer Farooq said addressing a seminar at Amalgam headquarters here. A proposed summit in Srinagar and Muzaffarabad (capital of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir) could be a big leap forward, he said. Apparently referring to the scheduled visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to inaugurate the Qazigund-Banihal section of Kashmir rail project next week, Mirwaiz said "Kashmir is a political problem which cannot be solved by economic packages or rail services.

"Kashmir issue needs political will and political approach for resolution. You need a road map and we feel it lies with the Kashmiris," he said

NC.........

path of reaching out to the people by endorsing the demand of the national Conference,” he said.

“Every party has its own agenda, and we respect that.

Similarly NC has its own and restoration of autonomy is not only a demand but also a mission for which our leadership and workers have given countless sacrifices. No party at the centre and state has given as many sacrifices, as our party has, so when we demand restoration of Autonomy we reflect the genuine aspiration of the people

Daily of the state,” he said.

“NC has always stressed upon New Delhi and Islamabad that all groups irrespective of their political ideology should be involved in the process of dialogue this will help in getting a broader consensus to address the issue of Kashmir” he said.

He said no one can guarantee permanent peace and normalcy in the state unless all parties are involved “It is for larger interests for both neighboring countries to continue the dialogue but it should yield some result,” he said. Our resolve is strong like a rock and the party will never compromise on the autonomy document.

The document is the lifeline of the party and hope of people of entire state. The document has been endorsed by people of all the regions of the state.

Clashes...........

President Nasir Aslam Wani, scores of workers from two factions of the party led by one Safdar Khan and the other by Imran Nabi Dar had a scuffle and exchanged blows freely. Eyewitnesses said that clashes started soon after the supporters of one of the factions claimed that their leader has been nominated as candidate for the 2014 Assembly Elections. The supporters of the other faction objected and soon there started a scuffle between the two groups. Police charged with canes on the workers and dispersed them. Some of the injured have been identified as Abdul Rashid Raina, Tariq Ahmed and Noor Mohammad Khan.

Later on while talking to reporters, senior NC leader Nasir Aslam Wani said that it is the prerogative of High Command to select any able leader who could contest from the district Kulgam.

Modi.........

to attend the massive show. Vineet Joshi said that the party leaders had been camping at Madhopur for making arrangements for the rally.

Anticipating rain, waterproof tents had been erected while the party has made arrangement for the stay and food for workers coming from the far-flung areas in Punjab and other parts of the state. He said that people and BJP workers from areas adjoining Punjab including Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir and Kangra in Himachal Pradesh are also expected to attend the rally.

The sources, meanwhile, said that about 2000 buses would be ferrying people to the venue from different parts of the state and adjoining areas.

The Congress in Punjab termed the proposed rally as an "apparent attempt" to divide both northern states on 'communal lines.' Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Partap Singh Bajwa said that Gujarat CM chose Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir to whip up communal tension.

Protest..........

There was an altercation between the media men and supporters of Lone when on the sidelines of the protest a reporter asked the district president did he support Lone for using unparliamentary language. “We know you media men are the supporters of PDP and trying to defame Lone Sahab. Lone is at liberty and he can do anything, stop him if you can,” one of the ardent supporters of Mohammad Akbar Lone retorted.

However, the situation was brought under control after the intervention of other supporters of National Conference.

DG Prisons........

The visit to Central Jail, Srinagar was in continuance to the series of visits by the Director General of Prison to the District Jail. Yesterday the DG Prisons visited the Anantnag jail for seeking on the ground feedback from the jail inmates about the facilities available to them.

Telecom..........

Base Camps. These cards will be operative only for four days, to cover the pilgrims journey to the Shrine, from either route, and will automatically deactivate thereafter.

Choudhary further informed that all Yatris who are interested in obtaining the pre-paid connection must produce the counterfoil of the Yatra Registration Slip as well as proof of identity, address and UID card at the special counters.

Traders..........

explanation of the problems faced by them apart from putting forth certain suggestions for improving the trade process. Among other issues, the ban on trade of Coconut was discussed and the traders told the official delegation that they had faced losses to the tune of Rs 7 crore due to the ban. The traders also highlighted their problems with regard to lack of proper communication facilities with the official delegation. According to the spokesman of the Traders Union, he officials assured them that their problems will be taken up with higher authorities for redressal. The traders expressed satisfaction over the assurance and hoped that the authorities actually resolve their pressing issues.

Power shutdown on June 22, 23, 24, 26 S r i n a g a r, J u n e 2 0 : According to Power Controller, Power Dev. Department, Kashmir, in order to carry out routine maintenance and branch cutting, power supply from the 33 KV Feeder Wa n g a n p o r a - B A M K , Wanganpora-Khanyar shall be affected on June 24, 2013 from 09 a.m. to 06 p.m. and Wanganpora-Soura shall be affected on June 26, 2013 from 09 a.m. to 06 p.m.

Meanwhile, in order to carry out branch cutting of trees in the corridor and maintenance of Rawalpora-

Silk Factory 33 KV line and Budgam-Budgam 33 KV line, power supply from these lines shall be affected on June 22, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 04 p.m. and June 23, 2013 from 09 a.m to 01 p.m.

Respectively. In another communication from the department, in order to carry out branch cutting of trees in the corridor and maintenance of RawalporaBudgam 33 KV line, power supply from the 33 KV line Rawalpora-Budgam shall be affected on June 22, 24 and 26, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 04 p.m.

ZABARWAN TIMES

Crucial PHE schemes worth Rs 2.50 crore pending Zabarwan Times News Srinagar: In a startling revelation, three crucial flagship schemes under Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Program Scheme are pending in Kashmir, while there is no exact data of casual and daily-wager employees in PHE and Irrigation department.

Taking strong note of the development, Minister for PHE and Irrigation today directed his officials to frame the list of all daily-rated and casual labor employees within five days so that a comprehensive policy could be framed to address their issues. Sources said that development surfaced during a review meeting chaired by concerned minister Shyam Lal Sharma and MoS PHE and Irrigation Nazir Gurezi at a guest house here. During the representation presented by the officials of PHE, it was noticed that crucial flagship schemes under AIBP have not been implemented due to no financial support from the Government of India. The Minister took serious note of the issue and

directed the top officials of the PHE to work out a plan so that all technical hitches are cleared and the scheme is implemented.

According to officials of PHE, at least three projects under AIBP worth Rs 2.50 crore continue to remain grounded following some technical hitches. An official told KNS that these schemes were supposed to be launched at Grimtoo in Kulgam, Lar in Budgam and Zainageer in Sopore.

The Minister directed the officials to work out the modalities so that the technical hitches are cleared and these schemes are implemented on ground without any further delay. Another issue that cropped up in the meeting was that officials were reluctant to produce the data related to the number of casual and daily rated workers, their appointment and nature of job in the PHE department.

“I need to know the exact number of these people. We need to compensate those who are working in real sense.

Those who are not working need to be shown the door,” Sham told the

officials. He set five days deadline to the officials for producing the exact number of daily wagers and casual labourers.

MoS PHE and Irrigation Nazir Gurezi insisted that there should be a week’s deadline, but Sham said since the matter was urgent in nature, the data has to be available with him within five days.

Sham also shouted at the officer who sought more time for framing the list.

“We have waited for six months, what more time are you seeking,’ Sham told the officer.

The Minister also directed the officers to focus on revenue collection from the commercial centre. Sources privy to the meeting told KNS, said that Sham said at least Rs 400 crore revenue could be realized. “We have 14000 commercial water connections and if we recover the revenue from all these connections that would fetch us revenue in millions. So for a time being, we should not focus domestic consumers as we have to catch the big fish,” Sham said.

Tourism Panel of Subordinate Legislation Committee holds meeting, discusses Casual labours seek justice Rules, Acts pertaining to PDD Srinagar, June 20: A meeting of the Committee on Subordinate Legislation of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly was held under the Chairmanship of MLA, Advocate Abdul Haq Khan here today.

The meeting was attended by the Legislators, Mr. Mushtaq Ahmed Shah and Engineer Abdul Rashid.

Threadbare discussion was held on J&K Electricity Act 2010, Status of Rules or J&K Electricity Act 2010, the Jammu and Kashmir Energy Conservation Act 2011, Status of Rules, the Jammu and Kashmir Electricity Duty Act 1963

and other Subordinate up the cases, if any, Legislation relevant to r e g a r d i n g E l e c t r i c P o w e r D e v e l o p m e n t Accident Compensation Department (PDD). cases pending in the Earlier, the Principal Department. It also Secretary, PDD, Mr. A. K. directed them to ensure M e h t a b r i e f e d t h e circulation of Government Committee about the Order No. 328-PDD of activities of the depart- 2011 Dated 24-11-2011 ment and the measures along with government taken to update the Rules, order No 174-F of 2012 Regulations and Acts dated 6. 7. 2012 to the related to the Department. lowest level. Among It was informed in the others, Development meeting that the establish- Commissioner Power, Mr. m e n t o f F o r u m f o r Asgar Ali, Director, Redressal of Grievances Planning (PDD), Special a n d O m b u d s m a n i s Secretary Assembly Mr. pending for want of M u l a k h R a j S i n g h , approval from the Finance Additional Secretary Law, D e p a r t m e n t . T h e officers of PDD and Committee directed the Assembly Secretariat PDD authorities to speed attended the meeting.

Srinagar, June 20: Leveling allegations against Director Tourism for showering undue favours to some of his blueeyed workers, scores of casual labours staged protest at Press Enclave Srinagar on Thursday.

The protestors carrying placards and banners depicting various slogans about the injustices done to them by Tourism Department said that they have been working as casual labours from last eight to ten years and now the department has disengaged them. They said that Director Tourism Kashmir through a verbal order asked us to vacate from the department while the fact is that the said Director engaged some of his blue-eyed persons who are drawing even salary from the department.

Man ends life in Anantnag Interaction for empowerment Srinagar, June 20: One substance at his home. of Panchayats in Budgam person committed suicide He was shifted to Sub

i n Ve r i n a g a r e a o f Anantnag District last evening, police said 27 years old, Khalid Hussain Bhat son of Ghulam Hussain resident of Chontipora, Verinag, in the jurisdiction of Police Station Verinag consumed some poisonous

District Hospital, Anantnag where he breathed his last. The body of Khalid was handed over to his relatives for last rites.

Anantnag police has initiated inquest proceedings under section 174 CrPC in this regard.

Body recovered in Srinagar Srinagar, June 20: An unidentified male body age about 35 years was recovered from river Jehlum at Batiyar Aali Kadal, in the jurisdiction

of Police Station M.R Gunj.

Srinagar Police has initiated inquest proceedings under section 174/CrPC in this regard.

Workshop on NPR and Biometric enrolment of residents

Budgam, June 20: A workshop on Biometric enrolment for National Population Register (NPR) for collecting specific information of each resident for obtaining multipurpose smart (Aadhaar) card was organized in the Conference Hall under the Chairmanship of District Dev. Commissioner, Budgam, Mr. Khurshid Ahmad Shah here today.

Joint Chief Principal Census Officer, J&K State, C.S. Sapru presided in the daylong workshop which was also attended

by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Deputy Director Evaluation, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, all the Tehsildars, Executive

Officers besides others concerned. The Joint Chief Principal Census O ff i c e r b r i e f e d t h e participants about NPR and its importance. He urged upon the officer and other concerned to render full cooperation to the teams of Census Department to get the work completed in stipulated period. Highlighting the objectives of this scheme, Mr. Sapru said this will enable to create a comprehensive identity database with full identification and other details by registering each person for targeting of benefits and services available under 26 Government schemes and programmes including direct cash transfer to the card holder.

Budgam, June 20: An interaction program was conducted by the nodal officer Panchayati Raj Institution, Additional District Development Commissioner, Budgam, Ghulam Mohi ud Din Bhat in which about 200 Panchs and Sarpanchs from block Nagam and Chadura at auditorium of Boys Higher Secondary School, Nagam.

The interaction program was chaired by MLC Ali Mohammad Dar. Other than BDO Nagam and BDO Chadura, blocks, Tehsil officers of 14 line departments also attended the interaction program.

While speaking on the

occasion Sarpanchs of various halqas brought forth matters of public importance.

Identification of beneficiaries for various programs implemented by rural development, social welfare and various social security is devolved to Panchayats as per government directions stressed the MLC and asked to work for the people at grass root level to improve their socio-economic status.

ADDC Budgam while interacting with the Panchs and Sarpanchs stressed that the development activities shall be given fillip by the active participation in the respective areas.

In the Court of Sub Judge at Chadoora

Present: Mr. JavaidAlam In the case of: Residents of Alamdar Bagh, Gopalpora, Kralpora, Dharambugh, Zanipora (Dooniari) Hanjura, Dadoompora, Brenwar etc through Abdul Rashid Hanjura Advocate R/o Alamdar Bagh Colony Gopalpora, Tehsil Chadoora, District Budgam. (Plaintiff) V/s 1) State of Jammu & Kashmir through Chief Secretary J&K Government Civil Secretariat Srinagar; 2) Chief Engineer Public Health Engineering Division Kashmir, Srinagar; 3) Chief Engineer Electric Maintenance Circle Kashmir, Srinagar, 4) Chief Engineer Public Works (R&B) Kashmir, Srinagar; 5) Director ERA J&K, Boulward Dalgate, Srinagar; 6) Director Floriculture J&K, Emporium Garden, Srinagar; 7) Secretary/Commissioner Revenue Department J&K Government, Srinagar; 8) Public Commissioner Budgam; 9) Secretary/Commissioner Housing and Urban Development J&K Government, Civil Secretariat, Srinagar; 10) Director Horticulture Department Kashmir, Srinagar; 11) Commissioner/Secretary Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution J&K Government, Srinagar. (Defendants) Suit for Declaration and Mandatory Injunction in common interest under order 1 Rule 8 Cpc.

Notice to General Public

Whereas, the plaintiff has filed a suit against the defendants in a representative capacity under Order I Rule 8 CPC as mentioned above.

The public at large is hereby informed through the medium of this publication that if any person(s) has/have any objection regarding the matter titled above. He/she/they may appear before this court by or before 26-06-2013 to file objections, otherwise, an appropriate Order will be passed under law. Given under my hand seal of this court today on 11-06-2013.

Sub-Judge, Chadoora BNA

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

Sagar asks students to contribute in Nation Building SRINAGAR, JUNE 20Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Ali Mohammad Sagar has asked the student community to come forward and contribute their bit in Nation building.

The Minister was speaking at a cheque distribution function organized by the Department of Social Welfare to distribute cheques worth Rs. 7.89 lakh among 355 students of Khanyar constituency under pre-matric scholarship for minority students introduced by the Central Government.

Sagar said that the Government has introduced several schemes for the welfare of the youth so that they can effectively pursue their academic studies in a proper way. He said that they should come forward and avail the maximum benefits from these schemes so that the benefits reach to the targeted populace.

Arun Manhas and senior officers of Rural The Minister said that the youth of the bring laurels to the state and city as well”, state have a tremendous potential to excel the Minister maintained. He said that the Development Department were present. role of youth has become manifold in naThe Minister directed the officers to in every field and the need of the hour is to channelize the same in a proper and coor- tion building as they constitute a big chunk speed up the implementation of this flagof the population of the country. ship programme which would go a long dinated manner. He said that the students The Minister later convened a meetway in ensuring the people living in rural of our state have proved their metal in difof National Rural Livelihood Mission and far-flung areas get the much needed ferent spheres of life is itLone academic or sports News Agencying Kangan Khan News Agency Ganderbal (NRLM) to discuss the status of its impleemployment opportunities at their doorrelated activities.“We have to understand Gulzar News Agency Soura Commissioner Secretary, Zahid Book Depot Chadoora mentation.

Rural steps.

He said that this programme would that in present world of globalization, the Farooq Ahmad Peer, News Mis- Agency go a long way in elevating the socio-ecoNewslevels AgencyDevelopment, Hawal Bashir Nowhatta youth have to competeTariq at different Director NRLM, Bazar Bashir Budshah Ahmad Bhat, profile rural areas by augmenting Aliwith News sion Agency Alamgari Newsnomic Agency LalofChowk and they should equipMuzaffar themselves Additional Mission Director NRLM, Dr. the economy of these areas. the necessary knowledge and expertise Abdullah NewstoAgency Lal Chowk Sikendar News Agency Lal Chowk

Zabarwan Times is available at

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 SRINAGAR, JUNE 20: Jeelani News Agency Baramulla Shah News Agency Kupwara Chairperson, J&K Commission for WomenYounis Mrs. News Agency Langate Reshi News Agency Islamabad Shamima Firdous inaugurated fencing and lighting sys- News Agency Tral Turray tem installed along the Dal Rahi News Agency Kulgam Lake at Abi-buchwara Dal Rah News Agency Byepass Gate here today. The fencing work has been completed by spending Rs. 7.5 lakh while as Rs. 5.50 lakh have been utilized for installation of lights along the Dal for the beautification of Dal in the area.The Chairperson also distributed cheques amounting to Rs. 35,000 as scholarship among the students local school of the Constituency.Earlier, Mrs. Shamima conducted an extensive tour of Habba Kadal Constituency and took stock of the peoples’ problems.

She visited Abi-Buchwara, Dal Gate, Suranti Mohalla, Gulab Mohalla and adjoin-

Exposure tour of sheep breeding farmers flagged off SRINAGAR, JUNE 20: District Sheep Husbandry Officer, Srinagar today flagged off 30 progressive sheep breeders for one day advance awareness tour from Srinagar to Sheep Breeding Farm, Kralpathri located in the outskirts of district Budgam.The tour was arranged by the Department for sheep breeders under centrally sponsored scheme ATMA to encourage the progressive farmers towards sheep rearing industry. The farmers during the tour were acquainted with profitable and better sheep rearing technology skills to enhance the sheep production.District Sheep Husbandry Officer, Srinagar apprised breeders about the schemes that are specially designed to encourage.

ing areas of Dal Gate during the tour.Responding to the demands, Mrs. Shamima said that the government is aware about their problems and various initiatives have been initiated to redress

The Minister of State for Science Technology and Information Technology Feroz Ahmad Khan has asked the JAKEDA authorities to gear up the field functionaries to ensure that the people of the State get optimum benefits of the schemes launched by the central and state governments under New and Renewable Energy Department.These instructions were given by the Minister while chairing a meeting of JAKEDA convened to review the functioning of the agency and the status of 6 Mini and Micro Hydel Power Projects having a cumulative capacity of 9.95 MW here today. These projects have already been taken up on IPP mode in the first phase.The Minister asked the concerned to follow the method of identification anddistribution strictly as per the norms set by the Department of Science and Tech-

their grievances. The locals of the area met the Chairperson and apprised her about the problems being faced by them which include Foot bridge, Electric poles and Water supply.

nology and ensure that the deserving beneficiaries get benefitted. He also instructed them for timely distribution of the procured solar systems to avoid there any damage.

Feroz also asked the authorities of JAKEDA to submit the

list of installed Solar Power Plants, new identified sites for construction Mini and Micro Hydel Power Projects to the Science and Technology Department for further course of action. The meeting was informed that the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has sanc-

Annual Urs Hazarat Shah Mohammad Farid-Ud-Din Thousands from within, outside state throng shrine KISHTWAR, JUNE 20: A large number of devotees from across the state and outside today paid obeisance here on the first day of the annual Urs at the Hazarat Shah Mohammad Farid-Ud-Din Shrine .A large number of devotees started gathering at the shrine since early morning as the Annual Urs Sharief of Hazarat Shah Mohammad Farid-UdDin at Ziarat complex began with religious fervor.The Urs of Shah Mohammad Farid –Ud- Din is observed every year on 7th Har Vikrami Samvat Calande,r usually falling

on June 19 or 20.Meanwhile, District Administration, in collaboration with the Auqaf Islamia, has made elaborate arrangements for the peaceful and hassle free celebration of the annual Urs. District Development Commissioner Kishtwar , Saleem Mohammad has enjoined upon all the line departments to work in coordination and make available adequate facilities entrusted to each of them.

He called for adequate transport, proper management of the traffic, provision for safe drinking water, Sanitation and uninterrupted power supply, besides maintenance of cleanliness in the town in general and around the shrine in particular.The Municipal Committee has given a facelift to the township and launched a cleanliness drive as a part of arrangements decided by the district administration.

RAMSOO, JUNE 20 Minister of State for Revenue and Relief, Ajaz Ahmed Khan and Minister of State for Technical Education, Vikar Rasool Wani, today addressed a mammoth gathering during a public meeting held at sports ground Ramsoo.

The Ministers also inaugurated the Nayabat Building complex at Ramsoo constructed at a cost of Rs. 54 lakh.

Ajaz Khan informed the people that Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, Chair Person Sonia Gandhi and Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah would dedicate the Prestigious BanihalQuzikund Rail Link project to people of Jammu and Kashmir on 25th June.

The Minister announced Settlement Tehsil office for Ramsoo and asked the Tehsildar Banihal to attend the camp office Ramsoo once in a week. He directed the ADC to settle the pending land compensation cases as early as possible.

While speaking on the occasion, Vikar Rasool said that UPA government has taken concrete initiatives for development of women, children and weaker sections of the society. In this regard, the government has initiated UMEED for women empowerment, he added.

He highlighted the demands and problems being faced by the people related to revenue and other departments which included Sub Divisional Magistrate office for Banihal, Tehsil status for Ramsoo, Nayabat for Neel, Khari and Ukhral etc.Secretary Revenue Department, Vinod Koul, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Ramban, Bashir Khan, ACR and various officers of different Departments, Sarpanchs and Panchs were present on the occasion.

Government to introduce High-tech tourism infrastructure at Pahalgam: Mir

Minister during detailed visit of Pahalgam, While inspecting various undergoing developmental works and further added that to expose the natural beauty of Kashmir throughout the world, Government is taking various steps including its publicity through various means.

Minister said that steps will be taken to create high-tech infrastructure at all tourist places including Pahalgam, so that more and more local as well as foreign tourists are attracted towards these places for which he

Feroz reviews functioning of JAKEDA

SRINAGAR, JUNE 20:-

Ajaz, Vikar inaugurate Nayabat complex at Ramsoo, hold public meet

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 ANANTNAG, JUNE 20Reyaz News Agency Pampore Minister for tourism Javaid News Agency Qazigund Ghulam Ahmed Mir today G.M News Agency Soporesaid that Government is taking every possible step for Sultan News Agency Handwara developing the existing tourSheikh News Agency Islamabad ism related infrastructure by Three Way News Agency Tral using high-tech expertise at Badru News Agency Bijbehara world famous health resort Pahalgam.

Malik News Agency Arwani Shaheen News Agency KargilThis was stated by the

Shamima inaugurates fencing, lighting system at Abi-buchwara Dal Gate

DDC issues Prohibition orders around Langerial Temple KATHUA, JUNE 20:- Additional District Magistrate (ADM), Kathua, S.P Rukwal in exercise of powers vested upon him under section 144 Cr P C; today declared. 300 meters area around the Mata Vaishno Devi Mandir Langerial, (Dayala chak) Hiranagar as dry area thus prohibiting drinking of alcohol (except in the bar room of dak-bungalow), eating of meat, use of tobacco and narcotic drugs etc in the area.Performing of funeral rites (except in the cremation ground) has also been totally prohibited. Parking of vehicles on mandir side or in its way is also prohibited.

Srinagar |friday

tion installation of 20,000 No of Solar Photo Voltic (SPV), Home Lighting System under General Category for Jammu & Kashmir with a central financial assistance of 30 per cent , 20 per cent under state plan and balance 50 percent by the

beneficiaries. The purchase committee has approved Rs. 10,880 per Solar Home Light, the meeting was informed.

As many as 19,825 systems have been distributed among the beneficiaries of 20 districts of the state against the target of 20,000 under general category.

sought public cooperation.

He added that the beauty of Kashmir only needs publicity besides, participation of private sector for creating Tourist infrastructure.

Minister also inspected the on-going renovation work of Pahalgam Golf course and instructed the concerned officers to make it a pivotal attraction for both local and foreign tourists. He

also visited the famous sun temple of North India at Mattan Anantnag and took stock of the preparations there with regard to coming SANJY 2013.

Mir held a detailed discussion about the arrangements and requirements with the temple Management he instructed the concerned officers to make the faulty lights operational both in the temple premises and Mattan Town, so that devotees do no face any problem.

Many local delegations also put their demands before the minister during interaction, who assured them of early rederssal of their problems.

Minister also paid obeisance at Ziyarat Sharif Sheikh Zain-ud-Din wali R.A. at Aishmuqam during the visit.

Section 144 Cr. P.C ordered around Examination Centres in Bandipora, Baramulla BANDIPORA, JUNE 20: For smooth conduct of Annual 10th class examination being conducted by the Board of School Education (BOSE) with effect from June 25, 2013 and also to curb the tendency of external interference, District Magistrate, Bandipora has ordered imposition of Section 144 Cr. P.C around a radius of 200 meters of all the Examination Centres in the district. This order shall remain in force till the examinations are over.

As such, no any person except the examiners/supervisory staff and the deployed security force personnel, would be allowed to enter within 200 meter radius of the examination

centres.

Meanwhile, for smooth conduct of examination of Elementary Teachers Training Course (ETTC) being conducted by the Board of School Education (BOSE) and also to curb the tendency of external interference, District Magistrate, Baramulla has ordered imposition of Section 144 Cr. P.C around a radius of 200 meters of all the Examination Centres in the district.

This order shall remain in force till the examinations are over.As such, no any person except the examiners/supervisory staff and the deployed security force personnel, would be allowed to enter within 200 meter radius of the examination centres.

Irfan Chairs Privilege Committee meeting SRINAGAR, JUNE, 20:A meeting of Committee on Privileges of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly was held under the Chair-

against the Director Health Kashmir.

Director Health Kashmir, Dr. Saleem-ur-Rehman briefed the Committee about the factual position and re-

in this regard in next meeting.

Legislators, Peer Afaq Ahmed, Mushtaq Ahmed Shah, Sham Lal Choudhary and Abdul Razak Wagay gave

21 .6.2013

HOROSCOPE Aries

March 21-April 19 If you don’t say exactly what you mean today, Aries, you might get into trouble. Don’t compromise your values just to maintain the peace. Love and romance are favorable for you, but only if your attitude is relaxed and carefree. Your emotions will be quite strong, so do your best to balance them with a rational frame of mind.

Taurus April 20-May 20

Today is apt to be favorable for you, Taurus. You should keep the lines of communication open so you can spread your knowledge to others and receive the important information that is due to come your way.

Your energy might come in erratic yet powerful bursts.

You should find that your ego and emotions are quite strong.

Gemini May 21-June 21

You might feel a bit restless today, Gemini. You may want to get the word out to others. Unfortunately, your tongue may be tied and it could be hard for you to express yourself exactly the way you want. Balance is key.

You should work to foster harmony among your associates. This is a good time to get out and be social.

Cancer June 22-July 22

If you keep waiting for things to happen, Cancer, you may wake up one morning and realize that your life has passed and you never did half the things you dreamed of doing. The time to take action is now. Put your plan into effect. You may need to make some compromises, but you will find that, in general, people will follow your lead.

Leo

July 23-August 22 Remind your loved ones how much they mean to you today, Leo. Words are especially powerful. Don’t use them lightly. Be thoughtful about how you treat others. Do your best to maintain peace. It isn’t a good idea to hold grudges or carry hatred for anyone. Good manners and a neat appearance are key elements to the day.

Virgo

August 23-September 22

Feel free to express your independent attitude today, Virgo. Break out of any restrictions that might be keeping you from doing what you want to do. Also, make sure you aren’t compromising your own needs for those of others. Things should naturally flow your way, and you should be in a good mood for most of your waking hours. Smile at the people around you.

Libra

September 23-October 23 Have fun today and don’t be so serious about anything, Libra. This is a good time to lay low and enjoy the scenery. Go to a movie or see a play. Go to a party and celebrate. Dress up in your most attractive garb and go in for the kill. This is a day to be talkative, lighthearted, and social. Heavy emotional issues will only weigh down the positive mood.

Scorpio

October 24-November 21 You can do no wrong today, Scorpio. In fact, you can navigate through the cracks without anyone noticing. You may find that you would rather be up on center stage. This is fine, too, just as long as the choice is yours. Independence is a key theme for you today. You will find that the more you can break free, the better your mood will be.

Sagittarius November 22-December 21

Have some fun today, Sagittarius. It’s time to balance all the work you’ve been doing with a little bit of fun. Yesterday’s honest efforts are turning into today’s rewards. There’s no need to be shy when it comes to receiving what is rightfully yours. Be proud of your accomplishments. If you can’t find someone to take you out to dinner, take yourself out!

Capricorn December 22-January 19

The pace will be jumping today and your wit and cheerful words will be welcomed in almost every setting you enter, Capricorn. Do things with others and see what kind of “trouble” you can stir up together. This is a time to get out and be social. Beautiful things and relaxing music are all favored on a day like this. You can do no wrong by just being your usual, outlandish self!

Aquarius January 20-February 18

Many people may have a great deal to say today, Aquarius, but you could find that you’d rather sit and listen. Feel free to do so. A lot of what’s going around is gossip, so you might not want to get involved at all.

This is probably a wise move. Keep your nose clean and simply absorb what you hear. Feel free to filter out anything that doesn’t sit right with you.

Pisces

February 19-March 20 manship of MLA, Mohammad Irfan Shah here today.

The Committee discussed and examined the breach of Privilege notice given by MLA Pahalgam, Rafi Ahmed Mir

quested the Committee to drop the Privilege Notice leveled against him.

The Panel satisfied with the reply decided that the Committee will take decision

their valuable suggestions to make the functioning of the Committee viable and result oriented.Among others, officers of Assembly Secretariat attended the meeting.

Don’t be selfish today, Pisces. This is a time to think about others. Instead of plowing ahead with a project by yourself, consider enlisting the help of a partner or friend. Things are better accomplished cooperatively, regardless of how badly you may want to do something on your own. The effort put out by a team will produce unexpected results that prove quite favorable.

Editorial/Opinion The Daily

Zabarwan Times Friday, 21 June 2013

War against AFSPA

P

olitical leadership in Kashmir-both mainstream and separatists-are fuming over the statement of Army on Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). The latest statements have not gone well gone well with the people as well as the politicians in Kashmir. The separatist camp in particular is fuming over the statement. It is an established fact that AFSPA has been randomly used by the security forces to curb separatism throughout India and grave human rights violations have been committed in its garb. An iron-lady has been fighting AFSPA all alone and she has been released and then re-arrested for attempting to commit suicide at least sixteen times in the past decade. Irom Sharmila’s is no ordinary suicide attempt. She has been on hunger strike for almost 13 years, protesting draconian piece of legislation AFSPA that is in effect in parts of India's northeast and also in Jammu and Kashmir. Not a morsel of food has passed through her mouth since November 2000. Pitted against the physically frail but steely Sharmila is the mighty Indian state, ever willing to use force to ensure India's territorial integrity. Sharmila is no secessionist, she simply demands that the Indian state repeal the AFSPA. The AFSPA gives India's armed forces the power to shoot-at-sight and arrest without a warrant. It empowers even non-commissioned officers or jawans to shoot to kill on the basis of mere suspicion, as well as the right to destroy property where suspects are thought to be hiding. The act provides the armed forces with legal immunity. Section 6 saying, "no prosecution, suit or other legal proceeding shall be instituted ... against any person in respect of anything done or purported to be done in exercise of the powers conferred by this act".

The anti-AFSPA movement say the act has enabled the armed forces to engage in gross human-rights violations in the northeast and Jammu and Kashmir, in the name of fighting insurgencies. They say it is a virtual license to kill. Sharmila's epic fast-unto death began on November 4, 2000, three days after 10 people were gunned down near Imphal in Manipur by the Assam Rifles, a paramilitary force engaged in counter-insurgency operations in the strifetorn northeast. Sharmila was a witness. The army has since kept her alive by feeding her through a painful nasal drip. Fasting-untodeath as a strategy of peaceful protest was used

by Mahatma Gandhi to end British colonial rule - India gained its independence in 1947. The strategy continues to be used by Indian politicians and activists. But skeptics say that the "hunger strike" most Indian politicians take on begins after a hearty breakfast and is broken before dinner. More often than not, the government concedes to their demands. This is not the case with Sharmila - the government shows no signs of relenting. Though she says it is not her intention to die, her hunger strike has been declared an "attempted suicide" - a crime.

Under Indian law, attempted suicide carries a maximum punishment of one year in jail.

Consequently, she is held in judicial custody for a year and released, after which she is rearrested within a day. This ritual of arresting, releasing and re-arresting Sharmila has been going on for the past decade. This year, the ritual was enacted for the sixteenth time.

Sharmila was freed from judicial custody on Monday and re-arrested on Wednesday. Now she is back on her nasal drip in a prison hospital.

Sharmila is not alone in her protest. The campaign against the AFSPA is spearheaded by the Abunba Lup, an umbrella grouping of around 32 organizations, the Meira Paibi - a grassroots movement of tens of thousands of Manipuri village women - and rights activists. The overwhelming majority of the people in the northeast and the state of Jammu and Kashmir want to see the act repealed. There is little evidence to suggest that the AFSPA has helped quell the insurgency in northeast India. Fiftyeight years after it was enacted, the areas where the AFSPA is needed have only expanded.

There were four insurgent groups active in Manipur in 1980 when AFSPA was imposed, today there are some 24 groups in the area.

A

ZABARWAN TIMES 9

Friday, 21 June 2013

Asia’s Urban Future

sia, is at the threshold of a major urban transition. Over the past two decades, Asia’s urban population has increased from 836 million to 1.56 billion, registering an extraordinarily large increase of 87 per cent. Asia’s share in total global urban population has risen during the same period from 42% to 50%, and is poised to rise to 54% by the year 2030 A.D., as per the forecasts of the United Nations.

An accompanying fact in the process of Asia’s urbanization is number and spread of cities of very large sizes and dimensions.

By 2000, Asia had 10 out of 20 largest cities in the world, the so-called megacities having populations of over 10 million.

Apart from the numerical advantage that Asia possesses in this respect, these cities carry extraordinarily large weight not only in their own countries but also in the global economic system. The prognosis is that by 2015, many of these megacities will assume even larger dimensions: Mumbai is expected to have by that year a population of 22.6 million persons; Delhi of 20.9 million; Dhaka will have grown into a metropolis of 17.9 million and Jakarta of 17.9 million persons! What are the common problems faced by the region?

Globalization and decentralization are not the only challenges that Asian cities are faced with. Of vital, and perhaps, immediate significance is inadequacies in citylevel services, poor management and governance, and widespread poverty and deprivation.

Historical Reality While the process of urbanization in Asia as in other regions has been a historical reality, what makes the current phase of urbanization so important is the context within which it is occurring. As we have been witnessing, the global conditions have undergone a major shift in the past two decades. Most Asian economies which were either closed or quasi-closed, have opened up to external trade and flow of capital, technology, and know-how. The opening up of the national economies has been enormously impacting the economic structure of cities and their growth trajectories. Indeed, there are numerous examples of cities in Asia, India, where the growth pattern of cities is now determined

R

Daily

not as much by domestic forces as by the behaviour and mood of the international financial markets. The leverage of national governments in determining the future of cities is gradually getting restricted. This presents to the Asian countries, including agencies such as the Asian Development Bank, a formidable challenge: how do we manage cities that are under the impact of forces that transcend national boundaries?

Challenges Asia’s urbanization and urban growth is challenged by yet another phenomenon, whose origins too are not domestic, but driven by international trends and pressures. This is the universal incorporation of decentralization principles under which the functional and fiscal responsibil-

public goods” but as agents of economic countries to spur economic and urban and social development, and as tiers of growth. Special efforts have been mounted government which will undertake poverty to forge closer linkage between cities and alleviation and slum improvement the global economy. functions.

Reforms-JNNURM Facts And Figures In 2005, a comprehensive assessment of In India, tap water within premises is the state of India’s cities was undertaken, available to only about 50 percent of total and found that the problems were urban households, and roughly the same systemic, the problems lay in obsolete percentage has access to safe sanitation procedures and rules and laws, and many within premises. In East Asia, only 38% of of the problems were rooted in inability to households in slum settlements have move with the times. This led to put access to water. For sanitation, the together a programme of urban sector comparable figure is 7%. Poor quality “reforms”, designed along the lines of the infrastructure and underperformance of country’s economic reforms undertaken infrastructure cast a huge burden on in the early 1990s. The urban sector national governments. Although the reforms under the new programme called incidence of poverty has declined in Asian the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) require the participating states and cities to repeal or In India, tap water within premises is amend those laws that have constrained the functioning of land and housing available to only about 50 percent of total markets, and undertake a fresh examination of property tax laws with a view to redesigning them in ways that market urban households, and roughly the same values rather than the historical values are captured for purposes of taxation, and percentage has access to safe sanitation realign user charges in ways that they are able to cover at least the operating costs within premises. In East Asia, only 38% of that the city governments incur on the provision of services. The programme requires cities to earmark lands for the households in slum settlements have access poorer sections of the urban population, and give special treatment to issues of to water. For sanitation, the comparable property titling, a contentious issue. The programme calls upon cities to enact disclosure laws so that citizens know figure is 7%. where and how their tax contributions are being spent. ities that were earlier concentrated with the countries, thanks to sustained and robust The programme has completed one year, higher tiers of government, are now being economic growth that Asian countries and there is a demand for reforms at city devolved upon or shared with city and have experienced in recent years, approxi- levels. It is one of the largest urban urban governments. Whichever Asian mately 25-30% of urban population live in programmes undertaken in independent country one looks at, is experimenting with slums, squatter settlements and substan- India and envisages total investment of decentralization of some form or the other. dard housing. There are several positive approximately $25 billion over the The Philippines took a major initiative in signals leading to positive actions. Mission period. Most Asian economies 1991 by putting in place what it called the Somewhat uniformly, the Asian countries suffer from infrastructure deficits which Local Government Code, setting in motion have begun to look at cities in the perspec- have to be met, not in a long-run a system of transfer of functional and fiscal tive of their contribution to growth, perspective, but over the next 5-10 years powers to its local governments. The Local poverty reduction and Millennium or so. It is here that the national governGovernment Code served as a trend-setter, Development Goals (MDGs). They are ments and international and bilateral and was followed by an amendment to the putting in place innovative strategies to organization have to work together, with Constitution of India in 1992. Under this address urban issues. For instance, Special the shared goal of ensuring that Asia’s Amendment, local governments are being Economic Zones and Trade Corridors have urban transition is smooth and sustainviewed not only as provider of “local been planned and developed in several able.

Red Fort, Delhi

ed Fort, Delhi, popularly known as Lal Qila, constructed between A.D. 1639 and 1648 by Mughal emperor Shahjahan, was a part of the Shahjahanabad.

It provides a glimpse of the wonder and the Charm of India that is timeless and eternal and show-cases the very high level of art form and ornamental work. The art work in the Fort is a synthesis of Persian, European and Indian art which resulted in the development of unique Shahjahani style, which is rich in form, expression and colour.

Red Fort, Delhi is one of the important building complexes of India which encapsulates a long period of Indian history and its arts. Its significance has transcended time and space. It is relevant as a symbol of architectural brilliance and power. The fort, located on the west bank of the river Yamuna, is octagonal in plan, with two longer sides on east and west and is provided with four gates viz. Lahori, Delhi, Yamuna and Salimgarh gate. The ramparts, covering a perimeter of 2.41 km. have a moat all along on the outside, which originally was connected with the river Yamuna. On the north, the Red fort is connected with the Salimgarh Fort by a bridge. Lahori gate, a magnificent three-storeyed structure, later screened by a barbican by Aurangzeb, served as the main entrance. Palaces, lying on the eastern side of the Fort, are approached from the Lahori gate through a roofed passage, flanked by double-storeyed arcaded apartments called Chhatta-Chowk and being used as shops. The Delhi gate is flanked on the outside by two elephants, commissioned in 1903 by Lord Curzon in place of the original ones demolished by Aurangzeb. A study of some of the old site plans, paintings and photographs, available at different places, shows that within the fort, a large number of the old enchanting buildings were demolished and replaced with military barracks and other modern constructions by the British after 1857. The British Army had occupied the Red Fort in 1857 and converted it into an army stronghold. They demolished a number of buildings to accommodate construction of barracks for their use. The fortress palace is an important focal point of the medieval city of the Shahjahanabad. The planning and

aesthetics of the Red Fort represent the zenith of Mughal creativity which prevailed during the reign of the emperor Shahjahan.

The fort has seen many layers of development after its construction by emperor Shahjahan. The significant phases of development were under Aurangzeb and later Mughal rulers. Important physical changes were carried out in the overall settings of the site after the First War of Independence during British Rule in 1857.

After independence, the site experience, a few changes in terms of addition/ alteration to the structures. Salimgarh, with its thick rubble-built ramparts and circular bastions, which have undergone considerable repairs,

Zealand accepted the nomination of the Red Fort Complex, Delhi for inscription on the World Heritage List. The nominated property ( Red Fort Complex) has a total area of 92.6 hectare. The core zone of about 50 hectares includes the Red Fort and Salimgarh Fort while the buffer zone measuring over 40 hectares includes the immediate surroundings of the two forts.

The Red Fort Complex, Delhi is classified as a cultural property with an outstanding universal value. It has been inscribed in the World Heritage List on the basis of criteria (ii), (iii) and (vi). Criterion (ii): The final flourishing of Mughal architecture built

is roughly triangular on plan and stands to the north-east of the Red Fort on the bank of the Yamuna. It is believed to have been built by Islam Shah Sur (1545-54), also known as Salim Shah, son and successor of Sher Shar Sur. The inscription of the Red Fort Complex is also significant for the country since it was from the ramparts of the Red Fort that the country’s Independence was declared . The Independence Day Celebrations, every year, are organized at the ramparts of the Red Fort and the Prime Minister unfurls the National Flag. The monument was first referred for inscription on World Heritage List in the year 1992 but was deferred due to multi-administrative control of the Red Fort. The nomination was re-submitted by the Archaeological Survey of India to UNESCO in 2006. The World Heritage Committee in its meeting held on 23rd to 27th June, 2007 at Christchurch, New

upon local traditions but enlivened them with imported ideas, techniques, craftsmanship and designs to provide a fusion of Islamic, Persian, Timurid and Hindu traditions. The Red Fort demonstrates the outstanding results this fusion achieved in planning and architecture. Criterion (iii): The innovative planning arrangements and architectural style of building components and garden design developed in the Red Fort strongly influenced later buildings and gardens in Rajasthan, Delhi, Agra and further afield. The Red Fort Complex also reflects the phase of British military occupation, introducing new buildings and functions over the earlier Mughal structures.

Criterion (vi): The Red Fort has been a symbol of power since the reign of Shah Jahan, has witnessed the changes in Indian history up to British rule, and was the place where Indian independence was first declared, and is still celebrated today. The

Red Fort Complex has thus been the setting of events critical to the shaping of regional identity, and which have had a wide impact on the geo-cultural region. The inscription of the Red Fort on the World Heritage List does not provide it with any extra formal international legal protection. However, inscription on the list does place an obligation on the Archaeological Survey of India to provide for careful protection and management of the site, to prevent any further damage to the built fabric and historic gardens in the fort and its setting and to ensure its survival for future generations.

It is not just the grandeur of the Red Fort as a monument which attracts the visitors. Inside it are located three museums. 1. Indian War Memorial Museum which houses mainly the weapons/arms, antiquities related to the First World War; 2. Archaeological Museum in which objects antiquities of Mughal and later Mughal period are displayed and 3. Swatantrata Sangram Sangrahalaya, which is located in a colonial barrack and displays dioramas, photographs, documents etc. related to India’s freedom struggle. In the year 1992 on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Non-Cooperation Movement - 1942, the barracks located on the northern half of Salimgarh Fort were dedicated to the Nation considering that the Indian National Army Heroes were detained in these barracks at the time of their trial which took place in the Red Fort. The Salimgarh Fort and the barracks were then under the control of the Indian Army. The Army had handed over these barracks and the open area of this part of fort to the Archaeological Survey of India in 1992.

These barracks were, however, converted into the Indian National Army Memorial in 1995 by putting on display copies of photographs, badges, uniforms, etc. The excavated finds of Salimgarh Fort are also on display there.

The inscription of the Red Fort on the World Heritage List is very significant for Delhi since the Red Fort Complex would be the third World Heritage Site in the city, an honour that no other single location in the country can boast of.

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 FRIDAY | 21 JUNE 2013

If you end up with a rash on a new tattoo, don't brush it off as an allergic reaction or a normal part of the healing process, says a study.

A recent study documents many cases in the Rochester, New York area, of tattoos infected with a type of bacteria often found in tap water. Evidence points to a pre-mixed grey ink, the type used in currently popular portrait or photography tattoos, as the culprit.

Mary Gail Mercurio, dermatologist at the University of Rochester Medical Centre, examined the individuals infected. She says some people with tattoos have allergies or experience other dermatologic complications, but it's not common.

"Patients and doctors need to have a certain level of suspicion when they see a rash developing in a tattoo. Many of the patients I saw thought their skin was just irritated and the issue would go away during the healing process," Mercurio was quoted as saying by

The New England Journal of Medicine.

"In actuality, they had an infection that needed to be treated with an antibiotic; it wasn't going to go away easily on its own," added Mercurio, according to a Rochester statement.

The investigation of the outbreak, which was also highlighted in the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbid-

ity and Mortality Weekly Report, started with a previously healthy 20-yearold man who had a history of multiple tattoos in the past without any issues.

In October 2011, he received a new tattoo on his arm and subsequently developed a persistent, inflamed rash in that area.

After learning of his case, the Monroe County Department of Public Health

Omega-3 and Turmeric to Repair Spinal Cord Injuries

explored the issue and identified other individuals who developed similar rashes after getting tattoos at the same parlour, from the same artist.

Tests conducted at the Rochester Medical Centre revealed that a specific type of bacteria, Mycobacterium chelonae, was in the patients' skin and led to the red, itchy bumps in their tattoos.

Whether it is shoes that help you look shapely or pills that help you shed weight, here are a few fads and reasons you should avoid them We've all seen fitness products and diets advertised on television, radio and in stores. They might promise a fitter and a slimmer you in a week but it might not be advisable to adapt them.Only-one-ingredient dietsA diet based solely on eating cottage cheese, a vegetable-only lunch, just grapefruit all day - It's obvious when a diet has you eating only one food or ingredient, it's a bad fad.

Your body needs a variety of foods, including grains, healthy fats and protein to thrive. Eat real food and avoid diets that have you skipping out on entire food groups.

Two dietary supplements may be helpful in addressing age-related damage to the neck and spinal cord.

Researchers at UCLA have shown that two natural compounds - curcumin in the Indian curry spice turmeric and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil - appeared to offset the effects of a spinal injury in rats. The animals were given a condition that simulates cervical myelopathy, a set of symptoms seen in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.

The investigators fed one group of rats foods similar to a typical Western diet; a second group received regular rat chow supplemented with DHA and curcumin; a third group were given standard rat chow as a control. After three weeks, the rats on the Western diet had progressive problems with walking. The curcumin/DHA group walked better than this group, and examination of their spinal cords showed that the rats on the

Western diet had higher levels of a marker linked to cell-membrane damage.

The DHA/curcumin group had marker levels similar to the control group. These

finding suggest that DHA and curcumin may help minimize disease-related changes and possibly help repair damage to the spinal cord.

From shoes that help you tone as you walk to sports bras that burn fat as you wear them, it's clear that nothing you wear can help you shed pounds. The shoes may help you activate different muscles,

Every now and then, the food and beauty industry discovers a new player that makes it tremble with excitement.

Sometimes it's backed by research, sometimes it's just a new, undiscovered element that a marketing genius stumbled upon and launched, to the delight of an enamoured audience of consumers. This search for the new, the 'It' ingredient is constantly on. But how many of these are actually good for you? What do the ones that are supposed to be good actually do? Who should be careful about overdosing on them? We took four items — quinoa, argan oil, edamame beans and agave — and put them under the scanner. Here's everything you must know about them: Quinoa What is it?

It's a seed widely used as a grain.What are its health benefits?

According to nutritionist and counsellor Pooja Kothari, quinoa is a rich source of protein, fibre, calcium, phosphorous,

iron and other essential minerals. It helps regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels, relax muscle spasms, clear the intestines and keep the body toxin-free.

What else?

Nutritionist Tripti Bhandari recommends quinoa to those looking to lose weight, as it performs the function of a carbohydrate without adding the calories.

How should it be consumed?

Bhandari suggests cooking it as a brown rice replacement — in upma, dalia, pudding or kheer. To derive maximum benefit, Kothari suggests soaking it in water for seven to eight hours before you consume it.

Who should avoid it?

If you have gout or high uric acid, avoid quinoa.

Worth the hype?

Yes Edamame What is it?

Baby soy beans.

What are its health benefits?

It's a rich source of dietary

protein. "They contain a high amount of antioxidants and a low amount of oil with a little saturated fat, aiding hormonal balance and production of other essential enzymes," Kothari says.

What else?

It is also a rich source of Vitamins B, K and E, and contains minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, copper and folic acid. It strengthens the immune system and in pregnant women, it's good for the development of the foetus.

It also reduces cholesterol, helps weight loss and has anti-inflammation properties.

How should it be consumed?

Kothari suggests you boil it till the pod becomes soft, and then add it to soup and salads, or simply eat it with some salt and spices. If you can coax an edamame sabzi out of it, go ahead!

Who should avoid it?

Same as quinoa, gout (high uric acid) and thyroid patients should avoid edamame, according to

Bhandari.

Worth the hype?

Yes Argan oil What is it?

An oil extracted from a bush called Argan that grows in Morocco and some other parts of the world. On account of its rareness and exclusivity, it's also very expensive.

What are its health benefits?

It has high concentrations of antioxidants, omega-6 and Vitamin E, which nourishes skin and hair.

What else?

It's light and thus absorbed easily. It helps reduce acne, scarring, wrinkles and psoriasis. It can also be used in cooking and it reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Worth the hype?

No. Dr Apoorva Shah of Richfeel says Argan oil's health benefits are the same as those of any other hair oil. Shah's advice is to oil your hair thrice a week, drink a glass of water every hour, and maintain a balanced diet to get the hair you desire.

Toning apparel

Scientists are to begin clinical trials to determine if eating more foods rich in vitamin E during pregnancy prevents childhood asthma.Women will eat soups naturally high in the vitamin, which it is believed may promote lung growth in the developing foetus.Children born with good lung function are less likely to develop asthma.

Details of the trial were outlined at the British Science Festival being held in Aberdeen.

Asthma is highly prevalent - in the UK, 10-15% of children and 5-10% of adults have been diagnosed with the disease.

The majority of children with asthma will carry the illness into adulthood.

The disease is managed by preventing and relieving the major symptoms - breathlessness, wheezing and coughing - using inhalers and, in extreme cases, with steroid tablets.

There has been a recent increase in the prevalence of asthma in children.

To try to understand why, a team of researchers from the University of Aberdeen

established a cohort of approximately 2,000 women and measured the impact of diet on the incidence of asthma in children up to the age of five.Prof Graham Deveraux, who led the study, said: "We were able to show, for the first time, that children born to mums with a lower vitamin E intake during pregnancy were more likely to develop asthma by the age of five and have poor lung function."These early findings were then confirmed in studies carried out in Japan and the US. The next challenge for the researchers was to show that altering nutrition during pregnancy could positively impact on a child's susceptibility to asthma.

Avoiding potions and pills Prof Deveraux considered that a trial using vitamin supplements lacked credibility - trials of vitamins to treat various conditions had so-often failed.

He said the key may be intake in food.

"People have never actually eaten vitamin E tablets; normally most people get

but you can't rely on them to lose weight or really increase your fitness level.

Start on a real workout exercising, dancing, yoga etc to get fit and slim.

A new report from Tufts University suggests that higher daily doses of vitamin D - between 800 and 2000 IUs - can significantly lower the risk of fractures for both men and women age 65 and older. The research team analyzed 11 separate clinical trials that studied the effect of vitamin D supplementation in more than 31,000 seniors. They found a 30 percent reduction in the risk of hip fractures and a 14 percent reduction in the risk of other fractures among those whose daily vitamin D intake ranged from 800-2000 IUs. The investigators reported that they saw no benefit to taking doses of “D” below 800 IUs daily for prevention of fractures. They also noted that unless older adults are exposed to bright sunlight year-round they need supplements to maintain adequate amounts of “D” and that typical consumption from foods, including tuna, salmon or fortified milk adds up to only 150 IUs per day. Most multivitamins provide only 400 IUs. The study was published on July 5, 2012 in The New England Journal of Medicine.

My take? I recommend a daily dose of 2000 IU of vitamin D, although that amount may increase as research continues. Not only is this vitamin essential for bone

Pole dance workout

It's true that dancing sessions help you stay fit, but what is it with the pole?

How does learning pole dance from fitness professionals help you lose weight? There's nothing wrong with pole dancing if you enjoy it, but it's not a great idea for a standard fitness routine.

Cleansing

You temporarily cleanse your body eating only a few foods or following a cleanse formula. But the truth here is that your liver and kidneys already do a great job detoxing your body. You can lose water weight during a detox, but you can also lose muscle mass due to a lack of nutrients. Your metabolism can take a beating and your fat storage can actually go up.

Prefer eating foods that flush your system so you don't need to be cleansed.

their vitamin E from food.

"I wondered whether it might be the other nutrients that go with vitamin E in food that may be responsible for the effect.

There may be interactions between vitamin E and the other nutrients."So, I was very keen to do a dietary intervention rather than a pill or a potion."With the help of a team of dietitians, he performed a small study on pregnant women to see if he could manipulate their diet to increase their vitamin E intake up to the recommended levels and, he says, "it worked a treat".But vitamin E was not the only thing that altered, as Prof Deveraux observed: "Lots of other things changed, like the fatty acids changed, the zinc changed, the selenium, the vitamin D - and all these are nutrients which we know have been associated during pregnancy with childhood asthma."

Whilst the results vindicated their overall approach, the dietary interventions were too complex and would not be readily accessible to a wide range of society. Also it was dif-

ficult to standardise and control.

Super soups To overcome these problems, the team approached a commercial soup manufacturer to develop a range of enhanced soups. Each one is naturally rich in vitamin E - and other potentially important minerals - and for each there is a similarly tasting "normal" soup that could be used for the control group of pregnant women.By judicious tweaking of ingredients for example, substituting normal tomatoes found in cream of tomato soup with their super-nutritious sun-dried counterparts they were able to develop three new varieties of "super-soups".The team now plan to test the soups in a small pilot study involving 50 women. They will be enrolled during early pregnancy and asked to eat either enriched or normal soup three times a week.The study will show whether the new dietary intervention is well tolerated by the women and - by carrying out blood measurements -

strength - and as this new study suggests, for prevention of fractures - research has shown that it may lower risks of a number of serious diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, and diabetes. Unfortunately, vitamin D deficiency is widespread. It is now estimated that hundreds of thousands of cancer cases worldwide might be prevented each year if we all had adequate daily intakes. Don't be concerned that 2,000 IU will give you too much. With exposure to sunlight in the summer, the body can generate between 10,000 IU and 20,000 IU of vitamin D per hour with no ill effects.

In addition, no adverse effects have been seen with supplemental vitamin D intakes up to 10,000 IU daily. Always take your vitamin D with a fat-containing meal to ensure absorption.

If you have always liked to reach for that glass of ice tea, preferring that to a beverage, think again.

For, a study indicates that drinking iced tea can contribute to the development of painful kidney stones, due to its high concentration of oxalate, one of the key chemicals that could result in the formation of kidney stones.

What the researchers found

"For people who have a tendency to form the most common type of kidney stones, iced tea is one of the worst things to drink," Dr. John Milner, an assistant professor in the department of urology at the Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, said in a news release. Researchers went on to explain that the drink contains high levels of oxalate, a chemical that leads to the formation of small crystals made of minerals and salt found in urine. Although these crystals are usually harmless, the researchers cautioned they could grow large enough to become wedged in the small tubes that drain urine from the kidney to the bladder.

"A lot of people choose to drink more iced tea, because it is low in calories and tastes better than water. However, in terms of kidney stones, they

might be doing themselves a disservice," added Milner.

Nutritionist says...

Ice tea may not be all that much low in calories, says nutritionist Dr Priya Karkera. "This is because one tends to add sugar to it. I also feel that ice tea can be a contributing factor to kidney stones and is avoidable to be had on a regular basis." She also recommends that those who are at risk for kidney stones should reduce certain foods that contain high concentrations of oxalates, including spinach, chocolate, and nuts. Salt and

meat are extremely harmful. Drink several glasses of water as well one glass of barley water a day can help, she advises.

Beverages that can help

Lemon juice is a good drink to keep the kidneys hydrated, as the citrates present in lemonade inhibits the growth of kidney stones.

"Drinking several glasses of water as well one glass of barley water a day can help," advises Dr Karkera

NATION

7 SRINAGAR Friday, June 21, 2013

Centre rushing more helicopters to Uttarakhand for rescue ops

Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said so far 22 helicopters have been used to evacuate stranded people to safer locations and through hundreds of sorties they rescued 22,392 people.

Members of the Indian Army evacuate an injured person during a search and rescue operation in the Chamoli district in the northern Uttarakhand state. - AFP Government has decided to deploy more helicopters in Uttarakhand to rescue over 60,000 people still trapped in the rainravaged hill state and expedite relief operations.

Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said so far 22 helicopters have been used to evacuate stranded people to safer locations and through hundreds of sorties they rescued 22,392 people.

“But 22 helicopters are not enough. So, we have requested the Defence Ministry to deploy more helicopters to expedite the rescue operations in Uttarakhand. The Defence Ministry agreed to our request and hopefully the additional choppers will be deployed soon,” he told reporters here.

According to the Home Ministry, around 62,122 people are still

stranded in different inaccessible locations in the flood-ravaged Uttarakhand.

Asked whether the death toll in Uttarakhand could go up, the Home Minister said he has spoken to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna who conveyed that it was difficult to tell the exact number of people who died since all debris have not been cleared yet.

“It may go up. But we cannot say now,” he said.

Shinde said due to bad weather this morning, rescue operation has been hit in Uttarakhand.

He said he has convened a highlevel meeting tomorrow to take stock of the relief and rescue op-

erations. Representatives of Ministries of Home, Defence, Food, National Disaster Management Authority and other stake holders will attend the meeting.

According to the latest situational report sent to the Home Ministry summarising progress of rescue and relief operations, 13 teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) consisting of 422 personnel and 3,000 personnel of ITBP, besides hundreds of Army personnel are engaged in rescue works in Uttarakhand.

Daily meetings under the chairmanship of Home Secretary R K Singh are being held on to review the situation and the relief and rescue measures being undertaken in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, an official statement said.

Senior officers of the Ministry of Home Affairs are in constant touch with senior officers concerned of Uttarakhand for extending the required support and assistance.

As per Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), cumulative rainfall of Uttarakhand is reported 385.1 mm actual against normal rainfall of 71.3 mm, which is 440

‘Collective spirit’ and not PM candidates is what the BJP needs, counsels Govindacharya

Former BJP ideologue K N Govindacharya today said it would be prudent for BJP, heading NDA, to face Lok Sabha polls with “collective spirit” rather than projecting any Prime Ministerial candidate.

Commenting on the raging leadership issue in BJP after the elevation of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi as campaign committee chief, Govindacharya said it was not persons, but policies of the parties that matter most.“My perception is it is not the person, but policies which will matter.

The BJP should have focussed on implementing their policies. I don’t see any change in the policies in future too ...,” he

told reporters here.He said “It would have been prudent for the BJP to go for elections with collective spirit instead of fragmented spirit,” he told reporters here.

Govindacharya said he was not in a position to assess the personality of Modi as he has not been meeting BJP leaders regularly for the last 15 years.

However, the party could have done better in not projecting the Prime Ministerial candidate.

He said the break-up between JDU and BJP was due to lack of trust and dialogue between the two erstwhile NDA partners.“I don’t recognise rivalry and competitiveness in politics. All parties represent people’s aspirations. Therefore, put together, all have to live supplementarily and complimentarily. That is how democracy has to function. The basic trust and dialogue should never be broken,” he said.Govindacharya said lack of trust and dialogue between the erstwhile NDA partners led to fear psychosis in JDU that announcement of Modi as BJP’s Campaign Committee Chairman amounts to projecting him as prime ministerial candidate.

per cent excess during the southwest monsoon period of June 1 to June 18.

One team of NDRF and one team of ITBP have been placed at Kedarnath and Gaurigaon to assist in the evacuation both from Kedarnath and Gaurigaon. Evacuation operations were carried out yesterday using helicopters till the weather deteriorated.

One team of ITBP operated between Govindghat and Joshimath and evacuated pilgrims stuck there, the statement said.

It was also decided that ITBP would launch teams from Pithoragarh to all the valleys in the district to see if the villagers or stranded persons require any assistance.

As per the reports received from Himachal Pradesh government, due to continuous rainfall in the region during June, severe damage to life and property was caused in several locations in different parts of the state.

The search, rescue and relief operations are being carried out with the help of helicopters from Army, Air Force, NDRF, ITBP and state government and there was no shortage of food material.

Former Bihar minister Ashwani Kumar Choubey’s two relatives were killed while he survived nature’s fury at Kedarnath in Uttarakhand, a state where 300 people from Bihar are missing.

Choubey, along with his close relatives, a family priest and security personnel, was on a trip to Kedarnath when they were trapped in the landslides and strong currents of the Ganga river.

According to his personal staff, his close relative Subodh Mishra and his wife Rubi Mishra were killed in landslides.

Choubey and his other family members were airlifted by helicopters and brought to Dehradun first and then to Delhi, a relative of Choubeys said Thursday here.

“Choubey’s three security personnel, his priest and a relative are still missing. There is no information about them,” an official said.

KOLKATA: Chief minister Mamata Banerjee said on Wednesday that the CPM had joined hands with Maoists to kill her. “CPI (M) has realised now that it would be impossible for them to return to power in West Bengal and that is why the Marxists have joined hands with the Maoists to kill me to come back to power,” the chief minister told a Trinamool Congress gathering at Chandpara in North 24-Parganas district.

She also said that she had specific intelligence reports which suggested that “a murder plot” was hatched during her visit to Kamduni village in Barasat on Monday.

The chief minister also complained against two television channels which had provoked the Kamduni villagers to shout slogans against her adding that “It was the CPI (M) which had used the two channels to gain political mileage over the Kamduni girl’s death”. She also

Opposition tries to create instability: Sonia

Slamming opposition parties for creating hurdles in passing of the Food Security bill, Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday accused them of creating instability in the country to grab power at any cost.

“I would like to tell you that a few political parties are conspiring to create instability. These kind of political forces have nothing to do with progress....they are only eyeing the chair and they want it at any cost.

There is a need to be vigilant against such powers”, she said addressing a rally in Suratgarh Veiled attack on BJP:In a veiled attack on the BJP, she said they tried to create hurdles in the passing of the Food Security bill.“We (UPA) want that no one sleeps hungry. For that we wanted to bring a bill on food security but our ‘virodhi’ (rival) created hurdles. Had the opposition allowed the bill in Parliament, we would have passed the Food Security Act long ago.“But this is very sad that these Opposition parties are always opposing our public interest plans and programmes. It is now their habit to oppose every work that Congress wants to initiate and do”, she charged.

Accusing some political parties

“It’s now a death trap.” So said a Doordarshan journalist rescued on Thursday after having been stranded for four days in a landslide-hit part of Himachal Pradesh.

“There is no water and electricity. The entire communication has been snapped since Sunday,” Doordarshan’s news editor Nandini Mital told IANS here after arriving from Pooh, 320 km from here, by an IAF chopper.

Mital was rescued by the Indian Air Force along with two colleagues and a few tourists. Rampur is the base camp for rescue operation.

Himachal disaster area is a death trap, says survivor She complained that no relief and rescue team from the state government or the National Disaster Management Authority had reached Pooh.

“This was the first fight to Pooh in four days. Every morning we were told

to reach the helipad. Every day we were told to come the next day,” she said.

Like her, 50-odd tourists mainly from Punjab and Chandigarh were stuck there.

Mital said: “There was no government functionary to assist the stranded people. The locals were benevolent.

They provided food and shelter to us.

There was no air dropping of essential items. The ration with the locals will last only five or six days.”

Mital’s team was on an official as-

alleged that “CPI (M), Maoists, Congress party and BJP have all joined hands to conspire against my government.”

“But I can assure you that these forces would not be able to do any harm to me so long as the people of Bengal are with me. So long as Ma, Mati and Manush (Mother, land and people) are with me, nobody can touch my hair,” the chief minister said at the rally.

Uttarakhand counterpart Vijay Bahuguna.

One more camp office has been opened by the Maharashtra government in Haridwar. One office is already functioning at Dehradun.

The Cabinet discussed measures to help people from the state stranded in Uttarakhand, Chavan said.

Additional Resident Commissioner of Maharashtra Sadan (Delhi) Pradeep Kumar and four officers rushed to Dehradun to coordinate with the pilgrims and provide them necessary assistance.

A special team, comprising Deputy Collectors of Thane and Raigad districts, has also been sent from Mumbai.

“We are making all efforts to bring all the pilgrims back,” the Chief Minister said.

signment when they were caught in torrential rains near Khab, the cold desert close to the China border.

According to her, the national highway 22 which passes through Pooh was severally damaged at several locations due to landslips and rains.

She said she and the others were told to reach Pooh from Khab to board the helicopter.

“After leaving behind our vehicle, we reached Pooh on foot by covering over 15 km. In Pooh there was no government official to guide us. Finally, we took the help of an army unit,” she said.

She said the entire stretch of the highway between Khab and Pooh had been wiped out.

“Even the entire standing crops of peas and wheat has been damaged due to untimely snow.

“The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) officials told us that it would

take a month and a half to restore normal traffic on the Hindustan-Tibet Road,” Mital said.

Official sources said three helicopters were deployed Thursday after the heavy rainfall stopped to evacuate tourists stranded across Kinnaur.

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, also stranded in Sangla for over 60 hours, was airlifted on Tuesday.

Legislator Jagat Singh Negi said the maximum damage to property - both government and private - in the district was reported from Pooh block due to snow.

He said in certain areas most roads and bridges have been wiped out.

“The government has released Rs.3.5 crore as calamity relief fund,” he added.Officials said 14 people have been killed, including five members of a family, in landslide and rain-related incidents in the district since Sunday.

Government sets up Central Monitoring System to tap phone calls, e-mail

NEW DELHI: Government has launched a wide-ranging surveillance programme that will give security agencies and even income tax officials the ability to tap directly into e-mails and phone calls without oversight by courts or parliament, several sources said.

The expanded surveillance, which the government says will help safeguard national security, has alarmed privacy advocates at a time when allegations of massive US digital snooping beyond American shores has set off a global furore.

“If India doesn’t want to look like an authoritarian regime, it needs to be transparent about who will be authorized to collect data, what data will be collected, how it will be used, and how the right to privacy will be protected,” said Cynthia Wong, an Internet researcher at New York-based Human Rights Watch.

The Central Monitoring System (CMS) was announced in 2011 but there has been no public debate and the government has said little about how it will work or how it will ensure that the system is not abused.

The government started to qui-

Uttarakhand rains: Maharashtra announces Rs 10 crore aid for pilgrims

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government today announced Rs 10 crore aid for rescue and relief of the pilgrims from the state stranded in Uttarakhand due to incessant rains and landslides.

As many as 1,353 pilgrims from Maharashtra are stranded in the northern state, of which 334 are still not traceable.

The remaining 1,019 pilgrims could be contacted, government sources said.

The state government has decided to accord top priority to reach the stranded pilgrims in various districts of Uttarakhand and enable them reach their destinations safely, Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan said after the state cabinet meeting here.

Chavan is in constant touch with his

of conspiring to create instability, she said whenever there is instability; it affects progress and development and indirectly aggravates the woes of the poor.

“Despite all this, we all want to move on the path of progress with great enthusiasm and vigour and we will give a befitting reply to these forces which create hurdles in progress and development of the nation”, she said in her 10-minute address.

She was speaking after laying the foundation stone of two super critical power units of 660 MW each at Suratgarh Power Station.

Maintaining that Congress was committed to the welfare and happiness of the poor, weaker sections, women and farmers, Ms. Gandhi said, “Our Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is working in this direction...and has taken historical decisions”.

Hails Rajasthan’s power genera-

tion: Hailing Mr. Gehlot government’s success in power generation which went up to 12000 MW, she said the UPA government has always given a top priority to energy and thousands of crores was being spent on every 5-year plan.

“There would no dearth of funds in this sector. Our first aim is that there should be uninterrupted power supply to every house, and the participation of private sector will be encouraged to take power connection to far-flung areas of the country”, she said.

The priority of all Congress ruled states is power sector and Rajasthan has done it “solidly”, Ms. Gandhi said.To provide cheaper power to BPL families in urban areas, the Rajasthan government had announced distribution of one CFL bulb to every BPL family and on this a sum of Rs.1 crore would be spent, she said.

Now power would be taken to places where the population is less than 100 families.Additional power generated: Earlier speaking on the occasion, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said additional power of 1320 MW will be generated in the next three yeas due to two new super critical power units of 660 MW.

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DAILY ZABARWAN TIMES

etly roll the system out state by state in April this year, according to government officials. Eventually it will be able to target any of India’s 900 million landline and mobile phone subscribers and 120 million Internet users. Interior ministry spokesman K.S. Dhatwalia said he did not have details of CMS and therefore could not comment on the privacy concerns. A spokeswoman for the telecom ministry, which will oversee CMS, did not respond to queries.

Officials said making details of the project public would limit its effectiveness as a clandestine intelligence-gathering tool. “Security of the country is very important. All countries have these surveillance programmes,” said a senior telecommunications ministry official,

defending the need for a large-scale eavesdropping system like CMS. “You can see terrorists getting caught, you see crimes being stopped. You need surveillance. This is to protect you and your country,” said the official, who is directly involved in setting up the project. He did not want to be identified because of the sensitivity of the subject.

NO INDEPENDENT OVERSIGHT The new system will allow the government to listen to and tape phone conversations, read e-mails and text messages, monitor posts on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn and track searches on Google of selected targets, according to interviews with two other officials involved in setting up the new surveillance programme, human rights activists and cyber experts. In 2012, India sent in 4,750 requests to Google Inc for user data, the highest in the world after the United States. Security agencies will no longer need to seek a court order for surveillance or depend, as they do now, on Internet or telephone service providers to give them the data, the government officials said.

Maoists strike again, kill shopkeeper in Maharashtra’s Gondia district

Suspected Maoists allegedly shot dead a shop owner in Maharashtra’s Gondia district, police said on Thursday.

Three ultras gunned down medical store owner Lekhram Sabu Lilhare in Darekasa village, about 100 metres from the local police station, at Salekasa taluka on Wednesday, they said.

The deceased, a native of Saori village in Madhya Pradesh’s Balaghat district, was earlier reportedly threatened by the Maoists over some payment issue involving tribal villagers, police said.

Gondia SP Dilip Zalke visited the

spot along with other officials and the security has been beefed up in the area.

In a separate incident, a Maoist, identified as Shivaji alias Chaitu Pada of LOS Gatta group who was wanted in connection with a number of cases in Etapalli taluka of the state’s Gadchiroli district, was arrested on Wednesday, police said.

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