Zabarwan Times E paper 26th June

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WEDnESDAY

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June 26 | 2013 | 16 Shaban 1434 AH | PAGES 12 |

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VOL nO: 3 | ISSUE nO: 153 | 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

Lays foundation of Ratli power project

Shutdown observed across valley Srinagar, June 25: Normal life was disrupted in Kashmir Valley due to a strike called by separatists to protest against the visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today.

Separatists groups including both factions of Hurriyat Conference and JKLF had called for a general strike in protest against the Prime Minister’s visit.

Shops, business establishments, educational institutions, banks and private offices remained closed due to the strike. Shutdown was observed across Srinagar areas while reports of complete strike were also received from other smaller cities and town across the valley.

Public transport remained off the roads with scant presence of private vehicles in city and its outskirts.

The effect of the strike was accentuated by a heavy security deployment in view of the VVIP visit and yesterdays militant attack.

Meanwhile, a senior police official said situation across the valley remained peaceful and that there were no reports of any untoward incidents from anywhere. “Despite a shutdown, situation remained peaceful and we are closely monitoring the situation”, he said.

1 Dies, 15 Injured in road mishaps Srinagar, June 25: One person died and fifteen were injured in different accidents across the valley.

Police said, a Tavera bearing registration number JK01R/8404 on way from Srinagar to Anantnag collided with Tata Mobile bearing registration number Jk01N/1539 at Gas Turbine Pampore on National Highway, Awantipora, in the jurisdiction of police station Pampore, resulting in injuries to about ten persons.

All the injured have been shifted to the hospital where one injured succumbed to his injuries.

A Tata Mobile vehicle bearing registration number Jk03B/6092, hit and injured two pedestrians Mohammad Ramzan Bhat son of Abdul Gani Bhat resident of Chee Anantnag and Pachan Kumar son of Gupta Lal Danch resident of Nepal working in a Hardware Shop at K P road, Anantnag.

Both the injured were shifted See Mishaps on Pg. 11

APSCC takes up issues of Sikhs with PM Srinagar, June 25: A delegation of the All Party Sikh Coordination Committee, headed by Jagmohan Singh Raina today called upon the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the Shere Kashmir International Convention Centre at took up issues faced by the Sikh community in the state.

“We demanded enquiry on Sikh affairs in J&K as we are neglected and discriminated.

No minority status Punjabi language totally wiped out in the valley teachers post lying vacant due to migration of Sikhs from villages to city Srinagar and towns, Sikh lost See APSCC on Pg. 11

CCAS KU international conference to begin from June 28 Srinagar, June 25: The Centre of Central Asian Studies (CCAS), University of Kashmir, Srinagar, and Centre for Research in Rural and Industrial Development (CRRID), Chandigarh, are jointly holding an International Conference on “Cooperative Development, Peace and Security in Central Asia: Challenges and Prospects” .from 29th June 2013 to 1st July 2013.

Salman Khurshid, Union See Conference on Pg. 11

Terrorists will not succeed in their designs: PM Omar advocates transfer of Dulhasti HEP to J&K Kishtwar, June 25: A day after the militant strike in Srinagar left eight soldiers dead, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said the entire country is standing united against terrorists and they will not succeed in their designs.

“I want to pay my tributes to the soldiers who laid down their lives while fighting the terrorists,” Singh said in his speech after inaugurating 850 MW Rattle power project here along with UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

The Prime Minister said the entire country is standing united against the terrorists.

“The terrorists will not succeed

in their designs.”

Security is a pre-requisite for development, the Prime Minister said as he paid tributes to the soldiers killed in militant strike yesterday, asserting such attacks would not deter efforts to bring normalcy in the state.

Gandhi also condoled the death of army personnel in the mili-

tant attack.

“Our analysis is that the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir has shown considerable improvement.

The terrorist- related violence in 2012 had shown a sharp decline and was the lowest in last two decades,” the Prime Minister said.

However, Singh said there was a need to keep a constant vigil to prevent attacks like the one that took place yesterday at Hyderpora.

On the power front, the Prime Minister said the Centre will provide all help to Jammu and Kashmir in overcoming the See PM on Pg. 11

CRPF to deploy women commando team Extra precautions being taken for Amarnath Yatra

Srinagar, June 25: With the first batch of the Amarnath Yatra scheduled to leave from the city on June 27, the Jammu and Kashmir Police today said that they are taking "extra precautions" to ensure a safe and sound pilgrimage.

So far nearly three lakh people have registered for the annual yatra which will be flagged off from Jammu by Minister for Tourism G A Mir. "Whatever is required from the security point of view is being done. All necessary measures are being taken. Extra precautions are being taken to ensure that there are no untoward incidents," IGP, Jammu, Rajesh Kumar, said today.

Asked about the additional deployment of forces in view of the recent attack on the Army convoy in Srinagar, the IGP said "During the Yatra there is always an additional de-

ployment of the forces and this time around it is no different."

However, on the functioning of the CCTV's which form an important part of watch and ward, the police officers said it will take some time before they are fully functional.

"CCTV's are still non-functional, work is in progress to make them operational and we are hopeful that in the coming weeks they will be fully functional," he said.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Jammu, Atul Goel, meanwhile, said that special attention is being given to maintaining the security at railway station and at the places where the pilgrims will stay.

He also informed that high level of security will also be maintained at the spot registration counters at Saraswati Dham, Vaishnavi Dham and Jammu Haat.

See CRPF on Pg. 11

Pakistan violates ceasefire for 4th time; Opens fire at LoC Jammu, June 25: As Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi are on a visit to Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistani troops today violated ceasefire for the fourth time this month by opening firing on Indian posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district.

“There was small arms firing on Indian posts in Durga Battalion area along LoC in Poonch brigade belt around 1515 hours today,” PRO Defence, S N Acharya said.

He said Indian troops guarding the border took

positions and retaliated, resulting in exchange of firing. The firing exchanges were occurring intermittently when the reports last came in from the area, he said, adding that this was the fourth ceasefire violation this month. There was no loss of life or injury to anyone in the firing, Acharya said. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi are on a two-day visit to the state. Earlier this month, a Junior Commissioned Officer was killed when Pakistan opened heavy fire with automatic weapons and rockets on

Activists ask PM to reopen mass rape probe New Delhi, June 25: A civil rights group has asked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to restart criminal investigations into the 1991 Kunan-Poshpora mass rape case in Jammu and Kashmir and pacify the victims.

Delhi-based think-tank Centre for Policy Analysis (CPA) submitted its report to the prime minister and asked him to have the case probed. CPA made its report after interactions with residents of the twin villages in Kupwara district, about 120 km from Sri-

nagar.

"The misery and suffering of the victims was shocking with the trauma clearly visible even two decades after the alleged crime," said a statement issued by the CPA after it assessed the progress of justice and grievance redressal in a visit June 14-16.

"We believe you (prime minister) will be visiting Jammu and Kashmir to open a rail link and we hope that we can persuade you to also open communication links between your government and See Probe on Pg. 11

Indian posts along the LoC in Poonch sector.

Pakistani troops had also opened indiscriminate firing in the Poonch sector in which a civilian was injured after an infiltration bid was foiled by Indian troops. They had opened small arms firing on Indian posts in Nangi Tikri forward area along LoC in Krishnagati.

Last month, Pakistani troops had pounded Indian posts along LoC in the Poonch sector with rockets. A Brigadier and two jawans were injured when Pakistani troops opened fire on Indian positions along the LoC See LoC on Pg. 11

State Cabinet to meet PM

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi Tuesday visited the Army base hospital at Badamibagh cantonment here to inquire about the condition of jawans injured in the Hyderpora attack.

General Officer Commanding of Srinagar-based 15 corps Lt Gen Gurmeet Singh briefed them about the condition of the injured personnel, officials said.

The Prime Minister and Sonia Gandhi prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured jawans. Eight army personnel were killed and 16 others were injured in a deadly attack by militants at Srinagar's Hyderpora bypass Monday.

Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad accompanied Singh and Gandhi during their visit to the base hospital, officials said.

Srinagar, June 25:

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who is on a two day visit to the valley, is scheduled to meet the state cabinet here this evening.

According to official sources, apart from ministers in the state cabinet, various Members of Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council will also be meeting the Prime Minister at the Nehru Guest House here this evening.

Meanwhile, sources said the Prime Minister will meet at least 20 delegations from various political and social formations.

Prominent among those who are set to meet the PM See Cabinet on Pg. 11

Launches postal stamp on Mehjoor

PM proud of Kashmir’s culture, communal harmony Srinagar, June 25: Stating that the communal harmony and the social values of Kashmir were the beacon light for others, Prime Minster Dr. Manmohan Singh Tuesday said that his government would do every possible effort to promote Kashmiri language and its culture across the globe.

Prime Minster was ad-

dressing the gathering after launching the postal stamp in the honor of the famous kashmiri poet Pirzada Ghulam Ahmad Mehjoor at SKICC. Dr. Singh while hailing the communal harmony of the Kashmiri nation said that even in the worst times, Kashmiris did not lose its cool and upheld the spirit of communal harmony.

“Even in 1947, the father

of the nation Mahatma Ghandi could see a ray of hope for communal brotherhood in Kashmir only”, said Dr Singh, adding that Kashmiris have been symbol of social values and morality. He lauded the teachings of sufi poets Shiekh Noor ud din Wali RA and Lal Arifa and said that the hearts of Kashmiris are still beating for See Culture on Pg. 11

26-yr-old boy gives first news android application to Kashmir Srinagar, June 25: Mehraj-ur-Rehman, 26, who is an online journalist by profession, has developed an android application which apart from providing latest and breaking news of Kashmir gives information about tourism, religion, events, etc.

“Kashmir Headlines is the online stop destination for the people of Kashmir who

wants to remain updated about latest developments in Kashmir,” says Mehrajur-Rehman who holds a Master Degree in Political Science.

“I have already placed this application on Google Play and it is receiving a great response from the internet users of valley as this app got 300 plus downloads in first week,” says Mehraj ur Rehman.

Mehraj claims that the ap-

plication has witnessed an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 on Google Play. A full time internet user, Mehraj says that he had created a Facebook page, Kashmir Headlines in 2010 when political unrest hit valley and there was complete ban on local media. “The page received excellent response from people of Kashmir living here and outside Kashmir. Today I have 72000 plus Facebook followers on

the said page thereby making Kashmir Headlines one of the largest news pages of Kashmir. ” “I also launched its website www.kashmirheadlines.in which is surfed by thousands of news lovers of valley and other parts of world.” Says Mehraj, a resident of Rambagh Payeen, Srinagar.

The response to the application, he says, has been "encouraging". "Awesome application.... great user

friendly....... wishes to give more than 5 stars," one Android user, Rouf Lone, who downloaded the app from Google Play, wrote as feedback. Another user, Qureshy Mudasir, wrote, it is perhaps the first android app by local lad from Kashmir n is applaudable.”

The said application can be downloaded from https:// play.google.com/store/ apps/details?id=com. wKashmirHeadlines

Reduce the Sufferings of Kashmiri Masses: CPI (M) Srinagar, June 25: In the backdrop of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s present visit to Jammu and Kashmir, J&K State Committee of CPI (M) has expressed its dissatisfaction over the current scenario in the state.

In a statement issued here today, the party unit See Sufferings on Pg. 11

Free heart surgery for poor children Srinagar, June 25: Children below the age of 18 years, belonging to BPL families and suffering from congenital heart disease can now undergo free heart surgery at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute New Delhi thanks to Rotary Clubs of J&K. Parents and guardians of children desirous of availing the opportunity have been asked to register their names with KK Langar, Chief Coordinator Rotary Club

of Rajouri on 9419170603 email langersir@gmail. com alongwith domicile proof, echo report, three passport size photographs, BPL certificate and medical information form. The patients can also get themselves registered at Srinagar with Kids’ Rehabilitation Clinic, Society for Special Children, Pandrethan, Srinagar contact number 9419000189 or email address soschildren@rediffmail.com Preliminary screening See Surgery on Pg. 11

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11 Wednesday, 26 June 2013 From Front Page........

PM...........

power shortage and announced several steps in this direction, including additional 150 MW supply from the Northern Grid.

Addressing the gathering Chief Minister Omar Abdullah strongly advocated transfer of Dulhasti Hydro Electric Power Project to Jammu and Kashmir to enable it address increasing power supply demand and strengthen economy.

Omar Abdullah said that bulk production of hydro power in the State is only way forward to ensure socioeconomic welfare of the State.

In presence of Prime Minister, Dr. Manhoman Singh, UPA Chairperson, Sonia Gandhi, Governor, N. N. Vohra, Union Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad and various other Central and State dignitaries who arrived here to lay foundation of Ratli HEP, the Chief Minister said that optimum utilization of two great resources of ‘water and natural beauty’ possessed by Jammu and Kashmir could transform the economic and development scenario of the State.

Omar Abdullah said that State Government with the help of Union Government is endeavouring to harness the rich hydro electric potential of the State. “We want to generate surplus electricity to supply it to other parts of the Country and lay strong edifice for the economic growth and welfare of the State”, he said and reiterated the State’s demand for transfer of Dulhasti HEP to Jammu and Kashmir. He said that State Government has already taken up this matter with the Union Government.

“On this occasion, I would like to press the demand of the people of the State before the UPA Chairperson and Prime Minister for transfer of Dulhasti HEP to the State”, he said while thanking them for their highest support to Jammu and Kashmir for its holistic development.

Omar Abdullah said that during the last 9 years UPA Government at the Centre under the Chairmanship of Mrs. Sonia Gandhi has extended extra-ordinary economic support to the State. He lauded the keenness of Mrs. Sonia Gandhi to see Jammu and Kashmir developing fast. He sought her support for harnessing the vast hydro electric potential of Jammu and Kashmir.

“At present whenever we feel financial requirements we come to the UPA Government led by Mrs. Sonia Gandhi for support. We get it freely for the keen interest of Mrs. Sonia Gandhi in the development of the State and its people”,he said adding that if a Government not friendly towards the State as UPA Government and Mrs. Sonia Gandhi are, be at the helm at the Centre, Jammu and Kashmir will be in difficulty. “As such, we seek highest economic support from the UPA Government to establish our own power projects and stand firm on economic ground”, he maintained.

The Chief Minister also sought Rs. 600-crore package for earthquake hit families of erstwhile Doda District and said that State Government has already submitted the proposal for this package to the Union Government. He also sought special component for land compensation under PMRP-2.

Omar Abdullah said that large number of houses have damaged in erstwhile Doda District in the devastating earthquake besides severe damage to public infrastructure. “We hope that the Union Government would come forward and help the affected families to reconstruct their houses”, he said that under MPRP, the State was given special component for acquisition of land to construct roads under PMGSY. “We request same component under PMRP-2”, he said.

Underlying the need for linking Doda, and Kishtwar districts with the Valley for economic welfare and round the year accessibility, Omar Abdullah sought Central funding for construction of Singhpora-Violo Tunnel. He said construction of this tunnel is of cherished desire of the people of the area and they are looking forward to the Union Government for financial support for the construction of this tunnel.

The Chief Minister remembered the sacrifices of soldiers who lost their lives in protecting the State and the Country, and to restore peace in Jammu and Kashmir. He showed solidarity with the forces lauding their brave ry and highest degree of service for the Country and the people. While condemning the Monday’s terrorist attack on Army near Hyderpora Srinagar in which precious lives of soldiers were lost, the Chief Minister conveyed his sympathy to the bereaved families and the Army.

Omar Abdullah said that the efforts of the Union and State Governments have yielded positive results on peace and development fronts adding that peace is gradually rooting in the State. “Some elements inimical to peace don’t want the situation to become conducive and people live a normal life. They are always in search of occasions to disturb tranquillity”, he said and maintained that the people will isolate these elements and foil their attempts.

The Chief Minister referred to the benefits of Rs. 6000 crore 850 MW Ratli HEP, first of its kind in the Country to be constructed in the Private Sector, and said that the global bidding on tariff basis and participation of reputed power companies in the bidding has ensured transparency of the project being executed by the J&K State Power Development Corporation.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Ghulam Nabi Azad also highlighted the benefits of Ratli HEP and said that it wo uld enhance the economic activities in the area.

Presenting resume of the backwardness of erstwhile Doda District, Ghulam Nabi Azad said that it was for this reason that during his tenure as Chief Minister of the State, Doda District was bifurcated into three districts under a historic decision. He also referred to the shortcomings of the area in connection with accessibility and said that he had got conducted the survey during his tenure in the area about the availability of road communication which was found to be only 5 percent and lowest in the Country.

“Though under PMGSY road connectivity of this area is being attended holistically, yet there is need of Rs. 750 crores to complete the ongoing road projects”, he said and sought the help of Mrs. Sonia Gandhi and Dr. Manmohan Singh in this regard. He also referred to the recent earthquake in Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban Districts and sought

Daily

philanthropic package from the Union Government for the people of earthquake hit areas so that they could construct their houses before the onset of winter.

Ghulam Nabi Azad also highlighted the potential of Chenab Valley regarding generation of hydro electricity and referred to some projects in the area launched and inaugurated by Late Mrs. Indira Gandhi and UPA Chairperson Mrs. Sonia Gandhi.

Jammu and Kashmir Minister of State for Home, Sajjad Ahmad Kitchloo, Parliament Members, Ch. Lal Singh, Ambika Soni and various J&K Ministers and Legislators were present on the occasion.

CRPF..........

On the traffic front, SSP Traffic Manmohan Singh said all incoming vehicles will report at the Yatri Niwas at Bhagwati Nagar and from there they will leave for the Yatra in the shape of convoys with a traffic inspector heading them to the destination on rotational basis.

"The vehicles will be checked at Lakhanpur border and slips be pasted on the front of each vehicle in accordance with its destination, like the vehicles heading to Pahalgam will be issued a different slip, while the ones heading to Baltal will be given a separate slip," Singh added.

"Apart from pasting a slip on the windscreen of the vehicle we will also provide a slip to the driver, mentioning the registration details of the vehicle and license number, so that if in any case the slip at the front of the vehicle is lost the driver can ensure a hassle free journey by showing the other slip provided to him," he said.

Meanwhile CRPF will deploy a squad of its women commandos for rendering security duties during the upcoming Amarnath Yatra.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) had recently unveiled its exclusive women commandos team which has been trained to undertake special operations. The team possesses skills for unarmed combat and sophisticated weapons firing.

The women commandos, according to sources, will be deployed at select locations which are found to be vulnerable in the yatra route.

LoC.........

in Tutmari Gali sector in Jammu and Kashmir.

Probe..........

the rape victims," added the statement. "We have made several recommendations with the hope that you will consider these favourably as there is urgent need to ensure justice," it said further. In February 1991, several women were allegedly raped and men tortured by Indian army soldiers in retaliation to an ambush near the village.

According to the report, even after 22 years of the incident, the villagers are haunted by the memories of the incident. The CPA has made 10 recommendations to the prime minister, including compensating the victims and uplift of the village youth, among others.

Cabinet..........

include a delegation headed by Agriculature Minister Ghulam Hassan Mir. CPI (M) State Secretary M Y Tarigami will also call upon the Prime Minister here on Wednesday.

Other representatives of various political personalities and social organistaions will also call upon the PM to highlight certain issues of public importance apart from discussing the overall situation in the state.

Culture..........

such revered sufis of the land.

Dr. Singh also appreciated the works of Shair-eKashmir Ghulam Ahmad Mehjoor and said that his teachings and verses carry a universal massage of brotherhood and communal harmony.

Meanwhile UPA Chairperson Sonia Ghandi also spoke on the occasion. During her speech, Sonia praised Mehjoor for his outstanding work for the development of kashmiri language and its values and said that his poetry gave kashmiri culture a unique identification outside the state.

Earlier Chief Minister Omar Abdullah thanked Prime Minster and Sonia Ghandi for hosting the occasion and said that honoring Mehjoor was the landmark occasion in the history of Kashmir.

Governor N.N. Vohra,Union Minster Gh. Nabi Azad , and State Congress President Prof. Saif ud din Soz were also present on the occasion. The function was telecasted live on Doordarshan.

Sufferings............

alleged that the disillusionment of people has steadily increased and the expectations regarding improvement in the overall socio-economic situation and progress of peace process have decreased. “The hanging of Afzal Guru and some other unfortunate incidents have resulted in serious setback to the political process and reconciliation. In order to set things right and instill confidence, the political leaders, both at national and state level should introspect and take quick and adequate corrective measures. Till now, the valuable opportunities for peace and reconciliation in the state have not been fully availed”, the statement sa id.

“This has resulted in untold sufferings of the common masses. In order to reduce the sufferings of the people and usher an era of peace and prosperity in the region, the stalled Indo-Pak dialogue and the talks between Government of India and the various political sections of the state including the voices of dissent need to be given priority. The confidence building measures which had generated hop e among the people on both sides of the LoC, like people to people contact and cross LOC trade need to be strengthened and followed with vigour and utmost seriousness.

Relaxation in the regulations regarding travel papers, replacement of barter system by the use of currency and banking facilities in cross LOC trade and provision of speedy communication facilities will make these CBMs meaningful and effectiv e”, it added.

It said a shadow of fear still hovers certain sections of

the younger generation as harsh and draconian laws like AFSPA and PSA continue to haunt them. “This needs to be cleared and corrected. The cases of those languishing in jails outside the state should be taken on fast tract so that speedy justice is done. There should be an amount of tolerance towards the voices of protest and dissent. Violence in any form as a means of solution to our problems needs to be rejected out rightly”, the statement said.

The CPI (M) said that apart from other aspirations of the youth, growing unemployment has resulted in frustration and alienation.

“This is proving harmful for peace and development in the state. Since there are no employment opportunities in private sector within the state, the Government of India should make result oriented efforts to get the educated and professionally trained youth of J&K absorbed in public and private sectors of the country”.

It added that the recommendations of different working groups and interlocutors aimed at providing relief to the people need to be reviewed and implemented.

“PM’s reconstruction programme regarding the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri migrants deserves serious attention and adequate relief to earth quake sufferers in the erstwhile Doda district must be ensured”.

“Corruption free good governance with accountability has been a long cherished dream of our people and could have proved an effective facilitator in seeking solutions to our current problems. Unfortunately this has not been achieved and we have miles to go for reaching this goal. In the same way, the institutionalization, decentralization and democratization of the administration continue to be a distant dream”.

Surgery............

of the patients will be done by experts at Jammu on 5th July. In case patients desire arrangements can be tied up for preliminary screening at Srinagar as well. Final screening of the patients will be held on 21st July at Government Hospital Gandhi Nagar, Jammu where eminent Pediatric and Congenital Heart Specialist Dr. Krishna S. Iyer will screen the patients. Children finally selected will be operated at Delhi. The travelling expenses upto Delhi and local expenditure including boarding and lodging at Delhi will have to be borne by the patient. However, the cost of open heart surgery will be met by Rotary under their scheme called “Gift of Life”.

Mishaps............

to hospital for treatment .A case has been registered in this regard.

A Scooterist Abdul Majeed Baba son of Ghulam Mohudin resident of Arhama Kangan was critically injured when his Scooter bearing registration number JK16/2574 skidded off the on the road near Fishpond Sonamarg. A pillion Mohammad Hussain son of Jumma khan resident of Kulan Ganderbal was also injured in the incident. The injured have been shifted to hospital for treatment. A case has been registered in this regard.

A Motorcycle bearing registration number JK02X/9550 driven by Bilal Ahmad Bhat son of Mohammad Yousuf resident of Sopat Qazigund was hit by an unidentified vehicle at Nipora, Kulgam in the jurisdiction of police station Qazigund, resulting in injuries to the Motorcyclist. The injured was shifted to hospital for treatment. A case has been registered in this regard.

An Auto bearing registration number JK05B/6219 driven by Abdul Hamid Soda son of Abdul Rehman resident of Arman Mohalla, Pattan rammed into a parked Tata Mobile bearing registration number JK05C/5264 at Trumgund, Sopore on the National Highway, in the jurisdiction of police station Tarzoo, resulting in injuries to the Auto driver. The injured has been shifted to Sub District Hospital for treatment. A case has been registered in this regard.

APSCC...........

Agriculture, Horticulture, income since last 23 years of turmoil. Youth is not getting jobs because of State Subject. Despite assurance given by PM in 2010 June meeting with APSCC, nothing has come out”, Raina said in a statement issued here.

The delegation was headed by Jagmohan Singh Raina, Chairman APSCC also included Senior Sikh leaders including Pr. Niranjan Singh, Prof Dileep Singh, Sant Sing, Harjeet Singh.

Conference............

Minister for External Affairs, Government of India , is inaugurating the conference at 9:30 a.m. on 29th June 2013 at Gandhi Bhawan, University of Kashmir. Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister, Jammu and Kashmir, will deliver a special address.

N. N. Vohra, Governor, Jammu & Kashmir, is presiding over the Inaugural Session. The Valedictory Address on 1st July 2013 is being delivered by Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty, Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.

Giving details Dr. Tareak A. Rather Coordinator Conferences CCAS said the interdisciplinary International Conference is being attended by the delegates from all over the world is organized to facilitate contemporary dialogue on this vital and significant region of Asia, the central asian region.

The purpose of this International Conference, said Prof. Aijaz A. Bandey Director CCAS is to pool our resources in the form of information, Knowledge and experience to develop a long term perspective, vision of Cooperative Development, Peace and Security in Central Asia with a special focus on Challenges and Prospects.

The Conference is expected to facilitate the academic discourses and dialogue of the researchers, policy planners and other stake holders. It promises to be an exciting event with paper presentations, discussions and interactive sessions which, hopefully, will pave way for further strengthening participatory and regional cooperation.

ZABARWAN TIMES Workshop on Baseline Survey of Voters held at Leh Leh, June 25: The day-long workshop on Baseline Survey of Voters was organized by the Directorate of Economic and Statistics here today.

The workshop was organized to impart training to the functionaries of the Planning Department of Ladakh Region for conduct survey regarding knowledge, attitude, behaviour, belief and practices of voters. The workshop was inaugurated by the Regional Joint Director, Statistic and Evaluation (Kashmir), Mr. Athar Hussain Qadri.

Speaking on the occasion Mr Qadri informed that the survey is being conducted in the State with the active participation of State Election Department and on the directions of Election Commission of India. The main objective of the survey would be to understand the extent level of knowledge, belief, perception, readiness trends, sectors and the reasons for participation or non-participation of the registered voters in the elections and the voting process. Meanwhile, the 2-

day workshop on 6th Economic Census concluded here today. During the workshop the personnel of Statistics and Evaluation of Ladakh participated and imparted necessary training on various aspects of Economic Census. In his valedictory address, Mr. Qadri threw light on the importance of economic census in the present times for the overall development of the State. He stressed for finalizing the data to launch 6th economic census in Ladakh region and directed the district planning authorities for convening the meeting of district Steering Committee under the chairmanship of concerned Deputy Commissioners.

A m o n g o t h e r p a r t i c ipants/enumerators, the workshop was attended by District Statistical and Evaluation Officer Leh, Mr. Padma Lundup, Asstt: Director Planning, Mr. Hadi, Chief Planning Officer Leh, Mr. Tashi Tundup and other civil offices of district administration.

MVD organizes orientation programme for drivers Jammu, June 25: Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) in collaboration with the Department of Hospitality & Tourism Management, Government Polytechnic College, Jammu today organized an orientation p r o g r a m m e f o r Ta x i , Minibus and Auto Rickshaw drivers at the

Railway Station Jammu.

The objective of the programme was to provide inputs to the drivers about their role in hospitality and courtesy which needs to be extended to the visiting yatris and tourists visiting J&K for sustainable tourism in view of the ensuing Shri Amarnathji Yatra.

Govt of Jammu and Kashmir

Office of the District Social Welfare Officer Baramulla

NOTICE

The following beneficiaries of District Baramulla had applied for marriage Assistance under the scheme R.M.V and accordingly the same was sanctioned in their favour.

However, the said beneficiaries have not been able to produce original documents in support of their claims. They are accordingly advised to produce the same within 15 days failing which their claims will be forfeited and the money will be remitted back to Govt. Treasury.

List of applicants under the scheme Marriage Assistance (RMV) Tehsil Sopore S. No. 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10

Name of the applicant Yasmeena Gul Shahista Bashir Naseema Bano Fahmeda Begum Saima Fayaz Mehnaza Akhter Safeena Fayaz Afshana Rubeena Reyaz Iram Fayaz

Tehsil Rafiabad

Name of the Deceased Gh Mohd Dar Bashir Ahmad Gh Qadir Wandroo Gh Qadir Wandroo Fayaz Ahmad Najar Ab Majeed Fayaz Ahmad Najar Manzoor Ah Khan Reyaz Ah Fayaz Ahmad War

Residence Seeloo Sadoora Baba Yousuf Baba Yousuf Khushal Col Alamdar Col Syed Sultan Check Roady Seeloo Shaipora

S. No. 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Name of the applicant Ursheeda Bano Rizwana Fayaz Jabeena Nusrat Farooq Rizwana Fayaz Maysara Amin Dilshada Bano Inshah Qayoom Raveena

Name of the Deceased Lt Gh Hassan War Fayaz Ahmad Najar Gh Mohd Mir Farooq Ah Wani Fayaz Ahmad Wani Mohd Amin Malla Gh Mohi Ud Din Malla Ab Qayoom Mir Gh Mohd Mir

Residence Chatoosa Soin Sadnar Soin Sadnar Dokigund Soin Sadnar Fidarpora Markipora Zethan Hunoora

S. No. 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Name of the applicant Shazia Bashir Rifat Ara Shabeena Mubeena Rahim Khalida Maqbool Shabnum Sultan Afroza Bashir Nazima Akhter Nayeema

Name of the Deceased Bashir Ah Lone Parvez Ah Rather Ghulam Hassan Malla Ab Rahim Dar Mohd Maqbool Sheikh Mohd Sultan Ganie Bashir Ah Zargar Ab Ahad Hajam Ab Ahad Dar

Residence Shekwara Sherabad Watergam Drangbal Shrakwara Shrakwara Kreeri Durhama Saloosa

Name of the Deceased Gh Nabi Sofi

Residence Pattan

Name of the Deceased Ab Aziz Mir Ab Gani Dar Abdul Rashid Bhat Showkat Bhat

Residence Plan Qutran Giradnawa Nambla Uri Nambla Uri

Tehsil Baramulla

Tehsil Pattan S. No. 1.

Name of the applicant Sameera Bano

Tehsil Uri S. No. 1.

2.

3.

4.

Name of the applicant Hena Bano Nahida Gani Nusrat Bano Shazia Bano

Tehsil Tangmarg S. No. 1.

2.

3.

4.

Name of the applicant Gulshan Akhter Baqwali Muzzaffar Iram Yaseen Tahira Akhter

DIPJK: 3655

Name of the Deceased Ab Khaliq Shah Muzaffer Ah Rather Mohd Yaseen Mashooq Ah Mir

Residence Takia Gonipora Lalpora Ogmuna Qazipora

Sd/- District Social Welfare Officer Baramulla

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

Srinagar |TueSday

PM assures full tapping of available LC Environment Committee meets Hydel Power Potential in JK SRINAGAR, JUNE 25:

Announces additional 150 MW power to state to meet increased demands KISHTWAR, JUNE 25: Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh Tuesday assured full tapping of Hydel Power potential available in Jammu and Kashmir, besides announced 150 MW additional Power to the state to meet the increased demand of power during the current season.The Prime Minister was speaking after laying the foundation of Prestigious 850 The State Power Development Corpothe seasonal power deficiency.The PM deMW GVK Ratle Hydro Power Project beration had invited on Tariff Based Interscribed the laying of foundation of the new ing built over Chenab River at Drabshala, about 25 Kilometre from this mountain- national Competitive Bidding for the 850 power project in the area as a new beginous Township.Second Mega Hydro Power MW project estimated to be completed ning in state’s endeavours to harness the huge 14000 MW power potential available Project in the district and third on River at a cost Rs 5500 crore.The Prime Minister said that the state has already been in the state. He said that so far projects Chenab in Erstwhile Doda District, the 850 generating only 2500 MW have come up MW project is being developed on Build drawing 1664 MW power from the centre owned generating stations adding that in the state adding the Centre and state Own Operate and Transfer (BOOT) mode governments would make every endeavby a Hyderabad based GVK Company and the centre has decided to give additional MW power to the state to overcome our to tap this huge potential. is targeted to be completed in News 5 years.Agency150 Lone Kangan Khan News Agency Ganderbal

Zabarwan Times is available at

A meeting of Environment Committee of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council was held here Tuesday under the Chairmanship of MLC, Dr. Bashir Ahmed Shah (Veeri).

Legislators, Syed Mohammad Rafiq Shah, Showket Hussain Ganie were also present in the meeting.The Committee discussed the issues related to framing of State Action Plan for climate change to address concerns of States fragile environment.

The Committee discussed that the past 22 years have vandalize over Forest, Ecology, Lakes, rivers, water bodies and other spheres of Bio-diversity of the State.

The Committee held threadbare discussions on disposal of Bio-medical Waste, installation of Sewerage Treatment Plant at Industrial Estates in J&K, conservation of Dal

Lake, protection of wet lands, impact of cement factories, stone crushers, Power projects, brick kilns, etc on States environment.The Committee also expressed condolence for the victims of Uttrakhand disaster and maintained that disturbances to the natural landscape might have significantly contributed to such wide spread destruction.

Secretary, Legislative

Council, Mohammad Ashraf Mir, Deputy Secretary, Legislative Council, Ishfaq Ahmed Wani besides other officials of Council Secretariat were also present on the occasion.

The next meeting of the Committee to be fixed on 3rd of July, 2013 at 11: 30 AM in the Council Lobby of Council Secretariat.

Gulzar News Agency Soura Zahid Book Depot Chadoora Tariq News Agency Hawal Bashir News Agency Nowhatta Muzaffar Ali News Agency Alamgari Bazar Budshah News Agency Lal Chowk Abdullah News Agency Lal Chowk Sikendar News Agency Lal Chowk Gupkari News Agency Lal Chowk Raina News Agency Gund Kangan Khan News Agency Regal Chowk Rashid News Agency Dalgate Agency Hilal attack.

News Agency Budgam Srinagar, June 25: Sheikh News ployed near Hyderpora Zero Bridge any militant “ Tele/Fax: 0194-2433760, 2433590, 2437647 (Srinagar): 0191-2479371, 2470102 (Jammu) Lone News Agency Tangmarg BhatofNews Agency stopped them and directed Scores Tourists were Chadoora Website: http://www.jakbopee.org, Email: administrator@jakbopee.org High-profile visitBhat leftNews them to return back. Mobile seen walking on foot as Kunzar Agency Magam Zargar News Agency people fuming as the secu- bunkers had been set up to they alleged that security Dar News Agency Beerwah Bashir News Agency Sumbal rity blanket thrown around restrict the movement of personnel did not allow Reshi Agency Safapora Saleem to News Agency the Srinagar city caused not News people as well as vehicles their vehicles move to- Pattan Basharat in News Agency Bandipora Reyaz NewsTourists Agency Pampore It is notified for the information of all the concerned eligible candidates of CETonly great inconvenience Hyderpora, Ram Bagh, wards City Centre.

2013 that Entrance Test for Biology and Chemistry papers will be conducted as per to them but to tourists asNews Barzullah, seenNews in Rainawari Altaf AgencyNatipora, PulwamaSolina, were also Javaid Agency Qazigund the below mentioned schedule: well. The city was virtu- Jawahar Nagar, Raj Bagh, and Jawahar Nagar area Jeelani News Agency Baramulla G.M News Agency Sopore ally changed into a fortress Amira Kadal, Hari Singh roaming from here to there.

Paper Time of Examination ShahofNews Agency Sultan News Agency as thousands of troops High Street, Kupwara Maisuma, Bata- “If such a situation arises Handwara Date of Examination army, CRPF and state po- News maloo, Soanwar and other due toSheikh the visit of Agency Prime Islamabad Younis Agency Langate News lice were seen on the Reshi roads. News adjacent areas of Srinagar Minister then Way I suggest him Agency Islamabad Three News Agency Tral 05-07-2013 Biology Morning Session 10.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m.

There was a curfew-like City. not to visit here please. For Turray News Agency Tral Badru News Agency Bijbehara Reporting Time: 09.25 a.m situation in the entire city At several check points, the visit of few dignitaries Rahi Agency Kulgam women whole population Malik News Agency during the PM’s visit, andNews people especially are being Arwani 05-07-2013 Chemistry Afternoon Session 02.30 p.m. to 04.00 p.m. public transport due were seen Byepass pleading before made to suffer. It is a Agency new RahtoNews Agency Shaheen News Kargil Reporting Time: 01.55 p.m.

High profile visit irks people, tourists face inconvenience

THE J&K BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS PUBLIC NOTICE

strike call given by separatist leaders remained off the road. However, those vehicles plying on the roads find it difficult to enter into the City Centre.

No vehicle was allowed to proceed towards Abdullah Bridge during early hours as policemen de-

the police and security personnel but they were not allowed to proceed.

Not a single vehicle was allowed to move towards the picturesque Boulevard Road. At every step security personnel were seen patrolling using binoculars and other instruments to thwart

experience for me and I will never forget it,” a tourist from Hubli, Karnataka told CNS.“We were halted for more than an hour near Qamarwari. After repeated requests we were let go to visit Lal Ded Hospital,” an attendant Mushtaq Ahmed from Zainakot said.

The venue of Examination Centres for the above mentioned papers will remain same as given in the candidates’ Admit Cards already issued. Students are required to be at their respective examination centres by the reporting time (35 minutes before the commencement of exam.) along with their Admit Cards issued by BoPEE. Secretary, J&K BoPEE No: BoPEE/Adm-02/906-932 Date: 25-06-2013

26 .6.2013

HOROSCOPE Aries

March 21-April 19 There’s a strong force working to oppose you. Another’s unbending attitude may be holding you back from things you’re trying to accomplish. Take the time to see the other side of the situation. You can gain a great deal of perspective and come to a healthy point of balance, thanks to the events of the day. Don’t back down from your viewpoint just because everyone doesn’t agree.

Taurus April 20-May 20

There’s an intensity about the day that may cause you to recoil from certain events and conversations, Taurus. Issues could get uncomfortable and perhaps a bit too involved. Other people may want to go to places that you don’t want to go to. Don’t get upset or frustrated. Either join in and roll with the punches or walk away and deal with the issues later.

Gemini May 21-June 21

You would do well to join the intensity of the day, Gemini. You have the ability to unravel any riddle and find the underlying cause of any dispute. There’s a great deal of potential for you to follow through on some major projects today. Work to press through with your ideas. Don’t back down. Your sensitivity is your greatest asset. Feel free to express your emotions.

Cancer June 22-July 22

Today might end up being quite combative, Cancer.

There may be people opposing you from all sides. There are apt to be some serious disruptions to your daily routine. Others may be quite stubborn, and you’re apt to fall into a situation in which no one is willing to back down. Whatever happens, you will be called upon to act.

This will most certainly be an eventful day.

Leo

July 23-August 22 Your flexibility will be tested today, Leo. You may end up twisting and flexing your body to fit the contours of the day. You will find that if you join forces with the powerful movers, you will get quite a bit done and be successful. Don’t be intimidated by the intensity of other people’s emotions. You will find strength in your calm, grounded self.

Virgo

August 23-September 22

You may have a hard time figuring out why everyone is so worked up today. Don’t waste your time, Virgo. You’re better off accepting that things simply are the way they are and allowing other people to have their drama. Your job is to maintain balance. This may be easier said than done. You’re working with some pretty intense issues, but nothing you can’t handle.

Libra

September 23-October 23 If anyone is capable of dealing with the intense emotional energy of today, it’s you, Libra. Other people may be angry and unable to stomach the sensitive issues that may arise. Take care, since there may be some major opposition coming at you that disrupts your plans.

You will face a practical, grounding force that questions your methods of operation.

Scorpio

October 24-November 21 Stubborn forces may challenge your easygoing nature today. You would do well to tap into this aggressive energy and use it to follow through on some projects that you’ve left hanging, Scorpio. Other people may be unyielding in their positions, but you can easily overcome this by tapping into your flexible, adaptable nature. Don’t get upset and restless. Go with the flow.

Sagittarius November 22-December 21

Tune into the aggressive energy of today, and use it to push your intentions forward. Today’s emotional intensity will bring you to your knees if you aren’t careful. The secret is to harness the energy and use it to your advantage. Try not to get caught between the crossfire of conflict. Tap into the slow-moving, generous force that’s helping you ground your thoughts and emotions.

Capricorn December 22-January 19

This is one of those days in which you need to act or else you will be acted upon, Capricorn. Stubborn, aggressive forces are working counter to your aims. You will find yourself swept up in the thick of things if you aren’t careful. Don’t get too worried about what other people consider wrong. Have confidence in what you know is right.

Aquarius January 20-February 18

The intense energy of the day is helping you streamline your projects and solidify your thoughts, Aquarius.

Work to manifest the ideas and dreams that constantly swirl in your head. Today is a great day to bring your mind into focus and get down to the nitty-gritty. Clean up the scraps off your plate and make room for the next gourmet course to be served.

Pisces

February 19-March 20 Suddenly your emotions are much more intense, Pisces. You notice that people are on edge and they’re likely to go to extremes in all situations. This is one day to do things with passion. If there is any sort of detective work you need to get done, now is the time to do it. Try not to start any arguments. Others aren’t likely to back down. All-out wars are likely to ensue.

Editorial/Opinion The Daily

Zabarwan Times Wednesday, 26 June 2013

Promises and Reality

P

rime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday inaugurated the Rattle project in Kishtwar. On this occasion the Prime Minister said the Centre will provide all help to Jammu and Kashmir in overcoming the power shortage and announced several steps in this direction, including additional 150 MW supply from the Northern Grid. Once the promised an upcoming projects become a reality, it will give a landmark fillip to the power generation in Jammu and Kashmir. The state government has already signed an agreement with National Hydro Electric Power Corporation Limited (NHPC) and Power Trading Corporation of India (PTC). The agreement is aimed at tackling the ever worsening power situation in the state. But ground realities in Kashmir have cast a doubt on such deals as the present government has miserably failed to address the power woes in Kashmir that has pushed the common people to the wall. The Power Development Department’s unannounced and unscheduled power cuts have assumed crisis proportions as consumers, particularly in outlying districts, get electricity barely for four out of 24 hours. Failing to stick to its announced curtailment schedule, the PDD has not even resorted to its lame excuse of generation falling drastically during lean months to explain the massive power cuts in force in Kashmir. The central government which sucks out every megawatt of hydel power produced in the state during months of high discharge leaves Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the latter, high and dry in harsh winters by its stingy policy on exporting power to the region. The state government too has been pathetically wanting in anticipating the situation ensuing due to a prolonged dry spell and taking advance measures to avert a grave crisis. It has hidden behind a stony silence on the power situation in Kashmir, and uses planted stories in the media to accustom the public to the coming dark and difficult days.

Deeming itself not accountable to the public in Kashmir, the government does not bother to explain how it can charge full fees from consumers when it cannot keep even a fraction of its agreement on supplying power. As Kashmir continues to reel under darkness due to frequent power cuts, failure of the state government to have minimum required grid capacity in the Valley is said to be the major infrastructural bottleneck hampering import of requisite energy. According to reports, the state is importing around 750 MWs of electricity from northern grid through 400 KV Kishenpore-Wagoora and 220 KV KishenporePampore transmission lines. In addition 30 MWs are imported through 132 KV Udhampur-Wanpoh transmission line which feeds Tethar and Mattan grid stations. The imported energy from Northern Grid and the locally generated power is pooled up at two grid stations on 220 KV level—one at Pampore in district Pulwama having three units of 150 MVA each and another at Zainakote in Srinagar having three units of 150 MVA each.

After synchronization of the energy imported from the Northern Region Load Dispatch Centre, New Delhi at these sub-stations the same is then supplied to consumers in the Valley. While the Valley on average consumes 180 lakh units of energy per day (more than 800 MWs) including local generation, the peak demand (in morning and (evening hours especially during winters) shoots up to 1350 MWs. To tide over the energy demandsupply gap, PDD needs to import more energy or increase local generation. But due to nonavailability of adequate grid facility, the PDD is not in a position to import more than 750 MWs at a time. And any overload on these grids could lead to collapse of system and total shutdown in the Valley. Even if PDD have the extra energy available from the Northern Grid it can’t use it as there is no adequate grid capacity available in the Valley.

Even if the local generation is increased, there is no infrastructure available to pool it for distribution. The state government, under Prime Ministers Reconstruction Program, has allotted construction of four grid stations across the Valley to outside companies. However, it has failed to ensure timely completion of the much-needed sub-stations to facilitate better supply of electricity to consumers.

Given the mounting demand for import of power in the absence of local production, the immediate need is for more than six grid stations of 320 MVA each at 220 KV level to overcome the crisis. To tide over the shortage of electricity, the department was resorting to distress cut for hours in different areas which has added to the miseries of the people.

Daily

ZABARWAN TIMES 9

Wednesday, 26 June 2013

Regulator for the Housing Sector

T

he Cabinet recently approved the real estate regulation and development bill which provides for putting in place a regulator for the housing sector in the country with a view to bringing transparency to the sector. The regulator will oversee the functioning of the sector which unfortunately has been most opaque in its dealings. The bill, aimed at regulating the sector which is beset with multiple problems, is therefore a welcome step which has been long overdue.

The bill provides that the builder whose project is coming up on an area of 1000 Sq. metres or more will have to register with the regulator. The Agents, commonly known as property dealers, too will have to register themselves with the regulator and make public all the relevant information.

The prospective house owners in the country have been facing lots of problems in the process of acquiring a dwelling unit. They are never told the status of the project advertised with regard to the mandatory clearances from different agencies. Projects are launched without obtaining such clearances leading to litigations and harassment for the consumer. There are also cost overruns and often inordinate delays in handing over the dwelling units to the consumers.

Besides, there are hidden costs which the consumer comes to know only at the time of taking over the possession. Not the least important is the confusion sought to be created by the builders with regard to the unit area. Instead of mentioning the carpet area--the actual area of a dwelling unit which one uses-- the builders sell the vague super area which includes all the common areas.

To deal with such problems the bill provides for a number of measures. For instance no project can be launched, in fact even publicized, before all the

T

necessary clearances for the project are obtained. Any violation of this provision through a misleading advertisement will lead to imposition of a penalty on the builder and if the offence is repeated for the second time, a jail term up to 3 years.

The builder will have to put on his website all the relevant details about this.

To prevent builders from diverting funds collected for one project to other projects the bill provides that 70 percent of the funds raised for a particular project have to be put in a different account and used for the construction of that project only. All this, indeed is going to bring transparency, accountability and professionalism to the

To prevent builders from diverting funds

collected for one project to other projects the bill provides that 70 percent of the

funds raised for a particular project have

to be put in a different account and used for the construction of that project only.

All this, indeed is going to bring transparency, accountability and professionalism to the

sector which will enhance its credibility and bring some relief to the house buyers. But

the question is whether this will be enough to deal with the massive housing problem the country is facing?

Similarly, in case of inordinate delay in handing over the possession as per the agreement, the builder will have to make full refund of the money to the consumer along with interest. The bill makes it mandatory for the builder to sell the unit according to the carpet area and not the super area as is being done now.

sector which will enhance its credibility and bring some relief to the house buyers.

But the question is whether this will be enough to deal with the massive housing problem the country is facing?

Two things need to be given immediate attention if the bill has to serve the desired purpose. First, since the clearances have

to be given by various government agencies, it is important that they too are brought under its purview. Second, the regulator is proposed to be only for the housing sector. The commercial sector has been left out for the time being. One hopes that this sector too will be brought under the purview of the bill sooner than later. Alongside, steps need to be taken to reform the sector to meet the massive housing demand in the county. The land use provisions and Floor Space Index (FSI), need to be given a fresh look. Better land use is the need of the hour in view of the huge shortfall in the housing field.

Single window system needs to be given a push to avoid delays.

Growing urbanization, a growing middle class and migratory population is putting additional burden on the demand for housing in the country. It is therefore imperative that in addition to regulating the sector the supply side is also strengthened. Housing is one sector which gives a push to many other sectors like steel and iron, cement etc. It also generates employment at various levels. It thus plays a major role in the economic development, particularly at a time when the economy is facing a slowdown.

The bill envisages a well structured grievance disposal system. There will be an Appellate Tribunal to adjudicate disputes which will be headed by a sitting or a retired judge. There will also be a National Advisory Council headed by the Housing minister to advise the regulator on crucial matters. That should take care of adopting a fair approach with regard to all stakeholders involved in the sector.

Since land and property is a state subject, cooperation from the state governments is of utmost importance to make the bill a success. One hopes this cooperation will be forthcoming in the desired measure, as it is as much in the interests of the states to regulate the housing sector as it is for the Central government.

Dairy Development

he Indian dairy sector has acquired substantial growth momentum from 9th Plan onwards as a result of which the country now ranks first among the world's milk producing nations, achieving an annual output of about 130 million tonnes. This represents sustained growth in the availability of milk and milk products for our growing population. Dairying has become an important secondary source of income for millions of rural families and has assumed the most important role in providing employment and income generating opportunities particularly for marginal and women farmers. The per capita availability of the milk has reached a level of 290 grams per day by the year 2012, which is more than the world average of 284 grams per day. Most of the milk in the country is produced by small, marginal farmers and landless labourers.

About 14.78 million farmers have been brought under the ambit of 1,48,965 village level dairy corporative societies up to March 2012. Farmers of marginal, small and semi-medium operational holdings (area less than 4 ha) own about 87.7% of the livestock. India is endowed with the largest livestock population in the world. It accounts for about 57.3 per cent of the world's buffalo population and 14.7 per cent of the cattle population.

Animal husbandry and dairying play an important role in national economy and in socio-economic development of the country. These activities play a significant role in generating gainful employment in the rural areas, particularly among the landless, small and marginal farmers and women, besides providing cheap and nutritious food.

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

Several measures have been initiated by the Government to increase the productivity of milch animals, which has resulted in increasing the milk production significantly.

National Dairy Plan In order to meet the rapidly growing demand for milk with a focus to improve milch animal productivity and increase milk production, the Government has also approved National Dairy Plan Phase1(NDP-1) in February, 2012 with a total investment of about Rs. 2242 crore to be implemented upto 2016-17. NDP-1 will

help to meet the projected national demand of 150 million tonnes of milk by 2016-17. This is envisaged through productivity enhancement, strengthening and expanding village level infrastructure for milk procurement and provide producers with greater access to markets.

NDP-1 would focus on 14 major milk producing states – Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya

crore has been released to NDDB upto 3112-2012, for implementation of the scheme.

Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme A modified scheme namely Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (DEDS) was launched on 1-9-2010, for promoting private investment in the dairy sector. The Scheme aims at

A modified scheme namely Dairy

Entrepreneurship Development Scheme

(DEDS) was launched on 1-9-2010, for

promoting private investment in the dairy sector. The Scheme aims at increasing

investment in dairy sector for increasing

milk production in the country apart from helping in poverty reduction through self employment opportunities. It is being implemented through NABARD and provides financial assistance to the

bankable projects through Commercial,

Cooperative, Urban and Rural Banks with a back ended capital subsidy of 25% of the project cost for general category and

33.33% of the project cost for SC & ST

beneficiaries as Central assistance subject to norms of the scheme.

P r a d e s h , B i h a r, We s t B e n g a l , Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and Kerala which account for over 90% of the country's milk production. A total sum of Rs.79.00

increasing investment in dairy sector for increasing milk production in the country apart from helping in poverty reduction through self employment opportunities. It is being implemented

through NABARD and provides financial assistance to the bankable projects through Commercial, Cooperative, Urban and Rural Banks with a back ended capital subsidy of 25% of the project cost for general category and 33.33% of the project cost for SC & ST beneficiaries as Central assistance subject to norms of the scheme. Farmers, individual entrepreneurs, group of unorganized and organized sector are eligible to benefit under this. Group of organized sector includes self-help groups, dairy cooperative societies; district level Milk Unions, State Milk Federation, etc.

Since inception, NABARD has disbursed an amount of Rs.251.20 crore to the beneficiaries for sanctioning 62,046 dairy units upto 31st December, 2012. Further, the Government has released an amount of Rs.140 crore to NABARD during 2012-13 for the implementation of the scheme, out of which NABARD has released back ended capital subsidy of Rs.127.13 crore for establishment of 32,749 dairy units upto 31-12-2012.

Assistance to Cooperatives This Scheme was started during the year 1999-2000, with the objective to rehabilitate the sick dairy Cooperative Milk Union at the district level and Milk Federations at the State level. The Scheme is being implemented on 50:50 sharing basis between the Government and the State Government concerned through NDDB. The rehabilitation plan is prepared by National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) in consultation with the concerned State Milk Federation/ District Milk Union. Each rehabilitation plan is prepared in such a manner that the net worth of the sick Cooperative will become positive within a period of seven years from the date of its approval.

Since inception, the Department has approved 42 rehabilitation projects for the sick Milk Unions at a total cost of Rs.310.91 crore with the Central share of Rs. 155.64 crore upto 31-12-2012 in the States of Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Assam Nagaland, Punjab, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. A total sum of Rs. 120.64 crore as central share has been released to the sick Cooperative Milk Unions upto 31st December, 2012.

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

HE A L+H 58

ZABARWANTIMES ZABARWAN TIMES WEDNESDAY | 26 JUNE 2013

Household chemicals can give you heart disease

High Blood Sugar Levels Linked to Brain Shrinkage

The Australian study of nearly 250 non-diabetic men and women found those with high blood sugar levels tended to have shrinking in brain areas linked to memory and emotional processing. The results held up even after controlling for lifestyle factors such as smoking and weight.

“If replicated, this finding may contribute to a reevaluation of the concept of normal blood glucose levels and the definition of diabetes,” wrote study author Dr. Nicolas Cherbuin, director of the Neuroimaging and Brain Lab at Australian National University in Canberra, Australia.

Previous research has

linked diabetes, a disorder in which blood sugar levels are abnormally high, to age-related cognitive decline. But the new study, published Monday in the journal Neurology, suggested controlling blood sugar levels could boost cognitive health in non-diabetics.

How exactly? The jury’s still out.

Some studies suggest blood sugar control can help regulate the body’s inflammatory response, which has been linked to brain shrinkage. Another theory is that high sugar levels make the blood stickier, raising the risk of clots that starve the brain.

Either way, experts said,

the study supports healthy eating to keep blood sugar levels in check.

“This in line with many other studies that have been published and adds to all of the data on diabetes affecting brain health,” said Dr. R. Scott Turner, director of the Memory Disorders Program and a professor of neurology at Georgetown University Medical Center, who was not involved with this study.

For non-diabetic patients with high blood sugar levels, Turner recommended adopting the American Diabetes Association diet, which is high in nonstarchy vegetables and low in carbohydrates and protein.

Exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a manmade chemical used in the manufacture of some common household products, may lead to cardiovascular disease and peripheral arterial disease, a new study has warned.

Surveys have suggested that PFOA (widely used in the manufacture of products such as lubricants, polishes, paper and textile coatings, and food packaging) is detectable in the blood of more than 98 per cent of the U.S. population.

Some evidence has suggested that an association may be biologically plausible between PFOA exposure and cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to the study background.

Anoop Shankar, M.D., Ph.D., and colleagues from the West Virginia University School of Public Health, Morgantown, examined the association between serum (blood) levels of PFOA and the presence of CVD and PAD, a marker of atherosclerosis, in a nationally representative group of adults. The study

5 Teas that make you slim!

The brew that energises can also help you lose weight. Here's how...

It's widely known that just one cup of tea can prevent strokes, arthritis, tooth decay and even keep cancer at bay. While it's regarded as nature's tranquiliser for its soothing properties, the brew also has another great benefit - it helps shed weight. Scientists have shown that tea has high levels of compounds that battle the absorption of fat.

Here are 5 teas that can result in a slimmer you...

Star anise tea: promotes digestion Star anise, the fruit of a small evergreen tree (Illicium verum) native to China, can be used in the treatment of digestive troubles such an upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea etc.

One may drink a tea made from it by

steeping a whole pod in one cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Strain this and sweeten it if required. Sip on this slowly when an upset stomach occurs.

Peppermint tea: controls what you eat

If you like peppermint tea then try and rotate that with a green tea drink as both speed up digestion and thus help you burn more calories. The peppermint leaves can be used to make a light, refreshing tea, which can be drunk either hot or chilled. To prepare the tea, take a tablespoon of fresh or dried leaves and add them to boiling water and let it steep for four to five minutes. Strain and add honey, if needed.

Green tea: builds metabolism

Research says the chemical EGCG found in green tea that speeds up the body's metabolism, is responsible for helping people lose the kilos - it can burn a whopping 70 calories a day! Green tea also raises the level of

antioxidants. It's believed the antioxidant catechins in green tea boost metabolism and helps burn fat (can burn a whopping 70 calories a day!)

Steeping time for the tea: two to three minutes at 85 Degrees Celsius.

Rose tea: prevents constipation

One of the oldest flavouring teas available, rose tea - made by mixing fresh roses and the bud of the tea has a major therapeutic effect on the human body. Apart from clearing toxins and beautifying the skin, rose tea contains vitamins A, B3, C, D and E and is known to act against infections. It also prevents constipation and helps one lose weight.

Oolong tea: guards against obesity

Research reveals that oolong, a semi-fermented tea may have a stronger effect than even green tea.

It promotes fat burning is said to help reduce cholesterol and the concentration of fat in the body. About two cups per day is recommended.

Steep oolong tea anywhere from 30 seconds to five minutes, for a more

Asthma inhalers can stunt growth in kids

This is the finding from a comprehensive asthma study, which has Robert C. Strunk, MD, the Donald Strominger Professor of Pediatrics at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis as the senior author.

The study involved more than 1,000 children ages 5-12 who were treated for mild to moderate asthma as part of the Childhood Asthma Management Program (CAMP) clinical trial.

The children received treatment for more than four years at eight centers, including Washington University School of Medicine. They were divided into three groups: one received twice-daily budesonide, an inhaled

corticosteroid medication; a second group received nedocromil, an inhaled non-steroid medication; and a third group received a placebo.

All children received albuterol, a fast-acting drug for relief of acute asthma symptoms, and oral corticosteroids as needed for asthma symptoms.

The researchers followed 943 participants in the trial at regular intervals until they reached adult height.

Females were considered to be at adult height at age 18 or older and males at age 20 or older, Strunk said. In the first 4 1/2 years after the end of the trial, researchers took patients' height and weight every six months. Over the next

eight years, height and weight were measured once or twice a year.

The mean adult height was about one-half inch, or 1.2 centimeters, shorter in the group that received budesonide than in the patients who received nedocromil or placebo. The patients who experienced the slower growth were primarily between 5-11 years old when they began using budesonide.

The slower growth took place only in the first two years of the four-year study. As the study progressed, the children who took the budesonide remained one-half inch shorter through adulthood than the children who did not use the drug,

said Strunk, who treats children with asthma at St. Louis Children's Hospital.

"This was surprising because in previous studies, we found that the slower growth would be temporary, not affecting adult height. But none of those studies followed patients from the time they entered the study until they had reached adult height," Strunk stated.

Pediatric asthma specialists at St. Louis Children's Hospital keep a close watch on the growth of their patients who use inhaled steroids, Strunk said. They are measured at every visit, and physicians keep a growth curve.

"If a child is not growing as they should, we may reduce their steroid dose," he noted.

"But we think that the half-inch of lowered adult height must be balanced against the well-established benefit of inhaled corticosteroids in controlling persistent asthma. We will use the lowest effective dose to control symptoms to minimize concerns about effects on adult height," he added.

The findings will be presented at the European Respiratory Society meeting in Vienna, Austria, and published online in the New England Journal of Medicine

used merged data from the 19992000 and 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

The study suggests that increasing serum PFOA levels were positively associated with the presence of CVD and PAD, and the association appeared to be independent of confounders such as age, sex, race/ethnicity, smoking status, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and serum cholesterol level, the authors comment.

"Our results contribute to the emerging data on health effects of PFCs [perfluoroalkyl chemicals], suggesting for the first time that PFOA exposure is potentially related to CVD and PAD. However, owing to the cross-sectional nature of the present study, we cannot conclude that the association is causal," the researchers said.

Compared with the reference level of PFOA in quartile 1, the multivariable odds ratio among participants in quartile 4 was

2.01 for CVD and 1.78 for PAD, according to the results.

"In summary, in a representative cross-sectional sample of the U.S. population, we found that higher PFOA levels are positively associated with self-reported CVD and objectively measured PAD. Our findings, however, should

be interpreted with caution because of the possibility of residual confounding and reverse causality. Future prospective studies are needed to confirm or refute our findings," the researchers concluded.

The study was published online

by Archives of Internal Medicine, a JAMA Network publica-

E-cigarettes are equally injurious to health Electronic cigarettes are being marketed as a potentially safer alternative to normal cigarettes, but new research has shown that they are still causing harm to the lungs.

The study has also added new evidence to the debate over the safety of alternative nicotine-delivery products.

Electronic cigarettes are devices that deliver nicotine through a vapour, rather than smoke. There is no combustion involved but the nicotine in the device is still derived from tobacco. There has been much debate over the safety and efficiency of the products, but little scientific evidence to support either claim.

Researchers from the University of Athens in Greece aimed to investigate the short-term effects of using e-cigarettes on different people, including people without any known health problems and smokers with and without existing lung conditions.The study included 8 people who had never smoked and 24 smokers, 11 with normal lung function and 13 people with either chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma.Each person used an electronic cigarette for 10 minutes. The researchers then measured their airway resistance using a number of tests, including a spirometry test.The results showed that for all people included in the study, the e-cigarette caused an immediate increase in airway resistance, lasting for 10 minutes. In healthy subjects (never smokers) there was a statistically significant increase in airway resistance from a mean average of 182 per cent to 206 per cent.In smokers with normal spirometry there was a statistically significant increase from a mean average of 176 percent to 220 percent. In COPD and asthma patients the use of one e-cigarette seemed to have no immediate effect to airway resistance.Professor Christina Gratziou, one of the authors and Chair of the ERS Tobacco Control Committee, said: "We do not yet know whether unapproved nicotine delivery products, such as e-cigarettes, are safer than normal cigarettes, despite marketing claims that they are less harmful. This research helps us to understand how these products could be potentially harmful."We found an immediate rise in airway resistance in our group of participants, which suggests e-cigarettes can cause immediate harm after smoking the device. More research is needed to understand whether this harm also has lasting effects in the long-term."The ERS recommends following effective smoking cessation treatment guidelines based on clinical evidence which do not advocate the use of such products," Professor Gratziou added.

Study finds computer, television screen time directly linked to childhood obesity

SCREEN time has overtaken exercise as the most important factor in childhood obesity and should be limited, a South Australian study has found.

The UniSA study looked at 2200 children aged between nine and 16 years and found the length of time they spent in front of television and computer screens was a more likely indicator of being overweight or obese than the amount of exercise they did.Study co-author and UniSA researcher Dr Carol Maher said screen time now made up about one quarter of waking time for the age group."In the past two decades, young

people's physical activity behaviour has been the subject of scores of interventions but, in comparison, interventions aimed at reducing screen time have been relatively uncommon," she said."Our findings suggest that screen-time reduction may be a more effective target behaviour for intervention studies aimed at reducing overweight and obesity among children."The study found there were about two and a half times as many obese study subjects classed in the category of high-screen-time and low-exercise (10.7 per cent), as in the low-screentime and high-exercise

category (4.3 per cent).

Dr Maher said the value of physical activity also should not be underestimated.

"Increased likelihood of a young person being overweight or obese was more strongly and consistently associated with high screen-time than with low physical activity," she said."Findings underscore the need for interventions targeting screen behaviour in young people."Dr Maher said the study, published in the latest edition of Acta Paediatrica, was carried out because there was debate in the scientific community about which factor had the stronger as-

sociation with obesity.

The children's behaviour over 24-hour periods was studied and they were divided into groups based on high and low activity, as well as on high and low screen use, according to national guidelines.

Low-activity children exercised for less than 60 minutes each day and high screen-time children failed to meet national guidelines.

"Increased likelihood of overweight or obese was often associated with high screen time, but only sometimes and less strongly associated with low ... physical activity," Dr Maher said.

NATION

7 SRINAGAR Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Congress upset at Modi’s Rambo claim

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi’s claim — through his well-oiled PR machinery — that he had, Rambo-like, rescued 15,000 Gujarati pilgrims from the floodravaged Uttarakhand has riled the Congress.

“It doesn’t suit a leader of [Mr.] Modi’s stature to claim that he will come like a Rambo and fly 15,000 pilgrims of his State out of Uttarakhand,” Congress leader Ajay Maken said.

Indeed, given that rescue and relief operations are being conducted by the armed forces and other disaster management agencies, Mr. Modi has done no more than other Chief Ministers such as Maharashtra’s Prithviraj Chavan or Tamil Nadu’s Jayalalithaa, who have sent officials to Dehradun to help those evacuated with money and other resources to return home.

But unlike Mr. Chavan or Ms. Jayalalithaa who did not publicise their efforts, or make it difficult for the beleaguered Uttarakhand government by arriving in Dehradun and making a well-publicised aerial survey, Mr. Modi did just that, ignoring Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde’s request that Chief

Ministers not visit the hill State as it would hamper the rescue operations.

Earlier in the week, Congress spokesperson Raj Babbar, when asked to comment on why Gujarat had given only Rs. 2 crore, despite being, according to Mr. Modi, India’s most prosperous State, he merely said he found it odd that a Hindutva votary had chosen to be niggardly when it came to helping out the land of the char dham: four key Hindu religious sites. Maharashtra, Delhi and Haryana have given Rs. 10 crore each and Uttar Pradesh Rs. 25 crore for the relief efforts.

Mr. Modi clearly wants to make

political capital at a moment when all eyes are “on the extraordinary discipline, courage and valour” — as Mr. Maken phrased it — of the armed forces engaged in rescue operations under the most difficult circumstances.

On Sunday evening, 80,000 persons were brought to safety by air and land. At a press conference in the evening, addressed by the heads of the various agencies, there were even some heartwarming stories such as the one of a young woman army doctor and her colleagues walking 25 km to a remote village to help in the birth of a baby, and of helicopters making difficult landings on a treacherous rock face.

vestigating the case, has reached Odisha to question the two arrested men.

On May 25, the Naxals ambushed a convoy of Chhattisgarh Congress leaders who were coming back from a rally in Bastar district. Twenty five people, including top party leaders and founder of anti-Naxal movement Salwa Judum Mahendra Karma, were killed in the attack.

Senior Congress leader Vidya Charan Shukla was badly injured and was rushed to a hospital in Gurgaon for treatment. He succumbed to his injuries 17 days later.

Gujarat Police obtained 90,000 phone call records in 3 months

NEW DELHI: Gujarat Police has obtained nearly 90,000 telephone call data records (CDRs) of people and entities in three months beginning January this year, raising eyebrows in central intelligence agencies.

The unusually high number of CDRs of individual and entities were obtained by Gujarat Police citing various cases against them and for investigation purposes, official sources said.

Obtaining CDRs by any enforcement agency to track movement and activities of suspected persons and entities is a very common practice in the country, but what has surprised many in central agencies was the unusually high number of CDRs over a very short period.

“We are not sure how much information Gujarat Police got from the CDRs but it was strange that such a large number of call data records were obtained in a very short period of time,” an official said.

Meanwhile, the Centre will soon operationalise the Central Monitoring System (CMS) which will put an end to all unauthorised tapping of telephones.

The CMS, which enables security agencies to monitor phones and internet communications of suspected persons, will ensure that monitoring of phone calls, text messages and internet use of citizens will be done only by government agencies after taking due permission from designated authority.

Uttarakhand: Near Kedarnath temple, helicopter lands with firewood for mass-cremation

Gauchar: In snatches of rare good weather today, military helicopters reached some parts of Uttarakhand devastated by rain and landslides and moved people who have been stranded for days to safety.

The whirring of those rotors has been a soundtrack of hope and wait for thousands who were caught in the early and vengeful monsoon that struck the hilly state on the night of June 15.

Today, the helicopters took on a new and grim task -to drop tonnes of firewood, ghee and other material needed for the mass-cremations that will begin soon in Kedarnath, which was the epicentre of the disaster. Hundreds of pilgrims died near the famous 1000-year-old temple when a wall of water came tearing down the hillsides with carsized boulders in tow.

Bodies are decomposing, senior disaster management

The massacre had pushed the issue of how to deal with Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) at the top of the agenda at a meeting on internal security called earlier this month by the Prime Minister and attended by the heads of different state governments.

The Centre and states were, however, unable to find common ground in the meeting.

Kolkata: The West Bengal proposed to have Panchayat polls in four phases from the original three phases. The decision was taken at a meeting on Tuesday attended by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Chief Secretary and Home Secretary while the hearing was still on in the Calcutta High Court.

According to the proposal, the polls will be held on July 2 at Bankura, Purulia, West Midnapore, on July 4 at North and South 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hoogly, Burdwan and East Midnapore, on July 6 at Nadia, Murshidabad, Malda and Birbhum and on July 9 at Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri and South and North Dinajpur.The decision was taken as the Centre reiterated that it cannot provide security forces to the West Bengal government for conducting the three-phased

Panchayat polls next month. The Centre said that it has already deployed forces in rescue operations in flood-hit Uttarakhand and in anti-Naxal operations.

The decision was taken as the Centre

NEW DELHI, JUNE 24: Congress President Sonia Gandhi and party Vice-President Rahul Gandhi today flagged off relief material for the victims of flash floods in Uttarakhand.

Top Congress leaders were present at the AICC headquarters where Gandhi and her son Rahul flagged off 24 truckloads of relief supplies in addition to the 125 trucks already sent to Dehradun.

Besides the Gandhis, leaders present on the occasion include Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, Finance Minister P. Chidambaram, Road Transport Minister Oscar Fernandes, and political secretary to Congress President Ahmed Patel, AICC General Secretaries Ambika Soni and Ajay Maken.

This was Rahul Gandhi’s first appearance since the natural calamity struck Uttarkhand as he was abroad.

Sheila not to give party tickets to politicians who have criminal records. “In the Delhi Assembly, there are 16 Congress MLAs who are charged with serious criminal offences. How can these people make laws against rape, corruption and murder? Legislative Assembly is like a temple. And presence of such people will spoil the sanctity of the temple,” he said.

Force was able to land a large Mi-17 helicopter in Kedranath today, bringing over the first consignment of the supplies requested by priests who will supervise the cremation once the rains stop.

The Air Force has fashioned a special mechanism to air-drop the heavy load of firewood to Kedarnath from a height of about 15 metres.

AICC treasurer Motilal Vora and AICC general secretary and in-charge of Congress President’s Office Ambika Soni had visited Uttarakhand to oversee the relief operations and coordinate with state Congress units which have been sending relief materials.

Congress has set up a control room at Dehradun to accelerate the relief work. AICC Secretary Sanjay Kapoor and the party’s wing Seva Dal’s chief Mahendra Joshi have already been sent to Dehradun to monitor the work.

Khera, in his letter sent five days ago, had asked Kejriwal to refrain from making personal attacks on the Chief Minister which reduce politics to a “cheap gimmick”. Kejriwal said if Sheila wants clean governance then she must tell Congress not to give tickets to more than one member of a family.“In India, politics is under the grasp of dynasty and family rule.

My sincere request to you is to tell your party not to give tickets to more than one member of a family. I know this might force either you or your son- Mr Sandip Dikshit- to retire from politics,” he said.

On the issue of women’s safety, Kejriwal said that being a woman herself, Sheila chose to do nothing to curb growing violence against women in the capital.

“Women here do not feel safe anymore.

Whenever a rape happens in Delhi, you shift

reiterated that it cannot provide security to the state for the polls.

The state government has demanded paramilitary forces for secuirty cover and has admitted that it faces a shortfall

of 77,000 personnel for the first phase itself. The Calcutta High Court has suggested that elections be held in five phases from the original three phases to cover the shortfall.

The High Court had on Monday slammed the Centre for not providing adequate forces for the state Panchayat elections, when it has provided such forces to other states. The state government and the State Election Commission (SEC) have locked horns over the issue of security for the polls.

The SEC has maintained that it is the state government’s responsibility to provide adequate security forces in case new poll dates are announced. The state government had hit back and accused the state election commission of being reluctant to hold polls.

Mamata Banerjee arranges for chartered flights to bring home stranded tourists in Uttarakhand

Sonia, Raghul flag off relief material for Uttarakhand

KOLKATA: Chief minister Mamata Banerjee said on Tuesday that her government had arranged for chartered flight to bring back tourists and pilgrims to West Bengal from Uttarakhand which had witnessed havoc disaster recently due to heavy downpour. ‘’Arrangements have been made in both Delhi and Dehradun to bring back tourists and pilgrims from our state.I pray the stranded visitors from West Bengal keep well and safely return home,’’ Mamata told reporters at the state secretariat Writers’ Buildings before leaving the state capital for Jangalmahal where she will stay two days to address campaign rallies for her party for next month’s panchayat elections.

This was the first time that the state government had taken the initiative to arrange chartered flight to bring back stranded people back.

More than 1000 tourists and pilgrims had already been brought back to West Bengal from the affected areas of Uttarakhand, she said, adding that

Kejriwal dares Delhi CM for a debate, says she did nothing to curb crime against women

New Delhi: Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday dared Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit for a public debate with him on issues relating to “inflated” power and water bills and women’s safety among others.

AAP leader Kejriwal, who responded to Sheila’s Political Secretary Pawan Khera’s letter objecting to targeting the Chief Minister, also rejected charges that he muddied the politics in the national capital.

“I invite you for a public debate. This debate may happen at Ramlila Maidan. Date and time will be of your (Dikshit) convenience.

But I know you will not accept this challenge,” he said in a letter to the Chief Minister.

The AAP leader also asked Sheila Dikshit not to give party tickets to politicians who have criminal records.

In the letter, the AAP leader also asked

official KN Pandey told news agency AFP. “Under no circumstances can we allow an outbreak of an epidemic,” he said.

A police official in-charge of organising the cremations said belongings and documents recovered from bodies will be collected to help with identification and DNA samples will also be collected.

For the first time, the Air

West Bengal government proposes to have Panchayat polls in 4 phases

2 suspected Naxals arrested for May 25 attack in Chhattisgarh

New Delhi: The Odisha Police have arrested two suspected Maoists who they claim were part of the deadly attack on a Congress convoy in Chhattisgarh last month. The two were arrested from Malkangiri late on June 24 and the police say they have confessed to their roles.

According to the police, the two were part of 30 Maoists from Odisha who took part in the attack. These 30 Maoists provided logistical support like reconnaissance, carrying loads and cooking to the other group which carried out the attack, the police said.

The National Investigation Team (NIA), which is in-

For the Congress, with a slew of Assembly elections due at the yearend and the general election less than 12 months away, the devastation in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh is a sensitive matter not just because the party is in power in both: it is a pan-Indian tragedy as the vast majority of tourists and pilgrims who were stranded come from different parts of the country.

In most countries, at the time of a national disaster, political parties would come together to focus on helping out; recriminations and name calling would come later.

But on Sunday, addressing a rally at Pathankot, Mr. Modi lashed out at the government and undermined the efforts of the armed forces, Congress functionaries noted. “At this juncture …, the whole country should be united, and political parties should concentrate only on relief activity rather than on oneupmanship,” Mr. Maken said.

Mr. Modi’s “utterances, particularly those referring to national security, should have been avoided … This could demotivate our armed forces at a moment when they are single-mindedly pursuing relief operations.”

DAILY ZABARWAN TIMES

the blame to Delhi Police saying it is not under your control. Delhi people do not need a chief minister who is so helpless. People need a chief minister who can protect its citizens,” he said.Talking about the issue of inflated power and water bills, Kejriwal alleged that Delhi government was hand-in-glove with the power companies.“Both the Congress and BJP have a nexus with power companies and water companies. You kept on increasing the price of power and water and the BJP, on and off, held protests to hog limelight. Common people have been looted in the process but everything was fine for the Congress and the BJP,” Kejriwal said.The former Team Anna member said in order to have “clean governance”, there is a need to maintain transparency in the records of the donations that political parties get from different sources.

no tourists from the state had died in the Uttarakhand.

Two ministers from West Bengal Madan Mitra and Rachpal Singh are currently staying in Uttarakhand following the chief minister’s instruction. Mamata said on Tuesday that she had asked Mitra to come back to Kolkata while “”Rachpal Singh will be there in Uttarakhand for some

more days to supervise the rescue operation.”” ‘’We have also asked our resident commissioner in New Delhi to monitor the situation,’’ she added. She also added that she held talks with her counterpart in Uttarakhand regarding rescue of Bengal tourists and the Uttarakhand government had promised me all sorts of help in this regard.

Democracy strong, people will not tolerate a dictator, says Akhilesh

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday asserted that the foundation of democracy in the country is very strong, and the people will not allow a dictator to flourish in the system.Releasing a documentary ‘Apaatkaal ke Mahanayak’ on the eve of 38th anniversary of imposition of emergency in the country, Akhilesh said people will always remember the contribution of those who fought for restoration of democracy.Akhilesh appreciated the idea of making a documentary on emergency, saying that there is already enough reading material available to know about that period, and now people will also

get to know more about the “atrocities” carried out at that time in an audio-visual format.

Democracy strong, people will not tolerate a dictator, says AkhileshThe CM said that at times when it seemed that emergency would never end, ‘Loktantra Senanis’ sacrificed everything and got the democracy restored.He claimed that the respect and honour of ‘Loktantra Senanis’ has been restored by the Samajwadi Party regime, and asserted that they would be given even more facilities as the financial position of the government improves.

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