Zabarwan Times E paper English 27 june

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ThurSDAY

June 27 | 2013 | 17 Shaban 1434 Ah | PAGES 12 |

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VOL NO: 3 | ISSuE NO: 154 | 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

BJP befooling people in election time

FM arriving on Friday Srinagar, June 26: Minister for External Affairs, Salman Khursheed is arriving here on Friday to interact with members of civil society here.

“Hon’ble Minister for External Affairs will be visiting Srinagar, Kashmir on June 28th 2013.Among his other engagements, he will attend an interactive session with members of Civil Society at 4 PM at Broadway Hotel Srinagar, on the same day”, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee Chief Prof Saifuddin Soz said.

2 electrocuted to death Srinagar, June 26: two persons including a lady were electrocuted to death at Budgam and Anantnag.

Shabir Ahmad Malik son of Abdul Rehman resident of Hanjipora, Soibugh, Budgam a machine electrician received an electric shock in the house of Abdul Rashid son of Abdul Rehman Mir resident of Hanjipora, Soibugh. He was taken to the hospital where he died.

Budgam police has started the investigation in this regard.

One Fareeda Bano wife of Mohammad Rafiq resident of Arwani Warpora Eidgah Mohalla, Anantnag died when she received an electric shock at her home in the jurisdiction of police station Bijbehara.

Anantnag police has started the investigation in this regard.

2 bodies recovered in valley Srinagar, June 26: Two bodies including a lady was found dead at Ganderbal and Srinagar.

An unidentified female body was recovered at Akhal in Nallah Sind. Later the body was identified as Sahkeela Bano wife of Abdul Qayoom Khan resident of Hari Ganiwan Gund, Ganderbal. Ganderbal Police has initiated inquest proceeding under section 174 CrPC in this regard. The body was handed over to her relatives for last rites after completion of all legal formalities.

An unidentified person was found dead at the causality gate of SMHS Hospital, Srinagar.

Srinagar police has started an inquest proceeding under section 174 CrPC to ascertain the cause of the death. The body has been kept in hospital mortuary for identification.

Pilgrims Violate Yatra Schedule Srinagar, June 26: The annual Amarnath yatra which is scheduled to commence in the Valley from June 28, was attempted to start before its due date from Sonamarg hill station on Wednesday.

Locals said that a group of 400 yatris, comprised of men, women and children reached Sonamarg last night in 15 vehicles.

“And today they tried to march towards Baltal on their own,” locals claimed.

Once police came to know about it, they rushed to the spot to dissuade the move.

“We tried to make them understand that they can’t proceed with yatra before its due date,” Mir Afaq, SHO Sonamarg police station said. “But once they resisted, we had to resort to baton charging to disperse them.”

SHO promised to conduct an inquiry into the development See Yatra Schedule on Pg. 11

Revocation of Article 370 on our dead bodies: Omar

Predicts return of UPA-3 to power

Railway Tunnel and Line by the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh in presence of UPA Chairperson, Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, Governor, N. N. Vohra, Union Minister for Railways,

Banihal, June 26: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah today castigated BJP leadership without naming them for raising the false boggy of revocation of Article 370 of the Constitution of India providing for special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

He added that BJP has developed a trait to deceive the people on this issue as soon as elections draw nearer.

“We the people of Jammu and Kashmir categorically tell them that revocation of Article 370 is not possible at all and any attempt by anyone on this sensitive issue would be on our dead bodies”, he asserted and said that during the six and a half years tenure of BJP Government at the Centre, it has not

even a single time talked about this issue. “BJP only raises the issue of Article 370 when elections are in sight”, he said and challenged this party to dare to touch Article 370 which has established Jammu and Kashmir relations with the Union of India. “You have to do it on our dead bodies”, he lamented and said that the National Conference and the Congress would foil all attempts to weaken the State-Central relations.

Speaking at a function after inauguration of Banihal-Qazigund

Panic gripped North Kashmir’s Sopore area on Wednesday morning when gunmen shot dead a protected politician and social activist and immediately fled in a waiting vehicle.

Eyewitnesses said that some gunmen appeared near a petrol pump in Shakergund area of Sopore and pumped bullets into Kifayat Husain Mir son of Mohammad Yousf Mir resident of Bohripora Sopore.

Reports said that Mir was busy in talking to someone on phone when he was shot at from point

blank range.

Mir was a protected person however his two guards were not with him when he was killed.

He was immediately taken to hospital, however the doctors declared him brought dead.

A police official said that Kifayat had unsuccessfully contested the 2008 assembly elections from Sopore constituency as an independent candidate and was provided with two armed security guards. He said that the militants who fired at Kifayat fled in a waiting vehicle.

Pertinently, militants carried out a deadly am-

Congress Committee and Parliament Member, Prof. Saif-ud-Din Soz, the Chief Minister said that the relations between Jammu and Kashmir and Union of India have been established through

CM reviews security situation Srinagar, June 26: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Wednesday evening reviewed the prevailing law and order situation in the State and received brief from army and security agencies on the subject.

The Chief Minister was apprised of the coordination between various security agencies in dealing with militancy related incidents and ensuring safety and protection of the people. He was also provided detailed account of the preparedness of security agencies to ensure safety and secure conduct of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra starting shortly.

Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand, Minister of State for Home, See CM on Pg. 11 Mallikarjun Kharge, Union Minister for Health, Ghulam Nabi Azad, President Pradesh

Protected person shot dead in North Kashmir Sopore, June 26:

bush in Srinagar, killing eight army troopers and injuring 13 others on Monday while a few days before militants killed two policemen at Amira Kadal Srinagar.

Meanwhile Minister of State for Home, Industries and Commerce, Sajjad Ahmad Kichlooj has condemned the killing of a political worker Kifayat Hussain in Sopore today. Describing it a cowardice act to the derail the peace and development initiatives of the present government.

Kichloo said such acts of violence are against the tenants of every religion.

See Dead on Pg. 11

Article 370 by the then Prime Minister of Jammu and See Omar on Pg. 11

CPI (M) State Secretary and MLA , Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami has urged upon the Prime Minister to take serious measures for broadening of the political process in Kashmir.

In a meeting with Dr. Manmohan Singh in Srinagar on Wednesday, Tarigami expressed that the political process started more than See Tarigami on Pg. 11

Banihal, June 26: Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today dedicated to people the much awaited Qazigund-Banihal rail link.

With this Kashmir Valley is all set to connect to the rest of the country through rail.

Addressing a large public meeting after the inauguration, Dr. Singh described the project as the dream of the nation, the foundation of which was laid in 1983 by the then Prime Minister, Mrs. Indira Gandhi. He said he himself inaugurated See Prime Minister on Pg. 11

ence leader and Member Parliament Dr Mehboob Beigh Wednesday said that people of Kashmir particularly National Conference are disappointed the way Prime Minister maintained silence over the important issues particularly Autonomy.

“I was expecting that the Prime Minister would make a commitment on Autonomy but he didn’t do it,” Beigh told Srinagar based news gathering agency CNS adding that it was a customary visit that lacked strategy.

He said National Conference was expecting that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will go public See Beigh on Pg. 11

Sikhs have demanded minority status to the community in Jammu and Kashmir and a special employment pack-

age for its youth during a meeting with Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in Srinagar on Wednesday.

It also appealed to the Prime Minister to take meaningful steps for ensuring lasting peace in the valley.

"We raised several of our demands like minority status and employment package for youths of the community" during a meeting with the Prime Minister, Jagmohan Singh Raina, All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee chairman, said here.

"We also appealed to the Prime Minister to take meaningful steps to en-

sure lasting peace in Kashmir," said Raina, who led the 5-member delegation.

They reminded the Prime Minister of his promise to look into the problems facing Sikhs in Kashmir during his previous visit to the valley in 2010, he said.

"Despite fulfilling all the criteria, the Sikhs are being denied the minority status in Jammu and Kashmir," Raina said.

"Due to the turmoil, thousands of Sikhs living in the villages have left behind their property and have settled down in cities and towns. We demanded See Sikhs on Pg. 11

Two militants were killed on Wednesday as Army foiled a major infiltration bid along the LoC in Rajouri district of Jammu.

A group of two to three armed persons were seen moving towards this side of LoC in Keri forward area around 1100 hours, PRO De-

fence S N Acharya said.

As they were moving ahead, troops guarding the borderline challenged them and fired on them, he said, adding that they also fired back resulting in exchange of gunfire.

The infiltration bid was foiled, he said.

SSP Rajouri Mubasir Lattifi See LoC on Pg. 11

Sonia assures all help for J&K’s development

of India never stopped Dr Mehboob Beigh or any other National Conference leader from raising Autonomy issue.

“It is the Congress party and the Government of India which provided platform to NC at Banihal where Omar Abdullah made a good speech about Autonomy and Article 370,” Soz said adding that it is unacceptable for Congress if any Dr Mehboob Beigh claims that PM visit was a failure.

He said that Prime Minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh and Madam Sonia Gandhi are very much concerned about the development of Kashmir and See Soz on Pg. 11

Sr. Assistant Sikhs meet PM, demand minority status for community of DECC in Srinagar, June 26:

Jammu, June 26:

Prime Minister inaugurates Qazigund-Banihal link

Broaden NC Vs Congress on PM visit political process We are disappointed: Beigh PM visit was a success: Soz in Kashmir: June 26: Describing the visit of Prime Srinagar, June 26: State Congress president Prof Tarigami to PM Anantnag, Minister as an utter failure senior National Confer- Saif-u-Din Soz Wednesday said that Prime Minister Srinagar, June 26:

Infiltration bid foiled along LoC

Army bids floral adieu to slain colleagues Srinagar, June 26: The Army today bid a tearful adieu to eight soldiers who were killed in a brazen militant attack at Hyderpora bypass in the outskirts of the city on Monday.

General Officer Commanding of Srinagar-based Chinar Corps, Lt Gen Gurmit Singh, led the officers and jawans in paying floral tributes to the eight soldiers at a ceremony held at the headquarters of Chinar Corps at Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar.

As many as 16 soldiers

were also injured in the attack which came just a day before the two-day visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi to the state.

Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police Ashok Prasad also attended the ceremony and laid wreaths on the coffins as a special gesture and symbol of jointness, a defence spokesman said.

Lauding the brave soldiers, Lt Gen Gurmit Singh said, “My heart goes out to the families and relatives of the See Army on Pg. 11

Vigilance Net

PM’s arrival at Banihal: harrowing time for passengers on highway

Srinagar, June 26:

Srinagar, June 26:

State Vigilance Organisation today caught red handed Syed Shabir Ahmad, Senior Assistant in the office of Assistant Director Employment and Counseling Centre Ganderbal while demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 500 from a complainant namely Zahid Ahmad Mir S/o Noor Mohammad Mir R/o Safapora, Ganderbal.

“Zahid Ahmad Mir lodged a written complaint in P/S Vigilance Organisation Kashmir stating therein that the accused Syed Shabir Ahmad is demanding bribe for the release of See Vigilance on Pg. 11

Commuters on SrinagarJammu highway had a harrowing time on Wednesday after thousands of vehicles got stranded as the Authorities did not allow any vehicle to move towards the destination in wake of the Prime Minister and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi’s arrival at Banihal.

Concertina wires were put in place at different places on Highway to restrict the movement of the vehicles. Hundreds of people including men, women and children were seen taking

foot march while tourists faced lot of inconvenience as they were forced to wait in scorching heat.

Reports said that the movement of people was completely restricted from Qazigund to Banihal.

Choppers were pressed into service to monitor the situation while people were asked to stay indoors.

Even shopkeepers were verbally informed not to open their shops on account of PM’s visit to Banihal.

Eyewitnesses said that long ques of stranded vehicles were seen on the Highway. Amid chaos

and confusion, police and paramilitary troopers were seen patrolling and not allowing anyone to proceed.

Reports said that police stopped all the vehicles near Wonpu and after half an hour the Highway was seen flooded with the stranded vehicles.

“It is totally unbearable.

In this hot weather the Authorities are taking us for a ride,” one of the drivers said on phone.

Vehicular movement remained disrupted for several hours and it resumed only after the function at Banihal was over.

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11 Thursday, 27 June 2013 From Front Page........

Omar..........

Kashmir Late Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and Prime Minister of India, Late Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. He said NC and Congress would work jointly to further cement and strengthen these relations.

Omar Abdullah said that there may be some differences on certain political issues between National Conference and Congress in the State but both parties are firm to strengthen the ties between Jammu and Kashmir and the Union of India through Article 370 and nurture the nationalist forces in the State. “We would work together to cultivate and strengthen the nationalism and nationalist forces”, he maintained and said that both these parties would not be browbeaten by any threat or challenge on this count.

Stating that Article 370 has established Jammu and Kashmir relations with the Union of India constitutionally, the Chief Minister said that the 11.9 kilometer long tunnel across Pir Panchal to join Banihal of Jammu Division with the Qazigund of Kashmir Province, has established the physical relation of the State with the Country. “It has not only linked the areas and the regions but the hearts as well”, he said.

The Chief Minister said that the linking of Banihal with Kashmir through railway has opened new vistas of tourism, trade and commerce besides enhancing opportunities of jobs and economic activities for the people living here. He said it will also open up this area for all round development. “Today is an historic occasion for the people of Jammu and Kashmir who had always thought of travelling across Pir Panchal through railway”, he said adding that in his childhood he also dreamt this dream.

The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Mrs. Sonia Gandhi for inaugurating the railway line and flagging of train from there. He described his travelling in the first train across Pir Panchal with Prime Minister and UPA Chairperson alongwith students of Banihal Higher Secondary School as an historic event in itself.

Omar Abdullah predicting the return of UPA-3 in power at the Centre after general elections in 2014 and expressed the hope that both Prime Minister and UPA Chairperson would come again to the State to inaugurate the Banihal-Katra railway link to realise the dream of Late Mrs. Indira Gandhi to connect Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the Country through railways.

J&K Ministers, Abdul Majid Wani, Vikar Rasool, Parliament Members, Ambika Soni, Dr. Mehboob Beg, Ch. Lal Singh, Dy. Speaker, Mohammad Sartaj Madni, Legislators, Chairman Railway Board, Vinay Mittal and senior officers from Centre and State were present on the occasion.

CM........

Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo, Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary Home, Director General Police J&K, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, GoC 15 Crops, IG CRPF, IG BSF, Joint Director IB, IG CRPF (Operations Kashmir), Commissioner SB, DIG SSB, IG CID J&K, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir and IGP Kashmir were present in the meeting.

LoC.........

said two ultras were killed in the exchange of fire and the operation is still on.

The infiltration bid was foiled at a time when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi are on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir.

Prime Minister.........

the Jammu-Udhampur section of the rail link in 2005 and then in 2008 and then in 2009 Anantnag-SrinagarBaramulla rail was thrown open for the public by him. He said the 119 kilometer Qazigund-Baramulla rail link was also inaugurated by him. The Prime Minister said Kashmir railway project is part of the effort of the UPA Government to develop and connect Jammu & Kashmir with rest of the country. He said in 2004 on his visit to the State, he had announced a reconstruction plan for J&K, under which 67 projects were undertaken and out of these 37 have so far been completed and rest of the projects are under various stages of completion. He said widening of KhanabalPahalgam and Narbal-Tangmarg roads, establishment of 14 new degree colleges, 9 ITIs, upgradation of Srinagar airport to international standards, modernization of J&K Police, Creation of 12 Tourist Development Authorities in the State were part of the Reconstruction plan.

Additionally, he said, projects worth Rs. 1000 crore were undertaken in Jammu and Ladakh regions to address their specific needs.

Referring to the recently launched Umeed and Himayat programmes in the State by the Centre, Dr. Singh said these programmes have shown encouraging results on the ground. He said the special scholarship scheme for the students of the State is aimed to bring them at par with their counterparts at the national level.

In her address, Chairperson, National Advisory Council and UPA, Mrs. Sonia Gandhi assured the people of the State all out support in their progress and development. She said UPA during its two tenures has liberally funded the development needs of the State particularly in infrastructure development. She said construction of Mughal Road and tunnels on Srinagar-Leh highway are some of the big projects undertaken during this period. Mrs. Gandhi maintained that the state has witnessed a sea change on the developmental front through various schemes introduced by the Centre as well as the State government during the last four years. She hoped that this momentum would be carried forward and the womenfolk of the state would be further empowered and youth provided adequate job opportunities with the introduction of schemes like Himayat and Umeed.

“The panchayat elections have depicted public faith in the democratic means and set up and we hope that the elections to the Urban Local bodies would be held soon which would further strengthen democracy in the state”, she said.

Dead.........

While expressing his sympathy with the bereaved family members the Minister has prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul.

Daily

Tarigami...........

a decade back is shrinking and as such losing its efficacy. He pleaded that the leadership cannot afford to put the political issues on the back burner.

The CPI(M) leader asked for seizing the latest opportunities and carry forward the stalled Indo-Pak dialogue regarding improvement in the relations, people to people contact, cross LOC trade and relaxation in visa regulations.

Tarigami demanded handing over of some JK based power projects to the state as a special case so that the energy crisis detrimental to the development of the state could be overcome.

He also asked for the absorption of J&K’s youth in public and private sectors across the country. The CPI (M) leader expressed his concern over governance and said that vast improvement is required to make it effective, transparent, and accountable.

Beigh.........

and would make some announcements relating to Kashmir issue. “The reality is that this visit has let us down and he even didn’t bother to talk about Working Group recommendations,” he said adding that India would get nothing by buying time.”

Beigh said that he had a closed door meeting with Singh and during that meeting the Prime Minister assured us that he is making every effort to normalize relations with the Government of Pakistan. Singh in response to my Autonomy query made it clear that he can’t make a commitment on the subject,” Beigh said that it would have been better for the Prime Minister of India to talk about peace and resolution of Kashmir issue in public.

“For NC his (PM) visit was a disappointment. We had many expectations from him and believed that he would make a commitment about the returning of Dul Hasti Power Project to the state and appeal Hurriyat to come across the table. Everything proved wrong and it is a fact that Prime Minister failed to deliver the goods,” he said.

Soz.........

they gave a broad message during their visit that Central Government would extend any possible help to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

“Who has stopped Dr Mehboob Beigh from raising Autonomy issue. We are living in a democracy and Beigh can talk about Autonomy as many times as possible. Dr Beigh should not forget that it was the Congress party which provided Chief Minister Omar Abdullah a platform where from Omar Abdullah was able to speak on different issues relating to Kashmir issue particularly about Autonomy,” Soz said He said that everybody met Manmohan Singh and put forth his viewpoints without any hesitation. “We are part of democracy where problems are sorted out through dialogue but to claim that PM did not make any commitments is absolutely wrong,” he said and lamented that due to security reasons people faced a lot of inconvenience.

Army...........

martyrs. May God bestow strength to bear the loss.

Chinar Corps salutes them and their martyrdom will only strengthen our resolve to bring peace in Kashmir.”

The spokesman said the names of the jawans will be engraved at the Chinar Corps Memorial and their contribution towards peace in the Kashmir Valley will become part of the history. Among the martyrs were Hav Lalrohula from Aizwal (Mizoram), Lance Naik Z Lalringhetta from Mamit (Mizoram), Sepoys Adwaita Nandi from Bankura, Pravin Das from Udalguri (Assam), John Lalumi Vajphei from Churachandpur (Manipur), Moanung Sang from Mokokchung (Nagaland), Signalmen Yadaiah M from Mahbubnagar (Andhra Pradesh) and Girdhari Prajapati from Balia (Uttar Pradesh).

On 25 June, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Jammu and Kashmir Governor NN Vohra, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad had visited the Base Hospital at the cantonment to honour the martyrs personally.

The prime minister had expressed that the country is proud of what Army is doing in the service of the nation.

The dignitaries also met the injured jawans undergoing treatment at the hospital and prayed for their speedy recovery.

Vigilance............

subsidy amount to the tune of Rs 26,000/- against total amount of Rs 3,00000/- loan sanctioned in his favour.

On the basis of said complaint, case FIR No.12/2013 U/S 5(2) P.C.Act 2006,r/w 161 RPC P/S VOK was registered and investigation taken up”, said an official statement.

“During investigation the officials of State Vigilance Organisation organized a trap and accused Syed Shabir Ahmad, Senior Assistant was caught red handed while demanding and accepting phenolphthalein dusted amount of Rs 500/- from the complainant in the presence of independent witness. The tainted money was recovered from his possession and the accused was taken into custody for further investigation”, it added.

Sikhs..........

compensation for agricultural and horticultural losses which are more than Rs 25 lakh per family," he said.

"The state subject is being denied to the Sikh youths since they have left their native places and settled in Srinagar city and various district headquarters. "This issue also came up for discussion with the Prime Minister," Raina said adding in the absence of the state subjects, the Sikh youth could not apply for jobs in the government sector. Raina said the issue of neglect of the Punjabi language in Kashmir also came up for discussion. "Punjabi is taught in just two out of the 14 colleges in the valley. Given this situation, the Sikh youths are not able to apply for the post of lecturers in Punjabi," he said. Raina demanded an employment package for the Sikh youths living in the valley. "Special reservation in jobs should be made for the youth of the community in government and semi-government sectors in the valley

as they are always left out whenever a package is announced for Kashmir."

Yatra Schedule...........

and said that Police has kept vigil on the yatra to make it a time bound event. Pertinently, the state and SASB have already vowed in public that they won’t allow yatra in the Valley before its schedule date. Sources informed that yatra has been already set in motion from Pahalgam, much to the ‘mockery’ of SASB’s claim.

“Around 100 yatris already paid obeisance at the holy cave of Amarnath in last two days,” sources revealed.

Week long programme on illicit trafficking concludes Jammu, June 26: The week long programme on illicit trafficking of drugs and its cultivation (a lucking threat to present and future generation) ended on a serious note on world drug trafficking and its eradication day today. A rally comprising a mammoth gathering of students from Government Degree (PG) College Bhaderwah was f l a g g e d o ff b y t h e Principal to communicate an important message especially to the young generation who fall an easy prey to this lurking disease. The rally of the students passed through various streets and areas of population with slogan bearing placards against the use and abuse of drugs. After the rally, a seminar was organized in Government Degree

College Bhaderwah in which speakers illuminated the abuse of drugs and its disastrous effect on human health as well human ethics. Among those who spoke on the occasion were Dr. Javed Iqbal, Major Mayank from Rashtria Rifles and Mr. Niku Kumar, S.I. Police. Prof. Basharat Iqbal presented vote of th an k s . Ear lier, t h e weeklong activities comprising seminar and awareness group discussion were devoted to pointing out of the damages caused due to narcotics and their use especially by the youngsters. The programmes were organized by the college debate/seminar committee under the guidance of Dr. R. K. Raina, Principal of the college.

CD holds awareness camp at Lakhanpur Jammu, June 26: A one day CD awareness camp was organized today at Lakhanpur which was inaugurated by DIG Jammu-Kathua Range, S h a k e e l B e i g . D y.

Commnr cum Controller Civil Defence Kathua, Dy. Controller Civil Defence, C h i e f Wa r d e n , D i v Warden, Dy. Divn Warden, Post Warden and Sector Wardens were present on the occasion. On the occasion, Chief Warden stressed upon the CD Volunteers and Hgds vols to give best services to the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatris and keep themselves ready to meet any type of disaster/ eventuality. In the camp, both the doctors of civil defence Kathua delivered lecture on first-

aid while Dy. Controller Civil Defence, Kathua highlighted the role of civil defence/Hgds volunteers during the Amarnath Ji Yatra. SSP Kathua briefed the civil defence activists to keep themselves at the one back and call of district administration in case of disaster/in case of any type of eventuality. Controller Civil Defence Kathua appreciated the presence of Civil Defence rank and file at the gateway of Jammu and Kashmir state (Lakhanpur). He also supervised and inspected the civil defence camp and distributed the civil defence literature regarding rescue operations in case of earthquake, flood, fire, bomb blast and first-aid etc.

Power shutdown on June 27 S r i n a g a r, J u n e 2 6 : According to Power Controller, Power Dev Deptt, Kashmir, in order to carry out commissioning of 33 KV VCB Panel at Mughal Masjid Receiving Station, 11 KV VCB for independent Feeder at Sonwar Receiving Station and branch cutting from

Badami Bagh to Sonwar, power supply from the stations including 33/11 KV Mughal Masjid Receiving Station, 33/11 KV Sonwar and Badami Bagh Receiving Station and 33 KV Badami BaghSonwar shall be affected on June 27, 2013 from 09 a.m. to 05 p.m.

Awareness programme held

Shahid Wani Anantnag, June 26: Drug and food control organization Anantnag in collaboration with Anantnag Chemist and Distribution Association organized an awareness programme on No Addiction in town hall Anantnag in which Superintendent of Maternity and Child Care Hospital Anantnag Majid Mehrab, President Bar Association Anantnag Fayaz Ahmad Sodager, Asstt. Drug Controller Anantnag Mohd Iqbal, Sr. Journalist Tasaduq Rashid, President Traders Federation Association Anantnag Haji Ashiq Ahmad, students from various schools of Anantnag and other valuable personalities of district Anantnag participated. Motive of the programme was to create awareness among the public about the harmful effects of drug addiction. Moreover an oath was taken by everyone present in the function not to indulge in drug addiction and promised to stop the drug addiction in every possible way.

ZABARWAN TIMES Sakina appeals youth to take up self-employment venture

Srinagar, June 26: Minister for Social Welfare, ARI & Trainings, Ms Sakina Itoo Wednesday said that the Government is providing succor to unemployed educated youth through Sher-i-Kashmir Employment Scheme, besides soft loans for setting up of income generating units through various central and state government schemes. The Minister was addressing public meetings at Asthal and Pranihal vil lag es of N oorabad Kulgam district here today.

Appealing youth to take maximum benefit of the schemes the Minister said that there is no dearth of funds and every unemployed youth should take up the selfhelp ventures for earning dignified and respectable livelihood for themselves as well as their families. She said that the decision taken by present government for panchyati elections was a bold initiative, aimed at decentralizing the authority to grass root level and also for ensuring sound infrastructural development of far flung and remote areas of the State. She said that the

pace of progress on various developmental schemes is apace and government is committed to cover all the uncovered areas in respect of providing basic amenities to the people.

Lauding the role of young and dynamic Chief Minister of the State Omar Abdullah in fulfilling the commitments, Ms Sakina said that besides extending safe drinking water, adequate power supply and required medicare facilities, the government is making all out efforts to set up a network of educational institutions both elementary as well as higher education at the door steps of the people, Referring to the demand of constructing protection bund on river Vishno near Asthal village, the Minister assured that the government will take up the construction work of protection bund as well as the bridge shortly. She also announced a craft training centre through Social Welfare Department and other necessities required by the people of the area.

Various sectoral officers accompanied the Minister during the tour.

DC reviews progress of Banks in DLRC meet at Kathua

Kathua, June 26: District upon the banks to expedite D e v. C o m m i s s i o n e r , cases for linkage under Jitendra Kumar Singh, on various schemes and achieve Wednesday chaired District the allocated targets for Level Review (DLRC) 2013-14. He also asked for meeting with the bankers early sponsoring of cases and heads of government under SGSY, SJSRY and departments to review flow JKSES. He impressed upon of GLC, performance of the banks and line departbanks in key areas relating to ment, to ensure effective deposits, advances under c o o r d i n a t i o n i n t h e i r priority sector, lending for working, so as to achieve the the quarter ended March desired results.

2013 besides government He also emphasized the need sponsored programmes. of improvement in CD ratio Among others present in the of the banks and exhorted meeting were Ajay Jamwal, upon the bankers to assess ADDC, B M Sharma, LDM, the CD ratio of banks at SBI, Kathua, Manoj Kapur, block level and bring CPO, Ram Kauwar, LDO, measures to further increase R B I , A m an K a ls o t r a , it to the targeted mark.

AGM(DD), NABARD, R K DDM, NABARD discussed Kalsotra, Associate LBO, SHGs, Farmers Clubs, Kathua, Kapileshwar Dogra, Financial Inclusion and Asstt. Vice President, J&K other related issues. LDM, Bank, Kathua, S L Sharma, Kathua while presenting the Area Manager, J&KGB and achievements under Annual other district officers. The Action Plan for the year DDC had a thread bare 2013-14, informed that the review of annual credit plan, priority sector targets were CD ratio, SGSY, JKSES/ `Rs. 280.73 crore and the SC-ST-OBC, KVIB, KVIC, banks have achieved Rs.` DIC, SJSRY, Handloom, 245.30 crore which is 87 % Handicraft with special of the target. The deposit in emphasi s on KCC and the district stood at Rs.`2549 financial inclusion etc. He crore and advance Rs. 918 a s k e d t h e b a n k s a n d crore, which indicates an departments to complete the increase over last year’s 100% coverage of farmers performance by 25.85% and under KCC. He emphasized 31.68% respectively.

Office of the Regional Transport Office Kashmir NOTICE

Whereas a joint application has been received from Shri Ali Mohammad Bhat S/o Ghulam Ahmad Bhat R/o Kangan Nambal. (as Transferor) and Shri. Mohammad Ashraf Wanchoo S/o Ahmadullah Wanchoo R/o Kalashpora A/p Botshah Mohalla Lal Bazar. (as Transferee) for transfer of Tata Sumo Carriage route permit No. 3690 MC Covering vehicle No. JK01D-2655. Now, Therefore, it is notified for general information that objections, if any to the proposed transfer of the said route permit/vehicle shall be filed in writing in the office of the Regional Transport Officer, Kashmir within a period of seven days from the date of publication of this notice. Seller and Purchaser identified by the authorised representative of M/s S.T.W Co namely Mr. Bagh Hussain.

No: JK RTOK 2985 Sd/- Regional Transport Officer Dated: 26-06-2013 Kashmir

Office of the Regional Transport Office Kashmir NOTICE

Whereas a joint application has been received from Shri Abdul Hameed Laway S/o Ali Mohd. Laway R/o Budshah Nagar Natipora Sgr. (as Transferor) and Shri. Ab. Hameed Malla S/o Gh. Mohd. Malla R/o Duslipora Pattan (as Transferee) for transfer of Big Bus Carriage route permit No. 815/KPS/WA Covering vehicle No. JK05-4774. Now, Therefore, it is notified for general information that objections, if any to the proposed transfer of the said route permit/vehicle shall be filed in writing in the office of the Regional Transport Officer, Kashmir within a period of seven days from the date of publication of this notice. Seller and Purchaser identified by the authorised representative of M/s WBS namely Mr. Khurshid Ahmad.

No: JK RTOK 2470 Sd/- Regional Transport Officer Dated: 08-06-2013 Kashmir

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

Taj, Akhoon visit SMHS Hospital SRINAGAR, JUNE 26: Minister for Medical Education, Taj Mohi-ud-Din this morning visited the

tients of IPD and OPD. Meanwhile, Advisor to Chief Minister Qamar Ali Akhoon also visited the Hospital and interacted with the patients

Medicare facilities in City Hospitals particularly and District and Sub District Hospitals in general. He directed the Doctors and Para-medics to work with zeal and

Srinagar |ThurSday

Saifullah chairs LA Select Committee meeting SRINAGAR, JUNE 26: A meeting of Select Committee of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly was held under the Chairmanship of Minister for Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, Mir Saifullah here today.Threadbare discussion was held on the list of amendments to “A Bill to provide for the better management, protection, administration and governance of Kashmiri Hindu Shrines and Religious places in the State and for matters connected therewith and incidental thereto (L.A Bill 11 of 2009)”.Legislators, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta, Dr. Mustafa Kamal, Hakim Mohammad Yasin, M .Y Tarigami and Abdul Rehman Veeri gave their valuable suggestions in this regard.Among others, Secretary Assembly M. Ramzan, Secretary Revenue, Vinod Koul, Secretary Law, Mrs. Farhat Tasneen and other senior officers were present in the meeting.

Attention farmers of Bandipora BANDIPORA, JUNE 26: SMHS Hospital Srinagar and inspected the gutted portion of the Emergency Block.

The Minister enquired about the fire incident from the hospital administration.

Taj Mohi-ud-din issued instructions for immediate repairs and renovation of the gutted portion of the hospital and asked hospital administration to leave no stone unturned in providing best possible and hassle-free Medicare facilities to the pa-

and attendants and enquired about the facilities being provided by the hospital administration.

Akhoon, on this occasion expressed his concern over the fire incident which took place in the hospital yesterday evening. He said that the hospital is the nerve centre of the Valley and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah led government is committed to ensure the best possible

dedication in order to fulfill the aspirations of the people and also to be sympathetic towards the patients suffering from various ailments.

The Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar Farooq Ahmad Shah, Principal Medical College, Medical Superintendent SMHS, Executive Engineer works division, and senior officers of hospital administration were present on the occasion.

Zabarwan Times is available at

Lone News Agency Kangan Khan News Agency Ganderbal 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 Sheikh News Agency Hyderpora Hilal News Agency Budgam Lone News Agency Tangmarg Bhat News Agency Chadoora Bhat News Agency Magam Zargar News Agency Kunzar BANDIPORA, JUNE 26 Dar News Agency Beerwah Bashir News Agency Sumbal Calling students and SRINAGAR, JUNE 26 tration process.

Court’s decision, the District Reshi News Agency The Safapora Saleem News Agency CEO stated Administration is bound to Pattan youth to fully engage themWhile all arrangements Yatri who arrives stop allReyaz those Yatris at- Pampore Basharat that Newsany Agency Bandipora Newswho Agency selves in both academic and for Shri Amarnathji Altaf YatraNews in Agency Jammu Pulwama without having tempt to undertake Yatra Qazigund sports activities, the MinJavaid Newsthe Agency 2013 would be in position obtained valid Registration without valid Registration. ister for Medical Education Jeelani News Agency Baramulla G.M News Agency Sopore tomorrow, the Chief Ex- should proceed to Vaishnavi and Youth Services & Sports, Agency Kupwara Dham Sultan News Agency Handwara ecutive Officer, Shri Shah Amar-News Dham and Saraswati Taj Mohi-ud-din Wednesday nathji Shrine Board, Younis Navin News at Railhead Jammu and JamAgency Langate Sheikh News Agency Islamabad said that coalition governK. Choudhary has yetReshi again News mu Agency Haat in the Jammu city, ment is putting all out effort Islamabad Three Way News Agency Tral to promote sports activities Turray News Agency Tral Badru News Agency Bijbehara in J&K State.

Rahi News Agency Kulgam Malik News Agency Arwani The Minister was addressing the valedictory Rah News Agency Byepass Shaheen News Agency Kargil

Yatris cautioned against reaching Baltal or Pahalgam without Registration: CEO

AmARnAtHji YAtRA 2013

urged all intending pilgrims against reaching Baltal or Pahalgam without first obtaining a valid Registration Permit as, otherwise, they would face avoidable difficulties and inconvenience.

The CEO further said that this year the Shrine Board had opened 422 Registration Counters across the country, against 174 last year and, further, this year Registration was commenced three months in advance of the Yatra to ensure that every intending pilgrim could timely go through the Regis-

respectively, after obtaining a Compulsory Health Certificate from a notified Doctor/Medical Institution and then go to the counters in the aforesaid complexes for securing Registration. Those Yatris who reach Srinagar without registration should go to the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC), Srinagar for seeking registration after obtaining Compulsory Health Certificate.

The CEO further stated that as per the SHPC recommendation which has been endorsed by the Supreme

Awami Darbar held at Hakermula, Budgam

BUDGAM, JUNE 26: An Awami Darbar was held at Hakermula in Budgam district today. District Development Commissioner, Budgam, Khurshid Ahmad Shah was chief guest on the occasion. He was also accompanied by District Officers.On this occasion, people put forth their demands like shortage of drinking water, repairs of electricity line, upgradation of primary school, fencing of school building, construction of Panchayat Ghar and construction of road project from Hakermula to Khumani Chowk. The District Development Commissioner gave patient hearing to the demands put forth by the people and assured for early redressal for their genuine demands.

According to Programme Co-ordinator, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Bandipora, diagnostic visit was conducted by Agricultural Scientists to paddy growing areas in Kema, Mangtripora, Aloosa, Nadihal and Dacan areas of Bandipora district during which it was found the recently transplanted rice seedlings were heavily infected with Sheath Blight disease.The farmers have been advised to spray their paddy fields with Hexaconazole SEC or a mixture of Mancozeb 75WP so that the disease is controlled.

Farmers of the areas can also contact KVK Bandipora for further measures to curb the disease. Further details can be had from KVK Bandipora.

Summer Coaching Camp Concludes

Youth being provided sports facilities for their all round development: Taj

function of 7 days Summer Coaching Camp organized

by State Sports council at S.K. Sports Stadium Bandipora.

The Minister said that our youth possesses high talent in every field which needs to be channelized in a positive way. He said government is developing playing fields in every nook and corner of the State to ensure that youth which form the future of our nation, could be provided with facilities for their all round develop-

ment and bright future.

Taj said first phase of summer coaching camp was held at Baramulla and its second phase has been held here at Bandipora. He said such coaching camps will also be held in other districts too.

The Minister said that an amount of Rs. 40 lakh has already been sanctioned for installing flood lights in the stadia.

Responding to the demands put forth by Ex Minister Usman Majeed, the Minister announced setting up of a sports academy and coaching centre subject to availability of land in the area.

The Minister, later distributed certificates among the students who performed well during the coaching session.

The Ex Minister and Congress leader, Usman Majeed also spoke on the occasion.

Among others, Secretary Sports Council and officers

of district administration were also present.

Motivation Contact Programme for talented school students organized SRINAGAR, JUNE 26: A 5-days Motivation Contact Programme for talented school children started today at Institute of Hotel Management Raj Bagh, Srinagar.

The programme has been organized by J&K Students Welfare Society Anantnag and is sponsored by NCSTC, Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India.As many as 100 talented students from various Schools across the Valley are participating so as to encourage and motivated them to take up new career options like research in Applied Sciences.During the inaugural function, Professor of Physics NIT Srinagar, Dr. MA Shah spoke about career options in Science and inspired the students to pursue their dreams and become scientists of tomorrow.

He also spoke about Nano-technology and its benefits.Dr. Sajad Ahmed from NIT also delivered an interesting lecture on Sputtering on the occasion.

Rs. 13800 realized Mughal road Car rally promotes adventure tourism in South Kashmir: Mir from erring

handicrafts dealers

SRINAGAR, JUNE 26:

Minister for Tourism, Ghulam Ahmed Mir today reviewed the arrangements made for smooth conduct of Mughal Road Car Rally commencing on 29th June via Srinagar-Khanabal-Dooru-Veerinag-Kokernag-Daksum-Sinthan Pass and back to Srinagar at an officers meeting held today at Veerinag.

The event would have 2 separate rallies-the EXTREME and the Enduro through this route. The EXTREME is the fast paced event with professional drivers, where the Enduro is the slower event promoting tourism through motoring in the State.

Under leg 2 (EXTREME) the rally will pass through Srinagar-Khanabal-DooruVeerinag-Kokernag-Daksam-Sinthan Pass and back to Srinagar and under leg 2 (Enduro) the rally will pass through JammuBhamla-Reasi-Gool-Ramban and return via National Highway to Srinagar.

The 4th Mughal Road Car Rally organized by Himalayan Motor Sports Association, Shimla in sponsorship with Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department aims to showcase adventure and varied tourism potential across Mughal Road and other tourist circuits connected with the inter

SRINAGAR, JUNE 26

regional link.

Besides, officers of Education, PHE, R&B, Tourism, Power, Local Bodies, Health, Police the prominent citizens, representatives of Trade and Commerce and Panchs and Sarpanchs participated in the meeting.Speaking on the occasion, the Tourism Minister said that such international level car rallies held for the first time via Dooru-Veerinag would promote the varied tourism potential of these areas. He called upon the people to give rousing welcome to the rallyists while passing through various villages of the area. He also asked for removal of all obstacles from the roads for

smooth movement of the rally.

The Minister said that the rally would also prove beneficial to encourage the youth of the state to come forward and participate in adventure sports. “This is a step towards promotion of adventure tourism in South Kashmir”, he said and added that it is also an attempt to promote the historical Mughal road as a tourist destination.The Minister asked all the concerned authorities for ensuring fool proof arrangement for the rally and stressed for close coordination between civil and police administration for providing necessary logistic support to the rallyists.

Oberoi chairs Assurance Committee meeting SRINAGAR, JUNE 26: A meeting of the Committee on Assurance (AC) of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council was held under the Chairmanship of MLC, S. Dharambir Singh Oberoi here today.

Threadbare discussion was held on various pending Government Assurances given by the Government on the floor of the House from time to time since 2008.

Legislators, Javed Ahmed Rana, and Ghulam Nabi Monga gave their valuable suggestions to improve the functioning of the Committee.

The Chairman of the Committee highlighted the role of the Assurance Committee adding that the Committee has to play a pivotal role in getting the Government Assurances implemented by various departments on the ground level.

Secretary Legislative Council, Mohammad Ashraf Mir, besides officers and officials of Council Secretariat attended the meeting.

ADC inspects offices at Handwara

HANDWARA, JUNE 26: Additional Deputy Commissioner, Handwara today inspected various offices of PHE and Electric Departments and found 16 employees unauthorizedly absent from duty.

The Additional Deputy Commissioner has urged to adhere strictly to office timings, besides ensure punctuality in the government offices so that public at large shall be benefited.

He said that such inspections will be conducted on regular basis.

The Enforcement Wing of Quality Control Division of Handicrafts department with the Assistant Director Tourism, Gulmarg and S.H.O Tourism Enforcement conducted surprise inspection of handicrafts dealers from Narbal to Tangmarg tourist area here today. The dealers found selling fake items in the name of Kashmir handicrafts and without having a valid registration certificates were penalized and an amount of Rs. 7,800/- have been realized as fine on account of violation of Tourist Trade Act, 1978.

The Enforcement Wing also conducted inspection of handicrafts dealers at International Air-

port Srinagar. The dealers found violating the norms of Tourist Trade Act were penalized on the spot. An amount of Rs. 6,000/- was realized as fine from the erring dealers.

All the handicrafts dealers and hawkers are hence forth warned to desist from selling fake machine made items in the name of Kashmir art and get their business establishments registered under Tourist Trade Act, 1978 with the department.

They dealers are also advised to affix tags depicting price, make and other specifications on the goods displayed for sale and also issue cash memos to the customers. Action as warranted under the law shall be initiated against the erring dealers.

Saifullah constitutes committee to look into reservation policy implementation SRINAGAR, JUNE 26: Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs,

the Law. These directions were given by the Law Minister during a meeting convened

Court judgments and State Reservation Laws and submit its report to the Ministry.

The meeting was at-

27 .6.2013

HOROSCOPE Aries

March 21-April 19 Your intuitive side is aligning with your rational side today, Aries. Listen to your emotions. Take a sensitive approach to all people and situations. Your head may be up in the clouds. Take elements of this lofty perspective and incorporate them into your conscious mind. Run away with your fantasies. Nurture your loved ones.

Taurus April 20-May 20

Slow down the pace today, Taurus. This is a day to sit back and observe and contemplate. Your mind may go in a hundred different directions, and you may be unsure which route to take. Try to quiet the buzzing chatter within. Be receptive to the loving, sensitive forces around you. Try not to disturb the flow by bringing up unrelated issues and hurtful gossip.

Gemini May 21-June 21

Your nurturing instincts are strong today, Gemini.

This is an excellent day to reveal your opinions. You’ve probably been sitting in the background, quietly observing and collecting data for quite some time. Now is the time to come out of the shadows and let your conclusions be heard. Don’t let others push you around. Take a stand for what you know is right.

Cancer June 22-July 22

Things aren’t necessarily going to go well today, Cancer. There is the potential for conflict. You may feel a bit lost in the fog. Strap on your compass and you will be fine. Realize that you will make it through this day much better if you approach every situation from the other person’s perspective. Think more of others than of yourself. Be sensitive and receptive.

Leo

July 23-August 22 Today is a day of reckoning in some ways, Leo. Attention to detail is important, but make sure it doesn’t become your only focus. Situations are likely to crop up in which you’ve analyzed and considered every single detail but failed to see the big picture. This is a wonderful day to remedy such situations. Take care of anything that needs a broader perspective.

Virgo

August 23-September 22

Be more sensitive to other people’s space today, Virgo. Respect their feelings and give them room to breathe. This is a great day to pursue creative projects.

Do things involving art or music. Sing, play an instrument, or give your music collection a boost. There are opportunities open now that involve other people who share the same interests as you.

Libra

September 23-October 23 Think about old times and people with whom you’ve had strong connections. Remember the good times you shared with people of common interests and similar hobbies. Be sentimental and mushy. Mend bridges and bring resolution to sticky issues. Be harmonious with the people and situations around you. World peace begins with you.

Scorpio

October 24-November 21 You may have to make some serious adjustments to your approach today in order to chime in with the energy of the group, Scorpio. Adopt a more inwardly directed attitude and see what you can learn by tuning into others’ subtle messages. The masculine and feminine sides of your nature are working harmoniously. You might find that they’re both asking for a quiet night in.

Sagittarius November 22-December 21

You should feel a renewed sense of confidence today that will help anchor your emotions and give strength to your thoughts and ideas, Sagittarius. Don’t take a pessimistic attitude toward everything around you.

Look at the good instead of the bad. By maintaining a negative viewpoint about things, you’re only adding to the problem. You have every right to be happy.

Capricorn December 22-January 19

Many people spend their whole adult lives trying to discover their true self, Capricorn. A great deal of social conditioning by parents and our environment plays a role in shaping our minds. Realize that many of these influences don’t necessarily ring true with your inner self. Take this day to uncover some of those early influences and discard the ones that don’t belong to you.

Aquarius January 20-February 18

Today is an extremely creative day for you, Aquarius. You should allot time and space to pursuing an artistic goal. You’re like a magician who has the power to bring fantasies to life. Spread the magic to others and don’t second-guess your incredible healing ability. You have a strong presence that radiates powerfully. Be charitable and generous to others.

Pisces

Mir Saifullah Wednesday directed for constituting a Committee to review the status of reservation quota policy and its implementation in the State in the backdrop of various Court judgments and existing provisions of

to discuss the reservation rules in services pertaining to promotions and seniority of the employees. The Committee headed by Advocate General Jammu & Kashmir, M.I. Qadri will look into the matter in the light of various

tended by the Commissioner Secretary PHE, Pawan Kotwal, Secretary GAD, Sheikh Mushtaq Ahmad, Secretary Law, Ms Farhat Tasneem besides senior officers of PDD, PWD, Social Welfare and Law Department.

February 19-March 20 There’s nothing worse than last-minute details, Pisces. Concentrate on an important upcoming event.

Make sure you have everything in line now so you don’t get caught dealing with that one thing that ends up putting a monkey wrench in your plans later. Anticipate the problems that you’re likely to encounter and take actions now that will nip these situations in the bud.

Editorial/Opinion The Daily

Zabarwan Times Thursday, 27 June 2013

Kashmir on World Drug Day

J

une 26 is observed all over the world as World Anti-Drug Abuse and Trafficking Day. Like rest of the world, alcohol and drug abuse have always been a cause of concern in Kashmir as well. Several state government and central government agencies, the National Rural Health Mission, several hospitals and voluntary organisations have been conducting strong, extensive and creative programmes against tobacco, alcohol, narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. In spite of the laudable actions of the governments the world over; the impact of the programme can only be taken to the people through the selfless activities of various institutions. There are hundreds of youths in Kashmir grappling with the menace of addiction. Unable to give up drugs, health of these young boys degrade, mentally and physically. Over a time, the manifestations get serious, even life-threatening. Surprisingly though, drug addiction in Kashmir has received scant attention. The affliction has taken root for more than two decades now. Drugs continue to ruin hundreds of thousands of people in Kashmir.

Anantnag and Baramulla districts top the charts for having a large chunk of people suffering from drug addiction. Data collected by various governmental and non-governmental agencies confirm that there is a steep rise in the consumption of illicit drugs, especially by the youth. Those in the 18-35 age group are susceptible to drug abuse and male drug abusers outnumber females. Normally, women do not have direct access to the more prevalent drugs.

Instead, they use substances like white fluid and boot polish. A finding by an NGO is alarming. The specter of spread of HIV also looms large among drug users sharing needles. And worse, these needles find their way into hospitals through fraudulent means. This social evil threatening the lives of thousands of young people across Kashmir is patronised by a flourishing nexus of illicit drug dealers, small-scale narcotics producers and market networks. It is estimated that there are more than 200,000 drug addicts in the Valley. But, there are only three de-addiction centers with ten beds each. Main drug de-addiction center which was started in 2008 by the Jammu and Kashmir Police continues to be located inside the police headquarters in Srinagar. The government departments responsible for health and drug control have been faulted for failing to arrest the problem. Though it isn’t the regular work of the police to be running a de-addiction centre, but police did it before the health department. Chemists, however, are easily able to sell prescription drugs over the counter for higher prices. Activists and doctors, disappointed by the state response, are calling for a new drug policy for the state of Jammu and Kashmir to regulate the distribution of medical opiates and crackdown on illegal suppliers. Drug addiction is compounded by a lack of awareness about the nature of the problem. Ailments such as anxiety, sleeplessness and depression are not seen as medical disorders. Resulting addiction is a stigma and psychiatrists are viewed with suspicion.

Increasing drug use among women and girls in the Kashmir Valley is one of the more troubling aspects due to a reticence to come forward for seeking help.

Women who have lost husbands and sons in the conflict are dealing with grief, apart from struggling to keep their children out of poverty. Drug use has in recent years spiked among school and college girls who resort to solvents, petrol, glue and boot polish. According to an estimate, there are 4000 female drug addicts in the Valley where women taking drugs was previously unheard of.

But doctors double that figure. So far, only few females have called the police de-addiction centre hotline, constrained by fear of parental wrath and disgrace in the community. There are not many female psychiatrists in Kashmir valley. In the absence of a specialist, the general practitioners and activists are taking upon themselves the task of counseling young people. The social stigma attached with drug addiction keeps addicts from seeking help for fear of identification. More and more people becoming drug addicts, free availability, and lack of social consciousness is aggravating the problem. What is more distressing is the spread of addiction related diseases. Hardly, any educational institution has taken any steps to check sale of drugs in or outside their campuses. The immediate need of the hour is awareness about drug addiction. A massive campaign needed to be launched in schools and colleges to educate the new generation about the killing effects of the drug abuse. We cannot watch as mute spectators to let our youngsters ruin their lives.

T

Daily

ZABARWAN TIMES 9

Thursday, 27 June 2013

Saving The Tiger

he country level tiger population, estimated once in every four years using the refined methodology, has shown an increasing trend with a population estimate of 1706, lower and upper limits being 1520 and 1909 respectively in the recent all India estimation (2010), as compared to the last country level estimation of 2006, with an estimate of 1411, lower and upper limits being 1165 and 1657 respectively.

Initiatives Taken by the Government Legal Steps · Amendment of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 for providing enabling provisions towards constituting the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the Tiger and Other Endangered Species Crime Control Bureau. · Enhancement of punishment in cases of offence relating to a tiger reserve or its core area.

Administrative Steps · Strengthening of antipoaching activities, including special strategy for monsoon patrolling, by providing funding support to Tiger Reserve States, as proposed by them, for deployment of antipoaching squads involving ex-army personnel/home guards, apart from workforce comprising of local people, in addition to strengthening of communication / wireless facilities.

• Constitution of the National Tiger Conservation Authority with effect from 4.09.2006, for strengthening tiger conservation by, interalia, ensuring normative standards in tiger reserve management, preparation of reserve specific tiger conservation plan, laying down annual audit report before Parliament, constituting State level Steering Committees under the Chairmanship of Chief Ministers and establishment of Tiger Conservation Foundation. · Constitution of a multi disciplinary Tiger and Other Endangered Species Crime Control Bureau (Wildlife Crime Control Bureau) with effect from 6.6.2007 to effectively control illegal trade in wildlife.

• The in-principle approval has been accorded by the National Tiger Conservation Authority for creation of five new tiger reserves, and the sites are:, Pilibhit (Uttar Pradesh), Ratapani (Madhya P radesh), Sunabeda (Orissa) and Mukundara Hills (including Darrah, Jawahar Sagar and Chambal Wildlife Sanctuaries) (Rajasthan) and Satyamangalam (Tamil Nadu). Final approval has been accorded to Kudremukh (Karnataka) for declaring as a Tiger Reserve. Besides, the States have been advised to send proposals for declaring the following areas as Tiger Reserves: (i) Bor (Maharashtra), (ii) Suhelwa (Uttar Pradesh), (iii) Nagzira-Navegaon (Maharashtra), (iv) Guru Ghasidas National Park (Chhattisgarh), and (v) Srivilliputhur Grizzled Giant Squirrel / Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuaries / Varushanadu Valley (Tamil Nadu).

• The revised Project Tiger guidelines have

been issued to States for strengthening tiger conservation, which apart from ongoing activities, interalia, include funding support to States for enhanced village relocation/rehabilitation package for people living in core or critical tiger habitats (from Rs. 1 lakh/family to Rs. 10 lakhs/family), rehabilitation/resettlement of communities involved in traditional hunting, mainstreaming livelihood and wildlife concerns in forests outside tiger reserves and fostering corridor conservation through restorative strategy to arrest habitat fragmentation.

• A scientific methodology for estimating tiger (including co-predators, prey animals and assessment of habitat status) has been evolved and mainstreamed. The findings of this estimation/assessment are bench marks for future tiger conservation

· During the 14th meeting of the Conference of Parties to CITES, which was held from 3rd to 15th June, 2007 at The Hague, India introduced a resolution along with China, Nepal and the Russian Federation, with directions to Parties with operations breeding tigers on a commercial scale, for restricting such captive populations to a level supportive only to conserving wild tigers. The resolution was adopted as a decision with minor amendments. Further, India made an intervention appealing to China to phase out tiger farming, and eliminate stockpiles of Asian big cats body parts and derivatives. The importance of continuing the ban on trade of body parts of tigers was emphasized. · Based on India’s strong intervention during the 58th meeting of the Standing Committee of the CITES at Geneva from

strategy.

• An area of 34070.46 sq. km. has been notified by 17 Tiger States as core or critical tiger habitat under section 38V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2006.

Financial Steps • Financial and technical help is provided to the States under various Centrally Sponsored Schemes, viz. Project Tiger and Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats for enhancing the capacity and infrastructure of the States for providing effective protection to wild animals.

International Cooperation • India has a bilateral understanding with Nepal on controlling trans-boundary illegal trade in wildlife and conservation, apart from a protocol on tiger conservation with China. · A protocol has been signed in September, 2011 with Bangladesh for conservation of the Royal Bengal Tiger of the Sunderban. · A sub-group on tiger/leopard conservation has been constituted for cooperation with the Russian Federation. · A Global Tiger Forum of Tiger Range Countries has been created for addressing international issues related to tiger conservation.

6th to 10th July, 2009, the CITES Secretariat has issued a notification to Parties to submit reports relating to compliance of Decisions 14.69 and 14.65 within 90 days with effect from 20.10.2009 (Progress made on restricting captive breeding operations of tigers etc.).

Reintroduction of Tigers · As a part of active management to rebuild Sariska and Panna Tiger Reserves where tigers have become locally extinct, reintroduction of tigers / tigresses have been done. · Special advisories issued for in-situ build up of prey base and tiger population through active management in tiger reserves having low population status of tiger and its prey.

Creation of Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) • The policy initiatives announced by the Finance Minister in the Budget Speech of 29 February, 2008, interalia, contains action points relating to tiger protection.

Based on the one time grant of Rs. 50.00 crore provided to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) for raising, arming and deploying a Special Tiger Protection Force, the proposal for the said force has been approved by the competent authority for 13 tiger reserves.

Rs. 93 lakhs each has been released to Corbett, Ranthambhore & Dudhwa Tiger Reserve for creation of STPF during 200809. Since then, the guidelines of the STPF have been revised for deploying forest personnel in place of Police as an option-II, with scope for involving local people like the Van Gujjars. During the year 2010-11 and 2011-12, an amount of Rs. 270 lakhs has been provided to the Similipal Tiger Reserve for raising, arming and deploying the STPF. The States of Karnataka and Maharashtra have already deployed the STPF. • In collaboration with TRAFFIC-INDIA, an online tiger crime data base has been launched, and Generic Guidelines for preparation of reserve specific Security Plan has been evolved.

Recent Initiatives · Implementing a tripartite MOU with tiger States, linked to fund flows for effective implementation of tiger conservation initiatives. · Rapid assessment of tiger reserves done. · Special crack teams sent to tiger reserves affected by left wing extremism and low population status of tiger and its prey. · Chief Ministers of States having tiger reserves affected by left wing extremism and low population status of tiger and its prey addressed for taking special initiatives. · Steps taken for modernizing the infrastructure and field protection, besides launching ‘M-STrIPES’ for effective field patrolling and monitoring. · Steps taken for involvement of NonGovernmental Experts in the ongoing all India tiger estimation. · Initiatives taken for improving the field delivery through capacity building of field officials, apart from providing incentives. · Action initiated for using Information Technology to strengthen surveillance in tiger reserves. · The second round of country level tiger status assessment completed in 2010, with the findings indicating an increase with a tiger population estimate of 1706, lower and upper limits being 1520 and 1909 respectively, as compared to the last country level estimation of 2006, with an estimate of 1411, lower and upper limits being 1165 and 1657 respectively. · The second round of independent assessment of Management Effectiveness Evaluation of Tiger Reserves done in 201011 for 39 tiger reserves based on globally used framework.

• Increase in the allocation for Project Tiger with additional components. · Providing special assistance for mitigation of human-tiger conflicts in problematic areas. · As an outcome of the fourth Trans-border Consultative Group Meeting held in New Delhi, a joint resolution has been signed with Nepal for biodiversity / tiger conservation. · Regional Offices of the National Tiger Conservation Authority sanctioned at Nagpur, Bengaluru and Guwahati.

• Launching of Phase-IV tiger reserve level monitoring.

Biotechnology Information Network

B

ioinformatics is attaining greater now some of them are being networked Biology have been established as part of Kamaraj University, Madurai is specialising significance in the life sciences t h r o u g h N a t i o n a l K n o w l e d g e BTISnet. These Centres are well equipped in the areas like structural bioinformatics, research and industry and hitherto Commission network. Eight new centres with state of art infrastructure to support data mining and computer aided drug unexplored areas of biology. Research in have been added to the BTISnet. NEBInet research. Each centre is responsible for design. The Centre at the University of biotechnology, which is highly knowl- which comprises of 27 bioinformatics developing a database in the identified Pune, conducts M.Sc. course in edge and capital intensive, has generated a centres in North East states has opened up thrust areas. Some of these efforts have bioinformatics. The Centre has developed deluge of information in this decade. To great opportunities in biotechnology for received international recognition. The 3 major databases namely viral protein make use of this information effectively, the North East Region of the country. CoE at the Bose Institute, Kolkata is structural database, antigen antibody there is a need for high speed and large Through this network it is now much specialising in the areas like genome genomics and viral genome resources. bandwidth network. Towards this end, the simpler to generate and implement analysis, regulatory RNA stem cells, R&D Department of Biotechnology has programs like biotech hubs, overseas genomics and structural bioinformatics. The bioinformatics centres are being successfully established a high-speed and extensively used for intensive research by high-bandwidth network in the form of the hosts and neighbouring institutions. In BTISnet a potential scientific network in the addition Virtual Public Network (VPN) named as scientists at bioinformatics BIOGRID INDIA. Eleven nodes have centres have carried out research in gene country comprises of more than 165 been established in the first phase, which analysis, protein structure prediction and are actively pursuing bioinformatics engineering, modelling, macromolecular activities such as human resource develop- institutions having capable human resources assembly, evolutionary biology, development and R&D in bioinformatics besides, ing tools for peptide vaccine, new tools dissemination of biotechnology informafor data mining etc. The Department of tion to researchers in the country. This and state of art infrastructure to carry out Biotechnology is also supporting longresource sharing helps in enhancing the term teaching programs on bioinformatics value and usefulness of the BTIS, the only and BIOGRID will be useful in sharing intensive research in bioinformatics and true resource sharing network in India. teaching materials, to deliver lectures BTISnet in a Nutshell through video conferencing-virtual computational biology.

BTISnet a potential scientific network in classrooms besides synergizing research the country comprises of more than 165 in biotechnology and bioinformatics. The institutions having capable human associateship etc. Three major consortium The CoE at JNU, New Delhi is a part of the mirror sites of internationally recognized resources and state of art infrastructure to projects on bioinformatics in TB, rice and School of Computational and Integrative genomic databases such as Protein Data carry out intensive research in mango have shown excellent progress Sciences, with a major objective of Bank (PDB), Plant Genome Data Banks, development of human resource through Databases of European Bioinformatics bioinformatics and computational biology. during the last year. teaching and research in the frontier area Institute (EBI) and public domain Centres of Excellence More than 100 subject specific databases S i x C e n t r e s o f E x c e l l e n c e i n of computational biology, bioinformatics bioinformatics software packages are also are currently available on the BTISnet.

Centres of BTISnet are networked and Bioinformatics and Computational and systems biology. The CoE at Madurai available on the BIOGRID.

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 THURSDAY | 27 JUNE 2013

Exercise keeps body and mind healthy

Exercise is not just good for physical health, but it can also boost our mental health, say experts.

Now, a new study has explored psychosocial factors that may help to explain connection between physical activity and mental health.Karin Monshouwer of the Trimbos Institute in the Netherlands and colleagues at Trimbos and VU University Medical Center specifically wanted to examine two existing explanations for the link between exercise and mental health.The self-image hypothesis suggests that physical activity has positive effects on body weight and body structure, leading to positive feedback from peers and improved self-image, and ultimately improving mental health.The social interaction hypothesis, on the other hand, holds that it's the social aspects of physical activity - such as social relationships and mutual support among team members that contribute to the positive effects of exercise on mental health.

Monshouwer and her colleagues surveyed over 7000 Dutch students, ages 11 to 16. The adolescents completed validated surveys aimed at assessing their physical

activity, mental health problems, body weight perception, and participation in organized sports.

The researchers also gathered data on the adolescents' age, gender, and socioeconomic status; whether they lived at home with their parents; and whether they lived in an urban area.

The researchers found that adolescents who were physically inactive or who perceived their bodies as either "too fat" or "too thin" were at greater risk for both internalizing problems (e.g., depression, anxiety) and externalizing problems (e.g., aggression, substance abuse). Adolescents who participated in organized sports, on the other hand, were at lower risk for mental health problems.

Confirming both the self-image hypothesis and the social interaction hypothesis, adolescents' body weight perception (i.e., "too heavy," "good," or "too thin") and sports club membership each partially accounted for the relationship between physical activity and mental health, even after taking adolescents' backgrounds into account.These results suggested that certain psychosocial factors - body

4 Foods for a raging libido

If you feel that your relationship is turning from deeply-in-love to boring, it isn't because you want to make it dull.

The reason is that you simply find yourself in no mood for romance.

Grab these foods to spice up your relationship and sex life.

The reasons for a lacking libido can range from too many things on your to-do list and working too many hours to your hormones being out of whack.

This is where food plays a role.

Here are four delicious items you can work into your diet that will increase your libido, and help you work out of your clothes...

1. Watermelon Coined 'the new Viagra', watermelon contains citrulline, an amino acid that relaxes blood vessels there-

by increasing your sex drive.

2. Aparagus Asparagus is high in the B vitamin folate that helps increase your production of histamine. Histamine is important for increasing the sex drive in men and women.

3. Avocados Loaded with potassium, avocados boost libido for both sexes.

And they're rich in folic acid that provides energy and stamina - both of which are important once your libido is restored.

4. Chillies If you like it hot and spicy, this one will bring a smile on your face! Chillies contain capsaicin, a chemical which also increases blood flow and triggers the release of mood-enhancing endorphins that naturally pump up your libido.

image and social interaction - may help to explain at least part of the connection between physical activity and mental health. The researchers acknowledge, however, that other factors, such as the physiological effects of exercise, are probably also at work.

"We think that these findings are important for policymakers and anyone who works in healthcare or prevention. Our findings indicate that physical activity may be

one effective tool for the prevention of mental health problems in adolescence," said Monshouwer.

Monshouwer and her colleagues hope that future studies will be able to examine similar questions while following participants over time. Such longitudinal studies could help researchers to understand how physical activity type and context might influence the relationship between exercise and mental health.

Did you know that walking not only helps you to lose weight but also prevent diabetes and breast cancer?

Read on to know the health benefits of walking.

Walking is said to be a great exercise which has proven to be an excellent fat burner.

If you walk at a steady pace for 30 to 45 minutes at least six days a week along with a healthy diet, you will gradually witness a change in your weight.

There are several benefits of walking. Some of them are as follows-

Deep sleep turns on puberty

Slow-wave sleep or 'deep sleep' is intimately involved in the complex control of the onset of puberty, a new study has suggested.

The many changes that occur in boys and girls during puberty are triggered by changes in the brain.

Previous studies have shown that the parts of the brain that control puberty first become active during sleep, but the present

study shows that it is deep sleep, rather than sleep in general, that is associated with this activity.

"If the parts of the brain that activate the reproductive system depend on deep sleep, then we need to be concerned that inadequate or disturbed sleep in children and young adolescents may interfere with normal pubertal maturation," Natalie Shaw, lead

researcher from Harvard, said.

"This is particularly true for children who have been diagnosed with sleep disorders, but may also have more widespread implications as recent studies have found that most adolescents get less sleep than they require," she said.

In the study, researchers examined pulses of luteinizing hormone (LH)

secretion in relation to specific sleep stages in children ages 9-15. LH is essential for reproduction and triggers ovulation in females and stimulates the production of testosterone in males.

They found that the majority of LH pulses that occur after sleep are preceded by deep sleep suggesting that deep sleep is intimately involved in pubertal onset.

Walking regularly at a good speed improves your muscle strength and endurance and also helps build stamina. It is good for your heart. Walking is known to reduce your blood pressure, improve your blood circulation and all round cardio vascular functions.

Walking is said to be good for your bones. It is a great way to strengthen your bones. Walking about 30 minutes a day increases your bone density and slows down bone loss in your legs.

This low-impact exercise

is also said to target your spine, legs and hips. It promotes mental well-being.

Known as a great stressbuster, if you walk outdoors, the combination of fresh air and exercise is an excellent way to boost your morale and mood.

Helps prevent type 2 diabetes. Studies have revealed that walking approximately 150 minutes per week can reduce the risk of diabetes.

Reduces the risk of colon and breast cancer. Last but not the least, walking is said to be safer than running.

Green benefits of fruits and veggies

Fruits and vegetables give you high nutrition and low calories. They have enormous therapeutic value with their rich nutritional composition, high fibre and water content and boost immunity, improve stamina and protect us from several health problems.Research shows diets containing substantial amounts of varied vegetables and fruits reduce chances of cancer by 20 per cent and of stroke and cardio vascular disease by 60 per cent.Helps in weight management Be-

ing low in calories and fat content and high in fibre, micronutrients and antioxidants with a high satiety value, they help in weight management.

They work as fillers and can be treated as free foods with the exception of potatoes, sweet potatoes, jimikand and arbi, which must be used in moderation.

Keeps BP in control Owing to their high potassium and low sodium content, intake of fruits and vegetables is recommended for BP patients.

Top 10 exercises to boost your brain power

You keep your body active by doing regular workouts. Similarly, your mind also requires certain brain fitness workouts that can help your mind process information more quickly. This increases your ability to perform multiple tasks at the same time.

To help you achieve this, you will find simple but effective brain training games and exercises such as solving math problems to achieve greater mind fitness. Include this brain stretching exercise in your daily routine to get boost your brain power.

Here are the top 10 daily brain exercises that can help you stay mentally sharp at any age.

Art projects: Art is a great source of exercise for your brain, as it helps to boost that part of the brain that works without words and can only express itself non-verbally. Art requires you to be creative, use fine motor skills, and think analytically.

Hence, art encourages the brain to think out of the box, and trains your brain to think on different planes. All this while being fun as well.

Expand your vocabulary Learn new words, sign up for newsletters, read articles closely, and list out words that you are not familiar with.

This technique will help you outsmart the conversation with your boss, as well as sharpen your memory, by increasing your vocabulary.

Use your non-dominant hand While doing basic tasks which require no concentration, try using the non-dominant hand; say if you are right-handed, try using your left hand to eat, brush etc.

This activity will require extreme attention, and you will find yourself focusing on completing these simple tasks.

Do your own math For your daily calculation, do not use calculators. Instead, opt for the old fashioned mental math. As we grow older, it gets difficult to do even the normal math in our heads and we opt for calculators.

It's better not to take the help of the calculator, and do math in your head. This is a very common way to

keep your brain active. If you are not good at calculations, then put in som practicez Listen to your favourite song again and again If you like a specific song, keep listening to it over and over again as this will help your brain memorize the lyrics and after some time you will know the lyrics of the entire song.

This activity will help your brain boost its memorizing power.

Multi tasking is good for you Performing activities like working at the computer, putting your little sister to sleep, listening to music, solving math etc - all at the same time, requires a lot of attention.

All these are simple basic activities, which can be done together; but, dis-

tractions can cause confusion. Practise multi tasking simple tasks so that it increases your concentration levels. Study a foreign language The advantage of learning a new language is that it is a great source of exercise for the mind and it's a great way to boost your professional career as well. Further, people who have knowledge of foreign languages are always in great professional demand. Besides, studying something new always keeps your brain busy.

Skip GPS - Opt for maps Thanks to new technology, reaching an unknown destination has become very easy. However, we are becoming too dependent on these technologies as we are losing our mind's power of analysis. We need to stop letting these gadgets do all our tasks for us, and use maps instead.

This utilizes your imagination and analytical skills. Use a brain training video game When you are free or when you have nothing to do, engage in playing video games. Not all video games are brainless. Some video games like Halo, would require lots of reasoning and thinking. Engaging in playing games like this or even solving Sudoku puzzles will help your brain power develop. Avoid using a shopping list Always shopping with a list in hand is a simple job. The real task begins when you memorize all the things in your head and then do the shopping.

NATION

7 SRINAGAR Thursday, June 27, 2013

Chopper crash: Uttarakhand CM declares a day of mourning

Gauchar: Even as the multiple agencies continued the relief and rescue operation in flood-ravaged Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna on Wednesday declared a day of mourning as a mark of respect to those killed in the IAF chopper crash yesterday.

The Chief Minister, while expressing grief over the chopper tragedy, announced Rs 10 lakh each for the families of the personnel who died in Tuesday’s chopper crash.

Bahuguna also promised free education to their children if they wish to study in Uttarakhand.

The five IAF personnel who died in the crash are Wing Commander Darryl Castelino, Flight Lieutenant K Praveen, Junior Warrant Officer AK Singh, Sargent Sudhakar Yadav and Flight Lieutenant Tapan Kapoor.

The Indian Air Force (IAF), defence and paramilitary personnel today resumed their rescue mission with focus now shifting to Joshimath, Badrinath and Harsil where over 5,000 people still need help.

According to reports, an estimated 4000 people are still stranded at Badrinath where there is no road connectivity due to recent land-

slides.

Nearly 1000 people need to be evacuated in Harsil. The security personnel involved in the rescue mission aim to airlift all those stranded in these two towns to safer places so that they can be given proper medical care, food and water. Earlier this morning, IAF Chief NAK Browne arrived in Gauchar and said that his officials will not rest till the last stranded person is evacuated safely in the flood-hit Uttarakhand. In his brief address to the media shortly upon his arrival here, the IAF Chief said, “Our rotors won’t stop churning. We will not rest till the last stranded person is rescued in the flood-devastated Uttarakhand.” The IAF Chief also confirmed that the dead bodies all 19 people onboard the Mi-17 helicopter, which crashed while re-

turning from a rescue mission near Gaurikund yesterday, have been recovered. Browne also told the reporters that the cockpit voice recorder of the ill-fated chopper has also been recovered and the data stored in it will be analysed to determine the cause of the crash.

The IAF Chief also lauded the efforts put in by the personnel of the armed forces, paramilitary, the ITBP, NDRF and multiple other agencies in rescuing more and more people since the state was hit by torrential rains and landslides.

“I salute my boys and all other agencies involved in the relief and rescue operation here. The morale of my staff is extremely high and we will continue our mission till the last person is rescued safely.” he said.’

The IAF Chief further informed that two more IAF helicopters have been dispatched to bring more people stranded in Badrinath and Harsil. The IAF Chief will visit the chopper crash site in a short while and review the relief and rescue operation being conducted there.

The IAF Chief’s visit has come as a major morale booster for the Air Force staff who have been braving the unfavourable weather to

Narendra Modi never claimed to have saved 15,000 stranded Gujaratis: BJP

LUCKNOW: Amid war of words between Congress and BJP over reports that Narendra Modi had rescued 15,000 Gujaratis from Uttarakhand, BJP chief Rajnath Singh today said the Gujarat Chief Minister never gave such a statement.

“Modi went to Uttarakhand to express his sympathies and it is being said that he evacuated 15,000 Gujaratis from there. I myself talked to him and he said that he never gave any such statement, Singh told reporters here.

“How it is being publicised is beyond understand-

ing,” the BJP chief, who is on a two-day visit to the state, said.

Singh said he had appealed to party workers that no statement should be given to politicise Uttarakhand disaster.

“I have asked them that there is no need to be aggressive even if leader of any other

WB panchayat polls: SC notice to Centre, State govt

The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued notices to the Centre and the West Bengal government seeking their response on how to meet the requirement of security personnel for conduct of panchayat elections in the state. bench of justices A.K. Patnaik and Ranjan Gogoi passed the order on a petition by the State Election Commission for a direction to the government to provide adequate security personnel for the conduct of the polls scheduled for July 2.

The election body contended that it was not possible to hold violence-free polls in the prevailing circumstances as enough security personnel were not available.

Advocate Meenakshi Arora, appearing for the election commission, contended that the poll body was ready to hold the elections in more phases but security forces must be provided to it and even pleaded that the elections can be put off for some time.She contended that the commission needed around 2,41,000 security personnel out of which 1,40,000 should be armed and rest unarmed.

The state government submitted that it wanted the elections to be held at any cost and said that the matter is being heard by the Calcutta High Court.

political party make any statement,” he said.

“BJP workers are sensitive and consider expressing sympathies and extending helping hand as their religion,” Singh said.

Congress had attacked Modi saying he was trying to be a “Rambo” following reports that the Gujarat Chief Minister had helped in evacuating 15,000 Gujaratis who were stuck in Uttarakhand.

Meanwhile the BJP also announced a financial assistance of Rs five lakh each to the kin of those killed in the helicopter crash in Uttarakhand yesterday.

save more and more lives. The Air Force last night said that its officers will continue the rescue operation despite an IAF helicopter crash near Gaurikund that killed at least 20 people.

The Air Force also ordered an inquiry into the incident to determine what led to the chopper crash.

Meanwhile, the Met department has predicted torrential rains today, which could trigger fresh landslides. Bad weather is also likely to obstruct the rescue operations in the upper regions of Uttarakhand. Bad weather and fresh landslides have hampered air operations on Monday and Tuesday even as some sorties did take place when the weather cleared briefly.

Mass cremation of bodies of hundreds of people killed in floods and landslides in Uttarakhand was delayed yesterday amid fears of disease outbreak, as heavy rains hampered rescue operations for the second day. Agencies undertaking relief and rescue operations are increasingly getting worried about the imminent spread of diseases and the rotting of bodies in the temple town of Kedarnath as the tragedy is ten days old now.

London: An Indian man in Britain has been sentenced to life in prison for murdering his British wife in 2012. The Stafford Crown Court sentenced Devendra Singh, 33, to life in prison with no parole eligibility for 16 years for bludgeoning to death Charlotte Smith, 41, with a two-kg ornamental elephant in their home at Laddeege, near Leek, Staffordshire, September 3, 2012, according to media reports.

Singh reportedly flew into a rage when Smith sought a divorce as she was unhappy with their relationship and smashed and shattered the latter’s skull with the wooden ornamental piece. He then threw the ornamental piece over the garden into a field and fled to London.

Smith’s body was found by her family members three days after the incident.

“There were an awful lot of fractures to the front of the skull, and I could feel a

Rishikesh: On Monday morning, in a well-orchestrated photo-op, Congress President Sonia Gandhi flagged off over 100 trucks loaded with food supplies, medicines and other materials meant for Uttarakhand, where thousands of people were stranded in flash floods.

Three days later, the trucks are parked at Rishikesh in Uttarakhand.

They remain fully loaded.

Congress leaders admitted they had no idea of where the trucks were. “I don’t have any information but I know there are youth Congress members in Rudraprayag. Thanks for this information, I am not coordinating but will pass this on to those members,” said party spokesperson Sandeep Dikshit.

The drivers allegedly said that after reaching the state capital of Dehradun, they were asked to drive higher in the mountains to an area named Srinagar.

But they are stranded en route with fuel running out. The drivers say nobody from the party or the government has

lot of fractures to the face,” The Mirror quoted pathologist Olaf Biedrzycki, who examined Smith’s body, as saying.

During the court hearing, Devendra Singh admitted to killing his wife but

ing from the list. The former Union Minister had succumbed to his injuries on June 11.

In a major attack on Congress’ Parivartan Yatra in Bastar on May 25, Maoists had killed 27 people including PCC chief Nand Kumar Patel, his son Dinesh, party leader Mahendra Karma and ex-MLA Uday Mudaliyar and injured Shukla, who later succumbed to his injuries.

Hariprasad said it was the same list for providing compensation to the affected family members as well.

Union Ministers Jairam Ramesh, V Narayanasamy Hariprasad, and Acting President of the state Congress Charandas Mahant had yesterday visited Jagdalpur and distributed cheques to families of the May 25 attack victims.

The party also distributed cheques to families of Maoist attack victims in Raipur, besides holding a condolence meeting.

Congress to support Kanimozhi in Rajya Sabha polls

After days of dilly-dallying, the Congress on Tuesday announced its support to DMK candidate Kanimozhi in the Rajya Sabha polls from Tamil Nadu.

The decision signals a possible revival of ties between Congress and its erstwhile ally, which had walked out of the United Progressive Alliance and the coalition government three months ago over the Sri Lankan Tamils issue.

A statement from TNCC president B,S. Gnanadesikan said AICC general secretary Mukul Wasnik, who is in charge of the party’s affairs in Tamil Nadu, conveyed the decision to him over phone. The Congress has five members in the State Assembly.

The decision will be crucial in returning Ms. Kanimozhi to the Upper House, as it boosts the number of legislators supporting her to 32. In a House of 234 MLAs, the DMK has 23 members and has already roped in the Manithaneya

After grand photo-op, Congress trucks for Uttarakhand stall

contacted them with either assistance or directions. They claim they have no money to pay for meals or fuel. “Should we start selling these items, then,” asked one of them.

The enormity of both the disaster and the military’s rescue operation in Uttarakhand has not inhibited parties from searching for political advantage.

The trucks were sent by the Congress after a newspaper report said BJP leader Narendra Modi had pulled “a Rambo act” by fly-

ing into Uttarakhand with bureaucrats and evacuating 15,000 tourists from Gujarat, a report the BJP has dismissed as exaggerated.

Mr Gandhi arrived in Uttarakhand on Monday even as Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said that visits by VVIPs distract attention from rescue operations.

The Congress has said that Mr Gandhi is present “as a citizen” and is not using state resources to travel to different parts of Uttarakhand.

UK: Indian man gets life term for murdering wife

V C Shukla’s name will figure in martyrs’ list: Congress

NEW DELHI: Congress today downplayed reports of veteran party leader Vidya Charan Shukla’s name missing from the martyrs’ list of those killed in the May 25 Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh.

“Shukla and one more Congress worker had succumbed to their injuries much later.

This was the first list of 28 people, who were killed in the Naxal attack immediately. The two names will also be included as martyrs. It is not a question of any one leader.

“Everybody who died in the Maoist attack -- be it a Congress worker or leader or a security personnel, all of them will be included in the martyrs’ list and will be given compensation,” party general secretary in-charge for Chhattisgarh, B K Hariprasad told PTI. The Chhattisgarh government and opposition Congress have declared to provide the status of “martyrs” to those killed in the attack.

However, the name of Shukla was miss-

DAILY ZABARWAN TIMES

Makkal Katchi (MMK) and the Puthiya Tamizhagam (PT), two small parties that have two members each.

The numbers have greatly increased the victory prospects of Ms. Kanimozhi, as the rival for the seat, the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), candidate A.R. Elangovan, cannot raise his support beyond 29, even if all seven dissident MLAs in his party, cast their votes in his favour, going by the stand of the parties as on date.

Polling will take place on Thursday. The Rajya Sabha contest is for six seats and there are seven candidates. Four candidates of the ruling AIADMK and CPI’s national secretary D. Raja are assured of victory, as the combined voting base of the AIADMK, its allies and the Left parties is 170 – a number that can be divided equally among the five nominees to propel them to victory.

said the murder was not premeditated as he had suffered ‘a loss of control’.

“The degree of force used to inflict the injuries is of an extreme nature.”

Smith had met Singh during a fam-

Tripura to continue supplying sugar through PDS: Manik Sarkar

The Tripura government will continue supplying sugar at subsidised rate through ration shops despite the central government’s decision to stop giving sugar as a Public Distribution System (PDS) commodity, Chief Minister Manik Sarkar said Wednesday.

“The recent decision of the central government to discontinue supply of sugar through the PDS from this month is a part of the government’s plan to abolish the system.

This is an unprecedented attack on the common people,” Sarkar told reporters here.The chief minister said that to provide some relief to the PDS consumers in rural as well as urban areas, one kg of sugar would be provided to each ration card holder at the subsidised price of Rs.13.50 per kg against the market price of Rs.43 per kg.“The additional financial burden will be borne by the state government,” he added.“The Left Front government has already communicated to the central government its concerns over the discontinuation of sugar supply through the PDS. We have demanded that northeastern states be kept out from this decision.

Narendra Modi is like Vajpayee minus secular credentials: PA Sangma

Nagpur: Former Lok Sabha Speaker PA Sangma on Tuesday drew comparisons between Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, saying that the BJP strongman is a good administrator but lacks secular credentials unlike the former prime minister.“Modi has tremendous capacities and will power to transform. He is a good administrator but the only drawback is his non-secular credentials,” he said.“His qualities resemble (Atal Bihari) Vajpayee. He has proved his abilities in Gujarat but when it comes to leading the nation, if at all BJP-led NDA comes to power in 2014,

ily holiday in Goa, India, in 2008. They started a relationship and got married in December 2010 in Goa. After waiting for his visa, Singh moved to the Stafforshire home. As Singh could not find work, Smith’s family opened a town centre shop for him to run.

According to the reports, after killing his wife, Singh used her SIM card to contact her family and friends pretending to be her but later handed himself over to the police.During the court hearing, he admitted to killing his wife but said the murder was not premeditated as he had suffered “a loss of control”. “No matter what length of sentence is served to him, nothing will compensate for our loss,” Smith’s parents said in a statement after the sentencing Tuesday.

“Some years from now, he will leave prison and be free to continue with his life. For Charlie there is nothing.”

it will be a great challenge for him, he will be more concerned about good governance,” Sangma said.Former Lok Sabha Speaker PA Sangma called Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi a good administrator.

On 2002 Godhra riots haunting Modi, Sangma said, “When country can forget the demolition of Babri Masjid, people will also forget the Godhra riots. India has enormous capacity to absorb crises,” he said on the Babri issue.

Sangma also ruled out early elections. On the post-election scenario, he said the prospects of the Federal Front mooted by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee were dim.

But the centre has remained unheeded,” Sarkar said.“The central government told the states that it wanted to give financial support of Rs.18.50 per kg to the consumers. But compared to the market price of sugar, this support is very less,” he added.

“After decontrolling the prices of petroleum products, the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) government is trying to abolish the PDS for the benefit of big businessmen, sugar mill owners and industrialists,” said Sarkar, who is a politburo member of

the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M).

The central government recently decided to remove the levy obligation on sugar mills, under which every sugar mill had to surrender 10 percent of its production to the central government at a pre-determined price, enabling the government to get access to low-cost sugar stocks for distribution through the PDS. The removal of the levy obligation was a long pending demand of the sugar mill owners.

Congress corporator presents bangles to Mayor, Sena counterparts thrash her

Three women corporators from rival parties in the BMC Tuesday exchanged blows after one of them opposed the mayor’s decision to convert part of Mahalaxmi racecourse into a theme park.

Minutes after Mayor Sunil Prabhu gave the nod to the park proposal Congress corporator Sheetal Mhatre walked up to him and placed her bangles on his table.

This irked Shiv Sena corporators Yamini Hadhav and Kishori Pednekar who got into an argument with Mhatre and attacked her.

Other corporators intervened to bring the situation to normal.

Mhatre said, “Yamini came drunk

to the house and attacked me. This is how the Sena reacts to every issue.”

The Sena corporators denied they attacked Mhatre.Prabhu denied the allegations and blamed Mhatre for bad behaviour. He said, “I tried to calm the corporators down and proceed with other issues. But the woman corporator came up to me, touched me and gave me bangles to wear. Disciplinary action will be taken against her.”

Opposition leader Dnyanraj Nikam of the Congress supported Mhatre. The party plans to file a police complaint against the Sena corporators.

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