C M Y K
SUNDAY 17 August | 2014 |20 Shawal, 1435 AH | PAGES 12|
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Uttarakhand: 27 killed as rain wreaks havoc, rescue teams on alert
India, Singapore decide to scale up trade ties
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2 persons arrested in Shopian Charas, cash recovered Srinagar, Aug 16 (KNS): Shopian Police has arrested two persons and recovered charas and cash from them. Acting on specific information Police Keller headed by SHO Keller Shabir Ahmad arrested two persons Tariq Ahmad Mir son of Mohammad Maqbool Mir resident of Keller and Mohammad Aslam Khan son of Wahab Khan resident of Bambo Pulwama. 150 grams of Charas and Rs 4300-/ were recovered from them. Police has registered a case FIR number 38/2014 under section 8/20 NDPS Act and investigation has been taken up. (KNS)
SDRF team fishes out body of drowned boy SRINAGAR, AUGUST 16: A team of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) of Jammu and Kashmir Police fished out body of a boy, who got drowned while taking bath in Dood Ganga Canal at Srinagar, the other day. Giving details, Commandant SDRF 1st BN, Mr. Mehraj ud-din Shah said that on August 14, on getting information from Police Station Saddar that a boy Munazar Farooq son of Farooq Ahmad of Dildar Tanghdar Karnah while taking bath in the canal got drowned near MET School Baghat-e-Barzulla. Accordingly, a water rescue team of SDRF was swung into action see Sdrf on pg 11...
Governor greets people on Janamashtami SRINAGAR, AUGUST 16: Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, has greeted the people on Janamashtami and expressed hope that this auspicious occasion would be a harbinger of peace, harmony, progress and prosperity in the State. In his message of felicitations, the Governor observed that the divine message of Lord Krishna, enshrined in the Shrimad Bhagvad Gita, exhorts mankind to strive for the ultimate truth and to do one’s duty to the best of one’s ability without worrying about the benefits to be gained. He added that adherence to such values provides a firm foundation of a stable and harmonious society. On this see Governer on pg 11...
inside story Foundation stone of CFC at Balnoi, Mendhar laid/Sagar POONCH, AUGUST 16: Maintaining that the government has ensured holistic development in every part of the state, Minister for Rural Development & Panchayats, Ali Mohammad Sagar has said that some parties are trying hard to negate the achievements registered by the present coalition regime but people of the state are wise enough to understand their design and would give a befitting reply to these divisive forces in near future. The Minister was addressing a large gathering of people after laying foundation stone of a Community Facility Centre(CFC) to be constructed by the department of Rural Development at Balnoi, Mendhar one of the remotest villages situated near the LoC. Deputy Chairman, Legislative Coun-
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WEATHER FORECAST FOR NEXT 24 HRS:
Light rain/thunderstorm could occur at isolated places over the state.
FORECAST OF SRINAGAR: Rain/Thundershower. Maximum &Minimum temperatures would be round 24°C & 14°C respectively.
C TEMPERATURE M MAXIMUM Y MINIMUM K
SUNSET ON(SUNDAY) SUNRISE ON (MONDAY)
18.0 C 15.3 C 07:18PM 05:55AM
Bypolls for seats vacated by Modi, Mulayam, KCR on September 13
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ASI among 2 BSF men killed, 4 injured in Pulwama militant attack Srinagar, August 16: Two Border Security Force (BSF) men were killed and four others injured after militants attack their vehicle near air base in Quil area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Saturday afternoon. Official sources told GNS that militants opened heavy fire upon a BSF Gypsy bearing registration number WB74J3708 near higher secondary school Quil Pulwama. In the attack, six BSF men of 165 bn sustained critical injuries and were immediately shifted to nearby hospital where two of them succumbed to injuries, sources said. The two slain BSF men have been identified as Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Rudal Yadav and Head Constable Subedar Yadav Singh. He said that they have sustained grave bullet injuries and both succumbed to injuries on way to hospital. He identified the other four injured persons as Head Constable Jai Prassad, Constable Prabjot Singh, Constable Vinod Kumar (Driver) and Constable Amar Singh. All the injured persons were immediately shifted to army’s 92 Base Hospital here in Srinagar. Soon after the attack, army, SOG and CRPF cordoned off the whole area and launched searches to nab the attackers. Meanwhile, government forces have asked to remain extra vigilant across all volatile parts of Kashmir including Srinagar city after the attack. Sources said that the see Attack on pg 11...
Pulwama: 6 killed, 13 injured in 5 attacks in 6 days ‘Attacks are being jointly carried out by foreign, local militants’ Srinagar , August 16: In a series of attacks launched by militants this week in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, six people including five forces men and a civilian have been killed while 13 forces men have sustained injuries . There have been five militant attacks in six days in various parts of the district which have put security agencies on heightened alert. The first attack took place on the evening of August 11 in volatile Tral town of the district where a suspected Hizb-ul-Mujahideen militant, who was friend of a cop of police’s Special Operation Group (SOG), decamped with his rifle, and escaped. The incident took place at family quarters of the SOG personal. The posters attributed to Hizb appeared in Tral town wherein the outfit had claimed responsibility of the
“Although more than 75 percent of the country’s apple production is from J&K with almost 90,000 acres of land in Kashmir are under apple cultivation., unfortunately, during the past few years not only has the
Day after Omar’s claim over Kashmir prisoners State Prison’s official website down Srinagar, Aug 16: With the chief minister Omar Abdullah on August 15 claiming that not more than 100 people are in jails here, the official website of the JK prisons turns defunct though inaugurated in the year 2012. According to the KNS reports, the official website of the state Prisons department namely www.jkprisons.org turns out to be not working with the webpage revealing, “The contents of this website are being updated and shall be made available soon.” Reports informed that the Principal Secretary Home Department, BR Sharma on January 15 declared 5th State Prison Duty Meet – 2012 open
at a function held at Central Jail Kot Balwal, Jammu. On the occasion, BR Sharma, who was chief guest, also launched the Website of J&K Prisons Department (www.jkprisons.org) which was long pending demand of the department. He emphasized the importance of the Meet and appreciated the work of Prisons Department particularly the programmes of Reformation and Rehabilitation for changing the mindset of the deviated youth. On Saturday when the netizens here tried their utmost to open the website, the same had turned defunct leaving the people aggrievedmaintaining that there is no source wherefrom the claims made by the government and the chief minister Omar Abdullah could be verified. Pertinently, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah see Prisoners on pg 11...
Of 208 corruption complaints, 178 pending since 2011 at VO We had staff shortage, now issue resolved: Khoda
1000 fall ill in North Kashmir Tests confirm the contaminated content, FIR registered against PHE
even nationally, should wake up the government to the incipient crisis. Mehbooba said considering the growth potential of this sector, the government should plan for higher production and productivity of major cereals and fruit to achieve an annual agricultural growth rate of 3-4 percent. She called for devising both short and long term strategy to put the agriculture and horticulture sectors back on track. In the short term, she said, there is need for a package to give relief in the form of income support to the growers while in the long term, there is need for an orchard replantation and restructuring scheme. “As such, the Centre and State governments must design a ‘Relief, Restructure and Replant’ scheme for horticulture and agriculture sectors,” she said and added that in addition to a financial package, there is need for technological and scientific interventions like setting up of soil and pesticide see Pdp on pg 11...
production plummeted, the input costs have increased much more than the returns. With squeezing margins and low production the business model of this crucial sector has virtually collapsed,” she told the Minister. She said the sheer size and scale of horticulture and its significance, not just in the local economy but
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Srinagar, Aug 16: With the state authorities making claims over the eradication of the corruption menace from the state, the details reveal that out of 113 registered cases, challan against few has been submitted with rest still pending to be heard. The details informed KNS from the last three years that is since the year 2012, 113 cases against the officials working in various government departments in Kashmir were registered with the figures maintaining that most of the cases are still under investigation. In the year 2012, the state vigilance received 34 cases of corruption against officials in Kashmir and the 12 were challaned in the court of law while as 22 cases are yet to be given the final verdict. In 2013, there were 19 cases registered with the challan produced against two and the investigation is so far pending in 17 cases. In 2014, so far the state vigilance has received 31 cases and all are pending with the investigations into the cases of corruption going on. In addition to that, in Jammu in the year 2012, 28 cases were registered with two challaned in court and two cases not proved. In the year 2013, 17 cases were registered and all are under investigation while as in the year 2014, 22 cases were registered and all are under investigation. Meanwhile, the details also informed that 79.06 lakhs have been spent by the state government here on State Vigilance Commission (JKSVC) so far and a total number of 1083 complaints of corruption have been received by the Commission, 831 cases are still pending. Reliable sources in the state vigilance commission that out till date the commission has received 1083 complaints out of which 250 have been disposed and 250 are under investigation. It was informed further that more than 590 complaints are pending without being looked into or investigated. The reason provided by the commission over this delay was the dearth of the staff in the commission.Details informed see Khoda on pg 11...
incident. Later in the evening at around 09:45 pm on August 11, militants ambushed a convoy of Border Security Force (BSF) at Kadlabal Pampore in the district leaving nine BSF men injured. The sources had told GNS that a group of 4 to 5 militants in an army uniform had carried out the attack. The attack was also claimed by Hizb-ul-Mujahideen. The Hizb had reportedly said that the attack was in reaction to Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Ladakh. On the evening of August 12, militants killed a railway policeman at Malangpora in the district and had also snatched his rifle. The attack was also claimed by Hizb. In a deadly attack on August 13 evening which took place at Galandar in Pampore area, three people including two policemen and a civilian were killed. A team headed by a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySp) of Indian Reserve Police (IRP) was coming from Kargil, where it was deputed on the occasion of Prime Minister Modi’s visit, was fired upon by militants. During the exchange of fire, two policemen sustained critical injuries while a civilian was also killed. The two injured cops see Pulwama on pg 11...
PDP seeks comprehensive agriculture development strategy for JK New Delhi, Aug 16: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has sought the intervention of the Government of India for formulating a comprehensive agriculture development strategy for Jammu and Kashmir to enhance productivity and returns in this crucial sector concerning almost 80 percent of the State’s population. PDP President and Member Parliament, Ms Mehbooba Mufti called on the Union Agriculture Minister, Radha Mohan Singh and raised the issues confronting the agriculture and horticulture sectors in the State. She was accompanied by senior PDP leader and Member Parliament, Tariq Hameed Karra. Ms Mufti informed the Minister that the horticulture sector in J&K, which provides livelihood to more than 7 lakh families and nearly 35 lakh people, is in the throes of crisis as the two crucial sectors, which used to be the mainstay of State economy, are now not able to provide basic subsistence and sustenance to the people.
C M Y K
VOL NO: 4 | ISSUE NO: 226| RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 Paisa)
Srinagar, Aug 16: The chemical report of the water that made more than 1000 people sick in North Kashmir’s Tregham area on August 12, Saturday confirmed the contaminated content into it, making police to register case against the PHE department. According to the KNS correspondent, CMO Kupwara Muneer
Khwaja had earlier sent the samples of water for investigations as due to its consumption more than 1000 had fallen sick. On Saturday, the test report of the water confirmed that it contained that contaminated content that could affect the human health. Later Police station See Fall on pg 11...
No change in principle stand: Geelani tells Jethmalani Srinagar, Aug 16: Veteran Supreme Court lawyer and former Union Law Minister Ram JethmalaniSaturday held one hour detailed meet with the Huriyat Conference (G) chairman Syed Ali Geelani at latter’s Srinagar residence- asking the senior separatist leader to soften his stand with the changing times. According to the KNS correspondent, Jethmalani who is at present on family tour to Kashmir Saturday visited the residence of Syed Ali Geelani and held a detailed meet of one hour duration. Jethmalani according to the KNS correspondent discussed various issues pertaining to Kashmir with the Huriyat (G) chairman during which Geelani asked the learned lawyer see Geelani on pg 11...
NC issues 3rd list of party candidates Srinagar, Aug 16 : Jammu & Kashmir National Conference General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar announced the third list of 15 candidates for the Assembly Elections 2014 here today. Earlier the party had announced a list of 46 candidates. The Parliamentary Board under the Chairmanship of the President of the party Dr. Farooq Abdullah and in the presence of the Working President Shri Omar Abdullah cleared a list of 15 candidates, 11 Candidates for Kashmir region and 5 Candidates for Jammu region. The Parliamentary Board comprising of A.R. Rather, S. Harbans Singh, Ali Mohammad Sagar, Ch. Mohammad Ramzan, Qamar Ali Akhoon, Nasir Aslam Wani and Devender Singh Rana met here and discussed the panels of candidates received from the Block and the District Committees of the party.
5.
32-Pampore
Yawar Masoodi
6.
34-Rajpura
Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Mir “Muran”
7.
38-Kulgam
Imran Nabi Dar
8.
41-Devsar
Peerzada Ghulam Ahmed Shah
9.
42-Doru
Farooq Ganai
10.
43-Kokernag
Ghulam Nabi Bhat (Adgami)
11.
44-Shangus
Riaz Ahmed Khan Advocate
12.
46-Pahalgam
Altaf Kaloo
13.
62-Ramnagar
Raj Kapoor
Ahmad
S.No
Name of the Constituency
Name of the Candidate
1.
70-Nagrota
Devender Singh Rana
2.
12-Sangrama
Mohammad Yaqoob
14.
63-Bani
Ghulam Haider Malik
3.
13-Baramulla
Ghulam Hassan Rahi
15.
72-Jammu East
Bimla Luthra
4.
29-Khansaheb
Manzoor Ahmed Wani
16.
79-Aknoor
Dr. Abdul Gafoor see Nc on pg 11...
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11
Srinagar, Sunday 17 August 2014
FROM THE FRONT PAGE
Attack..... unarmed policemen in Srinagar city were asked to remain inside their cantonments while the armed cops were deployed on main roads in the city. They said that barricades have been erected at several junctions across the city and all the entry and exit points with policemen frisking pedestrians and motorcyclists. (GNS)
Pulwama.... later succumbed in hospital. The militants managed to escape along with a carbine rifle of police. The attack was claimed by Hizb while police and the militant outfit blamed each other for civilian’s death. On Saturday (today) militants intercepted a BSF Gypsy and opened heavy fire on it in Koil area of Pulwama that left two BSF men killed while four others were injured. Security sources told GNS that all these attacks were ‘sudden’ due to which forces couldn’t retaliate ‘effectively’. “As a result of this, militants managed to escape unhurt,” they said. The back-to-back attack took place even though government forces including SOG and army intensified searches and frisking in the district. “This week, the forces conducted various search operations in Pampore, Galandar, Kadlabal areas while forces also cordoned Tral once. The forces routinely conduct searches in the outskirts of Pulwama town,” sources said. “The increase in attacks is because new militant groups in the district have gone active,” a senior counter-insurgency officer, who wished not to be named, told GNS. On being asked, he said: “These attacks are jointly carried out by foreign and local militants," adding, it seems Lashkar-e-Toiba is behind today's attack on BSF. "Hizb isn't so strong in this part of the district." The Superintendent of Police Pulwama, Tajinder Singh, told GNS that militants want to increase their activities in the district by carrying out series of attacks. “We have tightened security,” he said. In past two years, Pulwama district has emerged as a hot bed of militants in the Kashmir region with militants shifting their base from north Kashmir to south Kashmir. (GNS)
Khoda.... hat SVC informed the government that 82 posts need to be filled for the commission’s smooth functioning. The cabinet rejected the file- stating the number is too high and the same needs to be reduced. The commission went back to the government this time with 74 posts but till date no action has been taken. SVC Chief Commissioner, Kuldeep Khoda when contacted told KNS that the commission has already asked the government for the filing up of the post and some persons have already joined the commission while as some are expected to join in the coming time. (KNS)
PDP.... testing laboratories in each district, making SKUAST more vibrant and familiarizing farmers with latest technological advances in the field. She called for increasing the area under the horticulture regeneration scheme from the existing 2000 hectares to 10000 hectares in the State with funding to be raised from existing Rs 30000 to Rs 1 lakh per hectare. She also called for redefining the Saffron Mission scheme in J&K with more focus on irrigation and market intervention so that the growers not only are able to cultivate good crop but also get good returns. Mehbooba also called for shifting the agriculture development strategy from food security mode to the value addition mode by growing certain products like high value fruits, vegetables and some cash crops which can give good returns to the cultivators. “There is good scope for the production of high value, low volume crops like saffron, black zeera and other spices especially in Kashmir region,” she said and added that regular availability of agricultural inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, credit, etc. should be ensured. She said the state government should encourage a mix of supplementary crops in each region. Comprehensive cost of cultivation studies needs to be conducted in each region/zone. Mehbooba said a comprehensive review of cropping pattern and shift in the same to fruits and vegetables is called for. “Here, the example of Punjab, which has launched a massive crop diversification plan, needs to be emulated,” she said.
Fall....
Trehgham registered case against the PHE department and the FIR number 64/2014 was filed with the investigations being carried under section 270,277 and also under 5/7 ESMA. Reports informed that the locals had also submitted the written complaint against PHE department before the police authorities. SHO Trehgham Sajjad Assad confirmed to KNS correspondent that police has registered the case and the investigation have been initiated. More than one thousand people had to be hospitalized at North Kashmir’s Tregham area with the reason being the consumption of contaminated water from the nearby water supply scheme on August 12. At Zirhama area of North Kashmir’s Trehgam, after consuming the water, at first around 300 locals suffered from dehydration and had to be admitted in the nearby primary health centre. The toll later reached to 1000 with the medical authorities witnessing tough time in handling the patients. The infected inhabitants were later admitted in four different health centres of the Kupwara. CMO Kupwara Dr Muneer Khwaja when contacted at that time told KNS that the people got infected due to the consumption of the contaminated water and that speedy measures are being taken by for their early treatment. He said that all the patients are now out of danger though some earlier were in the critical condition. He added that the samples of the water have been collected for the further investigation and that the advisory has been issued to the locals that only boiled water be used for drinking. (KNS)
Zabarwan Times
Geelani.... to provide legal aid to the Kashmiri prisoners who are at present languishing in various jails of the capital. Geealni also stressed that various Kashmiris don’t get the fair trail at New Delhi and measures must be taken to ensure that they are being provided the satisfactory legal services. During the meet, Jethmalani asked the chairman of Huriyat’s hard-line faction that the stand must be soften as the circumstances have changed as compared to the past and there must be flexible approach so that Kashmir issue is addressed. Geelani according to the reports has said to the former BJP leader that there would be no change in the principle stand of the Huriyat (G) and that there are some basic foundation of the Kashmir cause that cannot be undermined and ignored. When contacted Huriyat (G) spokesman AAyaz Akbar onfirmed Jethmalani meeting Geelani. Akbar told KNS that the Huriyat chairman has categorically stated to the former BJP leader that there will be no change in amalgam’s principle stand and that Modi is following the communal agenda in India. (KNS)
Prisoners...
during his address on August 15 said that hardly hundred people are languishing in jails in Jammu and Kashmir. He said even 100 people in jails of J&K is a big number. He challenged separatists’ claim that thousands are languishing in jails here. Omar was addressing August 15 function at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar. “I challenge all those people who are trying to stoke passions in the state by saying that thousands are languishing in prisons in Jammu and Kashmir. “If 100 people are in prisons here this time, I would say that is a big number.” Omar also said that militant actions have come down by 80 per cent during his tenure and his government was trying to reduce the presence of forces in cities and towns. “If militancy has come down by 80 per cent, time is not far when AFSPA would also have to go,” Omar said in his address. (KNS)
Nc....
Ecological Vandalism and environmental degradation a cause of great concern for the Society: KCSDS Srinagar, Aug 16: Kashmir Centre for Social and Developmental Studies (KCSDS) has expressed deep concerns for continued and sharp deterioration of general quality of environment and ecology of Jammu & Kashmir state. In statement issued to KNS, in a round Table Conference chaired by Prof. Hameedah Nayeem and attended by various state holders and civil society formations, the participants regretted the role of successive state governments whose policies or lack of proper planning led to degraded state of environment that we are face to face with. The participants stressed on the need to maintain a balance has between environmental protection and developmental planning. In the presentations made by Geo Scientists and other experts, it was revealed that the glaciers in past two decades have shrunk at an alarming rate of 20% which adversely affects the discharge and water table for usage. This has also badly affected the biodiversity of the state. In order to check further shrinkage, human traffic in upper Himalayan ranges needs to be considerably reduced and regulated by the authorities. The conference stressed on promotion of Tourism in various tourist destinations only after proper environmental impact assessment and approval of Master plans by environmental experts and concerned civil society members. The participants urged the state government to stop the unbridled promotion of religious tourism to shrines, mosques and temples in the most sacred and eco sensitive spots. The participants deplored the presence of 12 out of a total 66 Field Firing Ranges in eco fragile state of Jammu and Kashmir. It was unanimously demanded that all these firing ranges should be shifted to some suitable places in India. Any attempt made to relocate these ranges within the state will equally be disastrous, hence opposed tooth and nail. The participants noted with concern the attempts of the security forces for unbridled construction of temples on forest land along Jammu- Srinagar Highway. It is intriguing that many places in Kashmir are being renamed in sync with Hindu mythology like “Somnath Deevar” near Athwajan. It was unanimously agreed that a PIL will be filed by the Civil Society vis a vis Tosamaidan environmental degradation due to artillery exercises over a period of time and the compensation thereof. The conference was attended, inter alia, by various civil society formations, tourist bodies, trade chambers, legal luminaries, environmental experts, geologists, columnist, prominent journalists, economic and financial experts.
Sdrf....
along with rescue vehicle and other equipments. The team put their constant and strenuous efforts and succeeded in fishing out the body of boy from a deep portion of Canal on August 15 morning. The deceased was putting up at Armirabad Bemina with his uncle and was a student of class 8th at MET School Bagat-e-Barzulla. The ADGP Armed, S. M. Sahai, who is also holding the additional charge of ADGP (Home Guards/ SDRF) has hailed the effort of SDRF personnel and maintained that the team has done a commendable job. He hoped that the officials will continue their best service to the people, particularly in the times of emergencies and disasters.
Governer....
auspicious occasion, the Governor prayed for the well-being of the people of the State.
Foundation stone of CFC at Balnoi,Mendhar laid:-Sagar POONCH, AUGUST 16: Maintaining that the government has ensured holistic development in every part of the state, Minister for Rural Development & Panchayats, Ali Mohammad Sagar has said that some parties are trying hard to negate the achievements registered by the present coalition regime but people of the state are wise enough to understand their design and would give a befitting reply to these divisive
forces in near future. The Minister was addressing a large gathering of people after laying foundation stone of a Community Facility Centre(CFC) to be constructed by the department of Rural Development at Balnoi, Mendhar one of the remotest villages situated near the LoC. Deputy Chairman, Legislative Council, Javed Rana, District Development Commissioner, Poonch, M. H. Malik and other senior officers of the district administration were present on the occasion. “The Government has also ensured the massive participation of people at grass root level in day to day governance by putting in place a vibrant and empowered Panchayati Raj System, whereby the masses are also involved in formulation and implementation of various welfare programmes. The concept of participatory democracy and governance has been ensured and implemented by the government in letter and spirit on ground”, said the Minister”. Referring to the several initiatives undertaken by the government for ensuring need based and sustained development of the rural and far flung areas, the Minister said that special emphasis has been laid on road connectivity, infrastructural development and creating job opportunities to the people living in these areas, so that they do not migrate to other areas for want of requisite and basic facilities. Besides these the schemes of rural development department like MGNREGA, IAY and NBA have also ensured the socio- economic transformation of people living in these areas and providing the much needed employment opportunities to the people at their door steps. Deputy Chairman Legislative Council, Mr. Javed Rana also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the various developmental initiatives undertaken by the government for ensuring holistic and sustained development of the state.
Massacre' in Iraq as Strikes Hit Near Key Dam Islamic extremists in Iraq killed 80 Yazidi men and abducted their wives and children, officials and eyewitnesses said Saturday, insisting the religious community is still at risk after a week of U.S. and Iraqi airstrikes on the militants. Airstrikes meanwhile targeted insurgents around Iraq's largest dam, which was captured by the Islamic State extremist group earlier this month, according to nearby residents. It was not immediately clear who carried out the strikes. The U.S. began launching airstrikes against the Islamic State extremist group a week ago, in part to prevent the massacre of tens of thousands of Yazidis stranded on a northern mountaintop. After most were able to escape with the help of Kurdish fighters, President Barack Obama took credit for alleviating the threat of genocide. But on Friday afternoon Islamic State fighters who had surrounded the nearby village of Kocho 12 days ago, demanding its Yazidi residents convert or die, moved in. The militants took the men away in groups of a few dozen and shot them dead with assault rifles on the edge of the village, according to a wounded man who escaped by feigning death. The fighters then walked among the bodies, finishing off any who appeared to still be alive with their pistols, the 42-year-old man told the Associated Press by phone from an area where he was hiding out. He spoke on condition of anonymity, fearing for his safety. "They thought we were dead, and when they went away, we ran away. We hid in a valley until sundown, and then we fled to the mountains," he said. A Yazidi lawmaker, a Kurdish security official and an Iraqi official from the nearby city of Sinjar gave similar accounts, saying Islamic State fighters had massacred scores of Yazidi men Friday afternoon after seizing Kocho. All said they based their information on the accounts of survivors and warned that the minority group remains in danger despite the U.S. intervention. Their accounts matched those of two other Yazidi men, Qassim Hussein and Nayef Jassem, who said they spoke to other survivors. The Yazidis are a centuries-old religious minority viewed as apostates by the extremist Islamic State group, which has claimed mass killings of its opponents in Syria and Iraq, often posting grisly photos on the Internet.
Yazidi lawmaker Mahma Khalil said the Yazidis in Kocho were given the choice to convert or die. "When the residents refused to do this, the massacre took place," he said. Halgurd Hekmat, a spokesman for Kurdish security forces, said the militants took the women and children of Kocho to the nearby city of Tal Afar, which is controlled by the Islamic State group. Elsewhere in northern Iraq, residents living near the Mosul Dam told The Associated Press that the area was being targeted by airstrikes, but it was not immediately clear whether the attacks were being carried out by Iraq's air force or the United States. A Pentagon spokeswoman said the Defense Department, for the safety and security of American personnel, would not discuss reports of ongoing or future operations. Iraqi military spokesmen could not immediately be reached for comment.
Tilbury Docks: Man dies after 35 found in container
A man has died after 35 people - including children were found in a shipping container at Tilbury Docks. The survivors - believed to be from the Indian subcontinent and suffering from severe dehydration and hypothermia - are being treated at nearby hospitals. They were discovered after a freighter arrived from Zeebrugge, Belgium at about 06:00 BST and was being unloaded. Essex Police has launched a homicide investigation
and officers are being assisted by their Belgian counterparts. Police Supt Trevor Roe said staff at the docks were alerted to the container by "screaming and banging" from inside. He said about 50 other containers on the freighter called the Norstream had been searched and no other people were discovered inside. Speaking at a press conference, Mr Roe told journalists the survivors were being held under immigration powers and would be taken to an immigration reception centre. It is not known where the container, one of 64 aboard the P&O vessel, originated. Mr Roe also said he did not know where the survivors had been going. He said the survivors would eventually be interviewed through interpreters. Mr Roe said the police investigation would look into "the gangs or whoever may be involved in this conspiracy to bring these people in this way over to this
country". Meanwhile, Belgian police say they believe the lorry which delivered the container in Zeebrugge has been identified through CCTV footage. They do not, however, have information yet about where it originated from. The East of England Ambulance service, which was called to the docks at 06:37 BST, sent seven ambulances, two rapid response cars, two doctors and a hazardous area response team to the scene. Assistant Chief Officer Daniel Gore from east of England Ambulance Service said none of the people being treated in hospital were thought to have life-threatening conditions. Part of Basildon Hospital, where 18 people from the container were taken for treatment, was taped off earlier. On its website, the hospital said its accident and emergency department was "responding to a major incident". Seven patients were taken to Southend Hospital while nine were taken to the Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel. South Basildon and East Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe described the incident as “tragic”. Mr Metcalfe told the BBC: “The fact that so many people appear to have travelled so far and are so desperate to get into the UK - either on their own or being trafficked is really very sad.” The Conservative MP said it was important “to get to the root causes of what is motivating people to go to such extreme lengths to travel from other parts of the world to get into the UK” and tackle people-trafficking. The container was loaded on to the P&O freighter at about 21:30 BST on Friday at Zeebrugge. A P&O spokeswoman said the Norstream, which was scheduled to leave Zeebrugge at 22:00 BST on Friday, was also carrying 72 trailers and five lorries and their drivers.
Landslides, floods kill 109, displace thousands in Nepal, India KATHMANDU: The death toll from landslides and flooding triggered by torrential monsoon rains in Nepal and northern India climbed to at least 109 on Saturday (Aug 16) as tides of water, mud and rocks swept away houses, officials said. The downpours also displaced thousands of people in the scenic Himalayan region and revived memories of a deadly deluge last year that killed more than 5,000 people in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The rains in Nepal over the past three days have killed 85 people and left more than 100 others unaccounted for, said national disaster management chief Yadav Prasad Koirala. "We have recovered 85 bodies so far, 54 people have suffered injuries due to landslides and flooding over the last three days and 113 are still missing," Koirala told AFP. The rains have damaged roads across the country's western plains bordering India, with poor visibility hindering helicopter rescue efforts to evacuate some 1,500 people stranded in waterlogged homes, said home ministry spokesman Laxmi Prasad Dhakal. "Because of the damage to roads in the area, we can only deliver relief supplies like tents and medicines by helicopter," Dhakal told AFP. Army officials rescued some 300 people on Saturday, while hundreds more awaited help in the worst-hit districts of Surkhet and Bardiya, where electricity lines snapped, leaving thousands without power. "We have had no power all day and we are struggling to reach affected people," said Bardiya district official Tej Prasad Paudel. In neighbouring Banke district, flooding caused by heavy rain washed away homes, district official Jeevan Oli said. "We've recovered four bodies, including two children. We've looking for four more people whose hut was swept away last night," Oli told AFP. The deaths come two weeks after the worst landslide in over a decade smashed into hamlets in northeastern Nepal, killing 156 people. Monsoon rains have also forced officials to close a major bridge along the country's longest highway after it developed cracks and caved in. Meanwhile, heavy downpours in neighbouring India triggered landslides and flooding that have claimed at least 24 lives since Friday, according to government officials. In Uttarakhand state, seven people were killed in their sleep by a landslide as monsoon rains pounded the hilly region this week. "Seven people were killed while one woman was pulled alive by rescue workers from the debris of a house which collapsed due to overnight rain," district magistrate Chandresh Yadav told AFP, adding the total death toll was now 24. According to officials in Pauri district, at least 50 families were stranded and the army was being deployed to evacuate them. With more rain predicted in the next 24 hours, state authorities have sought reinforcements from the army and the air force, said Indian government spokesman Surendra Kumar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief on Twitter over the loss of lives in the state. Hundreds of people die every year in floods and landslides during the monsoon season in South Asia. While annual rains are a lifeline for the region's farmers, flooding, landslides and building collapses are frequent during the monsoon season.
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PM Modi inducts INS Kolkata, says it will boost our military prowess
The new Indian Naval ship “Fighting a war and win- of our military capability, no(INS) Kolkata anchored at the ning it has now become less body will ever dare to cast an navy dock during its media pre- difficult these days. But a mod- evil eye on our nation,” he said. view in Mumbai (AFP Photo) ern military, armed with state Stressing the importance of It is an advanced version, of the arm weaponry alone is a maritime security in fast exbut significantly more versa- guarantee against war. When panding global trade and comtile, of the Delhi-Class ships – we are capable, no one can dare merce, the Prime Minister said INS Delhi, INS Mysore and INS challenge us,” Modi said ad- India, with its vast coastline, Mumbai – which will add considerable teeth to India’s maritime warfare capabilities with all-round capabilities against enemy submarines, surface warships, anti-ship missiles and fighter aircraft. Defence minister Arun Jaitley and chief of naval staff Admiral RK Dhowan were also present during the ceremony. “INS Kolkata is entirely built in India and it is a symbol of self-reliance,” said Modi while addressing the sailors at the commissioning ceremony. Watch: PM lauds Navy, dedicates INS Kolkata to nation Terming military might asAgency Kangan Lone News Khan News Agency Ganderbal the biggest deterrent to war, dressing a gathering after dediplaying major role in it. Gulzar News Agency Soura Zahidwas Book Depot aChadoora Modi said the defence forces cating the largest indigenously “In the coming days, INS Tariq News Agency Hawal Bashir News Agency Nowhatta will be modernised to ensure built warship INS Kolkata to Kolkata will inspire confidence Muzaffar Ali News Agency Alamgari Bazar Budshah News Agency Lal that “nobody casts an evil eye” the nation. to those involved in Chowk maritime Abdullah News Agency Lal Chowk Sikendar News on the nation. “When people have a sense trade,” heAgency said. Lal Chowk
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Gupkari News Agency Lal Chowk Khan News Agency Regal Chowk Sheikh News Agency Hyderpora Lone News Agency Tangmarg Bhat News Agency Magam Dar News Agency Beerwah Reshi News Agency Safapora Basharat News Agency Bandipora Altaf News Agency Pulwama Jeelani News Agency Baramulla The Bharatiya Janata urappa and Malik, the Shah News Agency Kupwara Party (BJP) president new vice-presidents are Younis News Agency Langate MA Amit Shah on Saturday Bandaru Dattatreya, Agency IslamabadPrabannounced his newReshi teamNews Naqvi, P Ruppala, Turray News Tral with 11 vice-presidents hat Agency Jha, Raghuvar Das, and eight general Rahi secreMaheswari, NewsKiran Agency Kulgam Renu taries and 14 secretaries. andByepass Dinesh Sharma. Rah NewsDevi Agency
Raina News Agency Gund Kangan Rashid News Agency Dalgate Hilal News Agency Budgam Bhat News Agency Chadoora Zargar News Agency Kunzar Bashir News Agency Sumbal Saleem News Agency Pattan Reyaz News Agency Pampore External Affairs Minister Sushma Javaid News Agency Qazigund Swaraj (in picture) and her SingaporG.M News Agency Sopore Nadda, Rajiv Pratap ean counterpart K. Shanmugam held Sultan News Agency Handwara Rudy, Murlidhar Rao and extensive talks on entire gamut of biSheikh News Agency Ramlal as general secre-Islamabad lateral relations and discussed ways Three Way News Agency taries and has named 10 toTral speed up air and mariNews Agency Bijbehara new Badru spokespersons. time connectivity and Anurag Thakur will coastal development. Malik News Agency Arwani continue as BJYM chief Kargil File photo Shaheen News Agency
BJP chief Amit Shah announces new team, Varun Gandhi dropped as general secretary
Shah, who took over as the BJP president in July, has tried to keep his team members young and inducted those who are have experience too. Former Karnataka chief minister BS Yeddyurappa and former Mumbai police commissioner Satyapal Malik found a place in the team as the party’s vice-presidents. Apart from Yeddy-
While Sultanpur MP Varun Gandhi was dropped as general secretary, Rajya Sabha MP from Rajasthan Bhupendra Yadav was brought in as new general secretary. Rashtriya wayamsevak Sangh leader Ram Madhav and former MP Saroj Pandey too were made general secretary of the saffron party. Shah retained JP
Bypolls for seats vacated by Modi, Mulayam, KCR on September 13 Bypolls to be held for Vadodara, Mainpuri and Medak Lok Sabha seats and 33 Assembly seats in six States; EC yet to announce bypoll for Beed LS seat which fell vacant following Gopinath Munde’s death. Bypolls to the Lok Sabha seats vacated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav will be held on September 13, the Election Commission announced on Saturday. Bypolls will also be held to Medak Lok Sabha seat vacated by TRS chief K. Chandrasekhar Rao after he became the first Chief Minister of Telangana.While Mr. Modi had retained Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, he vacated Vadodra in Gujarat. Similarly, Mr. Yadav had vacated Mainpuri and retained Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh. The poll body also announced bypolls to 33 Assembly seats in Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh. Filing of nominations will start from August 20. The last date of filing nomination is August 27. The scrutiny of papers will be held the next day on August 28 and August 30 has been decided as the last date of withdrawing from the electoral race.
Describing the building of the destroyer ship as a big achievement by India’s technicians, engineers and defence experts, Modi said the government was committed to modernising the defence forces so “our jawans don’t feel they are lagging behind in defending our nation. “When I dedicate INS Kolkata to the nation, I am confident it will boost our military prowess and give confidence to our soldiers.”The warship, constructed by the Mazagon Dockyards Limited, has been designed by Navy’s design bureau. The 6,800 tonne warship is a technology demonstrator and will showcase a giant leap in shipbuilding technology in the country.The Prime Minister had dedicated India’s largest warship INS Vikramaditya to the nation in June in his first outing after taking charge. Modi said that the government has taken important decisions in its budget and has given priority to “defence up-
while the BJP Mahila Morcha chief will be Vijaya Rahatkar. Abdul Rashid Ansari is BJP’s Minority Morcha chief. “Team formed by Amit bhai is excellent, full of youth and experience. We will work with enthusiasm,” senior party leader Shahnawaz Hussain was quoted as saying by ANI.
India, Singapore decide to scale up trade ties
The Hindu External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj (in picture) and her Singaporean counterpart K. Shanmugam held extensive talks on entire gamut of bilateral relations and discussed ways to speed up air and maritime connectivity and coastal development. India and Singapore on Saturday decided to scale up ties in key areas of investment and trade which has wit-
nessed a huge surge from $4.2 billion to about $19.4 billion in the last one decade. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Singaporean counterpart K. Shanmugam held extensive talks on entire gamut of bilateral relations and discussed ways to speed up air and maritime connectivity and coastal development. During their talks spread over a working lunch hosted by Mr. Shanmugam, the two leaders agreed to work towards a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong at the earliest possible opportunity.
Uttarakhand: 27 killed as rain wreaks havoc, rescue teams on alert Twenty-seven people have died in separate incidents of landslide, cloudburst and flood in ecologically fragile Uttarakhand in the past 24 hours as heavy monsoon rain continues to lash the state, according to the disaster management control room. Fourteen deaths due to cloudbursts at four places were reported in Pauri district on Friday. Seven people were killed after heavy rain triggered a landslide in Dehradun’s Rajpur area in the wee hours of Saturday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives in the state, where a mid-June deluge had wreaked havoc and killed more than five thousand people including pilgrims last year. According to the Pauri district administration, several people are
stranded in Kotdwar block due to floods. A rescue operation is underway, even as the weather department forecast heavy rainfall in
the next 24 hours. Rescue forces including local police and teams of Indo-Tibetian Border Police and National Disaster Response Force have been deployed at affected places in differ-
Akhilesh government takes action: 33 IPS officers transferred in UP LUCKNOW: In a major reshuffle, Uttar Pradesh government transferred 33 IPS and 11 PPS officers on Saturday. DIG Agra Vijay Singh Meena has been replaced by DIG PAC Meerut Laxmi Singh, a home department spokesman said here. DIG Devipatan (Gonda) Vijay Kumar Garg has been transferred on the post of DIG personnel Lucknow and he has been replaced by DIG Police Training College (Gorakhpur) Jitendra Pratap Singh, the spokesman said. Gorakhpur SSP Akash Kulhari and commandant PAC 20 battalion Azamgarh Ram Krishna Bharadwaj swap postings while Piyush Srivastava attached
grade”. Referring to the decision of allowing 49% FDI in defence, Modi said, “We have to import (military hardware)... Because of this one decision, India can become self-reliant in this sector.Our youth will become innovative and a day will come when India will export in this sector. Defence minister Jaitley said the commissioning of INS Kolkata gives an impetus to the Indian Navy.Constructed by the Mazagon Dock Ltd (MDL), the 6,800-tonne Kolkata-class stealth destroyer has been designed by the Indian Navy’s design bureau.Its keel was laid down in September 2003 and the ship was launched in March 2006. It is the first of three such ships planned in this class - the other two being Kochi and Chennai.Fitted with the most advanced weapons systems, including anti-submarine technology, this is the largest stealth destroyer constructed by the MDL and delivered to Indian Navy last month.
to the DGP headquarters here has been made the new SP of Banda district. Ravidas Nagar SP Subhash Chanda Dubey has been trans-
ferred to Intelligence Lucknow in the same capacity and SP Intelligence (Gorakhpur) Vikramaditya Sachan comes to Ravidas Nagar in
his place, the spokesman said. Commandant 49 battalion PAC Noida Manjil Saini has been made the new SSP of Mathura in place of Nitin Tewari who has been attached to the DGP headquarter in Lucknow. SP Bijnore Umesh Kumar Srivasatav has been shifted to Ambedkarnagar on the same post and Satyenda Kumar Singh, attached to the DGP headquarter in Lucknow, goes to Bijnore as SP, he said. SP Ambedkarnagar Kiran S has been made the new SP of Lalitpur from where SP Vijay Yadav was removed three days ago by the chief minister after a police chowki incharge reportedly forced a farmer to drink urine. The government has also transferred 11 Provincial Police Service (PPS) officers.
ent parts of the state. This monsoon, 57 people have died in Uttarakhand between June 1 and August 16 afternoon. The state’s economy, which is largely dependent on the tourism sector, had suffered a huge loss last year following the mid-June disaster that left the hill state in tatters. Rehabilitation and relief work emerged as the key issues in Uttarakhand in the run-up to the April-May Lok Sabha elections. Rampant and unplanned construction of human settlement and industry is viewed as one of the prime reasons behind the rain-related incidents in Uttarakhand.Seven people from three families died in the wee hours of Saturday in Dehradun following a landslide triggered by the incessant rain.
Gogoi seeks Modi help to resolve border dispute Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Saturday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to help in restoring peace in the violence-hit Uriamghat, near the Assam-Nagaland border, which led to the death of 11 persons. File photo: Ritu Raj Konwar Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Saturday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to help in restoring peace in the violence-hit Uriamghat, near the Assam-Nagaland border, which led to the death of 11 persons. File photo: Ritu Raj Konwar Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Saturday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to personally intervene in restoring peace at the violence affected Uriamghat near Assam—Nagaland border which led to the death of 11 persons. Gogoi, in a letter to the Prime Minister, requested him for additional ten companies of CRPF personnel in the area for rapid reinforcement of security along with setting up of security pickets in the affected villages so that violence does not spread to other areas. The Chief Minister alleged that CRPF personnel deployed in the disputed area had failed miserably in protecting the poor villagers of Assam. “The personnel deployed should be directed to take stern action proactively against the miscreants/extremists in an unbiased manner,” he said in the letter.
SRINAGAR | SUNDAY
17. 08 .2014
HOROSCOPE Aries
March 21-April 19
Don’t discount your ability to be extremely resourceful if you need to be, Aries. If you don’t have everything you need or all of the required information, take time to think. Who can you ask? What places can you access? Who might know where you can find what you need? Rather than panic because the pieces aren’t all there, instead make a list of contacts and go for it. Trust in yourself.
Taurus April 20-May 20
Try not to let today’s blues get you down, Taurus. While it’s true that some days can seem to drag on, the busier you are the faster time will pass. Get down to finishing any work still before you and then make plans for tonight. If there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, not only will things seem to speed up but you’ll feel better knowing it’s coming.
Gemini May 21-June 21
Dare to be different, Gemini. It can be so easy to fall into a drill. Sleeping at the same time, eating at the same time, wearing the same style, and going about work the same way day after day. Before you know it, you feel like you’re in a rut. The only way to get away from this is to make a decision to break free by doing something unique. Try a new haircut. Wear colors that are unusual for you. If the need is there, consider a new career. Pursue expansion.
Cancer June 22-July 22
If your lifestyle is considerably different than that of others, resist feeling self-conscience about it today, Cancer. Try to remember that you chose the life you have for specific reasons. Even if you’ve come to a point where you’re considering a change, there’s no need to feel badly, ashamed, or embarrassed about where you are now. Everyone has to make his or her own way. If this conforms to the norm, that’s fine. If it doesn’t, that’s fine, too.
Leo
July 23-August 22 An enhanced feeling of determination could motivate you today, Leo. Finish the things that aren’t complete and make some plans for this evening. Don’t hesitate to take on something that feels complicated or big. Chances are you’ll be able to handle most anything and it will feel great when it’s finished. Enjoy your day by making the most of opportunity.
Virgo
August 23-September 22
Feeling the effects of today’s energies, Virgo? Take heart if this is the case, because the end of the tunnel isn’t as far away as it seems. Do your best to take things one step at a time and see about making some plans for a little fun this evening. Get together with friends or take in a movie. Help yourself feel better by staying busy and focused and follow up with some recreation. Before you know it, the aspect will pass and you’ll be back to normal.
Libra
September 23-October 23 Consider making some plans for a vacation or short getaway, Libra. Looking forward to something fun can make even the toughest of days far easier to handle. You’ll be amazed how much you can manage when there’s an end in plain sight. Your entire attitude can lighten. So take the bull by the horns and create an incentive for yourself. Do something special to reward the hard work you do day after day.
Scorpio
October 24-November 21 Don’t judge someone if he or she has a different lifestyle than what you consider to be OK, Scorpio. You probably lean toward the traditional, yet not everyone feels this way about relationships, working, or lifestyle. While it may seem impossible to understand and even frighten you, try not to be too harsh on those you deem odd. You’d be better off using that energy to keep your own life on track.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Friends seeking advice or a shoulder to cry on could be plentiful today, Sagittarius. You’re one of best people to give them the support and care they need. Just be sure that you don’t give so much to others that you don’t have anything left for yourself. True friendship is about sharing and the exchange of problems and help. Running yourself down will leave you in a place where you aren’t going to be much help to anyone.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Getting through today shouldn’t pose too big a problem for you, Capricorn. You may feel a huge second wind that can give you the drive and determination to see your chores and projects through. Make some plans for this evening, such as getting together with friends or taking in an event that really intrigues you. Until then, go about your tasks bit by bit. You’ll get things finished before you know it.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
Working within boundaries and restrictions could really get to you today, Aquarius. Yours is an independent spirit and your best achievements are often born of doing things your own way. Yet like it or not, we all have to follow guidelines and rules. Do your best to follow suit and finish what needs to be done. Afterward, you may find more freedom to act independently without consequences. Exercise patience and diligence as needed today.
Pisces
February 19-March 20 Chances are that you’ll feel upbeat and positive today, Pisces. Consider sharing this energy with those around you who are feeling less than content. Your attitude can have a profound effect on friends, partners, spouses, and children. Even neighbors and extended family can pick up on your spirit without you even realizing it. Share your optimism with everyone you can today. If you see someone hurt or angry.
EDITORIAL / OPINION OPINION EDITORIAL / Editorial/Opinion The Daily Quote of the day
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“A room without books is like a body Zabarwan Times Doeswithout notaKashmiri soul.” Saturday, 23 February 2013 Marcus Tullius Cicero Language deserve its right minting place? Money machines t was in 1999 when the then
T T
Dwindling he mushroom Iforest growth of the private cover laboratories where
Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah while addressing All India Kashmiri Writers Conference organized by Lel Ded Founhevarious rice production in tests are dation announced that KashmiKashmir language will beand in drione hasJammu become aintroduced menace for is decreasing day by schools atpeople primarysuffering level and iffrom any the poor day because the agribody tries to create hurdles, heads cultural land is being various ailments. The nexus will roll. Amid cheers, he said that used legally or illegally for othbetween thesuch owners of these Kashmiri has to be important er purposes asan residential partcommercial. of curriculum andhas should be labs and doctorsThis made thecreatmediand taught primary master’s ed lots offrom problems andtothe extra cal facilities impossible for the level. Later on this language was burden on the economy has also lower middle class and poor. introduced butisshortage of teachincreased and leaving adverse Every private labshown hasfinancial atbyleast ers andon disinterest bueffects the overall reaucrats announcehealth of themade state. Similarly the five doctors on the their payrolls illegal felling of trees and the mentextracting and the subsequent decision for hard earned timber smuggling has caused almost ineffective, though some money from the hapless enormous damages to the ecolschools started the work on its ogy of the state as it has turned patients. A patient is made to own. However, after continuous a pressures, lot of forestsome land teachers a barren were move around theinto whole city and unproductive one. Though trained in batches but finds this tooa did when he or she lab aand force called forest protection not help the cause of the language. force was created many yearsto of doctor’s choicewith is Kashmiri made The main problem back for safeguarding the foresta wait for hours language thatorganization ittogether can get itsfor due wealth butisthis has when there enough teachers technician or radiologist not been ableare to control the ille-to available in The bureaugal felling of schools. precious trees come. The worst part ofand the cracy has so far not done anything the smuggling of accountability. timber within story isdirection lackthe of in this and thisNot language and outside state. only It has been reliably learnt that continues to suffer. the this, some forest landWhen is being posts of teachers, junior lecturers utilized by triballaboratories community for most of the are residential agricultural purand facultyand announced, one hardfunctioning without registraposes as envisaged under Forest ly finds any vacancy earmarked tion. ThisAct. is teachers. not unethical Dwellers Thisonly hasThere not been for Kashmiri is no defined to this purpose only butis but dangerous as well. This dearth of Kashmiri knowing qualsome is being taken overconby ified land persons but who when will happening atand a time the expansionists used for comvince the bureaucracy and the pogovernment is talking about mercial purposes. Nobody cares litical govt. on this account. There as to what is happening our transparency and newto drug have been many individuals and forests which are being devaspolicy. There is no denying the organizations thriving andyear. taktated with every passing ing undue in the name fact that forbenefits better health care , Some unscrupulous and greedy of propagating the cause of this people are setting portions of laboratories are needed but language but in reality these exforest on firebesoa that the greento there must mechanism ploiters have contributed trees which ultimately getnothing burnt prevent unscrupulous eletheburnt development lanorfor half are usedofinthe different ways without beinghave caught guage. These exploiters used ments from polluting the noble for usage of the precious theillegal Mantra of The being sympathizers profession. government wood. There are no checks or and well wishers of Kashmiri lanhas to come down heavily on hurdles forgetting these plum vested interguage for postings, ests as someundue forest employees unregistered units. And, for promotions, appointments are in hand in glove with smugregistered units for there dire and employments theiris wards. glers and those elements who In fact, have the maxneed forthey rules anddone regulations. for their petty interests damage imum damage to this language And lastly, the laboratories run this natural wealth. The forest as they have done issuing every thing to department except some by big groups like Ranbaxy harm it with in and outside the statements is not doing enough and Path also needcaught to be state. The govt. of Jammu&Kashto getLal these smugglers mirtake has action to initiate concrete steps regulated. They aretheminting and as per law of if in reality, it is serious to develthe land. Unless there are strinmoney like anything at the cost op the Kashmiri language andand the gent laws and well meaning of the poor patient. And , furfirst and foremost stepinis abunto resincere forest officials ther who refer the dance, thedoctors forestnumber wealth be cruitthe sufficient ofwill teachdisappearing with every passing ers at primary and laboratories high school patients to various day and the time will not be far level. The second step should be for various tests in lieu of handaway when Jammu and Kashto make it compulsory for all govsome consideration also mir State will cold need desernment andbecome private aschools to ert. The ecological balance will to be taken care of. The sooner teach Kashmiri as a compulsoget destroyed to such a level that ry happens, subject which isbetter. not being folit the These nothing will grow in our lands lowed right now. These will parasites are onsteps the proand it will bea slur impossible for definitely help in promoting our human life tohave survive in such aa reduced it toits fession and mother tongue which deserves hostile atmosphere and weather trade. Let there no comproright place in ourbe educational inconditions. stitutions and in our society. mise on this.
Daily Daily Daily
Zabarwan Zabarwan ZABARWANTimes TTimes IMES
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Srinagar, Sunday August 2014 Srinagar, Sunday 17 July 2014 Saturday, 2303 February 2013
IICT Srinagar: In Pursuit of Excellence in Carpet Industry in J&K
T
he Indian Institute of Carpet Technology Srinagar (IICT) is an ISO 9001:2008 certified autonomous institute, established by office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of textiles, Government of India and the Department of Industries & Commerce (Directorate of Handicrafts), Government of Jammu & Kashmir. The IICT, Srinagar has been set up to provide technical support and development support to the carpet industries specific to Jammu & Kashmir. The main activities of IICT Srinagar revolve around Human Resource & Development (HRD), Research & Development(R&D), Design Creation and Development(DCD)and other Technical services to the industry. The IICT, Srinagar is a satellite centre of Institute of Carpet technology, Bhadohi, UP. The institute commenced functioning in the year 200405. It is managed by an Executive Committee headed by Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce, J&K Government. Carpet Designs & Talim Scripts IICT has introduced a modern technique which is a locally developed Carpet Design Software, in the field of carpet designing wherein carpet designs are automatically converted into Talim Scripts (a unique Coded Pattern). The designs herein created and developed are preserved for ever. This innovation has eased the design work enormously as it used to take months together for a group of persons comprising of Naqash (Designer), Talim Writer and a Talim Copyist to make the carpet design of standard size and to transfer the design drafted on graph paper (outline only) into the coded pattern known as talim in the local language. With the help of this technology, one can view the complete design on the monitor of a computer before actually going for manufacture. Modern Carpet Loom After an extensive research for more than four years (2005-2008), the Institute conceived the design of Modern Carpet Loom, first of its kind in the entire country, and developed its one prototype. This was
aimed at improving the working conditions of the carpet artisans. The necessary testing and trial runs of this prototype were conducted at the Institute for more than two years and its working was observed on regular basis. After additional trial runs in more than 100 carpet training centres of State and Central Government were conducted to make them user friendly, these looms were approved for introduction in the carpet industry of the State. Subsequently, Office of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India has earmarked funds to the tune of 32.0 Crores for the introduction of 8000 such looms in the carpet Industry under Mega Carpet Cluster Project as per funding pattern of 80:20 as the share of Government of India and State Government respectively which implies that Modern Carpet Loom along with the sitting bench shall be made available to the artisans free of cost. The Institute has distributed first consignment of 500 Modern Carpet Looms in 10 districts of Kashmir division (50 looms/district) in July 2012. Skill Up-gradation To educate and upgrade their skill and broaden their information & Knowledge base, IICT has devised Skill Upgradation/Orientation Training/ Design Workshop programmes for over 1700 persons comprising of Artisans, Designers, Talim Writers, Washer-men etc. This will help in manufacturing best quality carpets as per the current market requirements which in turn will address the issue of low economic returns to the artisans. Infrastructural Facilities The Institute has set up Design Studio with latest digital equipments wherein 561 Carpet and 107 Kani Shawl Designs in the digital form were developed with the application of Carpet Design Software. IICT generated revenue of Rs 13.17 Lacs from the industry while providing these on nominal charges. Library has been set up with relevant books and magazines of international repute for the reference of Industry & trade. Design Bank has been set up for the carpet craft in the digital format wherein
287 old/traditional carpet designs presently available in the form of manually written Talim paper scripts (coded pattern) have been digitised so far. The digitised designs are preserved forever and can be recreated as per the current market requirements. Besides, Testing Laboratory for Physical and Chemical Testing of raw materials like Silk, Wool, Cotton etc., has been set up. A detailed research study has been completed by the Institute to look for ways and means to streamline the process of carpet washing which has remained unchanged since centuries together and to standardise the use of chemicals and auxiliaries to improve the finishing of carpets. Integrated Skill Development Scheme (ISDS) The Institute has introduced two unique Short and Long term courses under Integrated Skill Development Scheme (ISDS) of Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. Under the programme, over four thousand persons shall be trained, over a period of five years, with the objective to develop a trained human resource for the carpet Industry in Kashmir division. Besides, it is aimed to create additional self employment opportunities for the educated unemployed youth in the Handicrafts sector by providing them requisite technical and entrepreneurial skills so that they could set up their own income generating units for the growth and development of the Carpet Industry. Under the scheme, 4200 candidates from eight districts of Kashmir division viz Anantnag, Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam, Ganderbal, Kulgam, Pulwama & Srinagar, shall be trained under four months Certificate Course in Carpet Manufacturing (CCCM) and 100 candidates shall be trained under One year Diploma in Carpet Technology & Entrepreneurship Development (DCTED). The scheme is in progress since January 2012. Mega Carpet Cluster Project A massive Skill up-gradation and Capacity Building programme under
Mega Carpet Cluster project sanctioned b y O ff i c e o f t h e D e v e l o p m e n t Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India and Industries & Commerce Department, Government of Jammu & Kashmir has recently been launched at seven different areas of district Srinagar. Around 4000 carpet artisans of Srinagar District shall be trained over a period of three years. The objective of this programme is to educate the artisans about quality of Raw Materials, Yarn Dyeing, Carpet Designing (Traditional/Modern), Carpet Finishing, Quality Control & its importance, Marketing & Marketing Techniques, Formation of SHG’s/ Clusters/ Cooperative Societies & their benefits and to sensitize them about the Modern Carpet Loom designed by IICT, Srinagar. Awareness Camps In addition, awareness sessions about the developmental schemes of various departments and organizations are organized so that artisans can avail benefits from such schemes. Awareness camps were organized at Shangus (Anantnag), Devsar (Kulgam), Reyar Khan Sahib (Budgam), and Ajas (Bandipora) for setting up of Carpet Production Centers. Around 1000 artisans and carpet weavers participated in these awareness cum interactive camps. Study tours and field visits are also organized to broaden the horizon of their practical exposure so that artisans can assimilate changes that are taking place at the national and international level. Studies IICT has undertaken successful completion of study on feasibility and suitability of locally produced high quality reeled Mulberry Silk as raw material for Hand knotted Silk Carpets instead of spun silk yarn being imported from outside the State. In order to provide legal protection and safeguard against use of registered Geographical Indication by others, the Institute is presently working on the project of “Registration of Kashmiri Hand Knotted Silk Carpets under Geographical Indication Act”.
Bharat Nirman Volunteers - Agents of Rural Awakening
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Bharat Nirman Volunteer about issues concerning them, indifference of them identified destitute families with University , Brahma Kumaries, the Lead (BNV) is an individual who of the service delivery sectors, lack of single women headed households with India Foundation started by Abdul Kalam comes voluntarily from a rural awareness about procedural aspects of dependents for whom the PDS rice was ,the former President of India, veteran household to act as an organic programme implementation and therefore, insufficient. The volunteers contributed the activist journalists and the progressive link between a group of families and hosts of the benefits of different government deficit amount of rice to each of these sarpanches and the APARD. various line departments with a purpose to programmes are not reaching the poor families to ensure they had three meals every The most important dimension of this ensure the unreached households to access deserving households. Moreover, participa- day. Several of the volunteers are planning to experiment is that all these volunteers get no benefits under various government tion of rural families in the process of set up alternative sources of energy for financial support or honoraria from any sponsored progarmmes. In other words, planning and implementation of various lighting up their villages seeking funds from source whatsoever. On the contrary, they they are “the last mile human connectivity welfare and development programmes is government schemes. Some are planning spend their own money for expenses to give between programmes and the unreached”. found to be inadequate. Therefore, for solar street lighting and some even for Till date, 31,000 volunteers have enrolled as voluntary involvement of villagers solar cookers and lighting even for their Several of the BNVs in different states of the country and themselves, particularly youth was found homes. Long standing disputes between the target is to enrol around one lakh sixty necessary to provide opportunities to various sections in the village have been volunteers are participate in socio-economic change, for resolved and amity restored. The BNVs thousand by March this year. village development whereby development have managed to get all the departments at Why Bharat Nirman Volunteers? The Government and the State of their own households was possible. the mandal level to respond to the unfulfilled planning to set up Governments concerned have been BNVs found perceptible change in their requests of the community. Several of them implementing various welfare and personality/attitudes, they earned self- have got the administration to identify and development programmes for over many respect, recognition and in the event of notify place for burial grounds, play grounds alternative sources of decades, however many evaluation studies achieving any milestones, the feeling that and some have got buses to ply to their energy for lighting villages. Almost all the villages are reporting have shown the gaps in implementation of “we did it” gave enormous self-esteem. the programmes affecting the delivery of The training imparted to them emphasized efforts to weed out belt shops (liquor benefits to the intended BPL families. The values and morality coupled with the vending shops) and many have succeeded in up their villages delivery mechanisms placed at different objectives of all the development schemes closing them down. Some have banned the levels are limited in size and the inadequate of the government has attracted their sale of pan and ghutka in the village shops. seeking funds from time to reach out to the targeted rural attention to several of the social ills afflicting Many reported a 100 % ISLs coverage. households also make the schemes reach not their communities from ages like alcohol- Many have approached the administration ism to migration to school drop outs to issues for construction of drainage lines. One of the government schemes. only untimely but also undeserving. Therefore, in order to provide the human of the rural economy, governance and villages has included individual soak pits for face at the last mile connectivity with the planning. The way in which they put to good every household as it’s goal and they are contributions to various causes as and when rural households, it is envisaged to use the use the institutions of the gram sabha, gram confident of achieving it shortly. In some required. They have proved that village potential youth in the name of Bharat panchayat and the instruments of commit- villages open air libraries are commis- communities are not dormant nor are they Nirman Volunteers (BNVs) to create tees for resolving issues amicably and in a sioned. The magazines and newspapers are incapable of solving their problems. They awareness about all welfare and develop- disciplined and planned manner was kept in a small room until the evening and have amply proved that they can actualize ment programmes among rural households amazing, nay unimaginable. They went to they are brought to the choupal built around the long unfulfilled dreams of their for better planning and quality implementa- the extent of confronting the entrenched a tree in the evening when a large group community that would surely lead to tion of programmes with transparency and power structures and brought them to fall in enjoys silent reading. After they finish for improvement in the quality of living in rural line with their development agenda. the day the material is put back in the room Andhra Pradesh. One incredible developaccountability. Village after village reported that they had by a BNV incharge of the task. Why should they work voluntarily? ment APARD noticed is the healthy working Over a period of time, the rural fabric has cleaned up the streets, removed garbage, All the BNVs are instilled with relationships that emerged between the suffered due to factors like mushrooming of cleaned up tanks, laid out approach roads “volunteerism” in the APARD’s training elected representatives and BNVs contrary local power groups, lack of unity among through shramdan and at times with their program facilitated by resource persons as to the earlier apprehensions of conflicts and various communities, lack of awareness own hard earned money contributed. Some varied as psychologists from Osmania confrontations.
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