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October 01 | 2013 | 24 Zeeqad 1434 AH | PAGES 12 |

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Srinagar, September 30: According to a Government Order issued here today the Holiday (Kashmir Province only) on account of Urs Sheikh Noor-uddin-Sahib (R.A.) shall now be observed on 3rdof October 2013 (Thursday) instead of 2ndof October 2013 (Wednesday).

Petrol price cut by Rs 3.05 per litre New Delhi, September 30: The government has cut petrol price

by Rs 3.05 a litre and hiked diesel price by 50 paise, excluding local sales tax or VAT, with effect from midnight tonight.

After seven consecutive increases in petrol prices since May, this is the first cut as state-owned oil marketing firms aim to provide some relief to consumers ahead of the forthcoming festive season.

Thanks to the RBI governor Raghuram Rajan's stringent measures to strengthen the free-fall of the Indian rupee against the US dollar and softening crude oil prices as attack on Syria has been averted necessitating the first reduction in petrol prices in the last five months.

Injured lady dies in hospital Srinagar, September 30: A lady who had attempted to commit suicide by self immolation succumbed to her burn injuries in the hospital. Naseema Begum wife of Iftikhar Ahmad Lone resident of Gurez succumbed to her injuries at SMHS Hospital, Srinagar. She had attempted to end her life by self-immolation on 20.08.2013 in Bandipora. The body was handed over to her relatives after completing all legal formalities. A case has already been registered in this regard.

1 dies in road mishaps Srinagar, September 30: One dies while another was injured in two road traffic accidents across the valley.

An Auto Load Carrier without registration number turned turtle near Ali Mir Mode, Shopian, resulting in on spot death of a passenger Ghulam Ahmad Mir son of Mohammad Ismail resident of Litter, Pulwama and injuries to Bashir Ahmad Mir son-in-law of Ama Mir resident of Litter Pulwama. The injured was shifted to hospital for treatment. A Truck bearing registration number JK02AR/2845 turned turtle near Shuhul Floor Mill, National Highway, Anantnag, resulting in damage to the vehicle. However, no loss of life or injury was reported in this incident. A case has been registered in this regard.

Charas recovered in Anantnag Srinagar, September 30: During the intervening night of 28/29.09.2013 Anantnag police recovered about 2 kgs of charas in village Saller, Anantnag. A case has been registered in this regard, and investigation was started.

WEATHER

FORECAST FOR NEXT 24 HRS:

Light Rain/ Thundershower would occur at isolated places over the state.

FORECAST OF SRINAGAR:

Partly cloudy sky. Maximum & Minimum temperatures will be around 28°C & 12°C respectively.

TEMPERATURE MAXIMUM 28.4 0C MINIMUM 12.3 0C SUNSET ON(TUESDAY) 06:17 pm 06:27 am SUNRISE ON (WED)

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

Hair signs that indicate bad health

High economic growth key to poverty reduction

Holiday on Oct 03

VOL NO: 3 | ISSUE NO: 246 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 PAISA)

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Shinde asks states not to wrongfully detain Muslim youth New Delhi, Sep 30: Union Home Minister Sushil kumar Shinde on Monday directed all states to ensure that no innocent Muslim youth is wrongfully detained in the name of terror.

Shinde's directive in a letter to the Chief Ministers was condemned by the Opposition as "vote bank politics" with BJP alleging it was done keeping the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in mind.

BJP demanded that Shinde be sacked for attempting to divide the country on communal lines and the directive be withdrawn immediately.

In the letter, Shinde said

Central government has been receiving various representations on alleged harassment of innocent Muslim youth by law enforcement agencies.

"Some of the minority youth have started feeling that they are deliberately targeted and deprived their basis rights," he wrote.

Shinde emphasised that the government is committed to its core principle of combating terrorism in every form and manifestation.

"Government has to en-

PDP brings in motions on innocent killings, Defence Ministry expose’ Srinagar, September 30: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) today served two motions in the legislative Assembly and Council to discuss the recent expose’ made about the extra constitutional methods adopted in J&K reportedly since 1947 to subvert democratic system in the state. The party served notice for special discussion in the subject.

The party also filed an adjournment motion for discussing the series of killings of innocent people in incidents at Gool, Kishtwar, Shopian and Markundal Bandipora, which have compounded sense of insecurity among masses.

The party Chief Spokesperson Naeem Akhtar told KNS these notices have been submitted to the speaker of the Legislative See PDP on Pg. 11

sure that no innocent person is subjected to undue harassment," he told the Chief Ministers.

Shinde asked the state governments to constitute special courts in consultation with the high court concerned for trial of terror-related cases, appoint special public prosecutors for trial of these cases and give priority to them over other pending cases.

The Home Minister said law enforcement agencies should be satisfied with regard to commu-

Srinagar, September 30: The inaugural day of Legislative Assembly today witnessed a split among the Valley and Jammu based political parties-some speaking in support and some advocating revocation of Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) in view of unabated civilian killings in the state.

Taking part in the obituary reference, Harshdev Singh, Panthers Party MLA, while referring Samba-Kathua militant attack, said some people want to revoke AFSAPA that too from Smaba Kathua areas of the state because they think these ar-

Take action against his confidants: Politico-Religious organizations Politico-religious organizations Monday alleged that the disciples of fake faith-healer Gulzar Bhat are allowed to meet the ‘imposter’ freely in Central Jail Srinagar. They alleged that jail authorities are giving special treatment to the fake faith-healer who has tarnished the chastity of several innocent girls.

Reports said that an important meeting was called by the leaders of different politicoreligious organizations

in Krimshora area of Central Kashmir’s Budgam District. The meeting was attended by spokesperson Jamat-eIslami, Advocate Zahid Ali, president International Khatm-i-Nabuwat Movement (IKNM) Maulana Muhammad Amin, President Auqaf Krimshora, member Jamiat Ulma Suni Maulana Abdul Rouf and others.

These organizations demanded that stern action should be taken against the disciples of Gulzar Bhat who were found guilty by police.

“Scores of Gulazar Bhat’s disciples are still large and no action has been taken agaisnt them while some others who were part of his gameplan are roaming free and are even meeting him in Central Jail,” the members said.

President, IKNM told CNS that it has come to fore that the disciples of Gulzar Bhat are at liberty to meet their selfstyled God-man in Central Jail Srinagar. “It is a serious issue and we appeal the government and police See Disciples on Pg. 11

eas are peaceful but let me add to their information the latest attack is not new but these area have been more vulnerable. “The soldiers take bullets to their chest so lifting of AFSPA is irresponsible. The army needs to be empowered to face these situations.”

He said that the situation is not conducive for revocation of AFSPA in Jammu and Kashmir.

However, many members of the House belong to valley based political parties including CPI (M) and National Conference objected to Singh’s stand.

Earlier Mehbooba Mufti (PDP) president had also

Srinagar, September 30: The ruling National Conference today moved a privilege motion in State Legislative Assembly against former Army Chief V K Singh for leveling allegations that money was being paid to ministers in the state for various purposes.

Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mir Saifullah informed the House, which began its seven-days autumn session today, that National Conference members have moved a privilege motion against Singh, demanding a stern action against him.

Talking to KNS, Mr Saifullah said: “All the sitting and former ministers of National Conference have signed on this privilege motion seeking a stern action against former Army

talked about impunity to army and other security forces under AFSPA and had demanded the law be revoked. Taking exception to Singh’s stand on AFSPA Mohammad Yousf Tarigami, State Secretary CPI (M) and MLA Kulgam said that AFSPA being in place could not prevent militant attacks to take place in Kathua and Samba. “It is not the question of AFSPOA or no AFSPA but fact of the matter is that such attacks are taking place,” Tarigami said.

Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, National Conference MLA said that there was a dire need to discuss and review See AFSPA on Pg. 11

Chief for his irresponsible remarks. Now as per rules, the Honorable Speaker will issue a notice to Singh.”

The issue surfaced in the House while obituary references were being made by the Members on the demise of Dharam Chander

Prashant former Member Parliament, Daya Krishan Kotwal former MLC and Ghulam Nabi Shora exsecretary Legislative Assembly.

The Speaker Mubarak Gul informed the House that he has received the privilege motion and will take a decision after go-

ing through it. "I have received the motion but I have not gone through it yet. Once I go through it, I will come back to the House," Gul said.

Although, law minister intervened saying that members who are given chance to speak should confine themselves to obituary references only but almost all members except BJP leaders raked up the issue of army’s payoffs to Jammu and Kashmir politicians.

Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather said the allegations made by Singh were uppermost in the minds of the members of the House as the former army chief has behaved irresponsibly not bothering for its serious implications for prestige of the country and the legislature particularly belonging to See NC on Pg. 11

Mirwaiz terms ManmohanSharif talks as bold start Srinagar, September 30: Taking stock of current political scenario in the backdrop of the recently held round of negotiations between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharief and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh in New York, the Executive Council of Hurriyat Conference (M) today described these talks as a bold and courageous start on behalf of the two leaders. The Hurriyat has always supported the dialogue process between the two countries and believes that instead of confrontation only a meaningful dialogue process can pave the way for everlasting peace in the region.

The meeting was held at its headquarters under the Chairmanship of Mirwaiz Dr. Molvi Mohammad Umar Farooq and attended by the Executive Members Prof. Abdul Gani Butt, Bilal Gani Lone, Moulana Masroor Abbas Ansari, Musadiq Adil and Mukhtar Ahmad Waza.

The Executive council has expressed hope that this new beginning will not get entangled in just collateral issues but the leadership of the two countries will boldly confront the reality of the situation and take steps to set the right priorities for the dialogue and among these priorities, Hurriyat See Mirwaiz on Pg. 11

Special DG CRPF contradicts police claims

Police cracks down on 3 slain Shopian youth associates of Pakistani militant employees Shopian youth were in- While replying to a quesSrinagar, September 30: nocent. “They were mes- tion, D.K.Phatak told CNS leadership Contradicting the police sengers and carriers of that it is wrong to blame claims, Special DG, CRPF, D.K.Phatak Monday said that all the four youth killed in CRPF firing at Gagren Shopian were related to militancy.

“One was the dreaded Pakistani militant while rest of the three youth were his associates,” Phatak told Srinagar based news gathering agency CNS adding that 2010 uprising was in no way orchestrated.

D.K.Phatak termed these claims baseless that slain

Pakistani dreaded militant Abdullah Haroon.

We had inputs that these youth were in constant touch with the Pakistani

CRPF for everything. “Our men never went on rampage after any stone-pelting incident. Allegations are being leveled against our men that they smash windowpanes and beat people ruthlessly. These allegations are baseless and need to be probed,” he said.

“Stone-pelters damaged 252 CRPF vehicles from February, the month when Muhammad Afzal Guroo was executed. During the See GC CRPF on Pg. 11

CRPF Vs Police

Gurezi inaugurates Cocoon market platform at Anantnag

militant. Why on earth CRPF personnel would kill innocent people. The fact is that these youth were accompanying Abdullah Haroon and attacked CRPF personnel outside the camp,” he said.

Jammu, September 30:

Minister of state for PHE and Agriculture Mr. Nazir Ahmad Gurazi today inaugurated cocoon market platform at Sarnal Anantnag.

The cocoon auction platform constructed at a cost of Rs. 62.98 lac is having a total plinth area of 4550 square feet. It comprises of cocoon auction phade of 2835 sq feet, cocoon cum store of 805 sq feet residential quarter of 900 sq feet and four seated lavoratory block.

Minister also inaugurated the open auction process of the reared cocoons by the growers of the District during 2013. While interact-

The Border Security Force (BSF) has denied media reports that the militants who carried out the twin terror strikes in Kathua and Samba districts of Jammu Sep 26 had crossed the international border (IB) in the Hira Nagar sector.

Earlier, media reports had indicated that the three militants who struck in Kathua and Samba, killing 12 people, had breached the border fence in the

Government is taking every See Gurezi on Pg. 11

Srinagar, September 30: While Joint Consultative Committee of State Employees has decided to go for the Secretariat Gheerow on Tuesday, police Monday launched a massive crackdown on employees leadership and raided various government and local offices to foil their Tuesday programme.

Chairman JCC Abdul See Police on Pg. 11

BSF to probe how militants crossed IB

Anantnag, September 30:

ing with the growers on this occasion minister assured that present

IGNOU providing demand driven education

NC moves privilege motion against Gen V K Singh

AFSPA surfaces in Assembly, splits political parties

‘Disciples of fake faith-healer at liberty to meet him in Jail’

Budgam, September 30:

nal and social harmony while ensuring zero tolerance for terrorism.

"Strict and prompt action against erring police officers where there is malafide arrests of any member of minority community, wrongfully arrested, person should not only be released immediately but they should be suitably compensated and rehabilitated to join the mainstream," he said.

BJP said that if Shinde had issued the letter without associating the religion of the person it would not have been an issue.

"Had he used the word Indian instead of any See Shinde on Pg. 11

Autumn Session

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Hari Nagar sector of the international border. The three militants were also killed in the incident.

Additional Director General R.D. Singh of the BSF told reporters in Jammu Sunday that the fence had not been breached. "The fence has not been cut anywhere. I have examined the terrain myself. There are, however, so many nallahs (streams) along the IB. We have ordered a probe to find out how and where the militants crossed the border. The outcome of the

probe would be known in two-to-three days."

The official also admitted that the fencing had been damaged by rain and flooding in the monsoon, and said the damaged stretches of the fence would soon be repaired.

Singh Sunday visited the posts and interacted with the troopers manning border posts in the Hira Nagar sector.

While the army mans the areas along the Line of Control in Jammu and See BSF on Pg. 11

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11 From Front Page........

Daily

Tuesday, 01 October 2013

Shinde.........

religion then it would have been better. Shinde should be sacked with immediate effect for dividing the country on communal lines," BJP General Secretary Rajiv Pratap Rudy told reporters. Senior BJP leader M Venkaiah Naidu alleged that Shinde has written this letter for votebank politics and keeping the forthcoming elections in mind. He said Shinde's move is "unconstitutional and questionable" and demanded that the directive should be taken back immediately. CPI's D Raja accused Congress of seeking political advantage by trying to woo Muslim voters ahead of the Lok Sabha polls and said the law is equal to everybody and should be applied equally to all citizens.

NC........

Jammu and Kashmir. "I want that the former army chief should be made to stand before this august House and answer for his irresponsible utterances. That is why we have signed on the privilege motion against him and we want Honorable Speaker to proceed against him,” he added.

PDP........

Assembly today. According to him similar notices have been submitted to the Chairman of Legislative Council for discussion in the upper House.

AFSPA.........

AFSPA as far as Jammu and Kashmir is concerned. “I think the AFSPA being in place is not able to stop killings of Army men on the borders, police personnel and civilians.

The Chief Minister stand on the issue is based on reality and the law must be reviewed,” Kamal said.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti had earlier in her speech said that whenever any killings take place at the hands of army, they are protected and shielded under AFSPA. She said that state government was not even able to prosecute police or CRPF personnel involved in human rights violations.

Mirwaiz.........

believes, Kashmir remains on the top because it is only Kashmir issue which has remained the main cause of tension in the sub-continent. It is, therefore, imperative to address this issue on priority basis and include the resistance leadership of Kashmir in the process so as to make the process credible and result oriented.

The Executive council also felt that this dialogue process should not be linked with any election process or government formation in India, Pakistan or Kashmir, but should be carried forward seriously by the concerned parties without using it for cheap party politics.

It was also hoped in the meeting that the continuation of the dialogue process will be ensured. The leadership of the two countries will keep the current spirit alive and will not weaver in its resolve on account of any occurrences of incidents of violence or other irritants because a sustained and continuous process alone can lead us in the right direction.

The recent statement of former Army Chief General V. K. Singh came also came under discussion in the meeting and it was stated that though the revelations in the statement are nothing new for Hurriyat Conference has been saying that “Kashmir is actually ruled by the Army”. “These should, however be an eye-opener for the international community and the world should see how state of Jammu and Kashmir has been ruled by Indian Army through its proxies since 1947. These revelations have completely exposed the so called democratic rule and electoral process of the state. It was also stated that the successive governments of the state in the disguise of democratic attire, have always worked as the agents of Army and have been partners in all acts of political exploitation, physical harm and injuries inflicted on the mind and body of the people of Kashmir.”

obeyed it,” he said adding the government had conveyed us before the Gagren incident that CRPF camp would be relocated in DPL building Shopian.

Disciples..........

administration to look into the matter and take action against his disciples who were his confidants and exploited innocent girl students in the seminary,” he said.

The 42-year-old Gulzar Bhat son Ghulam Qadir Bhat of Latter Chadur (Shamasabad) Khan Sahib was arrested on May 21 after four minor girl students of his seminary accused him of committing the abuses at the residential institute at Shamasabad in Khansahib area of the district.

Gurezi..........

possible step for the welfare of the growers associated with sericulture and silkworm rearing industry.

Minister further revealed that the open market auction is aimed to facilitate the selling of the reared cocoons at growers will, who can auction their products or otherwise at their choice. The Minster directed the concerned Director sericulture for organising the open auction of the reared cocoons before 15th of August next year so that the growers are benefitted well in time.

Minister urged the unemployed youth to adopt self reliant opportunities of the Government so that they can earn their lively-hood with pride rather than depending on Government employment.

BSF.........

Kashmir, troopers of the Border Security Force are posted along the international border (IB). In the Jammu and Kashmir state legislative assembly in Srinagar Monday, National Panthers Party legislator Harsh Dev Singh asked how the terrorists travelled nearly 40 km inside Indian territory, using an autorickshaw and a truck. He also wanted to know how the militants slipped past border security personnel.

DG CRPF........

Power shutdown

Srinagar, September 30: According to Power C o n t r o l l e r, P o w e r Development Department, Kashmir, in order to carry out branch cutting of 33 KV lines, power supply from the 33 KV Badampora- Duderhama, Kangan-Kangan line, Kangan-Wussan lines shall be affected on October 02, 2013. The 33 KV line of Badampora-Kurhama and Nihalpora-Markundal shall be affected on October 03, 2013. Meanwhile 33 KV BadamporaBandipora (HCC line), Nihalpora-Markundal and Kangan Surfraw lines shall be affected on October 05, 2013 and 33 KV SurfrawGagangeer, BandiporaWatlab, Shadipora-HMT, besides Habak-Ganderbal lines shall be affected on October 06, 2013, while Ganda Singh-Tulla Bagh, Mini Secretariat and Manigam lines shall be affected on October 13, 2013, The power shutdown shall be affected from 09 a.m. to 05 p.m. in these 33 KV lines.

Jora reviews status of multi crore sewerage projects in Jammu, Srinagar cities Calls for completion of works on fast track basis

Srinagar, September 30: The Minister for Urban Development and Urban Local Bodies today convened a high level meeting to review status of on-going Comprehensive Sewerage Schemes for Mission city Jammu and Mission City Srinagar being executed through National Building Construction Corporation (NBBC) under Jn NURM at a cost of Rs 129.24 cr and Rs 132.90 cr respectively.

About 95 per cent work on these schemes have been completed so far.

The Sewerage Scheme Jammu comprises 26.53 kms of trunk sewer line and 65.50 kms of Lateral Sewar Line whereas Srinagar Sewerage Scheme envisages construction of 60 MLD Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) 37.60 kms Trunk Sewer Line and 78.63 kms Lateral Sewer Lines. The meeting, among others, was also attended by the Secretary Qayoom Wani told CNS that police raided various offices H o u s i n g a n d U r b a n to detain employees leadership but they did not succeed to apprehend him. “I am speaking to you from an unknown Mega Lok Adalat destination. We warn the government that confrontation concludes in with government employees would prove fatal for them.

This government cannot muzzle our voice and snatch our Bandipora rights,” he said. Wani further said that hundreds of employees would assemble near Secretariat on Tuesday Bandipora, September 30: afternoon and would court arrests. “This government is A mega Lok Adalat following anti-people anti-employees policies and this organized by District Legal Services Authority, would not prove beneficial for it,” he said.

Meanwhile, police raided the Agriculture Office Lal Mandi Bandipora and Sumbal Court Complexes and arrested Fayaz Ahmed Shabnam.

A police official told CNS that employees march would be concluded here today. foiled at any cost and they will not be allowed to appear The Lok Adalat was chaired by Principal near Civil Secretariat.

District and Sessions Judge, Bandipora, Mr. stone-pelting incidents from February to September, 638 Haq Nawaz Zargar.

CRPF personnel suffered injuries. Some of our men As many as 98 cases of received fatal injuries. Between Rambagh and Hyderpora, various nature were stone-pelters attacked one of our convoy and damaged 7 taken up during the Lok vehicles completely while one of the drivers of CRPF Adalat, out of which 34 vehicle suffered grave head injuries,” he said adding that c a s e s w e r e s e t t l e d CRPF exercised maximum restraint during stone-pelting amicably. incidents.

Special DG, CRPF, D.K.Phatak said that 2010 uprising in no way was orchestrated. “What V.K.Singh has revealed should be probed. V.K.Singh would be the better person to Shahid Wani throw light on the matters related to Jammu and Kashmir.

During 2010 our men retaliated only when things went out Anantnag: A Leopard was of control. Our job was to maintain law and order and deal found wondering at with the frenzy mob,” he said. When asked did any action Rambairpora Mattan was taken against the CRPF personnel who shot at a Anantnag which causes Wagon-R driver near Budshah Bridge, Special DG CRPF panic throughout the said that he would look into the matter. “Actually so many area. Meanwhile range incidents take place here and we have to keep record of officer wild life Ghulam every incident. I would go into the details of that incident Hassan and range officer and would look into it,” he said. While replying to a forest (Kuthard) Mohd question, Phatak said that DPL building where CRPF 14th Ashraf alongwith their Battalion is being relocated in Shopian was already meant men reached on the spot for us. “It had been already decided that Gagren Camp and got hold of the would be relocated in DPL building which is under leopard alive. People of construction. It was the government decision and we the area appreciated the

Police........

ZABARWAN TIMES

Development, Mr Satish Nehru, vice Chairman, L a k e s a d Wa t e r w a y Development Authority, Irfan Yasin, Chief Engineer, UEED, J&K, Mohammad Hanief, General Manager NBCC, Mr Mohammad Rafiq Joint Director, Planning and Statistics, Mr P. S. Kakroo.

The Minister also reviewed progress on various Sewerage Schemes being executed in Jammu and Kashmir divisions by the Urban Environment Engineering Department (UEED). These include Rs 26. 41 cr Pilot Sewerage Scheme, BrariNambal, Rs 43.20 cr Pilot Sewerage Scheme, Khashalsar, Re 2 cr activation of Dewatering Station, Khanyar, Rs 1.57 cr Sewerage Scheme of Baba-Dharamdass. The meeting also reviewed status of Solid Waste Management Projects in Udhampur and Rajouri recommended under Special Task Force for Jammu and Ladakh and

Solid Waste Management Projects under execution under Urban Development Sector at Katra, Khour, Pulwama, Kulgam and Budgam. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister asked the concerned departments including Municipal Corporations and Committees, R&B, PHE and NBCC to work in close coordination to work out strategies for removing impediments in the way of speedy completion of various sewerage projects in various parts of the State.

He called for close monitoring of development works to ensure judicious use of funds and their time bound completion. He asked the concerned engineers and officers to work with dedication.

Social commitment and honesty to come clean before third party monitoring teams appointed to oversee execution of various development schemes in various parts of the State.

Wani inaugurates office complex of CE, MED Srinagar, September 30: Minister for Roads & Buildings and Mechanical Engineering A b d u l M a j i d Wa n i inaugurated newly constructed office complex of Chief Engineer, Mechanical Engineering Department at Shalteng today. Spread over 3750 Sft plinth area, the 2-storeyed building has been completed at a cost of Rs. 2.46 crore. The building will house the offices of Chief Engineer and Superintending Engineers, besides

Technical, Accounts and Planning sections and a Conference Hall. Later, the Minister laid foundation of Conference stone hall-cum- guest house in the premises of the Chief Engineer office. The Conference hall-cumGuest house would be constructed over 3909 sft area at an estimated cost of Rs. 2.25 crore. The complex would have lobby, waiting lounge, conference hall, VIP lounge and pantry with all required modern facilities for the guests.

speedy action taken by the deptt. of wildlife and deptt. of forest and hoped that the said departments

will continue to take speedy and necessary actions like this in future also.

Leopard caught alive

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

Daily ZABARWAN TIMES

NEWS 43rd AGM of JKTDC held, book accounts for 2012-13 adopted

TUESDAY OCTOBER | 01 | 2013

G A Mir for providing better services to customers 43rd Annual General meeting of Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation was held under the chairmanship of Minister for Tourism, Ghulam Ahmad Mir here Tuesday.

The book accounts for the year 2012-13 of the Corporation was laid in the meeting for adoption of shareholders and approved by the Board of Directors.

Commissioner Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Atul Dulloo, Director Budgets, Dr Ishaq, Managing Director, JKTDC, Shamim Ahmad Wani, Financial Advisor, Imtiyaz Ahmad and Company Secretary, Rakash attended the meeting.The The Tourism Minister directed the meeting reviewed the physical and financial achievements of the Cor- concerned for strenuous efforts to poration and it was informed that make the Corporation more vibrant the Corporation has earned revenue and commercial. He stressed for SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 30: Minister for Forests, Ecology and Environment, Mian Altaf Ahmad has asked the of Rs.36.44 crore during the last fi- proper maintenance of the CorpoBEACON authorities and Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal to sit together and settle the compensation cases ration assets and for providing betnancial year.The meeting also disof the land acquired at Kangan Market to ensure early starting of work on widening of Kangan-Sonamarg road cussed several issues related to the ter services on reasonable rates to on Srinagar-Leh national highway. He asked BEACON authorities to speed up the process of land acquisition business development of the Cor- the Tourists and other customers. required for construction of approach road of Zojila tunnel so that work on ground is started early for this presHe also underscored the need for poration and underscored the need tigious project.The Minister was reviewing the progress of the Zojila tunnel at an officers meeting here Tuesclearance of objections raised by for bringing more and new initiaday, attended, among others, by Commissioner Secretary Forests, Chief Engineer, BEACON, Member Secretary, the CAG in time to get the accounts News Agency Kangan Khan News Ganderbal Ganderbal besides senior officers of Forest Department. tives to make it more Lone commercial.

SPCB,Agency Deputy Commissioner, of pending years audited.

Gulzar News Agency Soura Zahid Book Depot Chadoora

Mian Altaf for early settlement of land compensation cases

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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 SRINAGAR, SEPT 30:Lone News ety.Agency He saidTangmarg Kotwal worked aboveBhat political Newsinterests Agency for Chadoora tirelessly for the welfare of the putting an end to killings of inBhat News Agency Magam Zargar News Agency Kunzar Members cutting across society and whose contribunocents in the state. He said all Dar News Agency Beerwah Bashir News Agency Sumbal party affiliations Tuesday paid tion for communal harmony the political parties have role Reshi News Agency Safapora News Agency rich tributes on the obituary in Doda District will always be in thisSaleem which they should play Pattan reference moved by Speaker remembered. also paid responsibly. alsoAgency paid richPampore Basharat News AgencyRather Bandipora ReyazMir News Mubarak Gul.Winding up the tributes to late G. N. Shora. tributes to D C Prashant and Altaf News Agency Pulwama Javaid News Agency Qazigund speeches, Deputy Chief MinSharing the concern of memDaya Krishan Kotwal saying Jeelani News Baramulla G.Mrole News Sopore ister, Tara Chand described bers,Agency Rather said that we need that their hasAgency been very the former law makers to Agency put our heads to gather for important strengthening ShahasNews Kupwara SultanforNews Agency Handwara SRINAGAR, SEPT 18:the persons those above per- News putting an end to the killing democracy in News the state.Leader Younis Agency Langate Sheikh Agency Islamabad sonal needs and aspirations of innocent civilians in the of opposition, Ms. Mehbooba Reshi News Agency Islamabad Three Way News Agency Tral Emphasizing providing and worked for the welfare State. He said every resident Mufti in her speech while paybetter platform to the stuTurray Agency Badru to News of common masses. He said News of the State isTral pained on any ing tributes D C Agency Parshant,Bijbehara dents in colleges for exhibiting the contribution madeRahi

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House passes obituary reference

Members demand end to killings in the state

about that. Rather described the utterances by Former Army Chief Gen. V. K. Singh as irresponsible saying it has damaged the credibility of the House, its members and the institution of Army. He said a privilege motion against the General is being moved in the House. He demanded a high level probe into the whole affair.In his speech, Minister for Agriculture, Ghulam Hassan Mir appealed all political parties to work jointly and rise

Div Com for punctuality, regularity in the offices Urges for stern action against absentees

SRINAGAR, SEPT 30:

Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Shalinder Kumar reiterated that stern action shall be taken against those employees involved in disturbing the smooth functioning in the offices besides creating hindrances in availability of essentials services to the people as any person without reasonable cause absenting himself from the work shall be dealt under law. This was stated

by Kumar while convening a meeting of divisional level officers called in view of the implementation of the circular issued by the Government for striking employees.The Divisional Commissioner urged to ensure regularity and punctuality of officials for smooth conduct of official business.

He instructed for constitut-

Aries

March 21-April 19

SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 30

wal and G. N. Shora would be long remembered as they left their personal comforts for the betterment and welfare of their people. Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs, Abdul Rahim Rather described Daram Chander Prashant as noble soul who made it to the parliament as an independent candidate and contributed there which we are all proud of. He said Daya Krishan Kotwal was man of integrity who are now very rare in our soci-

HOROSCOPE

ing special checking squads for the purpose and directed all Deputy Commissioners to intensify checking of attendance in offices, besides submit the attendance report on daily basis. He said those employees found absent from their duties shall be liable for no work no pay and action as per norms shall be taken against them.The Divisional Commissioner asked the officers to redress the grievances of the people on priority basis.

Among others, IGP Kashmir, Abdul Gani Mir, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Vice Chairman Srinagar Development Authority, Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Heads of departments of Education, Agriculture, Horticulture, Floriculture, Director SKIMS, Regional Transport officer Kashmir.

thies with their families. She also condemned the incidents at Hiranagar, Samba, Kishtwar, Gool and Shopian and also expressed grief over the killing of civilians in these incidents.

Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta, M. Y. Tarigami, Harshdev Singh, Mohammad Sharief Niaz, Er. Abdul Rashid, Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen, Dr. Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, Jugal Kishore and Ashwani Sharma also spoke on the obituary reference.

Minister for Higher Education, Mr Mohammad Akbar Lone Tuesday urged upon college authorities to develop leadership qualities among students and explore their hidden talent by way of encouragement and proper guidance.

Described social service and human help a holy mission, the Minister impressed upon college faculty members to inculcate the spirit of love, mutual brotherhood, sym-

Directs Div, Distt admns to monitor employee attendance SRINAGAR SEPTEMBER 30: Chief Secretary, Mohammad IqbalKhandey Mondayexpressed his dismay over the obstinacy exhibited by employee’s union leaders regarding implementation of various demands.

He said despite the best intentions of the government to meet most of the demands of the employees and its further willingness to consider the remaining few demands in a time bound manner the leaders of the employees union have shown unwarranted rigidness and announced a strike programme thereby putting common masses to unnecessary inconvenience and trouble.

Chairing a meeting with the Administrative Secretaries here, the Chief Secretary said that all strikes by the employees have been held illegal by

IGNOU providing demand driven education: Aslam Vice Chancellor, Indira Gandhi National open University (IGNOU) New Delhi Prof.

Mohammad Aslam Tuesday said that IGNOU is engaged in providing demand driven education, fetching employment soon on completion of course.

Prof.Aslam was addressing a press conference, organised by Jammu and Kashmir Regional Brach IGNOU at Rajbagh Tuesday. He said that IGNOU is making youth employable, not only a degree holder. Regional Director, IGNOU, Noor-ul-Hassan and IGNOU Gyanwani Station Manager, Salam-ud-Din Bajad were present on the occasion.Announcing construction of State-of-Art IGNOU complex at Srinagar, Prof.Aslam said that Government has agreed to provide land and inspection of various spots has been conducted and shortly decision will be taken to select adequate prime piece of land for the purpose. He said that the complex will be among other facilities equipped with latest science laboratories and nutrition Labs so that the students concerned shall not have to go for practical at other institutions of the State.

J&K fertile in education, extra-curricular activities: Lone

pathy among the students so that they can prepare themselves for the help of humanity voluntarily and play an proactive role in such activities.

The Minister was address-

ing a function organised by National Social Service (NSS) wing of Amar Singh College to celebrate its day in the College auditorium on Monday.

Mr Lone said that J&K State is fertile in education and extracurricular activities and the youth of State have proven their capacity and talent in spheres of life not only in

J&K but in the other States of country and across the globe as well.

The Minister appreciated the efforts of the college and the NSS wing for organizing such activities and stressed for providing such avenues to the students so that they can imbibe the sense of social responsibility and human values and virtues which can leads them to new height of success and prosperity.

Underscoring the need of such activities, Mr Lone said volunteer services for the welfare of needy people play great role for the transformation and betterment of society, so every student should involve himself in these noble causes for which they are rewarded in both the worlds.On the occasion, various colourful and mesmerizing cultural programmes were presented by the NSS students which were highly appreciated by the audience.

CS dismayed over employee leaders’ obstinacy

VC IGNOU addresses press conference SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 30:

A S College celebrates NSS-Day

Presenting a brief report on the functioning of Regional Centre-Srinagar through a Power Point Presentation on the occasion, Prof, Aslam said IGNOU Regional Centre Srinagar was established in February 1999 with a view to provide the higher education to the masses of Kashmir Division including Leh and Kargil. Regional Centre started its functioning from the campus of Kashmir University with jurisdiction over the valley of Kashmir and the districts of Leh, Kargil and Tangdhar with just four Study Centres, 14 programmes and around a thousand learners. In just 12 years of its existence, Regional Centre Srinagar has enrolled over 1 lac learners and emerged the largest centre among the Regional Centres across the country. During this period Regional Centres Srinagar reached to the masses and was able to impart higher education through ODL mode at the doorsteps of the needy people to inculcate in them the competency and development skills in Tuesday’s competitive world and to serve the nation in a better way.

He said Regional Centres Srinagar has witnessed a progressive registration of learners in various courses over the years.

the Supreme Court and High Courts and the same has already been brought to the notice of the employees in addition to the provisions of the essential services (Maintenance) Ordinance, 2001 and SRO-1 of 2000. He said circulars have already been issued reiterating that strike and hartals by the employees union are illegal and will entail strict action including imposing “no work no pay” rule, besides other punitive measures.

government offices wherein few leaders of the employees union physically and forcibly prevent other employees from attending to their work. He said that all concerned authorities should ensure that those willing to work are actually able to work smoothly.

Chief Secretary also directed the Secretaries to personally visit various offices during the hartal days to ascertain the situation and report the attendance of the employees so that imme-

Chief Secretary directed the Administrative Secretaries to ensure that manual attendance in addition to the bio-metric system of attendance is performed in the Civil Secretariat and to personally monitor the attendance of the employees and submit details to the General Administrative Department on daily basis.

Chief Secretary said the besides the Secretariat, all Divisional, District and Police authorities have been asked to ensure that there no picketing outside

diate action is taken against those who would have absented themselves from the work illegally.

Earlier, Chief Secretary held a meeting via video link with the Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and SPs regarding the implementation of the circular already issued and the instructions that have been communicated to all Heads of the Departments at the Divisional and District level for ensuring proactive approach in dealing with striking employees.

Traffic plan for organizing Run for Fun programme issued SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 30: J&K Police is going to organize the Kashmir Marathon “Run for Fun” from Police Golf Course to Ganderbal via Foreshore and back on the same route on October 02, 2013 in which huge number of senior citizens, families, kids etc. are participating.

To make the mega event successful, Traffic Police City Srinagar shall make the Boulevard and Foreshore road upto Pandach crossing free from traffic movement, on the said date from 0600 hours.

Accordingly, all type of vehicles except visiting dignitaries shall be diverted at Ram Munshi Bagh towards Dalgate.

All sort of vehicular movement except tourist vehicles shall be diverted at Badyari towards Khanyar to reach to their destinations.

The tourist vehicles shall only be allowed up to Nehru Park.

No vehicle except visiting dignitaries will be allowed at Grand Lalit Bou-

levard road towards SKICC. All types of vehicles coming from Shalimar-Harwan shall be diverted at Shalimar crossing towards Tailbal to reach to their destinations besides all the passenger/ LMV’s shall be diverted at Hazratbal towards Lal Bazar to reach their destinations, while no vehicle coming from Ganderbal towards Pandach shall be allowed to ply on Pandach Zakoora route.

The vehicles coming from Duck park, Shalimar crossing and Tailbal crossing and its adjacent areas shall not be allowed to ply towards Nishat Foreshore route and these vehicles shall be diverted towards Tailbal to reach to their destinations.

The residents of Shalimar, Nishat, Harwan and its adjacent area are requested to travel before 0600 hours on the day of function and in case of emergency they may contact on the following No’s: 9419166437(M)2455179 (O), 9419001956, 9622422143, 2450022 and 2485396

Things may be happening too fast around you today, Aries, but that doesn’t mean you necessarily have to join the frenzied pace. You’re probably much better off sticking with your methodical approach. Take the time to collect the facts you need before you jump into a major decision or plan of attack. People may be a bit jumpy, so do your best to be the stable one in the group.

Taurus April 20-May 20

Make sure you aren’t projecting a picture of yourself that doesn’t represent the real you, Taurus. It’s important that you remain true to your soul or you’ll end up in situations that make you uncomfortable and frustrated. There’s a strong transformative force working against you today, but you’ll have the leadership and confidence to stand up for yourself in whatever way you need.

Gemini May 21-June 21

Remind yourself of all the positive things you have going on in your life now, Gemini. It’s possible that you’ll be met with tension and challenges today that are threatening your sense of self. Arguments may break out around you, and you may have questions regarding what it is you stand for. Don’t lose touch with your nurturing qualities and sixth sense.

Cancer June 22-July 22

The fire within you is burning extra hot, Cancer, so make the most of this incredible internal furnace. Treat yourself to some new attire and proudly show it off tonight. Take the lead on projects that might be floundering. You have power behind your words and actions today, so use it for the highest good.

Leo

July 23-August 22 You may feel the urge to get up and go today, Leo, but at the same time you may feel like you aren’t prepared. Perhaps you don’t feel you’re on solid enough ground to take the next step. Don’t let the pressure of the outside world move you to a place you aren’t ready to go. Take things at your own pace, and be tolerant of those who choose to go at theirs.

Virgo

August 23-September 22

Tension is building today that may wreak havoc with your harmonious nature, Virgo. The key for you now is to see the opportunity instead of conflict in each situation. This is a good time to gain a greater perspective on certain things. A bit of internal transformation may take place when you see things from the other side of the fence.

Libra

September 23-October 23 You may feel extra passionate today, Libra, so don’t be surprised if you take things to extremes even more than usual. There’s an aggression within you that’s working to help keep you in control of every situation. Remember that you must be prepared to receive whatever you dish out. There’s a warring instinct in everyone that’s likely to emerge on a day like this.

Scorpio

October 24-November 21 Find your strength from within, Scorpio. There’s a great deal of it in there, and it’s ready to erupt like a volcano. Let your passion drive your engine today and you’ll be amazed at the incredible places you can go. Don’t be afraid to take things to extremes. Your fantastic good luck will pull you out of any sticky predicament.

Sagittarius November 22-December 21

Your strong yet steady pace may get a lift today, Sagittarius. It might seem like there’s a fire under your feet, and you probably need to keep moving in order to keep yourself from getting burned. Use your independent streak to get things done the way you want them. This could be a powerhouse day for you!

Capricorn December 22-January 19

There’s excitement today that indicates that things are happening, things are changing. Stay alert and in tune with what’s going on around you, Capricorn. There’s a wonderful energy charge urging you to push the boundaries of everything going on around you. Do your part to help the world evolve to a happier, more peaceful place.

Aquarius January 20-February 18

You’re the sensitive one in a sea of anger today, Aquarius, so keep your guard up. Don’t be tempted or seduced by any rage around you. Be wary of people who seem motivated by fear. You’ll be much better off when you align yourself with those who act from a point of neutrality and self-confidence.

Model your behavior after the people you see as superheroes in your world.

Pisces

February 19-March 20 You should mesh quite well with the prevailing energy today, Pisces. There’s a powerful, transformative force helping to give greater strength to your ego and vitality. Note the fiery energy about the day that encourages your dynamic and forceful personality to shine through. Feel free to express your independence in every situation.

Editorial/Opinion Zabarwan Times Tuesday, 01 October 2013

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he statement of the union home minister to set up fast track courts on terror issues and also his admission that there have been several reports wherein the innocents have been harassed and arrested particularly belonging to Muslim community and his instructions to the states to be careful in handling such cases so that innocent Muslims do not suffer on suspicions and false allegations is definitely indicative of the secular character of the country and its firm belief on the institution of democracy which provides equal rights to everybody besides protection of the civil rights guaranteed by the constitution.

In a letter to the chief ministers Shinde has said that central government has been receiving various representations on alleged harassment of innocent Muslim youth by different security and law enforcement agencies. He has further admitted that some of the youth belonging to minority have started feeling that they are deliberately being harassed and targeted besides their basic rights are being deprived. He has emphasized that the government is committed to its core principle of combating terrorism in every form and manifestation but at the same time the government has to ensure that no innocent person is harassed and targeted for no fault of him. In his letter he has also recommended setting up of special courts which can deal with the terror related cases on fast track basis. These instructions and observations no doubt can boast confidence in Muslim youth particularly the youth of Kashmir valley who feel unsafe in other states of the country apprehending that they may be targeted, harassed and even jailed for false allegations. There is no doubt that several such incidents have come to fore and people were released on the intervention of judiciary even after a decade when it was proved that they had been implicated falsely by police to earn rewards and promotions. Ours is a country which also guarantees the right to live, the right to expression and right to seek redressal of one’s grievances in a democratic way. Our constitution guarantees that every citizen is equal before the eyes of law. It becomes a mockery of our own laws when certain elements in law enforcing agencies harass innocent youth and dub them as terrorists without proper investigations and without following the procedure lawfully. The Home Minister's letter is really a brave step and should be hailed by one and all in the country so should be the Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde who has initiated such a bold and courageous step.

ZABARWAN TIMES 9

Tuesday, 01 October 2013

Empowering Mentally ill to Live with Dignity

The Daily

Hats off to you, Mr. Home Minister - you deserve the post

Daily

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ental health represents a critical indicator of human development, serves as a key determinant of wellbeing, quality of life and is the basis for social stability. Social and economic impact of poor mental health is pervasive and far reaching, leading to poverty, high unemployment rates, poor educational and health outcomes, among others. There is a need for a wider recognition of mental and emotional well-being as a core indicator of human development, and it is necessary to integrate a mental health and psychosocial perspective into all development and humanitarian policies, programmes.

Persons with mental and psychosocial disabilities represent a significant proportion of the world’s population. One in four people globally experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. Almost one million people die due to suicide every year and depression is ranked third in the global burden of disease, and is projected to rank first in 2030. In India prevalence of mental disorders is 6-7% for common mental disorders and 1-2% for severe mental disorders. Treatment gap for severe mental disorders is approximately 50% and in case of Common mental Disorders it is over 90%.With such a magnitude of mental disorders it becomes necessary to promote mental health services for the well being of general population, in addition to provide treatment for mental illnesses.

Persons with mental and psychosocial disabilities often face stigma and discrimination due to widely held misconceptions about the causes and nature of mental health conditions. Persons with mental and psychosocial disabilities also experience high levels of physical abuse. They encounter restrictions in their exercise of socio-politico-economic rights in the majority of countries, largely due to the false assumption that they are not able to carry out their responsibilities, manage their own affairs and make decisions about their lives. Though mental health conditions are one of the leading causes of disability, persons with mental and psychosocial disabilities often lack resources to maintain basic living standards. Furthermore, they are one of the most neglected and discriminated groups in development policies and programmes.

Integration of mental health into development efforts is a cost effective pro-poor

strategy. There are cost effective treat- includes; School Mental Health services; The proposed Mental Health Care bill is ments available for most mental illnesses, College Counselling services; work place significant in terms of Rights’ Approach and effective treatment is associated with stress management and suicide prevention that is being adopted to give pre-eminence reductions in overall health-care costs. services. Efforts are being made to to the preferences and opinion of the Child development, education, health, improve human resource availability in mentally ill person to a major extent. social welfare policies and programmes mental health sector so that mentally ill Provisions like ‘Advance Directive’ must integrate mental and psychosocial gets required attention and persons having empowers every person to make directive aspects. In India, National Mental Health a predilection for mentally illness can get on how he wishes to be cared and treated Programme (NMHP) was started in 1982 good advice, counselling at the initial stages for mental illness or not. Other salient provisions are; with the objectives to ensure availability itself. and accessibility of minimum mental Components of NHMP are being brought · A mentally ill person admitted to a mental health care for all, to encourage mental under the overall umbrella of National health establishment shall have a right to health knowledge and skills and to Rural Health Mission so that the States are receive or refuse visitors, phone calls, promote community participation in able to plan requirements concerning mail, etc · A mentally ill person has a right to have treatment in his locality / residence and can In India prevalence of mental disorders is prefer only minimum treatment/care at mental health establishments. This is to ensure that the patient is allowed to live in, 6-7% for common mental disorders and be part of and not be segregated from society to the extent possible 1-2% for severe mental disorders. · Every patient has a right to protection from cruel, inhuman and degrading Treatment gap for severe mental disorders treatment and the mental health establishment shall be safe, clean with facilities for education, recreation, religious practices. · is approximately 50% and in case of No patient shall be forced to undertake work and subject to compulsory shaving of Common mental Disorders it is over head and wearing of uniforms. · Mental illness may be made eligible for medical insurance coverage.

90%.With such a magnitude of mental · Government is duty-bound to plan, implement mental health programmes and disorders it becomes necessary to promote create awareness about mental health and illness to reduce the associated with mental health services for the well being of mental illness · Every person will have access to mental health care and treatment at affordable general population, in addition to provide cost, of good quality and of requisite quantity, accusable to the report, their treatment for mental illnesses. families and care givers · Government should interpret mental mental health service development and to Mental Health services as part of the health services into general health care stimulate self-help in the community. respective project plans. Rs.623.45 crore services at all levels in all health Gradually, the approach of mental health has been approved as XI plan outlay (upto programmes. care services has shifted from hospital based 2012) for the National Mental Health · Government shall arrange good quality care (institutional) to community based Programme. However, recognizing the care and treatment in hospitals funded by mental health care, as majority of mental difficulties/stigma faced by mentally ill government and in case of non availability disorders do not require hospitalization and persons the Government is in the process in nearby place; refund the costs of can be managed at community level. of providing a humane, patient centric treatment to the patient.

During IX five year plan, District Mental legal framework for mentally ill patients. To conclude, a mentally well person means Health Programme was initiated (1996) and The proposed Mental Health Care bill can a healthy society and developed nation. It at present DMHP is covering 123 districts in be a ‘Game changer’ in the life of millions is not enough if we have best health care 30 States and UTs. In addition to early of mentally ill persons who were often services, protective legislation unless the identification and treatment of mentally ill, victims of inhuman and degrading stigma, discrimination and widely held District Mental Health Programme has now treatment, abuse and ridicule, both at the misconceptions attached to mental illness incorporated promotive and preventive community level and at health care are weeded out and community becomes more empathetic towards such persons. activities for positive mental health which delivery establishments.

Enforcement and Awareness Help Beed Improve Child Sex Ratio

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wo years ago, Beed in Maharashtra’s Marathwada region made news nationwide on account of heinous crime of female foeticide, leading to a serious crackdown on several medical practitioners. According to 2011 census, Beed recorded a Child Sex Ratio of 796 girls per 1000 boys, much worse than the Child Sex Ratio of 894 for Maharashtra and the all India figure of 914.

Child Sex Ratio is defined as the number of females per 1000 males in the 0 - 6 age group. This ratio, on its own may not be able to present a correct picture of sex ratio as there are instances of under reporting of girls. Therefore, the Sex Ratio at Birth, defined as the number of girls born for every 1000 boys, is considered a more accurate and a refined indicator.

While unplanned pregnancy is generally the reason behind abortions, female foeticide is a far more heinous crime than the age old practice of killing the unwanted child after it was born.

Selective elimination of the girl child in the womb itself is done after the determination of child’s gender through the medical means. This is usually done under family pressure from the husband or in-laws or even women’s parents.

Sadly a majority of female foeticide cases involve an enthusiastic participation of women - both old and young.

Like many societies around the world, India too is patriarchal in nature. Right from the ancient scriptures, one finds instances were men are glowingly praised as the key to continue family lineage.

This results in a fanatic obsession for a male progeny.

A Wake Up Call Alarm bells began to ring when the rampant practice of pre natal sex selection came to light with the connivance of several reputed medical practitioners in Beed. The Pre-conception and Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prevention of Sex Determination) Act, enacted by Parliament of India in 1994, bans use of sex selection techniques before or after conception and prevents the misuse of prenatal diagnostic technique for sex selective abortion. However, due to laxity in enforcement, the there was no let up in discrimination against the girl child. The state government woke up to the challenge and announced a slew of measures to stop female foeticide and catch its perpetrators. Teams were formed to crack down on illegal ultrasound centres indulging in sex determination tests. Food & Drug Administration kept a watch on the sale of drugs and medicines required for medical termination of pregnancy.

Action was taken against 12 chemists in Beed district who failed to provide satisfactory replies to the show cause notices served upon them.

Awareness is the Key To supplement the enforcement programme, a massive awareness drive was initiated to drive home the importance of girl child. Besides the public service advertisements broadcast over television and radio, Amir Khan’s TV show ‘Satyamev Jayate’ also helped raise the level of awareness about female foeticide.

Voluntary Organizations (NGOs) came

forward to supplement government’s efforts in this girl child mission. In Beed, organizations like ‘Tee Foundation’ and ‘Marathwada Lok Vikas Manch’ came forward to adopt talukas, in a bid to improve child sex ratio. These Voluntary Organizations adopted Shirur-Kasar taluka for a comprehensive survey and provision of necessary support services.

“It was a grim scenario when we began our survey in 2011; Beed had a low sex ratio of 733 and it was even worse in Shirur- Kasar taluka, where child sex ratio was only 669” says Dr. Bharati Lavekar of the Tee foundation .

The Voluntary Organizations conducted house to house surveys and listed out the reasons for adverse sex ratio. “After studying the mind-set and the behavioural pattern of villagers, we became convinced that the situation can not be improved merely by enacting laws or conducting television sting operations.

We needed to get to the root of the problem and change people’s mindset” adds Dr.Lavekar.

While the government supervised strict enforcement of the PCPNDT Act, holistic health services were made available to pregnant women through regular health check up, vitamin administration and nutrition supplement under the National Rural Health Mission, NRHM. Special training programmes were held for ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) volunteers and Anganwadi Sevikas for skill upgradation. Voluntary Organizations played a key role in interpersonal communication, by reaching out to women during their free time.

To motivate people to raise girl child a fixed deposit scheme under the Balika Suraksha Yojana was introduced. Under this scheme Rs 5000 would be deposited in the name of every girl child born after August 15, 2011 to be held as Fixed Deposit with State Bank of Hyderabad for a term of 18 years. The lump sum money would be payable to the girl on becoming a major, subject to attaining certain minimum educational qualifications.

Surprise Results Sincere efforts of government, voluntary organizations and citizen activists began to show results. A report prepared by the State Health System Resource Centre based on District Health Information System – an online portal for calculating sex ration at birth, had a surprise for everyone associated with the project.

Beed district recorded an impressive 159 points jump in sex ratio during 2012 as compared to 2011. According to the NRHM Mission Director for Maharashtra, Vikas Kharge, “awareness drives, stringent enforcement of law, initiation of technology like mother and child tracking system, routine inspection and crackdown on ultra-sound / sonography centres have all resulted in improving the state’s sex ratio at birth.

Along with Beed, Parabhani and Aurangabad have also shown improvement.”

At 906 girls per 1000 boys, Beeds sex ratio at birth is now on par, or rather a shade better than the state average.

However, activists say there is still a long way to go to catch up with the ideal sex ratio of 951.

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

HEALTH AND FITNESS ZABARWAN TIMES

Tuesday 01 October 2013

How to have a happy heart The first step to a healthy heart is keeping it happy. Ask yourself this: are you smiling enough?Take a step back and ask yourself if your heart is truly healthy. You could be on a rigorous exercise regimen, following the most nutritious diet and taking supplements and medication, but your emotional health plays a key role when it comes to keeping your heart healthy.Research has confirmed the healing power of positive emotions. People who are usually happy and enthusiastic are less likely to develop heart diseases than those who tend to be glum, say scientists, who conducted a study at Columbia University Medical Center. According to them, one possible reason for the link between happiness and heart risk could be that people who are happier tend to have longer periods of rest or relaxation, may recover more quickly from stressful events and not spend as much time 're-living' them.Psychiatrist Dr Harish Shetty says, "The heart that is not afraid of 'feelings' is as light as a feather. This doesn't block the feelings of joy. Those who shed resentments and grudges live life lightly."

Have safe spaces

To keep his own heart happy, Dr Shetty has a stock of 'safe spaces' like friends from school and college, where he can be himself. "Being 'Harish' is more important than being Dr Harish to me," he says. If home is where your heart is, turn your home into your safe space by creating a soothing ambience. Use flowers, indoor plants and soothing colour schemes to create a zone of rest and relaxation in your abode

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If I feel good about myself, others will feel good about me too; and I will automatically love myself more and take greater care of myself." This is like a cyclical reaction which helps in leading a stress-free life, thus contributing to a happy heart.

Much like Rancho (played by Aamir Khan) in the film 3 Idiots, wellness practitioner Priti Mehta meditates on the idea that all is well in the world. Says Mehta, "I practise 'theek thaak' meditation for five minutes a day, as a way of staying happy. I tell myself, all that is happening is the way it should happen. Life is unfolding in different ways; offering lessons that I must learn.

I falter, I fail, I try, I triumph. I am a work in progress. Life is good, sab kuch theek thaak hai!"

Get a pet

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In the words of author Ben Williams, 'There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face'. Says pet therapist Rohini Fernandes, "Pets bring a sense of calm into our lives. When you come home stressed after a long day in office, having your pet greet you can melt all that tension away. Their unconditional love and boundless energy make us forget our worries."

Look good to feel good

According to wellness consultant Amyn Manji, the best way to have a happy heart is to take care of yourself, not only in terms of health but also the way you look. "When you give more importance to your appearance, you improve your social prospects and the way people treat you.

ts u c r

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n i k ris

exercises

for fab abs

Did you know?

The way you care for your teeth can impact your heart!

Gum diseases can increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke by 50 per cent.The human heart beats 72 times a minute, i.e. almost 35 million times in a year, non-stop. Even when you're resting, your heart muscles work twice as hard as th leg muscles of a person running.A broken heart can actually be dangerous. A break-up or news of a loved one's death activates the release of stress hormones into the bloodstream that temporarily 'shock' the heart.

Your heart creates enough energy to drive a truck 32 km every day. That's equivalent to driving to the moon and back in one lifetime!The heart begins beating at four weeks after conception and does not stop until death.

8 Common pregnancy myths busted Myth 1: One of the most common myths that surround pregnancy is the shape of a woman's stomach. If a woman is carrying high, in all possibility it is a girl and if she is carrying low it is a boy.

Fact: Experts say there is no scientific basis for this assumption and it is the woman's muscle size, structure, the position of the foetus, posture, and the amount of fat deposited around her abdomen that play a role in the size and shape of a pregnant belly.

Myth 2: Craving for salty foods means you're having a boy. Craving for sweet foods indicate a girl is expected.

Fact: Research shows that cravings have nothing to do with determining the sex of a baby.

Myth 3: Another myth is predicting the sex of the baby by holding a string with a ring in it over a pregnant belly. If it moves back and forth it is a boy, if it moves in a circle, it is a girl.

Fact: While there is no truth in this, you could probably do it for a laugh.

Myth 4: If you suffer from heartburn during pregnancy, it means your baby will be born with lots of hair. Heartburn is a common problem for pregnant women and have nothing to do with the quantity of hair for your child.

Fact: Even women who suffered a lot from heartburn have welcomed bald babies.

Myth 5: If your mother had an easy pregnancy and delivery, so will you.

Fact: Hereditary factors have no role to play in predicting how easy or difficult your pregnancy and delivery will be. On the contrary, the size and position of the baby, your diet and lifestyle play a role in determining how things will be.

Myth 6: Sleeping or taking a nap on your back will hurt your baby.

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Believe that all is well

, are eek se by w a s t isea time reast d ver ea o e w t b n s n ut ig s who ior n ben l Med tter evelop to gir d r u a b 6 d t to d arv 199 anu pare nd Hs from from t pe likely , com d. a a y e t l r 0 i . gir late ted. who t less ed 3 veale vers irls, er cen ey turn has re on Uni 39 U.S 5, and s repor even1 39 p time th study ashingt s of 9,0 9 and x New ncer pr ital o e w f i e F e ca Hosp gs o W r th a n rom histo ages old, r for in themearch f ealth en the years irecto -Jewish e find ncer h we d nes h 0 s t ca 3 e e e t t t h a o R ed t bet e 18 t ssocia at Bar aid th f breas e z r y al y we wer itz, a nter ine, s isk o e y l an e d r hoo hen th en the m Col ncer C Medic ce the c S h f a l w a u a o h w , d C c 001 Gra ool an 10, p re to 2 5 to 20 or Dr. t Sitem ity Sch ld hel u h s a t 0 o r 20 ior au ntrol nive tter c Sen and co gton U nut bu n a tion Washi that pe and ested g sug omen. in w

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Fact: While you won't harm your baby if you sleep in this position, you will feel better if you sleep on your side. Experts recommend sleeping on your left side since this is known to increase blood flow to your uterus and placenta.

Myth 7: Having sex might hurt the baby.

Fact: You should know that seven layers of skin from the abdominal wall to the amniotic sac are present to protect your baby. Your cervix has lengthened and hardened to prevent anything from getting into the uterus, and it also produces mucus to keep the area clean and infection free. Having sex cannot reach, touch or harm your baby. If your doctor has not asked you to abstain from sex, have no fear and go ahead.

Myth 8: First babies always arrive late.

Fact: While this is true to an extent since about 60 per cent arrive after their due date, five per cent on the due date and 35 before the due date, what really determines the arrival of your baby is the length of your menstrual cycle. If it is shorter, there are more possibilities of you delivering early. If your cycle is longer, your baby will arrive later and if your cycle usually lasts 28 days, you will more likely deliver close to your due date.

Other common myths: - More women go into labour during full moon than other times.

- Eating spicy food and having sex induces labour.

- You will always get stretch marks. This is untrue. There are some lucky women who don't get them at all.- If your nose swells during pregnancy, you will have a baby girl.

There is no link between your nose and your baby's gender. Your nose probably swells because of increased estrogen levels, which heightens blood flow.

Hair signs that indicate bad health There is no denying that hair has become one of our most powerful accessories, an important part of our social appearance, affecting the way we view ourselves, and the way others view us. However,more important is the fact that hair is actually a barometer indicating good or bad health. Disorders of the body like anaemia, thyroid problems, hormonal imbalance and problems related to general health can be diagnosed by doing a hair test.

Therefore, problems with our hair should be taken seriously, because they are reflective of problems within.

Our hair reacts swiftly to changes in our body. It is nourished directly by the blood stream and any change in blood content on account of medication, hormones or lack of nutrients results in hair and scalp-related problems. Hair loss is nothing more than a signal of distress within the body. Once the signal is recognised and the reason for it determined and treated, the hair goes back to its normal pattern of shedding which is so subtle that we may not even realize it is happening.

Hair problems cannot be ignored. If you

notice abnormal hair fall, or growth, or excessive dryness of your hair and scalp and dandruff that refuses to clear, you need to contact a trichologist as soon as possible..

Your condition may be more than just a bad hair day! Research indicates that in cases of patients suffering from thyroid-related problems, there is imminent hair loss even when they suffer from viral fever. Other disorders that cause hairfall are as follows:

tions of malnourishment leading to protein deficiency disorders like Kwashiorkor and Marasmas, which are characterized by dry and light-coloured hair. Similarly, zinc deficiency causes diffuse hair loss, lighter coloured hair and eczema. Similar changes are seen in cases of fatty acid deficiency. Viral and bacterial infections and general weakness of the body might also leave its trail in our hair.

- Cancer - Cardiac problems - Thyroid problems - Parathyroid problems - Addison's disorder - Cushing's Syndrome - Anaemia

- Hormonal imbalance - Polycystic Ovarian Disorder - Autoimmune problems - Ringworm - Infected tonsils or tooth problems

Nutritional deficiency, especially in condi-

There are plenty of exercises one can do for obtaining a firm toned abdomen.

You need to move beyond the traditional crunches and basic crunches Here are three simple ones that you can do: Reverse crunches Lie on your back on a flat surface with both the knees bent at a 90-degree angle. Keep your hands either on the sides or behind your head. Squeeze your abs as you lift your hips towards your rib cage. Breathe in while squeezing your abs and exhale while returning to original position. Besides the abdomen, reverse crunches work on the thighs too. Begin with 15 repetitions and gradually increase the number of sets.

Bicycle crunches This exercise works on the sides of your stomach known as obliques.

Lie on your back on a flat surface with knees bent such that they're at a 90-degree angle to the floor. Keep the palms of your hands behind the head, with elbows extended toward the sides.

Lift your shoulders off the floor as you bring one knee towards your chest and twist it towards the opposite shoulder.

Extend your other leg straight in the air, as if you are riding a bicycle. Repeat the step alternating each shoulder.

Begin with 15 repetitions and gradually increase the number of sets.

Plank exercise This exercise is great for strengthening the abs. Lie down on a flat surface resting on your forearms with palms flat on the floor. Push yourself off the floor by raising on your toes and resting on the elbows. Remember to keep your back and body in a straight line staring from your head to your toes.

- Kidney failure - Thrush - Fungal infection

Almost all disorders cause hairfall. Therefore, to find out the state of your hair and your health, it is important to get a trichocheck done. It will analyze the state of your hair shaft, roots and other internal conditions. The hair tissue mineral analysis or the HTMA which is a revolutionary technology in the field of trichology. HTMA is a safe and noninvasive trichological test. It measures the levels and comparative ratios of nutrient and toxic minerals found in hair. Your hair reflects the mineral content of the body's tissues. If a mineral is either deficient or present in excess, it indicates a mineral deficiency or excess within the body.

Hair is your body's barometer indicating good health or lack of it, and more often than not Hair problems are the first sign that something is going wrong with you internally.

ZABARWAN TIMES

TUESDAY OCTOBER | 01 | 2013

Lalu, 44 others convicted in fodder scam case Agencies A special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court in Ranchi pronounced all 45 accused, including Rashtriya Janta Dal (RJD) leader and Member of Parliament Laloo Prasad, guilty in the case related to withdrawal of Rs. 37 crores from the Chaibasa treasury case number RC 20-A/96 in the Rs. 900 crore-fodder scam. This is one of six cases in which Mr. Prasad is an accused and the first in which a verdict has been pronounced in the scam. Mr. Prasad may face imprisonment for a minimum of three and a maximum of seven years.At 11 am on Monday, the court of CBI judge Pravas Kumar Singh announced its order after which Mr. Prasad, former chief minister Jagannath Mishra and 36 others were taken into custody to be sent to Hotwar jail in Ranchi.

The seven other accused, including former animal husbandry minister Vidya Sagar Nishad and former MLA Dhruv Bhagat, two IAS officers and three suppliers who are expected to be sentenced to less than three years, will be given bail later the same afternoon.Mr. Nishad was one of the first to arrive in the court followed by former Chief Minister of Bihar Jagannath Mishra. “Even Lord Harishchandra reknowned for his truthfulness had to face a trial. I am hopeful of justice,” said Mr. Nishad

before entering the court.

More than 200 RJD supporters and leaders including RJD MPs Raghuvansh Prasad Singh and Prabhu-

nath Singh who had arrived in Ranchi from Patna waited at the court for the verdict. “The timing of the verdict is unfortunate as since the court will remain closed from October 5 to 25, we will not even be able to appeal for bail

for our leader Mr Yadav,” said one of RJD general secretaries while waiting at the court.

Earlier, during the arguments in the case, the defence lawyers Surendra Singh, Chitranjan Sinha and JP Jha had argued that the accused had not registered a case against the irregularities as the government had no knowledge about them. The CBI counsel B M P Singh pointed out that the state government had failed to register a case till 1996 even after the then Deputy Accountant General had written to the government in 1990 pointing out irregularities in transportation and procurement processes in the animal husbandry department and after an Income Tax department raid at the Patna airport in 1992 in which Rs 1 crore was seized.The CBI counsel had argued that the government under Mr. Prasad resorted to forming enquiry committees in the Legislative Assembly instead of an enquiry by the police till the Patna High Court ordered a CBI enquiry in 1996.Of the 64 cases in the 1996-fodder scam, 53 cases were litigated in Ranchi and trial has been completed in 45 cases so far. The CBI’s initial chargesheet against Mr. Prasad in April 1996 had included charges in this Chaibasa case. There are 55 other accused in the case. Mr. Prasad is accused in five cases of which four are being tried in Jharkhand and one in Bihar.

High economic growth key to poverty reduction: Pranab Agencies NEW DELHI: President Pranab Mukherjee today emphasised the importance of high economic growth for poverty reduction, saying it has paid rich dividends in the last two decades by lifting one billion people across the world from penury. At the same time, he stressed that a rural growth strategy has become necessary to make a decisive impact on poverty and to trigger a development process that combines growth with equity.

“Studies indicate that two-thirds of poverty reduction is facilitated by growth while the remaining onethird is contributed by the degree of equality in the growth process.

The centrality of high economic growth for developing economies therefore needs no emphasis,” the President said.

He was addressing the Nineteenth Regular Meeting of the Centre on Integrated

Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) Governing Council.

In the Asia Pacific region, rural development and poverty alleviation have become synonymous with national development, he said, adding that a rural growth strat-

egy has become necessary to make a decisive impact on poverty and to trigger a development process that combines growth with equity.

Despite being one of the fastest growing regions in the world, Asia-Pacific region is still beset with poverty and backwardness, he rued.

“Our policies have to ensure

people’s participation at various stages of programme formulation and implementation, transparency in the operation of schemes and careful monitoring,” he said.

Good governance practices and women empowerment measures are required to make local bodies like Panchayati Raj Institutions viable instruments of rural transformation, he said.

Mukherjee mentioned National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and National Rural Livelihood Mission as he dwelt on legislation and programmed started in the country to give focused attention on “rural rejuvenation”.

“By enacting the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act in 2005, a landmark initiative has been taken to confer legal right for 100 days of employment in a year to every rural household demanding work,” he told delegates drawn from various countries in the region.

SC notice to Chhattisgarh on Soni Sori bail plea Agencies The Supreme Court on Monday admitted the bail plea of Soni Sori, a tribal teacher, and journalist Lingaram Kodopi, who are in jail for their alleged links with Mao-

ing them bail on July 8.They were arrested for allegedly receiving money on behalf of Maoists from the Essar group in Chhattisgarh.36-year-old Sori and her activist-nephew Kodopi (25) were arrested on charges of acting as Maoist

ists, and sought response from Chhattisgarh government.A bench of justices S S Nijjar and F M Ibrahim Kalifulla issued notice to the state government on the plea of Ms. Sori and Mr. Kodopi and directed it to respond by October 28 when the case will be taken up for further hearing.They approached the apex court challenging the Chhattisgarh High Court order deny-

conduits in alleged payouts of protection money by the group to Maoists.According to police, Mr. Kodopi and B. K. Lala, a building contractor with Essar Steel Ltd, were nabbed with Rs 15 lakh cash, which was allegedly meant to be paid to Maoist guerrillas on September 9, 2011, from a weekly market at Palnar village in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh.

Asaram Bapu’s judicial custody in sexual assault case extended till October 11

7

Sonia Gandhi backs PM, says Congress stands by him Agencies Mandya: Days after Rahul Gandhi called the ordinance cleared by the Union Cabinet headed by the Prime Minister on convicted lawmakers as ‘nonsense’, Congress president Sonia Gandhi said on Monday that the whole party was behind Manmohan Singh.

The Opposition hit out at the Congress VP’s statement saying that what Rahul had said had undermined the position of Manmohan Singh.Sonia had talked to the PM the day Rahul made the comments and had reportedly assured him that there was no attempt to undermine his authority. She has

Hitting at the main Opposition, the Bhartiya Janata Party, Sonia said, “They (BJP) ridicule our party, they ridicule our Prime Minister, I want to tell them that the whole party stands by our PM.” Rahul Gandhi had recently said that the controversial ordinance should be torn and thrown away, leaving his party and the government in a tizzy.

also praised him yesterday at an event in Kerala, lauding the welfare and social security schemes for marginalised people initiated by the UPA government. “They (marginalised sections) faced discrimination at every level. The UPA government led by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has lifted million of them through its flagship schemes,” Sonia had said.

Agencies Jaipur: A court in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur town today extended the judicial custody of spiritual guru Asaram Bapu till October 11. He is accused of sexually assaulting a minor girl, police said.

The 72-year-old Asaram, lodged in Jodhpur Central Jail since September 1, was presented before court of the district and sessions judge (Jodhpur rural), which passed the order.

“Asaram was presented in the court following completion of his judicial custody today (Monday). Earlier, he appeared before the same court Sep 16,” prosecution counsel Anand Purohit told IANS. Earlier, police had to carry out a baton charge to disperse violent supporters of Asaram Bapu who gathered in a large number in and outside the court premises. On August 20, a 16-year-old girl lodged a police complaint accusing Asaram of sexually assaulting her at his ashram near Jodhpur. Asaram was arrested from his ashram in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, and brought to Jodhpur on September 1. Immediately after his arrest, Asaram filed an application for bail in the same court, which rejected the plea on September 4.

Asaram also filed a bail application in the Jodhpur bench of the Rajasthan High Court. The court will hear arguments Tuesday morning and is likely to take a decision the same day.

BJP hits out at Shinde for letter to CMs, demands his sacking Agencies New Delhi: BJP on Monday demanded that Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde be sacked immediately for asking chief ministers to ensure that no innocent Muslim is detained or questioned, saying he is attempting to divide the country on communal lines.

“If Shinde had issued the letter without associating the religion of the person it would not have been an issue. Had he used the word Indian- of any religionthen it would have been better. Shinde should be sacked with immediate effect for dividing the country on communal lines,” BJP General Secretary Rajiv Pratap Rudy told reporters.

He said when his party flags such sensitive issues its secular credentials are challenged but what Shinde has done is communally divisive.

Hitting out at Shinde, he said he is either ignorant or has forgotten the Constitution and asked him to

recall his oath of office in which one takes the pledge of serving without any bias to any religion, caste or

creed.

“It would have been fair to the country at large if he had not mentioned one particular religion in his letter,” Rudy said.

Shinde had said in his letter to chief ministers that no innocent Muslim should be wrongfully de-

tained or arrested in the name of terror.

Senior BJP leader M Venkaiah

Naidu alleged that Shinde has written this letter for vote bank politics and keeping the forthcoming elections in mind.

He said that Shinde’s move is “unconstitutional and questionable” and demanded that the directive should be taken back immediately.

Migrant boat runs aground off Sicily, 13 dead Agencies According to the Italian coast guard, 13 bodies have washed up on a Sicilian beach after a boat carrying some 200 migrants ran aground as it approached the shore.

Rescue boats and divers are in the waters off Scicli, on Sicily’s southern coast, looking for other possible bodies, according to coast guard official Marco Di Milla.

The nationalities of the migrants aren’t known, but the dead were all male.Mr. Di Milla reported witnesses saying that many of the migrants aboard the ship swam ashore and ran away. Mr. Di Milla reported witnesses saying that many of the migrants aboard the ship swam ashore and ran away.

Sicily and its islands are the frequent destination for smugglers’ boats leaving from Tunisia or Libya with prospective migrants from sub-Saharan Africa. In recent weeks, there has also been an upswing in the number of Syrian migrants arriving.

Jayalalithaa DA case: SC sets aside SPP removal Agencies New Delhi, September 30: In a relief to J Jayalalithaa, the Supreme Court today set aside the Karnataka government’s decision to remove special public prosecutor (SPP) G Bhawani Singh from the disproportionate assets case against the Tamil Nadu chief minister.

Terming the decision as “malafide”, a bench of justices BS Chauhan and SA Bobde also asked the Karnataka high court and the state government to consider extending tenure of the special trial judge as per the law.

“The extension can be given as per the law and in consultation with the high court,” the bench said, adding the trial court’s record runs into nearly 33,000 pages and the recording of statements of witnesses has also completed.

The apex court, on September 25, had reserved its verdict on the issue of appointment and sacking of SPP Singh in the case and also on the AIADMK chief’s plea for extension of the tenure of the trial judge who is scheduled to retire on Monday.

Earlier during the proceedings, DMK general secretary K Anbalagan had opposed Jayalalithaa’s plea, saying that she and other accused were allegedly responsible for the protracted trial in the 17-year-old case.

Attorney General GE Vahanvati, appearing for Karnataka government, had also

opposed the plea of Jayalalithaa on the SPP and for extension of the tenure of the special judge till the completion of the trial.

The bench had deliberated on the political overtones on the issue of the appointment and sacking Singh as the SPP. “Was there (in Karnataka) the same government? When did the government change,?” the bench had asked.

The Attorney General had said the new government came on May 8 this year but the appointment of Singh was done without any consultation between the state government and the chief justice of the Karnataka high court.

The bench, which had perused the records, had noted Singh, who has been sacked as SPP in the case, was appointed without any objection by Karnataka government to conduct the trial in the 17-year-old case.

The court had on September 20 called for the entire record relating to the controversy surrounding the appointment and sacking of Singh for its perusal to ascertain the reasons for dropping him from conducting the proceedings.

Jayalalithaa’s counsel had alleged that

removal of Singh came at a time when the criminal procedure in the case was at the final stage and was done with a political motive.

Bhawani Singh was appointed as the SPP following the resignation of former Advocate General B V Acharya, who was the prosecutor in the case from February 2005 to August 2012.

Karnataka government had on August 26 issued the notification withdrawing the

appointment of Singh as SPP. The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) Chief is accused of amassing Rs. 66.65 crore between 1991 and 1996 when she was the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

The case was transferred by the apex court from Chennai to Bangalore in 2003 during her earlier tenure as the chief minister for a free and fair trial.

Jayalalithaa had alleged the case was slapped on her by the previous DMK government for political reasons.

Jayalalithaa and three other accused Sasikala, Ilavarasi and V N Sudhakaran have also sought a direction to restrain Karnataka government from appointing a new judge for conducting the trial against them in a Bangalore court.

During the hearing on September 13, the apex court had objected to Karnataka government’s notification “misrepresenting” an undertaking given by it as an order of the apex court on the appointment of SPP. The bench had on August 30 restrained Karnataka government from appointing new SPP in the case. The order was passed on a plea by Jayalalithaa challenging the removal of Bhawani Singh as SPP.

6

ZABARWAN TIMES

TUESDAY OCTOBER | 01 | 2013

Yuvraj back in limited-overs squad Agencies Yuvraj Singh has made a comeback to India’s limited-overs squad for the Twenty20 and first three ODIs of the home series against Australia.

There were four changes made to India’s last first-choice ODI squad, the one that won the Champions Trophy in England. Yuvraj replaced opener M Vijay, Dinesh Karthik lost out to his Mumbai Indians team-mate Ambati Rayudu, the injured Irfan Pathan made way for Mohammed Shami, and Jaydev Unadkat’s left-arm seam was preferred to Umesh Yadav’s erratic-at-times pace.

Yuvraj’s last ODI was against England in Dharamsala in January 2013.

He was dropped from the squad for the Champions Trophy and did not feature in the Zimbabwe series either, when India had rested several first-choice players. However, following a fitness programme in France, he has shown a return to top form in List A cricket. He was the leading run-getter for India A in the limitedovers series against the touring West Indies A, with 224 runs from three matches, including one hundred and a fifty at an average of 74.66. He also scored a half-century for India Blue in the Challenger Trophy, a domestic 50-overs tournament.

A fit Yuvraj is seen as a bigger asset than Karthik. Karthik had a decent run in England and in Zimba-

bwe, but he failed to reach 50 in the tri-series in the West Indies. In effect, Karthik has lost out to Rayudu, who

scored 101 runs off 163 balls at an average of 50.5 against Zimbabwe.

Two other changes from the

Court defers decision on Srinivasan’s position until October 7 Agencies Last week, the Cricket Association of Bihar filed a plea asking the Supreme Court to restrain Srinivasan from contesting the BCCI

elections. On September 27, a court ruling permitted Srinivasan to attend the board’s annual general meeting and contest for the

president’s post, which he won unopposed on Sunday. However, the ruling said that if elected, Srinivasan could not take charge of the board pending the Court announced its verdict on a special leave petition filed by Cricket Association Bihar - against an earlier order of the Bombay High Court - related to the constitution of BCCI’s independent IPL probe committee.

The matter dates back to a plea that the Cricket Association of Bihar filed in June, raising charges of conflict of interest in the formation of the two-member inquiry panel set up to inquire allegations of corruption in the IPL. A Bombay High Court ruling later termed the probe panel “illegal”. The BCCI and the CAB filed petitions in the Supreme Court against this order, with the CAB contending that the Bombay High Court could have suggested a fresh mechanism to look into the corruption allegations.

Champions Trophy squad mostly explain themselves. Vijay struggled in West Indies, and Irfan is injured. Yadav, though, remains a curious case.

He cannot have been considered unfit because he played the Challenger Trophy last week. He cannot have been rested because he is just coming out of a break.

The selectors have either begun to look at him as a Test-only prospect or it was his performance in the Champions Trophy that has got him the axe: four wickets and an economy rate of 5.55 in a mostly low-scoring tournament. His economy rate in the West Indies tri-series hovered around the same mark. His career economy rate also stands at over six, and an average of 41.58 doesn’t do him any favours.

The seam-bowling replacements, Shami and Unadkat, played all the five ODIs in Zimbabwe, and have been retained. Mohit, who played two of them and was Man of the Match in the first of them, was expected to replace Vinay Kumar, but the Karnataka quick has retained his place. Vinay went at 6.03 in the recently concluded Challenger Trophy, although he did pick up eight wickets in three matches.

Batsmen Karthik, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, seamer Mohit and spinner Parvez Rasool missed out from the team that played Zimbabwe.

Somdev qualifies for China Open, faces tough draw Agencies Somdev Devvarman recorded yet another comefrom-behind victory as he defeated higher-ranked Italian Paolo Lorenzi to qualify for the ATP China Open singles event.

Ranked 97, the Indian ace recorded a 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-3 win over his rival, who is placed 12 places above Somdev, in the second and final round of the qualifying event.

Somdev had beaten world number 60 Robin Haase 2-6, 6-4, 6-0 in the opening round.

However, Somdev faces an uphill task in the main draw as he has drawn world number 31 Fernando Verdasco as his first round opponent in the $3,566,050 hard court event.

And if Somdev manages to get past the formidable Spaniard, his next opponent could be world number one Novak Djokovic of Serbia.

In the doubles event, Leander Paes and his Canadian partner Daniel Nestor

have been given the top billing and they open their campaign against Americans John Isner and Sam Querrey.Mahesh Bhupathi

and his Swedish partner Robert Lindstedt are seeded second and they face Djokovic and Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka.

It was a clinical performance: Dravid Agencies Rajasthan Royals skipper Rahul Dravid on Sunday lauded his team for their “professionalism” and described the nine-wicket victory over Perth Scorchers in a Group A match of the Champions League Twenty20 as a “clinical” performance.

“It’s nice to win and play well. It was a really good and clinical performance today. We can always improve and we can keep getting better, we also take a lot of satisfaction from the match today,” said Dravid after the match.

The Royals didn’t put a foot wrong in the match on Sunday as they first dismissed the Scorchers for 120 and then returned to overhaul the target with 3.3 overs to spare.

“Our bowlers pulled it back brilliantly, like Jimmy, Coops and a lot of professionalism from Samson and Rahane who batted very well,” Dravid said.“Our next game is a big one and Otago is playing very good cricket, they are the team in form.”Ajinkya Rahane, who was the topscorer for Rajasthan, said: “It was a really nice pitch, good for bowlers and batsmen. This wicket was not fast compared to what we played against

Mumbai Indians but the ball was doing a bit and holding its line.

“It was slightly tough initially but was easier later to bat on. I enjoy batting with Sanju, we were just talking about positive cricket while batting. We just need to concentrate on the next game and stay positive.”

Kevon Cooper, who laid the foundation for the win with a four-wicket haul to help his team

bundle out the Scorchers for 120, said: “I’m happy to come out here and bowl well and give my team a chance of winning.

“The yorker is something I practiced a lot, it’s very important in this format. It’s great to play with players like Dravid, Watson and we sit and plan every game with the support staff.

We wanted to play good cricket here and happy to do that,” he added.After suffering their third loss in as many matches, Perth skipper Simon Katich said they were around 60 runs short and their bowlers too failed to contain the run.“We are learning the hard way, we didn’t get many partnerships going and were about 50-60 short there. Our bowlers tried their best but nothing worked.

We presented four caps the other day and that in itself is tough.“Hopefully we’ll get a fair bit of this before the Big Bash. We’ve seen how big the standard is here form the Big Bash and it’s a different ball game.

SA players want CSA, BCCI to sort fixtures soon Anayat Ali

out. Until yesterday, CSA did not know who they were dealing with at the BCCI because they had not had their election but now that that is sorted it, they need to do whatever it takes to get the discussion going.”

CSA has confirmed it is awaiting the dates of a meeting with the BCCI, although it was earlier mooted that the presidents of the boards would meet at the ICC board meeting on October 16 and 17. Irish, in the meanwhile, met with all the players as part of his usual pre-season get together and said the issue of the India tour came up among many of them. “The players are stakeholders in the game and will be affected by whatever happens,” he said, explaining the impact is two-fold. “It’s not just a financial thing, it’s also about the opportunity to play in in a high-profile Test series and substantial limitedovers competitions.” The South Africa Test team, ranked No. 1 in the world, has not played a match since February. They were due a bumper summer including two Tests against Pakistan and three each against India and Australia in a bid to extend their lead at the top of the rankings. “This is the best Test team we have ever

South Africa’s players would like to see an “urgent engagement” between their board, CSA, and its Indian counterpart, the BCCI, to resolve fixtures over this summer’s India series. The national team is due to leave for the UAE this Friday but their home tour against India has no confirmed itinerary after the BCCI objected to CSA’s schedule of three Tests, seven ODIs and two Twenty20s.

Tony Irish, the South African Cricketer’s Association (SACA) chief executive told ESPNcricinfo that the BCCI’s leadership structure has been formalised following yesterday’s AGM and the players are hopeful the series can be discussed as a matter of importance. ICC chief executive Dave Richardson also spoke on the issue for the first time when he said they could not intervene in bilateral arrangements.

“This is the main tour of the summer and has a massive financial implication on cricket. We are about six weeks away from it and to have it all up in the air is really worrying and frustrating,” Irish said. “The players want to see it sorted

Narine banking on familiarity to excel in India Agencies With the spiked hair and flamboyant sunglasses, Sunil Narine may come across as a distracted cricketer.

That, however, is far from true, as not only does he understand the present, he remains appreciative of the larger picture.The mystery spinner from the Caribbean Isles, while batsmen in the Champions League T20, has an eye on the West Indies’ upcoming tour of India.At Trinidad and Tobago’s nets on a scorching Sunday noon here, Narine

was seen in conversation with teammates Ravi Rampaul and Darren Bravo. With the three likely to be on the plane to the

country in November, it is not tough to believe that the discussions touched upon the

forthcoming international tour.“The Champions League is just before our trip here, so it does help us understand the kind of conditions we may get here. Hopefully, this time here will help us excel during the tour,” Narine told HT.While he was the sixth-highest wicket-taker in the 2013 Indian Premier League with 22 wickets, he is second in the ongoing CLT20 with six scalps in just two games. It is these frequent trips to the country, which will ensure that the 25-year-old will be brimming with confidence as he returns to the Indian shores in a month’s time.

had and it’s a very settled unit. They need to be playing in order to keep that momentum,” Irish said. While seven ODIs were considered overkill, the financial gains would have benefitted South Africa’s smaller grounds. Should the tour be curtailed, which seems a certainty in light of India’s other series against West Indies and New Zealand, South African cricket could lose up to R200 million (US$20 million). and the players are not the only people who want to see the issue sorted out. South Africa’s provincial affiliates are anxious to know who will host matches and even Richardson expressed concern. “The ICC does not like the fact that two of its strongest members are in dispute.

Historically, South Africa and India have been the strongest of allies. The game needs both,” he told South Africa’s Sunday Times. But Richardson explained why the ICC cannot intervene in bilateral arrangements. “Constitutionally we are a members’ organisation. The ICC only has as much authority over the members as the members are prepared to give it. The ICC currently does not have the authority to determine the FTP.

Royals breeze into the semifinals Agencies The joy of an expected victory is, perhaps, underrated. Some place such success in the category of a boring win; some even go to the extent of terming it unremarkable.

Tell this to the winning captain and he would respond by raising his eyebrows. For there’s nothing more satisfying than an expected success. Usually, such a victory signifies a team performance at anticipated levels.

Rajasthan Royals would readily recognise those standards. Under Rahul Dravid, perhaps, the franchise has bested even its own expectations.

The team’s self-belief has been on the rise for some time; it will only grow further if RR continues to repeat the kind of performance it produced in its nine-wicket victory over Perth Scorchers on Sunday.

Dravid’s men are through to the last four and, on current form, should top group A. A win over Otago on Tuesday will ensure that RR will play its semifinal within the comfortable

environs of Sawai Mansingh Stadium. At home, the boys in royal blue seem invincible.

Once again, RR’s bowlers came good to bundle Perth out for 120. While Kevon Cooper oversaw the dismantling operations, Pravin Tambe

and James Faulkner played the role of reliable

assistants.

The Perth opening pair of Liam Davis and Ashton Agar arrived with aggressive intentions and milked runs off Vikramjeet Malik’s two overs.

However, Faulkner and Shane Watson were smarter as they varied their lengths to dismiss the duo.

Simon Katich and Adam Voges limited the initial damage by adding 33 off 28 balls, but the introduction of Tambe brought the former’s downfall. After surviving a dropped chance, Katich misread a googly and stepped forward to drive. The ball, though, spun away and he was stumped.

Wickets tumble Hilton Cartwright replaced the skipper but, 14 balls later, he joined the latter in the dugout as he was hit on the toe by a Cooper yorker, resulting in an lbw decision.

The 21-year-old’s departure initiated a period which saw six batsmen dismissed for 21 runs within 38 balls.

A last-wicket stand of 23 ensured Perth batted out its quota of overs, but its significance remained academic.