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SATURDAY 03 May | 2014 | 02 Rajab, 1435 AH | PAGES 12 |
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Willing to coach Pak
Tipper driver dies in Sumbal Srinagar, May 2 : While repairing his tipper bearing registration number JK15/1029, the driver Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat son of Mohammad Maqbool resident of SK Bala got critically injured near Bazipora Ajad, in the jurisdiction of Police Station Sumbal. He was shifted to SKIMS Soura for treatment where he succumbed to his injuries. Police has registered a case in this regard. (KNS)
Inside story Geelani’s passport requirements not complete: Passport Officer Srinagar, May 2 : As the Passport Officer Srinagar on Friday said that the requirements for issuance of Passport in favour of Syed Ali Geelani are incomplete, Hurriyat Conference (G) accused the authorities for forcing its chairman to cancel his Pakistan visit. Talking to KNS, Firdous Iqbal Passport Officer Srinagar said: “We were approached by his (Geelani) family today as well but since the requirements for issuance of his passport are incomplete we cannot help in this regard.”
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On Edit Page By the way who are you- friends or foes? Unfortunate, unwarranted and beyond one’s imagination and comprehension is the Nawa Kadal incident which plunged the whole valley in a state of uncertainty and chaos. The killing of a youth in the hands of security forces has put all efforts of peace in limbo and jeopardized the initiative taken for a stable peace and development in the valley. Agreed that the violent youths tried to over run a vehicle of security forces and indulged in heavy stone pelting but resorting to indiscriminate firing
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WEATHER FORECAST FOR NEXT 24 HRS: Light Rain would occur at a few places over the state.
FORECAST OF SRINAGAR: Partly cloudy sky. Maximum & Minimum temperatures will be around 26°C & 12°C
C TEMPERATURE M MAXIMUM Y MINIMUM K
SUNSET ON(SATURDAY) SUNRISE ON (SUNDAY)
26.30C 11.2 0C 07:17PM 05:42 AM
Day 2
Srinagar, May 2: Two persons were injured and three structures were partially damaged in different fire incidents, last evening. According to a police statement issued to KNS, fire broke out in the General Mess of ‘F’ coy of IRP-8th BN at old residence of SDM Sopore near Police Station Sopore resulting in partial damage to the Mess (kitchen). Constable Showkat Ahmad & cook Tawseef Ahmad received minor burn injuries. Both the injured were shifted to Sub District Hospital, Sopore for treatment where from they were shifted to Srinagar for further treatment. Fire was brought under control by fire tenders. Fire broke out in the embroidery factory of Farooq Ahmad Gurkhoo son of Noor Mohammad resident of Umer Colony B at Baghi Ali Mardan Khan, in the jurisdiction of Police Station Lal Bazar, Srinagar resulting in the damage to cloths in See Fire On PG 11..
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NO: 4 | ISSUE NO: 122 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 Paisa)
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Largely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&K
Fresh violence kills 10 in Assam
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2 injured, 3 structures damaged in fire
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Brawl between police,CRPF
Curfew, shutdown, protests and stone pelting continue in the valley
Dy. Commandant aims pistol at SHO Srinagar, May 2: A Deputy Commandant of CRPF on Friday alleged aimed his pistol at Station House Officer Batamaloo here following brawl triggered by preventing children from playing cricket by paramilitary forces at Tengpora locality here. Sources and eyewitnesses told GNS that a contingent of 73 battalion CRPF caught some kids playing cricket on roadside at Tengpora on Friday afternoon. Led by the Deputy Commandant, the paramilitary forces even started to beat up some kids, accusing them of planning to create disturbance in the area. In the meantime, a police party which was passing through the area objected
Srinagar, May 02: With no letup in protests against the killing of a youth in the hands of ‘security forces’, three people sustained injuries amid curfew in downtown and spontaneous shutdown in most parts of the valley on Friday. 22 year old Bashir Ahmad was killed after ‘security forces’ opened fire on protesters in Nawa Kadal area of Old City Wednesday late evening soon after the polling for parliamentary constituency of Srinagar concluded at 26 percent turnout.
SHRC takes cognizance, issues notices to DG, Div Com, IGPs, DC Srinagar, May 2 (KNS): The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has taken suo moto cognizance of killing of a youth in Nawakdal asking DGP, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, IGP Kashmir, IGP CRPF and DC Srinagar to submit reports in the matter. The order passed by Rafiq Fida, the acting chairperson of the Commission said: “… in the first instance issue notices to DGP J&K, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, IGP Kashmir Zone, Srinagar, IG CRPF C/O 56 APO, Dy. Commissioner Srinagar who be supplied with the copy of this order and news report and directed to See SHRC On PG 11.. The killing sparked widespread anti-India clashes in parts of Srinagar particularly in downtown areas that left around 18 people including a woman and forces men injured. The government announced curfew on Wednesday late evening to curb protests and See Day On PG 11..
Curfew will remain enforced in Down Town today also
Army sounds alert
Srinagar, May 2: Army has sounded an alert in parts of central Kashmir after receiving intelligence reports about the movement of a group of militants, who are planning to carry out an attack on security installations. Official sources told Global News Service that army’s 2 RR are maintaining high alert in Narbal, Lawaypora in outskirts of Srinagar city and Soibugh and Magam area of the Budgam district following specific intelligence inputs that suggest movement of 2-3 heavily armed militants of Lashkar-e-Toiba headed by Qasim Bhai. The LeT group, sources said, were planning to sneak in north Kashmir ahead of polls scheduled to be held on
Nawakadal injured kept on ventilator
Srinagar, May 02: The curfew will continue in downtown area of Srinagar for third consecutive day on Saturday. The curfew was imposed within the jurisdiction of five police stations in old city on Wednesday evening following the killing of a 22-year-old Youth, Bashir Ahmad Bhat at Nawakadal. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar Farooq Ahmad Shah told GNS that curfew will See Curfew On PG 11..
Militant movement noticed in north Kashmir May 7. “Army has inputs that the militants were moving to Baramulla from Budgam district. From last two days, the militants are trying to enter north Kashmir district,” sources said. “Besides Narbal, Lawaypora and Soibugh, army has started search operations in the other areas of the district to track down the militants. Highest vigil is being maintained in Baramulla, Bandipora and Kupwara to prevent the militants from carrying out any strike ahead of polls,” sources added. They said that security has been put on maximum alert across north Kashmir, ahead of Lok Sabha elections. Army, sources said, has also intensified patrolling in See Army On PG 11..
Srinagar, May 2 : One of the four injured in April 30, Nawakadal firing incident has been kept on ventilator after one of his fingers was amputated by doctors here in a city hospital. Moeen Ahmad Akhoon son of Bilal Ahmad Akhoon who got injured in the incident has been kept on See Ventilator On PG 11..
Meerut varsity cricket match row
51 students taken back, 16 shown door
Srinagar, May 2: The Swami Vivekananda Subharti University (SVSU) in Meerut has canceled admission of 16 Kashmir students who were among the 67 students expelled by the varsity over cheering for Pakistan during a cricket match against Indian in the month of March, this year. The SVSU had expelled 67 Kashmir students after they cheered for Pakistan when it defeated India in an Asia Cup match which was held at Bangladesh in the first week of March. The expelled students came back to Kashmir and the incident turned into a major controversy. The police in Uttar Pradesh also charged students with sedition. However, they were dropped after the issue rocked Kash-
mir and became attention of international media and Pakistan government even offered admission to the country's institutions. Soon after the incident, the university authorities had setup a committee for enquiry into the whole episode. Sources have told GNS that the varsity authorities in its enquiry have found 16 Kashmir students guilty and have decided not to allow them again in the varsity. One among the sixteen students whose admissions have been cancelled however told GNS that they were yet to receive any communication of this nature from the varsity. While confirming that 16 students will not be re-admitted in the See Door On PG 11..
Srinagar, May 02: The summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, voted on Wednesday, the election was on the familiar pattern. Polling was around 30 percent despite boycott call by the political forces outside the national mainstream. As usual, separatist leaders had vigorously campaigned for a voter boycott, calling democratic elections in Kashmir a shame, and as usual, those calls appeared to be heeded, at least in the city. In the 2004 and 2009 general elections, voter turnout in the constituency was 18 percent and 25.6 percent respectively. Besides this the phenomenon of violence was looming large as several political activists were killed in South Kashmir before elections took place for Anantnag Parliamentary constituency. Hundreds of stone pelters were rounded up. The National Conference Member of Parliament contesting in Srinagar, Farooq Abdullah, who has won two elections to the Lok Sabha, has been locked in a fierce public exchange of words over the
Journalists accuse police of highhandedness Srinagar, May 02: Several Kashmir journalists on Friday accused Jammu and Kashmir police of harassment and barring them from doing their professional duty during a protest in uptown Srinagar. The journalists, while speaking to GNS, alleged that policemen hurled abuses on them and they were chased. “We went to Hyderpora in the afternoon. There were protests. But police stopped us from covering them. They abused us and also chased us,” Tauseef Mustafa, who works as a photographer with AFP, told GNS. He said police forced us to leave the spot. Another photojournalist, who was also at Hyderpora, said that police chased the media persons without any reason. See Police On PG 11..
Appeals people to rally behind NC-Congress alliance
Machil, May 2: Addressing Election rallies in remotest areas of Machil and Keran as also at Sumbal in Sonawari tehsil on Friday, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah who is also the Working President of the National Conference, in
Farooq Abdullah on a slippery turf past several days with Mr. Modi and his party. B.J.P. leaders have remarked that those who don’t support Mr. Modi should go to Pakistan. Mr. Abdullah fired back by saying that anyone voting for Mr. Modi should “jump into the sea.” In response, Mr. Modi said secularism in India “suffered its deepest blow in Kashmir,” referring to the mass exodus of nearly 400,000 Kashmiri Pandits, from the valley more than 20 years ago, coinciding with militancy in Kashmir. While old electoral patterns continued in Kashmir, there was some indication that the ascendance of the B.J.P. has changed the political conversation in the state, mainly because party leaders have publicly objected to Article 370 of the Constitution, which gives Kashmir a level of autonomy in India. In its original form, the article prohibited Indians from entering Kashmir without a permit. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, the founding father of a party that was a precursor to the BJP, entered the state in 1953 without a permit, was imprisoned and eventually died here. His death even-
to it and saved the kids. Enraged by police’s support to kids, the Dy Commandant allegedly took his pistol out and aimed it at SHO. The deputy Commandant, they said, also accused police of being “hand in glove with militants and stone-pelters.” In a related development, sources said that locals have lodged a written complaint against the erring paramilitary personnel at police station Batmaloo for beating the cricket playing kids. When contacted, spokesman of CRPF, Kishore Prasad first feigned ignorance about the incident and asked GNS to wait before confirming it. See SHO On PG 11..
Omar addresses election rallies at Machil, Keran, Sumbal
Bottom Line
From our Political Editor
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tually provided a platform for the BJP to lobby for the removal of Article 370. Over the years, Kashmir’s autonomy as granted by Article 370 has been eroded by a series of presidential orders. Currently, analysts say that one of the only Article 370 laws with any heft is a restriction on land purchases to Kashmiris, which many Kashmiris see as a poor substitute for a longstanding demand to allow them to choose to join India or Pakistan, or become independent. Some analysts say that the BJP’s stance on Article 370 is merely a gesture to the religious right that makes up its base. “What’s clear is that the BJP makes it a slogan — never has it really seriously worked to erode it,” said Amitabh Mattoo, the director of the Australia India Institute at the University of Melbourne. “All erosion of Article 370 has taken place during Congress government.” Omar Abdullah, Farooq Abdullah’s son and the chief minister of the state, has staunchly objected to any attempt to scrap Article 370, See Farooq On PG 11..
his fervent appeal to the electorate of Baramulla-Kupwara Parliamentary constituency asked them to rally behind the NC-Congress alliance and vote in huge numbers in favour of the alliance candidate to contribute positively for keeping communal and opportunist elements away See Omar On PG 11..
PDP’s first priority people, not power: Mufti ‘Agenda-less NC harping on extraneous issues’
Srinagar, May 02: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that PDP is not contesting Parliamentary polls for making alliances for power, but for securing and safeguarding J&K’s interests. “Our sole objective is to seek, at a bigger platform, the resolution of critical political and economic problems confronting J&K,” he said. Addressing election rallies in Handwara and Tangmarg assembly segments of Baramulla Parliamentary constituency, Sayeed said PDP’s goal is to ensure inclusive political and economic empowerment of the people of J&K in a positively evolving Indo-Pak arrangement. He said the killing
of an innocent youth at Nawa Kadal, Srinagar in forces firing is a grim reminder of the tragedies and miseries that Kashmir is undergoing for the past more than two decades now. “We have to
use all our means to end this trail of death and destruction for the sake of our future generations,” he said. Sayeed said most of the problems J&K is facing today are because of NC’s lust for See Mufti On PG 11..
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Srinagar, Saturday 03 May 2014
FROM THE FRONT PAGE
Day clashes in downtown while pro-freedom leaders called for a shutdown for today. The downtown areas continued to reel under curfew for the second straight day with hundreds of police and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in riot gear and holding assault rifles were deployed across the downtown. The forces had erected barricades, concertina wires and mobile bunkers to restrict the civilian movement, eyewitnesses told GNS. “The curfew was strictly imposed in volatile areas of downtown including Nowhatta, Saraf Kadal, Rajouri Kadal, Nawa Kadal, and Kawdara,” they said, alleging many people weren’t allowed even to buy milk and bread in the morning. Due to government curfew, forces didn’t allow people to offer Friday prayers in central Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta. Meanwhile, protests broke out in Hyderpora area of uptown against the killing of Bashir. “Scores of people took to streets and held pro-freedom protests. The protesters were chased away by police and they in return pelted stones on them,” witnesses told GNS. During the clashes, a man was detained by police from his house, locals alleged. In many parts of downtown, the clashes broke out after authorities lifted curfew. The youth took to streets and pelted stones on Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and police retreating from curfew areas. In Nawab Bazar area of old city, intense clashes broke out between youth and CRPF. Locals alleged that CRPF smashed window panes and glasses of many residential houses during clashes. The clashes continued till evening during which police fired several tear smoke shells to disperse the youth. Meanwhile, a spontaneous shutdown was observed in most parts of the valley. The Civil Lines areas of city wore a deserted look and traffic thin while most of the schools, colleges and shops were closed. Reports reaching GNS said that a spontaneous shutdown was observed north Kashmir’s Baramulla, Palhallan, Bandipora, Hajin, Naidkhai, Sopore and Kupwara. The post-Friday protests broke out in Hajin, Naidkhai, Bandipora town, Papchan, Sopore, Khanpora in Baramulla town, and Palhallan. Two people sustained injuries during clashes in Baramulla clashes. A spontaneous shutdown was also observed in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. Post-Friday clashes and protests broke out in Qamaria Chowk and at Saloora in the district. In south Kashmir’s Qazigund, a person identified as Aijaz Ahmad Shiekh sustained injuries during clashes between youth and government forces against the killing of downtown youth. Besides, a complete shutdown was also observed in the town. The shutdown was also observed in Shopian, Pulwama and Anantnag towns. In Pulwama, minor stone-throwing incidents took place at Samboora and in Pulwama town. The minor clashes also broke out in Anantnag town, Khudwani and Qaimoh in Kulgam. (GNS)
SHRC See submit their respective detailed factual reports in the matter. Dy. Commissioner Srinagar be also directed to send a copy of the findings of the Magisterial enquiry ordered to be conducted in the incident.” The Commission has also asked the father of the deceased subject be also directed to appear before the Commission on the next date of hearing and file correct statement of facts in the matter. The Commission has said incident is prima facie extrajudicial execution and makes out a grave violation and abuse of human rights in which the CRPF personnel have resorted to indiscriminate firing upon the youth causing injuries to four persons and one of them succumbed to his injuries at SKIMS Srinagar. (KNS)
Curfew continue in Old City to avoid any law and order problem. “The downtown will continue to be under curfew tomorrow,” he said. (GNS)
Ventilator ventilator in SMHS after he fell unconscious today, doctors attending him told KNS. Talking to KNS, Moeen’s father Bilal Ahmad said: “He is my only son and my family depends on him. There is no movement in his body. I don’t know what will happen to him,” Bilal told KNS while appealing people for special prayers for his son. A senior doctor attending Moeen told KNS: “The index finger of his left hand was amputated as it had got completely damaged by the bullet. Later he underwent into an unexplainable shock so was kept on ventilator. We cannot say anything about his condition right now.” (KNS)
SHO After about few minutes, the spokesman said that CRPF personnel only asked the kids not to play cricket “as the area is prone for stone pelting.” “However, when police came in support of the kids, there were some verbal exchanges and nothing more. They (police) are making a mountain out of a molehill.” Despite repeated attempts, SSP Srinagar could not be contacted even as it has been reliably known that the SHO has taken up the issue with him. (GNS)
Police
Army many volatile parts of north Kashmir amid apprehensions that the militants might try to disrupt the
elections. “Nakas have been established at many places along the Srinagar-Baramulla -Bandipora -Sopore -Handwara-Kupwara highways. Small passenger and private vehicles are being thoroughly checked at several places. Besides it, motorcyclists are also thoroughly frisked by the forces, deployed in huge numbers,” sources said. The security, sources said, has been beefed in Lolab Valley, where army has already started search operations in the forest areas on Tuesday. (GNS)
Door varsity, Rabia Baji – who facilitates the admission of Kashmir students in outside universities and colleges under Prime Minister scholarship scheme – told GNS that the varsity authorities have found them guilty of creating disturbances after Pakistan defeated India. “The varsity has disallowed 16 students,” she said, adding: “The step has been taken in order to avoid any kind of disturbance in the future. The varsity authorities don’t want repeat of previous episode. ”I want them to migrate in any other institution,” she added. (GNS)
Omar from grabbing power in New Delhi. According to a statement issued to KNS, Omar said that the anti-J&K agenda of BJP, being hiddenly nurtured by PDP in the State, is dangerous move which people need to understand and foil with full force. “This can be done when the voters come out in large numbers on 7th of May, 2014 and support NC-Congress coalition candidate defeating PDP which is acting as the tentacle of BJP in Jammu and Kashmir and deceiving people”, he said and cautioned the voters against the unholy partnership of BJP and PDP to divide the society in Jammu and Kashmir. The Working President, National Conference said that the track record of the PDP candidate contesting Lok Sabha election from Baramulla-Kupwara constituency has been poorest of all as MLA which is fully before the public. “A person who was not able to represent the Baramulla Assembly constituency as MLA, how can he be of any help to the people of the three districts of Kupwara, Baramulla and Bandipora constituting the Parliamentary constituency of Baramulla-Kupwara”, he questioned and said that the performance of Sharif-ud-Din Shariq in the Parliament to voice the concern of Jammu and Kashmir and its people is glaring and documented in the business records of the Parliament of India. Omar said that the current Lok Sabha election has put the people of Jammu and Kashmir in a crucial test where they have to make important decision to reject the deceptive forces represented by PDP and communal forces led by BJP. He said the league between these two parties to supplement and complement each other for power politics is now openly before the people and they have to foil their designs by handing over them miserable defeat in the election. Omar said that NC-Congress coalition is for safeguarding the secular democratic credentials of the Country and nurturing communal harmony, brotherhood and solidarity in the State besides carrying forward its peace and development agenda in the State with commitment and sincerity. The Working President, National Conference said that Lok Sabha Election is for electing the Parliament and the Prime Minister of the Country. “The Congress-NC alliance is openly supporting Rahul Gandhi in this regard”, he said and added that Narendra Modi and BJP are known for their communal ideology aimed at dividing the society and creating fissures between various sections of the society and different regions in the Country. He said anti-J&K agenda of BJP and the ill-gotten utterances of Narendra Modi against the people of Jammu and Kashmir are also known to all. He asked the people to answer Narendra Modi and BJP by ensuring the defeat of their PDP agents in the State. The election rallies among others were addressed by Higher Education Minister, Mohammad Akbar Lone, Legislator, Aga Rahullah and senior NC leader, Aga Mahmood. (KNS)
Farooq though many in Kashmir view the Abdullahs as imperfect guardians of their rights. The National Conference was a part of the BJP-led government that was in power from 1998 to 2004, though the recent war of words between the two camps suggests that history may not repeat itself, at least where alliances are concerned. Though Article 370 has been used as a political tool by both the BJP and the National Conference, with different aims, the reality of its dissolution under a BJP-led government seems remote. Mr. Mattoo said such a government would be likely to focus on development and the economy. “If the economic part of their story doesn’t work out — if Modi is not able to deliver on economic promises — they may then fall back on more nationalistic rhetoric,” he said, including revoking Article 370. But because the fundamental Kashmir problem has not been addressed, any attempt to change the Constitution would be dangerous in a state with simmering conflict, said Gull Mohammad Wani, who teaches political science at the University of Kashmir in Srinagar. Professor Wani said a boycott of the elections in south Kashmir and low voter turnout in Kashmir Valley point to a dangerous level of alienation from the rest of the country. “The question is not separatism; it’s alienation,” he said. He said any attempt to withdraw Article 370 would create more problems in an already fractious state. “Definitely it would lead to more and more alienation — it would create a political vacuum in Kashmir,” he said. “How that vacuum could be filled up could be very dangerous.” Be that as it may. Farooq Abdullah seems to be on a slippery turf. Traditional National Conference vote banks have deserted the party and are supporting PDP. Latest in the line is Chariesharief constituency. It was a strong bastion of national conference but people this time voted differently. This may not augur well for the NC Stalwart who left no stone unturned to get the support of the electorate. In Anantnag, it is PDP’s Mehbooba Mufti having an advantage despite low voter turnout. In Baramulla constituency the Contest is tough with PDP candidate Muzaffer Hussian Beigh also having a strong support base. He has also worked hard to win the confidence of people not only by words but by his deeds. All said and done the final picture will be available on 16th of May.
Mufti
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power as the party has always used people’s mandate to seek employment for its leaders. “Using the people’s mandate to seek power instead of working to uphold the aspirations and sentiments of Kashmiris, NC leadership has served a big blow not just to its own credibility but to the people’s faith as well,” he added. Sayeed said having miserably failed on the governance front, NC leaders, in their ongoing poll campaign, instead of talking about the real issues confronting J&K and its people, are harping on some obscure and extraneous matters. “That’s why people in south and central Kashmir have already rejected this party, and it’s now for the voters of north Kashmir to take the ongoing movement for change to its logical conclusion,” he said. Sayeed said if PDP is today leading the political movement for change in J&K, it is because of the fact that the party has earned credibility among the masses by not only articulating their aspirations in a responsive and responsible manner, but delivering on the development front as well. Sayeed said after 2002 elections PDP came forward to espouse the cause of dignified and peaceful resolution of Kashmir issue at a time when there was all-round despair. “The people of the State at that time suffered from a feeling of deep hopelessness, strong alienation, cynical aloofness and complete lack of faith in the democratic political process,” he said and added that being in touch with the ground realities PDP, at that crucial juncture, came forward to articulate the aspirations of the people in a responsive and responsible manner. Sayeed said responding to the people’s innermost yearning for peace with dignity, PDP crusaded the policy of repairing their hurt psyche, salvaging their bruised dignity, kindling a new hope in their hearts and motivating them to mould their destiny through a participatory democratic process. “The results were there for all to behold,” he said and added that fortunately, the country’s leadership, at that time, also understood and appreciated this rejuvenating and hopeful political transformation in the State in post-2002 era and responded in good measure. Sayeed said unfortunately the anarchist policies of the present Government have again pushed Kashmir into a gloomy scenario of despair and alienation and the people have started looking towards PDP with immense hope to retrieve the state from the present quagmire. “Emerging as a genuine and authentic voice of the people of J&K, PDP has opened itself to new responsibilities as the expectations of the people with the party have grown manifold,” he said and assured the people that the party won’t let them down and work tirelessly towards realizing the dream of a peaceful, stable and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing the rallies, senior PDP leader and former Finance Minister Tariq Hameed Karra while expressing grief and anguish over the killing of a youth at Nawakadal, Srinagar in forces firing Wednesday evening, said the recurrent innocent deaths reiterate the urgency of initiating tangible measures to salvage the public outrage. He said when the present Government is voted out of power towards the end of this year, if anything, it would be remembered as the darkest regime in J&K for facilitating hundreds of innocent killings, letting loose a reign of repression on youth, facilitating wanton arrests, perpetuating fear and sense of insecurity, promoting socio-economic instability, frightening increase in crime rate, menacing drug abuse, deaths in road rage, vanishing rule of law, rampant corruption, scams, institutional degradation, misgovernance, dilapidated roads, power shortage, drinking water scarcity, unemployment, maladministration, spurious medicines, frustrating traffic snarls and countless other anti-people measures. “The gross anti-people measures of this Government are pushing people towards the wall and frustration and alienation is mounting dangerously among the young generation,” he said and added that the State is again being pushed into a state of anarchy that could lead to another phase of disorder. On this occasion, a prominent political and social activist from Handwara, Sonaullah Shah joined PDP alongwith hundreds of his supporters. PDP leaders Rafi Ahmad Mir-MLA, Dr Mohd Shafi- MLA,Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Sofi-former minister, Moulvi Imran Ansari, Advocate Mohammad Amin, Muhammad Abbas Wani, Ghulam Nabi Pandit[uri, Irfan Sofi, Mohammad Shafi Dar, Javaid Ahmad Sheikh, Abdul Aziz dar, Abdul Hamid, Shabir Ahmad Mir and Prof Jabbar also addressed the rallies. (GNS)
the factory. Fire was brought under control by Fire Tenders and Police. Fire broke out at SIDCO Rangreth in the Factory (Metal Industry) of Khalid Muzaffar Dar son of Ghulam Mohammad resident of Maisuma Srinagar resulting in partial damage to the factory. Fire was brought under control by locals. (KNS)
Geelani’s passport requirements not complete: Passport Officer
Srinagar, May 2 : As the Passport Officer Srinagar on Friday said that the requirements for issuance of Passport in favour of Syed Ali Geelani are incomplete, Hurriyat Conference (G) accused the authorities for forcing its chairman to cancel his Pakistan visit. Talking to KNS, Firdous Iqbal Passport Officer Srinagar said: “We were approached by his (Geelani) family today as well but since the requirements for issuance of his passport are incomplete we cannot help in this regard.” Naseem Geelani, son of Syed Ali Geelani who had approached the passport office today in the morning informed KNS that he was told that some requirements which are a must before issuing a passport are not complete. “It means the authorities are not in a mood to issue Geelani sahib this vital travel document. This way the authorities are simply forcing him to cancel his scheduled visit to Pakistan,” Naseem told KNS
People finally calling NC’s bluff: Baig Srinagar, May 2: The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) party senior leader and former deputy chief minister, Muzzafar Hussain Baig has said the people are finally calling National Conference and its leadership’s bluff who have always thrived on lives, lies and emotional exploitation. Addressing various roadside meetings in Uri segment of Baramulla parliamentary constituency, Baig said it is now obvious that the NC is losing its battle of survival and the people are not any more misled by their propaganda against their political rivals. On the occasion senior party leadersPeerzadaMansoorHussain, MLA Sangrama; JavaidHussainBaig, State Secretary; DrShabir Ahmad Mangral, Janak Singh Sodhi, president, ShiromaniAkali Dal, Kashmir; NajeebNaqvi, party and others were also present. He said in the past NC used to brand its rivals as IB agents while carrying out all the dirty jobs themselves. That is how they prevented competition to the NC in the mainstream politics as they were always more comfortable to have opposition pushed outside the democratic system and enjoy monopoly over the government, said Baig. The former deputy chief minister said if the NC had used even a small portion of its political influence and power on welfare of the people and resolution of issues the state would not had faced
the terrible times that it has gone through. He said it is now becoming clear that people have had enough of NC and they have decided to defeat it in the LoKSabha elections which would set the trend for their rout in the assembly polls which are scheduled later this year. Baig said the PDP during its brief tenure in the government not only set an example of good governance but it took historical steps to normalize the relations between India and Pakistan. He said opening of the Line of Control (LoC) was the biggest ever Confidence Building Measure (CBM) between the two countries but the ruling government failed to carry forward the peace and reconciliation process. He said India and Pakistan should carry forward the peace process in accordance with the vision that had evolved over the years. Baig said Uri is destined to become the northern gateway of J&K and the travel and trade across the LoC will definitely be taken to next level with the support of people. Speaking on the occasion Janak Singh Sodhi said the NC has always exploited Sikh community for its political purposes and now they are thoroughly feelingdisappointed with it. He said Akali Dal was inspired by the policies and agenda of the PDP and called upon the people particularly Sikhs to vote for the PDP in the elections. (GNS)
Bullets and arrests can’t bring peace: Ameer-i-Jama’at Srinagar, May 2: Describing the killing of a youth by men in uniform in Nawa Kadal area of Srinagar and widespread arrest of youth as worst example of state-terrorism, Ameer-i-Jama’at Mohammad Adullah Wani Friday said that such repressive measures cannot bring peace but only aggravate the hurt sentiments and emotions of people.Ameer-i-Jama’at, who was addressing a congregation before Friday prayers here at Masjid Al-Huda, Batamaloo, said that Jama’at-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir vehemently condemns the killing of an innocent youth by forces in Nawa Kadal Srinagar and arrest spree unleashed by forces across the state before the so-called elections.Ameer-i-Jama’at said that such draconian actions are not acceptable in any law.He said that bullets and arrests cannot bring peace. Only resolution of Kashmir dispute can ensure peace in the state and in the region, he said.
Court of third Additional Munsiff Srinagar In The case of :
1 Arshid Ahmad Bhat S/o Ghulam Nabi Bhat. .... Plaintiff... V/s 1. Mehraj-ud-Din Matta S/o Late Mushtaq Ahmad Matta R/o Kaka Road, Naik Sarak, Srinagar 2. State of J&K through its Commissioner Secretary Civil Sectt. Jammu 3. Regional Transport Officer, Toto ground, Batamaloo 4. Mst. Amina W/o Late Ali Mohammad Matta R/o Kaka Road Naikh Sark, Srinagar_ 5. Mushtaq Ahmad Matta S/o Late Mushtaq Ahmad Matta R/o Kaka Road, Naik Sarak, Srinagar. 6. Mst. Naseema D/o Late Mushtaq Ahmad Matta R/o Kaka Road, Naik Sarak, Srinagar 7. Mst. Rafiee S/o Late Mushtaq Ahmad Matta R/o Kaka Road Naik Sarak, Srinagar.
In the matter of :
Suit for declaration & Mandatory Injunction.
Notice
Whereas the plaintiff has filed suit for declaration & mandatory Injunction before this court seeking the following decrees: a) A decree of declaration to the effect that plaintiff is the sole owner of the suit vehicle bearing registration No. J KG 1J-6 684 on the strength of relinquishment deed executed by the proforma defendants in favour of the defendant No.l and subsequent purchase of the suit vehicle by the plaintiff from defendant No.l b) A decree of mandatory injunction commanding the defendant No.l & 3 to transfer the subject matter of the suit (JK01-J-6684) in the name of the plaintiff. Now therefore, the public in general and party to the suit in particular shall be noticed through print media having vide circulation in the State of J&K to appear before this court in person or through attorney for objections or showing cause as to why the decrees prayed by the plaintiff be not granted in his favour. The objections be filed withing fifteen days (15) after publication of this order before this court. The publication shall be done on the expenses of the plaintiffs. Announced 26-04-2014
Sd/Third Additional Munsiff Srinagar
Owner , Printer & Publisher: Suhail Malik Editor -in-Chief: Shahana Malik RNI NO. JKBII/2011/39764, Email: zabarwantimes@gmail.com Publised at Govt. Quarters , M-13 Magarmal Bagh Srinagar-190001 J&K, Printed at:- Sangarmal Offset Press Humhama Sheikhpora Tele/Fax: 2478370 Cell No. 09999964750, 9796 787844
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“We were surprised as if we were criminals. We were just doing our professional job,” he said. “Had not locals provided us refuge in their houses, police would have thrashed us. We ran for cover and successfully left the area,” said Zubair Dar, who works as a videographer with Press TV. On 24 April, police in Kulgam allegedly thrashed two scribes – Farooq Javed and Javed Dar – while they were covering polls. (GNS)
Zabarwan Times
NEWS
Daily ZABARWAN TIMES
SRINAGAR | SATURDAY, MAY | 03 | 2014
Fresh violence kills 10 in Assam, Army called in
NEW DELHI: At least 10 more people were killed in fresh violence in Assam’s Baksa district on Friday. The attack comes less than 24 hours after heavily armed NDFB (S) militants unleashed violence in two districts of the state killing 11 and injuring many others. According to Times Now, indefinite curfew has been clamped in Baksa district and Army has also been called in to take control of the situation. Earlier, a group of 20 to 25 NDFB-Songbijit militants, armed with AK-47 rifles, swooped down on three houses at Balapara-I village in Kokrajhar district in the early hours of Friday and fired indiscriminately, killing seven persons on the spot, the police said. IGP L R Bishnoi told PTI earlier in the day that two children and four women of Lonewere News Agency Kangan the minority community among the seven persons who Gulzar News Agency Soura were gunned down. Tariq News Agency Hawal The body of a three-yearMuzaffar old child, who was also killed Ali News Agency Alamgari Bazar Abdullah News Agency Lal Chowk in the attack, was recovered from the area later this morn- News Agency Lal Chowk Gupkari
Zabarwan Times is available at
Khan News Agency Regal Chowk Sheikh News Agency Hyderpora Lone News Agency Tangmarg Bhat News Agency Magam Dar News Agency Beerwah Reshi News Agency Safapora Basharat News Agency Bandipora Altaf News Agency Pulwama Jeelani News Agency Baramulla Shah News Agency Kupwara Younis News Agency Langate BARAMULLA, MAYReshi 02: According to District Election OfNews Agency Islamabad ficer, Baramulla, all Booth Level Officers (BLOs) of district Turray News Agency Tral Baramulla have been directed for setting up of Facilitation Rahi News Desk outside all polling stations onAgency the poll Kulgam day in the district on May 07, 2014 fromRah 6 a.m. besides shall also ensure disNews Agency Byepass
16th Lok Sabha Elections-2014 Training imparted to Presiding, Polling Officers of Baramulla district
tribution of photo voter slips among the left over electorate. The BLOs have been asked to contact the concerned Assistant Returning Officers for any clarification on Phone No.01952-237110. Meanwhile, in connection with smooth conduct of Lok Sabha Elections-2014 for 01-Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency for which polling is scheduled to be held on May 07, 2014, necessary election training was imparted to the Presiding and Polling Officers of the all Assembly segments of the Baramulla district including Uri, Gulmarg, Rafiabad, Sopore, Pattan, Baramulla and Sangrama at Boys Higher Secondary School Uri, Higher Secondary School Kunzer, Boys Higher Secondary School Sopore, Degree Collage Sopore, Higher Secondary School Pattan, Govt, Degree Collage Baramulla and Kashmir University Camps Delina Baramulla respectively in the presence of Assistant Returning Officers of the segments.
Khan News Agency Ganderbal Zahid Book Depot Chadoora Bashir News Agency Nowhatta Budshah News Agency Lal Chowk Sikendar News Agency Lal Chowk Raina News Agency Gund Kangan Rashid News Agency Dalgate Hilal News Agency Budgam Bhat News Agency Chadoora Zargar News Agency Kunzar Bashir News Agency Sumbal Saleem News Agency Pattan Reyaz News Agency Pampore Javaid News Agency Qazigund G.M News Agency JAMMU, MAY 02- Sopore Secretary to and DPR for surface drain/lane under Sultan News AgencyUrban Handwara Government Housing& Devel- UIDSSMT Scheme. Further direction opment Satesh Nehru was issued by the Secretary to upgrade/ SheikhDepartment, News Agency Islamabad along withWay Director Local Bod- patchwork the whole area of the existThree NewsUrban Agency Tral ies, Jammu, K.L. Khajuria today visited ing Bus Stand and to maintain the saniBadru News Agency Bijbehara Municipal Council Udhampur to have tation/street light at Bus Stand premises News Agency Arwani on Malik spot inspection of various schemes and outsource two number of toilets to under implementation the Sulabh Suchalaya at the earliest. Shaheen News Agencyparticularly Kargil
ing, Bishnoi said, adding that two men were also seriously injured. Family members of the victims said the insurgents attacked one house after another, firing indiscriminately creating panic in the area. Just a few hours earlier, three persons of a family, including two women, were shot dead and an infant was seriously injured by NDFB-S militants in neighbouring Baksa district on Thursday night. The militants carried out the crime after entering the house near Ananda Bazar area in Baksa district also within BTAD, the police said. In the same district one Bipin Boro was shot at and seriously injured in his house by two suspected militants at Nizdefeli on Thursday, the police said. He was admitted to the Gauhati Medical College Hospital in a critical condition. The attacks are suspected to be in retaliation to the ongoing anti-insurgency operation in the Bodoland region, where some NDFB militants have been killed recently.
Nehru inspects MC Udh development works
Centrally Sponsored Schemes under UIDSSMT.During the tour he inspected various ongoing construction works under UIDSSMT Scheme in the town. He asked the Director ULB to place requisition for purchase of 01 No. dumper placer, one number Garbage Compressor and two number of Auto through Chief Engineer UEED at the earliest out of 1.00 crore already released for Solid Waste Management to UEED. He directed to prepare comprehensive DPR for construction of Multistory Complex including underground parking, construction of shops & halls at the existing Town Hall building complex Udhampur
The Secretary directed the staff of Municipal Council Udhampur to provide basic civic facilities like Sanitation, Street Lights to the newly included four wards in Udhampur Municipal Council and Executive Engineer Town Drainage Division, Jammu S. S. Rana was directed to prepare comprehensive drainage plan for the area and also directed the Chief Executive Officer that High Mast Lights installed at various places some of which are non functional and are required to be repaired immediately besides to provide CFL/LED lights at new points. He also visited the New Bus Stand at Sajalta where 66 kanals
of land has been acquired for the construction of Bus Stand however the matter is sub judice before the Hon’ble High Court for which the direction has been issued for taking immediate steps for disposal of the case.He directed the Chief Executive Officer to develop and beautify the newly constructed Multipurpose Hall at MH Road in 16 kanals by way of construction of side drains and improving landscaping and the area be covered by barbed wire fencing in order to avoid encroachment in the area and fund shall be released by the Government.The Secretary during tour has noticed some illegal constructions and encroachment in some locality and asked Director Urban Local Bodies for immediate suspension of Khilafwarzi Inspector for dereliction of duty and also directed the CEO to launch a sanitation and anti-encroachment drive after constituting 7-8 groups of Safaikaramcharie to be started from Monday .
Developmental works reviewed in Bhaderwah DODA, MAY 02-District Development Commissioner Doda Mubarak Singh today reviewed the progress and pace of various ongoing developmental works in Bhaderwah. Sub Divisional Magistrate Bhaderwah Mr. Bhupinder Kumar, Assistant Commissioner Development Doda Mr. Dhananter Singh, Chief Medical Officer Doda, XEn PHE Bhaderwah, XEn PW(R&B) Bhaderwah, Chief Education Officer Doda, Chief Agriculture Officer Doda, Assistant Director CA & PD Doda and othe District and Sub-Divisional Officers attended the meeting. While reviewing the ongoing works in Bhaderwah, the DDC directed all the executing agencies to work on war footing to ensure timely completion of ongoing developmental works in the region. He impressed upon PHE Department to ensure filtration/ treatment of drinking water to avoid danger water born diseases in the
HOROSCOPE Aries
March 21-April 19
Allow your eager and restless nature to express itself in ways other than through the spoken word, Aries. Show someone that you care through your gentle touch or a big bear hug. Hold on a little bit more tightly than you might normally. There’s an unspoken understanding that comes when you communicate through nothing but pure silence. Work on developing this kind of connection with those closest to you.
Taurus April 20-May 20
This is a terrific day for you, Taurus. You should find that your relationships, especially with men, go exceptionally well. Your tender and extremely sensitive nature is finally being recognized as the treasure chest it is. There are many times in which this type of personality is seen as weak, yet today is one of those times in which you’re given the full credit you deserve.
Gemini May 21-June 21
A selfish attitude on your part won’t be tolerated today, regardless of the circumstances, Gemini. Don’t make it worse for yourself by pretending that you don’t notice others’ hurt feelings. People are likely to be extra sensitive today, so be careful about trying to impose your will on someone who really wants nothing more than an ear to talk to and a shoulder to cry on.
Cancer June 22-July 22
You could find the hardest person to face is you, Cancer. You tend toward introspection, and you may find yourself shrinking into self-recrimination. You could analyze the important people in your life and yet fail to address the one you really need to look at – you. As you continually strive for perfection, give yourself proper credit. Do something nice for yourself today.
Leo
July 23-August 22 Take advantage of the creative energy in the air today, Leo. Keep your hands moving and your imagination flowing toward something fun and artistic. If you begin to doubt your work, you may fall down a spiral of creative blockage. Don’t get into the habit of constantly judging the quality or outcome of your work. Give yourself free rein to open up and explore whatever comes to mind.
Virgo
August 23-September 22
Your sixth sense is right on target, Virgo, so trust your instincts today. You’re likely to connect with someone in a wonderful partnership that will help you foster the very plan you want to develop now. Stay close to those things that resonate strongly with your morals. The answer is in front of you; you don’t have to search too far afield in order to find it.
Libra
September 23-October 23 Take a break from your routine, Libra. You might feel like you’re leading an army into battle as you strive for new adventures and conquer new realms. Make sure you take a bit of time out today to stop and let your troops rest. You deserve a little rest yourself. Use this moment of stillness to form your plan of attack so you’re sure about how to proceed.
Scorpio
October 24-November 21 The key for you is to minimize your daily drama as much as possible, Scorpio. You may not realize how much you cripple yourself by the way you exaggerate every aspect of your life. Try not to give so much of your attention to things that really don’t matter much. Petty jealousy and gossip about other people’s lives are especially irrelevant in your world.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
area. He also impressed upon RDD to ensure timely completion of approved works besides expressing concern over the supply of poor quality PDS ration supply. He instructed AD, CA&PD to ensure standard
quality supplies and to ensure frequent random checking of the quality of ration before onward distribution. Regarding clearance of landslides on various roads in the District, DDC directed all the concerned agencies to
Distribution cum Fitment camp for differently abled children held at Anantnag ANANTNAG, MAY 02: A daylong Distribution cum Fitment Camp for differently abled children was held here today. As many as 90 Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFO) and Knee Ankle Foot Orthoses (KAFO) were distributed among the differently abled children on the occasion.The camp was organized by department of Education Anantnag in collaboration with ALIMCO-Kanpur. The differently abled children were identified by the experts of ALIMCO Kanpur in the district.Chief Education Officer Anantnag who was chief guest on the occasion informed about the initiatives and measures taken for facilitating the differently abled children of the district. He said these programme are amid at imparting awareness among the people and to enrolled the differently abled children in the educational institutions.
Mega Lok Adalat held at Anantnag
ANANTNAG, MAY 02: As many as 116 cases were taken up in the mega Lok Adalat for the amicable settlement, out of which 88 cases were settled and an amount of Rs. 11.25 lakhs was awarded to the victims of motor accidents while Rs. 19800 were also realized as fine.
3-day training programme for Presiding/Polling officers concludes at Bandipora
BANDIPORA, MAY 02: 3-day long training programme for Presiding and Polling Officers concluded in district Bandipora today. As many as 308 Presiding Officers besides 947 Polling Officers were imparted the necessary training for operating the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and other related matters during the training programmes. The training programmes during the 3-days were held at Gurez, Bandipora and Sonawari segments of the district.
augment their men and machinery and expedite their road clearance work so that the general public may not suffer from any sort of inconvenience. On the issue of damages in PDD due to recent heavy rain
fall and thunder storms in the District, DDC enjoined upon XEn PDD Doda- Bhaderwah to repair/ replace the damaged Transformers/ Wires / Electric poles etc as soon as possible so that people may not spend any more dark nights.
Be careful of advertising yourself as someone who is so strong and mentally competent that you’re capable of handling everything, Sagittarius. Take note that the strongest mule on the trail usually ends up carrying the most weight. Your emotions are more sensitive than you may think, and certainly more than you demonstrate to others. Be honest about the way you feel and not just the way you think.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
DaylongelectiontrainingprogrammeheldatKupwara KUPWARA, MAY 02: As many as 3,93,328 electors including 2,09,677 male and 1,83,651 female voters are exercising their franchise in Baramulla district, which is a part of 01-Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency on May 07, 2014. This was disclosed by District Election Officer, Kupwara while inaugurating a daylong training programme held for imparting necessary training to the Zonal and Sectoral officers. The Magistrates were also imparted training by Master Trainers in presence of District Election Officer. District Election Officer Urged upon Magistrates to work with dedication so that free, fair and impartial Lok Sabha Elections-2014 is ensured in the district. He also said that 531 polling stations have been set up in which 102 stations have been identified as sensitive while 429 stations are hypersensitive. Besides the district have been divided into 69 sectors and 10 zones for which Magistrates have been deployed. The District Election Officer further emphasized upon the concerned to remain in contact with Election Cell on Toll Free No. 1800 180 7061 and update the poll report on hourly basis on polling day.
Magisterial enquiry ordered into the death incident of Nawa Kadal
SRINAGAR, MAY 02: According to Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, an enquiry has been ordered to look into the death of Mr. Bashir Ahmad S/o Mohammad Shafi R/o Gratabal, Nawa Kadal, Srinagar allegedly during the firing incident at Nawa Kadal, Srinagar on April 30, 2014. District Magistrate, Srinagar, Mr. Farooq Ahmad Shah has been appointed as Enquiry Officer who shall submit the report along with recommendations within 15 days.
Things should flow well for you today with very little effort on your part, Capricorn. Take note that if any quarrel arises, it’s an indication that the person you’re arguing with isn’t necessarily the right person to deal with or confide in. Emotional issues are likely to be the hardest ones to overcome, but this shouldn’t be a problem for you. You have the ability to work through these like a pro.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
This is meant to be a nice, relaxing day, so treat it as such, Aquarius. There’s no need for you to plan any great strategy at this time. Try to take it easy and not indulge in any unnecessary stress. This is your time to enjoy the moment. Don’t tax your mind by overanalyzing everything that comes your way. Go with the flow and have a great time regardless of what you end up doing.
Pisces
February 19-March 20 Your sensual nature is heightened, Pisces, and you’ll find yourself engaged in tender moments and languid peacefulness in the company of others. Soothe your soul by letting yourself slip into situations that give you the emotional freedom to do or say whatever comes to mind. Life should be like a love poem written by a great master. Accept the good energy that comes your way.
Daily
EDITORIAL/ OPINION By the way who Be ready to combat are you- friends or foes? vector borne diseases U
Zabarwan Times
Srinagar, Saturday 03 May 2014
nfortunate, unwarranted and beyond one’s imagination and comprehension is the Nawa Kadal incident which plunged the whole valley in a state of uncertainty and chaos. The killing of a youth in the hands of security forces has put all efforts of peace in limbo and jeopardized the initiative taken for a stable peace and development in the valley. Agreed that the violent youths tried to over run a vehicle of security forces and indulged in heavy stone pelting but resorting to indiscriminate firing leaving all options aside is not in any way an acceptable line of action. As the Govt. at the centre and at state level besides senior officers of police and paramilitary forces have been stressing on zero tolerance, the lower rungs of these forces should not indulge in irresponsible manner for which the whole state and the country has to pay dearly. This is the beginning of the tourist season and during May and June lacs of domestic tourists arrive in the valley as the schools and the colleges are closed for summer vacations in the country. The beginning has received such a big jolt which is going to affect the arrival of the tourists for the whole year. Obviously, a tourist wanting peace and solace will turn to other tourist destinations of the country and nobody would want an uncomfortable and risky tour. The tourists of different places get wary of Kashmir because the uncertainty and uprising has had very dangerous repercussions in the past. The question arises as to why an opportunity is being made available for those who are always waiting in the wings to disturb peace in the valley. The security forces are saviours of the country’s interests in any area and if it is like that why should they loose patience and do and act which only enemies do. Once and again it has been impressed upon them that they are dealing with their own people and should exercise maximum restraint while enforcing law and order. The situation arising out of Nawa Kadal incident has led to a standstill situation across the whole valley. The situation will be definitely exploited but who is to be blamed for? One incident of such kind makes lacs of people to pay for no fault of theirs. A patient dies because he did not get timely medical attention, a sister or a mother suffers because she could not reach the hospital while in labour pains, a student suffers because all educational institutions are closed and examinations postponed, a poor man cannot get justice because courts are shut. Why are we ourselves creating such conditions where the life becomes hell and heaven is on flames?
A
small bite by a seemingly trifling organism can really turn your life upside down. Can you believe the fact that Vector borne diseases cause more than one million deaths each year? Yes, the number of deaths from vector born diseases is increasing alarmingly. Under tropical conditions of excessive heat and high humidity, man is subject to serious physical and mental handicaps. He perspires profusely and loses vigor and energy and exposes himself to such dangers as sun stroke and diseases. Tropical conditions are ideal for survival of germs and bacteria and also encourage the spread of insects and pests. On this World Health Day, WHO is drawing attention to a group of diseases that are spread by insects and other vectors, the heavy health and economic burden they impose and what needs to be done to reduce these burdens. Many people who survive infection are left permanently debilitated, disfigured, maimed or blind. The tag line of this year's World Health Day 'Small Bite Big Threat', compel to turn the attention towards the alarming occurrence of vector borne diseases, and it substantiate and recommends the governments, local authorities, community groups and individuals to work together to prevent vector borne diseases. "Mosquitoes, flies, tick and bugs may be a threat to your health-and that of your family-at home and when travelling", is the message of this year's World Health Day. Epidemiology Vectors are organisms that transmit pathogens and parasites from one infected person (or animal) to another. Vector borne diseases are illnesses caused by these pathogens and parasites in human population and account for 17% of the estimated global burden of all infectious diseases. Although, the disease most commonly found in tropical areas where 40% of the population is at risk, globalization, climate change and urbanisation have affected transmission of vector borne diseases and causing their appearance in countries where they were previously unknown.
Prevention and control
Time has come to utilize the full potential for vector control for reducing vector-borne disease. Back in 1940's, the discovery of synthetic insecticides was a major breakthrough and the massive use of insecticides in 1940's and 1950's successfully brought many important vector-borne diseases under control. But, with in the past two decades, many important vector-borne diseases have re-emerged or spread to new parts of the world. Alongside this alarming spread of vectors there is a serious concern of increasing insecticide resistance. At the same time, the world is facing an extreme shortage of entomologists and vector control experts who promote 'integrated vector management' as the best approach to strengthen vector control. This approach uses a range of interventions, from indoor residual spraying to the use of natural insect predators, in combination and in a value added way. Integrated management makes sense as many vector borne diseases overlap geographically. Key elements in the prevention and control of vector borne diseases include the following: · Long-lasting insecticidal nets. · Indoor residual spraying · Outdoor spraying · Addition of chemicals to water · Insect repellents like coils, vaporizing mats. · Reducing breeding habit of the vector. · Biological control of vectors through the introduction of parasites, predators or other living organisms. · Genetic control strategies. · Waste management. · Housing modification · Personal protection against the vector · Medication for travelers · Prophylaxis and preventive therapies. · Mass treatment for lymphatic filariasis, sotistosomiasis, onchocerciasrs.
· Vaccines for Japanese encephalitis, Tick-borne encephalitis, and yellow fever. · Blood and body fluid safety in the case of Chagas disease and crimean-congo haemonhage fever. · Food safety in case of Chagas disease and Tick borne encephalitis. Key challenges in the control of vector-borne diseases include. Ø Emerging insecticide resistance. Ø Lack of expertise in vector control. Ø Surveillance of vectors and their diseases. Ø Sanitation and access to safe drinking water. Ø Pesticide safety and poisoning Ø Climate and environmental change. The poorest segment of of the society and least developed countries are most affected by vector born diseases. illness and disability prevent people from working and supporting themselves and their family causing further hardship and impeding economic development. World Health Day is celebrated on 7 April every year
to mark the anniversary of the founding of WHO in 1948. Each year a theme is selected that high lights a priority area of public health. The Day provides an opportunity for individuals in every community to get involved in activities that can lead to better health. In recent years, renewed commitments from ministries of health, regional and global health initiatives, with the support of NGO's, the private sector and the scientific community, have helped to lower the incidence and death rates from some vector-borne diseases. As vector borne diseases begin to spread beyond their traditional boundaries, action needs to be expanded beyond the countries where these diseases currently thrive. WHO resolved to provide communities with information and aims to raise awareness about the threat posed by vectors and vector-borne disease, and to stimulate families and communities to take action to protect themselves from the perennial bane.
The land of artisans: Raghurajpur
R
aghurajpur, it’s a dream destination for art lovers. The entire village is like an open museum of art and craft. There are more than hundred families living in this village and majority of them are into some kind of handicraft work. The artisans here create magic with their skilled hands on pieces of cloth, paper and palm leaves. The small village is situated in Puri district of Odisha. The village is surrounded by palm, mango, coconut and other tropical trees along with betel leaf gardens. But Raghurajpur has its own identity it depicts the rich tradition of Odisha’s art and craft. Raghurajpur is famous for Pattachitra. In Odia language ‘Patta’ means canvas and ‘chitra’ means picture. This is made on ‘Pati’ a handmade canvas prepared by pasting together layers of cloth. The artisans use handmade natural colour for the paintings. The tradition of Pattachitra painting in Odisha is very old. The theme of Pattachitra are mostly mythological,
religious stories. The stories are painted by the artisans in such a way that by reading the pictures in sequence you can understand the story. Pattachitra’s have mainly the design of Lord Sri Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra. In Raghurajpur each house tells a new story the walls of the houses were painted with chitrakari. Among other art forms stone carving, paper made toys, tusser paintings, wood carvings, painting on palm leaves are prepared by the artists, and this is the main source of livelihood for the villagers. Each family in Raghurajpur is engaged in preparing some kind of handicraft. Even small children of the age of seven, eight make patta paintings on their own. The artisans sell their product through different NGO’s in market. Many NGO’s in the village are engaged in promotion, training and marketing of the craft products. The artists from this village also participate in various fairs and exhibition in the state and outside
the state. Raghurajpur is also famous for Gotipua dance the earlier form of Odishi. Late Padmabibhusana Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra (The renowned Odishi dance guru) was born in this village. In Gotipua dance adolescents boys dressed in girls attire and perform gotipua dance. The dancers from this village are now performing at both national and international events.Visitors including foreigners visiting the village round the year is the unique sight of Raghurajpur. Tourists come from countries like USA, UK, China, Nepal, Japan, Italy along with the inland tourists. It offers a glimpses of the rich art and craft of Odisha to the tourists. By showcasing their handicrafts the artisans became self dependent they don’t need to leave their home in search of job. This village has emerged as one of the ideal type of rural tourism spot. Perhaps nowhere in India one can find so many art products in one village.
Disclaimer : The contents and comments appearing in any article published in this paper are purely the personal opinion of the writer