Zabarwan Times E-Paper English 04 August

C M Y K

C M Y K

SunDAY

August 04 | 2013 | 25 Ramzan 1434 AH | PAGES 12 |

Pen

For

VOL nO: 3 | ISSuE nO: 190 | RS: 2/- (AIR SuRCHARGE FOR JAMMu /DELHI/LEH 50 PAISA)

Jus

tice

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

C M Y K

http://www.zabarwantimes.com

Hideout busted in Sopore Sopore, August 03: Army Saturday claimed that a joint team of Police and Army busted a hideout during search operation in North Kashmir’s Sopore town of Baramulla district.

“Acting on a tip off, 27 RR and SOG Sopore raided in forest area of Cherrar in Sopore and busted a hideout during search operation. One AK 47 with magazine and 120 rounds, 16 rockets, 23 grenades, 5kg RDX, a pistol with a magazine and around 18 pistol rounds, 30 detonators and 20 UBGL were recovered from the busted site,” Army said.

3 persons killed in mishaps Srinagar, August 03: Three persons were killed in separate road mishaps in Srinagar, Baramulla and Kupwara districts of Kashmir Valley, officials said Saturday.

A police spokesman said one Abdul Kabir Bagh of Bijhama, who was injured last Thursday when a Muruti car driven by met with an accident at Banday Uri in north Kashmir’s Baramulla, succumbed to his injuries at SKIMS, Soura here.

He said one more person— Nissar Ahmad Bhat son of Ghulam Qadir of Ishbar succumbed to his injuries at SKIMS, Soura.

Bhat was injured in an accident at Ishbar Nishat Chowk, Srinagar on July 26.

In another accident, a Motorcycle (without registration number) driven by Irshad Ahmad Mir son of Abdul Rahim of Trehgam skidded off the road at Chowkibal in Kralpora Kupwara, resulting in injuries to him. Mir succumbed to his injuries on way to hospital, the spokesman told KNS. Meanwhile, a Tata sumo (JK09-1185) fell down from road at Bumhama near Jamkash, Kupwara, resulting in injuries to the driver Irfan Ahmed Khan son of Ghulam Rasool of Gugtiyal. Khanhas been shifted to SKIMS, Soura, for treatment, the spokesman added.

Boy drowns in Budgam trench Srinagar, August 03: A 14-yearold boy drowned in a trench, excavated by contractors for construction of bridge over Ayajpora Nala at Wachoo Beerwah in central Kashmir’s Budgam district, police said Saturday.

“Sayar Ahmed Khan son of Ghulam Mohiudin of Rawalpora, Khansahib drowned in the trench,” a police spokesman said in a statement to KNS. The body of the boy has been retrieved with the help of local and handed over to his relatives for last rites, he added.

Geelani terms release of 10 prisoners on Eid eve as a joke Srinagar, August 03: Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman Syed Ali Geelani Friday termed government announcement of releasing a few detainees on Eid as a joke and stressed for release of all prisoners.

“574 Kashmiri youth without constitutional justification are languishing in local and other prisons of India and the majority of them are not being released and are subjected to political vengeance. 50 political prisoners who since last five to ten years have been in prison and equal number of youths have been sentenced for life imprisonment,” Geelani said in a statement to KNS. “Muhammad Shabir, Raj Deen and three other pro-freedom youth from Kathua and Jammu have been awarded death sentences, while ignoring all norms. Masarat Alam Butt, Mir Hafiz Ullah, Mushtaq-ulIslam, Mohammad Rafiq Ganai, Shakeel Ahmad Bhat, Fayaz Ahmad, Nasser Abdullah, Nisar Ahmad Bhat and Shabir Ahmed Wani were booked five to nine See Geelani on Pg. 11

24 drugs declared substandard by CDSCO

2 militants, soldier killed in fresh gunfights in Kupwara Srinagar, August 03:

DAK announces fresh action plan after Eid Srinagar, August 03: At-least 24 drugs supplied to various hospitals of Jammu and Kashmir including SK Institute of Medical Science here have been declared as sub-standard by the Government Analyst, according to a report by Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).

As per the report, circulated among media persons by Doctors Association Kashmir at a press conference here, the drugs declared ‘not of standard quality’ include eight manufactured locally in Jammu, seven in Himachal Pradesh, five in Uttarakhand , two in Haryana while the remaining were manufactured in Bangalore and Mumbai.

A high level team from CDSCO had visited J&K in April this year and had drawn 156 samples from hospitals, dispensaries, wholesalers and retailers in the state.

“These 24 substandard drugs are

(M/s SGS Uttrakhand), Pheniramine Inj (M/s SGS Uttrakhand), Diclofenac Sodium Inj (M/s Visa Drugs, HP), Metonorm (M/s Ethicare Labouratories Jammu), Bolocef 250 (M/s Bio Search, Jammu), Metonorm (M/s Ethicare Labouratories Jammu), Cefataxime Sodium (M/s Vivek Pharma Jammu), Pheniramine Maleate (M/s SGS Uttrakhand), C u r c e f (M/s Orison Haryana), Levocetirizine (M/s Regency Uttrakhand), Cefpodoxime—Cefdom-P (M/s Roseate HP), Calcium Cabonate—Marycal 500 (M/s A K Biotec Jammu), Oflaxin—Onofbact200 (M/s Sea Pharmaceuticals UP), Nitrofuratone (M/s Martin and Harris,

a test result of only 50 samples while the report regarding 106 samples in still awaited,” DAK President Dr Nissar-ul-Hassan told reporters here, according to KNS. The drugs declared substandard include Dicloflam Injection IP (M/s Ethicare Labouratories Jammu), Amoxicillin and Potassium Clavulenate Inj (M/s Karnataka Antibiotics and Pharmaceuticals Bangalore), P-min10% (Minil Lab Jammu), Zepoxin Inj (M/s Neon Lab Mumbai), Traxol (GMH Organics HP), Nimeth Inj (Haryana), Biotocin Inj (EG Pharmaceuticals HP), Metonorm Inj (M/s Ethicare Labouratories Jammu), Dexamethosone Inj

Mehbooba urges youth to lead movement for change in 2014 Ganderbal, August 03: Urging the state’s youth to lead the movement for change in 2014, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti Friday said that people suffered immensely under the present ‘anarchist dispensation that has become a symbol of repression, political chaos, mis-governance, rampant corruption, administrative anarchy and denial of justice.’

Addressing PDP workers convention, organized in connection the party’s

Foundation Day celebrations, here, Mehbooba said, “I foresee the State’s people in general and the youth in particular leading the movement

for change in Jammu & Kashmir during 2014 political battles to take the functionaries of the present dispensation to task not only for their actions but inaction as well.”

Government coffers empty No money in Treasuries

Srinagar, August 03: Days before Eid-ul-Fitar, non-availability of funds in government treasuries have left government employees and contractors fuming.

Treasuries are running high and dry in Kashmir due to which government employees are without salaries from past several month.

A treasury officer on condition of anonymity told CNS that treasuries across Kashmir are having liability of more than Rs 300 crores due to which government employees, pensioners and

contractors are suffering immensely and are running from pillar to post to get their claims.

“Leave aside daily wagers, even the permanent employees form Social Welfare Department, Urban Local Bodeis, and ISM staff are without salaries from past few months,” he said adding that they are only concerned with cash flow management.

One of the contractors told CNS that government has become bankrupt and it does not have funds to pay the liabilities of employees. “How could See Empty on Pg. 11

Terming the present dispensation as the biggest misfortune for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, she said, “The present government has only brought political chaos, rampant corruption, administrative anarchy and denial of human rights to the state without making any positive contribution on political or developmental fronts.”

Referring to the pathbreaking political and developmental initiatives especially the connectivity plan that the See Mehbooba on Pg. 11

Uttrakhand) and Clonazepan 1 mg (M/s Beta Drugs, HP). The samples of Amoxicillin and Potassium Clavulenate Inj and Zepoxin Inj were lifted from SKIMS while others were drawn from Directorate of Health Services Jammu, District hospital Pulwama, Zaffar Medicate Pulwama, SDH Pampore, SMGS Hospital Jammu, Medical Store Udampur, SDH Sopore, Mother and Child Care Hospital Sopore, District Hospital Baramulla, Ditrict Hospital Doda, M/s Allied Traders Pharma Sopore, M/s Wani Kishtwar, M/S LeeEeh Traders Srinagar Fair Price Cooperative Medical Store Pulwama and M/S Phychiatric Hospital Srinagar.

The DAK president, Dr Nissarul-Hassan also announced to launch door-to-door campaign against the spurious drugs and arrest of those involved in the scam.

“Even after filing of a chargeSee Drugs on Pg. 11

Mainstream leaders react to Mirwaiz’s stance on dialogue

nC says Delhi should respond, PDP blames Omar for sabotage, Soz happy Srinagar, August 03: A day after Hurriyat Conference (M) Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said they will write letters to Prime Ministers of India and Pakistan for starting a meaningful dialogue on Kashmir the move has evoked tremendous response from the mainstream political parties.

While ruling National Conference (NC) termed it as a positive sign, Congress welcomed the development and the main opposition

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said Hurriyat led by Geelani should also become the part of dialogue process.

Terming the statement of Mirwaiz as a positive move senior NC leader Ali Mohamed Sagar told KNS, “Government of India should respond positively if they really seek peace and a permanent solution of Kashmir issue. The participation of separatist leaders is necessary and if Mirwaiz has given such a statement the centre should grab the opportunity and start the

Arrest of youth triggers violent clashes in North Kashmir Pattan, August 03: Clashes erupted between people and police in North Kashmir’s Palhalan area of Pattan town when at least three thousand people blocked the Srinagar Muzafarabad road after the arrest of a shopkeeper

by Army and Police on Saturday.

Sources told CNS that in a joint operation, Army personnel from 29 RR and police raided the shop of one Nazir Ahmed Tantray son of Ghulam Mohi-u-Din and lodged him police station Pattan after his arrest.

As the word about the joint raid spread in the area,

Two militants and a soldier were killed in fresh gunfights along the Line of Control and hinterland in Kupwara district of north Kashmir, army and police said Saturday.

A defence ministry spokesman told KNS that a militant who was injured Friday during the process of foiling an infiltration bid along the Tangdhar sector died Saturday, taking the toll of militants killed in the gunfight to two. A soldier was also killed during the course of the firefight, the spokesman added.

Based on inputs, troops deployed had detected movement of two militants on this side of the Line of Control in the Sector yesterday.

“Two militants on being detected opened fire on the troops which was retaliatory. In the ensuing gunbattle one militant was killed yesterday and another seriously injured,” he said, adding, “The injured militant died today.”

Bodies of the slain militants, he said, have been recovered.

Meanwhile, addressing reporters in Tanghdar, a senior army officer, GoC of 28 Div—Lalit Panday— said that 350 of trained militants are waiting in launch pads at the border to sneak into this side before the infiltration routes close due to snowfall.

“They are waiting to sneak in along Gurez, Tanghdar and Keran sectors,” he added.

However, he said, troops have already intensified night and foot patrolling all along the LoC to foil any infiltration bid.

Meanwhile, SP Handwara, Chaudary Aslam told KNS that an unidentified militant was killed with a joint team of police and army’s 6, 21, 30 RR and 9 Para of army at Mooldora forests in Handwara area of the frontier Kupwara district.

“The identity and the group affiliation of the militant is being ascertained,” he added.

hundreds of people came on roads and raised profreedom slogans. The agitated protestors blocked the road and disrupted the vehicular movement.

Protestors alleged that police and Army have let loose a reign of terror in the town and are arresting youth without any reason. “Scores of youth are languishing in the police stations and I can give you proof how police is minting money from the arrested youth,” one of the protestors told CNS. The protestors raised antiArmy and anti-police slogans and burnt down tyres on roads. Large contin-

gents of police and CRPF personnel was deployed in the area to disperse the protestors. Police used tear smoke shells. However, the protestors did not budge and resorted to heavy stone-pelting. The clashes were on till this report was being filed.

Reports said that at least three youth including an Army jawan was injured in the clashes.

Deputy Inspector General of Police, North Kashmir J.P.Singh told CNS that the arrested person is involved in multiple cases.

“Why should we arrest an innocent person. This See Clashes on Pg. 11

meaningful dialogue.”

“We hope that Prime Minster Dr Manmohan Sing will respond positively to the statement and will take concrete measures with special focus on the problems of J&K,” he added.

State Congress chief Prof Saifudin Soz said, “Congress welcomes the statement of Mirwaiz and hopes that government of India will give a positive response.”

“The doors of the Prime Minster are always open for the talks. Violence is not

the solution of any problem so dialogue is the only way which can lead us towards meaning full peace process,” he told KNS. Former Deputy Chief Minster and senior PDP leader Muzafar Hussain beig said, “We endorse the statement of Mirwaiz but the process of dialogue could prove meaningful only when Geelani also take part in it.” Lashing out at Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Beig said, “On the one hand he talked about the participation of See Leaders on Pg. 11

Acute shortage of ration leaves people fuming Srinagar, August 03: In spite of repeated announcements by the government about availability of rations during the holy month of Ramadhan, there is acute deficiency of food in most of the rural, Kandi and hilly areas. People suffer heavily on account of scarcity of rice, sugar, kerosene and flour at hundreds of depots of CAPD. People said that most of the ration depots are empty and people have to buy food grains at exorbitant prices from the open market. “There is no control on prices either and government is almost non-existent everywhere,” one of the res-

idents of Nowgam Bypass told CNS. People from Srinagar, North and South Kashmir complained of shortage of food. Scores of hamlets from Tral town including Chandrigam, Mandoora, Saimou, Sopore town, Shopian and Srinagar city are facing acute shortage of rations.

People said shortage of food is becoming a major cause of concern in Kashmir.

While special measures were taken in other regions of the country during the holy month of Ramadhan, no attention is being paid to Jammu and Kashmir. In Srinagar City people are See Shortage on Pg. 11

Discriminatory attitude of BCCI creates disappointment in Kashmir Young generation feels disappointed disgraced and betrayed

Shahana Srinagar, August 03: Disappointment and disillusionment prevailed all over the valley after a young cricket player Parvez Rasool selected earlier for Zimbabwe Tour was left out of the 5th and final one day also against Zimbabwe. The youngster who is first player to have been selected in the national team had become an overnight celebrity, hero and idol for thousands of Kashmiri youths aspiring to represent the country in different fields and games. Everybody had

pinned his hope on the selection of Parvez and thought that he will be given a chance as India had already clinched the series against Zimbabwe. If one goes by the records it has been a tradition that after winning a series, the young and aspiring players are included in the team to prove their mettle.

But in this case neither the emotions of general masses of Kashmir were respected nor the traditions were followed.

The Kashmiri people had seen a cricketing hero in Parvez Rasool who was about to represent them in the international

arena as they have been unprivileged in this field. Cricket is so popular in Kashmir valley that the selection of Parvez Rasool had inculcated a new spirit of nationalism in young generation. However, unfortunately the Kashmiri people felt let down and betrayed by BCCI and the selection committee besides the interim Captain Virat Kohili. This Newspaper received many phone calls from youngsters expressing their anguish, displeasure, disappointment and the anger on what they termed as discriminatory attitude

towards a budding Kashmiri cricketer. The chief Minister Omar Abdullah who appreciated Parvez Rasool’s inclusion in the Indian Team felt peeved and disgusted. This is not the question of his inclusion in the playing 11 but it is the way the Kashmiri youths are being treated said a caller while expression his displeasure. One of the youths asked that media should unite together against this behavior of Indian selectors and should ask the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to intervene as he had himself congratulated Parvez Rasool

for his selection. One of the youths was emphatic in his telephonic conversation saying that how union Govt. can now expect that youth of J&K particularly from Kashmir valley will get encouraged as they have themselves seen the treatment meted to Parvez Rasool. He said that this discriminatory behavior will cause further alienation in the minds of the youths who recently had experienced a change of mind in themselves. Perhaps the non inclusion of Parvez Rasool may not be a big thing See Disappointment on Pg. 11

C M Y K

Drugs.........

sheet against them by Crime Branch, official involved in the scam continue to be holding their positions,” he said, adding “Their mere transfer is not enough. They have to be arrested for the commission of offence committed by them.” “More than 500 infants died in a Children Hospital here and hundreds of people also lost life in various hospitals. It’s not because of the negligence of the doctors but due to the fake and spurious drugs,” he said. The DAK president also demanded setting up of an independent commission to probe the entire gamut of the drug scandal to expose those involved in the scam.

Mehbooba...........

PDP led government had launched to connect different regions Mehbooba said, unfortunately, nothing was done by the present dispensation to carry forward those momentous initiatives.

“While on political front a constructive dialogue process was started by the then NDA government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee both with Pakistan and Hurriyat Conference to address the external and internal dimensions of the Kashmir issue, on the developmental front momentous initiatives were taken by the then PDP-led government to boost the economic activity in the state,” she said and added that due to the myopic vision of the leaders of present dispensation the fruits of all those initiatives seem to be going down the drain. “With the result a gloomy era of alienation, cynicism and despair seems to be again making its inroads into the state which could manifest in dangerous consequences,” she said.

The PDP president said hallmarks of this government are a ‘wayward political conduct, ineptitude, corruption, strong arm methods, collapse of administration and institutional degradation.’ She claimed even the constituency like Ganderbal represented by the Chief Minister himself has been a victim of mis-governance as nothing tangible has been done in this constituency during the past five years.

Underlining the fact that there was a lack of political direction at the top level of the government, Mehbooba said everybody seems to be interested in personal comforts only without taking an overview of how the state should develop in an era of competition and high expectations.

She said in future elections people will have a clear choice and would not suffer for lack of options as in the past.

Addressing the gathering senior PDP leader Tariq Hameed Karra said that it was the people of Ganderbal who led the historic movement for change in 2002 and time has come for the conscious voters of this constituency to repeat it in 2014. He said with the support of the state’s people and given its pro-people agenda while PDP has shown a steady growth in the elections conducted between 1996 and 2008 moving up from one seat in 1996 to 21 in 2008, the National Conference on the other hand has shown a steady decline going down from 65 seats in 1996 to 28 in 2008 ‘because of its anti-people policies.’

He said the oldest party of the state which has had a monopoly over everything has now been fully exposed and discarded by the majority of people. “Its tumbling fortunes and its complete dependence on other parties is an indication that the party is reaching end of its road,” he said.

He said it was not only the constituencies represented by opposition that the government was victimizing in respect of development but the governance crisis was taking a toll in all areas and regions of the State. “All major projects and schemes started by the previous coalition government have been shelved or become a victim of inefficiency, red tape and corruption,” he said and added that the government had been unable to continue the momentum of development started in 2003. Major interventions like the Prime Minister's package and ADB funding had gone into problems as a result of casual approach of the present dispensation.

PDP leaders Qazi Mohammad Afzal, Basir Ahmad Mir, Shaheen, Mushtaq Ahmad and Irfan Naqashbandi also addressed the gathering.

Leaders.........

separatist leaders in the dialogue process but on the other he issues a statement that separatist leaders have hidden links with different agencies.”

“Such kind of statement can prove a hurdle in the dialogue process between centre and separatists. Omar should realize that as a Chief Minister he is not supposed to say everything publicly which can prove derogatory,” Beig told KNS. Pertinently on Friday Mirwiaz at Jamia Masjid had said that Hurriyat will write letters to Indian Prime Minister and Pakistan Prime Minister and urge them to start a meaningful dialogue process for Kashmir resolution and also convey to both countries that Hurriyat will become part of result-oriented dialogue process aimed at resolving the Kashmir issue.

Empty..........

it pay the bills of contractors when it even doesn’t pay to its permanent employees,” an employee said.

Scores of claimants are complaining that they are awaiting payments for months but everyday they return disappointed. “My General Provident Fund bill is gathering dust as there is no money available in the treasury,” one of the government employees said adding that he was expecting that government would release his payment as Eid is advancing.

Despite repeated attempts, Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather could not be contacted.

Clashes..........

fellow is involved in so many militancy related activities.

He is behind every stone-pelting incident occurred in Palhalan area as he distributes money amoung youth and instigate them for stone-pelting,” Singh said adding that the police have ample evidences to prove his involvement.

A police official told CNS that at least 8 FIR’s have been registered against Nazir Ahmed Tantray this year for disrupting peace in the area. “We have registered at least 8 FIR numbers vide 26, 27,29,32,46,47,89,182/2013 against him and he has been charged under section 307,332 and 427 of RPC,” he said.

Daily

Shortage..........

suffering as the government is not bothering even to inquire about the situation. Similarly, in North, South and Central Kashmir most people were left to fend for themselves with the Public Distribution system almost completely collapsed.

People said the government instead of trotting out statistics should try to reach out to people during these holy days and take special measures for solution of this grave problem.

Meanwhile, all the ration depots of Kashmir Valley remained closed on Saturday as the CAPD employees had gone on strike on promotion issues. “The CAPD employees for their petty interests make people suffer during the holy month of Ramadhan.

Geelani..........

times repeatedly under PSA for the same allegations,” he said. “Those sentenced for life imprisonment include Dr Mohammad Qasim Faktoo, Ghulam Qadir Bhat, Dr Mohammad Shafi Khan, Mohammad Ayub Dar, Mohammad Ayoub Mir, Nazir Ahmad Sheikh , Mohammad Amin Dar, Mohammad Sayeed Butt, Fayaz Ahmed Tantray, Noor Mohammad, Mohammad Amin Wani, Engineer Farooq Ahmad, Mohammad Ishaq Palla, Shabir Ahmad Bhat, Mushtaq Ahmed Malla, Feroz Ahmad Bhat and Javiad Ahmad Khan.”

The Hurriyat (G) chairman said that the pro freedom personalities lodged in Tihar jail include leader of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, Dr Tariq Ahmed Dar, Mohammad Amin Shah, Mohammad Hussain, Abdul Majid Magray and Farooq Ahmad Daga. He said that Kashmir is a political issue and figures among the states declared as conflict zones and “as a matter of fact all those people related to this conflict are to be treated in the category of political prisoners and according to international law, prosecution under criminal laws and therefore the sentences awarded are not justified.”

While demanding the immediate release of all detainees he said that it has been proved “Omar Abdullah leads a most weak and incompetent administration and till date he is not able to release even a single prisoner.”

“All the matters are being dealt by Home Ministry of India and even a peon can oppose any move in this regard,” he claimed. While referring to the statement of SSP Srinagar wherein he had said that 15 percent of youth have been arrested and police is looking for remaining 85 percent, Geelani expressed his concern and said, “It is ironical that on one hand the announcement with respect to a few prisoners are being announced and same time a fresh arrest drive has been started by Kashmir police. Authorities have imposed martial law like restrictions.”

Geelani expressed his grief that callous policy in relation to prisoners is being implemented and added that Amir Hamza, Abdul Gani Bhat and Sheikh Altaf and other scores of pro freedom leaders were arrested after the Gool Ramban tragedy.

Meanwhile, Geelani has expressed his concern and grief against the use of pellet gun and expressed his sympathy with injured youth. He said that administration responsible for creating chaos and there is no justification of deployment of heavy contingent of CRPF and police and blamed that administration is creating a war like situation in city. While justifying the resentment of youth Geelani said, “Since these two forces were involved in large scale massacre in 2008 and 2010 and there is enough reason for hatred against these.”

Disappointment..........

for those at the helm of affairs of BCCI but it matters a lot in the Kashmir valley and can be utilized and encashed by those elements who always advised the youths not to believe the entrust worthy Indian polity.

Non- selection of Parvez will have long time adverse effects on the psyche of youths and is in no way in the best interests of the country.

Prof Dabla awarded prestigious fellowship by ICSSR Srinagar, August 03: Noted social scientist and researcher of the valley and Head, Department of Sociology University of Kashmir Prof B.A Dabla has been awarded the prestigious Maulana Azad National Fellowship for Studies in Religion and Society by the Indian Council of Social Science Research, Ministry of Human Resource D e v e l o p m e n t , Government of India, New Delhi.

A communication no F.No.1-1/2013-14/N.F dated 29th July, 2013 issued by the ministry of

ZABARWAN TIMES

PDP’s road-map is a key to address political aspirations of people of J&K: Mufti Srinagar, August 03: Terming Peoples Democratic Party’s road map as a key to address political and socioeconomic aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, patron of PDP Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Saturday said that the tested and competent leadership of his party has capability to change destiny of the common masses by implementing revolutionary policies and programmes.

Addressing an public meeting in Islamabad in connection with the foundation day function of the party, Mufti said that with the strength of just 16 MLAs in 2002, PDP had changed political discourse of the State and restored dignity and honour of the people Jammu and Kashmir.

“It was result of our convictions that successive governments at New Delhi had supported whenever steps we had taken during our tenure”, he said and reminded that the previous NDA regime headed by Atal Behari Vajpayee and present UPA government headed by Dr Manmohan Singh had endorsed PDP’s view point on Kashmir.

He further said that his party has pioneered a political and economic agenda to establish sustainable peace

in the subcontinent and to fulfill wishes and aspirations of all regions and sub-regions of the State. “Our party, through its pro-peace policies, had consolidated reconciliation process and facilitated the efforts of establishing lasting peace in this region”, he said.

He mentioned that PDP had entered into alliance with Congress by formulating a Common Minimum Programme (CMP) in which wishes of all people were incorporated and propeace agenda was given first priority.

He said that unlike other parties, PDP has never compromised with its agenda for enjoying power.

Quoting CMP which was formulated after PDP-Congress coalition government in the State in 2002, Mufti said that almost all objectives of PDP including release of all political prisoners, disbanding of notorious Special Task Force, initiating unconditional dialogue with all sections of the society, restore dignity and honour of people etc were incorporated in the CMP. “After getting power, we released all political prisoners and disbanded the notorious Special Task Force (STF) to restore confidence among the masses”, he

Masked men terrorize people in Chenab Valley Doda, August 03: The suspicious masked men have let loose a reign of terror in Muslim populated areas of Chenab Valley. People alleged that unknown masked men along with weapons knock at the doors of people during Sehri and Night prayers. “All around there is chaos in Thatri Tehsil.

Masked men appear in Kishtwar, Badharwah and Doda districts as well.

Muslim populated areas are being terrorized by these suspicious masked men,” one of the residents of Thatri Thesil told CNS adding that from last one week these unknown masked men are continuously appearing in scores of hamlets of Chenab Valley including Zanri, Jangalwar, Faksu, Khanpora, Trinkli, Kahra, Kencha, Bhatyas, Bonjah, Saroor and Drabshalla.

Reports said that these unknown masked men knock at the doors and create fearful sounds.

“Few masked men a few days back entered into a house when people were busy in offering night

said and added that the promises made with the people were fulfilled by the PDP. He recalled that before 2002 there was a sense of fear and insecurity among the masses but after formation of PDP-Congress government peace was restored to a large extent. PDP was formed in 1999 with an aim to restore peace and to uphold dignity and honour of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “Aim of PDP is not to attain power but to address grievances of the people,” he said and observed that biggest achievement of his party was that it had connected itself with the common masses and restored confidence of the people in democratic institutions. Seeking support of the people to make Jammu and Kashmir as an Island of Peace, Mufti said that with the mandate of the people PDP would take its pro-peace agenda to the logical conclusion. He said that PDP’s roadmap has potential to solve problems of unemployed youth because this roadmap was prepared by incorporating aspirations of all sections of the society. PDP patron also promised to establish a full-fledged university, opening of medical college and construction of fly-overs in Islamabad.

Endoscopic surgery for neurological disorder started at SKIMS

prayers and they tried to kidnap a child from the house, however, the hue Srinagar, August 03: Sher-e- foreign body intervention as and cry raised by the Kashmir Institute of Medical a g a i n s t c o n v e n t i o n a l women folk forced these Sciences (SKIMS) Soura has procedure. The procedure is men to retreat from the started endoscopic (shunt more economical and has village,” one of the less) surgery for Hydrocep better patient satisfaction,” halus , a neurologi cal h e s a i d . D r R a m z a n residents said.

“Their motive is to disorder in which there is elaborated that conventional terrorize the people. We excessive accumulation of surgical procedure called are surprised why these water in brain (Cerebro Ventricular-Peritoneal Shunt masked men appear in spinal fluid. According to is embedded with high Muslim areas only. May PRO SKIMS two successful failure rate of about 50 be they don’t enter Hindu surgeries have been conducted percent and in this shunts hamlet because of the so far by Neuro surgery Deptt. used in patients need to be presence of VDC’s there. “New procedure has been revised. “In the conventional There are no VDC’s in started with set up of advanced procedure drain is put up to Muslim hamlets and even equipment’s at department,” divert excessive water in the Officials don’t allow she said. HOD Neurosurgery brain from the ventricular Dr Altaf U Ramzan informed system to the peritoneal Muslims to make use of two successful surgeries cavity in the abdomen, while licensed guns,” using shunt less procedure as in endoscopic surgery, an Mohammad Talib told were done few days back and opening is made in the CNS. People in Chenab the patients were discharged blocked ventricular system Valley believe that it is an next day. “The procedure and the CSF pathway is attempt to divert the involves less chances of established which is more attention of the people infection as there is no efficient procedure,” he said. from the case of fake encounter specialist Shiv Kumar. “He is involved in so many innocent killings and we firmly believe that an atmosphere is being created to make police believe that militants are still present in Muslim areas so that Shiv kumar could be assigned the job to face them,” said Irshad Ahmed.

S.W

11 Sunday, 04 August 2013 From Front Page........

Human Resources Development issued in favor of Prof Dabla by Member Secretary Prof Dr Ramesh Dadhich reads “It is a matter of great honour and pleasure to communicate to you that the Indian Council of Social Science Research feels proud to offer you the Maulana Azad National Fellowship (for studies in religion and Society)of the council.”

The communication further reads that the fellowship stands as the only prestigious fellowship in the country in the field of social sciences.

Police seizes unused seed bags in Bandipora

Bandipora, August 03: In the ongoing investigation in Bandipora seed scam police on Saturday searched two stores of Agricultural Department where they found unused 216 bags of seeds. Sources said police searched agricultural store in Bonkoot and Nadihal to ascertain the records

submitted by department to police earlier when scam was exposed. Though the Agricultural Department claimed that the seeds found in stores were surplus supplies, however, sources told KNS that the Department had failed to distribute the seeds with the stipulated time.

Owner, Printer, Publisher & Editor-n-Chief: Suhail Malik, RNI No: JKBIL/2011/39764, Email: zabarwantimes@gmail.com Published from: Govt. Quarters (M-13) Magarmal Bagh Srinagar -190001, J&K, Printed at: Sangarmal Offset Press Humhama Sheikhpora Tele/Fax: 2478370 Cell No: 09999964750, 9796787844

NEWS

Daily ZABARWAN TIMES

Srinagar |Sunday

Sagar reviews Shab-i-Qadr and Eid arrangements SRINAGAR AUGUST 03To ensure fool proof for ensuing Shabi Qadir and Eid–ul-Fitr, the Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Ali Mohammad Sagar convened a meeting of Divisional Administration here Saturday, in which threadbare discussion was held to ensure availability of ration and other essentials including cooking gas, sugar and power supply potable water and other facilities.

Sagar asked the Chief Engineer PHE to ensure adequate water supply to people during the auspicious day. He directed the chief Engineer, Electric Maintenance Rural Electrification Kashmir to make arrangements for better power supply especially during the holy days of Shab-i-Qadir and Eid-ul-Fitr. He asked Chief Engineer Maintenance and Srinagar Municipal Corporation to work in close co-ordination while installing Street Lights in Srinagar city to ensure proper lighting system in city lanes and drains.

Sagar while reviewing stock position of essentials was told that adequate stock of essentials are available in CA & PDS godowns .He directed the authorities of CA & PDS to ensure supply of 3 kgs sugar instead of 2 kgs to the consumers in view of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Minister also reviewed Traffic arrangements. He was told that traffic department has formulated a new traffic plan which would be

Taurus April 20-May 20

Jump into action with energy today, Taurus. Order others around and delegate tasks for a change. An aggressive approach is what’s needed, and you have the ability to deliver the goods. Trying to do everything yourself may seem like a great idea at first, but you’re better off enlisting help so others can feel more involved and you can concentrate on doing a better job on fewer tasks.

put to use from August 6, 2013. He directed the Municipal authorities to ensure cleanliness in and around mosques and shrines especially Jamia Masjid Srinagar. Dargah Hazratbal, Ziyarat-

Interview dates for candidates of Anantnag district notified

Gemini

i-Dastigeer Sahib, Khan-i- Khah-iMoulla etc.

He asked concerned officers of the health department to set up medical and first aid centres in the respective localities.

sioner, Kupwara, who is also the head of the District Level Committee (DLC) has released an amount of Rs. 42.09 lakhs for militancy affected families as first installment from April to July 2013 during the current fiscal.It was given out that the Social Welfare department is providing financial benefits to the 1403 registered beneficiaries through Bank advices under the scheme.

Arrangements for Shab-e-Qadr, Eid-ul-Fitr finalized at Sopore

BARAMULLA, AUGUST 03: A meeting to review arrangement for the smooth celebration of Holy days like Shab-e-Qadr and Eidul-Fitr was held under the Chairmanship of Sub Divisional Magistrate, Sopore, Mohammad Hanief Balkhi at Tehsil headquarter Saturday.

Mosque would also have a 162 feet high Minaret and parks to add splendour to its grandeur.With centrally Air conditioned facility, the Mosque, having the capacity of 12,000 to 15,000 Namazies, would also have elevator and inbuilt audio- system.

The project was started in the mid of 2012 and would be completed within two years.The Minister directed the Auqaf Islamia to expedite the pace of construction work ensuring its timely completion. He said that the completion of this projects would added new look and prove fruitful for promotion of business activities in the area. Wani also interacted with the locals and get

Takes stock of pace of construction work

first hand appraisal of their problems.

He said that the demands including installation of high mast lights and rehabilitation of shopkeepers shifted from adjacent to the Mosque would be looked into and addressed on priority.Giving brief account of the pace of progress on the project, the Minister was apprised that the construction of ground floor is completed and the work on the other portion is going on in full

ANANTNAG, AUGUST 03: On the initiate instruction of Director General Prisons, an Iftaar Party was arranged in District Jail Anantnag by Superintendent District Jail, wherein prisoners lodged in the Jail were provided an opportunity to have joint Iftaar Party with Jail Staff, CRPF personnel, District Administration as well as with Judiciary of District Anantnag.Jail inmates were overwhelmed on seeing the response shown by the District Administration and offered Magrib prayers jointly.Jail inmates interacted with the guests especially CJM Anantnag and Chief Prosecuting Officers Anantnag and put forth their demands mainly pertaining to early disposal of their cases.

ANANTNAG, AUGUST 03:-

ing paddy fields in consultation with set water committees, SHO and concerned Tehsildar. Minister urged the authorities for strictly adhering to the roster so that no law and order problem arises.

Minister urged the CAPD officers for making available the essential commodities and LPG to all ration card holders and the uncovered families.Minister urged upon the officers to take special note of backward and hilly areas keeping in view the coming sacred days. He also directed

to intensify market checking for preventing hoar trading besides urging PDD officials to provide uninterrupted electric supply.Minister directed the health officers to arrange for better medical facilities at far flung and hilly areas otherwise defaulters will have to face music of the authorities.Minister also directed the Executive officers of Municipalities to ensure cleanliness in and around the mosques and Idd-Gahs besides streets and main markets.

DC Ganderbal reviews arrangements for celebration of Shab-e-Qadr and Eid-ul-Fitr

The Deputy Commissioner directed the Tehsildars to liaise with the civil society and ensure that their problems are redressed.It was also decided in the meeting that Fisheries Department shall set up 4 sale outlets of Trout and Carp, one each at Mamer, Margund and mobile van at Ganderbal and Lar during the festival. Assistant Director Fisheries was also directed to keep fish available at 84 private fish rearing units which are running successfully in the district to provide fish to consumers at reasonable rates.

It was also decided that Animal Husbandry Department shall set up chicken mobile sale outlets in all three Tehsils of the District where broilers shall be sold at rates which will be Rs. 5/- less than the Government notified rates.

swing. The half portion of ground floor stands refurbished for the convenience of Namazies to offer prayers, the Minister was informed. Earlier, the Minister visited Eid Gah and took stock of the arrangements being prepared for offering Eid Namaz on the auspicious occasion of Eid. He went round the ground and directed the concerned for maintaining hygienic environ in and around the Eid Gah ground.

Superintendent of District Jails Anantnag, Baramulla host Iftaar Party for Jail inmates

Peerzada for adequate supply of essential commodities in Anantnag on Shabi-Qadar, Idd-ul-Fitr

the traders union that dust bins shall be provided to the shopkeepers so that they maintain cleanliness in and around their shops. Electric Department was directed to maintain uninterrupted power supply on Shab-e-Qadr.Market checking squads headed by Tehsildars were directed to intensify market checking. They were also advised to take along representatives from the Traders Union during market checking.

It was also decided that any person having any complaint regarding the rates and quality of items being sold in the market can contact Assistant Director CAPD Ganderbal during office hours on the contact number9419182181, Tehsildar Kangan 9858066606, Tehsildar Ganderbal 9419013788 and Tehsildar Lar 8803403461.

Sagar asked traffic department to ensure availability of round the clock transport facilities for the devotees on Shab-i-Qadr and Eid-ul-Fitr.

Wani visits Masjid Sharief Talab Khatikan

DLC Kupwara releases Rs. 42.09 lakhs to pension holders

The Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal convened a meeting of officers to review the arrangements being made for celebrations of Shab-eQadr and Eid-ul-Fitr. Officers from Revenue, UDD, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, CAPD, Transport, Food Safety and representatives from Traders Union Ganderbal and Transport Agencies also participated in the meeting.Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal directed Executive Officer, Municipal Committee Ganderbal to maintain cleanliness in and around the Eidgahs, mosques and markets in the district besides making functional the defunct street lights from Duderhama to Beehama. Deputy Commissioner also informed

Aries

The train is headed out, so you’d better hop on, Aries.

People won’t be too sympathetic to your emotional sob story today, so keep it quiet. Whining will most certainly get you kicked off the train altogether. The energy of today is teaching you to toughen up. Don’t take it personally, but realize that there are important lessons to learn. One is to know when to be silent and obedient.

Lone News Agency Kangan Khan News Agency Ganderbal Gulzar News Agency Soura Zahid Book Depot Chadoora Tariq News Agency Hawal Bashir News Agency Nowhatta Muzaffar Ali News Agency Alamgari Bazar Budshah News Agency Lal Chowk Abdullah News Agency Lal Chowk Sikendar News Agency Lal Chowk Gupkari News Agency Lal Chowk Raina News Agency Gund Kangan ANANTNAG, AUGUST 03: According to the Regal GeneralChowk Manager, Khan News Agency Rashid News Agency Dalgate District Industries Centre, Anantnag, all the candidates of AnantSheikh News Agency Hyderpora Hilal News Agency Budgam nag district, who have submitted applications on prescribed forLoneEmployment News Agency Tangmarg Bhat News Agency Chadoora mat under Prime Minister’s Generation Programme (PMEGP) for establishment of their incomeMagam generating units Bhat News Agency Zargar News Agency JAMMU, AUGUST 03:- Kunzar during 2013-14 are informed to appear for interview Dar News Agency Beerwahbefore the Bashir News Agency Sumbal District Level Task Force Committee.The interview for the candiMinisterNews for Roads & Buildings Reshiand News Agencyshall Safapora Saleem Agency Pattan and dates of Breng, Khoveripora Dachnipora be conducted Mechanical Engineering Abdul Majid Basharat News Agency Bandipora Reyaz News Agency Pampore on August 05, 2013 and the candidates of Anantnag and Achabal Wani Saturday visited Talab Khatikan Shangus shall be interviewed on August 07, 2013 while the interAltaf News Agency Pulwama NewsofAgency andJavaid took stock the paceQazigund of progress view of the candidatesJeelani from Duroo and Qazigund shall be conon G.M the re-construction on the hisNews Agency Baramulla News Agencywork Sopore ducted on August 08, 2013 toric Jamia Masjid there.Spreading over Shah News Agency Kupwara Sultan News Agency Handwara 6 kanals of land, the 3-storied upcomYounis News Agency Langate Islamabad ingSheikh Mosque,News beingAgency constructed at an esReshi News Agency Islamabad Threecost Way Agency Tral timated of News Rs.5 crore by the Auqaf Islamia, of its own resources, Turray News Agency Tral BadruJammu News Agency Bijbehara would have 28,000 square feet inbuilt Rahi News Agency Kulgam Malik News Agency Arwani area.Set to be one of the unique archiKUPWARA, AUGUSTRah 03: News The District Development CommisAgency Byepass Shaheen News Kargil the tecture in this part Agency of the country,

GANDERBAL, AUGUST 03

HOROSCOPE March 21-April 19

Zabarwan Times is available at

Minister for Hajj Auqaf, Public enterprises and Floriculture Peerzada Mohammad Syed Saturday directed the district administration Anantnag to ensure hassle free supply of essential commodities on the eve of holi days of Shabi-Qadar and Idd-ul-Fitr. He also took a detailed review of the ongoing developmental works in Breng constituency at meeting held at Dak Banglow Anantnag.District Development Commissioner Anantnag Dr. Farooq Ahmad Lone and all concerned district officers and engineers were present in the meeting.All the developmental works of PHE, PDD and other allied sectors were discussed threadbare and the bottlenecks confronting different schemes were sorted out on the spot. Minister released an amount of Rs. 10 lacs on spot for procuring water pipes to be utilized by PHE department for providing drinking water facility wherever necessary in the Breng constituency. He urged the Irrigation authorities to formulate a roster for irrigat-

04 .8.2013

DHSK for mass-awareness about the significance of breast feeding World Breasting Feeding week being observed at Dental College, Srinagar SRINAGAR, AUGUST 03: World Breast Feeding week which commenced from August 01 was Saturday observed at Government Dental College, Srinagar here Saturday was organized by Directorate Health Services, Kashmir and Chief Medical Officer, Srinagar.

Director, Health Services, Kashmir, Dr. Saleem-ur-Rehman who was the chief guest on the occasion while speaking highlighted the significance of breast feeding and emphasized that breast feeding promotes health for both mother and the infant besides prevents various diseases adding that breast milk is made from the nutrients of mothers blood stream besides contains fats, sugar, water and proteins in adequate proportions required for the growth and development of the baby.

He said that during breast feeding antibodies are also been passed to the baby through mother’s milk besides breast milk contains several anti infective factors such as bile salt stimulated lipase which protects against amoebic infections and Lactoferrin.

Urging for creating awareness among the lactating mothers to adopt breast feeding for more than six months, Dr. Saleemur-Rehman informed that breast feeding is associated with the increased cognitive development of a child.

A large number of doctors present on the occasion also spoke on the significance of breast feeding.

Nazool-i-Quraan Conference held at Ganderbal Speakers urge to follow the teachings of Quraan

present while as Former Chief Secretary and Chairman Management Committee Ziyarat Syed Qamar-u-din Bukhari (RA), Shiekh Ghulam Rasool

that teachings of Quraan guide us at every step of life.

Speakers said that the teachings of Islam have become more relevant in Sat-

Guard your heart well today, Gemini. It’s a prime target for the abrasive words being tossed around. Your sensitivity leaves you feeling alone and naked in the harsh atmosphere.

You might be better off staying in bed. If you decide to go out, be prepared. Know your weaknesses so you can use your energy resources most efficiently.

Cancer June 22-July 22

A position involving power and authority is opening up, and you’re the perfect one for the job, Cancer. Today’s astrological aspect is helping you find the necessary confidence and physical strength. You have the emotional and physical boost you need to feel good about your leadership abilities.

This is a time to take control of the situation.

Leo

July 23-August 22 Sticks and stones may break your bones, but names will never hurt you, Leo. The problem with today’s energy is that there just may be some sticks and stones tossed in your direction. Be on the lookout for such airborne adversity. Powerful forces are operating with emotional aggression. War can break out if you aren’t careful. Try to maintain the peace.

You may need to seek shelter.

Virgo August 23-September 22

Emotionally speaking, things might get tense for you today as others demonstrate a rather selfish attitude, Virgo.

Remember that selfishness isn’t always considered negative.

Sometimes it’s healthy and necessary to take on a self-centered role. Remember that you need to take care of number one at all times. Don’t try to pick a fight when other people also demonstrate this behavior.

Libra

September 23-October 23

You might be quite stirred by the general energy today, Libra. “Stirred” may be too light a word. Put on your armor and get ready to do battle. Others may cower when they see what’s going on outside, but you will want to jump into the fray. Strong emotions are the weapons of the day. Everyone knows that you have a strong arsenal in this department.

Scorpio

October 24-November 21

Move in for the kill today, Scorpio. Don’t stop until you succeed. Don’t let other people’s insecurities become yours.

Have confidence in yourself and the way you act around others. Just because someone else feels sad, that doesn’t mean you have to just to make him or her feel better. The best thing you can do is turn the situation around by exhibiting happiness and a fun-loving attitude.

Sagittarius November 22-December 21

Now is the perfect time to say something you’ve been meaning to say for quite a while, Sagittarius. Get it out in the open. Keeping it inside is only eating away at your internal mechanisms. Stop worrying about the consequences and make the move. Today is a day to be bold and aggressive.

Other people might respond similarly, so if you dish it out, be sure you can take it.

Capricorn December 22-January 19

Your opinions might be the focus of conversation all day, Capricorn. You have a very strong will that you aren’t afraid to express. You will get that chance. Enlighten others with your wealth of knowledge. Take control of the conversation and accept the mental challenge of trying to win other people over to your side. Whether you’re successful or not, you will have a good time trying.

Aquarius January 20-February 18

GANDERBAL, AUGUST, 03 One-day Nazool-i-Quraan Conference, organized by Qamria Model Higher Secondary Educational Institute, Saloora Ganderbal, was held here Saturday. A large number of people including religious scholars, academicians and students from different schools of the district participated.

The topic of the conference was “Quraan ka paigam insaniyat kay Naam”.

On the occasion, prominent religious scholars, who included MoulanaRiyaz-ulHaq Noorabaadi, Moulana Bilal Ahmad Kirmani and Prof.

Bashir Ahmad Nehvi were

May 21-June 21

Your sensitive heart may be touched by anger today, Aquarius. Don’t be afraid of hurting other people’s feelings as you express this emotion. You’d be doing yourself and other people a disservice by not revealing the true scope of your emotions. The other parties involved may not have all the facts necessary to make the most educated decision. Aid this process by revealing your perspective.

presided over the function.

During the Conference, the speakers threw light on the topic and unanimously said Quraan is the complete guideline and code of conduct for the humanity. Stressing for following the teachings given in Quran, the speakers said

urday’s context and people, especially youth, should follow them strictly for living a disciplined and contending life. They said that the Quraan preaches compassion, tolerance, brotherhood and love which are much needed in the present times.

Pisces

February 19-March 20

You might feel a great deal of physical power today, Pisces. If someone asks you to help move a couch, you’re likely to be able to pick the whole thing up by yourself. Don’t sell yourself short. You have more internal strength than you reveal to others. There’s no need to hide it any longer. Make use of this great power.

Editorial/Opinion Zabarwan Times Sunday, 04 August 2013

T

he latest verbal dual between two coalition partners in the state are indicative of the fact that everything between NC and Congress is not going well.

Anybody could easily conclude that despite rhetoric’s of the senior leadership of both the parties, the sailing is not smooth. The trading of harsh words against each other to the extent of personal attacks shows that the two are tolerating each other because of certain compulsions. Both know that the coming state assembly elections will not be an easy task in most of the areas where PDP, BJP and other smaller parties have their presence.

Both want a coalition of sorts but at the same time dominance on each other.

National Conference due to its poor show seems to be loosing ground. It is because of this that they want to continue the alliance despite targeting the state level leadership whom it calls defectors, turn coats and chameleons, because of their past. As far as state congress leadership at present is concerned, it is a house in disorder and everybody has formed his own group.

Mainly, two groups presently at war path are either followers of Union Health Minister G. N. Azad, or PCCI Chief S. D. Soz. The Congress on its own too face a daunting task in absence of a leader who could keep the flock together, have the public support in all the three regions of the state and could lead the party to a decisive victory. Except Ghulam Nabi Azad, there is nobody who commands respect in the party as well as amongst the masses. The former chief minister considered to be a stalwart at National level can turn the tide in favour of congress provided he is assigned the task and if he is willing to return to the state politics. The coalition between congress and NC seems to be heading for a break-up and the present campaign of both the parties against each other clearly exhibits their mindset.

The state congress leadership which is being targeted by NC is following the footsteps of PDP as it issues similar statements, with similar approach to different issues indicating that at state level either an understanding has been reached or is about to be reached. The earlier assertion of PDP leaders to extend unconditional support to congress, if it breaks up from NC and makes anybody chief minister other than G.N.Azad, can be viewed as an indicator of its future strategy viz-a-viz congress. Infact, PDP also wants to gain ground and exploit the feud between NC and Congress for its political gains irrespective of the fact whether it is sincere towards congress or not.

Whatever the PDP presently seems to be relishing the exchange of “pleasantries” between the two parties!

ZABARWAN TIMES 9

Sunday, 04 August 2013

Financial Inclusion to Bring Every Household in Banking Ambit

The Daily

NC, Congress on war path

Daily

F

inancial Inclusion is meant to extend financial services to the large hitherto un-served population of the country to unlock its growth potential. In addition, it strives towards a more inclusive growth by making financing available to the poor in particular. The Prime Minister in his Independence Day speech this year had announced that “it will be our endeavour to ensure that all households benefit from bank accounts in the next 2 years”.

Keeping in view the banking facilities being extended under “Swabhimaan” and the campaign launched that every household has at least one bank account, it is expected to achieve the target by August, 2014.

Bank Branch Network There are 93,659 branches of Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) functioning in the country as on 31st March, 2012, out of which 34,671(37.02%) branches are in rural areas, 24,133(25.77%) are in semi-urban areas, 18,056(19.28%) in urban areas and 16,799(17.93%) are in metropolitan area.

Opening of Bank Branches In view of the continued need for opening of branches in rural areas for increasing banking penetration and financial inclusion, the Government had issued detailed strategy and guidelines on financial inclusion in October 2011, advising banks to open branches in all habitations of 5,000 or more population in under-banked districts and 10,000 or more population in other districts. By end of June 2012, 1,237 branches (including Ultra Small Branches) have been opened in these areas.

Branch Expansion Plan of RRBs With a view to make Financial Inclusion Plan effective and expand the outreach of banking services in unbanked/under banked rural areas, the RRBs were required to work out branch expansion plan for 2011-12 and 2012-13 with 10% increase over previous year. The RRBs had fixed targets of 1247 branches to be opened during 2011-12. RRBs opened 913 branches against this target. This was short

I

of target but was a sharp increase compared to 521branches opened during 2010-11 and 299 in 2009-10. For 2012-13, a target of 1845 new branches has been fixed.

Policy For Opening RRB Branches Liberalised Reserve Bank of India vide its circular dated 1st August, 2012 has liberalised the Branch Licensing policy of RRBs and has allowed RRBs to open branches in Tier 2 to, 6 centres (with population up to 99,999 as per Census 2001) without the need to take permission from the Reserve Bank in each case, subject to reporting, provided they fulfil the certain conditions. RRBs not fulfilling the conditions will have to continue to approach RBI / NABARD, as hitherto. Opening of branches by RRBs in Tier 1 centres (centres with population of 100,000 and above as per Census 2001) will also continue to require prior permission of Reserve Bank of India.

“Swabhimaan” - The Financial Inclusion Campaign In order to further extend the reach of banking to the rural hinterland, banks were advised to provide appropriate banking facilities to habitations having population in excess of 2000 by March, 2012 using various models and technologies including branchless banking through Business Correspondent Agents (BCAs). This Financial Inclusion Campaign named “Swabhimaan” was formally launched by the Government in February, 2011. Banking facilities to 74,194 such villages have been provided and about 3.16 crore financial accounts have been opened under this Campaign by end of March, 2012. Further, in terms of Finance Minister's Budget Speech 2012-13 it has been decided to extend the “Swabhimaan” campaign to habitations with population of more than 1000 in North Eastern and hilly States and to other habitations which have crossed population of 2,000 as per census 2011.

Accordingly about 45,000 such habitations have been identified to be covered under the extended “Swabhimaan” campaign.

Establishment of Ultra Small Branches Considering the need for close supervision and mentoring of the business correspondent agents by the respective banks and to ensure that a range of banking services are available to the residents of such villages, it has been decided that Ultra Small Branches(USBs) be set up in all villages covered through BCAs. These USBs would comprise of a small area of 100200 sq. feet where the officer designated by the bank would be available with a laptop on pre-determined days. While the cash services would be offered by the BCAs, the bank officer would offer other services, undertake field verification and follow up the banking transactions. The periodicity and duration of visits can be progressively enhanced depending upon business potential in the area.

Banking Facilities in Unbanked Blocks With a view to provide banking facilities in unbanked blocks, the Government in July, 2009 identified 129 unbanked blocks, of which 91 blocks were in North East States and 38 in other States. With the persistent efforts of the Government, the number of unbanked blocks were brought down to 71 as on 31.3.2011, and

by March 2012, banking facilities have been provided in all the unbanked blocks either through Brick and Mortar Branches or Business Correspondents Model or mobile banking, etc.

Opening of One Bank Account Per Family In order to ensure electronic transfer of cash subsidies directly into the accounts of the beneficiaries under the various Schemes of the Central Government and State Governments, it is important that the beneficiaries have an account in the service area bank. Accordingly, banks have been advised that the service area bank in rural areas and banks assigned the responsibility in specific wards in urban area ensure that every household has at least one bank account.

Advisory Committee The Reserve Bank has constituted a high

level Financial Inclusion Advisory Committee (FIAC) to spearhead the efforts toward greater financial conclusion.

The collective expertise and experience of the members of the committee is expected to explore issues, such as developing viable and sustainable banking services delivery models focusing on accessible and affordable financial services, developing products and processes for rural as well as urban consumers presently outside the banking net work and suggest appropriate regulatory framework to ensure that financial inclusion and financial stability move in tandem. The Committee is to be chaired by Dr. K.C. Chakrabarty, Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India and will comprise eleven members, from banking and finance sector, including Shri D.K. Mittal, Secretary Department of Financial services, Ministry of Finance, Government of India. The Committee, if necessary, would call other market players like corporate business correspondents, technology vendors etc., as special invitees to the meetings. Since the financial inclusion model selected in India is primarily bank-led, the Financial Inclusion Advisory Committee may also invite the chairperson managing directors of banks to each of its meetings to gather the perspective of banks.

There has been a significant, albeit slow, progress towards greater financial inclusion. However, ensuring accessible and affordable financial services in all the 6 lakh villages in India is a herculean task and given the enormity of the task, a lot of ground still needs to be covered. This calls for a partnership of all the stakeholders-the Reserve Bank, other sectoral regulators like the Securities and Exchange Board of India, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority, the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development; banks; governments; civil society and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) etc.

Data Security and India-Eu Trade Negotiations

t is said that data is the new raw material of business; it is the new oil which fuels the business and livelihood on this planet.

Technological progress and globalization have profoundly changed the way our data is collected, accessed and used. “Data is a precious thing and will last longer than the systems themselves,” say Tim BernersLee. As we know that India- EU relations go back to the early 1960s. India was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the (then) European Economic Community (EEC).

India-EU relations have grown exponentially from what used to be mostly a trade and economic issues driven relationship to one covering all areas of interaction. The two sides have agreed on a Strategic Partnership and adopted a Joint Action Plan. Today, EU is one of our largest trading partners, and an important source of technology and home to a large and influential Diaspora. While trade and investment still continue to be an important aspect of our bilateral relationship, the relations stand qualitatively transformed as signified by our bilateral efforts to develop common approaches to addressing new and emerging challenges. On 25th January 2012, the European Commission proposed a comprehensive reform of the EU's 1995 data protection rules to strengthen online privacy rights and boost Europe's digital economy. The 27 EU Member States have implemented the 1995 rules differently, resulting in divergences in enforcement. A single law will do away with the current fragmentation and costly administrative burdens, leading to savings for businesses of around €2.3 billion a year. The initiative will help reinforce consumer confidence in online services, providing a much needed boost to growth, jobs and innovation in Europe.

India stated facing problems dealing with the multiplicity of laws and getting its

human resources into overseas to work especially in Euro zone. India is perceived as service economy. The high growth rate achieved by the Indian economy over the last decade has much to owe to the growth of services sector in the country. The services sector contributes around 30% of India’s total trade, around 40% to exports, and 25% of our imports. It accounts for more than 50% of FDI into the country.

Internationally, India has registered the highest growth rate of service exports in recent years, averaging around 27% during 2000-08 as against the world average of 14%.

In light of the above mentioned strengths we have positioned ourselves as a ‘demanders’ in Services negotiations at the WTO as well as in the bilateral FTA negotiations. The objective behind these negotiations is to secure maximum and effective market access for our services exports. Based on our comparative advantage our critical requests in the services areas have focused on getting meaningful commitments in Cross Border Supply (Mode 1) and Movement of Natural Persons (Mode 4). One of the areas of crucial interest to India is development of disciplines in Domestic Regulations involving qualifications and licensing requirements and procedures, without which Mode 4 access gets severely impeded. In November 2012 a bilateral meeting with the European Commissioner for Taxation and Customs Union, Audit and Anti-Fraud Mr. Algirdas Semeta, the Union Minister for Commerce, Industry & Textiles Shri Anand Sharma, highlighted the need for an early conclusion of ambitious and balanced Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) between India and EU. Shri Sharma stressed the agreement needs to be balanced and should address areas of core interest to India such as services through Mode 1 and Mode 4, agricultural market

access and disciplining of Sanitary and Phyto-sanitary (SPS) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) for translating concessions into effective market access.

He said that this is important both in terms of optics as well as for obtaining the requisite balance in the India-EU BTIA. Shri Sharma emphasized that in mode-1, India would need to be declared as data secure in order to provide access. The European Union is in the process of undertaking a study to assess whether India’s laws meet the EU directive. “It is our clear analysis that our existing law does meet the required EU standards. We would urge that this issue is sorted out quickly and necessary comfort in declaring India data secure in overall sense needs to be given as almost all the major Fortune -500 companies have trusted India with their critical data”, said Shri Sharma. With a number of recent reform measures in India, which includes, opening of multi-brand retail trading sector to foreign investors; introducing flexibility in conditions for FDI in single brand product retail trading; allowing FDI in power exchanges; increasing the limit of FDI in Broadcasting sector; allowing FDI through foreign airlines in Civil Aviation sector, Shri Sharma emphasized India’s attractiveness as investment destination in a whole range of sectors from infrastructure to food processing, renewable energy, clean technology, bio-technology, health care, among others. He also highlighted that EU being a union of over 20 countries has strengths in almost all areas in which India needs investment. “Many countries of the EU are particularly strong in state-of-art technology development including green and clean technology for manufacturing industry. Although, the EU accounts for close to 50% of the technical collaborations approved but there is scope for enhancing technology transfer in a range of manufacturing activities,” Shri Sharma,

added. The cumulative FDI inflows from EU to India are around USD 44.31 billion (April 2000 to July 2012), while on the other hand, the Indian direct investments in EU are of the order of about USD 20 billion (April 2004 –October 2009). It should also be noted that the FDI inflows from April 2011- March 2012, which stood at USD 46.8 billion, showed an increase of around 35 per cent over the last year.

The Minister also expressed happiness at the growing bilateral relations with the European Union, which is bound by common values based on a commitment to democracy, individual rights and sustainable development. While in 2010, the total trade between India and EU was USD 83.372 billion, it rose to to USD 110.268 billion in 2011. During January-September 2012 the bilateral trade stood at USD 76.511 billion. Generating data to secure regulatory approval in sectors, such as pharmaceuticals and agricultural chemicals in which product safety and efficacy is paramount, has become ever more extensive and expensive. There is thus a need to provide an incentive to undertake such data-generation efforts by protecting the investment in them against free riding.

Article 39.3 of the Agreement on TradeRelated Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) recognizes as an intellectual property right the need for such protection in those sectors. This chapter discusses how certain jurisdictions, and in particular the European Community, have implemented the TRIPS requirement involving regulatory data protection regimes. Such protection is not provided by the patent system, which instead protects invention.As the world stand on the cusp of financial recovery it is an opportunity to build upon and maximize our potential as an important economic power. The recent changes in the global economic landscape shows the epicenter of growth has finally moved to our time zone.

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

HE A L+H 58

ZABARWANTIMES ZABARWAN TIMES SUNDAY | 04 AUG 2013

‘Chewing betel leaf may help fight cancer’

Chewing ‘paan’ or betel leaf could help fight a form of bone marrow cancer, a group of Indian researchers say.

A molecule derived from betel leaf may be beneficial to patients suffering from a cancer in which the bone marrow makes too many white blood cells and the body refuses to respond to common drugs, said a study by scientists in Kolkata and Mumbai. An alcoholic extract of the betel leaves helps patients suffering from chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) -- the most common form of leukaemia in adults in India -- holding out hope of improved treatment.

The research was carried out by the Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (IICB), the Institute of Haematology and Transfusion Medicine, Kolkata, and Piramal Life Sciences, Mumbai. “We have conducted a study and seen that the compound hydroxychavicol

(HCH) is the major component of the alcoholic extract of the betel leaves and it might contribute, at least in part, to the observed antiCML activity of the leaf extract,” Santu Bandyopadhyay of the department of Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorders at IICB, an institute under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, told us. The research was based on a 2011 report in journal Frontiers in Bioscience (Elite Edition).

According to the study, published this year in the Cancer Science journal - the official journal of the Japanese Cancer Association - HCH and its analogues not only induced killing of the cancerous CML cells but also led to the death of the drug-resistant cancer cells with minimal harm to normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). PBMC are blood cells that are an important component of the immune sys-

tem. CML is principally an adult disease with a yearly incidence of one in 100,000 in India. Men are affected more often than women.

The slow-progressing blood and bone marrow disease usually occurs during or after the middle age, and rarely occurs in children.

The leukaemia cells can build up in the blood and bone marrow.

So there is less room for healthy white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. When this happens, infection, anaemia or easy bleeding may occur. So far, the drug imatinib has been used successfully to treat CML, but mutations have made the leukaemic cells unresponsive to the medicine. None of the available approved drugs has been effective in dodging the responsible mutation - called T315I. According to the report in Frontiers in Bioscience (Elite Edition), the alcoholic extract of paan leaves causes the imatinib-resistant cells to undergo a self-destructive process called apoptosis. The extract also shows activity against T315I mutation, the report said. Chewing ‘paan’ or betel leaf could help fight a form of bone marrow cancer, a group of Indian researchers say. A molecule derived from betel leaf may be beneficial to patients suffering from a cancer in which the bone marrow makes too many white blood cells and the body refuses to respond to common drugs, said a study by scientists in Kolkata and Mumbai.

An alcoholic extract of the betel leaves helps patients suffering from chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) -- the most common form of leukaemia in adults in India -- holding out hope of improved treatment. The research was car-

ried out by the Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (IICB), the Institute of Haematology and Transfusion Medicine, Kolkata, and Piramal Life Sciences, Mumbai. “We have conducted a study and seen that the compound hydroxychavicol (HCH) is the major component of the alcoholic extract of the betel leaves and it might contribute, at least in part, to the observed antiCML activity of the leaf extract,” Santu Bandyopadhyay of the department of Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorders at IICB, an institute under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, told us. The research was based on a 2011 report in journal Frontiers in Bioscience (Elite Edition).

According to the study, published this year in the Cancer Science journal - the official journal of the Japanese Cancer Association - HCH and its analogues not only induced killing of the cancerous CML cells but also led to the death of the drug-resistant cancer cells with minimal harm to normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). PBMC are blood cells that are an important component of the immune system.

CML is principally an adult disease with a yearly incidence of one in 100,000 in India. Men are affected more often than women.

The slow-progressing blood and bone marrow disease usually occurs during or after the middle age, and rarely occurs in children.

The leukaemia cells can build up in the blood and bone marrow.

So there is less room for healthy white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets.

6 Habits that give you a paunch

TOI lists out the things that contribute to your burgeoning waistline.

We tend to overlook on certain habits that affect our life. We list down seven such habits that give you a belly pudge and how you can get rid of the unwanted fat gathering around your increasing waistline...

Skipping meals When you skip meals, you end up overeating later and the fat inevitably finds a way to your midsection.

Make it a point to eat small to medium-sized meals every three to four hours daily. Says nutritionist Jivesh Shetty, "We have to trick our body into having smaller meals every two to three hours to keep our metabolic rate high, not making us feel hungry and binge later."Binge drinkingWhen you binge-drink, you are inviting flab to settle down on your mid-section. Alcohol contains lots of calories and you often tend to feel hungry while you are drinking. If you want to go out drinking

While FMCGs are happily focusing on the teens and youngsters to sell their goodies, it's the 40 plus consumer that has emerged as the clear winner in the beauty and skincare arena! Cosmetics makers such as Hindustan Unilever, L'Oreal and Procter & Gamble too are now focusing more on this graying, but ambitious segment. TOI gives you a lowdown on the way salons are treating this new-age royalty...Age-defying tacticsA FICCI report on the beauty industry released late last month says, India, with an increasingly affluent population, is likely to witness 'fast' growth from higher age segments.

"In the quest to look good, we have many swish Nagpurians coming to our salon for botox injections, fillers, stem facials and hair treatment," says Sapna Saxena of VLCC, and adds, "Fillers, which cost Rs 30,000 onwards and botox treatments, which start from Rs 10,000 on-

with friends, make sure you opt for red wine — it helps fight paunch. Nutritionist Namita Nanal, says, "The consumption of alcohol in moderation is fine during weight maintenance. You can choose to have wine as it is a rich source of antioxidants."Crazy about crunchesSit-ups tone the muscles and does not affect the layer of fat covering them. Doing 50 or 100 crunches will not make your jeans fitting loose. Instead of doing 50 crunches a day, it is advisable to jog or brisk walk in the park or

wards, have many takers.

After all, in this day and age, 40s are the new 20s and nobody wants crow's feet or lines on the face.

"Regal pampering"Since, skin is the first victim of ageing, people are ready to splurge on its maintenance," says Shruti Rajput of Lakme Salon, adding, "Sixty five percent of our clients in skincare segment are 40 plus women, whereas in haircare, we have 50 percent women in this age-bracket.

To have a hydrated, supple skin, they are ready to spend Rs 2500 onwards for each sitting. And the treatments last for two to three sittings on an average. Right from antipigmentation treatment to under eye treatment, Nagpurians today want the very best!"Holistic approachIt's not just the skin or hair-related problems, but also the need to stay well-groomed at all times, that's responsible for these regular pilgrimage to the salons, says Satnam Kaur

on the treadmill for half an hour daily to get rid of the belly pudge. Nanal says, "Only doing too much of crunches will not help. A proper combination of a good workout along with diet will help you to lose the fat faster."Consuming 'lite' products Remember that opting for sugar-free sweets, yoghurt, low-fat snacks or diet sodas will not help in the long run. These artificial sweeteners trigger your metabolism to increase the storage of fat.

Staying away from bread

of Kutz- the Salon.

She goes on to add: "From pedicure to manicure, to regular hair colouring, 40 plus, upwardly mobile people today have a holistic approach towards beauty. And it's a myth that women alone have a penchant for beauty treatments.

We have so many men coming over for expensive facials, hair colouring, manicures and spas."Vast market According to Mubarak Kanoje of Bellezza, there are three major players, and in all, 100 players Nagpur, which are catering to the beauty and skincare needs of Nagpurians.

"In our eight centres here, we get around 6000 customers every month, out of which 40 per cent (ie 2400) fall in the 40 plus category.

And they are pretty cool about spending Rs 3000Rs 5000 a month on antiwrinkle treatments, skin whitening, global hair colouring, facials etc.

Whole-grain breads and cereals allow insulin to rise and gradually reduce the chances of adding fat to your belly. Make it a point of include wild rice, whole wheat chappatis and oatmeal in your meal plan once a day. Says Shetty, "Bread made from whole wheat and other processed grains have usually more fibre and are usually no different from homemade chapattis. It is healthy to have some amount of carbohydrates to help in the digestion process."Fatty foods: a big no-noNot all kinds of fats are unhealthy.

Monounsaturated fats are good for you. Nutritionists opine that if you consume one-quarter of an avocado either in your sandwich or salad, you will lose the fat around your belly soon.

Nanal adds, "Good fats are essential for your body.

For example, you can have nuts, healthy oils like sunflower and olive oil. Avoiding them completely will not benefit your body completely.

Cut down on red meat, save the planet!

Cutting out on consumption of red and processed meat consumption would not only prompt a fall in chronic diseases, but our carbon footprint would shrink by 28 million tonnes a year, a study suggests.

Food and drink accounts for a third of all greenhouse gas emissions attributable to UK consumers, with livestock farming accounting for around half of this proportion, owing to the large quantity of cereals and soy imported for animal feed.

Even when imported foods are taken out of the equation, the government's 2050 target for an 80 percent cut in the UK's carbon footprint will be "unattainable" without a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from livestock farming, the authors, citing the Committee on Climate Change, said.

Previously published evidence shows that the risks of coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and bowel cancer rise by 42 per cent, 19 per cent, and 18 per cent respectively, with every additional 50 grams of red and processed meat eaten daily.

The authors used responses to the 2000-2001 British National Diet and Nutrition Survey to estimate

red and processed meat intake across the UK population and published data from life cycle analyses to quantify average greenhouse gas emissions for 45 different food categories.

They then devised a feasible "counterfactual" alternative, based on a doubling of the proportion of survey respondents who said they were vegetarian—to 4.7 per cent of men and 12.3 per cent of women—and the remainder adopting the same diet as those in the bottom fifth of red and processed meat consumption.

According to the survey, those in the top five of consumption list, ate 2.5 times as much as those in the bottom fifth.

Therefore, adopting the diet of those eating the least red and processed

meat would mean cutting average consumption from 91 to 53 grams a day for men and from 54 to 30 grams for women.

The calculations showed that this would significantly cut the risk of coronary artery disease, diabetes, and bowel cancer by between 3 and 12 per cent across the population as a whole.

And this reduction in risk would be more than twice as much as the population averages for those at the top end of consumption who moved to the bottom end.

Furthermore, the expected reduction in greenhouse gas emissions would amount to 0.45 tonnes per person per year, or just short of 28 million tonnes of the equivalent of CO2 a year.

Daily dose of walnuts boost sperm quality Eating 2.5 ounces of walnuts per day improves semen quality in healthy young men, researchers say.

According to a new study by UCLA researchers, eating 75 grams of walnuts a day improves the vitality, motility, and morphology of sperm in healthy men aged 21 to 35. Dr. Wendie Robbins and her colleagues at the University of California, Los Angeles decided to investigate whether increasing polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which are critical for sperm maturation and membrane function, would increase sperm quality in men consuming a Western-style diet.

The best sources of dietary PUFAs in a Western-style diet include fish and fish oil supplements, flax seed, and walnuts, the latter of which are rich sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a natural plant source of omega-3. With support by the California Walnut Commission, Dr. Robbins' team selected 117 healthy men between the ages of 21 and 35 who ate a Western-style diet and split them into two groups: one (58 men) who would avoid eating tree nuts and another (59 men) who would eat 75 grams of walnuts per day. Previous studies had indicated that 75 grams of walnuts would be a dose at which blood lipid levels would change, but at which healthy young men would

not gain weight. Before the experiment began and then again 12 weeks later, the men's semen quality was analyzed according to conventional parameters of male fertility, including sperm concentration, vitality, motility, morphology, and chromosome abnormalities. After 12 weeks, the team found no significant changes in body-mass index, body weight, or activity level in either group. The men consuming walnuts, however, had significantly increased levels of omega-6 and omega-3 (ALA) fatty acids and experienced improvement

in sperm vitality, motility, and morphology. Those eating walnuts also had fewer chromosomal abnormalities in their sperm following the walnut dietary intervention. The control group, on the other hand, experienced no changes. Although this research indicates that eating 75 grams of walnuts per day can positively affect a young man's sperm quality, it is still unknown whether the benefits would apply to young men with fertility problems and whether they would actually translate into increased fertility.

Keep your skin glowing during monsoon

After a hot and sweaty summer, the monsoon comes as a relief but the humid and damp weather takes a toll on the skin and eyes.

Experts advise how small changes in the skin care routine during the season can keep the skin glowing and eyes fresh.

Monsoon brings humidity and it's bad news for all type of skins: Oily skin: The skin type is mainly the result of genetically determined hormonal changes. To treat oily skin one needs to remove excess oil by cleansing it twice or thrice a day, but not more than that.

"Limit washing your face to two or three times a day as too much washing will stimulate your skin to produce more oil. Avoid heavy cleansing creams. Scrub your face on a regular basis. This will help unclog the pores and remove the layer of dead cells from your skin," cosmetic surgeon Anup Dhir said.

It is advised to use warm water while washing face as it dissolves skin oil better than lukewarm or cold water.

Other than that, one also uses mud-pack. Homemade pack made with "Chane ka atta and raw milk" can help in keeping skin refreshing and glowing.

Dry skin: Dryness is a sign of dehydration and lack of skin repairing vitamins. During monsoon the problem worsens. One requires cream based cleanser, says Dr. Geetika Mittal, medical director of the International Skin and AntiAging Centre (ISAAC).

"A moisturizer increases the water content of the outer layers of the skin and gives it a soft, moist look and it is always advised one with dry skin opt for alcohol free toner," said Mittal.

Also, apply glycerin and rose water mixture to keep skin soft.

Combination skin: This type of skin is characterised with the Tportion as oily and the cheeks are usually normal or dry in condition.

Since it combines both the oily and dry skin it should be treated as if it were two different types of skin, said Dhir."The dry area requires gentle cleansing and regular moisturizing. The oily part needs to be deeply cleansed and toned with regular scrubbing," Dhir said.

Moonsoon also brings skin infections Fungal and bacterial infections are common during rainy season. Moist and damp skin leads to these infections. Also, one can get rashes and ringworm and even

skin gets discoloured.

Dhir advises keeping the body dry is the basic tip to tackle the infections."Switch to cotton clothes as they allow your body to breathe.

Allow damp hair to dry before you tie them again. To circumvent allergies from mosquito bites, wear full-sleeved clothes and use a mosquito repellent cream and head for air-conditioned rooms. Bathe twice a day to keep the problems at bay," he added.

Eye infection With rains come puddles of dirty

water and eye infections soar. But, with a bit of prevention, you could stay safe, says Mahipal Sachdev, chairman and medical director, centre for Sight group of Eye Hospitals."Close your eyes when you decide to get soaked in the rain as it screens off atmospheric pollutants. While the rain water is reasonably clean, but you need to be wary of the rain water if you stand under a tree or a building, as it can be contaminated with pollutants, which could increase eye infections," said Sachdev.

Kashmir Thunder Sunday 04 August 2013 Sunday 04 Aug 2013

Weather clears up in Uttarakhand, efforts on to trace Almora SDM

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi to meet Prime Minister, raise issue of separate states Diphu/Kokrajhar: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi is likely to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and raise the issue of separate states with him. The demand for creation of new states in Assam has intensified following the decision to bifurcate Andhra Pradesh and create Telangana.

It has triggered protests by four ethnic groups in Assam. These groups - the Bodos, Karbi, Dimasas and Koch-Rajbongshis - have for long been demanding that separate states be carved out of Assam.

Incidents of violence are being reported from different parts of the state. In the hill district of Karbi Anglong, the rubber estate and the house of a Congress MP were set ablaze yesterday. Four people were injured as the police opened fire to disperse a mob. The army is holding flag marches in the area. tTrain services across the state were affected yesterday by the 12-hour rail blockade called by different Bodo organisations to press for their demand for a separate state of Bodoland.Protesters removed six kilometres of railway tracks in the Diphu-Lumding section.

It was restored later though train services are yet to resume.About seven kilometres from Diphu, the rubber garden and house of MP Biren Singh Engti were set on fire by miscreants. The MP represents the Autono-

mous Hill district constituency. No one was present in his house at the time of the attack. A bus of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council and a PWD inspection bungalow at Umlalfera were also set on fire. At Donkamakom under Hamrem sub-division, a mob ransacked a police outpost and attacked policemen demanding the release of seven arrested people.A post office and an office of the hand-loom and textile department at Dolamara were also attacked.

Assam IGP (Law and Order) S N Singh, who held a meeting at Diphu to take stock of the prevailing situation, told reporters that five additional companies of

security forces were expected to arrive soon in the state while two companies were already deployed.

Mr Singh said preventive arrests were being made to bring the situation under control and to prevent further violence.The President of Karbi Students' Association Laiseng Engleng was arrested for inciting violence.Seven others were arrested from Dokmoka area taking the total number of arrests to 18 since the outbreak of violence in the hill district.

Parliamentary Secretary (Home) Etuwa Munda rushed to the district with an appeal to the people to maintain peace and not to damage government property.The All Bodo Student's Union along with NDFB (Progressive), All Bodo Womens' Federation, Bodo Sahitya Sabha, Bodo Peoples' Progressive Front and others sat on railway tracks with placards at the Kokrajhar railway station since early morning yesterday with no train either entering or leaving.

Tight security has been imposed at railway stations in Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, Chirang, Baksa, Nalbari and Kamrup districts.

The All Koch Rajbongshi Students' Union, which had called a 36-hour bandh since Thursday demanding a separate Kamtapur state, also resorted to violence setting ablaze a vehicle in Gossaigaon.

No construction on river banks in Kedarnath: Uttarakhand CM

No construction will be allowed on river banks in Kedarnath and near other shrines in Uttarakhand and a reconstruction plan has been chalked out to ensure sustainable development, Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna said Saturday."We have chalked out a major reconstruction plan to protect Kedarnath and other shrines for the next 100, 200 or even 300 years. No construction will be allowed on river banks in Kedarnath and other shrines," Bahuguna said.

Speaking to news channel India TV, Bahuguna said he met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh seeking an advanced warning system for the entire Himalayan region to forecast earthquakes, cloudbursts and landslides.He said nearly 300 villages will have to be relocated at a cost of Rs.8,000 crore as the rivers have changed their courses.

"We will discuss with the Geological Survey of India, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology and IIT Roorkee about our reconstruction and rehabilitation plans," he said.To regulate flow of people in the

pilgrim town of Kedarnath, Bahuguna said: "From now on, we will start registration of pilgrims going to Kedarnath and Badrinath to regulate pilgrimage.""There shall be separate roads for entry and exit, cable cars will be installed and we are planning to construct 100 helipads, which will be helpful in times of calamities," he said.The chief minister said so far nearly 4,500 people have been reported missing since the June 16 calamity."We have asked chief secretaries of all states to send us lists of pilgrims reported missing from their

states. We had set a one month deadline from the date of the calamity for tracing missing people, which has now passed," he said."Now, I can say that there are no chances of any more survivors. We will collate the lists of missing people from states with our own list based on FIRs filed in Uttarakhand and then arrive at a correct figure of those presumed dead," he said.On granting compensation, the chief minister said Rs.500,000 each will be given to the next of kin of the deceased who were from Uttarakhand and Rs.350,000 to the kin of the dead from other states.

Bahuguna feared more bodies might still be trapped under the huge amount of slush that has covered Kedarnath town.

"The entire slush has congealed into rock and because of continuous rains, the restoration work is being hampered," he said.He said DNA samples and personal articles like watches, earrings and other articles recovered from bodies that have been cremated so far have been preserved.

Advani is the best PM candidate: Shatrughan Sinha

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi should not have been made the party's 2014 election committee chief, he added.

Outspoken BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha has caused more embarrassment to his party, saying during a TV interview that senior leader L.K. Advani was best suited to be the party's prime ministerial candidate.He also said Friday that Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi should not have been made the party's 2014 election committee chief.In an interview to news channel Aaj Tak, the Bharatiya Janata Party MP from Patna Sahib in Bihar said: "If popularity is the criterion (to choose Modi) then Amitabh Bachchan should have been

made this country's president".

Narendra Modi, 63, was appointed the party's campaign committee chief for the 2014 general elections in BJP's deliberations at Panaji in Goa June last. He is widely thought to be tipped to be the BJP's prime ministerial candidate.Sinha caused a flutter two days ago by saying that Janata Dal-United leader and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was "PM material".He claimed that the after-effects of naming Modi the party's election committee chief was beginning to show. "It has led to the sidelining of important issues like corruption and price rise," he said.Backing Advani for the top job, the actor-turned-politician said that the veteran BJP leader was the best candidate for the job in every respect, whether one considered experience or popularity.Asked about Advani's advanced age, Sinha replied that if Manmohan Singh could become prime minister, then why not Advani. Manmohan Singh is 80 years old, Advani 85.Asked for the reasons why he criticised Modi, Sinha said he has been speaking the truth. He asserted that if speaking the truth was being a rebel, then he would be happy to be called one.

abashed about it that they do not even tender their missive to quit in the correct format, making it easier for the Speaker (in the case of MLAs) to reject it.

At the time of writing this, seven ministers in Kiran Kumar Reddy's cabinet have quit. So have seven Lok Sabha MPs and one Rajya Sabha MP. But before the itch to resign could spread to the central ministers, the Congress managers were rushed in to read out the riot act.Within moments, the likes of Pallam Raju, Purandareswari, J D Seelam, Killi Krupa Rani fell in line. Power, unlike what Sonia

in Rudraprayag district for the second consecutive day, fresh attempts were launched to search Arora with a 14-member team of trained PAC divers flown to scour the Mandakini in Sonprayag, Gaurikund and Phata areas in a bid to look for him, District Disaster Management Officer Meera Kaintura said.

NDRF personnel are also assisting in the search operation, she said.

A body was recovered from Mandakini yesterday but it was not that of the missing official, she said.

Police have been alerted and asked to comb the river close to the banks in search of the official, who fell into the river while returning from the Himalayan shrine of Kedarnath to Garurchatti base camp on Wednesday afternoon.

SP leader Bhati claims he got IAS officer transferred in 41 minutes

Samajwadi Party leader Narinder Bhati has landed in a controversy after a video purportedly showed him as claiming that he had got UP IAS officer Durga Shakti Nagpal, who clamped down on the mining mafia, transferred in “41 minutes”.The claim was made by Bhati while addressing a rally in Gautam Budh Nagar, two days after he denied his involvement in the suspension of the 28-year-old officer.“I spoke to Mulayam Singh Yadav and Akhilesh Yadav at 10.30 M the suspension order arrived. She behaved so badly and couldn’t last for 40 minutes after that.“Within 41 minutes, the order came from Lucknow and she was suspended,” the video showed him as saying.Nagpal, a 2010 batch IAS officer, was served the suspension order on July 27 ostensibly for demolishing the wall of a mosque.Bhati, who is also the UP Agro Chairman and enjoys minister status, maintained that permission was not taken to build the wall around the place of worship.

The wall was built to allow people to offer Ramzan prayers in a clean environment, he

said.Asked about the video clippings, Bhati said, “Media was highlighting a concocted version. I had said that it was a victory of democracy.“SDM’s suspension order was

issued by state government,” he said.Slamming the Uttar Pradesh government’s decision, BJP leader Nitin Gadkari said the attitude of the state authorities is completely oriented towards vote bank politics.“They are fanning communal and caste-based sentiments.Harassing a good officer for vote bank politics is improper and that is why the IAS Officers Association has opposed the move,” he said.Former IPS officer Kiran Bedi charged the Samajwadi Party with hiding facts in the SDM suspension case due to vote bank politics.Asking the IAS officer not to lose patience, she said, “The country needs her. She will be a role model for the nation”.A month ago, Nagpal had lodged an FIR against close aide of Bhati in the sand mining case.District Magistrate Kumar Ravikant Singh in his report to the state government had supported the suspended SDM and said that the wall was demolished by villagers themselves and no JCB machine was put in operation to demolish it.Bhati had earlier denied his role in her suspension.

A powerful CBI chief risky: Govt NEW DELHI: The Centre on Friday told the Supreme Court that the CBI's suggestion to make the agency "truly autonomous" appeared to be an attempt to create "an all powerful" CBI director which is not provided for in the Constitution and "would always carry the risk of potential misuse".

"Authority without accountability will be draconian, more so when we are dealing with an organization (the CBI) with police powers of arrest, seizure, raids and confinement. The government works on a system of checks and balances and builds adequate safeguards so that scope of misuse and arbitrary action is minimized," it said.During an earlier hearing on petitions on the coal scam, the court had said the CBI was almost a "caged parrot" and vowed to make it independent of political interference. In response, the agency had submitted that it could not remain insulated from political interference as long as it was dependent on government funds and lacked complete autonomy in running its internal affairs.The agency had also sought a three-year tenure for the CBI director, and complete control over cadre and prosecution wing.Rejecting most of the suggestions, particularly vesting cadre controlling powers with the CBI chief, the department of personnel said in its affidavit, "An all powerful director CBI without adequate checks and balances would not be consonant with settled constitutional principles and would carry the risk of potential misuse and may not be conducive

to fearless and independent functioning of the organization at all levels."It also rejected the proposal to increae the CBI director's tenure from two years to three years saying the existing fixed tenure "would not be an impediment to the long-term prospective of the organization. "Tenures of all senior strategic positions in government of India (where there is fixed tenure) are on similar lines," it said.The ministry said the CBI director has already been given greater financial powers, which now was on par with the director general of Central Reserve Police Force. However, he could not be given special status of reporting directly to the minister concerned without going through the inistry.

The affidavit reflected the Centre's genuine concern

Games that Congressmen in Andhra Pradesh play seem to put even NT 'Drama' Rao to shame

When he was alive, his critics in the Congress used to dub former Chief Minister N T Rama Rao as N T `Drama Rao' for the theatrics he used to indulge in. But if you take a look at the antics the Congress leaders in Andhra Pradesh are indulging in now, it confirms that they are in the wrong profession. Each one of them is an actor par excellence.

Since December 2009, Andhra Pradesh has been subject to a charade of resignations. No one is serious about them - neither the elected representative, nor the person in authority receiving the resignation letter.Worse, they are so un-

DEHRADUN: The weather cleared up at most places across Uttarakhand today giving the much needed pace to relief operations even as efforts were intensified to trace Almora SDM Ajay Arora, who fell into the Mandakini river three days ago.

Though the skies were clear, sporadic overnight rains continued bringing debris from the hills on to the roads blockig them at places.

The Rishikesh highway is blocked due to debris at Naulapani and Agastyamuni, state Disaster Management and Mitigation Centre said, adding similar is the condition of various roads in the worst-hit Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Pithoragarh and Uttarkashi districts.

However, clear weather at most places today gave momentum to relief operations with ration being supplied to affected areas by air, officials here said. As the weather was clear

Gandhi told her son, is not exactly poison.

Many parts of coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema are burning ever since Digvijay Singh announced the decision to redraw the borders in Andhra Pradesh.

Houses and properties of several Congress MPs, ministers and MLAs have been attacked, which is why this haste to produce these resignation letters so that they can be used as an entry pass to get back to their constituencies.

Distancing themselves from their high command's decision, they hope, will help their electoral prospects in 2014.The victory in the first round in December 2009, when the Seemandhra leaders had been able to push the Centre to take back its decision on Telangana, had made them supremely confident that they would be able to get the better of their Telangana counterparts this time as well.Which is why, the body language and the tone and tenor indicates a sense of humiliation, at being bested. In private, many of them express the hope that all is not lost yet and that the war is far from over. The interesting aspect

is that different leaders of these two regions are pulling in different directions.

Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy, who admits to being in low spirits ever since he was told of the decision, wants to move on.

Leaders close to the CM want to ensure the Seemandhra state gets a fair deal at the time of division of assets and liabilities. They say despite the `deathblow', the decision will give to the party in the two regions, not bargaining hard will be worse.

But Kiran Kumar Reddy's other colleagues are not quite on the same page.

Those from Rayalaseema, especially the likes of T G Venkatesh and Pratap Reddy and MLAs like J C Diwakar Reddy do not like the idea of being clubbed with coastal Andhra and would much rather prefer Rayala Telangana by including Kurnool and Anantapur districts with Telangana state.Because now, they fear the coastal Andhra leaders will outmanoeuvre them in every respect, leaving Rayalaseema to lick its wounds. The fact that the Congress has kept the Rayala Telangana option open gives them hope.

over the CBI's attempt to stretch the director's powers, specially to give him/her unbridled control over the director prosecution and in appointment of lawyers as prosecutors.It said, "Any overriding powers of the director CBI over prosecution would compromise the prosecution's impartiality... Putting the directorate of prosecution completely under the director CBI would compromise the impartiality of the prosecution agency."The CBI had opposed the government's decision to set up an independent accountability commission, comprising of judicial members, to scrutinize its work and said it could seriously jeopardize its independence and lead to outside interference in investigations.

The government trashed the agency's fears, saying autonomy and accountability go hand in hand and that it was duty bound to protect citizens against possible misuse of power and arbitrary action by the CBI. Rejecting the CBI's proposal for an internal vigilance mechanism instead of the accountability commission, the Centre said the chief vigilance officer (CVO), who is an employee of the agency, could seldom question the CBI director for potential acts of commission or omission. "The fact that the CBI is outside the purview of the Right to Information Act (except administrative matters) is also relevant in this regard," it said.If the CBI said it could not ward off possible political interference in investigations into sensitive cases as long as it was financially and administratively

Why don't Gujaratis go back if Modi has done well: Mumbai Congressman

Mumbai: Mumbai Congressman and Swabhimaan Sanghatana chief Nitesh Rane, the youngest son of state minister Narayan Rane, who stirred a controversy by his tweet on Gujaratis, has refused to retract his statement. In fact, he has invited more trouble by asking, "Why don't Gujaratis go back to Gujarat if Chief Minister Narendra Modi is such a great leader?"

Earlier Rane had posted on Twitter that Gujarat housing societies only look for vegetarian tenants and that had invited angry reposnses.

"Veg skies, Veg hospitals, Veg housing societies..soon Veg Mumbai! Either Gujjus go back to Gujarat or they turn Mumbai into Gujarat...

Red alert (sic)," Rane tweeted on Wednesday.

Maharashtra Legislative Council asked the state government to initiate action against him as it may create "social discord". Why don\'t Gujaratis go back if Modi has done well: Mumbai CongressmanSwabhimaan Sanghatana chief Nitesh Rane, whose tweet on Gujaratis stirred a row, has refused to retract his statement.Raising the issue in the Upper House on Friday, Ashish Shelar (BJP) said, "It

(statement) would create religious and social conflict in the metropolis. The statement is derogatory towards Modi and Gujarati-speaking people.""When people from various caste and creed are living with harmony, Nitesh's statement is polluting the social atmosphere," Shelar said. " The state government should take this issue seriously and action should be taken against him. The government should also make its stand clear," the BJP legislator demanded.

Responding to this, Chairman Shivajirao Deshmukh asked senior NCP minister Ganesh Naik to convey the matter to the government and initiate action accordingly.