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SUNDAY 06 July | 2014 | 07 Ramadhan, 1435 AH | PAGES 12|
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Pro-Russian Fighters Routed From Stronghold, Ukraine Says
Shakib asked to attend camps >>>>> PG 06
AEE injured in a fall in Anantnag Srinagar, July 5 : An Asst. Ex. Engineer got critically injured after he fell from an under construction Degree College building at Uttersoo in Anantnag District last evening. An Assistant Ex. Engineer Zahoor Ahmad Khan resident of Naroo Kokernag, Manager JKPCC project was critically injured when he fell from the 2nd floor of the central block of Degree College Uttersoo, Shangus while inspecting the construction work. He was shifted to Sub District hospital, Shangus where from he has been referred to SKIMS Srinagar for further treatment. (KNS)
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Indo-Pak armies exchange fire, infiltration attempt foiled
Srinagar, July 05: A major infiltration attempt was foiled by army along Line of Control (LoC) in Balakote area of Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday late evening, a senior army official said. The official told GNS that around 10-12 intruders tried to sneak into this side at forward area of Lanjoite in Balakote area of the district at around 11:00 pm last evening. The Pakistani army’s 651 Mujahid regiment who were guarding the fence other side at Chile Post opened the fire upon several Indian posts including 485 A and 637 in Balakote. The army’s 5 Grenadier who were deployed in these posts and are guarding the fence retaliated the Pak army’s fire which continued intermittently till 2.00 a.m, he said,
adding that the main aim of Pak army’s fire was to push the infiltrators into this side. However, the attempt was foiled by the alert troops deployed along the Line of Control (LoC), the official said; adding that searches in the area has been launched. Despite flag meeting between the two countries and repeated assurances the border skirmishes continue unabated making the life of the people living along side line of Control miserable and agonising. The repeated occurrences of ceasefire violations also adversely affect the relations of the two countries and hamper any attempts to forge ahead coidial relations. It may be recalled here that the two countries had recently stressed the need to carve out
The state of Jammu & Kashmir called paradise on earth has excelled in many fields for dubious reasons other than the positive ones which could have taken this state forward rapidly on the path of peace, progress and prosperity. Declared as one of the most corrupt states of the county, now it has achieved one more dubious distinction of being one of the leading states in the field of unemployment. The state has according to estimates over 8 lakh educated unemployed youth which means that every
See More On Pg 07
WEATHER FORECAST FOR NEXT 24 HRS:
Light rain/thunderstorm could occur at isolated places over the state. Mainly dry in Ladakh region.
FORECAST OF SRINAGAR: Partly cloudy sky. Maximum & Minimum temperatures will be round 30°C & 15°C respectively.
C TEMPERATURE M MAXIMUM Y MINIMUM K
SUNSET ON(MONDAY) SUNRISE ON (TUESDAY)
31.6 C 17.3 C 07:47PM 05:24AM
Srinagar, July 05: The Former United Jihad Council Chief and Mahaz-e-Azadi patron, Azam Inquillabi on Saturday said Pakistan’s Kashmir police vis-à-vis is ‘apologetic’ and warned it will have ‘serious consequences’. In a statement issued to GNS, he said: “Their (Pakistan’s) stand is only strengthening status-quo here. Politics of onions and potatoes on Kashmir front after eight wars shows lack of determination.” Inqilabi said Pakistan needs a rethink on its Kashmir policy. “We feel the leadership there isn’t serious about ideology of Pakistan.”“They (Pakistani leadership) have forgotten Dhaka declaration, neutralized the revolutionary role of Azad Kashmir as base camp of our freedom struggle and remain passive spectator of Indian stratocracy in Kashmir,” he said. The former UJC chief said: See Policy on pg 11
Iraqreturn conflict turns gravejoy Nurses home, erupts among family members
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Unemployment problem - a challenge for any government
JeM militant killed in Tral encounter
2 police vehicles torched by mob 6 cops injured in stone pelting
Ex-UJC chief terms Pakistan’s Kashmir policy ‘apologetic’
Salary negotiable
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>>>>> PG 11
a mechanisim to coup up with any differences on borders and control line. After the meeting of the two prime ministers on the sidelines of oath taking ceremony of prime minster Narendra Modi, the political pandits had expected a lot of change in the rigid attitude of the policy makers. (GNS)
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Taliban sets dozens of fuel trucks on fire in Kabul
>>>>> PG 11
Army flags off educational tour Srinagar, July 05: An educational and motivational tour was flagged off by army on Friday in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district. An army spokesman said the contingent comprised of 24 students and 2 teachers from Guru Nanak Dev Model High School, Baramulla was flagged off for a 14 day tour by army’s 46 Rashtriya Rifles (RR). “The students will be taken to Delhi and Agra where they will visit places of interest like historical monuments, industries and educational institutions. The parents and teachers expressed their gratitude to the Army for its initiative and requested for many such visits to be conducted in the future,” the spokesman said, adding: “the trip is aimed to provide exposure to the youth to the rest of the country, so that they are motivated, prosper and become honourable citizen of the country”. (GNS)
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VOL NO: 4 | ISSUE NO: 186| RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 Paisa)
Kochi, July 05: Forty-six nurses, who were held captive by ISIS militants in Iraq, on Saturday returned home by a special Air India flight to a happy reunion with their families in Kochi, bringing to an end their about month-long ordeal. The special aircraft, which also
had on board about 137 others, touched down the tarmac at the Kochi International Airport at 11.57 AM, a senior airport official said. Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy whose coordinated effort with the Union Government that ensured liberty to
Prices soaring with every passing day Authorities in slumber
Srinagar, July 5 : With no control over the growing prices of the essentials in the Srinagar markets, state authorities seem to be in deep slumber over the crises with the commoners suffering due to this apathy at large. According to the reports received by KNS, there are reportedly no official checks going on in the Srinagar markers- making commoners to suffer at large in the holy month of Ramadan. Even the local vegetables are being sold on very higher prices when compared to the last month, the dates, which are being used to break the fast, also costs Rs 30 to Rs 100 more against last y ear. Reports also informed that the prices of bread and bakery items are uncontrolled while meat, chicken and eggs are being sold on higher prices against the approved
government rates. According to the reports, Radish which was being sold at Rs 20 per kg, now costs Rs 40, cauliflower costs Rs 30 to Rs 40 against Rs 20 last week, peas Rs 50 against Rs 20 per kg, cucumber Rs 40 against Rs 20, onion Rs 30, tomatoes Rs 20, Garlic Rs 80 per kg, Palak Rs 30 against Rs 20, beans Rs 50 per kg, carrot Rs 40, Hak (a Kashmir green leaves vegetable) Rs 40 to Rs 50 and bottle gourd Rs 40. People alleged that during this time of the season, local vegetables remained available on very low prices. But, they said, this time the prices remained out of the reach of lower and middle class families. Surprisingly, a egg still costs Rs 5 while chicken was being sold at Rs 1 20 per kg against the government price of See Prices on pg 11
nurses from his state, besides another who hails from Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu received them at the airport. Family members of nurses, on whose face a sigh of relief was writ large had assembled in large numbers to see their beloved ones return and were joined by political leaders from BJP and Congress at the airport. The ordeal of the nurses, who were working at a hospital in Saddam Hussein’s hometown of Tikrit, began when ISIS (Islamic State for Iraq and Syria) militants launched an offensive in that region on 9th June. Even as Indian authorities continued to maintain constant touch with their counterparts at Iraq for safe release of nurses, they were moved out on Thursday against their will and detained in the See Nurses on pg 11
Srinagar, July 5 : One foreign militant of JeM outfit was killed while one soldier sustained injuries in an encounter at Aaripal-Pastuna Tral with police and Army this morning. On specific information a joint operation was launched by Awantipora police, Budgam police, 42 RR, 35 RR of Army and 185 Bn CRPF at village Aaripal of Tral. The militants trapped in a house fired upon the joint team injuring one army man. The fire was retaliated. In the retaliatory fire one militant was injured who fled to the nearby Pastuna forest area. Later on his body was found in the jungle. The foreign militant was later identified as Adil Pathan alias Madni of JeM outfit. An AK rifle, 3 Magazines were also recovered. Madni operated in coordination with HM cadres in the Tral area, said a police handout issued to KNS.
Congress never cooperated with us: NC
‘Taj raked up a trivial issue on Uri project’
Srinagar, July 5 : The National Conference on Saturday accused state Congress for not cooperating with it during the last five and half years of governance in Jammu and Kashmir. Talking to KNS, Dr Mustafa Kamal, additional general secretary National Conference blamed state Congress leadership for playing a ‘double role’ as far as the supporting its coalition partner was concerned. “The State Congress always mislead the Congress High Command in Delhi about National Conference. They never supported NC during the last over five and half years of government as was expected from it.” When asked how was Congress state leadership able to create a ‘wedge’ between NC and Congress high command when Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has a personal rapport with the Gandhi family particularly with Rahul Gandhi, Kamal said: “They (state Congress leadership) had tried its best to create
differences between NC and Congress by misleading them (Congress high command) but it was the personal relationship that state congress leadership failed and I hope that Omar maintains that relationship with the Congress high command in future as well.” The NC additional general secretary said that there was a clandestine understanding between some local congress leaders with its arch rival Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and both had tried to dislodge Omar Abdullah government a few months after Narendra Modi won the elections. Kamal said that state Congress wanted to topple the government through proxies so that it does not take any blame for it. “I hope and expect that Congress high command is now cautious and conscious as well and it will never rely much on its local leadership in terms of giving a heed to its word,” Kamal hoped.Asked about pre poll See NC on pg 11
Sikhs celebrate birth anniversary of Guru Hargobind Singh Srinagar, July 5: The 409th birth anniversary Guru Hargobind Ji was celebrated Saturday with religious fervour and enthusiasm while a big congregational event was held at Chatti Padshahi Gurudwara at Rainawari in Srinagar to celebrate the occasion. Guru Hargobind Singh was born in1595. He succeeded Guru Arjun as the sixth Guru in 1606, at the age of eleven years. See Sikhs on pg 11
Pic. Faizan Altaf
Municipality official in dock: ‘Accused of securing job through fake certificates’ Srinagar, July 5: Days after Health and Medical Education Department revealed that incumbent incharge Executive Officer Municipality Committee Bandipora and Hajin has secured the appointment in the government department after producing fake diploma certificates, Central
Meanwhile, according to a police statement issued to KNS, after the death of a foreign militant in the encounter some miscreants pelted stones on police. “The ‘miscreants’ set on fire two police vehicles. These vehicles suffered damage. Police exercised maximum restraint. There are no reports of injury to anyone,” added the police statement.After the encounter was over, the locals observed complete shutdown and resorted to stone pelting till the body of slain militant was handover to them. He was laid to rest in Pastuna village. The IGP Kashmir A G Mir told KNS: “One militant was killed while one army soldier sustained injuries. However, police exercised maximum restraint even if there was heavy stone pelting on police and some five to six police personnel were hurt.” (KNS)
Vigilance Department has formally registered a case against the said officer and the department has started a thorough probe into the matter. Reliable sources told CNS that a group of unemployed youth registered a complaint claiming that then Sanitary Inspector
and presently incharge Executive Officer Municipality Committee Bandipora and Hajin Shakeel Ahmed Shah resident of Gundpora Bandipora has secured the job by producing fake testimonials. Sources added that accordingly the matter was investigated See Dock on pg 11
Former Chief Justice of J&K passed away Srinagar, July 5: Eminent Kashmiri Jurist, Legal Authority and Ex-Chief Justice of J&K, Justice Mufti Bahauddin Farooqi passed away in the early hours of morning on Saturday at his residence at Jawahar Nagar in Srinagar. Justice Farooqi served as the 12th Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir from March 7, 1983 to August 23, 1983. He was 87. Justice Mufti Bahauddin Farooqi is survived by his daughter, three sons Advocate Mufti Showkat, Dr. Mufti Mahmood, Dr. Saadat Mufti and son-in-law Syed Tariq Ahmed Naqshbandi. Hundreds of people including prominent social and religious personalities participated in Justice Farooqi’s Nimaz-e-Jinaza which was held at Khanqah-e-Moula Shrine. Justice Farooqi has to his credit extensive work in documenting and See passe away on pg 11
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11
Srinagar, Sunday 06 July 2014
FROM THE FRONT PAGE
Policy
“Now Mirwaiz Umar Farooq is visiting one locality after another to reform society, this is a result of your (Pakistan’s) ineffective K-policy that now even our Milli-identity is under threat. So are our water resources.” He said if Pakistan doesn’t ‘act to end disillusionment in Kashmir then it will have serious repercussions’. “Don’t treat Kashmiris as an expendable pawn, your politics of onions and potatoes (the LoC barter) cannot lessen the hardships of Kashmiris,” he added. (GNS)
Policy militant-held city of Mosul. Efforts by External Affairs Ministry led to setting free the nurses held in captivity and they were transported in buses to Erbil International airport on Friday. The Special Flight that left Erbil in the early hours on Saturday arrived at Mumbai for a brief stopover for refuelling and catering supplies. Besides the nurses, the flight also carried 137 other Indian nationals, including 70 from Kirkuk in the northern part of Iraq, 23 crew members and three government officials, including a joint-secretary level IFS officer and an IAS woman officer from Kerala. Chandy thanked the Centre, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Indian Embassy in Iraq and MEA for ensuring the return of nurses from strife-hit Iraq. “The Centre has acted in complete understanding of the deep anxieties of Kerala. The Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Iraq have made sincere efforts in securing release of the nurses,” Chandy told reporters in Kochi. Kerala Government has made arrangements to enable nurses to reach their respective destinations across the state.
NC
alliance with Congress for the upcoming assembly elections, Kamal hoped that there will be no pre poll alliance with the Congress this time. “I hope that the president of NC who has to take a final call on this issue (pre poll alliance ) will uphold the democratic right of his party cadres who are not in favour of any pre poll alliance with Congress for the upcoming assembly elections,” he added. “We had no coalition but it was an adjustment between NC and Congress in the interest of civil rule and democratic process. It was a sacrifice from NC for the people of the state to make adjustment with Congress and save the people form governor’s rule,” Kamal said. Asked when will NC issue its list of candidates for the upcoming assembly elections, Kamal said that Dr Farooq Abdullah is in Delhi and after his arrival in Srinagar the list will be out without any delay. “I think by the early next week the list of our candidates should be out. Our party president is in Delhi and he is expected to arrive in Srinagar tomorrow or day after and as soon as he arrives here, I think the list will be given a final shape and it will be out by or before the next week.” Kamal said that there was delay in announcement of candidates because of Prime Minister’s visit to Kashmir and the Jammu party unit had not submitted its panel of candidates to the party leadership in Srinagar. “Now the party’s Jammu provincial unit has furnished its panel of candidates and there will be no delay in announcement of the final list of candidates,” he added. Reacting sharply to Taj Mohiuddin’s statement on Uri power project which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narindera Modi, Kamal said that by issuing such a statement Taj has undermined himself. “Mr Taj says that Uri power project which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister has no license to operate is correct. But it was a trivial issue and there was no need to issue such a statement. I think when the state government at its highest level (Chief Minister) was present on the occasion of inauguration of that project, Taj should have reserved such comments,” Kamal said. He added: “It was a technical issue and there was no need to rake up such a controversy. May be the government will use license part as a handle in getting 30 per cent royalty from this Uri power project implemented.” (KNS)
Sikhs
Thousands of devotees from Sikh community thronged the Gurduwara to attend Shabadh Kirtan and Langer. Apart from others, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah and National Conference senior leader Nasir Aslam Wani personally attended the Chatti Padshahi gathering while Governor NN Vohra greeted the people on the occasion. The Srinagar Municipal Corporation had kept special arrangements in place outside Gurudawaras for the celebrations while the SMC Commissioner, Dr GN Qasba early in the morning took stock of the arrangements. SMC official told CNS that the sanitation work was completed by the wee hours before devotees thronged the shrines. The Traffic police had also kept arrangements in place while the DIG and SP Traffic personally monitored the traffic regulation to the Gurudwaras. (CNS)
Dock
by Deputy Secretary to Government, Health and Medical Education Department which vide order number SMF/ SGR/ Verf/277-78 in its report revealed that the Sanitary Inspector Diploma certificate of Shakeel Shah seems to be fake and a thorough investigation from top investigating agency is required to clear all the doubts. The revelations made by the top official of Health and Education Department about the fake testimonials forced Central Vigilance Department and Jammu and Kashmir Police to verify the authenticity of the certificates.A top police official who is investigating the matter told CNS that they are waiting for Vigilance report. “If proven guilty, accused will face the music and we will book him under law,” he said. (CNS)
Passed away
reporting Human Rights violations in J&K and demanding legal prosecution against the culprits. Various social, religious and political organizations have condoled Justice Farooqi’s demise and paid tributes to the Late Jurist for exemplary services rendered to the State’s Judicial Services. Several mainstream and separatist leaders express condolence on his sad demise. They include Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, Sayed Ali Geelani and Molvi Umar Farooq (CNS)
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PDP to promote eco friendly tourism in J&K: Mehbooba “Concretization of Kashmir needs to be reversed, constructions regulated” Srinagar July 5: Identifying tourism as a major thrust area for her party Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President, Mehbooba Mufti, Saturday said with proper planning it could be a real engine for economic growth of the state and provide enormous employment opportunities. According to a statement issued to KNS, while addressing a number of meetings in Bijbehara Assembly segment of South Kashmir Lok Sabha constituency, which she won in last elections, she said optimum and sustainable utilization of our resources alone can offer economic self reliance and prosperity to the state. “Unfortunately implementation of the vision rolled out in 2002 by the PDP on tourism, like many other sectors, was not carried forward leading to swelling of the numbers of unemployed and frustrated youth” Mehbooba added. Mehbooba said Jammu and Kashmir is a unique tourism product which could be leveraged to the benefit of every single individual living here but for achieving that it was necessary to drastically modernize the infrastructure. She said unless we upgrade the infrastructure tourism will remain confined mainly to low spending groups which would be a gross underutilization of our strength and potential. Regretting that the present government had been unable even to put speed in projects launched a decade back Mehbooba said it was a sad commentary on our being a tourist state that the highway from Srinagar and Jammu remains jammed most of the time. The Srinagar-Qazigund sector that feeds most of the premier tourist destinations remains a challenge for commuters throwing tourists as well as the local population into great discomfort Mehbooba said adding that is no way of promoting
tourism. Mehbooba said new areas identified by the previous government and brought under Tourism Development Authorities have almost been abandoned with a free for all unregulated construction, turning some of them into virtual urban centres or even worse, slums. She said the concretization of Kashmir needs to be reversed, constructions regulated and green areas saved from urbanization. Mehbooba said a proper land utilization plan will have to be devised and strictly implemented to prevent degeneration of our natural assets and balance the needs for development with requirements of ecology and environment. She said it was almost criminal to let a beautiful place like Kashmir convert into a concrete jungle only because no government has ever gone beyond a superficial approach to major concerns about sustainability of private and government development process. “Corruption at every level is being patronized at the cost of the future of this state and its people, especially the younger generation, which is destroying the scenic splendour of almost every place. That will have to be arrested,” said Mehbooba. Mehbooba said the PDP has plans to promote eco friendly tourism projects and encourage high end tourism that would bring in much higher returns for same product that at present is virtually sold for peanuts. “Side by side with this human resource development in catering and hospitality sector will be launched in a mission mode so that our youngsters are fully equipped not only to help upgrade the sector within the state but open up opportunities for them outside the state”, she said and added the inherent personality advantages of our youth like their appealing appearance, language proficiency.
Pro-Russian Fighters Routed From Stronghold, Ukraine Says KIEV, Ukraine — With a fierce onslaught of gunfire and mortar shelling, Ukrainian government forces on Saturday chased pro-Russian insurgents from Slovyansk, a long-blockaded rebel stronghold, government officials and separatist leaders said. As rebels fled the city, the scene of some of the fiercest fighting in a separatist insurrection that has lasted more than three months, the Ukrainian military destroyed a tank, two combat vehicles and two armored personnel carriers, a spokesman for Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, Andriy Lysenko, said.“Run!” the Ukrainian interior minister, Arsen Avakov, wrote in a jubilant Facebook post on the retaking of Solvyansk. “The terrorists are bearing losses, surrendering.”Though it was not yet clear whether the retaking of Slovyansk signaled a decisive blow against the rebels in eastern Ukraine, it showed that Ukrainian forces were finally gaining traction and reasserting state authority, three months after separatists seized control of cities and towns throughout the region, dividing this country of 45 million people.The Ukrainian advance on Satur-
day came four days after President Petro O. Poroshenko ended a cease-fire and ordered the military to resume efforts to crush the rebellion by force. On Tuesday, the Ukrainian military retook an important checkpoint at a border crossing with Russia, one of several that had been seized by rebels and that the Ukrainian government and its Western allies said were used to allow Russian tanks, weapons and fighters to cross into the region. Insurgent leaders confirmed that their fighters had fled under heavy attack by the Ukrainian military, but insisted that they were not giving up. “Our resistance has not been crushed,” Andrei Purgin, an insurgent leader, told the Interfax news service.He said the rebels had abandoned the city because they were overwhelmed militarily.“What would you do if you were shelled with mortars and artillery guns and pounded from the air and you had only three tanks and assault rifles?” asked Mr. Purgin, deputy prime minister of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic, one of two separatist shadow governments in the east.
Ensure Gender Equality and Women Empowerment For Better Future: First Lady SRINAGAR, JULY 5: Mrs. Usha Vohra, First Lady, attended an interaction programme with spouses of members of the India CEO Forum of the International Market Assessment (IMA) at Gulmarg in Kashmir. During the session, there was free-flowing conversation on various issues relating to women in Indian society, girl child protection and conflict in Kashmir. Mrs. Vohra addressed the ladies Forum about the obtaining social and cultural milieu and how it impacts the
changing role of women in the Indian society. She highlighted the challenges which the present day women are facing to carve a niche for themselves in every sphere of life. Mrs. Vohra particularly highlighted the difficulties and challenges faced by women in the Valley consequent to the advent of terrorism and violence and its effect on their psyche. She also spoke about the educational prospects of girls and the role required to be played by the government and the
civil society in ensuring growingly better educational opportunities, reducing school dropout ratio of girls, ban on sex-determination, curbing female foeticide and safeguarding the rights of the girl child. Mrs. Vohra urged the members of the forum to contribute towards enhancement of gender equality and women empowerment for securing a bright and better future of our girls and women, as they are the pillars on which the foundations of any civilized nation are based.
Taliban sets dozens of fuel trucks on fire in Kabul KABUL - Taliban militants set fire to dozens of fuel trucks, which they claimed were supplying foreign troops in Afghanistan, in an attack on the outskirts of Kabul, officials said. The fire triggered by a bomb set ablaze tankers waiting to enter the city in a parking lot west of the Afghan capital overnight. "At around 10:30 pm last night, dozens of fuel tankers belonging to private companies caught fire," Hashmat Stanikzai, Kabul police spokesman told AFP. "No one can come close to them since the fire is still raging at the scene," Stanikzai said. No casualties were reported as fire fighters tried to control the fire in the morning, he added."I was sleeping in my truck, when I heard three big bangs. After that I saw the fuel trucks exploding one after the other. I fled the area immediately," Janat Gul, a truck driv-
er told AFP. Gul Aghan Hashimi the Crime Investigation Director of Kabul police said, "it was a magnetic bomb that caused the fuel tankers to catch on fire," adding that the trucks belonged to private companies. However, it was unclear whether the trucks were supplying fuel to NATO.A NATO-led International Security Assistance Forces spokesman told AFP they were "looking into the incident to determine if any of the fuel destroyed in Chawk-e Arghandi last night was intended for use by ISAF forces." Taliban militants, who have been regularly attacking western supply convoys in Afghanistan, claimed the responsibility. "Our brave Mujahideen fighters in a special tactic have set ablaze hundreds of fuel tankers in the west of Kabul, which were supplying fuel and food for foreign forces,"
Office of the Executive Engineer Electric Division-IIND Srinagar
Abbreviated Tender Notice No.18-ED-II of 2014 Dated :03.07.2014 For and on behalf of Governor of J&K State, sealed tenders affixed with Rs. 5/- revenue stamps are invited from registered electrical contractors for following works which should reach the office of the undersigned on or before 25.07.2014lUup to 2 p.m. The tender documents can be had from the office of the undersigned from )10.07.2014 to 22.07.2014 against a cash payment (non-refundable) of Rs. 500/-. The tenders shall be opened on the same day or subsequent day convenient to the committee in presence of tenderers who wish to be present at the time of opening. S.No.
Name of work
1.
Fabrication / providing and fix- 14.475 lacs ing of steel cable racks for L.T Cables at Civil secretariat, Srinagar.
NO. ED-II/1698-1703 DATED:03.07/2014. DIPK:3209
A p p r o x . E a r n e s t Period of cost money completion Rs. 29,000/- 15 days
Sd/-Executive Engineer ED-II-Sgr
Slathia launches various development works in Vijaypur SAMBA, JULY 05-MLA Vijaypur Surjeet Singh Slathia today inaugurated construction of 03 Additional Class Rooms in Government Middle School, Ramgarh in Vijaypur Constituency which have been completed at an estimated cost of Rs.10 lakh under the scheme Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. He also inaugurated construction of lanes and drains at village Kesso Manhasan which has been completed at an cost of Rs.10 lakh executed by Rural Development Department. Addressing a large gathering Slathia said that the coalition government headed by Omar Abdullah is fully aware of people’s problems and is making all out efforts to fulfill their demands on priority. He reiterated the commitment of the coalition government to ensure holistic development of all the regions of the state with special focus on remote, far flung and rural areas. He also said that the state is on the march of peace, progress and development and this tempo will be carried forward with a mission. Responding to the demands of the people like construction of pending lanes and drains, black topping of the road, replacement of old electric poles and wires, etc. Slathia assured them that their all the demands shall be redressed at the earliest. He asked the people to strengthen the hands of Omar Abdullah for future development in the state especially in the rural areas.
MLA Ramban inaugurates school buildings at Sharore, Phalti and Batyari
RAMBAN, JULY 05-Member Legislature Assembly, Ramban, AshoK Kumar inaugurated three Upper Primary School Buildings constructed at an estimated cost of over Rs.27.5 lakh under Additional Class Room (ACR) schemes in zone and district Ramban. MLA inaugurated Additional Accommodation for UPS Sharore (Kanga), UPS Phalti which has been completed with expenditure of Rs. 7.79 lakh each and UPS Batyari having an estimated cost amounting to Rs. 11.96 Lakh including Toilets and Kitchen shed. MLA announced 50 desks for these three schools and stressed upon the teaching community to improve the standard of education in government schools besides asked them to play their role with zeal and dedication.
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SRINAGAR | SUNDAY, JULY | 06 | 2014
Rather for safeguarding spl. Constitutional position of J&K while implementing GST Sagar for time bound completion of development projects SRINAGAR, JULY 05: Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar has directed the officers to ensure timely completion of various projects under taken in different sectors for ensuring holistic and sustained development of the Srinagar city, so that the people get benefitted from these. The Minister was interacting with officers during his extensive tour of the Srinagar today to get the first hand information Lone News Khan News Agency Ganderbal about the status of various devel-Agency Kangan to speed up the pace of work functions. He said that these Gulzar News Soura Zahidcial Book Depot Chadoora opmental works undertaken by Agency on various community halls unshould be completed within the the Government andTariq also get theAgency Hawal News Bashir News Agency Nowhatta dertaken by the government for stipulated time frame as the reqfeedback from the people living Muzaffar Ali News Agency Bazar faBudshah News Agency Chowk providing theAlamgari much requisite uisite funds have Lal already been in these areas about their impleAbdullah Newscilities Agency Lal Chowk living in the Sikendar News to Agency Lal Chowk to the people provided the executing agenmentation. old city Lal for celebrating their soNews Agency Chowk Rainacies News Gund Kangan forAgency their completion. Mr. Sagar asked Gupkari the officers
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Khan News Agency Regal Chowk Sheikh News Agency Hyderpora Lone News Agency Tangmarg Bhat News Agency Magam Dar News Agency Beerwah Reshi News Agency Safapora Basharat News Agency Bandipora Altaf News Agency Pulwama Jeelani News Agency Baramulla Curfew was on Friday night imposed in this town in Shah News Agency Kupwara Madhya Pradesh after a clash between members Younis News Agency Langateof two communities which Reshi left seven three of Newspersons Agencyinjured, Islamabad them with gunshot wounds, and saw a number of shops Turray News Agency Tral and vehicles being torched, police said on Saturday.Police Rahiand News Agency Kulgam lathi-charged the rioters lobbed teargas shells before Rah News Agency Byepassgot out of being forced to fire in the air as the situation
MP town clash: 7 injured, 33 held, curfew imposed
control, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP), Mukesh Vaishya, told reporters.So far, 33 persons have been arrested for the violence which left seven persons injured. Three of those suffered bullet injuries but it was not clear whether they were wounded in firing by the clashing mob or in police firing, he added.The clash took place after two youths from separate communities got into a heated argument over a seat on a Raisen -bound bus. After the bus reached the town, which is situated about 50km away from state capital Bhopal, the two youths called their respective supporters and the matter then soon got out of control.The mob engaged in stone-pelting and arson. Four shops and as many vehicles were set on fire while several other shops and parked vehicles were also damaged.
Rashid News Agency Dalgate Hilal News Agency Budgam Bhat News Agency Chadoora Zargar News Agency Kunzar Bashir News Agency Sumbal Saleem News Agency Pattan Reyaz News Agency Pampore Javaid News Agency Qazigund G.M News Agency Sopore Sultan News Agency Handwara Prays for Sheikh News Agency Islamabad sustained peace, Three Way News Agency Tral Badru News Agency Bijbehara progress, prosperity, Malik News Agency Arwani Shaheen News Agency development in Kargil State
The Minister inspected the pace of work on the community halls being constructed at Sukhlipora (Rajouri Kadal) and Mukhdoom Sahib and directed for their early completion.
Mr. Sagar also directed for speeding up the mecademization of Syed Mirakhshah and KZP road projects. He said that these are pivotal in ensuring better traffic mobility and management of the traffic in the city, especially in view of the ensuing tourist season. The Minister also asked the SMC to fast pace work on the Mukhdoom Mandaw Shrine at Kailashpora and also pay adequate compensation to the people, whose properties are being acquired at an earliest, so that they do not face any inconvenience with regard to their rehabilitation. Mr. Sagar directed R&B officers to speed up the pace of work on the road widening of Maharaj Gunj-Sukhlipora being undertaken with an estimated cost of Rs. 31 lakh as it would ensure better connectivity and mobility in the area. The Minister was accompanied by senior officers of different departments like SMC, R&B, PHE, PDD and other senior officers of district administration.
Bhalla pays obeisance at Gurduwara Chattipadshahi
SRINAGAR, JULY 05: In connection with the celebration of birthday of Guru Hargobind Ji Maharaj, the Minister for Housing Horticulture, Culture and Youth Services & Sports, Mr. Raman Bhalla today visited Gurduwara Chattipadshahi Rainawari, Srinagar and paid obeisance there. On the occasion, the Minister felicitated the people and wished them well-being and prosperity, besides praying for the sustained peace, harmony, progress and pros-
perity in State. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Bhalla said that teachings of Guru Ji are torch bearer for the people and said it is the need of hour to follow the path of truth, humanity, charity, honesty and mutual broth-
erhood as preached by Guru Ji. He said that Guru Hargobindji’s noble example of selfless service, based on the high values of righteousness, truth and love, is more relevant today. During his visit, the Minister interacted with the members of managing Committee of Gurduwaraa and took stock of arrangements made for the devotees. Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Mr. Farooq Ahmad Shah, Commissioner SMC, Dr G. N. Qasba and other officers were also present on the occasion.
People friendly policies of Govt appreciated by all: Gul SRINAGAR, JULY 5: The Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Mr. Mubarak Gul has said that the priority of the Government is holistic development of all the three regions of in order to usher the State in an era of development and prosperity. He said that remarkable progress on all fronts has been witnessed by the people, who are appreciating people friendly policies of the current government headed by young and dynamic Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah. Mr. Gul was addressing gatherings during his tour to various areas of his constituency including S D A Rakh Colony in Eidgagh today. The Speaker said several measures have been taken by the Government for the up-liftment of the weaker sections of the society. Recalling the contribu-
tion of Late Sheri-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, the Speaker said that the contribution of Late legendary leader for the betterment of the people of the State will be remembered for ever. Responding to the de-
mands put forth by the locals at Rakh Colony, the Speaker said that construction of Community Hall, Dispensary, Ration Ghat buildings and Mechanization of Mail Road will be started soon. He said Rs.1.97 crore would be spent on these projects and
Ensure Gender Equality and Women Empowerment For Better Future: First Lady SRINAGAR, JULY 5: Mrs. Usha Vohra, First Lady, attended an interaction programme with spouses of members of
the India CEO Forum of the International Market Assessment (IMA) at Gulmarg in Kashmir. During the session, there was free-flowing conversation on various issues relating to women in Indian society, girl child protection and conflict in Kashmir.Mrs. Vohra addressed the ladies Forum about the obtaining social and cultural milieu and how it impacts the changing role of women in the Indian
society. She highlighted the challenges which the present day women are facing to carve a niche for themselves in every sphere of life.Mrs. Vohra particularly highlighted the difficulties and challenges faced by women in the Valley consequent to the advent of terrorism and violence and its effect on their psyche. She also spoke about the educational prospects of girls and the role required to be played by the government and the civil society in ensuring growingly better educational opportunities, reducing school drop-out ratio of girls, ban on sex-determination, curbing female foeticide and safeguarding the rights of the girl child. Mrs. Vohra urged the members of the forum to contribute towards enhancement of gender equality and women empowerment for securing a bright and better future of our girls and women.
maintained that up gradation of the school is under active consideration of the Government. The Speaker said that he had already given directions to the health department for opening of dispensary in the area as the building for the same is yet to be
completed. Mr. Gul said that the matter with regard to Home Delivery of Gas Cylinder would be taken up with the concerned at an earliest. In response to repairs and renovation of main holes in the area, the Speaker gave on the spot direction to the Srinagar Development Authority for immediate redressal. During the tour, the Speaker inspected various ongoing developmental works in the area and directed the officers to work with zeal, dedication and utmost honesty. He also directed them to speed up the pace of work on all under execution works and complete them in a stipulated timeframe.Mr. Gul stressed upon the officers to maintain close coordination with the public as the rapport between the people and the administration is to key the success of the development.
No decision yet on LoP status to Congress Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan with senior BJP leader Prakash Javdekar meeting Congress leaders, Malikarjun Kharge, Jyotiraditya Scindia and Lok Jan Shakti Party leader Ram Vilas Paswan during an all-party meeting in New Delhi on Saturday. Photo: S. Subramanium The Hindu Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan with senior BJP leader Prakash Javdekar meeting Congress leaders, Malikarjun Kharge, Jyotiraditya Scindia and Lok Jan Shakti Party leader Ram Vilas Paswan during an all-party meeting in New Delhi on Saturday.On Friday, Congress appeared to have decided to raise the pitch in its demand for being accorded the status for its nominee in the Lok SabhaLok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Saturday steered clear of the issue of grant of Leader of Opposition status in the House to the Congress despite the party appearing
to raise the pitch for it.“The meeting of leaders of political parties was convened to discuss the business of the House,” was the refrain of the Speaker after the luncheon meeting to repeated questions on what was her decision on the issue. The Speaker had earlier said she will take a decision on the issue before the budget session after consulting constitutional experts and “experienced” persons.Leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge merely said that Saturday’s meeting was to discuss the issue to be raised during budget session.Significantly, a Union Minister on Saturday remarked that how could the Speaker decide on the matter when the Congress is yet to formally seek the status.He said people have not granted the numbers to the Congress to get that status and said the rules have been framed in 1977 and would be followed.
HOROSCOPE Aries
March 21-April 19
Allow your eager and restless nature to express itself in ways other than through the spoken word, Aries. Show someone that you care through your gentle touch or a big bear hug. Hold on a little bit more tightly than you might normally. There’s an unspoken understanding that comes when you communicate through nothing but pure silence. Work on developing this kind of connection with those closest to you.
Taurus April 20-May 20
This is a terrific day for you, Taurus. You should find that your relationships, especially with men, go exceptionally well. Your tender and extremely sensitive nature is finally being recognized as the treasure chest it is. There are many times in which this type of personality is seen as weak, yet today is one of those times in which you’re given the full credit you deserve.
Gemini May 21-June 21
A selfish attitude on your part won’t be tolerated today, regardless of the circumstances, Gemini. Don’t make it worse for yourself by pretending that you don’t notice others’ hurt feelings. People are likely to be extra sensitive today, so be careful about trying to impose your will on someone who really wants nothing more than an ear to talk to and a shoulder to cry on.
Cancer June 22-July 22
You could find the hardest person to face is you, Cancer. You tend toward introspection, and you may find yourself shrinking into self-recrimination. You could analyze the important people in your life and yet fail to address the one you really need to look at – you. As you continually strive for perfection, give yourself proper credit. Do something nice for yourself today.
Leo
July 23-August 22 Take advantage of the creative energy in the air today, Leo. Keep your hands moving and your imagination flowing toward something fun and artistic. If you begin to doubt your work, you may fall down a spiral of creative blockage. Don’t get into the habit of constantly judging the quality or outcome of your work. Give yourself free rein to open up and explore whatever comes to mind.
Virgo
August 23-September 22
Your sixth sense is right on target, Virgo, so trust your instincts today. You’re likely to connect with someone in a wonderful partnership that will help you foster the very plan you want to develop now. Stay close to those things that resonate strongly with your morals. The answer is in front of you; you don’t have to search too far afield in order to find it.
Libra
September 23-October 23 Take a break from your routine, Libra. You might feel like you’re leading an army into battle as you strive for new adventures and conquer new realms. Make sure you take a bit of time out today to stop and let your troops rest. You deserve a little rest yourself. Use this moment of stillness to form your plan of attack so you’re sure about how to proceed.
Scorpio
October 24-November 21 The key for you is to minimize your daily drama as much as possible, Scorpio. You may not realize how much you cripple yourself by the way you exaggerate every aspect of your life. Try not to give so much of your attention to things that really don’t matter much. Petty jealousy and gossip about other people’s lives are especially irrelevant in your world.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Be careful of advertising yourself as someone who is so strong and mentally competent that you’re capable of handling everything, Sagittarius. Take note that the strongest mule on the trail usually ends up carrying the most weight. Your emotions are more sensitive than you may think, and certainly more than you demonstrate to others. Be honest about the way you feel and not just the way you think.
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Things should flow well for you today with very little effort on your part, Capricorn. Take note that if any quarrel arises, it’s an indication that the person you’re arguing with isn’t necessarily the right person to deal with or confide in. Emotional issues are likely to be the hardest ones to overcome, but this shouldn’t be a problem for you. You have the ability to work through these like a pro.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
This is meant to be a nice, relaxing day, so treat it as such, Aquarius. There’s no need for you to plan any great strategy at this time. Try to take it easy and not indulge in any unnecessary stress. This is your time to enjoy the moment. Don’t tax your mind by overanalyzing everything that comes your way. Go with the flow and have a great time regardless of what you end up doing.
Pisces
February 19-March 20 Your sensual nature is heightened, Pisces, and you’ll find yourself engaged in tender moments and languid peacefulness in the company of others. Soothe your soul by letting yourself slip into situations that give you the emotional freedom to do or say whatever comes to mind. Life should be like a love poem written by a great master. Accept the good energy that comes your way.
EDITORIAL/ OPINION QUOTE OF THE DAY
T
he state of Jammu & Kashmir called paradise on earth has excelled in many fields for dubious reasons other than the positive ones which could have taken this state forward rapidly on the path of peace, progress and prosperity. Declared as one of the most corrupt states of the county, now it has achieved one more dubious distinction of being one of the leading states in the field of unemployment. The state has according to estimates over 8 lakh educated unemployed youth which means that every one person in every twelve individuals is unemployed. The unemployment is mostly found in educated youths as the state does not have enough avenues to accommodate thousands of young men coming out of universities and colleges every year. One more disadvantage with the state is that, it has no corporate or industrial sector which could provide employment to a large chunk of people. The state being one of the most environmentally rich state can hardly afford any industries which will destroy its natural beauty and imbalance its ecology. It is because of this reason that neither the government can allow those industries which pollute atmosphere nor will the people of the state allow that to happen. This leaves the whole dependence of the educated youth on the government sector and this sector has very less capacity to cope up with the situation. Whatever resources are for recruitment those are marred by several hurdles and impediments. The red-tapism in bureaucracy, the slow pace of recruitment agencies and above all the corruption in recruitment is resulting in the frustration amongst youth who see their future very bleak and dark. This frustration results in dragging these youth to several social evils including drugs, unethical activities, and those indecent which a society will never appreciate. The various governments which come into power have miserably failed in curbing the corruption, in taking steps to improve the pace of recruitment and to remove red-tapism in employment generation activities. It needs a committed government, a clear cut recruitment policy, corruption free recruiting agencies and fast track system of recruitment to tackle the unemployment problem to some extent.
Zabarwan Times
Srinagar, Sunday 06 July 2014
Amarnath Yatra and Environment Protection
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” “Mae West” ...........................
Unemployment problem a challenge for any govt
Daily
K
ashmir holds not only a distinction of being a picturesque tourist place, but also a melting pot of various religious centers and pilgrimage spots – which makes it a busy religious tourism destination all across the year. In fact, religions have inspired the construction of some of the most spectacular monuments in Valley and all forms of art and architecture find expression in them. It is because of the religious character that the three regions of Jammu and Kashmir have got a unique identification: While Kashmir Valley is known as a land of Sufis, Jammu city is called a land of temples and Ladakh is famous for the gumpas and monasteries. So in all three parts of the state, pilgrim tourism remains the most happening activity besides the normal tourist flows. Attempts are afoot on part of the government to give proper boost to the religious tourism and make Jammu and Kashmir a hub for spiritual and religious travelers. Special infrastructure is being created to materialize the plan. The tourism ministry is also contemplating to create spiritual circuits in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh regions. J&K Tourism has plans for promotion of religious tourism and three mega projects have been conceived for implementation and Detailed Project Report’s (DPR’s) stand submitted to the Government of India. The project worth Rs 150 crores is aimed to develop tourism circuits in three regions. While Rs 50 crore of the stipulated cost is to be utilized to promote Buddhist-related tourism in Ladakh, Rs 100 crore is to be used to boost Sufi tourism in Kashmir and to restore various pilgrimage centers in Jammu. The famous religious tourism spots of Kashmir include Hazratbal, Kherbawani, and Amarnath Cave. But it is the Amarnath Cave that receives largest number of pilgrims. So we can say that in terms of numerical numbers, Amarnath is largest religious tourism destination. Amarnath Yatra is not only special for Hindus but for
Muslims too. Hundreds of Muslims could be seen offering their services for the smooth conduct of the yatra. So the pilgrimage provides a secular tinge in an exclusively religious environment. It provides a chance of interaction and intermingling of intra and inter-religious communities and promotes feelings of communal harmony. Amarnath cave is a Hindu shrine dedicated to Hindu God, Shiva and is located in South Kashmir Himalayas, at an altitude of 3,888 m (12,756 ft), about 141 km from Srinagar, and reached via Pahalgam and Baltal routes. The shrine is considered to be one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism. The cave is surrounded by snowy mountains. The cave itself is covered with snow most of the year except in three summer months (from mid June to mid August) when it is open for pilgrims. Thousands of Hindu devotees make an annual pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave on challenging mountainous terrain to see an ice stalagmite formed inside the cave. It is believed that after the middle Ages, this cave was forgotten by people before it was discovered by a shepherd, Butta Malik, in the 15th century once again. Story goes that a saint gave Buta Malik a bag full of coal. On reaching home, to his utter surprise he finds the bag was full of gold coins. Overwhelmed with joy, he wanted to thank the saint. But, he found that the saint had disappeared. Instead he found the Holy Cave and Shiv Lingam there in. He announced the discovery of this to the Villagers. Then onwards this has become the sacred place of Pilgrimage. Another story relates to Bhrigu Muni. Long time ago, it is believed that the Vale of Kashmir was submerged under water and Kashyapa Muni drained it through a series of rivers and rivulets. Therefore when the waters drained, Bhrigu Muni was the first to have Darshan of Lord Amarnath. Thereafter, when people heard of the Lingam, it became an abode of Lord Bholenath for all believers and a pilgrimage which
is performed by lakhs of people every year. The government is very particular about the arrangements and facilities for the proper performance of worship by the Amarnath pilgrims. Security remains the major concern so special care is being taken to ensure an incident free pilgrimage. Large part of the state machinery is pressed in to service during the Yatra period to ensure that enough arrangements of civic and medical facilities are put in place, for the religious journey. The annual pilgrimage is managed by Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) through Jammu and Kashmir Shri Amarnathji Shrine Act 2000. The board is headed by Jammu and Kashmir Governor, who is ex-officio chairman of the board. On the directives of SASB and state government, each pilgrim is supposed to carry a valid health certificate issued by a recognized doctor and have to go for prior registration before embarking on Yatra. However, the government finds itself strained in managing and facilitating the huge number of the pilgrims. Good faith ensures spiritual power of the believers and instills a sense of responsibility for the community and environment in them. Here pilgrims hold responsibility of protecting environment and follow directives from administration in this regard. Rules and regulations should be strictly adhered to, because nature’s rule is such that it takes two to make a tango. If we preserve the environment, the environment too will save us and our faith. Environment issue is not restricted to Kashmir only. It has assumed an international challenge and the alarming situation demands a need for a global awakening. But given the fragile nature of Kashmir’s environment, particularly the areas surrounding the Amarnath Cave and the routes that lead to it, authorities are duty bound to ensure that mass flow of pilgrims to an ecologically fragile area doesn’t cause harm to it. But the ground situation presents
a different picture. Such remains the scale of the yatra, that at its peak, the two base camps at Baltal and Pahalgam, huge camps with thousands of tents pitched across miles of once green meadows. The enormous numbers directly reflect on the facilities provided to the yatries. There’s a lack of toilets and a lot of pilgrims end up relieving themselves into the open by the rivers passing by the base camps. Furthermore a lack of a proper waste disposal system in both the camps and along the routes to the cave means that the whole area is littered with plastic bottles, wrappers and other non-biodegradable pollutants, even much longer after the yatra is over. The main victims of colossal waste produced by increasing number of pilgrims are the fragile ecologies of Baltal and Pahalgam. These two ecologically sensitive places take much of the pollution onslaught year after year, without repair or rescue. The famous Lidder River too is a victim of the yatra pollution. This onslaught was documented in a 37-page report released by the Jammu and Kashmir State Pollution Control Board (JKSPCB) in 2006. The report expressed concern over not regulating the yatra in a manner that protects the environment. It specifically pointed out that the situation in Pahalgam, the main base camp of the yatra, was alarming and called for immediate measures to protect the sensitive ecology of the Pahalgam valley. However, the fact remain that the pollution onslaught is bound to cause an irreparable loss to the Holy cave and its surrounding ecology. There is a strong need to conduct a proper scientific survey to assess the annual carrying capacity by the Pahalgam and Baltal routes that would serve as reliable and scientific indicators towards arriving at a safe annual pilgrim number. So in order to prevent irreparable harm to the fragile ecology around the Holy cave, there is need to take urgent measures in terms of policy making and willingness to prevent the damage in time.
Indian Ocean Forecasting System
F
orecasting oceanographic parameters (both in surface and subsurface) at different time scales is extremely important for a wide spectrum of users ranging from the weathermen to fishermen, and from the navy to the off-shore industries. Currently, Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) is forecasting the waves in the Indian waters as well as over the Indian Ocean. Recently, INCOIS has brought up a new system for the forecasting of the dynamic and thermodynamic features of the Indian Ocean. The new Indian Ocean Forecasting System (IOFS) is the first of its kind in the country and the set-up of the system is being developed indigenously at INCOIS. Initially the 6 hourly forecasts of SST, surface currents, MLD and depth of 20oC isotherm (as an indicator of thermocline depth) will be made available for 5 days in advance. The IOFS Setup The core of the IOFS is a state-ofart ocean general circulation model (OGCM), Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS), developed and distributed as open source code by Rugters University, New Jersey, USA. The model is configured to simulate the observed Indian Ocean features realistically by making appropriate changes in the model parameters and source code. An optimal interpolation based data assimilation scheme for assimilating satellite measured SST data is also introduced in the model. The simulations from the model for the period of 2000-2008 are validated extensively by comparing with the observations from the in-situ platforms and satellites. Since the validation was satisfactory, the model is put on experimental forecast mode from 1st November 2009. The forecasts are also being validated on a continual basis.
At present, the model is forced with the 5-day forecast data of surface wind fields and atmospheric fluxes from the atmospheric model of National Centre for Medium Range Forecast (NCMRWF), New Delhi. Accordingly, the IOFS also forecasts the oceanographic features for 5 days. The entire procedure for the generation of the forecast is automated. A suite of software was prepared to cater the pre-processing and post-processing needs of the model simulations. This enables little manual intervention throughout the process and thereby reduces the chances of human errors. Any malfunction of the system will be intimated to the concerned persons by emails as well as through mobile phone SMSs. The present version of IOFS is capable of issuing forecast within 15 minutes of receiving
data from NCMRWF. The forecast is being made available through INCOIS website. In addition, it is also disseminated through email messages and the dedicated electronic display boards installed along the coast. The raw data is available to the registered users via FTP. Potential users of IOFS In addition to the scientific community who are engaged in active research on physical oceanography of the tropical Indian Ocean, the other beneficiaries of the forecasts from IOFS are Navy and Coast Guard (to plan the operations); Shipping industry (to chart the route); offshore oil industry (for various operations); Fishing industry (for species specific advisories that make use of information on SST gradient, depth of the mixed layer etc); and the In-
dia Meteorological Department (to force the atmospheric models, that will improve the short and medium range forecasts, particularly during the monsoon season). IOFS is being designed to cater to the specific needs of the users as interests may vary from user to user and a generalized forecast may not be sufficient for all the users. A focused research and development approach is also envisaged to support the IOFS to meet the requirements of its users. Based on the feedback from them and through focused research, the IOFS will improve further in quality and quantity of services. With the availability of High Performance Computing Facility at INCOIS, the computational infrastructure is no longer a limitation in achieving the high goals.
Disclaimer : The contents and comments appearing in any article published in this paper are purely the personal opinion of the writer