Zabarwan Times E- Paper English 08 May 2014

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THURSDAY 08 May | 2014 | 08 Rajab, 1435 AH | PAGES 12 |

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Srinagar, May 06: A minor girl was brought by a some locals to Police Station M.R Gung, she was reported to be roaming in Dabtal Tashwaan.

The girl has been kept in custody of a respectable Mir Amanullah Khan resident of Dabtal, Ali Kadal.

Anybody having any information regarding the girl may please inform on Mobile number 9419009902, 01942503934 or Police Control Room Srinagar on Dial 100.

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

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Back in game again

Periodic Committee of Secretaries (COS) meeting

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Unknown minor girl found roaming in Srinagar

NO: 4 | ISSUE NO: 127 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 Paisa)

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Elections in Baramulla constituency marred by violence Blast, Boycott, Bashing mark voting in North Kashmir 26 injured; situation normal: DIG North

Baby drowns in Budgam Srinagar, May 06: An 18 months old baby girl Gafoora daughter of Ghulam Rasool Rather resident of Dadompora slipped into Nallah Dood Ganga near her home in the jurisdiction of Police Station Chadoora, Budgam and was drowned. Efforts are on to retrieve the body.

Polling agent thrashed for asking people to vote Sopore, May 7: A polling agent of Peoples Conference was thrashed and his clothes were stripped off by agitated youth after he was seen making rounds in Bomai Sopore asking people to come out to vote in his party candidates favour.

Eyewitnesses told CNS that a polling agent of See Vote On PG 11..

Inside story We will take on ‘horrendous’ Boko Haram to find 200 kidnapped schoolgirls: Obama Nigeria’s Boko Haram claims abduction of over 200 schoolgirls: AFPBoko Haram militants abduct 8 more girls in NigeriaI will sell all 223 kidnapped Nigerian girls in market, Boko Haram le...Barack Obama rejects ‘deporter in chief’ labelBarack Obama orders review of US deportation practices The US government has sent security and military experts to Nigeria to help with the search for the 200 schoolgirls abducted last month by Islamist militant group Boko Haram.

Srinagar, May 7: The polling was held in North Kashmir’s Baramulla Lok Sabha seat amid clashes and shutdown reported from various areas of the region.

According to the details provided by the KNS correspondents, five to six people including police and CRPF personnel were injured during the clashes between security forces and stone pelters. The stone pelting incidents were reported from the various areas of North Kashmir including Fateh Garh, Nadihal, Baharmpora, Saripora, Wadan, Hadipora, Bumai, Main Chowk Sopore, Dangerpora Sopore.

Militant outfit Hizb-ul-Mujahideen has claimed the responsibility of the blast that according to the outfit took place in Palhalan area on Wednesday. In a tele statement to KNS, Hizb operation spokesman Balleeg-ud-Din

claimed that the Hizb is behind the blast. However, police said a bomb disposal squad defused one explosive device that was found in Palhalan in which one CRPF personal received minor injury.

Reports informed further that in Hardshiva-Zaloora village of Sopore area, protesters attacked the polling booth and later took control of the same. Police tried to whisk the protesters away that led to the major clashes between both the sides. According to eye witnesses, tear gas shells were fired to disperse the angry mob. The clashes inside the polling booth created panic with the poling staff running for cover.

Baramulla town also witnessed heavy clashes between forces and protesters with the people taking to streets in large number- raising pro-freedom See DIG On PG 11..

MLC Congress party did not cast his vote Sopore, May 7: In a surprising incident, MLC and vice president Congress party, Muzafar Ahmed Parrey did not turn up at his native polling booth in Haigam Sopore to cast his vote.

A polling officer stationed at Government Higher Secondary School Haigam Sopore confirmed to CNS that neither Muzafar Parrey nor anyone of his family members turn up to polling booth to cast their vote.

In Haigam, there were two polling stations located in High School and BPS Haigam. The highest number of votes147 out of 1000 were polled at booth number 65 while the polling booth number 67 witnessed lower turnout where only five votes were polled out of total 705.

State Congress vice president and Member of Legislative Council Muhammad See MLC On PG 11..

39.06% polling in Baramulla & 65 percent in Ladakh : CEO SRINAGAR, MAY 07: 39.6% of the electors of 01-Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency and 65% of electors of 04-Ladakh Parliamentary Constituency cast their votes today.

Disclosing this at a press conference here today, the Chief Electoral Officer, Umang Narula said that 39.6% of electors exercised their franchise in 01-Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency comprising 63.19% in Kupwara, 25.04% in Baramulla and 35.65%

in Bandipora districts. He said 64% votes were cast in Leh and 65.8% in Kargil districts of 04-Ladakh Parliamentary Constituency adding that the exact figures of the polling percentage will be available only after details are received from various far flung areas.

Narula said that as many as 2147 polling stations were set up across both the Constituencies at 1878 different locations which included 132 critical polling sta-

‘Some people have a reason to stay away from polling booths’ Kangan, May 7: On Wednesday when upper belts of frontier district Kupwar were witnessing large voter turnout, the people of Sumriyal village in Lolab Valley preferred to stay inside while the polling booth in this village wore a deserted look- courtesy official apathy.

“All the residents of this village unanimously decided not to vote this time in favour of the party that had last time promised us to complete the work on the under-construction bridge. More than five years have passed and the bridge is still incomplete.

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tions, 1091 hypersensitive and 455 sensitive ones. He also said that web casting facility was available in 55 polling booths, besides 20 digital as well as 92 video cameras were installed for covering the poll process in these Constituencies.

The Chief Electoral Officer said that 4 General, 2 Expenditure, 2 Police and 2 Awareness observers were deployed besides as many as 257 Micro Observers See CEO On PG 11..

Tourist injured in stone pelting Srinagar, May 7: A 22-year-old tourist Simirta hailing from Rajasthan was Wednesday injured after a group of stone pelters attacked a Vehicle ferrying her to Srinagar from Gulmarag.

According to the KNS correspondent, Simirita daughter of Joti Ram of Rajasthan came under a severe attack of the stone throwers at See Tourist On PG 11..

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On Edit Page Dialogue imperative for peace With the completion of all phases of Lok Sabha elections in the state, the people will have a sigh of relief and at least some days of life without disturbances apprehension of violence, including stone pelting, hartals etc.

Whenever the election to any constitutional body are held in the state, the situation becomes hell and the life comes to a standstill. On one side, the mainstream parties leave no stone unturned to motivate the people to vote, on the other side, the separatists use every component of

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WEATHER FORECAST FOR NEXT 24 HRS: Light Rain would occur at a few places over the state.

FORECAST OF SRINAGAR: Partly cloudy sky. Maximum & Minimum temperatures will be around 26°C & 13°C

C TEMPERATURE M MAXIMUM Y MINIMUM K

SUNSET ON(THURSDAY) SUNRISE ON (FRIDAY)

26.40C 12.8 0C 07:19PM 05:37 AM

Both Hurriyat, Mainstream leaders thank people Geelani thanks people for boycott

Srinagar, May 7 : While thanking the people of North Kashmir for completely boycotting the third and last phase of election drama, chairman Hurriyat Conference (G), Syed Ali Geelani rejected the government version of voter turnout and said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have shown their affiliations with the freedom movement of Kashmir.

According to a statement issued to KNS, Geelani said that the Indian army left no stone unturned to force the people of Tangdar, URI, Gureez and Bandipora to vote in elections, but despite the tremendous pressure from the Indian army, the people showed courage and stayed away from the election drama. The people of the entire North Kashmir, especially Sopore, Pattan, Langate, Sonawari, Palhalan, Sumbal, Hajan, Bandipora, Kupwara, Batagung and other major towns rejected the decisive policies of the local pro-Indian parties and stayed away from

this military operation. He said that the Major Ragu of 14-RR today once again came in civics in Bandipora areas and threatened the locals to cast votes, but the bold and brave people of Bandipora resisted him and took out a huge procession and raised anti-India, anti-election, pro-Islam and pro-freedom slogans.

While terming the Lolab, Lalpora, Trehgam, Kupwara, Baramullah, Sopore, Bandipora, Pattan, Palhalan, Dooru, Sumbal and Sonawari as the assets of the freedom movement, Geelani said that these people are filled with the emotions of freedom and the people of whole Kashmir have made a history in boycotting the so-called elections, which will have a positive impact on the future of our movement.

Hurriyat (G) chairman said that India have always played filthy politics by projecting the elections in Jammu and Kashmir, which are held for solving the local issues, as referendum in its favour in the international forums, See Both On PG 11..

Militant injured in shootout, police recovered his gun HM claimed responsibility of the attack Tral, May 7: Government Forces

Wednesday cordoned off various hamlets of South Kashmir’s Tral town after militants reportedly fired upon an ambush party on Tuesday evening. Police said that during the shootout one militant was seriously injured who before fleeing from the spot dropped his gun there that was seized by the police.

Police sources told CNS that after receiving inputs about the movement of militants in Tral town, Army personnel from 3 RR and Police jointly laid an ambush in a rice field between Amirabad and Naibug on Tuesday evening.

Reports said that militants fired upon the ambush party that led to a brief exchange of fire. Police sources said that militants after reaching near Hardmir village spotted a white colour Sentro (JK13B-3132) parked on road outside the residence of car owner Jan

Pre-nursery student goes missing Srinagar, May 7: A four year old pre-nursery student went missing from Tuesdayevening in Nowpora locality of Srinagar city while police Wednesday used motor boats to trace the little boy as there are apprehensions that the boy might have slipped into a Nallah adjacent to the house of the missing kid.

“My four years old son Faheem Asghar Lone who studies in

class pre-nursery at Blue-Bells school returned home safely on Tuesday. During evening hours, while I was busy in making ablution and was preparing for prayers, I found Faheem missing. I lost my conscience and despite trying hard, I did not locate him,” the mother of the missing kid Hameeda Bano told CNS. People used public See DIG On PG 11..

Bakhtyar Malik. The car owner according to sources informed the police that militants barged into their house and demanded the keys of the car and fled from the spot.

Police recovered the abandoned sentro vehicle near Saimo Nallah. “Militants could not have crossed the nallah due to large volume of water and they abandoned the vehicle there that we recovered during wee hours,” a police official told CNS. See Gun On PG 11..

Health Official arrested after molestation attempt Police registers FIR Srinagar, May 7 : An official at Trauma hospital in Kangan was taken into custody-later placed under suspension after allegedly molesting a female patient who visited the health centre for the routine checkup.

According to the KNS correspondent, at Kangan-Ganderbal’s Trauma

hospital, a female patient visited the hospital during which an official allegedly assaulted her.

People after knowing the incident protested against the employeedemanding stern punishment for him. Later brother of the victim approached the See FIR On PG 11..

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Srinagar, Thursday 08 May 2014

FROM THE FRONT PAGE

DIG slogans. Reports also informed that youth assembled in groups at four major bridges of the area after which clashes erupted between protesters and police. Police used tear gas shells to disperse the protesters.

Heavy stone-pelting was reported from Nowpora polling booth in Bandipora. Reports informed that the youth in the area took to streets and threw stones at the nearby forces’ deployment. Protests erupted in Nowpora, Bandipora. Locals stated that they were moving towards the polling booths but they were thrashed and abused allegedly by the army. The Palhallan areas of North Kashmir boycotted the polls on May 7 with most of the people preferring to stay indoors. Reports also informed that not even a single vote was recorded in six polling booth of the area till late hours.

People in large number attacked the poling staff with stones at Seelu Sopore with the protesters covering them from all sides and hurling stones. The CRPF later fired several rounds of bullets in air to control the situation. Firdous Ahmad of Naberpora Bandipora was reportedly injured after a teargas shell hit him during the clashes at Bandipora. He was later shifted to Srinagar Hospital where his condition is under observation.

Another incident was reported when at Langate protesters hurled stones on a polling booth number 47 of Hampura Langate. A police constable namely Javed Ahmad was hit by a stone in head – leaving him severely injured. He was shifted to Kralpora district hospital where doctor referred him to SKIMS. Meanwhile, a 100-year-old person namely Ghulam Ahmed Baba, of Bandipora left home and casted his vote in a nearby polling station. Baba told reporters that he voted to change the system. Talking to KNS, Ghulam Hassan Bhat, DIG North Kashmir said: “The overall situation remained normal except for few minor clashes which resulted into injuries to five to six people. One CRPF personal received minor injury while one explosive device was being defused in Palhalan.”

Meanwhile according to API, 26 persons 2 at--------------and one at palhallan received injuries.(KNS)

MLC Muzafar Parray according to polling officer did not cast his vote at Haigam. “He did not turn up to cast his vote,” he said.

“It is not necessary for me to answer your every question. I voted but will not tell you where and I voted for ‘Albani’ (Plough)” Parrey told CNS in hurry and hung-up. (CNS)

CEO across both the Parliamentary Constituencies.

He said that as many as 13726 polling personnel were deployed in these constituencies during today’s phase of electioneering adding that logistically the phase was challenging due to remoteness of various areas, as such number of air sorties were carried out to lift the polling parties directly to many polling stations.

Narula said that total number of electorate in this phase was 13,57,321 and 19 candidates were in the fray.

Booths The leader in whose favour we voted last time never visited here again,” an octogenarian Din Muhammad told CNS. Firdous Ahmed Gojri, a second year student said that during the last Assembly elections hundred per cent people participated in the elections. “This time we decided to boycott because the government failed to live up to our expectations. In coming Assembly elections, our vote will be for change,” he said.

People from Shartgund Kupwara expressed the same views as they also stayed away from the poll process.

“In 2008 assembly elections, we voted only after politicians assured the people that the village would be provided with safe drinking water, uninterrupted power supply and macadamized roads. Ironically, the situation on the ground is different. We are deprived of all these basic facilities here,” said Muhammad Akbar adding that not a single person ventured out of his house to cast his vote.

Despite the tall claims by the government made during political rallies, it has failed to remain in good books of the locals here. “Those claims remained confined to papers only. We were befooled by political leaders during election rallies. Nothing was done on grounds for the welfare of the villagers,” another visibly dejected youth said. (CNS)

Tourist Gulmarag- Narbal road, leaving her seriously injured. Reports maintained that as the people were rising anti election slogans in the area on the day of polling on Wednesday, youth assembled in groups at road and started hurling stones towards the passing vehicles. An Innova tourist cab bearing number JK14B-5584 was attacked due to which its window glasses got smashed. A 22 year old Simirita Joti was seriously injured after which she was taken to the Kunzar government hospital for treatment. Block Medical Officer Tangmarg Dr Anjum told KNS that a lady from Rajasthan today received head injury and that she was admitted for some time in the hospital during which first aid was provided to her. (KNS)

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vote in spite of heavy odds.

In a statement issued to KNS Baig, who is the PDP’s candidate for Baramulla parliamentary constituency, said it is only through the democratic process the state can be taken out of its problems and the PDP will strive to carry forward its agenda of peaceful and developed Jammu & Kashmir. He said, “We expect the people to repose more faith in the electoral process to see end of their miseries, issues.”

He said the PDP will channelize the aspirations, sentiments of the people, in an honest and sincere manner, and will make a l l - o u t efforts to build a consensus on the Kashmir issue at the national level. He said the parliamentary polls have laid a strong foundation for a larger change to be happened in the state later this year and congratulated the people of Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipur districts for becoming part of a bigger narrative which has started emerging on the ground.

National Conference Leader and Candidate from Baramulla-Kupwara-Bandipora Parliamentary Seat, Sharif-ud-din Shariq has thanked the people of Baramulla, Kupwara and Banidpora Districts for exercising their right to vote and reposing and re-investing faith in him and National Conference.

According to a statement issued to KNS, Shariq said that the people, despite perceptions of threat and uncertainty came out to endorse National Conference in large numbers. “The enthusiasm of the common-man in choosing his representatives is the indomitable spirit of democracy for which National Conference has rendered innumerable sacrifices and it is this very spirit that we salute”, Shariq said.

Stating that National Conference was committed to continue to serve the people of J&K with utmost dedication and passion, Shariq said that the party believed in the values of secularism, pluralism and amity between people of all faiths. “We stand for the unity and integrity of the State of J&K and represent its glorious history of amity and brotherhood and will continue to safeguard J&K from communal forces and their proxies within the State”, Shariq said.

Shariq said that he was confident of a thumping victory and re-election from the Baramulla Parliamentary Seat. “From t h e o u t p o u r ing support for National Conference witnessed today in North Kashmir, I am confident of a thumping victory thanks to the support of the people and the blessings of God. Upon re-election, I will continue to raise my voice for my people in the Lok Sabha and represent their needs, demands and aspirations with a continued sense of accountability and public service”, Shariq said while adding that National Conference had never lost the Baramulla Seat in the past and will never lose it in the future as well, thanks to the love and affection of th e p e o p l e f o r t h e p a r t y .

S h a r i q t h a n k e d t h e E l ection Commission, the State administration, the polling staff that had been placed on election duty and the security forces and police personnel who ensured the smooth conduct of the elections. Shariq also condemned sporadic episodes of violence and expressed his solidarity with a CRPF Jawan who was injured in an explosion. (KNS)

Gun He said that during the brief exchange of fire one militant received fatal injuries and, “as far our inputs the injured militant might have died. He had left his gun there before fleeing from the spot along with his associates and we have recovered that gun,” DySP Awantipora Parvez Ahmed told CNS adding that blood stains were found on the spot of encounter.

Reports said that during morning hours a massive search operation was launched to nab the militants in hamlets like Amirabad, Hardmir, Saimo and Rothsuna. Sources told CNS that police questioned various medicos as well as they felt that the injured militant might approach any medico for help.

Sources said that all the medicos were allowed to go after questioning.

Meanwhile, a caller who identified himself as the Operational spokesperson of militant outfit Hizb-ul-Mujhadeen, Baleegudin told CNS on phone that a group of militants attacked an ambush party in Tral in which government forces suffered casualties. He said that such attacks would be carried out in future as well. (CNS)

DIG address system while locals went to police station Khanyar to lodge a missing report in this regard.

Station House Officer Khanyar, Ghulam Hasan told CNS that they have deputed a team to trace the kid, but there are apprehensions that the kid might have slipped into the Nallah which is running adjacent to their house.

“We used motor boats to trace the boy on Wednesday. Our men were on the job whole day but we could not locate him. We have started the investigation and hopefully the kid will be traced soon,” he said. (CNS)

FIR hospital superintendent after which police was called in. The police reached the spot and arrested the accused lodging him at Police station Kangan.

FIR number 33/2014 under section 354 of RPC was registered. Later suspension order of the employee bearing office number MS/SDH/87/89, dated 07-052014 was issued by the hospital superintendent Dr Javeed. (KNS)

Vote Sajad Lone led People’s Conference was caught by protestors at Bomai Sopore when he was requesting people to cast their in favour of his party candidate Salam-u-Din Bajad. “Protestors caught hold of him, beat him to pulp and stripped off his clothes. Protestors sprinkled cold water over his head and let him off in naked condition,” a resident of Bomai Sopore said.

BJP to protest after Modi denied permission for Varanasi rally; party plans 'roadshow' instead A controversy has erupted over an alleged denial in grant of permission for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) prime ministerial nominee Narendra Modi's rally at Beniyabagh ground in Varanasi on Thursday.

Modi is contesting from the seat, which goes to polls on May 12. The BJP has written to chief election commissioner VS Sampath and demanded the removal of the electoral officer, district magistrate Pranjal Yadav.

Beniyabagh is in the heart of the city and has a sizeable Muslim population. In the 1991 elections, law and order problems had cropped up during BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha’s rally at Beniyabagh ground. After much effort, the administration had brought the situation under control.

"Is Narendra Modi banned from entering Varanasi?" senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley asked. Jaitley also announced he would sit on a dharna outside the Banaras Hindu University at 11am on Thursday in protest. The BJP's leaders will also protest outside the Election Commission office in New Delhi.

Jaitley said the district magistrate was making "unbelievable" excuses to "deny" security approval for the rally, which was a right of any candidate. He said the the BJP's PM nominee was also denied permission for 'Ganga Pujan'. "The returning officer has lied... This is not a banana republic. I have written three letters to the to the EC. We will hold protests at Lanka Gate outside BHU," Jaitley said.

"In case of no permission, Narendra Modi will land at BHU's helipad after the BJP's meeting at Rohania. He will then go to the party's election office in Varanasi. He will then go to the airport," Jaitley said.

The BJP leadership is planning to convert Modi's journey from the Banaras Hindu University -at the

helipad of which he would land - to the party's central election office at Sigra into a roadshow of sorts on Thursday.

Though the party issued no official statement, a senior leader who was not willing to be named said: "Since the district administration has cancelled Narendra Modi's rally at Beniyabagh and not allowed Ganga puja at Dashashwamedh Ghat, we will have to compensate for these in some form or the other."

"We are planning to convert Modi's journey from the BHU to the party's central election office into a kind of road show", he added.

"Narendra Modi's journey from BHU to the party's central election office will not be a simple one as the district administration thinks," another leader added.

Modi would reach the BHU after addressing a rally at Jagat Inter College, Rohaniya, a rural assembly segment of Varanasi. The Rohaniya rally has been allowed while permission for the rally at Beniyabagh ground has been denied.

From the university, Modi would go to Sigra by road. His fleet would pass through several areas of the city and Modi's cavalcade might also take a turn towards the Godowlia crossing or Lahurabir crossing, in the heart of the city.

NDTV, however, quoted DM Pranjal Yadav as saying that while a change in schedule was suggested to the BJP, the meetings had largely been allowed. "There is no issue.

They are making a fuss about it for no reason," the TV channel showed Yadav as saying.

Before the Beniyabagh meet, Modi was scheduled to address a rally in Rohania, a rural assembly constituency outside the main Varanasi city.

Top officials sought to blame ap-

proval issue to non-receipt of ground report from security agencies and said a final decision could be taken by evening. They claimed the request for the rally at the Beniyabagh ground was received on Tuesday.

Terming the situation as "unprecedented", Jaitley said, "Holding public meeting in his constituency is right of every candidate and Narendra Modi cannot be denied the same.

"If the approval is denied on the basis of some backdated letter or so-called intelligence alerts about security issues, they are only excuses. We have written to the CEC and hope the situation to become clear very soon."

Asked if the BJP suspected that the Uttar Pradesh government was behind the "denial", Jaitley said, "I do not know who is interfering, but the DM as an electoral officer is free to decide on such things and not supposed to come under any kind of pressure.”

BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman said the Varanasi administration was obeying an "unwritten order" and there was an "undeclared understanding" between them and the ruling Samajwadi Party. "It is absolutely unacceptable. We are quite surprised."

Modi's road show on April 24, when he filed his nomination papers, received an overwhelming response here.The district administration's decision to deny permission to Modi to hold a meeting with 150 eminent persons at Hotel Surya, where BJP leaders are staying has also irked party leaders.Varanasi is among the most keenly followed contests in the Indian elections.

Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal is contesting from the seat and the Congress has fielded former BJP MLA Ajay Rai.

Rebels evacuated from Homs, cradle of Syrian uprising Hundreds of Syrian rebels on Wednesday abandoned their last stronghold in the heart of Homs city, an epicentre of the revolt against President Bashar al-Assad, handing him a symbolic victory weeks before his likely re-election.

Two convoys of buses snaked their way through the crumbling ruins of the besieged city, taking the fighters to safety in rebel-held areas outside the city under a deal agreed between the insurgents and forces loyal to Assad.

The Sunni Muslim fighters had held out in the Old City of Homs and neighbouring districts despite being undersupplied, outgunned and subjected to more than a year of siege and bombardment by Assad's forces.

At the same time as they were evacuated from Homs, dozens of captives held by rebels in the northern provinces of Aleppo and Latakia were also

freed as part of the same deal.

But a planned relief convoy trying to reach two rebel-blockaded Shi'ite towns outside Aleppo was turned back by fighters from al Qaeda's Nusra Front, raising questions about the successful completion of the Homs operation.

Provincial governor Talal Barazi denied reports during the day of any halt to the evacuation, which the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said had transported 400 fighters out of the old city.

Video footage of the first convoy showed a group of men climbing aboard a green bus, watched by around a dozen men in khaki uniform and black flak jackets marked "police". In front of the bus was a white car with the markings of the United Nations, which helped oversee the operation.

Activists said a total of

1,900 people, mainly rebel fighters, were being evacuated. The Syrian Arab Red Crescent said on its Twitter account it had sent ambulances to take wounded people out of the city centre.

Later video showed them arriving in a rebel-held area north of the city. Unlike what happened in an evacuation of civilians from Homs in February, activists said, they were not detained for checks by security forces and were allowed to keep their light weapons.

ASSAD GAINS The evacuation comes after months of gains by the army, backed by its Lebanese militant ally Hezbollah, along a strategic corridor of territory linking the capital Damascus with Homs and Assad's Alawite heartland on the Mediterranean.

The final rebel withdrawal from the centre of the city, known as the "cap-

ital of the revolution" when protests first erupted against Assad in 2011, would consolidate his military control ahead of a June 3 presidential election.

Assad is widely expected to be the runaway victor in the vote, which his opponents have dismissed as a charade.

They say no credible election can be held in a country fractured by civil war, with swathes of territory outside government control, 6 million people displaced and another 2.5 million refugees abroad.

The fighters are expected to leave Homs in up to nine convoys, carefully synchronised with the aid delivery and the release of captives held by the rebels near Nubl and Zahraa, and the town of Kassab in Latakia province.One activist said a Russian national and several Iranians were among those being released by the rebels.

HEADQUARTER JKAB-13TH BATTALION HUMHAMA ATTENDANCE NOTICE

SGCT:MUSHTAQ AHMAD NO. 150/AP-13TH PID NO. ARP- 875992 S/O. ILYAS HUSSAIN SHAH R/O NOONA BANDI TEHSIL/PS. HAVELI DISTRICT. POONCH 01.

Whereas you are an appointee of year 1987 constable.

02.

Whereas you proceeded to avail (30) days earned leave w.e.f 02.03.2014 and was supposed to report back for duty on 01.04.2014.

03.

Whereas you didnot report back for duty well in time and accordingly marked absent in unit daily w.e.f 01.04.2014.

04.

Whereas you were informed through your concerned police station haveli vide this office signal No. Estt/pcase/14/5357 dated.16.04.2014 to report back for dutybut you didnot bother to report back for duty till date and is still at large.

05.

Whereas you were earmarked for parliamentary election duty- 2014 from this unit.

06.

Where absenting from duty inspite of earmarked for parliamentary election 2014 duty being important nature of duty is highly objectionable and shalters all the norms of disciplined ferce.

07.

Where absenting from duty deliberately without any reason tantamount to loss of appointment in terms of rule (128) of CSR Volume-I read with rule No. 208(g) of j&k police manual .

Now/ DA Khan SP ( Commandant) JKAP-13TH Battalion once again call upon you Sgct Mushtaq Ahmad No. 150/AP-13TH Bn. PID NO.ARP-875992 through this notice to resume your duty within a week’s time from the date of receipt of this notice failing which departmental proceeding under rules will be initiated against you.

No:- Esst/PF/150/13TH /14/5611-13 DIPK:-288

Sd/- Commandant JKAP-13th Battalion Humhama

Owner , Printer & Publisher: Suhail Malik Editor -in-Chief: Shahana Malik RNI NO. JKBII/2011/39764, Email: zabarwantimes@gmail.com Publised at Govt.

Quarters , M-13 Magarmal Bagh Srinagar-190001 J&K, Printed at:- Sangarmal Offset Press Humhama Sheikhpora Tele/Fax: 2478370 Cell No. 09999964750, 9796 787844

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but this time the record breaking election boycott of the people of entire Kashmir have rejected the India’s claim of referendum and have send a clear message across India that the Kashmir was never any part of India nor will it be in future.

Geelani said that the freedom movement of Jammu and Kashmir has been nourished with the blood of innocent Kashmiris and this movement is ranked as number one freedom movement in the world. The younger generation has taken the responsibility of this movement and they will never allow anybody to harm this. He further said that the commitment of youths towards this freedom movement have generated a hope in the whole nation that they will take this movement to its logical end.

Meanwhile Senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and former deputy chief minister, Muzaffar Hussain Baig has thanked the people of North Kashmir for having come out in respectable numbers to

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SRINAGAR |THURSDAY, MAY | 08 | 2014

We will take on ‘horrendous’ Boko Haram to find 200 kidnapped schoolgirls: Obama Nigeria’s Boko Haram claims experienced military officials and This was echoed by secretary abduction of over 200 schoolgirls: those with expertise in hostage of state Kerry, who is currently in AFPBoko Haram militants abduct situations will be set up in the Ni- Africa meeting with leaders from 8 more girls in NigeriaI will sell gerian capital of Abuja and coor- across the continent. all 223 kidnapped Nigerian girls dinate various activities with the He said during a speech in Ethiin market, Boko Haram le...Barack aim of tracking down and retriev- opia earlier this week: “The kidObama rejects ‘deporter in chief’ ing the girls. napping of hundreds of children labelBarack Obama orders review Speaking to Ameriof US deportation practices can news channel ABC The US government has sent Obama said: “We have security and military experts to already sent in a team to Nigeria to help with the search for Nigeria ... a combination the 200 schoolgirls abducted last of military, law enforcemonth by Islamist militant group ment, and other agencies Boko Haram. that are going in, trying The 223 girls were sitting to identify where in fact their final exams in the village of these girls might be.”

Chibook in the northeastern reHe said that the kidgion of the West African when nappings were “hearta group of abductors from Boko breaking” and deHaram, whose name translates as nounced Boko Haram as “western education is forbidden”, one of the worst regional stormed the building in which the terrorist organizations” girls were sleeping and kidnapped that have been “killing them. people ruthlessly for Now, after nearly three weeks years now.”

by Boko Haram is an unconscioof Nigerian search efforts proving He also said despite the kidnable crime, and we will do everyLone News Agency Kangan Khan News Agency Ganderbal fruitless, President Barack Obama nappings being “outrageous”, he thing possible to support the NigeGulzar News Agency Soura Zahid Book Depot Chadoora and secretary of state John Kerry hoped that the event “helped to rian government to return these Tariq NewstoAgency Hawal Bashiryoung Newswomen AgencytoNowhatta have decided to send a team mobilize the entire international their homes and help with the search — a move that community to finally Bazar do someto hold theAgency perpetrators to justice.”

Muzaffar Ali News Agency Alamgari Budshah News Lal Chowk is said to be supported

by Nigerian against this horrendous Sikendar orAdding: “Our Lal responsibility Abdullah Newsthing Agency Lal Chowk News Agency Chowk President Goodluck Jonathan. ganization that’s perpetrated such and the world’s responsibility is to Gupkari Chowk Raina stand Newsup Agency Kangan As part of the plan, a teamNews of Agency a terribleLal crime.” againstGund that kind if nihil-

Zabarwan Times is available at

Khan News Agency Regal Chowk Sheikh News Agency Hyderpora Lone News Agency Tangmarg Bhat News Agency Magam Dar News Agency Beerwah Reshi News Agency Safapora Basharat News Agency Bandipora LUCKNOW: The Election of India on WednesAltaf Commission News Agency Pulwama day ordered Preeti Sahay — Priyanka secretary Jeelani News Gandhi AgencyVadra’s Baramulla — to leave Amethi following complaints filed by the Bharatiya Shah News Agency Kupwara Janata Party alleging that she was trying to influence the votYounis News Agency Langate ers in the parliamentary constituency.

Speaking to TOI, district magistrate of Amethi, Jagat Raj Reshi News Agency Islamabad Tripathi, said, “On the Turray complaint of BJP candidate News Agency TralSmriti Irani, Sahay was asked to leave the constituency as her presence Rahi News Agency Kulgam was against. Barring the candidates, election agents and exRah News Agency penditure agents, all outsiders have been Byepass asked to leave the

Election Commission orders Priyanka Vadra’s secretary to leave Amethi

constituency.”

The DEO also said, “We have received a complaint from Irani. Prima facie, we found that both the persons were wrong in their own places. While Sahay should not have been inside the booth, Irani also misbehaved inside the booth. Sahay has been asked to leave the constituency.” The district magistrate of Amethi also informed that Sahay has agreed to leave the constituency.

Irani and Priyanka’s secretary had entered in a verbal duel, as the former objected to her presence at one of the booths in Jagdishpur area. Following the incident, BJP filed a complaint with the Election Commission on the presence of Sahay at a polling booth at Thori village in Jagdishpur.

“When Irani reached booth number 210 and 211 at Thori village in Jagdishpur village, she saw Sahay at the booth. Irani asked her for the pass which she could not produce.

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 ANANTNAG, MAY 07:Sopore An expendiG.M News Agency ture of Rs.97.09 crore has been booked Sultan News Agency Handwara against an availability of Rs.100.57 crore Sheikh News Agency Islamabad under District plan allocation for the yearThree 2013-14 to the end of Tral March WayupNews Agency 2014.

Badru News Agency Bijbehara was disclosed in a meetMalikThis News Agency Arwani ing held under the chairmanship Shaheen News Agency Kargil of District Development Commis-

ism.”

The move by the USA comes just a day after it was reported that more abductions of schoolgirls had taken place in the north of Nigeria and the announcement by the leader of Boko Haram that he would “sell” the abducted girls.

On Tuesdsay, in the village of Warabe also situated in the north-eastern region of Borno, armed gunmen attacked villagers, abducting eight young girls as well as stealing cattle and food.

According to eyewitnesses, the men opened fire on villagers before retreating with the girls.

While Boko Haram haven’t admitted responsibility for the Warabe abductions, their leader, Abubakar Shekau, did say that his group was responsible for the Chibok kidnappings and that he planned to carry out “God’s instructions” by selling the girls.

While he did not reveal where the abducted girls were being held, it is believed that Boko Haram could have moved the group

out of Nigeria and across the border into neighbouring Chad or Cameroon — something which both countries deny. The help from the US will be good news for Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan and Nigeria’s military forces who have come under severe criticism over the government’s inability to find the abducted girls and their ineffectiveness in to nullifying the threat of Boko Haram.

Two days of protests have taken place in Nigeria’s capital Abuja and its commercial centre Lagos, calling on the government to step up their efforts in finding the girls and ensure instances like this do not occur in the future.

The Chibook abduction is yet another in a long list of abductions and killings carried out by Boko Haram.

Mainly operating in the Muslim North of Nigeria Boko Haram has killed thousands in trying to achieve their goal of creating their own Islamic state in the north of the country. As of yet, the government has been unable to prevent these attacks, and President Jonathan is coming under increasing pressure to find a solution for the Boko Haram problem.

Rs.97.09 cr. Expended under District plan till March 2014 in Anantnag

sioner, Anantnag Mr. Saugat Biswas, while taking a detailed review of the achievements registered under District Plan allocation. He was informed that under NABARD, 101 road/bridge schemes were taken up for execution at a cost of RS. 183.76 crore, out of which 53 schemes have been completed and 48 are under progress. Under PMGSY a road length of 141.62 Kms has been black topped and 188.29 Kms road length made fair weather at a cost of Rs. 149.16 crore benefitting 86,132 souls. Similarly under R&B sector an expenditure of Rs. 23 crore was made on various R&B

works including mecadimazation of 46 km road length.

The meeting was also informed that the production of fresh and dry fruits in the district has reached to 1.66 lac metric tons and 0.50 metric tons respectively.As many as 19690 and 3951 students belonging to Gujjar and Bakerwal and Phari Speaking communities were provided scholarships. Pre-metric scholarships has been provided to 3164 OBC and 339 physically challenged students besides supplementary nutrition has been provided to 68128 children covering the age group of 6 months to 6 years. About 17024 adolescent girls, 10643 pregnant and lactating mothers were also provided supplementary nutrition.As many as 19690 and 3951 students belonging to Gujjar and Bakerwal and Phari Speaking communities were provided scholarships. Pre-metric scholarships has been provided to 3164 OBC and 339 physically challenged students besides supplementary nutrition

has been provided to 68128 children covering the age group of 6 months to 6 years. About 17024 adolescent girls, 10643 pregnant and lactating mothers were also provided supplementary nutrition.

Under Power sector, 1455 damaged transformers have been repaired in the district during this period while under Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan (NBA) 6834 individual household latrines have been constructed.

The meeting was informed that all the decisions taken in the District Development Board meeting have been implemented. The DDC directed the District officers and the Engineers to redouble their efforts for addressing the problems of general public.

The meeting was attended by ADDC Anantnag, ADC Anantnag, Joint Director/Chief Planning Officer Anantnag and all sectoral officers of the District including Engineers of various engineering wings.

Periodic Committee of Secretaries (COS) meeting Gear up for summer season: CS to Secretaries SRINAGAR, MAY 7: Chief Secretary, Muhammad Iqbal Khandey, Wednesday chaired the periodic meeting of the Committee of Secretaries and took department wise review of various administrative matters here.

Chief Secretary received brief from administrative secretaries regarding the functioning of their respective departments with the directions to ensure that all developmental and welfare targets are met and any lacunae perceived in the efficient

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

implementation of programmes addressed.

Mr Khandey also asked the administrative Secretaries to gear up for the summer season besides take periodic review meetings to monitor and further

improve departmental functioning.

He said that Model Code of Conduct as prescribed by the Election Commission of India has been enforced in the State and expressed satisfaction with

MH 370 fallout: India makes real time tracking of aircraft mandatory NEW DELHI: Exactly two months after a Malaysia Airlines’ aircraft (MH 370) went missing, India has made it mandatory for all its planes to be tracked from departure to arrival.

The directorate general of civil aviation’s (DGCA) new rule is applicable to both for passenger and cargo aircraft “in view of the difficulties faced in search and rescue operations after an aircraft goes missing or meets with an accident”.

Malaysian ministry of transport’s initial probe into MH 370 that went missing on March 8 while on a schedule flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 people on board says that “the location of wreckage is still unknown due to the fact that there is no real time tracking of the aircraft.” After this revelation, the DGCA decided to make real time tracking mandatory here.

“Air transport operators have now

been asked to use onboard aircraft communications addressing and reporting system (ACARS) /automatic dependent surveillance - broadcast (ADS-B) for this purpose and they have to ensure their serviceability before every departure. Operators have also been advised to devise a procedure for effective tracking of the aircraft while flying over areas where there is no coverage of ACARS/ADS-B,” the DGCA rule says.

During the last five years, there have been two occasions when large commercial transport aircrafts went missing and their last position was not accurately known. While commercial air transport aircrafts spend considerable amount of time operating over remote areas, there is currently no international requirement for real time tracking of the aircraft.

the overall compliance of the same by all concerned quarters.

He also appreciated the smooth transition of offices from Jammu to the Summer Capital.

The meeting was attended

by Financial Commissioner

Industries and Commerce Mr Khurshid A Ganai, Principal Secretary Finance Mr B B Vyas, Principal Secretary PDD Mr Arun Kumar Mehta and other administrative Secretaries.

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

CBI clean chit for Amit Shah in Ishrat Jahan encounter case

AHMEDABAD: Citing insufficient evidence, the CBI today gave a clean chit to Narendra Modi’s close aide and Gujarat’s former home minister Amit Shah in the alleged fake encounter case of Ishrat Jahan and three others in 2004.

“There is no sufficient evidence against Amit Shah. Hence CBI has not charge-sheeted him,” CBI inspector Vishwas Kumar Meena said in an affidavit filed before the special CBI court.

“It is most respectfully submitted that Shah was not named in the FIR of the case. CBI has also not named him in the charge sheet as an accused,” he said.

The premier investigating agency also sought dismissal of the plea by Gopinath Pillai, father of Javed Sheikh alias Pranesh Pillai, who was among those killed with Ishrat, to arraign Shah and the then Ahmedabad police commissioner K R Kaushik in the case.

Pillai had cited the resignation letter of suspended IPS officer and an accused in the Ishrat Jahan case D G Vanzara in support of his petition.

Vanzara, once considered close to Modi, had in September last year announced his resignation from the IPS, accusing the state government of not protecting police officers jailed in connection with alleged staged encounter cases.

He had then claimed those officers had “simply implemented the conscious policy” of the state government.

Several allegedly fake encounters of claimed terrorists, including those of Sohrabuddin Shaikh and his associate Tulsiram Prajapati, had taken place when Shah was Minister of State for Home. Shah, an accused in both cases, is presently out on bail.

In his resignation letter, Vanzara had targeted Shah, whom he described as an “evil” influence on Modi.

The CBI, in its affidavit today, said, “The said resignation letter contains general allegations and not providing any concrete information about the role of Shah in this offence.

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 EDITORIAL// OPINION OPINION Unemployment DialogueA challenge for imperative the government

TW

he risingpeace unemployment for has become a big problem

ith the nationally and oncompletion state levof all phases of Lok el as the increasing number of Sabha elections in educated unemployed including the state, the people will have the unskilled a skilled sigh ofand relief and youths at least has now touched over eight lakhs some days of life without disinturbances Jammu andapprehension Kashmir itself. of The state sector is unable to cope violence, including stone peltuping, with the situation as there are hartals etc. Whenever the hardly anytoavenues which can election any constitutional accommodate these youth and body are held in the state, the provide them respectable jobs. situation becomes hell and the The has tonoa private sectorOn lifestate comes standstill. one side, hence therethe is mainstream no question parof tiesindustries leave no accommodating stone unturned big motivate to vote, a to good numberthe Ofpeople unemployed on the other side, the separatyouths. The overall intake in the istssector use every state is not component more than a of their machinery few thousands in a yearforandaffectthe ing a boycott by the people. recruitment procedure is so diffiSince late eighties, it is are-fifcult and lengthy that the state ty-fifty win situation for both cruiting agencies years to fill the sides but take a hundred perupcent a fewdefeat vacancies.

The fast track for aspiration of recruitment policyfrom announced general public both the bysides. that state government has toThe mainstream partally failed and not a single apties win to grab power and pointment has been madetosoplunfar utilize their tenure under this exchequer policy. Overand ninety der the turn thousand posts are vacant in difbillionaire overnight. The ferent departments the proseparatists havebuttheir own luxuries and enjoy life longed recruitment hastheir almost without achieving anything stalled the process of appointfor general masses.

The peoments.

The worrying thing is that ple two at lakh largeeducated suffer youths heavily over as get precious lives next are one lost, will over aged within property services year, so theirdamaged, future will become disrupted, educational bleak and darkthe forever.

Despite system in jeopardy, medical repeated announcements by the care devastated, the develstate government to cope up with opmental process hampered the rising unemployment on war and infested with corruption footing, nothing to have and the peace seems of mind of evbeen done so far in this connecery individual robbed. The tion on ground zerobeen level. living It is valleites have definitely for those the life frustrating of uncertainty since youth who aspire for a job to make about three decades and God both endsknows meet. Iffor thehow situation alone long. continues like this these youths The present situation in the valley and adamancy of all will be exploited and misguided to sincerely bystake vestedholders interests and some of come for ofcarving them willforward fall in the trap other out a permanent solution social evils like drugs, thefts and is somehow disappointing, disunethical activities.

The governheartening and discouraging. ment should immediately underThere is no problem in the stand the gravity of the situation world which does not have and should formulate an effective a solution through peaceful employment policy which can negotiations. The most comaccommodate maximum num-adplex problems have been ber of youthsthrough on fast track basis. dressed dialogue, Itpaving should also udaan waystrengthen to a resolution and other schemes by acceptable to alllaunched concerned. the government thatadIf central Kashmir issue is so also more and more youths made dressed through a are sustained skilled to tapthe theirwhole capabilities.

It dialogue, sub-conshould a flip to Sher-itinentalso willgive witness a violence free era brightening the fuKashmir employment guarantee ture ofso the people living in this scheme that self employment region. aLet play becomes bigeverybody and effective toolhis and forof a stable torole tackle thecontribute daunting task propeaceemployment and let everybody sinviding to the youth cerely stand for this purpose of the state. with a mission.

Daily Daily

Zabarwan ZabarwanTimes Times

Srinagar, 05 May March 2014 Srinagar,Wednesday Thursday 08 2014

Model Code of Conduct & its Evolution F ree and fair elections form the bed rock of democracy. This envisages a level playing field for the contestants and an equal opportunity for all parties for presenting their policies and programmes to voters.

In this context the Model Code of Conduct(MCC) gains relevance.

The MCC intends to provide a level playing field for all political parties, keep the campaign fair and healthy, avoid clashes and conflicts between parties, and ensure peace and order. It aims to ensure that the ruling party, either at the Centre or in the states, does not misuse its official position to gain an unfair advantage in an election. This instrument is a major contribution of Indian electoral system to the cause of democracy.

The MCC is a set of norms for conduct and behavior on the part of the Parties and candidates, in particular. The uniqueness of the MCC is the fact that this was a document that originated and evolved with the consensus of the political parties. The origin of the MCC dates back to 1960 when the MCC started as a small set of Dos and Don’ts for the Assembly election in Kerala in 1960. The Code covered conducting of election meetings/processions, speeches, slogans, posters and placards (CEC-Shri K.V.K.Sundaram). In 1962 Lok Sabha General Elections, the Commission circulated this code to all the recognized political parties and the State Governments were requested to secure the acceptance of the Code by the Parties. (CEC-Shri K.V.K.Sundaram). Report received after the 1962 general election showed that the Code was followed by and large. In 1967, the Code was followed in the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

(CEC-Shri K.V.K.Sundaram).

Evolution of the MCC and its implementation since 1967 · In 1968, the Election Commission held meetings with political parties at State level and circulated the Code of Conduct to observe minimum standard of behavior to ensure free and fair elections. (CECShri S.P. Sen Verma)

· In 1971-72, during General Election to the House of the People/ State Legislative Assemblies the Commission circulated the Code again. (CEC-Shri S.P. Sen Verma) · At the time of general elections to some State Assemblies in 1974, the Commission issued the code of conduct to the political parties in those States.

The Commission also suggested constituting committees at district level headed by the District Collector and comprising representatives of political parties as members for considering cases of violation of the code and ensuring its compliance by all parties and candidates. · For the 1977 Lok Sabha general election, the Code was again circulated to the political parties. (CECShri T. Swaminathan). · In 1979, Election Commission, in consultation with the political parties further amplified the code, adding a new Section placing restrictions on the “Party in power” so as to prevent cases of abuse of position of power to get undue advantage over other parties and candidates.

(CEC-Shri S.L.Shakhdar) · In 1991, the code was consolidated and re-issued in its present form.

(CEC-Shri T.N.Seshan). · The present code contains guidelines for general conduct of political parties and candidates (no attack on private life, no appeal to communal feelings, discipline and decorum in meetings, processions, guidelines for party in power – official machinery and facilities not to be used for electioneering, prohibition against Ministers and other authorities in announcing grants, new schemes etc). · Ministers and those holding public offices are not allowed to combine official visits with electioneering tours. · Issue of advertisements at the cost of public exchequer is prohibited. · Grants, new schemes / projects cannot be announced. Even the schemes that may have been announced before the MCC came into force, but that has not actually tak-

en off in terms of implementation on field are also required to be put on hold. · It is through such restrictions that the advantage of being in power is blunted and the contestants get the opportunity to fight on more or less equal terms. · MCC has got the judicial recognition of the highest court of land.

The dispute over the date when the Model Code of Conduct should come into force -- the issuance of the press release by EC announcing the poll dates or the date of actual notification in this regard was resolved in the Union of India Vs. Harbans Sigh Jalal and Others [SLP (Civil) No.22724 of 1997)] decided on 26.04.2001. The apex court gave the ruling that the Code of Conduct would come into force the moment the Commission issues the press release, which precedes the notification by a good two weeks. This ruling lay at rest the controversy related to the dates of enforcement of MCC. Thus the MCC remains in force from the date of announcement of elections till the completion of elections.

Legal Status for Model Code: Views of the Election Commission There is an opinion in certain quarters for providing legal status to MCC. The Election Commission has, however, taken a stand against granting of such status to MCC. According to the Commission bringing the MCC on the statute book will only be counter-productive.

In our country, elections are conducted within a very limited time span according to a well laid down schedule. Normally, a general election in a State is completed in about 45 days, from the day of announcement of the election schedule by the Commission. Thus, the expedition and promptness in dealing with the cases of violation of the model code of conduct is of the essence. If no timely action is taken to curb the violations and against the violators of the model code during the limited period when the election process is on, the whole significance of the MCC would be lost and the violator

would be able to reap the benefit of such violation. If the model code of conduct is converted into a law, this would mean that a complaint would lie to the police/Magistrate.

The procedures involved in judicial proceedings being what they are, a decision on such complaints would most likely come only long after the election is completed.

MCC is not a Hindrance to Developmental activities One often gets to hear the complaint that the MCC is coming in the way of developmental activities. However, even during the short period when MCC is in operation, the ongoing development activities are not stopped and are allowed to proceed unhindered, and only the new projects, etc. which have not taken off on the ground that have to be deferred till the completion of elections. If there is any work that cannot wait for any reason (relief work on account of any calamity, etc), the matter can be referred to the Commission for clearance.

It is apt to refer to the following passage from a very recent Judgment (dated 16.02.2012) of the Allahabad High Court (Lucknow Bench) in Writ Petition No. 1361 of 2012 (Dr. Nutan Thakur Vs. Election Commission of India): ‘It shall not be out of place to mention that after election, peoples’ representatives discharge their obligation almost for a period of five years.

The elections are held at the fag end of their tenure unless the assembly or Parliament is suspended or dissolved earlier. While holding the office, it is always obligatory on the part of the peoples’ representative to discharge their obligation honestly and fairly to serve the nation.

In case they failed to discharge their obligation during their entire term while in office or in opposition, then making statement as a measure of allurement or appeasement to the peoples after issuance of Election Notification, shall be nothing but an instance of unfair practice on their part.’

Instant Feedback To Voters Through VVPAT

Voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) is a method of providing feedback to voters using a ballot less voting system. VVPAT is intended as an independent verification system for electronic voting machines that allows voters to verify that their votes are cast as intended and can serve as an additional barrier to changing or destroying votes.

Under VVPAT, a printer-like apparatus is linked to Electronic Voting Machine (EVM). When a vote is cast, a receipt is generated showing the serial number, name and symbol of the candidate. It confirms the vote and the voter can verify the details. The receipt, once viewed, goes inside a container linked to the EVM and can only be accessed by the election officers in rarest of rare cases.

The system allows a voter to challenge his or her vote on basis of the paper receipt for the first time. As per a new rule, the booth presiding officer will have to record the dissent of the voter, which would have to be taken into account at time of counting.

The VVPAT system was not manufactured due to doubts on the EVM, but was part of the up gradation of the system.

Chronology of events leading to the use of VVPAT v In All Party Meeting held on 4th October 2010, there was a broad consensus among Political Parties about the continued use of Electronic Voting Machines and several Political Parties suggested that the possibility of incorporating a “Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail” should be explored. v The Election Commission referred the matter to the Expert Committee to examine the possibility of a paper trail and also directed the manufacturers i.e. Bharat Electronics Limited, Bangalore (BEL) and Electronics Corporation of India Limited, Hyderabad (ECIL) to develop a prototype of VVPAT system. v On the recommendation of Technical Experts Com-

mittee, a field trail was conducted in Thiruvananthapuram, Delhi, Jaisalmer, Cherapunjee and Leh in the month of July 2011 in the presence and participation of all stakeholders including general voters, national and state political parties, civil society organizations and media. v After incorporation of the changes recommended after the first field trial , a second field trial of prototype VVPAT system was held in Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram, Leh, Jaisalmer and Cherapunjee in July-August, 2012. The Technical Expert Committee approved the final design of the VVPAT units in its meeting held on 19th February, 2013.v The Government of India, vide their notification, dated 14th august 2013, has amended the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, enabling the Commission to use VVPAT with electronic voting machines.. v For the first time Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) with Electronic Voting Machines was used for the Noksen Assembly seat in Tuensang district of Nagaland in September, 2013. v In a ruling in October 2013, the Supreme Court (SC), in the case of Subramanian Swamy vs Elec-

tion Commission of India (ECI), has held that VVPAT (Vote Verifiable Paper Audit Trial) is “indispensable for free and fair elections” and thus, directed the ECI to equip Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) with VVPAT systems to “ensure accuracy of the VVPAT system”. v The Supreme Court directed the Election Commission to introduce a paper trail in EVMs, in a phased manner, for the next general elections in 2014, saying it will ensure free and fair polls. The apex court also directed the Centre to provide financial assistance for introducing Vote Verifier Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system. v In pursuance of the Supreme Court order, the Election Commission ordered VVPAT systems to be used in the New Delhi assembly for the upcoming assembly elections. The pilot project was launched across 186 polling stations that will cater to 1,18,596 registered voters.v The Election Commission also instructed the Mizoram election department to use Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail System (VVPAT) system in 10 Assembly constituencies during recently held elections to the 40-member state legislature. VVPAT was also introduced in one constituency each in Delhi (as mentioned above), Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan.

The Commission will need about 14 lakh VVPAT machines to introduce the system in all 543 Lok Sabha constituencies during forthcoming Lok Sabha elections . However, the Commission is apprehensive that so many machines can be produced and testing them in such a short duration of time. The Commission feels that covering all Parliamentary constituencies may not be possible before 2019 General Elections. The Commission has stated that approximately 1500 crore Rupees would be required for procuring VVPAT and installing it at all polling booths across the country .

Disclaimer : The contents and comments appearing any article published this paper are purely the personal opinion the writer Disclaimer : The contents and comments appearing inin any article published inin this paper are purely the personal opinion ofof the writer