C M Y K
TUESDAY 15 April | 2014 | 14 Jamadi-Ul-Thani 1435 AH | PAGES 12 |
Pen
For
http://www.zabarwantimes.com
PG 11
Srinagar, April 14, CNS: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the Tulsibagh residence of People’s Democratic Front Chairman Hakim Muhammad Yasin on Monday. Reliable sources said that both the leaders had a closed-door meeting while Omar Abdullah was accompanied by Provincial president Kashmir Nasir Aslam Wani and political advisor Tanvir See Omar on pg11
Human Skeleton found in Pulwama Srinagar, April 14: Pulwama police recovered a human skeleton in the forests of Yarwan. Police has sent the skeleton for DNA sampling to establish the identity of the deceased and has started investigation to ascertain the cause of the death. Pulwama police was informed by some locals that a human skeleton is laying at compartment no. 5 in Yarwan forest, in the jurisdiction of Police station Rajpora. Police party rushed to the spot and See Pulwama on pg11
Inside story PDP Srinagar District Coordinator Joins NC Srinagar, Apr 14: PDP Srinagar District Coordinator Adil Jan joined National Conference today along with hundreds of his supporters at an event organized at NC Headquarters at Nawa-e-Subh Complex in Srinagar. According to a statement issued to KNS, while welcoming Adil and his supporters to National Conference, NC Provincial President Nasir Aslam Wani said that National Conference’s
See More On Pg 11
On Edit Page Petty politics- harmful for democracy The present poll campaign for Lok Sabha Elections has seen many upheavals due to the scathing attacks by the leaders on each other and revelations which have shocked and surprised the whole country. On one side the leaders are leaving no stone unturned to indulge in personal attacks, using abusive language and throwing all parliamentary ethics into winds and on the other side some persons who were very close to the power like the former advisor to Prime Minister Sanjay Baru created furors by try-
hit by a bullet and was injured. He was later shifted to the hospital for treatment. Forces later suspended the operation during the night hours and re-started the same in
Searches on to track down LeT Commander
Pulwama, April 14, CNS: Massive search operation was conducted in Hasanwani hamlet, five kilometers away from South Kashmir’s Pulwama towan to nab the District Commander of Lashkar Toiba Molvi Bilal and his associate who according See LeT on pg 11
Azad icon of development: Raj Babbar I have road-map for development of backward areas: Azad Nabi Azad, who is Congress candidate for Udhampur-Doda Lok Sabha seat, today said that he is contesting Parliament election with a vision and specific agenda to serve the people of this backward region. According to a statement issued to KNS, while addressing series of road shows in different parts of Udhampur See Azad on pg11
the morning. Police said that it managed to rescue the family members of the house wherein two militants were holed up. Inspector General of Police (IG) Kashmir A. G. Mir while confirming that the encounter has ended told KNS over phone that the gun battle took some time to end because the security forces had to rescue the family members from the house wherein the militants were holed up. “The militants had taken the family members hostage and it was a challenge for the security forces to evacuate them first.” The police claimed the militants killed in the encounter belonged to Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT). See Encounter on pg11
Udhampur-Kathua, Apr 14 : Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Ghulam
Come out with proof for your allegations: Akhter Srinagar, Apr 14: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Monday said that National Conference allegations that PDFP was behind the Khrew militant attack, are serious in nature and asked Dr Farooq Abdullah to come out with the source of information about the attack. According to KNS correspon-
dent, while addressing media persons at PDP headquarters here, Naeem Akhter PDP MLC and chief spokesperson, said: “PDP has filed a formal complaint with Election Commission of India as the allegation is totally baseless.” He said that J&K police chief has See Akhter on pg11
PDP fighting elections to send credible representatives in Parliament: Mufti Srinagar, Apr 14 (KNS): Reiterating resolve of his party to work for the peaceful and amicable solution of the Kashmir issue, patron of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that mandate in favour of his party in the Parliament elections would accelerate the process of addressing all aspects of the Kashmir problem. According to a statement issued to KNS, while addressing series of public meetings at Tumlahal, Lasipura, Wachi, Dekapura and Harman areas in connection with road show in favour of party candidate Mehbooba Mufti, the PDP patron said that his party has fielded most capable and trusted candidates for the Parliament elections. “We are fighting Parliament election to send credible representatives in the Lok Sabha so that voice of the people of Kashmir should be raised in the Par-
liament with conviction and commitment”, he said and told the people that vote in favour of PDP candidates would boost the campaign for change in J&K. “Change is imminent in the State and PDP is future of J&K”, he said and expressed satisfaction that his party has earned faith and trust of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in a short span. Reiterating that PDP would facilitate any meaningful initiate to solve Kashmir issue, Mufti reminded that his party had earlier convinced successive governments at New Delhi to initiate some concerted step for establishing lasting peace in this region. He especially mentioned that PDP led coalition, without compromising with the dignity of the people of the State, had pursued the reconciliatory process which was endorsed by the then Prime Minister Atal See Mufti on pg11
Geelani arriving on Wednesday
5 days after setting herself ablaze, POK lady loses battle for life
Srinagar, Apr 14 : Huriyat Conference (G) is going to make public its roadmap vis-à-vis poll boycott campaign after the return of its chairman Syed Ali Geelani on April 16. According to a statement issued to KNS, according to the details received by KNS, Geelani is scheduled to arrive in Valley on April 16 after which he will chair an important meeting of his amalgam wherein the strategy of poll boycott will be discussed. His flight is scheduled to See Geelani on pg11
Srinagar, Apr 14: A Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) woman who had recently accompanied her husband under the return and rehabilitation policy via Nepal on Monday lost her battle for life, five days after she had set herself ablaze in a village in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district. According to the reports received by KNS, Saira Bano wife of Abdul Majeed Wani hailing from Badipora Bandipora set herself ablaze on April 10. Bano has left behind her three children including two girls of six to ten years. After the incident, she was referred to Shere-Kashmir Institute of Medical Scienc-
Overloading a death trap for passengers authoirities in slumber
es (SKIMS) Srinagar hospital in a critical condition where she succumbed to her injuries on Monday. Reports stated that Bano was disgruntled over the lack of facilities being provided to her family under the return and rehabilitation policy of the state. Some of the families who have returned in last few months told KNS that the return and rehabilitation policy for Kashmiri youth who have crossed over to LoC to seek arms training and are willing to shun the path of violence ‘seems to be death trap for their wives and the children.’ See Battle on pg11
Baisakhi celebrated with traditional gaiety
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 17°C & 03°C respectively.
07:00PM 06:05 AM
PG 06
> 2 militants killed, 2 cops injured; JuM claims responsibility > It took time because of rescue operation: IGP Kashmir Srinagar, Apr 14 : Close on the heels of Khrew encounter, a fierce gun battle that erupted on Sunday at Ahmad Nagar Srinagar ended up after 24 hours on Monday evening with the killing of two militants and injuries to two security personnel. According to reports received by KNS, security forces after receiving a tip-off about the presence of militants in the Ahmad Nagar area cordoned the town. The encounter started between the two sides with the thuds of gunshots sending shivers in the whole locality. The operation against the militants was jointly launched by the police, CRPF and later 55 RR was also called in. During the initial stage of the fierce gun battle, one police personal was
C M Y K
In Jodhpur to meet Anushka
24 hour long Ahmad Nagar encounter ends
See More On Pg 09
SUNSET ON(TUESDAY) SUNRISE ON (WEDNESDAY)
Largely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&K
PG 06
Omar Abdullah visits Hakim Yasin’s resi
5.9 0C
tice
NC’s downfall imminent: Mehbooba
Srinagar, Apr 14: Three persons were injured in different road accidents across the valley. According to a statement issued to KNS, a Maruti car bearing registration number JK05A/7705 rammed into a shop at Nowpora, in the jurisdiction of Police station Bandipora, resulting in injuries to Mohammad Shafi Malla resident of Nowpora. The injured has been shifted to hospital for treatment. See Mishaps on pg11
20.90C
Jus
Not ready to lose weight
3 injured in road mishaps
C TEMPERATURE M MAXIMUM Y MINIMUM K
VOL NO: 4 | ISSUE NO: 104 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 Paisa)
Srinagar, April 14: Baisakhi, the festival of harvest, was celebrated with traditional gaiety and fervor across Jammu and Kashmir on Monday. Perfor-
mances of energetic bhangra and gidda by men and women respectively from Sikh Community marked the occasion. People also exchanged greetings
with friends, neighbours and relatives as they relished the best of famous Punjabi cuisine. Colourful Baisakhi fairs were organized at several places with people going on shopping, eating and recreational spree. Hundreds of people from Sikh Community, tourists and locals visited Mughal Gardens. Keeping in with the tradition, the Mughal gardens were officially opened to public on the occasion. All Mughal gardens, Nishat, Shalimar, Harwan besides tulip garden witnessed rush of visitors from across the Valley. Men and women dressed in colourful outfits were seen enjoying the festival at Nishat and Shalimar. See Baisakhi on pg11
PIC: ShahidWani
Tosamaidan lease agreement:
KCDS to hold protest on Wednesday Srinagar, Apr 14: Stating that the firing has devastated bio-diversity by filling the area with all sorts of military waste that includes unexploded bomb fragments, shells and heaps of waste material generated by military exercise and heavy artillery shelling, KCDS has expressed a grave concern announcing a protest programme against Tosa maidan lease agreement on Wednesday. According to the statement
issued to KNS, KCDS held a round table conference in which tourist and trade bodies besides tosamaidan bacho front in which the participants said that Tosamaidan is under the control of Army since 1964 and as such prohibited for human activities. The area has regularly been used for firing drills by Indian army and air force that has so far killed 63 persons and caused permanent See KCDS on pg11
2nd edition of Kashmir super 30 to commence shortly
NC Minister’s cavalcade attacked
Srinagar, Apr 14 : “Is a scientifically evolved preparatory package to coach the meritorious students of the poor & underprivileged sections of Kashmir valley to crack national level engineering entrance exams for institutions such as IIT. This initiative was launch by Chinar Corps in 2013 in which 30 IIT aspirants were provided free coaching by experts along with free of cost boarding, lodging, books and stationery,” said an army statement issued to KNS. “Seeing the immense success & popularity of the first edition, the Second Edition of Kashmir Super 30 is being launched shortly. The selection will include a seminar followed by written Test and interviews,” the statement added. “The coaching is to commence from second week of Jun 2014. Students who have cleared Class 12th Science Stream at the time of registration with minimum 70% marks and the annual income of whose parents/guardian is not more than See Edition on pg11
Srinagar, April 14, CNS: Minister for Higher Education Muhammad Akbar Lone’s cavalcade came under attack when he was moving towards Paribal Hajin to attend a workers meeting. Eyewitnesses told CNS the National Conference leader Muhammad Akbar Lone was on way to Paribal Hajin to attend a workers meeting when scores of agitated youth pelted stones on his cavalcade near New Brigde Hajin. Reports said the security guards and the policemen accompanying him exercised maximum See NC on pg 11
C M Y K
11
Srinagar, Tuesday 15 April 2014
FROM THE FRONT PAGE
Encounter However, in a tele-statement issued to KNS, Jamiat-ul-Mujahideen (JuM) a militant out-fit claimed responsibility of the encounter at Ahmad Nagar. The outfit’s spokesman identifying himself as Jameel Ahmad told KNS that two JuM militants were hiding in a house at Ahmad Nagar and both had a constant contact with their militant headquarters till the gun battle erupted. The police spokesman while providing details of the gun battle said that two militants have been killed. “The slain militants have been identified as Abu Huzaifa and Chota Hafiz of LeT outfit. One policeman also got injured today.” He added that arms and ammunition was recovered from the encounter site. Locals said that during the gun battle fire engulfed two houses in which the militants were hiding. The fire and emergency service men were busy in extinguishing the fire till the last reports came in. (KNS)
LeT to police were hiding in the village. A top police official told CNS that after receiving the inputs about the presence of LeT District Commander and his associate in Hasanwani hamlet, Army personnel from 55 RR, Special Operation Group team jointly cordoned off the hamlet. “Search operation is going on to track down the Lashkar District Commander,” he said. (CNS)
Azad and Kathua district, Ghulam Nabi Azad, who was accompanied Bollywood star and Congress, MP, Raj Babbar and PCC president Saifud-Din-Soz, said that Udhampur-Doda Parliamentary segment, which comprised of six mountainous districts, is one of the biggest constituencies of the country. “Being native of this place I am aware of the problems being faced by the inhabitants of this region so I have prepared a blueprint for the growth and betterment of this region”, he said and reminded the gathering, “As Chief Minister of State, I had formulated a comprehensive plan to create infrastructure in this mountainous region and in a short span of just two and half years and I had proved how to develop this region”. Azad, who during his tenure had accelerate developmental activities, said that being the most backward region this belt deserve special attention and comprehensive programmes and policies for development and growth. “I have a vision and roadmap for this belt”, Azad said and sought over-whelming support of the people to implement developmental agenda in this belt. He said that decision to open two medical colleges- one at Kathua and another at Doda, Cancer Hospital at Udhampur district, was first step towards bringing this backward belt on the map of development. “With the opening of Medical Colleges in this region-comprising of 17 assembly segments-would automatically develop in every sphere of life”, he observed and said that he has many more programmes for this region, which would lead towards development and prosperity. “Following long pending and genuine demand of new districts, my cabinet created eight districts. I had constituted Baloeria Commission to make a comprehensive report for further setting up of administrative units. Finally, during NC-Congress coalition, a cabinet subcommittee was constituted and headed by deputy chief minister, which held extensive tour of each and every part of the state and made a detailed report thereby creating hundreds of new administrative units including Sub Divisions, Tehsils, Blocks and Niabats,” highlighted Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad and added that “these new administrative units would definitely bring a revolutionary changes in rural and hilly belts of the Jammu and Kashmir.” “Now, you will not have to go far off to get your work done. Congress and NC had tried to end up your problems to a great extent. While moving in various wards of Kathua Municipal Council and adjoining town areas, Ghulam Nabi Azad appealed the people to defeat divisive and exploitive forces strengthen secularism to ensure development and prosperity. Cautioning people against divisive politics of BJP, Ghulam Nabi Azad said that such dangerous politics for petty political gains has always proved disastrous for the people living in backward and neglected areas. “It is a historical fact that BJP had exploited sentiments of the people during the aftermath of Amarnath land agitation and had managed to win 11 Assembly segments by creating polarization”, he reminded the gathering and asked “who got benefit of that polarization only some BJP leaders who later auctioned them in the open market and betrayed people of Jammu region. It also hampered the development of state in general and Jammu region in particular.” “The dangerous game which state BJP is brazenly playing to reap political benefits would be proved disastrous for the common masses as it will create walls of hatred among different communities and would also hamper developmental activities”, he cautioned and asked that people that instead of giving ear to such divisive politics they (people) should support agenda of peace and development. Lambasting BJP leadership for blatantly raking up emotive issues to exploit sentiment so of the people, Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad said that at national level BJP leadership was claiming to contest Lok Sabha elections on developmental plank but in J&K this party is out and out playing religious politics. Realizing that they have been exposed before the masses after Cash for Vote episode, BJP leadership has decided to use religion as mean to reap political benefit, he said and asked at which parameter “tainted” MLAs, who were expelled from the BJP on the charges of taking money in lieu of votes, were taken back in the party. He said that BJP has damaged Jammu more as compared to other parties. Bollywood star and Congress, MP, Raj Babbar in his address described Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad as “Icon of
Zabarwan Times Development”. “He is a man of development. His politics starts with development in the morning and concludes with development in the evening. He is the man who always arouse above the party politics and led the pace of the development to all nook and corner of the country. As Union Health Minister he ensured establishment of 55,000 Hospitals throughout the country,” highlighted Babbar. Taking a dig at saffron brigade Raj Babbar said “Unlike BJP which is fighting elections on rhetoric of Modi , Congress is contesting elections on historical back ground in freedom struggle, its’ tireless and continues efforts to develop infrastructure in the country, which includes roads, airports, railway lines, hospitals, Schools, Colleges, Universities and number of people oriented policies and programmes like NRHM and MNREGA schemes which have benefitted the people of the country”. “BJP is solely dependent upon artificially managed leader who is trying to get votes of the people on myth and dream but the Congress is seeking mandate of the people on the basis of substantiated work it has done for nation building”, Raj Babbar said and added that BJP candidate Narendra Modi has not done any substantiated work in his own state of Gujarat. He termed Narendra Modi as super imposed leader who himself is much against wishes of his own party leaders. Highlighting achievements of UPA Government, he said that under Congress led UPA regime, India has achieved “near universal education” at the primary school level due to Right to Education and the dropout rates have also decreased. The outlay for education has been constantly increased. Central universities increased from 17 to 44 during 2004-13. “There has been a three-fold increase in food subsidy during UPA tenure. The Food Security Act passed by Congress party entitles 35 kg of food-grains per month and other families for 5 kg per person at subsidized rates has been passed during UPA regime”, he said. Lambasting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for misleading the people by spreading false propaganda against Congress, Mr Raj Babbar said, “In comparison to the hard work and tireless efforts made by Congress for the people of nation, the track record of BJP in general and Narendera Modi in particular is mostly based on rhetoric rather than substantiating work done by them”. The bollywood star further sought to know from Narendera Modi about his contribution so far in nation building. While cautioning the people not to fall in the nefarious designs of divisive forces, he said, “Congress and its leadership is a fact and truth, whereas so-called artificially managed leadership of BJP is simply myth and dream. People should vote to Congress on the basis of its work done in both pre and post independence era”. In his address, PCC president, Saifud-Din-Soz, described Congress party as “synonym to development, secularism and national integrity.” He highlighted that “130 year old Congress party has played great role in freedom struggle. Thousands of workers and leaders sacrificed their lives, remained jailed till we got Independence. After Independence, it was Congress that scripted the future of the country and advanced towards the path of development”. “Development in any sphere cannot be done over night but the consistent and committed efforts of Congress has brought India on the world map, which is now one among the leading nation of the world,” he pointed out. (KNS)
Akhter categorically said that the attack was not aimed at any single person. “DGP and IGP have said in newspaper reports that the aim of militants was to snatch rifles and nothing else,” he said quoting news reports and added that Farooq Abdullah should come out with his source of information. Akhter further said that PDP had earlier also filed two complaints with ECI but no action from the ECI has emboldened National Conference. “Wazwan served to NC workers that was ferried in police vans and Sakina Itoo influencing an elderly in South Kashmir were serious in nature and we had full proof in form of photos and videos but lack of action on part of ECI has only emboldened NC,” he said demanding an independent probe in the allegations leveled by Farooq Abdullah on PDP. He said that such accusations can only come from the persons who see their defeat as imminent. He also said that Congress minister, Ghulam Ahmad Mir also has used religion in support of NC-Congress candidate for South Kashmir. “Mir
Mufti Behari Vajpayee and his successor Dr Manmohan Singh. He further said that PDP led regime had removed a number of misconceptions and also managed economic package for the development of the State without bartering wishes of the people. Exhorting the people to teach present regime a lesson, Mufti said that NC and Congress government has reneged on almost all the promises made with the people during last Assembly elections and the coalition government run by them seems to be a rudderless arrangement lacking direction and commitment. “Except enjoying powers and looting public exchequer both Congress and National Conference have nothing in common”, he said and observed that it was a historical fact that alliance between these two parties (NC-Congress) has always proved ominous for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He reminded the gathering about brazenly ridden infamous 1987 assembly elections which was fought by both NC and Congress jointly. Reminding people about revolutionary steps taken by the PDP led government during its tenure, he said that PDP led regime had set an example of good governance in the State by providing a corruption free and transparent system to the people. He added that PDP led regime had brought transparency and accountability in the governance and justice was given to all sections of the society. He said that during PDP led regime more than 70,000 Rehbar-e-Talim (ReT) teachers were appointed. Similarly more than 40000 Anganwari workers were also appointed but not even a single case of favourtism and nepotism was highlighted. “Although we had only 16 members yet we had changed political discourse of the state and created a sense of security among the common masses”, he said and added that biggest achievement of PDP was that it had earned credibility of the people through its convic-
tion and commitment. “Unlike National Conference, PDP leadership has never compromised with its principles for the power”, he asserted and reminded the gathering PDP had entered into an power sharing alliance with Congress in the year 2002 only after formulation of Common Minimum Programme (CMP)- an agenda to run the coalition. Calling upon the people to cast their votes in favour of party candidate Mehbooba Mufti, PDP patron said that as a leader she (Mehbooba Mufti) has proved herself as a trusted and credible representative of the people. “As as MLA she wiped tears of people through her humanist approach and tried to solve problems of the masses”, he said while appreciating role of Mehbooba Mufti as MLA. “You need a representative like Mehbooba Mufti who would raise your issues in the Parliament with commitment and conviction”, he said and added that PDP has formulated a comprehensive agenda for youth and farmers. Earlier over-whelming response was accorded to Mufti Mohammad Sayeed during his road show Hundreds and hundreds of people were standing to the road side to accord reception to Mufti. Sayeed Bashir, MLA, Wahid Parra, Mohammed Khalil Naik, Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din, Ghulam Hassan, Muzaffar, Mousin and others also spoke in the meetings. (KNS)
Chatti Padshahi in Baramulla, Khawaja Bagh and Paranpila in Uri. The markets in the area remained crowded with the shoppers throughout the day, reports said. In south Kashmir, Baisakhi was celebrated at many places. People kept pouring in at Gurdwaras at Mattan, Singhpora, Hutbora, Kchenbal, Palmpora and Tral. (CNS)
land here at 3 p.m on April 16. Ayaz Akbar confirmed the visit of Huriyat (G) chairman on the scheduled date. Pertinently, after complaining ill health, the state government offered chopper services to the senior separatist to shift him to Delhi, Geelani later boarded the civil aircraft on April 13 and reached the capital where he undergone several tests. Geelani later on April 2 attended the function organized by Pakistan embassy on the eve of Pakistan day. The senior separatist leader also held a detailed meet with the Pak high commissioner Abdul Basit on April 3 along with the senior leaders of Huriyat (G). According to reports, Geelani will lead the marriage prayers of the son one of the senior member of Jamat-e-Islami hind at Okhla, New Delhi. (KNS)
NC
Geelani
Battle Nazir Ahmad Shah, resident of Khai Tangan Baramula told KNS that he returned to valley after 18 years along with his wife and children via Nepal. He stated that lack of facilities has perturbed the families of returnees at large and that the wives of returnees have become mentally retarded also. “Our passport is being seized at Nepal border and also the Visa that was issued to us had the expiry of 15 days only. No one is helping us here and our wives are terming this place a prison for them,” Nazir said adding that 250 men along with their wives who belong to POK returned to valley but neither the government nor their relatives are paying any heed to the problems that they face every day in Kashmir. He said that the wives of all the 250 men are striving to go back to their country but their vital travel documents have already been seized. Reports informed that six months ago, another returnee Bashir Ahmad a resident of Kreeri Baramulla had consumed poison and ended her life due to the hardships she faced in Kashmir. Another person Rayees Ahmad Dar who had recently returned from POK via Nepal after 16 years along with his wife told KNS that the government has turned a blind eye towards their plight and that no efforts for their rehabilitation are being taken up. “We have no jobs; banks don’t provide us loans to set up our own business- the certificates of our children are not being accepted by the schools, if we apply for a private job-police denies our verification details,” Rayees told KNS on phone adding many want to go back to POK but their travel documents are already seized. Sheereen is a resident of POK and married Mohammad Lateef of Sopore accompanied her husband to valley in the recent past. She told KNS: “Since we are the wives of ordinary Kashmiri youth, we are denied travel documents and other facilities but contrary to this those who claim to be our leaders enjoy the full protocol of governments of India and Pakistan.” The returnees said that they are soon going to chalk out a strategy and will stage protest demonstrations against the government apathy. (KNS)
Baisakhi Sikhs visited temples and Gurdwaras, where langars or community feasts were arranged as a part of charity on the day. The biggest function was held at Chatti Pathshahi in Kathi Darwaza Rainawari in old city here. Although Baisakhi is celebrated in various other northern states for a good harvest of Rabi crop, the Sikh community here celebrates the festival to mark 315th year of the foundation of Khalsa Panth by 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh. According to CNS, in north Kashmir hundreds of devotees from Sikh community visited the Gurdwara
NC’s downfall imminent: Mehbooba
Jammu, 14 April: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president, Mehbooba Mufti Monday said instead of using derogatory language against its opponents the National Conference should have come out with its performance report for their last 40 years in the government. Addressing public meetings at Ramsoo and Banihal, Mehbooba said till now NC was able to get away without offering an account of its performance and misdeeds in absence of a viable alternative but now with the emergence of PDP it can’t avoid presenting a report card and vision while seeking votes.
Edition Rs 2.50 lakhs per annum are eligible for this edition of Super 30.” Students can either be from CBSE Board or State Board, recognized by Ministry of HRD, Govt of India and should be eligible to appear for JEE (Main) 2015. The initiative will kick start with seminars at four different locations in the Valley. First such seminar will be held at Baramulla on 16 April 2014. Post seminars, the registration of the aspirants will commence. The registration will close on 30 Apr 14 and thereafter, a written test will be conducted on 11 May 14 at eleven centres spread all over the Valley. The students who clear the written test will be called for interview and final selection will be made thereafter. Detailed instructions are available with Majid Aziz on 8715017567 and anupamguru.ag@gmail.com. (KNS)
restraint and did not retaliate. A police official told CNS that few youth who were present near New Bridge hooted at the cavalcade and they did not resort to any stone-pelting. SHO Hajin Atiqullah refuted the report and said that no such incident occurred in Hajin. (CNS)
Mishaps Bandipora Police has registered a case in this regard. Meanwhile, a motorcycle bearing registration number JK01F/4988 and a Santro bearing registration number JK01U/7187 collided near old Petrol Pump, in the jurisdiction of Police station Tangmarg, Baramulla. The motorcyclist Ajaz Ahmad Lone son of Abdul Ahad resident of Qazipora Tangmarg was injured in this incident. The injured has been shifted to Hospital for treatment. Tangmarg Police has registered a case in this regard. In another accident, a tipper bearing registration number JK01G/0171 turned turtle near Haripora, in the jurisdiction of Police station Ganderbal, resulting in injuries to 25 years old Mustafa Khan son of Abdul Aziz resident of Wangath Kangan. The injured has been shifted to SKIMS Soura Srinagar for treatment. Ganderbal Police has registered a case in this regard. (KNS)
Omar Sadiq. Sources said that the meeting held between NC leadership and Hakim Muhammad Yasin was an important one in wake of ongoing parliament elections. Pertinently, People’s United Front which is popularly known as Third Front and of Hakim Muhammad Yasin is a party recently declared that it would not contest Parliament Elections and nor will ask their supporters to support any candidate. When contacted PDF Chairman Hakim Yasin told CNS that Chief Minister along with other leaders visited his residence to inquire about his health. “I have been suffering from back pain and Omar Abdullah visited to know the condition of my health,” he said adding that there was routine discussion with the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. (CNS)
Pulwama recovered the human skeleton from the spot. The skeleton was sent for DNA sampling. In this regard, Rajpora Police has initiated inquest proceedings under section 174 CrPC to ascertain the case of death.
KCDS disability to 43 persons. “Although the lease of Tosamaidan had ended in 2004, yet it was extended for further 10 years by the state government in contravention to the Forest Conservation Act 1997,” reads the statement. The participants remarked that firing drills have devastated biodiversity by filling the area with all sorts of military waste that includes unexploded bomb fragments, shells and heaps of waste material generated by military exercise and heavy artillery shelling. Besides environment, these activities have also badly impacted the agriculture, education, health and economy of the local population. “Massive deforestation, soil erosion, landslides and disappearance of fauna and flora (unique medicinal plants in particular) are a few among other consequences of this army exercise.”
Office of the Principal Iqra Gousia Public School Ranbirpora List of Managing Body of the Institution S.No. 1) 2) 3) 4) 5)
Name and Parentage Mudasir Majeed Lone S/O Abdul Majeed Lone Nisar Ahmad Bakshi S/O Habib-ullah Bakshi Mushtaq Ahmad Bakshi S/O Late Abdul Majeed Bakshi Hilal Ahmad Shah S/O Late Mohd Amin Shah Sajad Ahmad Khan S/O GH Mohd Khan
Rank Chairman Gen. Secretary
Occupation (Pvt. Teacher) (Pvt. Teacher)
Member
(Pvt. Teacher)
Member
(Business-Man)
Member
(Business-Man)
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
NEWS
Daily ZABARWAN TIMES
SRINAGAR | TUESDAY, APRIL | 15| 2014
Twin blasts at bus station in Nigeria’s capital kill 71, injure 124 ABUJA: Twin blasts on Mon- apparent attack, but suspicion is deep and scattered personal day at a bus station on the likely to fall on Boko Haram, an items as well as human flesh outskirts of Nigeria’s capital insurgent group blamed for kill- across the compound, an AFP recrammed with morning coming thousands across northern porter and witnesses said. muters killed 71 people and injured 124 others, police said. “We have a total of 71 dead and 124 others injured. (The wounded) are receiving treatment at hospitals within and around” Abuja, national police spokesman Frank Mba told journalists at the scene. The attack appeared to be the latest attack by Boko Haram Islamists. The explosions rocked the Nyanya station roughly five kilometres (three miles) south of Abuja at 6.45am (0545 GMT) and destroyed some 30 vehicles, mostly large passenger buses, officials and an AFP reporter said. The head of search and rescue operations at the Nigeria’s National Emergency and central “I saw bodies taken away in LoneManageNews Agency KanganNigeria since 2009.Khan News Agency Ganderbal ment Agency (NEMA), Charles The Islamists have attacked open trucks,” said witness YakuGulzar News Agency Soura Zahid bu Book Depot Chadoora Otegbade, said one of the blasts Nigeria’s capital in the past, most Mohammed. “It is difficult to Tariq News Hawal in a 2011 car bombBashircount News them Agency Nowhatta “emanated from a vehicle” with-Agency prominently because the bodies in the station but theMuzaffar precise naing at the UNAlamgari headquarters in Budshah the were burnt and inLal pieces.” A secAli News Agency Bazar News Agency Chowk ture of the explosionAbdullah was not imthat killed at least 26 people. ondNews witness, Suleiman Aminu, Newscity Agency Lal Chowk Sikendar Agency Lal Chowk mediately clear. The explosions left a hole said he believed the initial blast Chowk Raina came News Agency Kangan No group has yetGupkari claimed News the Agency roughly Lal four feet (1.2 metres) from a Gund minibus parked
Zabarwan Times is available at
Khan News Agency Regal Chowk Sheikh News Agency Hyderpora Lone News Agency Tangmarg Bhat News Agency Magam Dar News Agency Beerwah Reshi News Agency Safapora Basharat News Agency Bandipora Altaf News Agency Pulwama Jeelani News Agency Baramulla Shah News Agencyattack Kupwara LATUR, MAHARASHTRA: In a blistering on Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi on Monday dubbed theLangate Gujarat model Younis News Agency propagated by Narendra ModiNews as a “toffee model”, saying it has Reshi Agency Islamabad benefited only one industrialist in the state, ignoring the interNews Agency Tral ests of the farmers andTurray the poor. RahiBJP News Kulgamwomen in He also said while the talksAgency of empowering its election campaign posters, its party activists along with RSS Rah News Agency Byepass
Gujarat development model a ‘toffee model’: Rahul Gandhi
cadres beat up women going to pubs in Mangalore (Karnataka) and the Gujarat chief minister uses his powers and police machinery to tap the phone of a woman. “Let me tell you about the Gujarat model. Have you heard of (L K ) Advani. Advani, Jaswant Singh have been sidelined. Now a new neta (leader) has emerged. He is Narendra Modi. Earlier, there was a partnership between Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Advani. Now there is partnership between Modi and Adani,” Rahul said at an election rally here. “Land of Aurangabad’s size...45,000 acres...has been given for a mere Rs 300 crore. This is toffee model not Gujarat model. For Re 1, you get a toffee here. There land was sold at Re one per metre...it was the land of the poor and the farmers,” Gandhi said. He said a loan of Rs 10,000 crore was given to build the Nano car. The amount is more than what is spent on health and education in Gujarat.
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 Agency Sopore NEWNews DELHI: Days after the ConSultan News Agency Handwarato gress praised Atal Bihari Vajpayee target Narendra theIslamabad party did Sheikh NewsModi, Agency a U-turn Monday calling the Three on Way News Agency TralBJP veteran “the weakest PM India ever Badru News Agency Bijbehara had”, a taunt often directed at ManMalik News Arwaniparmohan Singh byAgency the opposition ty. In his tweet, Congerss spokesman Shaheen News Agency Kargil
near larger commuter vehicles, and that commuters who had queued up to board were the likely target. Nyanya is a densely populated suburb of Abuja, filled with government and civil society workers who cannot afford the city’s exorbitant rents. Boko Haram violence has cost more than 1,500 lives already this year, but most of the unrest has affected villages in the remote northeast. The military in May of last year launched a massive offensive to crush the Islamist uprising and has described Boko Haram as being in disarray and on the defensive. A major attack in the capital, just a few kilometres from the seat of government, will likely cast further doubt on the success of that campaign. Bus parks have been among Boko Haram’s most favoured targets, including multiple, coordinated bombings at a terminal in the northern city of Kano last year that killed more than 40 people. Rebels based in the
southern oil-producing Niger Delta region have also claimed attacks in the capital, notably a car bombing on independence day in 2010. But most analysts describe that group, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), as being largely defunct. The explosion on Monday “affected quite a number of people because it was still early in the morning and there was a lot of traffic,” Otegbade told reporters at the scene. The private Channels television news network showed images of thick black smoke billowing out from the station. President Goodluck Jonathan was reportedly on his way to the scene to assess the damage. Jonathan, expected to face a tough reelection battle next February, has faced mounting criticism of the continuing Boko Haram violence. An escalation of violence in or near Abuja would pile further pressure on the embattled president. Boko Haram’s leader, Abubakar Shekau, has in recent video messages vowed to widen his insurgency outside the group’s northeastern stronghold.
Days after praising Vajpayee, Congress calls him the weakest PM India ever had
Sanjay Jha alleged that Vajpayee was the “weakest” Prime Minister as he had failed to protect India’s border and interests while dealing with Pakistan. He said that Vajpayee had even failed to handle Narendra Modi whom he wanted removed as chief minister in the wake of Gujarat riots in 2002. “The weakest PM ever was AB Vajpayee, who wanted to sack Mr Modi for the ghastly Gujarat massacre, but succumbed to BJP bullying,” he tweeted. The Congress spokesman also
took potshots at Vajpayee over his government’s failure in protecting the Indian border and interests while dealing with Pakistan. “The weakest PM India ever had was AB Vajpayee who was hugging PM Nawaz Sharif, even as 50 soldiers had lost their lives in Kargil,” Jha tweeted. “The weakest Prime Minister that India ever had was AB Vajpayee. Gen Musharraf spent a night on Indian soil, while the PMO and NDA snored,” he said. In the midst of the poll heat, Congress had showered praises on Vajpayee to attack Modi, asking how can a person whom the tallest leader of BJP “wanted removed” as CM in the wake of Gujarat riots be the party’s PM candidate. In its official website, the Congress had asserted that no leader in BJP can match the stature of Vajpayee, the founding president of
the party. BJP had said on Sunday the book written by former media adviser of Manmohan Singh was an “official confirmation” that he was the “weakest” Prime Minister and asserted that his office was “dwarfed” during the UPA rule. “The weakest Prime Minister that India ever had was AB Vajpayee. Gen Musharraf spent a night on Indian soil, while the PMO and NDA snored,” he said. In the midst of the poll heat, Congress had showered praises on Vajpayee to attack Modi, asking how can a person whom the tallest leader of BJP “wanted removed” as CM in the wake of Gujarat riots be the party’s PM candidate. The BJP also said that on the eve of relinquishing the office Singh must “seriously introspect” as to how his tenure “impacted” on the institution of Prime Minister.
Former coal secretary’s book deals new blow to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh NEW DELHI: A new book accuses Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of being weak and unable to stamp out corruption on his watch, the second recent attack by an insider that undermines the Congress party as it seeks re-election despite trailing in opinion polls. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has cast the world’s largest ever election as a battle between its dynamic and assertive leader Narendra Modi and the relatively ineffective incumbent premier Manmohan Singh. That impression was underlined in a book, published on Monday, called “Crusader or Conspirator? Coalgate and Other Truths” by PC Parakh, who retired as coal secretary in 2005. It said Singh’s inability to take on vested interests led to the socalled “Coalgate” scandal, which
rocked his premiership. It was the second book in the last week to portray 81-yearold Singh, Prime Minister since 2004, as a well-intentioned man of high personal integrity but one often unable to assert his authority. READ ALSO: Congress calls Vajpayee the weakest PM India ever had The other, by former media adviser to Singh Sanjaya Baru, was greeted with glee by the BJP, and the party is expected to seize on the Coalgate book to try to land another blow at a crucial time. The BJP is favourite to emerge as the largest party in an election that ends on May 12, although surveys conducted before voting began last week suggest it is unlikely to win an outright majority and will need to form a coali-
tion with other parties. Congress is headed for one of its weakest ever showings, the same polls showed. ‘Some resist, others succumb’ The Coalgate scandal erupted in 2012 after the public auditor questioned the government’s awarding of mining concessions without competitive bidding, which it said unduly benefited chosen private and state companies and potentially cost the treasury billions of dollars in lost revenues.Parakh said that Singh, though keen to introduce open bidding, could not tackle resistance from coal ministers in his administration. Parakh said he himself came under pressure from people interested in acquiring coal blocks. “Pressures come in the form of enticements such as postretirement assignments, part-
Governor stresses importance of careful planning for all pilgrimages JAMMU, APRIL 14 –In a recent programme organized by Baba Amarnath and Buda Amarnath Yatri Niyas the Governor Mr N.N. Vohra, who is Chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and Shri Amarnathji Shrine Boards, had urged the senior Niyas leaders and office bearers to undertake careful planning for ensuring provision of satisfactory facilities and arrangements for all the pilgrims who visit the Buda Amarnath and other Shrines in the State. He also urged the Niyas to identify requirements and prepare a practical plan for supporting the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board’s arrangements to register Sadhus and provide them various facilities for undertaking the pilgrimage. To enable them to carry forward some of their commitments, Chairman Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board has provided assistance of Rs. 1 lakh to the Niyas.
EO chairs meeting at Bandipora Bandipora, April 14: In order to oversee the implementation of guidelines by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on expenditure by contesting candidates during elections, the Expenditure Observer for elections, Mr. Mahipal Singh today visited Bandipora and convened a meeting with ARO’s, Nodal Officers and Master Trainees of the district.District Election Officer, Bandipora, SP Bandipora, ADC Bandipora and Electoral Registration Officer Bandipora also attended the meeting.It may be recalled that the nomination filing process in the Parliamentary Constituency began on April 12, 2014 (issue of election notification) and will continue upto April 19, 2014 upto 3 pm.The Election Expenditure Observer during the meeting was briefed about the expenditure monitoring mechanism put in place by the district administration. The DEO also briefed him about the surveillance.
nership in business, bribery, blackmail or pure intimidation. Pressures also come from friends and relations,” Parakh wrote in the book. “Some can resist these pressures. Others succumb,” he said, adding that at no time did the Prime Minister’s office make recommendations or exert pressure in favour of any party. The Prime Minister’s media adviser declined to comment on specific allegations in Parakh’s book, and referred to previous comments the Prime Minister made in Parliament. The media adviser said the government was helping the courts and police in their investigations into the affair, and that there was no case against anyone in the Prime Minister’s office.Singh has consistently denied his government did any-
thing wrong, blaming the delay in introducing competitive bidding on resistance from coalrich states ruled by opposition parties. He has said the findings of the state auditor in the 2012 report were “clearly disputable”. Former media adviser to Singh, Sanjaya Baru, alleged in a book published on Friday that the Prime Minister allowed his authority to be undermined by Sonia Gandhi, president of the Congress party and standardbearer of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty.In an interview on Monday, he commented on the Prime Minister’s handling of various scandals under his rule. “In all these cases he was aware of what was happening, he tried his best given the political limitations,” Baru told TV channel CNN-IBN.
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
Inform AROs before holding political rallies: DEO Budgam Budgam, April 14: The District Election Officer Budgam, Mr. Khurshid Ahmed Shah has impressed up all political parties and independent candidates, contesting Lok Sabha elections to seek necessary permissions from the concerned Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) of the assembly segment of Budgam, in which the party or candidate wants to organize any political rally, meeting or road show.For the information of all the political parties and contesting candidates it is notified that Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Mr. Haneef Balkhi is ARO for Budgam assembly segment, General Manager, District Industries and Commerce Centre, Mr Layeek-e-Parvez is ARO Chrar-i-Shareef, DFO Pir Panjal Range, Mr. Irfan Rasool Wani has been designated as ARO Chadura whereas Sub Divisional Magistrate Khansahib, Mr. Farooq Ahmed Dar is ARO Khansahib and Chief Agricultural Officer, Mr. Sajad Ahmed Shah has been designated as ARO Beerwah. AROs have established their headquarters at their respective assembly segment and are available there to oversee election related work, even on gazetted holidays, till Lok Sabha election, informed DEO Budgam for the general information of the public of district Budgam.
3 day science awareness mela concludes
Srinagar, April 14: A three day science awareness mela concluded yesterday in which a number of schools attended. The students displayed various working models and took part in essay competition, science quiz, talent search test and seminar.The camp was jointly organized by Jammu and Kashmir Students Welfare Anantnag under the auspices of science and Technology Department of Education, Government of India in collaboration with Khalsa High school, Magarmal Bagh Srinagar.The Chief Guest on this occasion was the Deputy Director General of Radio Kashmir, Mr. Bashir Arif besides Mr. Jagmohan Singh Raina, Mr. Narender Singh, Mr. R.S. Bali, Mr. H.S. Risam were the also present on the occasion.
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 EDITORIAL/ OPINION Petty politicsWhy does this harmfulonce for happen democracy and again
T
he to present pollevery camUnfortunate note that paign here for Lok Sabha now and then, and there Elections has the security forces indulgeseen in many upheavals due to an act which white washes all scathing attacks by the effortsthe made towards resthe leaders eachand othernormaland revtoration of on peace elations which haveItshocked and cy in the valley. has been surprised the whole country. On seen during the whole milione side the leadersduring are leaving tancy particularly last no stone unturned to indulge in few years that security forces personal attacks, using abusive sometimes do not exhibit relanguage and throwing all parquired patience while dealing liamentary into winds the and with mobsethics particularly on the other side someThough persons stone throwing people. who were veryand closethe to the power there seniors political like the former to Prime leadership has advisor been repeatedMinister Sanjay fuly stressing theBaru needcreated to exerrorsrestraint by tryingwhile to sayon that alland decise law cisions were being influenced by order duty but some impatient UPA Chairperson Gandhi personnel do an Sonia act which and Dr. the Manmohan Singhinto was plunges whole valley the weakest Minister. folThe fresh wave Prime of violence congress in retaliation citing lowed by strikes, shut downs the inability the process then Prime and curfew. of This efMinister Atal Bihari Vajpayee fects the normal life very badly to handle Home Minisand derailsformer the state from the ter L. K. Advani and the path of development. ItGujrat also Chief Minister Narender Modi causes enormous problems described Vajpayee as the for generalMr. people who have to weakest one. The two books resuffer on many counts varying leasedlack during the electioneering from of medical facilities cannot be without any purpose as to the ailing people, denial of the releaseto time have been education ourmust children and chosen toofhelp indirectly some shortage essentials besides political parties who areprices. trying their sky rocketing to project thata tool underto Gandhi They provide those family nobody other than people who are waiting tothem get has the bridal of power in his a pretension for disturbing the hands.normal The twolife writers may have whole in the valley tried to it say Dr. in Manmohan because is that always their inSingh to was himself veryboiling. honest terest keep the pot but fails their to presentation One understandhas as not to helped his cause as it seems that why these things happen rehe was only working the bepeatedly. The recenton happenhesta of the UPA which Chairperson and ing Naidkhai resulted notthe ableprotests to exert his positionand and in marches powers.inInthe the whole larger perspective hartal valley is the release of these never and will never two be inbooks the has caused t o state the image best interestdents of the and of country. Prime Minister himself and the If Jammu & Kashalso the congress party besides mir police and other security the West Bengala Chief Minister forces exercise bit more paMamta Bannerjee. The observatience and restraint, there will tions about CBI incidents in Parikhs book never happen like have also and castetheserious Naidkhai youngasperpeosions onnot thelose functioning of this ple will their precious premier investigating as lives. Anybody in theagency securiheforces says that the such agency is a vilty doing things is lain whose head did not know not in any way a well wisher the rules and the and tried of the country andlaws the state. In to impress Supreme Court fact securitythe forces are meant inestablish Coalgate peace scandal. It normalis unforto and tunate that the and leaders cy in the state thatand cantheir be former friends a vidone only whenhave theycreated have the cious atmosphere no credibility in the which people inand way ispeople conducive for that the demowhen think they cratic institutions thenot country. are their saviors of and killIt will theforce fitness the things ers. A in best is of known beif the leaders restraint from cause of its reputation in petty the people not byand its avoid represpoliticaland gimmicks to sive which annoy the peepactions into each other’s personal people serve the purlife andwho alsothen show some respect pose elements whoPrime are to thethose former and present alien to the of who the Ministers of interests the country state anddeserve the country. perhaps it.
Daily Daily
Zabarwan Times Zabarwan Times
Srinagar, Tuesday 15 April Srinagar, Tuesday 182014 March 2014
Income Tax Ombudsman: Take his help to Redress Your Grievances
A
s a taxpayer, you may have some very legitimate grievances relating to your income-tax matters of settlement of your claims. You may, for example, feel that the Income Tax Department owes you a certain refund of tax but it is not doing enough to hear your grievance of complaint nor taking action to redress it. You may also be aggrieved about the rude behaviour of officials or their failure to follow instructions and circulars of the Board. In all such cases, you can approach your Income tax Ombudsman. Before you do so, however, you have to ensure that certain conditions are fulfilled. The Ombudsman is governed by, and has to act within, the framework of the Income Tax Ombudsman Guidelines, 2006. The institution of Ombudsman is of Scandinavian origin. The Ombudsman enquires into grievances or complaints against the functioning of a public authority. In our own country, the Income tax Ombudsman is appointed by the Central Government. He is usually a person with vast experience in tax administration, but functions independently of it. At present, the Government has appointed Ombudsman at New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kanpur, Chandigarh, Pune, Bhopal, Kochi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Ahmedabad. What Grievances can you take to the Ombudsman
indicate/provide: a) The name, address and PAN of the complainant; b) The name and designation of the official who is being complained against (this should invariably be the junior most officer who has given rise to the grievance, not below the rank of an Income Tax Officer)’ c) The facts giving rise to the complaint; d) Supporting documents; and e) The relief sought from the Ombudsman. iii. The Ombudsman will accept complaints filed through the electronic media if they are otherwise in order, but the print out of such a complaint has to be signed by the complainant at the earliest. After he does so, the complaint would relate back to the date on which it was first received electronically. A complaint shall not lie to the Ombudsman unless in the first instance, the complainant had also made a written representation to the superior authority of the officer complained against. Also, a complainant can complain only if he has received no reply and more than one month has passed since he submitted his representation. Alternatively, he can also complain if he has received a reply but he is not satisfied with it, or if his representation has been rejected. No complaint can be made: i. 12 months after the reply was received from the superior
You can complain to the Ombudsman about your grievances relating to delays in disposal or settlement of claims connected with: a. Issue of refunds; b. Interest waiver petitions; c. Appeal effects; d. Rectification applications; e. Release of seized books of accounts and assets; f. Allotment of PANs/ issue of PAN Cards. You can also complain of such matters as failure to:a. Give credit for taxes paid, including tax deducted at source; b. Maintain transparency in selection of cases for scrutiny; c. Follow the guidelines, circulars and instructions of the Central Board of Direct Taxes; d. Observe proper working hours by Income-tax officials; e. Acknowledge letters and documents forwarded by the assessee; f. Maintain or update records and registers leading to harassment. “A person can also complain about any unwarranted rude behavior of Income Tax officials with assesses.” Etc., For further details, please refer to clause 9 of the Guidelines.
authority; ii. 13 months after the representation was submitted to the superior authority but no reply was received. Remember, the Ombudsman will not take cognizance of the complaint if it has been the subject matter of : a. an earlier settlement made by the OmbudsmanOR b. an appeal, revision, reference or writ before any Income-tax authority or a court of law. On receiving a complaint, the Ombudsman shall forward it to the officer complained against and shall endeavour to settle it by an agreement through either conciliation or mediation. If the officer cannot settle the grievance by agreement with the complainant within a period of one month, or such further time as the Ombudsman may allow, the Ombudsman will mediate and try to bring about an agreement. If he still does not succeed, he can make an ‘award’.
Procedure to be Followed
On receiving complaint, the Ombudsman will examine it to see if certain basic conditions laid down in the guidelines have been fulfilled or not. He cannot take notice of the complaint unless these conditions are fulfilled. These conditions are: i. The complaint should have been signed by the complainant as well as his authorized representative, in case the complainant is represented by such an authorized representative. ii. The complaint should clearly
Powers The Ombudsman has the following powers:
i) He can receive complaints on matters indicated in clause 9 of the Guidelines. ii) He can consider these complaints and settle them either by agreement through conciliation and mediation or by passing an appropriate award. iii) He can require the Income-tax authority concerned to provide any information or furnish certified copies of relevant documents required by him. iv) In the event of the failure of an Income-tax authority, to furnish such information or documents (indicated in para iii above), he may
draw an adverse inference. v) He can suggest remedial measures for redressal of grievances. vi) He can also report his findings to the Secretary, Department of Revenue and Chairman, C.B.D.T.
Duties The duties of the Ombudsman are to:
i) Exercise powers of superintendence and control over his office. ii) Maintain confidentiality of information coming into his possession and not divulge the same to third parties, except with the consent of the person who furnishes such information. He may, however, divulge such information to an opposing party to the dispute in order to reasonably comply with the principles of natural justice. iii) Protect the taxpayers’ rights and reduce their compliance burden. iv) Identify issues that increase the burden of compliance and bring the same to the notice of the CBDT and Ministry of Finance. v) Furnish a monthly report to the Chairman, CBDT and Secretary, Department of Revenue recommending appropriate action including that to be taken against erring officials. vi) Furnish an annual review of the tax administration to the Chairman, CBDT and Secretary,
Department of Revenue. vii) Compile a list of awards made by him during the financial year and report the same to the Chief Commissioners concerned and Chairman, CBDT so that the same can be taken into account while writing the Annual Confidential Reports of the officials concerned.
Nature of the Proceedings
The proceedings before the Ombudsman are quasi-judicial in nature. He is not bound by any legal rules of evidence. He is expected at all times to be fair and reasonable while performing his functions.
Nature of Awards
As already indicated, he shall try to settle a complaint by agreement in the first instance. If such agreement is not forthcoming within a month or such further time as the Ombudsman may allow, he may make an award. This shall be speaking order and shall clearly specify the directions to the authority concerned- including making of an apology. The award, however, cannot affect the quantum of total income or tax assessed or the penalty already imposed. The Ombudsman can award compensation upto Rs. 1000/- for the loss suffered by the complainant. Such compensation will be the first charge on the budget allotted to the authority complained against. The award shall be binding on the department but it shall be binding on the assessee, only if he issues a letter of acceptance within 15 days of its receipt. If the complainant does not accept the award or fails to furnish a letter of acceptance within 15 days or further period of
15 days if the Ombudsman permits, it shall lapse and be of no effect. If it is accepted by the assessee, the authority complained against has to implement the award within one month of its having being made. Compliance of having done so has to be reported to the Ombudsman.
Check List
A check list has been prepared to help you file a complaint. This is given below: 1. The complaint has not been signed by the complainant. 2. It has not been signed by the authorized representative. 3. It does not contain:a. The name and address of the complainant b. Supporting documents c. Details of the relief sought from the Ombudsman. 4. It has been made electronically but the hard copy (print out) does not have the complainant’s signature. 5. The complainant does not seem to have reported to the immediate superior of the officer complained against. 6. More than one month has not passed before the representation to the immediate superior was filed. 7. The complainant does not appear to be aggrieved with the reply received from the immediate superior. 8. (a) The complaint has been made after the expiry of one year
from the receipt of the reply of the immediate superior; OR (b) Where no reply has been received from the immediate superior: The complaint has been filed after the lapse of 13 months from the date of filing of the representation before the immediate superior. 9. The complaint is the Subject matter of an earlier proceeding with the Ombudsman. 10. The ground(s) of the complaint is/are also the subject matter of a proceeding in appeal, revision, reference or writ before an appellate authority or a revisionary authority or a Court of Law. 11. The ground is not covered by Guideline 9 of the Income Tax Ombudsman Guidelines, 2006. 12. The complainant is represented by an authorized representative but no power of attorney to represent the complainant has been filed before the Ombudsman. Remember, the answer to every statement in the check list should be negative. A positive response to statements are Sr. No. 1 to 7 and 12 would indicate that the complaint is defective and the Ombudsman cannot proceed further to redress your grievance till the defect is removed. A positive response to statements at Sr. No. 8 to 11, on the other hand, would indicate that not only is the complaint defective but it is also incurable. No purpose would be served by filing such a complaint. We all have a positive responsibility in making this institution effective. We can do so by ensuring that we eschew the defects indicated in the check list given above and avoid filing frivolous or vexatious complaints.
Disclaimer : The contents and comments appearing in any article published in this paper are purelyin thethis personal opinion the writer Disclaimer : The contents and comments appearing in any article published paper are of purely the personal opinion of the writer