SATURDAY 19 April | 2014 | 18 Jamadi-Ul-Saani, 1435 AH | PAGES 12 |
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04 died, 10 injured in road accidents Srinagar, April 18: Four persons died while ten persons were injured in different road accidents across the valley. A Tata Indica car bearing registration number JK02AU/2707 and a Truck bearing registration number JK02F/1559 collided at Levdoora Qazigund, in the jurisdiction of Police Station Qazigund. In this accident two persons Jayaraj Bahi Harsoo Bahi son of Bhoja Bhai Chavda resident of Bhavnagar Gujarat and his daughter Chavda Jiya died on spot while three other persons were injured in this accident. The injured were shifted to SKIMS Soura for treatment. Police has registered a case in this regard. A motorcycle bearing Chassis No. 8008544 driven by Haseeb Mushtaq Sheikh son of Mushtaq Ahmed Sheikh resident of Laizbal Anantnag hit and injured a pedestrian Lassi Mohammad Shiekh son of Mohammad Subhan Sheikh resident of Chee at KP road near Oxford School Anantnag, in the jurisdiction of Police Station Anantnag. The injured was shifted to SKIMS Soura, Srinagar for treatment where he succumbed to his injuries. The motorcyclist also received injuries and has been hospitalized. Police has registered a case in this regard. In another accident, an unknown Tipper hit and injured Fayaz Ahmed Mir son of Sona-ul-lah Mir resident of Konibal Pampore at TCI MAX Cement Factory Khrew. The injured was shifted to SKIMS Soura for treatment, where he succumbed to his injuries. Police has registered a case in this regard. Meanwhile, a Zen Car bearing registration number JK03B/8198 turned turtle at Brinti, Batpora, in the jurisdiction of Police Station Achabal resulting in See Died On Page 11..
Inside story Mir address public rallies in Dooru
Srinagar, Apr 18: Senior Congress leader and J&K’s Tourism Minister Ghulam Ahmed Mir on Friday addressed many meeting in his home constituency of Dooru Shahabad in Anantnag district of south Kashmir. Mir heads the Congress party’s campaign for its coalition partner National Conference in Anantnag Parliamentary seat that goes to polls on April 24.
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On Edit Page A fillip needed to cement Indo-Pak relations
The thaw on Indo-Pak dialogue process to normalize the relations and carry forward the confidence building measures is in no way in the best interests of the two countries. The geographical, historical and cultural situation of the two countries demands that the neighbours should proceed forward with high pace to cement the friendship bonds and mutual relations. Though the talks on trade and commerce are continuing and the next round is scheduled within next some days. It is imperative that the steps to normalize the relations
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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 13°C & 04°C respectively.
C TEMPERATURE M MAXIMUM Y MINIMUM K
SUNSET ON(FRIDAY) SUNRISE ON (SATURDAY)
13.30C 7.4 0C 07:06PM 05:56 AM
For
VOL NO: 4 | ISSUE NO: 108 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 Paisa)
Jus
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Largely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&K
Back in form
Governor visits Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas to review arrangements
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PG 10
Enters Quarter finals PG 06
Omar addresses workers meeting in Tral
Army requires land for artillery drills in Kashmir
PDP thrives on falsehood Tral-Pulwama, Apr 18: Addressing a workers meeting at Tral in Pulwama district of South Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah who is also the Working President of National Conference Friday said that PDP thrives on falsehood and has a habit of fishing in troubled waters to fool the people with their hollow slogans and speeches. According to a statement
Unethical and untruthful army operations have no life Every Kashmiri youth a slumdog trillioner’: GOC Gurmeet Singh Srinagar, April 18: With the expiry of the Tosamaidan lease to Army on Friday, GOC 15 Corps Commander, Lieutenant General Gurmeet Singh said that he has already forwarded his recommendations to the Government and it is now responsibility of the Government to take a decision in this regard. Gurmeet Singh told Srinagar based news gathering agency CNS that that there is a requirement for Army to have land in Kashmir for carrying out artillery drills. “As far as Tosamaidan issue is concerned, we have already forwarded our recommendations to the government. I can’t have independent comments on the issue as there are people in Army who are superior to me. If I will comment beyond this, that means I will create confusion. My only comment
TBF threaten mass migration to Tosa Maidan Srinagar, Apr 18 : The activists of Tosamaidan Bacho Front (TBF) Friday threatened that if the lease agreement is extended in Army’s favour, they would permanently relocate in Tosamaidan to face all ‘Inevitable’ dangers.According to the reports received See TBF On Page 11.. is that I have sent my recommendations and now Government will take a decision in this regard, “Lieutenant General Gurmeet Singh said. Responding to a query, Gurmeet Singh said that every Kash-
Claims Modi’s men have met several pro-freedom leaders Srinagar, April 18: In a major address this Kashmir issue,” BJP rubbishes development, Hurriyat Con- Geelani said in a press conferference (G) chairman Syed Ali ence at his Hyderpora residence Geelani’s claims Geelani Friday said that two which also houses his amalgam representatives of BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi met him last month in Delhi. “On 22 March, two Kashmir Pandits who were representatives of Modi met me at Delhi. They conveyed me that Modi wants commitment from you over Kashmir issue and once he becomes Prime Minister, he will
and party’s office. Modi is BJP’s prime-Ministerial candidate. Geelani said: “I told them that Modi is the same person who as a chief Minister spearheaded 2002 anti-Muslim Gujarat riots in which 3000 Muslims were butchered. The Muslim women were raped. See Geelani On Page 11..
Srinagar, April 18: The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) has denied that the party’s prime-ministerial candidate Narendra Modi’s representative have met any pro-freedom leader of Kashmir. Talking to GNS, Advocate Ramesh Arora, who is in charge of BJP’s Kashmir affairs, See BJP On Page 11..
Jama’at refutes Geelani's claim of meeting BJP emissaries Mirwaiz’s amalgam says ‘will react today’
Srinagar, April 18: The Jamaat-e-Islami Friday categorically denied the claims of Hur-
riyat Conference (G) chairman Syed Ali Geelani that the chief of one of the largest socio-religious groups in Kashmir, Abdullah Wani, had met the representatives of Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) prime ministerial
candidate Narendra Modi. Talking to GNS, Ameer-i-Jamaat, Wani denied that any representative of Modi met him. “No one from Narendra Modi or BJP met me. See Jama’at On Page 11.
PDP rally stoned at Nishat
Srinagar, April 18: As a mark of protest, people in South Kashmir’s Tral town observed complete shutdown on the visit of Chief Minister to the town. Meanwhile, in Brein Nishat, unidentified persons damaged
Srinagar, Apr 18: Expressing disappointment over the functioning of Election Commission of India in Jammu and Kashmir, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president today said it seems the ECI is dead in the state. According to KNS correspondent, Mehbooba while addressing media persons here said that the prestige and credibility of the ECI is at stake as far as its action on National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah latest statement is concerned. Mehbooba was reacting to Dr Abdullah statement that if he had resources he would have attacked PDP if he had bombs and guns. The PDP president said: “It is unfortunate that the election commission of India who is doing a great job in whole of the country is dead in Jammu and Kashmir. They seem to be dead. They are not taking any action as far
as Jammu and Kashmir is concerned.” She said that she was not making any boons about it as she had conveyed to all the authorities about these allegations. “I have told all authorities that the Sarpanch was killed only after Dr Farooq issued threats. The intention of NC is that there should be killings in Kashmir to See Mehboob On Page 11..
Srinagar, Apr 18 : The Kashmir Bar Association has said that it will take up the cases of five Kashmiri prisoners lodged in Jaipur jail before the Rajasthan High Court. In its jail visit report released today, the Kashmir Bar Association has said that the Kashmiri prisoners lodged in different jails in the country are not treated fairly and justice is not being meted out
various vehicles of People’s Democratic Party after they attacked them with stones. According to CNS, heavy security arrangements were put in order as the Chief See Tral On Page 11..
Fear grips Panchayat members after colleague’s killing
Srinagar, April 18: Fear has gripped Panchayat members in the south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, where suspected militants on Thursday night shot dead a Sarpanch of the main opposition party. Mohammad Amin Pandith, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Sarpanch was shot dead by suspected militants near his house in Gulzarpora village of Qazigund in the south Kashmir district. His killing has instilled fear among the Panchayat members associated with several pro-India parties. “We’re scared to move out of our houses ever since the news of Pandit’s killing reached us. The killing has deeply perturbed me and my colleagues,” Gulzar Ahmad, a PDP Sarpanch See Killing On Page 11..
Threats issued by 5 Kashmiris lodged in Jaipur Dr Farooq taking toll on jail since 1996 ground: Mehbooba Kashmir Bar to take up their cases in Rajasthan High Court
‘EC seems dead in J&K; its prestige is at stake’
issued to KNS, Omar said that PDP was acting as a proxy ally of the BJP in Jammu and Kashmir and is following the diktats of Narendra Modi to fragment and fracture the voice of our people. He said that it was BJP that founded PDP in Jammu and Kashmir to carry forward its agenda of ‘divide and rule’ and to flare up communal tensions and regional animosity in the State. See Omar On Page 11..
Tral shuts on CM’s visit
miri youth is not a ‘Slumdog millionaire’ but a ‘slumdog trillioner’ (referring to the Bollywood movie Slumdog Millionaire’) replete with aptitude and talent. “These youth were born during See Army On Page 11..
Geelani admits 2 Modi emissaries met him
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to them, in accordance with the law. Mian Abdul Qayoom, the president of Bar Association while referring to the five Kashmiri prisoners Farooq Ahmad Khan resident of Anantnag, Abdul Gani Gooni resident of Bhaderwah/ Doda, Lateef Ahmad Waza resident of Srinagar, Ali Mohammad Bhat resident of Srinagar and MirzaNisar See Court On Page 11..
PDP created push Autonomy resolution in back burner: Sagar Srinagar, Apr 18: Maintaining that the creation of PDP was done to dilute the Autonomy resolution passed by the state assembly, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayats and senior National Conference leader Ali Mohammad Sagar today said the party is trying to mislead the people by spreading false propaganda for their ulterior motives without bothering to remember the history about its creation, its motive and the so called Self-Rule document projected by the leaders of the party See Sagar On Page 11..
Sagar, Amnesty condemn Sarpanch’s killing Srinagar, April 18: The ruling National Conference and the human rights watchdog Amnesty International Friday condemned the killing of PDP Sarpanch by suspected militants in Qazigund area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district. Senior NC leader and Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Ali Mohammad Sagar condemned See Condemn On Page 11..
Beig cautions ECI, Union of India about rigging in J&K Srinagar, Apr 18: Cautioning Election Commission of India and union government that if National Conference is allowed to ‘repeat the rigging’ of 1987, the same will be fraught with the dangerous consequences of endangering India’s sovereign status and will wipe out NC from state’s political scenario. “To gain power, NC can go to any extent. They can kill a person, See Beig On Page 11..
Baramulla witnesses
clashes against police raids
Srinagar, Apr 18 : Clashes between youth and police erupted at Baramulla after Friday prayers- affecting the normal life in the town at large. Police later had to fire several teargas shell to disperse the protesters who assembled near the Jamia Bridge Baramulla and hurled stones towards police and other security forces.According to the KNS district See Baramulla On Page 11..
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Srinagar, Saturday 19 April 2014
FROM THE FRONT PAGE
TBF by KNS, the activists of TBF and RTI movement Friday staged a protest demonstration at Jamia Masjid Beerwah which reportedly was attended by a large number of people. Addressing the gathering, the deputy chairman of TBH Molvi Mohammad Maqbool stated that the lease agreement of the Tosamiadan must be extended and that the same has made the lives of the inhabitants living in the areas ‘miserable’. “The streams have turned poisonous and the fear is being unleashed upon the children of Tosamaidan. They are frightened and many have lost their lives.” He added that if the lease agreement is extended, they will go for the mass migration to Tosamiadan and will settle there along with their families. The activists also cautioned that if the relocation of the artillery fire range is done in the area, the same will be opposed tooth and nail. Later the procession reached near JK bank Beerwah and dispersed peacefully. (KNS)
Army turmoil and yet they have capabilities and can do wonders. Instead of following the footprints of my predecessors, I tried to customize the things and I felt that local militants are misguided youth. I instructed my subordinates not to kill local militants during encounters because it is my personal belief that they have been subject to false propaganda. I told my officer’s not to target any local militant unless he fires at you,” Singh said. Elaborating further, Singh told CNS that instead of killing notorious local militants the Army honoured his word and apprehended the militants like Talib Lali and Hizb District Commander Major Saqib. “Very few people know that during an ambush in Tral, Army instead of killing two extortionists who were carrying toy guns apprehended them. I awarded the Army commander who was handing that operation for using his brain and respecting my word,” he said adding that that we could have easily killed a 22 year old “drug addict” at Boniyar Uri who came close to our ammunition point, putting the lives of Army personnel into danger but we didn’t do that just because you can’t be a good soldier unless you are not a good human being. GOC 15 Corps Commander, Lieutenant General Gurmeet Singh told CNS that after the Hyderpora deadly militant attack in which 8 of their jawans were killed, he carried out in depth introspection and, “I came to conclusion that Army ought to carry out truthful, professional, and ethical operations only. I have understood that unethical operations can have short term gains for you but at the end of the day you are the loser. Besides, there are so many agencies operating in Jammu and Kashmir and you can’t keep anything under carpet for a long time. Keeping these things into mind, I instructed my soldiers to be humane and during every counter terrorism operation, ensure the safety of common people,” he said adding that you will find a total change amoung soldiers operating in Kashmir. “If my soldier fails to eliminate a militant with single bullet during the encounter then I feel that his training has gone to waste. There is no fun to create panic and chaos in and around encounter site by firing hundreds of bullets. I have talked to 47,000 soldiers ever since I assumed the charge of GOC here and I have told them to ensure the safety of common people,” he said adding that pro-people approach helped us to eliminate most of the foreign militants. “You will not believe that all the foreign militants killed so far during the initial months of the current year were eliminated with the help of local people who provided information to police to Army about their presence in the area,” Singh said. (CNS)
Omar Omar said that the Mufti father-daughter duo is a part of this conspiracy and by providing tactical support to BJP in the current Parliamentary Elections they were finally repaying the debt they owe to BJP for their political existence. The Working President of National Conference said that despite the communal agenda, totalitarian approach and overt animosity harbored against Jammu and Kashmir by Narendra Modi, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and Mehbooba Mufti are openly supporting BJP and Narendra Modi for their personal ambitions of power. Speaking on the occasion, Omar said that Rahul Gandhi symbolized the secular, democratic traditions and ethos of the country and is a leader who carries all sections of the society with him without any prejudice or bias. Omar Abdullah said that Rahul Gandhi was a time-tested and consistent friend of the people of Jammu & Kashmir and has empathized with them at every given opportunity. “We want him and UPA-III to be in power at the Centre to safeguard the pluralistic and secular democratic traditions of India besides protecting the interests of Jammu and Kashmir and its people”, he said adding that people have to make a choice between a Modi who represents authoritarian and communal politics and a young, dynamic Rahul Gandhi who has emerged as the champion of inclusiveness and secularism in the country. Rahul Gandhi represents the modern India of today where all sections of society have equal opportunities and avenues for growth, justice and development. Omar said that this Parliament Election was for electing the Parliament Members and eventually the next Prime Minister of India and not MLAs and the Chief Minister of the State. “It has nothing to do with the Election of MLAs or the Chief Minister. That occasion will be before you in November this year and we will fight those elections on the basis of our historic achievements in governance and development during the last five and a half years”, he said maintaining that all votes caste against the NC-Congress Coalition Candidates would automatically be votes cast in favor of Narendra Modi. “It is hence necessary to vote for the NC-Congress Colaition Candidates to ensure that communal forces represented by BJP and helped by PDP do not come to power. That would be a dangerous consequence for the country in general and for Jammu and Kashmir in particular". “NC and Congress have a clear agenda to strengthen communal harmony and secular traditions in the country besides ensuring equitable development of all sections of the society and also safeguarding Article 370 so that we could keep working for the holistic development of Jammu and Kashmir". Making a comparison between Mehbooba Mufti and Dr. Mehboob Baig, Omar said that Mehbooba Mufti
Zabarwan Times had miserably failed to represent Jammu and Kashmir in the Parliament and her disappointing and dismal track record is clear proof of her incapability to be a deserving voice for our people. Omar said that in stark comparison to this Dr. Mehboob Beg's performance as an MP is exemplary and the Lok Sabha record is a validation of his active role in the Parliament to highlight the issues and sentiments of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Omar asked the workers to work hard to return Dr. Mehboob Beg to Parliament with a greater margin so that the issues of Jammu and Kashmir continue to be raised in the Lok Sabha and it is ensured that the people of J&K are represented with clarity, courage and commitment. The workers meeting was also addressed by NC Provincial President Nasir Aslam Wani, Senior NC Leader and Minister for Rural Development and Panchayti Raj Ali Mohammad Sagar, NC-Congress Coalition Candidate, Dr. Mehboob Beg besides various senior leaders of National Conference and Congress. (KNS)
Tral Minister visited the South Kashmir’s Tral town. A day before the visit, police and CRPF personnel were deployed on roads and search operations were launched in different areas including Asthanmohalla, Lurgam, Aarigam and Lalgam. People observed complete shutdown and all the shops and business establishments remained closed while transport was off the road. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was supposed to address a rally at Bajwani Tral, however due to inclement weather; the venue was shifted to Town Hall Tral where according to reports a thin crowd was present. Meanwhile, unknown persons pelted stones on PDP supporters and vehicles at Brein Nishat in Srinagar when Tariq Hamid Karra was addressing the people. Eyewitnesses told CNS that PDP had organized a road show in Nishat and its surrounding areas. PDP candidate for Parliament Tariq Hamid Kara and District President Srinagar Muhammad Ashraf Mir addressed people. Reports said that as Karra was busy in addressing people outside Jamia Masjid Brein, some unknown people started pelting stones on the PDP supporters who ran for cover. Amid chaos, various PDP vehicles suffered damages and the leaders and supporters retreated from the place without offering any resistance. When contacted Tariq Hamid Karra told CNS that few National Conference workers pelted few stones on the rally and police later identified them. “I did not stop there and proceeded on wards to address the people. National Conference supporters and leaders have been engulfed by frustration and they know their end is near,” he said. (CNS)
Geelani Those who were pregnant, their fetus were cut and the anuses of new-born Muslim babies were also cut. I told them that all these things happened under his rule and don’t expect anything from me.” The octogenarian snubbed Hurriyat (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) Abdullah Wani over their statements regarding Modi. “Those who said they have expectations from Modi over Kashmir issue and those who said that Modi won’t be hardliner any more after he becomes PM of India have actually met his people and that is why issued such statements,” he claimed. Mirwaiz had earlier said: “If Modi comes to power and toes the same line on Kashmir that was adopted by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, there is a scope to move forward on Kashmir.” While Ameer-i-Jamaat had said: If he (Modi) wins, he has to run a country he won’t be hardliner anymore then because as a head he has to think of everything and everyone.” Geelani while slamming both Mirwaiz and Wani said that they have kept people dark over the issue. “But,” he said, “Our politics is based on truthfulness.” (GNS)
BJP said no one from the party approached any Kashmiri separatist leader. “We didn’t approach them. “We have not been authorized to meet any of them,” he said. A senior BJP leader in New Delhi said that the party can’t take any initiative over Kashmir until it retains power. “I don’t think anyone from party have met Geelani or any other separatist leader. We are not in the power yet so approaching them won’t serve any purpose at this movement,” he told GNS over phone from New Delhi. Meanwhile, BJP’ National vice-president Mukhtar Abbas Naqwi when contacted by GNS refused to comment. “I don’t want to comment over it,” he said. (GNS)
Jama’at They may have met Geelani because he is a big leader but as far as I am concerned, nobody met me.” The Jama’at spokesman, Advocate, Zahid Ali, also denied Geelani’s claim and said: “As far as I know, no such thing took place,” he told GNS. The media advisor of Hurriyat Conference headed by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq told GNS that the amalgam will react tomorrow on the issue. “We will officially issue a statement tomorrow on Geelani’s claim,” Advocate Shahid-ul-Islam said. Geelani had hinted that two Kashmir Pandits representing Modi had met Mirwaiz. A senior Hurriyat (M) leader, wishing anonymity, slammed Geelani and said: “They should know that it is 2014 and the Fatwa days are gone when they used to hang people in villages,” adding: “Geelani should focus on his health at this moment.” The Hurriyat leader, who is close to Mirwaiz, said: “They keep picking negative things of Mirwaiz. Why don’t they see positive things him?” he asked. (GNS)
Killing who represents Beigpora village, told GNS. “We are simply village heads and we have nothing to do with politics. People elected us to represent them. There may be rare cases where village heads may be doing things which are wrong,” he added He said he has decided to quit the post of Sarpanch in view of increasing number of militant attacks on Panchayat representatives. “I am quitting as village headman because of rise in surprise attacks on Panchayat representatives. I am the father of small kids. I don’t want my family to bear the brunt,” he added. Meanwhile, police has registered a case FIR 34/2014 under sections 302 RPC and 7/27 I A Act in the incident and started further investigations. (GNS)
Condemn the killing of PDP Sarpanch Mohammad Amin Pandit in Awantipora by some unidentified persons. He said that the killing of Sarpanch is a barbaric act which should be condemned by one and all as such incidents are totally against humanity and are carried out by the persons who want to spread death and destruction in the State without caring for loss of human life. The Minister also prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and hoped that the family would be able to bear the irreparable loss. Meanwhile, Amnesty International said today that the attacks by armed groups on civilians demonstrate contempt for fundamental principles of humanity. “A number of sarpanches or local government officials in Jammu and Kashmir have been attacked by suspected members of armed groups in recent years. Gulzarpora, the town where Pandit was killed, goes to the polls on April 24th,” a statement issued by the AI said. The statement said that the Amnesty International consistently opposes human rights abuses committed by both armed groups and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir. “The perpetrators in the shooting of Mohammad Amin Pandit must be brought to justice in proceedings that meet international fair trial standards. Authorities must investigate all human rights abuses promptly, effectively and transparently,” the statement added. (GNS)
Mehbooba enforce boycott. They (NC) are trying to harass people just to enforce boycott in their favour,” she said. Mehbooba said that she has already lodged complaint before the ECI about issues like Wazwan cherished by NC, holy Quran used by a female leader of NC (Sakina Itoo), PDP is in league with militants, and NC to teach a lesson to PDP before the authorities. “We are very disappointed with the functioning of ECI. The model code is being violated on daily basis. Administrative machinery is being misused. They are not taking Kashmir seriously. We want ECI to go through the allegation leveled by Dr Farooq Abdullah. They created STF, SOG they have. We know what the NC-Congress is doing in the state. We want to know why the ECI is not taking any action on these inflammatory statements and all these statements are being followed by violence,” said the KNS correspondent. She said the prestige and credibility of the ECI is at stake. “If they don’t take cognizance of these complaints it means that they are giving a long rope to hang the democratic process in Jammu and Kashmir.” She said the threats issued by Dr Abdullah against PDP are too serious to be ignored by the ECI if they want to conduct free and fair polls in J&K. “ECI should have taken a suo motto notice of the threats issued by Dr Abdullah but we are still lodging a formal complaint,” she said. Mehbooba said that it was not out of reach for Dr Abdullah to have his threats executed. He as the architect of infamous task force and the creator of ‘the unknown gunman’ could still be retaining sufficient fire power to hit at his rivals especially when it is dawning on him that the game is up for the NC. She said the imminent defeat of NC-Congress alliance at the Centre and in the state has made the NC leadership too jittery for even conducting a civilized campaign and Dr Abdullah is leading that party in its tirade of abuse and violence. While condemning the killing of Mohammad Amin Pandith, Sarpanch of Gulzarpora, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Friday said the threats issued by Dr Farooq Abdullah were apparently taking toll on the ground. According to KNS correspondent, while addressing a press conference here today, Mehbooba said within hours of Dr Abdullah having said ‘PDP needs to be taught a lesson’, Pandith, who was the member of PDP, was killed by unknown assailants. She said after facing public wrath at different places Dr Abdullah issued serious threats against PDP on Thursday saying ‘If he had resources he would carry out hundreds attacks on PDP leaders and workers.’ He made these remarks at around 2:30 PM and at around 9:30 PM Pandith was shot dead. Mehbooba said there is a very obvious plan for creating a scare that the NC has been implementing in absence of a performance report that is necessary for all political parties at the time of elections as it has to be presented to the voters especially by a ruling party. Since, there is nothing except death, destruction, scandals, atrocities and victimization of youth that NC-Congress could talk about as their achievement in the last five years. “They see their only chance in creating scare and forcing people to boycott elections.” She said earlier Dr Abdullah had accused PDP of being in league with militants and said that it is not Pakistan but PDP that would target their workers and immediately after two NC workers were targeted and their houses set on fire in Srinagar. Mehbooba said she had cautioned about such tactics by NC to achieve their limited agenda of staying in power by hook or crook. She said it was disappointing that Election Commission of India had taken no notice of the brazen violation of model code of conduct by the NC. She said while it is appreciable that ECI had taken prompt actions on complaints but in case of Jammu and Kashmir the election body had shut its eyes. Mehbooba later visited the house of late Mohammad Amin Pandith at Gulzarpora to condole his death. She expressed her solidarity with the bereaved family. Speaking to the people present on the occasion killing innocents’ people will achieve nothing except creating more tragedies. This, she said, has been happening over the past quarter century without resulting into anything positive only graveyards and number of widows and orphans are increasing. (KNS)
Court Hussain a resident of Srinagar lodged in Central Jail Jaipur, Qayoom has said that they have fallen prey to ‘brutal and barbaric tactics’ of the police and despite their best efforts to persuade the courts to remedy the wrongs the courts have not come to their rescue. The Bar president has said that though the aforesaid five Kashmiri prisoners have not complained much about food and other amenities to which they are entitled to under jail manual, but the Bar team could gather from the discussion held with them that they are given barely two cups of tea in the morning and evening and a few chapattis at 10:00 a.m. in the morning and 4:00 p.m. in the evening, with a small quantity of Dal. The jail report says all of the five prisoners had been arrested in 1996 at different places inside the State, but were later brought to Jaipur and booked in FIR No. 148/96 u/s 302/307 IPC and 4/5 Explosive Act of Police
Station Mohwa, Rajasthan, registered on 22.05.1996 in connection with bomb blast which occurred in a bus at Samlate, which was on its way from Agra to Jaipur. The Bar president has said that the five Kashmiri jail inmates are not allowed any non-veg food inside or outside the jail and for years together, they have not even been provided with an egg. “The Bar Association has, accordingly, decided to take up the matter before J&K High Court and Rajasthan High Court and if necessary before the Supreme Court as well.” (KNS)
Sagar as a historical document has yet to see the day of the light and come up in the public domain. According to a statement issued to KNS, Sagar was addressing a huge gatherings at different places in the old city, Srinagar, here today. Senior leaders of National Conference and other prominent persons from different fields of life present on the occasion. Sagar said that the self-rule document was drafted to push the autonomy resolution to the back burner by the PDP at behest of their political masters and now they are maintaining that NC traded Autonomy to power. “These speaks a lot about their hypocrisy and double speak as the Patron of the party is known for floating obnoxious ideas and telling lies”, he added and maintained that the people are wise enough to understand their mechanizations and would give befitting reply to them, which will serve as a lesson to these forces of chaos and confusion. “The people of the state are well aware of the fact the patron of the PDP during his tenure as the Union Home Minister was instrumental for the enactment of provisions of certain draconian Acts and presiding over several massacres which took place across the valley besides, ensuring the people are subjected to miseries and hardships”, Sagar said they are masters in spreading lies as they are real enemies of the state and its people as they enjoy a cosy relationship with the rightist organizations of India, who have a history of being anti Kashmiri.
Beig misuse the state machinery and what not,” said PDP senior leader and party’s Lok Sabha candidate for Baramula constituency. Beigh filed his nomination papers on Friday at the office of the district magistrate Baramulla. His wife Advocate Safeena, general secretary PDP Mohammad Dilwar Mir and other PDP leaders were accompanying him. Talking to KNS, Beigh while taking a jibe at NC patron Dr Farooq Abdullah, he stated that his recent statement about PDP reveals his intentions. “Dr Farooq has a criminal mind. He is a coward as rather than facing us politically he is stabbing us from behind,” he said, adding that it is possible that NC would be behind the killing of PDP Sarpanch at Pulwama. ] However, the former chief minister said that PDP has no inputs about the killing of our sarpanch but the statement of Dr Farooq wherein he stated that he would kill PDP with bombs and bullets- points the finger if suspension towards him only. Over the statements of NC that PDP and BJP have entered into a secret deal, Beigh stated that a false propaganda is being created by the ruling party to defame PDP but people have knowledge of everything. “NC nourishes this idea that best offence is defense and the reason behind these allegations is that NC itself was the part of BJP at New Delhi when riots at Gujarat took place. Omar Abdullah was the minister in BJP government when Muslims of Gujarat were massacred.” Beigh added that Omar remained silent so as to save his ministerial chair at that time.
Baramulla correspondent, youth assembled in groups at the main market of the town and protested against the detention of several youth of the district by the police. Reports informed KNS that on Thursday night, Police, SOG and army in a joint operation raided the house of Mohammad Ashraf Khan and detained his 16 year old son Adil Ashraf. Also a class 12 students namely Shahid Ahmad and Mushtaq Ahmad were also detained who were living in Khan’s house as tenants. Reports added that the houses of Mohammad Amin Tanga, G.N.Kanjwal and Mohammad Yusuf Sofi were raided by the police and carried searches. According to the inputs, police had launched a manhunt for Ashiq Qadir Lone son of Ghulam Qadir Lone who is believed to be the instigator in stone pelting taking place at various places of the district in the recent past. (KNS)
Died injuries to the driver Mohammad Iqbal Wani son of Ghulam Hassan resident of Trehpoo Achabal, Anantnag. The injured was shifted to SMHS Hospital for treatment. Police has registered a case in this regard. In another accident, a Magic vehicle bearing registration number JK18/6111 driven by Reyaz Ahmed Dar son of Ali Mohammad Dar resident of Brazloo turned turtle at Cheyan Adigam crossing, in the jurisdiction of Police Station Devsar, Kulgam. In this accident five persons were injured. All the injured were sifted to hospital for treatment.
Mir address public rallies in Dooru
Srinagar, Apr 18 : Senior Congress leader and J&K’s Tourism Minister Ghulam Ahmed Mir on Friday addressed many meeting in his home constituency of Dooru Shahabad in Anantnag district of south Kashmir. Mir heads the Congress party’s campaign for its coalition partner National Conference in Anantnag Parliamentary seat that goes to polls on April 24. The Congress leader asked the people in different meetings during the day long road show to ensure the victory of secular forces led by Congress President Rahul Gandhi and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi.“These elec-
tions are between secular and communal forces. If the country and the J&K state has to develop, we have to ensure the victory of secular forces,” he said, while seeking votes for NC- Congress coalition candidate, Mehboob Beg. “ I appeal people to strengthen the hands of Soniaji and Rahulji,” he added. The Tourism minster visited Mehmood Abad, Dalwatch, Gagisgund. Tanjloo. Shistergam, Wangund, Manzmoh and many other places in his constituency. The road shows were held despite bad weather condition. Mir was accompanied by senior party leader during the road show. (KNS)
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Daily ZABARWAN TIMES
SRINAGAR | SATURDAY, APRIL | 19 | 2014
Shri Amarnathji Yatra-2014
Governor visits Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas to review arrangements JAMMU, APRIL 18: Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, who is Chairman of the Shri Amaranathji Shrine Board, visited Yatri Niwas at Bhagwati Nagar today to meet all concerned officers and for reviewing the arrangements being made for the pilgrims for this year’s Shri Amarnathji Yatra. As earlier notified the Yatra will commence simultaneously, on both the Baltal and Chandanwari routes, from 28th June, 2014. Addressing a meeting of the officers in the Yatri Niwas, the Governor reviewed arrangements related to reception of Yatris at the Railway Station and Bus Stand and the registration of those without Yatra Permits and the requirements of accommodation, catering, hygiene, sanitation, etc. He also directed the district authorities to ensure satisfactory arrangements Lone News Agency Kangan in regard to water, power supply, Gulzar transNews Agency Soura garbage disposal, medicare, Tariq News Agency Hawal port, etc for the Pilgrims. The Governor reiterated Muzaffar Ali News Agency Alamgari Bazar the high importanceAbdullah of ensuring News Agency Lal Chowk against any unregistered pilgrims Gupkari being allowed to proceed to News the Agency Lal Chowk
Valley and directed the officers to ensure provision of registration counters at Saraswati Dham and Jammu Haat. He also directed that dedicated transport arrangements should be arranged for ferrying the unregistered Yatris from Railway Station, and Bus Stand, directly to the Registration Centres and not allow them to come to the Yatri Niwas unless they were registered. For the facilitation of Yatris, the Governor desired that pamphlets containing complete guidance and information about available facilities, routes, distances etc should be got printed and distributed among the arriving Yatris, from Lakhanpur Post onwards. The Governor also reviewed the enroute wayside transit facilities for the Yatris, including Langars and lodging arrangements, registration of Sadhus at Ram Mandir and their accommodation at Geeta Bhavan, Jammu. The Governor directed the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, to ensure provision of adequate arrangements for the
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Khan News Agency Regal Chowk Sheikh News Agency Hyderpora Lone News Agency Tangmarg Bhat News Agency Magam Beerwah papers LEH, APRIL 18: On theDar 7th News day of Agency filing of nomination for 4-Ladakh Parliamentary Constituency, candidates Reshi News Agency three Safapora Sayed Kazim Sabri (Independent), Anayat Ali (Independent) Basharat News Agency Bandipora and Mohammad Amin (Independent) filed their nomination Altaf News AgencyOfficer Pulwama papers today in the office of the Returning at Leh. Jeelani News Agency Baramulla Shah News Agency Kupwara Younis News Agency Langate JAMMU, APRIL 18:Minister for Agency Rural Development Reshi News Islamabad and Panchayati Raj, Ali Mohammad Sagar, has condemned the killTurray News Agency Tral ing of Sarpanch Mohammad Amin Pandit, who was killed at Rahi News Agency Kulgam Gulzarpora in Awantipora area of South Kashmir of Pulwama district by some unidentified persons yesterday. Rah News Agency Byepass
3 candidates file Nomination at Leh
Sagar condemns killing of Sarpanch
Polled EVMs dispatched to Strong Room Kathua under tight security DODA, APRIL 18- After the peaceful, free and fair conduct
of the General Parliamentary Elections to Lok Sabha in the Doda District, the polled Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) of Doda -Udhampur –Kathua Parliamentary Constituency w.r.t Doda District have been dispatched from Strong Room Doda to Strong Room Kathua today under tight security to ensure protection of EVMs.The EVMs were dispatched in presence of the District Election Officer (Deputy Commissioner) Doda Mr. Mubarak Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police Doda Mr. M.S Chouhan, Assistant Returning Officer (ACR) 53-Doda Mr. Subash Dogra.
Khan News Agency Ganderbal Zahid Book Depot Chadoora Bashir News Agency Nowhatta Budshah News Agency Lal Chowk Sikendar News Agency Lal Chowk Raina News Agency Gund Kangan Rashid News Agency Dalgate Hilal News Agency Budgam Bhat News Agency Chadoora Zargar News Agency Kunzar Bashir News Agency Sumbal Saleem News Agency Pattan Reyaz News Agency Pampore Javaid News Agency Qazigund KUPWARA, APRIL 18: The Dis- under RBSK. He said that 2.5 lakh G.M News Agency Sopore trictSultan Development Commissioner, children from schools and Anganwadi News Agency Handwara Kupwara, Mr. Itrat Hussain Rafique Centres are being covered under the Sheikh NewsaAgency today convened meetingIslamabad of Health, programme. As many as 20 vehicles Three Way and News AgencydepartTral Social Welfare Education besides four male and female Mobile ments to review the implementation Health teams with all logical support Badru News Agency Bijbehara of Rashtriya Bal Agency SwasthyArwani Karyakram have been deployed for providing Malik News (RBSK) in the Kupwara district. necessary services under the scheme. Shaheen News Agency The Additional District Kargil DevelopIt was given out that 189 schools
Yatris at all the transit camps to take care of both the normal as well as emergency requirements. The Governor asked the Inspector General Police( Jammu Division) to effectively ensure the regulation of the Yatris for ensuring the smooth conduct of the Yatra and asked the CEO, SASB, to urgently ensure nationwide publicity of the Yatra related Dos and Don’ts and Advisories through the print and electronic media. The Governor had a round of the Yatri Niwas complex and inspected the facilities available there. He was accompanied by Mr. Rakesh Kumar Gupta, Principal Secretary to the Governor and the Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board; Mr Shantmanu, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu; Mr. Zaffar Ahmad, Secretary, Tourism; Mr. Rajesh Gupta, Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone; Mr. Soujanya Sharma, Director Tourism, Mr. Ajeet Kumar Sahu, Deputy Commissioner, Jammu; Mr. Atul Goel, SSP, Jammu and other concerned senior officers.
DDC reviews RBSK’s implementation in Kupwara
ment Commissioner Kupwara, Chief Medical Officer Kupwara, Chief Education Officer Kupwara, Programme Officer ICDS, Principals of Higher Secondary Schools, Block Medical Officers, Zonal Education Officers, Child Development Project Officers and officers of district administration attended the meeting. The Chief Medical Officer Kupwara briefed the meeting through a PowerPoint presentation about the implementation of RBSK in the district. He informed the meeting about Child Health Services and early intervention services available for children
and Anganwadi Centres have been
visited by the MHTs, 15543 children upto 18 years of age were given treatment, 3162 children were provided necessary dozes while 783 children were treated at PHCs and CHCs level. He informed that 20,000 deliveries were conducted in the district and Rs. 5 crores were provided @ Rs. 1400 per delivery , the meeting was informed.
Second randomization of EVMs held in Ganderbal GANDERBAL, APRIL 18: The second randomization of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) was held today in district Ganderbal which is part of 02–Srinagar Parliamentary Constituency for Lok Sabha Elections-2014. The randomization took place in presence of General Observer for Election Mr. A. K Singh, Security Observer for Election Mr. Sanjay Shrivastav and District Election Officer Ganderbal, Mr. Sarmad Hafeez. The representatives of various Political Parties were also present during the process and were provided the list of ballot units and control units allotted to various polling stations set up in Kangan and Ganderbal segments respectively. The Observers emphasized that the EVMs shall be specified for particular polling stations and no change or replacement of EVMs shall be made.
Indian-origin doctor who raised questions about patient safety unfairly sacked, UK tribunal rules LONDON: An Indian-origin heart surgeon in the UK was unfairly sacked after he raised concerns about patient safety, an employment tribunal has ruled. Dr Raj Mattu was dismissed by University Hospital of Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust in 2010. In 2001, he had exposed the cases of two patients who had died in crowded bays at Walsgrave Hospital in Coventry. 54-year-old Mattu said he was “absolutely relieved” at the ruling. The trust said it was disappointed and would examine the ruling for grounds to appeal. Mattu was first suspended over allegations that he bullied a junior doctor. He was allowed to return to work but only after re-training — which he never completed. In 2009, General Medical Council cleared Mattu of the bullying allegations, yet he was
sacked by the hospital trust. Employment judge Pauline
Hughes ruled the consultant “did not cause or contribute
Forms available at Regional Office of BGSB University till May 20, 2014
to his dismissal” and had been subjected to “many detriments” by the trust for being a whistleblower. His allegations had been “serious” and “attracted a great deal of media coverage and public interest”, she said. She also ruled that the surgeon had been treated “unfavourably” by the trust as a result of a disability. But she dismissed Mattu’s claims of racial discrimination. Mattu told BBC Radio that the trust had made false allegations against him as a “plausible alternative” for his dismissal — when the real reason had been his whistleblowing. “Scores of false allegations, some of them quite heinous, were put forward,” he said. “The saddest thing out of all of this for me is that the people who have lost out the most are the patients and the public be-
cause for 13 years the trust management have prevented me from looking after patients. They have also, in the way they have treated me, discouraged any further whistle blowers in the NHS from coming forward and risking having their career and livelihood destroyed,” Mattu said. During the tribunal, Mattu said his concerns about overcrowding in wards had been ignored. He claimed a policy of allocating five patients to four-bed bays in 1999 had prevented vital equipment being used to save the life of a 35-year-old man. The specialist decided to “go public” in September 2001, after a hospital manager appeared in TV news reports insisting that lives had not been lost because of overcrowding. An NHS review in 2004 cleared the hospital trust of responsibility for any deaths in relation to overcrowding.
3 candidates file nominations for 01-Baramulla seat BARAMULLA, APRIL 18: As many as, three more candidates of various political parties filed their nomination papers for 01-Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency here today before the Returning Officer, who is also the Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla, Dr. Farooq Ahmad Lone. The candidates include Mr. Muzaffar Hussain Beigh of J&K Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Mohd Shafi Bhat of Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) and Mr. Ab. Hamid Malik Independent. As such, the total number of candidates who filed their nomination papers for 01-Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency reached 10 till date.
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
Governor felicitates Supporters and Sponsors of Red Cross Mela-2013
SRINAGAR, APRIL 18: According to Regional Officer, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSB) University, Srinagar, the last date for filling of admission forms for different courses has been extended upto May 20, 2014. The interested candidates are asked to collect the forms for the B.Tech, BCA, BBA, MCA, Msc-IT, MBA, M.Ed, M.sc Zoology, Botany, Mathematics, Economics, Biotechnology, Arabic courses from Regional Office BGSB University, Sanat Nagar By-Pass Chowk, Srinagar. For further details 9419011449 & 2441231 Phone Nos. can be contacted.
HOROSCOPE
JAMMU, APRIL 18: Governor, Mr. N.N. Vohra, President of Indian Red Cross Society, J&K, felicitated all organizations, governmental and private, which provided support in sponsoring and organizing the Red Cross Mela, 2013. A function in this regard was held here at Raj Bhavan, today. Mrs. Usha Vohra, First Lady, was present on the occasion.The Governor, on the occasion, said that Red Cross is a very important organization which works for the welfare of the humanity. He observed that, for obtaining such an objective, substantial resources are required by the District, Regional and State level branches of the Society, to be able to provide timely relief in the case of any exigency arising due to natural or manmade disasters. He appealed to the banking sector, commercial organizations and the rich elements in the society to espouse the noble objectives of the Red Cross Society. The Governor appreciated the initiatives taken by Mrs. Roma Wani, Honorary
General Secretary, IRCS, J&K, in the past year to boost Red Cross activities all over the State, particularly her efforts in setting up Jan Aushadhi Stores for providing generic medicines at fair prices to the sick and needy. Mr. Shantmanu, Chairman of the Red Cross Society, Jammu, presented a detailed report on the activities of the Society in the past years. He said that the Red Cross Mela -2013, had generated funds to the tune of Rs. 23.50 lakh. The Governor lauded the leadership role of the Divisional commissioner and hoped that the Society would be able to do even better this year. The Governor presented Appreciation Awards to Mr. Shantmanu, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu and Chairman of the Red Cross Society, Jammu; Mr. Rajesh Kumar, IGP, Jammu Zone; Mr. Kuldeep Dhar, IGP, CRPF, Jammu; Mr. S.S. Tomar, IGP, BSF, Jammu; Mr. Hemant Kumar, Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri; Mr. Soujanya Sharma, Director Tourism, Jammu.
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 OPINION OPINION EDITORIAL High number ofto ANo fillip needed cake walk for heart cancer cement Indo-Pak anyand party in patients relations coming polls
T
Zabarwan Times Zabarwan ZabarwanTimes Times
Srinagar, Saturday February 2014 Srinagar, Tuesday 1115 March 2014 Srinagar, Saturday 19 April 2014
Nursing Sick Units Back to Health
An alarming signal on for society he thaw Indo-Pak
he situation as redialogue process to The number of heart and cancer gards pre-poll allinormalize the isconrelapatients in the Kashmir valley inance between tions and carry creasing at gress an alarming dayforby and rate national day. So far, these diseases to wardfatal the confidence conference is used now be treated as fallout of urbanization, building measures in parties no way very clear and the is two food habits and sedentary lifestyle. in thedecided best interests of the two have to go together if But unfortunately, this is spreading countries. The geographical, they want to register their win in rural areasand too.cultural During the last few historical situation in some parliamentary conyears, the number of patients sufferof the two countries demands stituencies thetaking state. The ing from theseinlife diseases that the neighbours should chief minister Omer Abdulvisiting Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of proceed forward with high pace lah had very categorically said Medical Science has increased many to cement the that nofriendship alternative but fold. Athere majoris population of thebonds valley to go for alliance withofthe conand relations. Though has to mutual spend a large chunk their ingress said that his the talks onHe trade and comcome onparty. medication for grave diseasparty will never go any poll es for years Thefor more misermerce aretogether. continuing and the pact with BJP lead NDA. He able condition is those of middle class next round scheduled within families who have toismeet thejoin exsaid itdays. is necessary to next that some It imperative penditures by their land, hands congress because that thewith steps to agriculture normalize the property selling jewelry or by taking both the parties are already in relations in other fields should loan. As per reports the main cause coalition both at and also go along. TheCentre statement attributed for the spread of these fain the state. Now it is minister evident thediseases Pakistan foreign tal is stress along with other that in that Jammu they will have saying they are waiting for factors .the cases of breast cancer too to face formidable BJP which theonoutcome poll results to are higher sideofasbecause compared tothe the is strengthened of start parts the negotiations does not other of the country in the recandidature of Narinder Modi carry much waitages because cent past. The stress protein rich food as in Kashmir PDP of PM the inconsistency inthe the disalty tea and etc. could be prominent caushas strong packets of support es for thisprocess increase but alogue onlack theof awarepolitiand may cause big upsets ness amongst the women especially cal and governmental level. In if the congress and national conin villagesthe is taking its toll. Early fact both countries have ference do not go together. Still detection means early cure. But due to show sincerity andofhonesty PDP hassocial the hesitant chance going to many the women in coming closer to each other neck to neck with the congress do not speak out very easily and take and should avoid all those deNC alliance. Meanwhile the anit lightly which aggravates the situavelopments which canthe come in nouncement of reports, Congress partion. As per expert breast thethat way ofwill the relations. Howcancer initIndia isstart going to double in ty its election ever, one cannot rule out small next four years. Now typehealth of cancampaign with thethis union incidents taking place here and cer has overtaken cervical cancer. The minister G N. Azad alongwith there butpresident overall maturity and cost of curing this deadly disease may the PCCI Saif ud Din vary from 10-15 toIt 3-4 lacs statesmanship to be exhibSoz from 13th thousand ofhas March. indiper month depending on the stage ited ifthat bothonare really in cates one side honest congress and gravity of the disease. Almost all thetrying dialogue process. isis to bridge the The differthe regions of the world are affected suancebetween of only its theleaders statements ences and by these diseases. willthe not help in itany way as it on other side is not taking The time has come when the society needs concrete steps if one has the electoral battle in J&K very as well as the health caring agencies lightly. state has for this time to achieve any milestone in his has to riseThe to the occasion fighting about 70 lakh voters will endeavors. There iswhich no meaagainst these grave diseases by awakuse their franchise to elect six suring which can say ening therod masses to change theirhow life members from the state. The much gone forward style andIndia avoid has self medication .The valley itself 36 lakh to solve thehas mutual problems awareness camps should be voters organand these voters in the entire ised the remotest area where medandin how much the Pakistan has state will decide the fate of the ical facilities are almost nil. The more responded to its suggestions candidates phases. stunning partin of five the serious and proposals. This cansituation beElaba fuis there are thousands of medical orate security arrangements tile exercise and what is needed shops which medicines without are needed as thethe separatists is that bothsell leave past bitthe prescription of the doctors, rathhave already issued poll boyterness, forget the animosities er suggest medicines and the cott and there may begullible some and calls take stride after stride to patients consume medicines till it kind of unpleasant things here come closer to each other which turns otherwise and patients have to or there which can create fear in turn will serve the interests be rushed to theofhospitals where it is in minds the voters. of the these neighbours andHowalso too late. As it is the consumption of ever, keeping in view the panwill help in inthe boasting peace promedicines valley much highchayat elections theisvoters may cess in theinsubcontinent er as compared to other parts of and the again turn good numbers to country in a way making it safe haven rest of the world. What both elect representatives. for thetheir sub standard medicines. The have to understand is that they This time the elections are health care agencies should put ban possess nuclear quite different thancapabilities the previon the pharmaceutical companies and a slightest mistake on any ous elections such as the voters are manufacturing kind of medside can jeopardizetheir the lives of more aware icines. A strictabout drug policy rights should crores of people in just a twinand politically the situation is be initiated and licenses for medical kle of eye. There is no doubt that somehow throughshops shouldconfused be given after proper there are leaders and intellecout the and country. remains to scrutiny underItthe guidelines tuals in both the countries who prescribed by rules and the regulations be seen who will win battle canbyhelp misunset ministry of health. Defaulters royal butinitremoving is clear all that this derstandings and can the should be served with severelead penalty time most of the candidates will so thatcounties peopletime areto able live a healthy two point where have tough toato convince the life as is the case in other developed the solution forfavour. any problem or voters in their and under developing countries. issue will not be out of reach.
Daily Daily
O
nce blue chip Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) like BSNL, Air India, Hindustan Cables Ltd and Fertiliser Corporation of India today stand testimony as to how not changing with the changing times and technology could change their fate and turn them into sick units. However, there has been always a silver lining in this regard as the government has been relentlessly making efforts to revive maximum number of sick public sector units (PSUs) to take the country’s growth engine forward. This was possible with the help of revival packages provided by the government to these units. With this aim, the Government set up the Board for Reconstruction of Public Sector Enterprises (BRPSE) in December 2004 to advise the government, inter-alia, on the measures to restructure/ revive, both industrial and non-industrial CPSEs. Since then cases of around 67 sick CPSEs have been referred to BRPSE up to October 2012, out of which the Board has made recommendations in respect of 62 cases, while returning five cases to the concerned ministries for further examination. No wonder, there has been significant improvement in the overall condition of these enterprises since 2004. In comparison to 90 sick CPSEs in March 2005, there were 66 sick PSUs in March 2012. As per the BRPSE recommendations, of these cases, 45 were accepted for revival by the Government. Most of the remaining cases are awaiting nod for
revival while in case of 45 cases accepted for revival, 14 have already turned around including Bharat Pumps and Compressors, Cement Corporation of India, HEC, Andrew Yule and MECON and making profits while others have been infused with revival packages. The companies for which revival packages have been approved include Hindustan Shipyard, HMT and Scooters India. As the CPSEs operate under dynamic market conditions, it is quite natural to see ups and downs in their performance. As far as the reasons for losses and sickness in CPSEs are concerned it varies from enterprise-to-enterprise. While in some cases, the cause is historical. In case of textile companies which were taken over from private sector on socio-economic considerations could not be modernised quickly. Likewise other enterprises in the engineering and refractories sector too failed to modernise. Still others like some consumer goods companies and the new ones, turned sick over the years on account of inadequate job orders, high man-power cost, lack of finance, technological obsolescence, high input costs and competition from cheap imports. In addition, other problems common to most sick and loss-making PSUs have been poor debt-equity structure, weak marketing strategies and slow decision-making process. As one such policy initiative, the Sick In-
dustrial Companies (Special Provision) Act, 1985 (SICA) brought the CPSEs under its purview in 1991 (made effective from 1992). Under the provisions of the SICA, CPSEs with at least five years of registration whose accumulated losses are equal to or have exceeded their net worth may be referred to the BIFR. During the last twenty years -- between 1992 and 2011, 63 CPSEs have been referred to BIFR. The government has made several attempts to overcome “sickness” in these CPSEs through various policy initiatives. The strategies for revival/restructuring of sick CPSEs include financial restructuring involving investment by the government in the form of equity participation, loans, waiver of debt etc and business restructuring which includes change of management, hiving off viable units from CPSEs for formation of separate company and closure of unviable units, besides formation of joint ventures. The other strategies include manpower rationalisation by shedding excess manpower and introduction of voluntary retirement schemes. The contribution of each and every company is significant as CPSEs are considered as the backbone of the economy and are equal partners in the nation building. As on March 31, 2012, there were 260 CPSEs in the country. These companies contributed Rs 1.6 lakh crore to the central exchequer by way of taxes, duties, interest on loans and dividend, amounting to 21.4 per cent of government’s revenue receipts.
Creating Employment Opportunities for Youth
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ndia is a vast country with a population of about 1.21 billion and a labour force of around 475 million. There is an open unemployment of 9.5 million as per estimates available for the year 2009-10. Employment is the main source of livelihood and self-fulfillment for most women and men. About 6% of the total work force in India is employed in organised sector while remaining 94% are in the unorganised sector. Scope of additional employment generation in the organized sector for additional wage employment is less. India has a younger population not only in comparison to advanced economies but also in relation to large developing countries. As a result, the labour force in India is expected to increase by 32 per cent over the next 20 years, while it will decline by 4.0 per cent in industrialised countries and by nearly 5.0 per cent in China. We are, therefore, endeavoring to reap this ‘demographic dividend’ by providing for higher levels of health, education and skill development. This will create an environment where in the economy not only grows rapidly, but also enhances good quality employment and livelihood opportunities to meet the needs and aspirations of the youth. The Government has been making constant efforts for reducing unemployment through normal growth process and implementing various employment generation programmes, such as, Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY); Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) and National Rural Livelihood Mission besides entrepreneurial development programmes run by the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (MGNREGA) also assures every rural household at least 100 days of manual work at minimum wages. Jawaharlal Nehru National Ur-
ban Renewal Mission (JNNURM): The Mission’s aim is to encourage reforms and fast track planned development of identified cities. Focus is on efficiency in urban infrastructure and service delivery mechanisms, community participation etc. Bharat Nirman In Bharat Nirman, critical areas of rural infrastructure – Irrigation, Roads, Water Supply, Housing, Electricity and Telecom connectivity have been covered. This has improved living standards of the rural population and also created infrastructure which will ultimately enhance the economic activities in the rural areas and generate significant employment opportunities for the rural people. Infrastructural Development The investment on infrastructure is proposed to be increased to Rs.45 lakh crore during XII Plan period. About half of this is expected to come from private sector. Skill Development · Skills and knowledge are the driving forces of economic growth and social development of any country. Countries with higher and better levels of skills adjust more effectively to the challenges and opportunities of the world. · Government is serious in creating training infrastructure and providing quality employment to youth. According to a study carried out by Quality Council of India, placement rate has increased to about 80% to 99% because of improved infrastructure in the modernized ITIs. Skill Development Initiative (SDI) Scheme based on Modular Employable Skills (MES) was started during the Eleventh Five Year Plan for early school leavers and existing workers, especially in the unorganised sector to improve their employability. About 16 lakh persons have been trained under the scheme so far. · Sincere efforts are being made
for skill development of a large number of people under various skill development programmes. The Prime Minister has set a target of skilling 500 million persons by 2022 and the Ministry of Labour & Employment is required to train 100 million. Government is systematically working to achieve the target and the training capacity has been increased from 9 lakh in 2006 - 07 to 26 lakh in 201112. All the Government ITIs are being modernized. New courses have been introduced and most of the ITIs are running in two to three shifts. During last five years, the number of Government and private ITIs has increased from 5114 in 2006-07 to 10,344 which is more than double. Government has also planned to set up 1500 more ITIs in PPP and 5000 Skill Development Centres in PPP to enhance the capacity further. 27 Advanced Training Institutes are also planned in PPP to produce adequate number of trainers in the country. Focus Area in the 12th Five Year Plan In the 12th Five Year Plan the thrust of the Government is in bringing about an inclusive growth strategy that will provide job opportunities as well as make the young of the country employable. The main focus areas are: a) Thrust on Manufacturing Sector-to make it the engine of employment growth-that would create 100 million additional jobs by 2025. b) To bring in supportive policies to incentivise labour intensive manufacturing sectors such as textile & garments, leather & footwear, food processing, gems & Jewellery to generate more employment opportunities. c) Expanding employment in services like IT, finance & banking, tourism, trade & transport. d) Prioritizing skill training for the informal sector; creation of appropriate skill sets among rural migrants and urban poor to make growth inclusive.
e) Ensuring the employability of skilled persons by involving Sector Skill Councils in preparation of Skill Modules matching market demand. f) Building on the potential of Modular Employable Skill programme by ensuring combination of modules to ensure employability. g) Extending Social Security benefits to Unorganized sector Workers. h) Enable skill loans for poor students (Credit Guarantee Fund) i) Streamlining the skill development programs for disadvantaged sections to ensure much larger funding for skill development. j) Setting up of National Skill Registry to link data bases across Ministries / States to provide a platform linking people who seek/provide employment. Expenditure on social services which include education, sports, art and culture, medical and public health, family welfare, water supply and sanitation, housing, urban development; welfare of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and other Backward Classes (OBCs), labour and labour welfare, social security and welfare, nutrition, relief for natural calamities, etc. by the Government (Centre and State combined) has also shown increase in recent years reflecting higher priority to social services. National-e-Governance National-e-Governance Plan has identified Upgradation and modernization Employment Exchanges as one of the Mission Mode Projects (MMP). The MMP aims to progressively support all Employment Exchanges in the country to make effective use of IT in various activities of employment services. A national web portal will be developed to make all employment related services available on a single window and will work like a virtual job market. This will help Employment Exchanges to provide efficient and quality services at wider scale and speed.
Disclaimer :: The contents and comments the writer Disclaimer comments appearing appearing in in any anyarticle articlepublished publishedin inthis thispaper paperare arepurely purelythe thepersonal personalopinion opinionofof the writer Disclaimer : The contents and comments appearing in any article published in this paper are purely the personal opinion of the writer