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TUESDAY
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August 20 | 2013 | 12 Shawal 1434 AH | PAGES 12 |
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Govt to accept workable amendments in Food Security Bill
Srinagar, August 19: Mr. P. K. Singh, Inspector General (Operations), CRPF, Srinagar, called on Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, at Raj Bhavan here today. Mr. Singh briefed the Governor about the overall law and order situation in the his Area of Responsibility, which includes Srinagar, Ganderbal and Budgam districts. He also informed the Governor about certain aspects of the role and responsibility being discharged by his Force, in coordination with the J&K Police. This was Mr. Singh’s first meeting with the Governor after recently taking over as the Inspector General (Operations), CRPF, Srinagar.
HC to observe August 21 as holiday Srinagar, August 19: As per notification from High Court of Jammu & Kashmir, August 21, 2013 is declared as Holiday for the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir, on account of Raksha Bandhan, instead of August 20, 2013. August 20, 2013 shall be a working day for the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir, the notification states.
tice
Largely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&K
Ropeway will go a long way in promoting religious tourism
Blaming Pakistan for killing of its five soldiers on August 6 in Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir, India on Monday said its restraint should not be taken for granted and that the incident will have consequence on the relationship with the neighbouring country. "Our restraint should not be taken for granted; nor should the capacity of our armed forces and resolve of the government to uphold the sanctity of the LoC ever be doubted," Defence Minister A.K. Antony said in Rajya Sabha. In a suo motu statement, Antony said the incident would have consequences on the Indian behaviour on the LoC and its relations with Pakistan. The Minister's statement comes at a time when
in the recent past there have been several ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the LoC. Stating that it has now become clear that specialist troops of Pakistani army were involved in the August 6 attack on the Indian side of the LoC, Antony said a group from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) had crossed the LoC and killed jawans. "We all know that nothing happens from Pakistan side of the LoC without support, assistance, facilitation and often, direct involvement of the Pakistan army," Antony said. "Those in Pakistan who are responsible for this tragedy and the brutal killing of two soldiers earlier this year should not go unpunished," he said. Antony said Pakistan should also show de-
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Our restraint should not be taken for granted: India tells Pakistan
New Delhi, August 19:
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VOL NO: 3 | ISSUE NO: 204 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 PAISA)
Jus
Books are tonic for the brain 7
IG CRPF briefs Governor
For
termined action to dismantle the terrorists networks, organisations and infrastructure and show tangible movement on bringing those responsible for the Mumbai terrorist attack in November, 2008 to justice quickly. Antony, who had come under sharp attack for saying on August 8 that "terrorists along with some persons dressed in Pakistan army uniform" were responsible for the cross-LoC assault, today said that his statement had been based on available information at that time. "When I reported the incident to the House, it was Government's obligation to report the facts as we knew them at that point of time, and my statement was based on the available information," Antony said. On Sunday night, the
two armies - which are in close proximity in many areas - exchanged fire along the Kargil stretch of the mountains where the ceasefire has held since November 2003. "The firing continued for half an hour, however, there was no loss of life or damage", said a police officer. Army officials say the latest attack on its soldiers was carried out by Pakistan's Border Action Team (BAT). The unit includes members of Pakistan's commando Special Services Group and irregular forces, including members of Lashkar-e-Toiba, a Pakistan-based militant group. "Pakistan is making a serious mistake with regard to ceasefire and BAT attacks. It should not do it. It is not going to deter us. The army is See Restraint on Pg. 11
PDP compliments people for defeating disruptive elements in Kishtwar Srinagar August 19: Paying rich compliments to people of the state for displaying exemplary poise, dignity and maturity in the face of very serious mischief in Kishtwar, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Monday alleged the recent incidents in the Chenab Valley and their fallout at some isolated places resulted from the gross failures of the coalition government. At a meeting of its highest policy making forum, the Political Affairs Committee
of the party held here today a review was made of the general political situation prevailing in the state. The Committee also discussed party affairs in the context of the forthcoming general elections to Lok Sabha. According to a statement of PDP to KNS the meeting was presided over by the party patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and attended by the president Mehbooba Mufti, former deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig and other members including Sardar Rangil
Singh, general secretaries Mohammad Dilawar Mir and Thakur Balbir Singh, former Ministers Tariq Hameed Karra and Qazi Mohammad Afzal, Ch. Zulfiqar Ali MLA, Naeem Akhtar, Syed Altaf Bukhari, Tarlok Singh Bajwa and Ved Mahajan. All the leaders presented their points of view on various aspects of the prevailing situation with the summing up of it by Baig. The meeting felt that it had now become clearly evident See PDP on Pg. 11
‘Relative involved in militancy’ NC poised for A father and his son big victory in 2014: Nasir denied passport Srinagar, August 19: Authorities have denied Passport to a father and his son from Srinagar city giving reason that one of their relatives was found involved in militancy related activities during the year 1995. Ghulam Nabi Malik son of Mohammad Ramzan Malik resident of Nai Sarak
Kralkhud Habbakadal told CNS that for two years the authorities had issued Passport (J7214834) in my favour and now the authorities are neither willing to extend his passport nor ready to issue a new passport to his son Arif Mohammad. “The authorities told me that my uncle Manzoor See Passport on Pg. 11
Srinagar, August 19:
Predicting total extinction of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2014 elections due to its “duplicity and anti-people policies,” Provincial President National Conference Nasir Aslam Wani Monday claimed the process of its degeneration has already begun. See NC on Pg. 11
davp 17102/13/0013/1314
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that Kishtwar incident had resulted from the “inaction, incompetence and possible collusion by the state government as it had failed to take action on intelligence reports that had reached it more than ten days ahead of the actual trouble that engulfed the district on Eid.” “The state government had also been hand in glove with some communal elements out to disturb peace and had even allowed them to roam free for many years even though cases of serious nature on some similar previous occasions had been registered against them,” it alleged. Expressing relief at the positive and constructive attitude displayed by members of all the communities in both Kashmir and Jammu regions the meeting noted that the disruptive elements had failed in the face of people’s disapproval of their designs. The meeting felt that the Kishtwar incident which was obviously aimed at setting the state on fire had actually established that the people of the state can no longer be manipulated for petty political interests and that they can rise above any provocation or emotional set back in the interest of communal amity and brotherhood. “This was a positive development for which the Peoples Democratic Party has been making serious efforts over the past decade especially in the last five years and it feels vindicated that its mission to connect various regions and communities have withstood a serious test” the meeting observed. There was a consensus in the meeting that the party has to fulfil a larger historic role in providing a platform to all sections of the society of Jammu & Kashmir which is marked by the variety of a continental dimensions. “In stark contrast to the attempts by other parties who have traditionally tried to create dissensions and disunity among the different regions and communities for their political interests the PDP’s effort has been focused on carrying along all sections so that their combined energies and popular support could be harnessed for empowerment of the state and its residents which had been seriously compromised in the past. The party views people’s power as the only force to revive the glory of the state and reclaim its bartered away resources and building a modern welfare state which is free from discord, despair and fear,” the meeting observed. While discussing the political scenario in the light of the upcoming Lok sabha elections the committee felt the need to reach out to the people of the state with a massage about the importance of having credible, honest and articulate representatives in the highest democratic forum of the country. The meeting noted that unfortunately in the past the political setup in the state had not focused on the quality of representatives sent to the parliament which could channelize the peoples aspirations at the national level. Even currently when the state had been thrown from one crisis to another and had faced atrocities of all kinds, misgovernence, inefficiency, corruption and incompetence the representatives from the state had been either disinclined, incompetent or out rightly compromised in making the voice of the people heard in the important forums of Lok sabha and Rajya Sabha. The meeting noted that it was time that the people of the state were made aware of the importance of having an effective representation in the parliament especially in view of the party’s resolve to make serious efforts for resolution of the political problem of Jammu & Kashmir. “While it is crucial that the PDP received mandate for resolution in the Assembly elections it was equally important that the state has highly capable representatives in the parliament as ultimately serious issues can be resolved only with a serious and competent engagement at the federal level. That would be in line with the PDP’s agenda of resolving Jammu & Kashmir through serious dialogue with the union rather than confrontation which has made issues in the past more complicated and resulted in wide spread destruction, death and depression,” the meeting observed. “There are serious issues to be discussed with the centre which are crucial to state’s vital interests and cannot be overlooked”, the meeting felt and observed that the new MPs from the state will have to be equal to the task as the state cannot continue to go by default at the central level as has happened till now. The meeting was of the view that the party must try and field very serious and competent candidates of stature to provide a better alternative to the voters who would be the ultimate decision makers. The meeting noted with regret that the efforts made by the previous coalition and the success it had achieved on political, economic and administrative fronts had been frittered away by the present coalition. “The cross border initiatives of travel and trade had stagnated at the very initial level and major economic initiatives had been frozen and the state had reached an unprecedented level of incompetence at which even the routine allocatio n of plan funds and their proper utilization had become an uphill task for the government. Politically, while the Chief Minister occasionally raised slogans about dialogue with separatists, on the ground his government has made them permanent prisoners denying them even the basic right of offering prayers in mosques of their choice. The innocent killings had not only increased but have become a routine and the pe rpetrators have been given an impunity. The youth who were looking up to political system for creation of avenues of growth and employment have been pushed to the wall and alienation has reached alarming proportions. Thousands of young people have been framed in police cases while application of draconian laws has become universal, creating an impression of a lawless state. The meeting felt that t he PDP which had responded to a similar situation in 2002 with limited support from the people, but with resounding success is now in a better position to revive the process of resolution, reconciliation and development,” it added. The meeting also took decisions about mobilizing the party cadres for a more effective political campaign to achieve the goals by the party leadership.
NC...........
Welcoming renowned social activist, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s 40 year old close associate and Provincial Secretary of Peoples democratic party Advocate Nazir Ahmed Lone of Kupwara and his associates in National Conference at a huge workers meeting at the Party Headquarters at Nawai-Subh here this afternoon, Nasir said his joining will reinvigorate the party further, enabling it to achieve the party’s agenda of making Jammu and Kashmir politically vibrant state. “If close associate of Mufti are leaving him it proves that everyone has understood that PDP is just an illusion only to hoodwink people with emotive and false propaganda” said Nasir The Provincial President referred to the alleged dubious role of PDP in dividing the people with a sinister objective of weakening National Conference from time to time and said in one manifestation or the other, the power hungry leaders have been intriguing against the Omar Abdullah. “They have a history of destabilizing democratically elected government and have been trying to do that on every occasion in recent past as well,” alleged Nasir. “These elements have not given up; they tried their worst after 2008 elections by conspiring against Omar Abdullah,” he claimed. The NC leader alleged the divisive politics of PDP are detrimental to the growth and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir. He referred to the difficult situation created by vested interests in 2008 by inciting people on communal and regional basis. “They again tried to vitiate the situation in 2009 and 2010 by encouraging unrest in the Valley, than again in Kishtawar they tried but failed because of Omar Abdullah’s administrative and political leadership acumen which was eloquently on display throughout the whole crisis,” he said adding the sagacious leadership of Omar Abdullah frustrated all their designs. “People are fed up with rhetoric and emotive slogans being raised by PDP leadership,”, he claimed while addressing new entrants adding “I know you all have faith in the leadership of Omar and look towards National Conference with a great deal of hope to steer the state out of the difficult situation. He assured his party will maintain people’s trust. Speaking on the occasion, Advocate Lone described his joining along with his supporters as a “conscious and well considered decision”, saying the NC is the only party that can and will represent the true aspiration of the people of J&K . Member Parliament Sharif-u-din Shariq was also present and spoke on the occasion.
Qamarwari-Parimpora road in dilapidated condition Authorities on job to sort out issue: Div Com
Srinagar, August 18: Irked by the dilapidated condition of road, the inhabitants of Qamerwari and Parimpora Monday threatened to stage protest demonstrations in front of Civil Secretariat if authorities fail to macadamize the road which connects north Kashmir to Srinagar city. “We are tired of pleading before authorities for macadamization of the road. But no action has been initiated till now. The bad road conditions have been causing mishap,” local residents told KNS. They accused the government of adopting ‘criminal silence’ towards the problem growing in the area due to bad condition of road. “Government started the work on road widening from Qamarwari to Parimpora in 1999. It is going on snail’s pace and has caused annoyance to local inhabitants and commuters. The road, which connects Baramullah, Bandipora and Kupwara districts to SKIMS, Hazratbal Shrine, Kashmir University and heart of Srinagar city is in shambles for the past around a decade while the government has failed to act,” they complained. Shabir Ahmad a resident said: “Every year we are being promised that the road will be macadamized but nothing concrete has been done till now. We are the victims of
government apathy. For last few years the pressure of traffic has increased manifolds on this route but the road condition remains pathetic. Citing ‘political vendetta’ as the main reason for discrimination, the residents accused the concerned authorities of deliberately leaving them in lurch. “Earlier it was assured by Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Farooq Ahmah Shah that the road will be repaired, however, till date nothing was done,” he said. The shopkeepers of the area said the bad roads have even affected their business. “Our business has been badly affected due to dilapidated roads as most of our prospective customers avoid the road,” they said. The peopl e living alongside the road from Qamerwari Chowk to New Parimpora bypass threatened to stage a protest in front of Civil Secretariat if authorities fail to macdamize the road. Divisional commissioner Kashmir Shilnder Kumar told Kashmir News Service that they have taken up the issue with B o r d e r R o a d Organization. “But the hurdle which comes in the way is the presence of two petrol pumps as well as the shops. Authorities are on job to sort out the issue and complete the work on project shortly,” he assured.
SHRC asked to intervene
Srinagar, August 19: Taking a dig on Waqaf Board and Hajj and Auqaf, Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Forum has submitted a petition in State Human Rights Commission in which it has claimed that these bodies have failed to protect the interest of ‘Imams’ while both these bodies are paying handsome salaries to their employees ignoring the plight of religious clerics. The petition filed by one M. M. Shuja on behalf of Peoples Forum has claimed that the fact finding team of the Forum has revealed that Molvi Iftikar Ahmed of Gurez whose wife allegedly slaughtered her two kids were putting
up in a godown type shed in Bemina, completely inhabitable for human beings. “Without prejudice to the police investigation the Forum suspected that the mother of the children compelled by financial constraints slaughtered her children and even tried to do away with her life. The Forum came to know that the father (Imam) of the slaughtered children was just being paid an honorarium of Rs 5500 per month,” the petition reads. The petitioner has alleged that neither the Waqaf Board has so far been able to evolve a need based policy regarding Imams nor has been able to regulate the conditions of
the service of such respectable class of society. “More than 55 percent of the income of the Waqaf Board is spent for salary of the staff most of whom are retired govt. employees. Many of such retired employees have been engaged in the board on political considerations,” the petition reads. In the petition it has also been alleged that Waqaf has become a personal property of ruling party while the Hajj and Auqaf department has also not been able to regulate and enforce a system, which would govern the conditions of service of Imams, nor has the said department been able to prevail upon the
Waqaf Board to improve its style of functioning. “As per norms it was decided that the minimum wages of Rs 12000 per month for Imams should be fixed but that has not been implemented so far. “The net result is that the right to live with dignity in respect of Imams has been scuttled and is required to be enforced and protected by this Hon’ble Commission,” the petition reads and appeals the Commission to pass on directions to all Waqaf Baords, local Masjid managements, administrators of Muslim shrines to fix the minimum salary of Imams at Rs 12000 per month.
Landslide kills couple in Uri Srinagar, August 19: A couple was killed on Monday in Dara Gutliya Uri of North Kashmir’s Baramullah district when landslide triggered by heavy rains hit them. Muneer Ahmad son of Nazir Ahmad and his wife Razeena Begum were on way along with their cattle in Dara Gutiliya of Uri area when suddenly they were caught in a landslide, a local resident told KNS over Phone from Dara Gutliya. SDPO Uri Ravinder Pal
Singh told KNS that the area was in the grip of heavy rains which cause landslide and soon after the incident police with help of locals launched a search operation to trace the duo and their bodies was later recovered from the site of incident. Pertinently heavy rains and flash floods created havoc across Jammu and Kashmir from last several days leaving dozens of persons, dead and causing widespread damages.
BNA
PDP...........
Deplorable condition of Imams
People locked hotel after police recovers liquor bottles
Budgam, August 19: ers. Police arrested the Religious bodies and accused and registered a traders in a bid to curb case vide FIR number waywardness in society 73/2013 under section 48 locked a hotel after police of Excise Act. As the news during a raid recovered spread in the town, large huge quantity of liquor number of people led by b o t t l e s i n C e n t r a l Mirwaiz Central Kashmir Kashmir’s Beerwah town Syed Abdul Latif and of Budgam district on Bazar Association Beerwa Monday. Sources told Irshad Ahmed Wani CNS that after receiving proceeded towards the inputs that Hotel owner hotel and locked it. “The Abdul Qayoom Ganaie hotel is the property of son of Asadullah Ganaie ‘Anjaman-i-Mazhar-ulresident of Beerwa, a Haq’. We simply took out police party raided the all the furniture and other hotel and recovered wine goods and send it to the bottles which the accused house of accused, and used to sell to his custom- locked the hotel.
BNA
here to respond in each and every act of Pakistan," said Army Major-General V.P.Singh, a division commander in the Rajouri sector along the border.
Ahmed Malik was involved in militancy related activities and they could not be issued passport. How the police and CID could do this while the fact is that my uncle who was arrested in 1995 for his alleged involvement in militancy was declared innocent and released by TADA court,” Ghulam Nabi said. Ghulam Nabi who is a retired employee said that he along with his wife and son are desperate to perform the Hajj but the dogmatic approach on part of the authorities ruined their designs.
Purse Lost
I have lost my purse which contains some cash, ATM Card and Driving Licence somewhere. Now I have applied for duplicate of ATM Card and Driving Licence. Anybody having any objection regarding this may produce the same to concerned authorities within seven days from the date of publication of this notice. After that no objection will be entertained. Moreover, if anybody has found the same purse may contact on 9622798524. Bashir Ahmad Khan S/o Haji Gh. Nabi Khan R/o Pehlipora Safapora
BNA
Restraint..........
Passport...........
ZABARWAN TIMES
D.O.B Certificate Lost
I have lost D.O.B of my ward namely Aksa Ayoub bearing No. 6487/MRD somewhere. Now I have applied for its duplicate. Anybody having any objection regarding this may produce the same to Superintendent L.D Hospital Srinagar within seven days from the date of publication of this notice. After that no objection will be entertained. Mohd. Ayoub Ganaie F/o Aksa Ayoub R/o Repora Chadoora
BNA
11 From Front Page........
Daily
Tuesday, 20 August 2013
Government of Jammu & Kashmir
Office of the District Programme Officer ICDS Projects Bandipora (Member Secretary District Level Purchase Committee)
Subject: Procurement/Purchase of Nutrition Items under ICDS Scheme for AWC’s of District Bandipora for the year 2013-14. Ref: i) Govt. Order No. 09-SW of 2008 Dated: 24-01-2008 issued by the Social Welfare Deptt. ii) DSWK/ICDS/01/2013/12783-99 Dated: 18-07-2013
Abbreviated Tender Notice
For and on behalf of Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, sealed tenders affixed with revenue stamp worth Rs. 5/- are invited from Reputed Manufacturers/ Approved/Authorized/Registered/Govt./Semi Govt. Firms/Agencies/Dealers, which should reach to the office of District Development Commissioner Bandipora (Chairman District Level Purchase Committee) by or before 18-09-2013 upto 1.30 pm for the supply of Nutrition Items as per the tender document which can be obtained from the office of District Programme Officer ICDS Projects Baramulla/Bandipora (Member Secretary DLPC) upto 16-09-2013 (4.00 pm) against the payment of Rs. 1200/- (Twelve Hundred only) for general and Rs. 100/- (Rupees One Hundred only) for registered SSI unit holders on form F.C.I. The tenders should be addressed to the Chairman District Level Purchase Committee (District Development Commissioner) Bandipora and accompainedwith earnest money @ 2% of the amount involved, as mentioned in the tender document in the shape of CDR/FDR pledged to the Chairman District Level Purchase Committee Bandipora. The tenderer(s) shall have to deposit two packets of each sample of each item weighing at least one Kg packed in a transparent Jar/container and duly sealed along with analytical report from Govt. Approved Analytical Laboratory (under proper seal and cover) in the office of the District Programme Officer ICDS Project Bandipora (Member Secretary DLPC) at ICDS Project Headquarter Bandipora by or before 18-09-2013 upto 1.00 pm. The tenders shall be opened on same date i.e 18-09-2013 at 2.00 pm or next day if it happens to be a holiday in the office of the District Dev. Commissioner Bandipora (Chairman District Level Purchase Committee) in presence of the Members of District Level Purchase Committee and the tenderer(s) whosoever would like to be present. The rates should be quoted F.O.R destination to various ICDS Projects Headquarters of District Bandipora and should be inclusive of incidental charges, octroi, loading/unloading, VAT etc. The rates should be quoted both in words as well as in figures for each item separately and without overwriting, erasing or mutilation and covered with transparent tape besides mentioning the specification, mark, quality and brand of item in his tender. Other terms and conditions to be followed are laid down in tender documents enclosed with tender notice. The tenderer(s) should be registered with the Commercial Taxes Department/Sales Tax Department and should enclose a copy of requisite registration certificate from competent authority giving TIN No./GST/CST No. VAT clearance certificate upto 31-03-2013 on Form-46 and Annual Turnover Certificate alongwith Tender document. In case of SSI Units a certificate from General Manager District Industries Centre (DIC) concerned should be enclosed with the tender(s) to the effect that the unit is formally/permanently registered with DIC and is presently in commission/production for the tendered item(s) if any. The only proprietor of SSI Units shall be allowed to participate in tendering process and no proxy or attorney in this behalf shall be acceptable. The successful SSI Units have to deposit 2% of cost of tendered item as security deposit. Sd/- District Programme Officer ICDS Projects Bandipora DIPJK: 6146 (Member Secretary DLPC)
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Daily ZABARWAN TIMES
SRINAGAR | TUESDAY
Test runs of Makhdoom Sahib(R.A.) ropeway conducted
Ropeway will go a long way in promoting religious tourism: Sagar
Srinagar, August 19: Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar today conducted the test run of the prestigious Ropeway Project constructed with an estimated cost of Rs 6 crore at Rainawari, Makhdoom Sahib, Srinagar. Commissioner/Secretary, Tourism and Culture Mr. Atul Duloo, Managing Director Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation, Mr. Tufail Matoo, and other senior officers of Waqaf Board, Forests, R&B, and allied departments were present. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the project would go a long way in promoting tourism in the old city besides, providing an alternative mode of transportation to the pilgrims coming to pay obeisance at the revered shrine of Hazrat Sultan-ul-Arifeen Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom Sahib (RA). The Minister directed the con-
cerned officers to speed up work on the craft centre being created there, so that the area comes up as a major tourist attraction in the old city Srinagar. He said that it would go a long way in boosting the tourism related activities which would in turn increase the economic activity and provide the much needed job opportunities to the people of the area. The project commissioned in July 2010 has been executed by Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation with an estimated cost of Rs 6 crore and the technical feasibility has been conducted by M/S RITES. The ropeway has 8 cabins which can ferry 260 passengers per hour. The Minister later inspected the pace of work on the proposed shopping complex for the shopkeepers whose shops have been acquired while widening of the Syed Mirakh Shah Road project at Rainawari and directed the officers to ensure that it
structure in the State several measures have been undertaken which have gone a long way in improving the overall power scenario. He said that major towns and other areas would be taken up under APDRP so that the augmentation of electric supply is ensured in these. The Minister said that the present government with the liberal assistance from the
Chief Justice inaugurates lawyers’ chamber Srinagar, August 19: Chief Justice of J&K High Court Mr. Justice M. M. Kumar today inaugurated lawyers’ chamber at J&K High Court. All the High Court judges, President and members of Bar Association, Advocate General and Additional Advocates General were present on the occasion. The Chief Justice on this occasion inspected the outlay plan of the project. He was informed that Rs. 9.52 crore were spent on ground floor while as the complex will have more three floors in near future. The Ground floor has 26 chambers while as other floors will have 38 chambers each.
Naat-Competition held at Anantnag Anantnag, August 19: A “NAAT Competition” was today held at Dak-Banglow Khanabal in which a large number the participants from all across the District took part. The District Development Commissioner Anantnag Dr. Farooq Ahmed Lone was the chief guest on this occasion. A galaxy of scholars, clerics, journalists, writers, poets besides the school children attend the “NAAT Competition”. While speaking on the occasion District Development Commissioner Anantnag stressed for organization such type of competitions for inculcating moral character in the younger generation. He assured for the support to the organisers and civil society in organising the programmes aimed eradication of the social evils in the society. District Development Commissioner apprised the clerics, scholars and Imams to encourage the budding “Naatkhans” so that they can become inspiration for others.
University. Among the matters discussed were issues relating to the development and functioning of off-site Campuses. The Governor reiterated the vital importance of ensuring the highest standards of teaching and research in all centres within and out-
You’re probably looking for new objectives in your career and personal life, Libra. Today you’ll get the opportunity to share some dynamic ideas with new people. If you can, you should try to set up regular meetings with them. This could be your new group for brainstorming. These new friendships could be very productive in terms of personal fulfillment.
What a perfect day to go to a spa, get a massage, or enjoy a sauna, Taurus. You’ve accumulated a lot of tension and stress lately, and you may have had a hard time trying to calm down. You need some peace and quiet. Don’t even pick up a newspaper. Try not to even think! Just tune out and take care of yourself.
Gemini
is completed within the shortest possible time. Mr. Sagar also inspected the work being done on the community
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centre has undertaken several welfare measures which have no parallels in the annals of the history. He said care has been taken to ensure sustained development of every region of the State without giving any preferential treatment to any particular area. Referring to the historical decision of creating new districts in the State, the Min-
centre, marriage hall at Daulatabad, Koolipora, Khanyar and directed the concerned departments to speed up the work, so that they are com-
ister said that the creation of districts has ensured speedy and sustained development of several far flung areas. He said several developmental programmes initiated by previous government have been carried forward by the present one as well. Former Minister Mr. Usman Majid also spoke on the occasion.
pleted within the stipulated time for the general convenience of the people living in the area and its catchments.
Gurezi visits Gurez, stresses on early completion of all dev works Srinagar, August 19: Minister of State for PHE and Irrigation and Flood Control Mr. Nazir Ahmad Gurezi today visited various areas including Churwon village of Tehsil Gurez and took stock of various developmental works in the area. He inspected the construction work of 50 meter steel trussed bridge costing Rs. 3.47 crore. He was informed that Rs. 60 lakh have been spent on the project so far and right side abetment along with approach road completed and the construction work on left side is in progress. Later, the Minister visited sub-district hospital Dawar. He went round the hospital and inspected General ward, OPD unit, Dental section and took stock of facilities available in the hospital for the patients.
Interacting with the hospital management, the Minister directed them to ensure patient care and sufficient availability of medicines. While inspecting minor operation theatre, the Minister announced that a mobile van costing Rs. 40 lakh and equipped with modern medical facilities will be provided to the hospital. The Minister also directed R&B authorities to start construction work on 30 bedded Indoor Patients Departments (IPD) building costing to Rs. 7.22 crore immediately. Earlier, the Minister visited Churwan village and listened to people’s problem besides, developmental needs. The Minister directed all executing agencies to speed up the pace of work on all development works and complete them in stipulated time frame.
Conserve available water resources: EC to officers
Srinagar, August 19: Underlining the need for conserving available water resources of the State besides sensitising people about the judicious usage of water, the Environment Committee of the Legislative Council asked the concerned officers to take necessary measures for ensuring safe drinking water to people. The Committee met here today under the Chairman Dr Syed Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri and discussed in detail the environmental, water and irrigation issues. Legislators, Syed Rafiq Ahmad Shah, Vijay Bakaya, Master Noor Hussain, Ghulam Nabi Monga besides officers from PHE, I&FC, Forests, SPCB, Ecology and Remote Sensing were present on the occasion. Expressing concern over the unchecked cutting of Chinars, a heritage tree of the state, the Committee instructed Chinar Development Officer to take necessary corrective measures to stop this practice besides ensuring plantation of Chinar saplings at large scale during coming season to save the tree from extinction. The officer was di-
VC Jammu University calls on Governor
Srinagar, August 19: Prof. M. P. S. Ishar, Vice Chancellor, Jammu University, called on Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, at Raj Bhavan here today. Prof. Ishar discussed several issues relating to the University’s functioning with the Governor, who is Chancellor of the Jammu
Aries
March 21-April 19
April 20-May 20
Un-electrified villages to be electrified under RGGVKY: Vikar
Srinagar, August 19: Minister of State for Technical Education, Mr. Vikar Rasool has said that all un-electrified villages of the State would be electrified under RGGVKY very soon. The Minister was speaking at a public gathering at Bandipora today. Mr. Vikar said that in order to augment the power infra-
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20 .8.2013
side the University Campus. The Vice Chancellor also briefed the Governor about the to-date status of the various arrangements being made for the Indian Science Congress which shall be held at the Jammu University from 3rd-7th February, 2014.
rected to conduct the survey in order to ascertain the number of Chinars existing in the Valley. Regarding practice of illegal mining, the committee asked concerned to implement the laws strictly and carry out
Stressing on adopting a proper water quality monitoring mechanism, the Committee asked concerned to take necessary measures in this direction. The Committee directed concerned to take requisite steps for making public
May 21-June 21
If you’ve been hesitant about whether you should go on a diet, this would be a great day to start, Gemini. If you’re one of those people who really doesn’t have to watch what you eat, good for you! However, you should still stay away from rich foods. Don’t drink too much alcohol, and stay away from a lot of chocolate.
Cancer June 22-July 22
If you don’t feel that you make enough money, this is the time to do something about it, Cancer. Are you sure you’re doing everything you can to earn as much as possible? Perhaps you’ve wanted to change jobs for quite some time but something is holding you back. What do you think? Try to figure it out.
Leo
July 23-August 22 Today you’ll have a banker’s precision, Leo. You will recheck everything from your expenses to your investments to your children’s pocket money, not to mention how much you’ve paid back on your loans. Keep at it! This is the time to do it. Despite what others think, it’s important. Don’t let other people’s political agendas get in the way of your true purpose.
Virgo August 23-September 22
Do you wonder whether other people are attracted to you, Virgo? If you’d like to reassure yourself, you could work on your outward appearance today. You may have an inclination to change something, but you don’t have to overdo it. The energy of the day is about adding one special touch that makes all the difference when combined with your natural charm.
Libra
September 23-October 23 You’re probably looking for new objectives in your career and personal life, Libra. Today you’ll get the opportunity to share some dynamic ideas with new people. If you can, you should try to set up regular meetings with them. This could be your new group for brainstorming. These new friendships could be very productive in terms of personal fulfillment.
Scorpio
October 24-November 21 This will be a great day for you! Your children, grandchildren, or siblings may have a lot of excess energy. It’s up to you to take care of them, Scorpio. It’s your turn to plan things in the family. You won’t have any trouble with this task. Have you ever thought about being a planner or organizer for a living?
Sagittarius the mining in a planned manner without damaging the base of river beds. Referring to a news item carried in a newspaper regarding unabated establishing of stone queries on Forest Land in Lower munda, the Committee asked the Chairman, SPCB to look into the issues and submit report within two weeks so that further action in the matter is taken accordingly.
aware about effects of climate change and involve Government institutions, Panchayt Raj Institutions and NGOs for the purposes. Commissioner Secretary, PHE, I&FC gave a power point presentation about the State Action Plan on Climate Change. He said State is getting Rs. 1000 crore annually as water usage charges from different user agencies.
Rural Self Employment Training Institute organizes interaction programme Kupwara, August 19: The Jammu and Kashmir Bank Rural Self Employment Training Institute (RESTI), Kupwara conducted an interaction programme at its cluster Head Office here today. The District Development Commissioner, Kupwara, Mr. Itrat Hussain Rafique was the chief guest on the occasion while the Director Rural Self Employment Training Institute, Mr. Mohammad Afzal Shah, Cluster Head, Lead Bank Officer and other dignitaries of the Banks were also present on the occasion. Highlighting the significance of the programmes of the Jammu & Kashmir Bank Rural Self Employment Training Institute, District Development Commissioner, Kupwara informed that as many as 16 Entrepreneurs-cum-Skill Development Programmes in various activities were conducted. As many as 474 families were
imparted skill development training to enable them to earn their livelihood thus supplementing income of their families. Out of 474 candidates (trainees), DRDA Kupwara has sponsored 303 candidates whereas 171 candidates were identified and sponsored by the JK Bank and at present 55 female candidates are undergoing training in knitting for 15 days and dress designing for 21 days belonging to far flung areas of the district. The District Development Commissioner Kupwara impressed upon the stakeholders to provide all the requisite help to the trainees and work with more zeal and dedicate ion so that the needy can be helped. He assured all types of assistance from the district administration to provide residential training centre at Kupwara for which the land has been identified.
November 22-December 21
A wonderful day lies ahead, Sagittarius. Life is giving you more space and freedom at the moment. You could take advantage of this space to do something with your creativity. It’s the perfect time to sign up for some art classes or just begin something on your own, like singing, painting, or writing. What would you like to do? Do it!
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Capricorn, do you feel like you’re in a video game and about to get eaten by a monster? Today you should try a new game - avoiding stress! Whether this concerns your career or personal life, you need to find some neutral territory where you can relax. How about going to a friend’s house?
Aquarius January 20-February 18
After a few days of moving in slow motion, today you will get back all of your energy, Aquarius. Your instincts will be excellent and draw you to the people who can help you. It might be an excellent day to write any reports - or even your memoirs. Don’t be afraid to grab a pen and paper - you will be wonderfully prolific!
Pisces
February 19-March 20 If you’ve encountered a lot of resistance on some of your projects, Pisces, you should probably let them go. It’s possible that you’re still doing something a certain way even though your goals have changed. All you used to think about was getting ahead in your career. Is that what you still want? Think about it.
Editorial/Opinion The Daily
Zabarwan Times Tuesday, 20 August 2013
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ZABARWAN TIMES 9
Tuesday, 20 August 2013
Precious herbs and plants of Himalayas
Communal amityour way of life
he situation in Kishtiwar is limping back to normal as people of both the communities have realized the conspiracies behind inciting these riots which claimed three lives and left many injured besides causing a lot of damage to the property. The state and central governments also took some initiatives to bring both the communities together and held some important meetings where the implications of these riots and the divide created between the two were discussed threadbare. The presence of some ministers and their meetings with the locals also helped in creating an atmosphere wherein the bitterness created by the violence was minimized and both the communities got a chance to air their grievances, misunderstandings and the air of confusion created between the two. There is no doubt that Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Bodhs have been living in this part of the country with traditional brotherhood, amity, communal harmony and with the spirit of co-existence. This state has never witnessed any communal clashes on large scale baring some stray incidents here and there. The exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the valley was also not because of the communal clashes or differences but because of the uncertainty created by a situation w h i c h i n n o b o d y ’s h a n d s . However, the two communities are still having the best of the relations and whenever they get a opportunity to meet each other or share an occasion, nobody can say that they are having any kind of ill will against each other. Still the Kashmiri Muslims welcome Kashmiri Pandits on Mela Kher Bhawani and remain standing in their honour with traditional milk and flowers. How can the communal tendencies divide us. How can they incite a brother against a brother and how can they create a wedge between the two who are so fond of each other that despite having different faiths, they respect each other and participate in each other’s fairs, festivals, marriages and other ceremonies. This is all because they have been living together for centuries with harmony. This is because they love each other and have several things common in them. Their cultural affinity ties them with the bonds of love and brotherhood which can never be broken or damaged.
Daily
O.P. Sharma Vidyarthi, IFS Guggal dhoop: A reputed incense herbs Jurinea Dolomiaea-Boiss. Family: Asteraceae (Aster family) Habitat: Open alpine slopes, 3200 - 3800 metres Characteristics: An alpine herb with highly fragrant roots, sideways dissected basal leaves having white undersurfaces and purple tinged stalkless flower clusters. It is in flower from August to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects. The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires welldrained soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil. Trade and commerce: Aromatic roots are in great demand in the market. The roots are useful in dhoop making and are also employed for the treatment of stomach complaints as Poultice; Stomachic. A decoction of the root is cordial. It is given in the treatment of colic and puerperal fever. The juice of the roots is used in the treatment of fevers. The bruised root is applied as a poultice to eruptions. THREATS TO ITS SURVIVAL: Large scale mountainous road construction, over harvesting by local collectors, habitat loss due to avalanches and soil erosion are contributing to its decline in Jammu and Kashmir. What can you do to save it? Do not throw plastic bags and non degradable material in picnic spots. Encourage in situ and ex situ conservation in collaboration with ngos, forest department support laws which protect forests, wildlife and environment and discourage pollution. Encourage NGOs, plant growers and industrialists to undertake its commercial cultivation outside the forests. Raise public awareness about its natural habitats, population decline due to overharvesting and habitat loss due to developmental activities. Dwindling Population of Indian Belladonna; Atropa Acuminata VERNACULAR NAMES; Tookansool, Jallgi, Jharka, Jallakaffal, Braand, Meitbraand, Aahrol, Bisraal, Belladonna ENGLISH NAMES: Deadly; nightshade, Indian belladonna DESCRIPTION: Deadly poisonous perennial, stem smooth, erect sparingly branched, 1 meter tall, leaves ovate lance shaped, margin entire, tip tail like. Flowers
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cup like pale yellow, sometimes brownish yellow, drooping and borne in clusters. Fruits round 0.8 cm dark black purple. HABITAT: Plant grows in coniferous forests under partial shady conditions and humus rich soils. It also grows along fringes of kail, fir and oak forests beside hill streams and shrubberies at an altitude of 7000 -9000 ft. OCCURRENCE: Indian belladonna is seen growing in places like Dawar, Chaknala, Barnai, Chakwaliin , GurezTullel, Kalaroos, Khumriyal, Machhil, Lolab, Kupwara, Gulmarg, Bootapathri, Dudhpathri, Kukkarnag, Duksum, Chandanwari, Pahalgam, Warwan, Marwah, Bhadarwah, Dudu, Basantgarh, Gool Sangaldaan, Pogal Paristan, Machail Paddar etc. THREATS TO ITS SURVIVAL: Mountain road building, deforestation, habitat modification and weed infestation are the major threats to its survival in wild. Widespread growth of dwarf elder Sambucus wightiana (vern:gundli, fakil, phaktend,gandhoora) in places like Gulmarg, Gurez, Pahalgam, Chandanwari is proving harmful to its survival. Its poor seed germination in nature is another cause of concern. USES: Very important medicinal plant, roots and leaves are anti-asthmatic, antispasmodic, anodyne, febrifuge and nervine sedative. Roots are useful in rheumatism, neuralgia and inflammations. Drug atropine is obtained for dilation of eye pupils in hospitals. It is used as tonic under medical supervision. LEGAL PROTECTION: Atropa acuminata has been assessed as critically endangered plant in Jammu and Kashmir, It stands included in schedule 6th of wild protection act. The complete ban on the extraction of medicinal plants including belladonna is still in force but illicit harvesting cannot be ruled out. Kuth, Saussurea costus (Falc), Lipschalso known by the name, ‘Fragrant Sawwort’ belonging to Family Asteraceae The state of Jammu and Kashmir is rich in medicinal plants. One of the reputed medicinal plants is kuth after which J and K govt. had enacted famous kuth act in pre partition days. This act now stands repealed by the govt. The status of kuth is critically endangered in Jammu & Kashmir where it occurs naturally. The other common names of this important medicinal plant are as under: Balti : Kuth Dogri : Kuth English : Costus Root Gojri : Kuth Hindi : Kushtika Kashmiri : Postkhai Ladakhi : Rusta Pahadi : Kuth Pogli : Kuth Shina : Minaal It is a perennial herb with marginally lobed stalked leaves and fragrant
aromatic roots. Flowers are deep blue in head like clusters. It grows in temperate coniferous forests and sub-alpine slopes of J&K preferably occupying moist & sheltered locations along hill streams at elevation ranging from 2400-3600 m. Its habitat is prone to snow damage and soil erosion. It is distributed in areas of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, J&K and H.P in India. In J&K, it is found at areas Simthan, Seoj, marwah, Dahi Nala, Kanzalwan, Dawar, Chorwan, Barnai, Neeru, Badao, Chakwali, Bootmali, G u r e z , Ti l e l , M a c h h i l , L o l a b , Toshmaidan, Bungus, Furkian Top, Budhnambal. Threats to its survival, loss of habitat due to construction of roads for defence purposes & dam building. Roots are traded in national and International market. Roots are one of the constituent of Ashthavarga drug used in preparation of Chyavanprash. The plant stands included in schedule VI of J&K Wildlife Protection Act -1978 amended upto 2002. It has been assessed as critically endangered in Conservation Assessment & Management Plan (CAMP) workshop organized by FRLHT at Shimla in the year 2003. Recently Traffic India in collaboration with Himachal JK and Uttrakhand forest departments ,NGOS and kuth growers organized one day consultation on kuth plant on to know implications of its inclusion in appendix 1 of Cites [Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna] For protection of this important plant following measures are suggested : I. Do not allow illicit extraction of its roots, it needs to be controlled with stepped up surveillance by the Government. II. Encourage ex-situ kuth cultivation by the farmers outside forests as is being practiced in Lahul Spiti area of Himachal Pradesh. III. Support laws which protect Forests, Wildlife & Biodiversity Conservation. IV. Raise public awareness among nomads to reduce overgrazing and allow kuth plants to set seeds in alpine areas. Historically, State Government had developed famous Kuth extraction fields in Gurez and Astore area but due to partition of India, maintenance of Kuth fields could not be continued Kuth. Stock maps are available in old Departmental Library at Sheikhbagh, Srinagar. THE Jammu and Kashmir govt has imposed a 5 year ban on extraction of all wild medicinal plants including kuth roots. The wild resources of kuth patrees kaur are shrinking fast and need to be regulated along with cultivation by the bonafide registered growers. Kaur, Picrorhiza Kurrooa: A Critically Endan Gered Plant of Kashmir A perennial herb of alpine pastures found growing among shrublets of salix, rhododendron and herbs of gaultheria, morina, meconopsis, aconitum, jurinea near timberline dotted with birch trees. It is
locally known by the name kaur, kadwi, kadu and katuki. It has simple spoon shaped leaves with toothed margins and purple tinged flowers having elongated stamens. Its rhizomes are the main source of hepatoprotective drug, collectors uproot the entire plants thus affecting its regeneration in the margs of Kashmir. The increasing market demand, unscientific exploitation, overgrazing by cattle and habitat loss has led to its sharp decline in nature. The plant finds its entry in the red data book and the negative list of exports by govt of India. EXTRACTION AND TRADE; Because of its great medicinal value, demand of its rhizomes is very high in the domestic and international market. It is one of the top 15 medicinal plants traded in India. The demand is more than 5000 tons annually. It is largely collected from Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand. Annual transaction of 10000 kg of picrorhiza kurrooa takes place in Delhi market. It is being sold at Rs 200 280 per kg but local collectors hardly get more than Rs 60;80 per kg. India s share in the global market is around 375 tons. In Kashmir locals also add roots of another herb lagotis cashmeriana as an adulterant of true kaur. DISTRIBUTION IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR: In J&K, KAUR plant is found growing in high altitude places like Rajdhaan Pass, Zojila Pass, Machhil, Bungus, Toshmaidan, Mahagunus, Seoj Dhaar, Padder, Mache but populations are very small and are constantly under decline. USES: Roots are hepatoprotective and useful in treatment of liver complaints including hepatitis. It is also useful as antimalarial drug and is reputed ingredient of Livocin. It is a rejuvenating tonic and immuno modulator for enhancing body immunity. CONSERVATION CONCERNS: Keeping in view its overharvesting in the wild, constant alarming decline in its wild populations, increasing demand in international market govt of J and K in tune with govt of India has included this plant under schedule 6 of JK Wildlife protection act 1978 amended in 2002.Foundation for revitalization of local heal th traditions (FRLHT), Bangalore, in its conservation assessment and management planning(CAMP) Workshop at Shimla in 2003 assessed this plant as endangered but at present it is critically endangered in Jammu and Kashmir. Ban imposed on extraction of wild medicinal plants since 2004 has also not helped in revival of its wild populations as due to prevailing turmoil in the valley, illicit exploitation went unabated. There is an urgent need for its ex situ and in situ conservation efforts so that kaur which is on the verge of extinction can be saved for he valth benefits of the future generations. Email:opsfrijk@gmail.com
Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Sashaktikaran Abhiyan
he key role of Panchayats in rural governance and socioeconomic development has been recognized since the 1950s. In the current context, the need to strengthen Panchayats has intensified with the rise in expenditure on programmes of social welfare and inclusion, as Panchayats are vital to ensure that the benefits of these schemes reach the people, management of local institutions is improved and accountability is enhanced. There is need to provide Panchayats with adequate technical and administrative support, strengthen their infrastructure and eenablement, promote devolution, improve their functioning i.e. regular democratic meetings of the Panchayat, proper functioning of the standing committees, voluntary disclosure and accountability of the Gram Sabha, proper maintenance of accounts etc. It is against this background that the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Sashaktikaran Abhiyan has been launched to strengthen Panchayati Raj. This scheme was approved on 07.03.2013 The goals of the RGPSA are to enhance capacities and effectiveness of Panchayats and the Gram Sabhas; Enable democratic decision-making and accountability in
Panchayats and promote people’s participation; Strengthen the institutional structure for knowledge creation and capacity building of Panchayats; Promote devolution of powers and responsibilities to Panchayats according to the spirit of the Constitution and PESA Act; Strengthen Gram Sabhas to function effectively as the basic forum of people’s participation, transparency and accountability within the Panchayat system; Create and strengthen democratic local self-government in areas where Panchayats do not exist; and Strengthen the constitutionally mandated framework on which Panchayats are founded. The scheme recognizes the fact that States have different needs and priorities and therefore allows for State specific planning, whereby States can choose from a menu of permissible activities. Moreover 20% scheme funds are linked to States’ performance on devolution and accountability. States prepare perspective and annual plans to access funds under the scheme. A Central Steering Committee headed by the Union Minister, Panchayati Raj provides policy level guidance, while a Central Executive Committee headed by Union Secretary, Panchayati Raj oversees the implementation of the scheme. This scheme is applicable to all States/ UTs including
those which presently are not covered by Part IX of the Constitution. States are required to fulfill some essential conditions for accessing any RGPSA funds which include- Regular elections to Panchayats or local bodies in non-Part IX areas under the superintendence and control of the State Election Commission (SEC); At least one third reservation for women in Panchayats or other local bodies; Constitution of SFC every five years, and placement of Action Taken Report on the recommendations of the SFC in the State legislature; and Constitution of District Planning Committees (DPCs) in all districts, and issuing of guidelines/rules to make these functional. States that do not fulfill the above essential conditions are not eligible for funds under RGPSA. Twenty percent scheme funds are linked to action taken by the States for implementation of the provisions of the 73rd Amendment to the Constitution of India in the following areas - Articulating an appropriate policy framework for providing administrative and technical support to Panchayats; Strengthening the financial base of Panchayats by assigning appropriate taxes, fees, etc.; Provision of untied funds to Panchayats and timely release of SFC and Central Finance Commission (CFC)
grants; Ensuring devolution of funds, functions and functionaries; preparing and operationalizing a framework for bottomup grassroots planning and convergence through the DPC; Ensuring free and fair elections, and making the SEC autonomous; Strengthening the institutional structure for capacity building of Panchayats, selecting suitable partners for capacity building, and improving outreach and quality of capacity building; Putting in place a system of performance assessment of Panchayats; Strengthening Gram Sabhas, promoting Mahila Sabhas/Ward Sabhas; Institutionalizing accountability processes such as voluntary disclosure of information and social audit; Strengthening the system of budgeting, accounts and audit, including use of eenabled processes. Maintenance of Panchayat accounts on-line at least for District and Intermediate Panchayats. Issuing of guidelines/rules for voluntary disclosure of budget and accounts by Panchayat, and ensuring compliance of State laws and rules with PESA. By strengthening Panchayati Raj, RGPSA will strengthen grassroots governance in the country, enhance accountability and increase the space for people’s participation.
Disclaimer : The contents and comments appearing in any article published in this paper are purely the personal opinion of the writer.
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ZABARWANTIMES ZABARWAN TIMES TUESDAY | 20 AUGUST 2013
Exposure to pesticide behind childhood cough
Children exposed to the widely used pesticide additive piperonyl butoxide (PBO) in the womb have heightened risk of noninfectious cough at ages 5 and 6, a new study has found. The findings support the premise that the children's respiratory system is susceptible to damage from toxic exposures during the prenatal period. A common symptom, childhood cough can disrupt normal daytime activities and interrupt sleep for both child and parent. Researchers at the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health (CCCEH) at the Mailman School of Public Health and of Columbia University Medical Center conducted the study. Piperonyl butoxide (PBO) is an organic compound used to bolster the effects of pyrethroid pesticides. Pyrethroids are the most commonly used pesticides for both professional pest control and non-professional residential use, according to a 2011 study by Mailman School researchers. Exposure to one pyrethroid, a variation of permethrin, was linked with increased risk for cough by
age 5 in a 2009 study by Rachel Miller, MD. In the current study, Dr. Miller and colleagues sought to build on these findings by exploring the effects of subsequent exposure during childhood, looking specifically at the effects of PBO exposure. Researchers looked at 224 mother-child pairs enrolled in the CCCEH birth cohort study of environmental exposures, examining measures of PBO and pyrethroid in personal air monitors worn by the mothers during pregnancy.
Air samples also were collected from the home over the course of two weeks when children were between 5 and 6 years old. Questionnaires were used to evaluate respiratory outcomes. Researchers found that children exposed to PBO during pregnancy had increased odds of reporting cough unrelated to cold or flu. Exposures to PBO during childhood were not a factor. There was no observed association between prenatal or childhood permethrin exposure and cough,
something the researchers say may be explained by the fact that PBO is much easier to measure in air samples than permethrin. There was also no association with PBO or permethrin exposure and other respiratory outcomes like wheeze or asthma. While it is unclear whether the effect is due mainly to PBO itself or residential pyrethroids of which PBO is an indicator, it is important to remember, said Dr. Miller, that "these exposures may be a factor in a very common problem for children—cough.
Personal care items cause asthma in kids
Researchers have found that children exposed to diethyl phthalate (DEP) and butylbenzyl phthalate (BBzP)—phthalate chemicals commonly found in personal care and plastic products—have elevated risk of asthma-related airway inflammation. Of the 244 children aged 5 to 9 in the study, all had detectable levels of phthalates in their urine although these varied over a wide range. Higher levels of both phthalates were associated with higher levels of nitric oxide in exhaled breath, a biological marker of airway inflammation. The association between BBzP exposure and airway inflammation was especially strong among children who had recently reported wheeze, a common symptom of asthma, according to the researchers at Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health (CCCEH) at the Mailman School of Public Health. "While many factors contribute to childhood asthma, our study shows that exposure to phthalates may play a significant role," said Allan Just, PhD, first author on the new CCCEH study and current
postdoctoral researcher at the Harvard School of Public Health. Dr. Just and co-investigators looked at children enrolled in the CCCEH Mothers and Newborns study. All live in Northern Manhattan and the South Bronx where asthma prevalence is high. Exposure to phthalates was measured through a urine test, and the level of nitric oxide in the child's exhaled breath was quantified as a marker of airway inflammation. The study is the first to use exhaled nitric oxide in a
study of phthalate exposure in children. By using the biomarker in exhaled breath, the researchers overcame a significant hurdle. "Many asthma patients only have asthma exacerbations a few times a year, making it difficult to discern short-term associations between environmental exposures and the disease," explained Matthew Perzanowski, PhD, senior author and Associate Professor of Environmental Health Sciences at the Mailman School.
"To solve this problem, we used nitric oxide, which has been shown to be a reliable marker of airway inflammation in response to known asthma triggers like vehicle emissions," he said.Phthalates are used widely in consumer products, including plastics, vinyl flooring, and personal care products, making exposure ubiquitous in the United States and other developed nations. Phthalates enter the body through ingestion, inhalation, and absorption through the skin.
percent respectively, compared with less than 0.5 percent among smokeless coal users of both sexes. These risks are almost as high as those reported for heavy smokers in Western countries, ranging between 20 percent and 26 percent. Lung cancer deaths were also associated with the average number of hours that a smoky coal user spent at home and the age at which participants started cooking. The researchers say that their findings have important implications for public health in this region of China and suggest that the use of less carcinogenic types of coal or other fuels can translate into a substantial reduction of lung cancer risk. As this chemical and physical composition of coal differs widely in different geographical locations, additional research is needed on the carcinogenicity of various types of coal, they added.
Scientists now have an explanation for why green tea is good for the brain -- it lies in the chemical properties that affect the production of brain cells, improving memory and spatial learning. "Green tea is a popular beverage across the world," said Yun Bai, professor from the Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China. "There has been plenty of scientific attention on its use in helping prevent cardiovascular diseases, but now there is emerging evidence that its chemical properties may impact cellular mechanisms in the brain." Yun's team focused on the organic chemical EGCG, (epigallocatechin-3 gallate) a key property of green tea. While EGCG is a known antioxidant, the team believed it can also have a beneficial effect against age-related degenerative diseases, the journal Molecular Nutrition and Food Research
reports."We proposed that EGCG can improve cognitive function by impacting the generation of neuron cells, a process known as neurogenesis," said Yun. "We focused our research on the hippocampus, the part of the brain which processes information from short-term to longterm memory." The team found that ECGC boosts the production of neural progenitor cells, which like stem cells can adapt, or differentiate, into various types of cells. The team then used lab mice to discover if this increased cell production gave an advantage to memory or spatial learning, according to a Medical University statement."We ran tests on two groups of mice, one which had imbibed ECGC and a control group (without ECGC)," said Yun. "First the mice were trained for three days to find a visible platform in their maze. Then they were trained for seven days to find a hidden platform."
Best purple foods for good health
There has been so much talk on having a rainbow of foods on your plate - a group of 'colours' of certain fruit signifying certain benefits. Of these purple foods are perhaps most significant as it is a fact that darker the food, the higher the antioxidant level. Antioxidants can prevent cell damage, and keep one looking younger. Here are more reasons to stock up on purple-hued foods today. Benefits galore: As per data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Study (NHANES), in a survey on eating and health, it was seen that adults who eat purple and blue fruits and vegetables are less likely to be overweight. They have a reduced risk for both high blood pressure and low HDL cholesterol. It was believed that anthocyanins, or compounds that give purple foods their colour, were responsible for this. Purple foods have a pigment called anthocyanin. This is a strong and antioxidant, which is said to reduce the risk of cancer. What they are: Eggplant, Purple grapes, figs, plums, dark cherries, raisins, purple cabbage are all candidates. Get cooking! Here are some quick-fix recipes... Plums: Take fresh plums, and put them in a grill with the skin on. Grill and sprinkle a little cinnamon powder on them. You
can also stick a clove in each of them and rest them awhile, then remove cloves and eat. Purple cabbage: Take purple cabbage, slice it up. Drizzle some balsamic vinegar or light sweet onion dressing over them. Enjoy! Figs: To make a healthy salad, just chop fresh figs along with shredded rocket leaves, feta cheese and add toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts on them. Serve. Plums: This fruit is best had on its own. However, it can also be enjoyed in desserts and savouries. To make poached plums, place plums in a baking dish, add a little sugar and lemon juice and toss them gently so they get coated. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove and have with cream or just like that.
The use of "smoky coal" for household cooking and heating was found to be associated with a substantial increase in the lifetime risk of developing lung cancer, according to a study from China. This represents one of the strongest effects of environmental pollution reported for cancer risk in any population, the researchers said. It also underlines the importance of taking action to minimise exposure to the most hazardous types of fuel. About half the world's population uses coal and other solid fuels for cooking and heating, often in simple stoves that are unvented. Exposure to certain types of solid fuel smoke is associated with several diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute respiratory infections, and lung cancer. However, the relationship between smoky coal use and lung cancer is not
Replace ghee with canola or olive oil When a recipe calls for ghee or butter, substitute it with canola or olive oil for better health. Both these oils can help you to shed weight and reduce liver fat, lipids and triglycerides, says a study. The study conducted by the Diabetes Foundation (India) (DFI) and the National Diabetes, Obesity and Cholesterol Foundation (N-DOC) has found that consuming olive or canola oil can help in decreasing weight, waist circumference and reduce liver fat, lipids and triglycerides. A group of 90 people were part of the study for three years from June 2007 to 2010. They were divided into three groups and asked to use one type of cooking oil — olive, canola or any other oil. "After a period of six months itself, we found that those who used olive or canola significantly reduced there weight, liver fat and triglycerides," said Seema Gulati, head of nutrition research group at N-DOC. The group which used
olive oil significantly reduced the body weight, waist circumference and liver fat. As for the 30 people who used canola oil, they reported a decrease in waist circumference and a significantly improved insulin and blood glucose. The group which used other
oils, except the soybean or sunflower oil — which have a high content of mono-unsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) — as cooking medium had not showed any significant changes. "If the different traditional Indian oils used across the country are replaced by olive or
canola oil, it can lead to multiple health benefits," said Anoop Misra, director and head of department of diabetes and metabolic diseases at a leading hospital. he said that the study has important implications for Indians who are at heightened risk for diabetes and heart disease
fully understood. So an international team of researchers compared deaths from lung cancer between lifelong users of "smoky coal" and "smokeless coal" for household cooking and heating in Xuanwei County, Yunnan Provine, China, where lung cancer rates are particularly elevated. In total, over 37,000 individuals were followed over a 20year period (1976-96) during which time more than 2,000 deaths from lung cancer were recorded. After taking account of other possible risk factors including tobacco use, lung cancer cases and deaths were substantially higher among users of smoky (i.e. bituminous) coal for home cooking and heating than users of smokeless (i.e. anthracitic) coal. In absolute terms, the risk of lung cancer death before 70 years of age for men and women using smoky coal was 18 percent and 20
Books are tonic for the brain
Reading is not just another leisurely activity or a way of brushing up your literacy skills and factual knowledge it acts as a tonic for the brain too. Neuroscientist Susan Greenfield suggests that reading helps to expand attention spans in kids. "Stories have a beginning, a middle and an end - a structure that encourages our brains to think in sequence, to link cause, effect and significance," she says. "It is essential to learn this skill as a small child, while the brain has more plasticity, which is why it's so important for parents to read to their children. The more we do it, the better we get at it," Greenfield added. Reading can enrich our relationships by increasing our understanding of other cultures and helping us learn to empathise, the Daily Mail reports. "In a computer game, you might have to rescue a princess, but you don't care about her, you just want to win," explains Greenfield. "But a
princess in a book has a past, present and future, she has connections and motivations. We can relate to her. We see the world through her eyes." John Stein, emeritus professor of neuroscience at Magdalen College, Oxford, says reading is far from a passive activity. "Reading exercises the whole brain," he explains.
Reading stories to children will help their brains develop the ability to analyse the cause, effect and significance of events In 2009, a brain-imaging study in the US showed that reading about landscapes, sounds, smells and tastes, activates brain areas tied to these experiences in real life, creating new neural path-
ways. Simply stated, our brains simulate real experiences, which doesn't happen when you're watching TV or playing computer games. In 2009, University of Sussex researchers showed how six minutes of reading can slash stress levels by more than two-thirds, more than listening to music or going out for a walk.
7 SRINAGAR Tuesday, 20 August,2013 Kashmir Thunder Tuesday 20. 08 . 2013
NATION
Death toll in Bihar train Mulayam Singh Yadav will not in accident rises to mediate 37 Ayodhya dispute, Zafaryab Jilani says
Aug 19, 2013 In Bihar, at least 37 people were killed and over 20 LUCKNOW: injured as the Rajya Rani Express ran (SP) over Samajwadi Party them Mulayam at DhamaraSingh Ghat Yadav railwayhas station on the chief assured a Saharsa-Mansi route the East Central Raildelegation of the Allof India Muslim Personway. Most of the dead are women devotees al Law Board (AIMPLB) that status quo who were going to attend Shiv Puja. Additional will be maintained regarding the disputed Director General of Bihar Police (Law and OrBabri Mandir at the Ramjander) S Mosque-Ram K Bhardwaj told AIR that the death toll mabhoomi site inAIR Ayodhya. may be increase. Correspondent quoting The sources assurance comes leadrailway reports thatafter reliefsome and rescue ers of Vishwa Hindu Parishad inoperation are being disrupted due to(VHP) protest. cluding met Yadav and AccordingAshok to him,Singhal after 6 hours of the tragic requested him toofficials mediate between incident , railway have reachedHindus the inand Muslims for the of Ram cident spot to carry outconstruction rescue operation and temple at the the situation.Medical disputed site. teams are also normalize AIMPLB member Zafaryab Jilani, who giving additional help to the injured persons. Thealso incident at 8:40 this morning, is the occurred additional advocate general when in large number were trying to of thedevotees state, told reporters that Mulayam crossthem the railway Dhamara Ghat told that hetrack hadatmade it clear to railthe way station. VHP delegation that the dispute is pendThe in train runningCourt, from Saharsa Patna ing thewas Supreme hence to neither and government, it did not havenor stoppage at Dhamara the any political partyrailor way station andcan wasor running full speed.inSoon organization shouldatinterfere the after theJilani incident angry pilgrims localstold set matter. also claimed thatand Yadav ablaze 14 bogies the train and any attacked railhim that he did of not talk about negotiaway officials.BJP termed the train accident in tion with the VHP delegation. Saharsa as unfortunate and demanded a thorYadav also reportedly told Jilani said ough probe to fix the responsiblity. Deputy that SP’s stand theRavi issue — Leader of the partyisinclear Rajya on Sabha Shanthere should either be a court settlement kar Prasad told reporters in New Delhi that or negotiation amongshould the parties. adequate compensation be givenJilani to the said that he apprised Yadav that there was kin of those killed and proper treatment should
no room for talks as several such efforts had failed in the past. Three parties in the case, which include Sunni Central Waqf Board, Nirmohi Akhara and the representative of Ram Lala — had challenged the September 30, 2010, verdict of the Allahabad high court regarding the disputed site in the Supreme Court. VHP leaders had on Saturday met chief minister Akhilesh Yadav and his father provided to the injured. Mulayam. Later, leaders told mediaperMeanwhile, Railway Minister Mallikarjun sons that Mulayam has agreed to mediate Kharge informed the Rajya Sabha that an exfor the construction of Ram temple. VHP gratia amount of 5 lakh rupees has been sancleaders also said that after the high court tioned for those killed and one lakh rupees judgement, which said in that mosque for the grievously injured thethe incident. Mr was built onthat thehe ruins of a temple, Kharge said has requested the the Civilstate Aviand governments pave way ationcentral Minister to institute theshould statutory enquiry
BJP counters Digvijay Singh's remarks against Narendra Modi, says 'insecurity, hunger & corruption connotes Congress' Digvijay Singh earlier in the day lashed out at Modi, and said the BJP's poll panel chief's slogan for a 'Congress-free India' is 'fascist'. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday launched a scathing attack on Congress General Secretary Digvijay Singh after he took on Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, saying insecurity, hunger and corruption connote in one word, which is the ruling party at the Centre. “These 3 things insecurity, hunger & corruption connote in 1word 'Congress', why use 3 when 1word is enough?” said BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar, while replying to Digvijay Singh’s criticism of Modi. Digvijay Singh earlier in the day
lashed out at Modi, and said the BJP’s poll panel chief’s slogan for a ‘Congress-free India’ is ‘fascist’.
for the construction of Ram temple. The VHP has also decided to take out a march in the state later this month to garner public support for the construction by the Commissioner of Railway Safety into the of the temple. The move is being seen as incident. The Minister also said our the State VHP’s attempt to communalize the atmoMinister for Railways will visit the accident sphere the state inissued the run-up to numbers the Lok spot:TheofRailway has helpline Sabha Patna elections. SP leaders said that Mulayam had told 0612-2206965, Samastipur 06274-221741, asked delegation notKhagaria to start any new Mansi VHP 06244-233234, 06244tradition in Saharsa the name of a march. 222049 and 06478-227355
the members, and the persons be chosen three months beforehand. The court said this was a policy matter. The petition stated that the
term of the chairman, HK Sema, ended in May while that of members Vishnu Sahai and Asha Tiwari ended in December 2012 and in June.
Summon British High Commissioner over attack on elderly Sikh: Sukhbir Badal to Centre Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal on Sunday night said the attack on an elderly Sikh by a British teenage girl had hurt feelings of the community and asked Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to immediately take up the matter with the UK government. The Union government should summon the British High Commissioner immediately to convey the "hurt feelings of the entire Sikh community" and the nation over the incident, he said in a statement in Chandigarh.
It was shocking that that the turban of the Sikh gentleman was knocked off during the attack. The British government must be asked to take strict action to prevent recurrence of such incidents, Sukhbir said. Summon British High
Commissioner over attack on elderly Sikh: Sukhbir Badal to Centre Summon British High Commissioner over attack on elderly Sikh: Sukhbir Badal to Centre The Deputy CM also asked Union minister of State for External Affairs Preneet Kaur to find out whether it was a racial attack as suspected. The 19-year-old British girl has been arrested on the charge of assaulting the 80-year-old Sikh on August 10 after a video of the incident went viral online.
Bihar today said it Chief would accept all “workMinister Nitish able” amendments. Kumar Monday Amid aon large number of amendments from the opposition, Parliamentary expressed grief Affairs over theMinister train ac-Kamal Nath merely said government cident in whichis willing to accept those amendments 35 people, mostly which are “workable”. pilgrims, have Parliamentary Minister Kadied and scores Affairs of mal Nath. Image courtesy PIBParothers injured in liamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Bihar’s Khagria Nath. Image courtesy PIB“We are district. looking at this situation that if it is an As soon aswhich the is workable, the amendment Chief Ministerwill gotmove that amendgovernment information ment. It willabout come in as an official the train accident amendment,” Parliamentary Affairs at Dharmara GhatNath told reporters Minister Kamal outside on Parliament station Sahar- House when asked about 200-odd sa-Mansi sectionsamendments.Emerging from a meeting convened by Prime under Samastipur Minister Manmohan Singhspoke of ministers division, he immediately to the related to the Railway rollout and implementaEast-Central General Mantion at of Hajipur the food to security law,the Nath also ager find out details said Speaker Meira Kumar will take and directed to launch rescue and re-a decision on Tuesday morning on what lief works to contain of should be done about the the number protests by casualties, officials said. TDP MPs on Telangana issue.OpposiThe ECRhave General Manager tion leaders been insisting thatinno formed thebe Chief Minister that a resbill should passed in the din and that cue train from Barauni with essential it wanted to participate in the discusrelief material has been rushed to the sion on the Food Bill. site the accident to undertake resTheofmeeting convened by the Prime
The Indian Navy Sunday recovered a sixth body from the submarine, that sank at the Naval dockyard in Mumbai, after a series of explosions. The vessel had 18 personnel on board at the time. It was reportedly scheduled to leave for a patrol Aug 14.
Ramesh, HRD Minister MM Pallam Raju and Finance Minister P Chidambaram. The meeting discussed the various amendments moved by the parties. “We discussed the various amendments moved by the parties as to which all can be accepted so that the bill can be passed easily,” Nath said adding no politics should be involved in the measure. Repeatedly asked whether government will move official amendments, he said they will be “to the extent we accept it”.Asked whether the bill will come up for discussion and passage in the Lok Sabha tomorrow, Nath said much would depend on the law ministry which has to clear the official amendments.The Food Bill as also the Land Acquisition Bill are and being listed for consideration cue relief works. tomorrow. The two billsloss are seen Nitish Kumar mourns of lives as gamechangers by the Congress in Dhamara Ghat train tragedy in Nitish the Lok Sabhamourns polls ahead.At the Kumar loss of lives AICC briefing also, party spokesin Dhamara train tragedy person Raj Ghat Babbar steered clear of Kumar on further directed the Saharquestions whether the party would sa andforKhagaria authorities strive passage ofdistrict the Food Bill in the to assist the on railway administration Lower House Tuesday in view of the in rescue relief works which were late primeand minister’s anniversary.“We already underway asIt per the Incannot say anything. will belatest decided formation reaching to theconsultations Chief Ministomorrow…continuous are on,” Babbar ter’s office in thesaid. state capital.
December 16 gangrape case: Verdict involving juvenile deferred again till August 31 NEW DELHI: The judgement in the December 16 gangrape case involving a minor was on Monday again deferred till August 31 by the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB). The JJB, presided over by Principal Magistrate Geetanjali Goel, postponed the verdict on the ground that the Supreme Court is to pronounce its order on maintainability of a PIL seeking fresh interpretation of the term 'juvenile' in the statute. The polie, after attending Monday's proceedings, told the media outside the JJB that the verdict has been deferred till August 31 as the apex court has reserved its order on the maintainability of the PIL. This is the fourth time that the pronouncement of verdict has been deferred by the Board since July 11. The Supreme Court had on August 14 reserved it order on the maintainability of a PIL filed by former MP Subramanian Swamy for a fresh interpretation of the term 'juvenile'. Referring to a provision of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, Swamy has said it was "badly" drafted and needs to be revisited as it was in violation of the United Nations Convention for the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and Beijing Rules on the issue. He has said the "mental and intellectual maturity" of minor offenders be considered instead of the age limit of 18 years while fixing their culpability. Swamy had also cited the alleged role of the juvenile in the December 16 gangrape case. The juvenile was one of six persons who had allegedly gangraped a 23-year-old girl in a moving bus here. The victim died in a Singapore hospital on December 29.
Tunda says ISI made him smuggle in fake Indian currency, say sources
UP govt gets one month's time to fill vacancies in state Human Rights Commission The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court on Monday directed the Uttar Pradesh government to fill vacancies in the state Human Rights Commission within a month. A bench of Chief Justice Shiva Kirti Singh and Justice DK Upadhyay gave the direction while hearing a public interest litigation filed by activist Nutan Thakur. The state commission is without a chairman and two members. UP govt gets one month's time to fill vacancies in state Human Rights Commission UP govt gets one month's time to fill vacancies in state Human Rights Commission The court, however, refused to hear Thakur's other prayer that to avoid vacancies in future, the appointment process shall begin six months before the end of terms of
Food Security Bill: Govt to accept workable amendments, says Nath NewNitish Delhi: Amid Kumar speculation that mourns the Minister was attended Food Minloss ofbylives Food Security Bill will be pushed in the ister KV Thomas, Women and Child Lok Sabha Tuesday, the birth Ghat anni- Development Krishna Tirath, in on Dhamara trainMinister tragedy versary of Rajiv Gandhi, government Rural Development Minister Jairam
Parliament pays tributes to Sindhurakshak victims NEW DELHI: Both houses of parliament Monday paid tributes to the victims of the Aug 14 tragedy in which naval submarine INS Sindhurakshak sank in Mumbai harbour and all 18 naval personnel on board were killed. As both the houses met, Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar and Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari separately read out a condolence message and expressed grief over the tragedy. Both the houses observed a minute's silence.
DAILY ZABARWAN TIMES
New Delhi: More details are emerging out of the interrogation of Abdul Karim alias Tunda, the key Lashkar-e-Toiba bomb maker, arrested by the Delhi Police on Saturday. Sources have told CNN-IBN that Tunda claims that he was told to smuggle in fake Indian currency notes by the ISI since 2005. He has revealed that ISI used to provide him the fake Indian currency notes, say sources. Sources say that Tunda has named two majors of the ISI and a few brigadiers who provided him with the fake notes. Delhi Police sources claim Tunda is a prize catch as he was linked to terror masterminds Hafiz Sayeed, Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi and Dawood Ibrahim. Tunda says ISI made him smuggle in fake Indian currency, say sources Sources say that Tunda has named two majors of the ISI and a few brigadiers who provided him with the fake notes. Tunda had also reportedly told his interrogators on Sunday that he has met underworld don Dawood Ibrahim in Karachi several times. Tunda also reportedly told the interrogators that Dawood stays in a safe house in Karachi and is guarded by Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI. "He(Tunda) claims that Dawood first called him to meet in 2010. He says that the underworld don stays
in a safe house in Karachi and is guarded by ISI. His movements is restricted and monitored by the intelligence agency," a top Delhi Police official said. During his stay in Pakistan, Tunda told the police he had been in touch with organisations like the ISI, LeT, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Indian Mujahiddin and Babbar Khalsa and had been meeting people like Hafiz Saeed, Maulana Masood Azhar, Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, Dawood Ibrahim and several others wanted by India.
Demand for Gorkhaland: GJM stir wins support of BJP and 6 hill outfits DARJEELING: The Gorkha Janamukti Morcha has set up a Gorkhaland Joint Action Committee (GLJAC) to continue its stir for formation of Gorkhaland state. GLJAC - formed at an allparty meeting called by GJM and attended by representatives of BJP, six other Gorkha outfits and Darjeeling Hill Congress asked people to remain indoors as part of its 'Ghor Bhitre Janta' agitation for the whole of next week, beginning Monday. The ruling Trinamool Congress, Left parties and Congress did not attended Friday's meeting. ”GJM had received tremendous and spontaneous support of the hill people during the Peoples Curfew agitation on August 13 and
14. We have decided to hold a phase-wise movement. The first phase of our movement will start from August 19, when our people will observe Ghar Bhitre Janta and none of them will come out of their houses. However, we want courts to function normally. Mamata Banerjee’s government is taking oppressive measures against our men and they will need judicial help,” GJM leader and coordinator of GLJAC, Raju Pradhan, told reporters after the meeting.The Calcutta HC had recently termed ‘People’s Curfew’ an illegal act and another form of bandh. The Gorkha leaders had discussed this issue during their marathon meeting and decided to go for Ghor Bhitre Janta to avoid
legal action, though it looks different from People’s Curfew imposed last week.No prominent GJM leaders like its president Bimal Gurung, Harka Bahadur Chhetri and Roshan Giri met the media after the al-party meeting. “How can schools, colleges, government offices and business establishments run if no one comes out of their houses,” Pradhan asked and added that the joint action committee would consider the issue of exempting tea gardens from the purview of the stir at the next meeting on Sunday. “During the second phase of our movement, agitators will carry torches during rallies in Darjeeling and across the state
for two days from August 24. On August 26, the action committee will organise a human chain in Darjeeling which will continue for two hours from 11 am. Gorkhaland movement will be a long drawn process and we have to carry phase-wise movement to mobilise people’s support from outside the hills,” Pradhan said. Though a section of GJM wanted to continue with bandhs to mount pressure on the Centre and the West Bengal government, another section and other parties wanted to go for phased movements instead of going for indefinite bendh.The state government is gearing up for intense police action against GJM leaders.