C M Y K
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August 26 | 2013 | 18 Shawal 1434 AH | PAGES 8 |
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Jammu, August 25: Continuing his visit to the flood ravaged places in Hiranagar segment Additional General Secretary National Conference Dr Mustafa Kamaal visited Haripur Sainia, Salalpur, Chhaba Chak and Kote –Panu habitations which are last villages on the J&K border with neighbouring Punjab and are situated on the bank of Ujh Nallah. Addressing gatherings at these places Dr Kamaal assured them that protection works on Ujh nallah, Baen nallah, Tarna nallah and Baag nallah will be the priority so that such tragedies are averted in future. He also assured them of full compensation for damage to land, crops, property, livestock and public utility services like roads, bridges, culverts, PHE. Dr Kamal also assured the people at Kote Panu the High School of 1981 will be recommended for upgradation to Higher Secondary level. A PHC in the area will also be recommended, BPL survey will be got conducted and IAY type financial assistance shall be recommended for all those cases who live in Kucha houses of these habitations.
Traffic Police booked 17 violators Ganderbal, August 25: Continuing its drive against the traffic violators, the traffic police Ganderbal have booked 17 violators found involved in various traffic offences. DySP Traffic Ganderbal, Zahid Lone told CNS the traffic police has tightened its noose against the persons found involved in careless driving and without proper legal document. “In past two days, we have booked 17 traffic violators,” Lone said, adding, “We have realized 7150 rupees fine from those found involved in traffic offenses.” Lone said the drive will continue in the district and advised the motorists to drive their vehicles on roads with due care. “Otherwise stringent action will be taken against them,” DySP said. Last week, the traffic police Ganderbal continued with its drive against violators and penalized 39 violatros by realizing 15, 600 rupees as a fine from them.
CPI (M) refutes Tehreek-e-Hurriyat allegation Kulgam August 25: The Area Committee of CPI (M) Kulgam has downrightly refuted the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat allegation that CPI (M) is in anyway involved in the arrest of any political or religious functionary or alleged police atrocities. The Area Committee described it a total lie that the CPI (M) State Secretary and MLA Kulgam Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami was not allowed to hold a public meeting a few days back. “The fact is that no public meeting was scheduled in the village and as such the linking of arrest with CPI (M) activities See CPI (M) on Pg. 7
WEATHER
FORECAST FOR NEXT 24 HRS:
Light Rain/Thundershower may occur at isolated places over J& K division.
FORECAST OF SRINAGAR:
Partly cloudy sky. Maximum & Minimum temperatures will be around 31°C & 19°C respectively.
TEMPERATURE MAXIMUM 31.8 0C MINIMUM 19.0 0C SUNSET ON(MONDAY) 07:07 pm SUNRISE ON (TUESDAY) 06:02 am
Largely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&K
Prevent hypertension to live healthy
Asks UPA to solve fishermen issue with SL
Dr Kamaal visits flood hit areas
VOL NO: 3 | ISSUE NO: 210 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 PAISA)
Jus
Conducts whirlwind tour of Marh 7
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Mufti calls for urgent de-escalation of tension along Line of Control Says Pakistan made a paradigm shift in its internal politics
Srinagar, August 25: Calling for urgent de escalation of tension along the Line of Control (LOC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Sunday said that the alarmingly developing situation highlights need for a permanent resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue rather than giving in to war rhetoric. Addressing a press conference here Mufti said the union government cannot overlook the misery, pain and dislocation that the people of the state have to bear every time peace is shattered
along the borders. He maintained that the fact of Nawaz Sharif having won a decisive mandate in Pakistan on promise of reconciliation with India should work as a historic new element in Indo-Pak relations which should not be allowed to derail by isolated incidents howsoever provocative they might appear. He also said while shaping our response to the emerging situation the concerns of J&K as main victim of past wars and strife and its direct stakes in future should not be overlooked. “The rising tensions along the LOC and some points on the interna-
tional border with Pakistan have caused a deep worry in our state. From Kargil to Kathua there have been incidents of se-
rious nature threatening the decade long ceasefire between the two countries which have rarely seen such a long thaw in there relations. The
Dy CM chairs meeting at Thathri Thathri, August 25: Reiterating resolve of the government to upgrade rural infrastructure, Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand Sunday said focused attention is being paid to development of remote and backward areas. He said work on the road map to address development aspirations of those living in far-flung areas has already begun results of which have started becoming visible on ground. “With active support from the union government mega projects have
been launched in the state for all round development of every nook and corner of the state besides ensuring equita-
ble development of all regions and sub-regions,” he added Former Minister and MLA Inderwal G M Sa-
Protest against LAWDA in Shikaras
Srinagar, August 25:
Staging a strange protest against the government especially against Lands and Waterways Development Authority, scores of Dal dwellers on Sunday rode on colourful Shikara’s and raised slogans in favour of their demands alleging that despite given assurances government is taking no imitative to rehabilitate them. The protestors in Shikara’s were carrying placards and banners seeking their rehabilitation on fast tracks. Scores of
Shikaras moved along the shores of Dal that attracted the attention of passersby. The protestors said that some 25 years back, UEED had erected some 2525 number plates each meant for a residential structure. “At least three decades passed now and the population of the Dal increased by manifold. The irony is that the Government has declared that it would only rehabilitate these 2525 families not realizing that a house comprised of one family in 1986 contain two See Protest on Pg. 7
roori, SSP Doda Arif Rishu, CEO Kishtwar Rajinder, CEO Doda Rather, ZEO’s and other sector officers, Congress Block Presidents, local Congress leaders were also present in the meeting. While speaking on the occasion Sarooi appreciated people of Thathri and Doda for strengthening and upholding of age old tradition of brotherhood and communal harmony among various sections of society. Saroori impressed upon the people of Thathri and Doda to stay united See Dy. CM on Pg. 7
ceasefire had in the past survived even grave provocations like the Mumbai atrocities but it now looks like falling apart under the impact of unfortunate killings and the attendant rhetoric unleashed by some hawkish elements,” he said. “There are reports of dislocation of civilian population from some forward areas especially in Poonch and Rajouri districts.” The PDP patron said people along the LOC and the international border had heaved a sigh of relief ever since the historic Vajpayee initiative from Srinagar in 2003 of extending a hand friend-
Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik Sunday alleged that Village Defence Committee (VDC) is a terrorist force which should be disbanded immediately. “World community instead of issuing mere statement of advice should play active role for the resolution of Kashmir dispute,” Malik said while addressing a gathering at Raben Shupion today. Terming ‘state sponsored unilateral violence’ in whole of Jammu Kashmir especially in Jammu re-
Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture, Mr. Raman Bhalla today said that the government has sanctioned Rs 40 lakh to reconstruct the protection wall along the left side embankment of Nikki Tawi at Chandmari, Raipur, Satwari damaged due to flash floods recently. The Minister directed the Chief Engineer Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) to immediately start the construction work of protection wall to protect the soil erosion of the edge area , adding that Government funds have been pro-
vided under State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF). The Minister was leading a team of Irrigation and Flood Control Department functionaries during his visit to the damaged site of the embankment at Chandmari here today. Chief Engineer I&FC Mr. Virender Kumar Badyal, besides other senior officers of I&FC were part of the team. Mr. Bhalla said ‘Iit is the prime duty of the Government to protect public and private properties , adding that for this purpose, Government has recently announced Rs. 87 crore for restoration of dam-
Ready to hold result oriented dialogue on Kashmir: Prof Gani Srinagar, August 25: While terming the elections as non-issue, Hurriyat Conference (M) executive member and chairman of Muslim Conference Prof Abdul Gani Bhat Sunday said that his party was ready to hold result oriented dialogue on Kashmir. “India and Pakistan are parties to the Kashmir issue while Kashmiri have status of ownership. Any alternative with the passage of time pertaining to resolution of Kashmir issue can be brought under active consideration,” Bhat said while addressing party workers meet here. The MC Chairman said with changing global sce-
nario ‘alternatives can be accepted.’ But at the same time, he said, there will be no compromise on Kashmir issue. “The situation has materially changed. I see resolution of Kashmir issue in changes taking place across the globe. We don’t oppose alternatives. Politics is seeking possibilities. Those who say talks had been proved unproductive in past should come with an agenda what according to them is a way out other than talks. If not talks where should we go?” he asked. “Either come with an agenda or don’t talk in vacuum. We will never compromise on Kashmir-issue but strategy can change with time.” Prof Bhat vowed. See Prof Gani on Pg. 7
US military action would 'inflame Middle East, warns Syria Beirut, August 25: Syria warned the United States against any military action over a suspected chemical weapons attack in its civil war, saying it would "create a ball of fire that will inflame the Middle East". President Bashar al-Assad's closest ally Iran also said Washington should not cross the "red line" on Syria, where doctors said hundreds were killed in a poison gas attack. A team of United Nations inspectors are waiting in a hotel in Damascus a few miles from the site of the attack, but Syria suggested they would not be allowed
gion and Kishtwar as clear terrorism, he said, “The role of VDC in this whole region is very dangerous. VDC is like Ikhwani renegades who killed thousands of men and women at the behest of Indian authorities and forces. VDC likewise has unleashed a reign of terror in this whole area. Today we are told that this force cannot be disbanded. We want convey to rulers that the crimes committed by VDC are enormous and these rulers and their forces cannot separate themselves from the blame of these crimes,” he said. Malik alleged VDC is
Early restoration of Flood damages Govt’s priority: Bhalla Jammu, August 25:
ship with Pakistan. “The residents had for the first time since independence experienced calm and peace and a semblance of stability had returned to their lives. But the feeling of dislocation and fear has returned to haunt them,” he said. The former Union Home Minister said the UPA, to its credit, followed up the initiative with very substantial measures that had for the first time a solid impact on the ground. “Reopening of Muzaffarabad road was a landmark decision that broke frozen mindsets on the possibilities of cooperation along LOC and See Mufti on Pg. 7
to visit as it was not on a list agreed in July of alleged chemical attacks this year. US President Barack Obama met his top military and national security advisers on Saturday to debate options. US naval forces have been repositioned in the Mediterranean to give Obama the option of an armed strike. Syria said any military action would be "no picnic". "US military intervention will create a very serious fallout and a ball of fire that will inflame the Middle East," Syrian information minister Omran Zoabi was quoted by state news agency SANA as saying to Leba-
VDC terrorist force, should be disbanded immediately: Malik Wacchi, August 25:
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ages caused due to flash floods, besides to pay compensation to to the affected people. He said Government has prepared a comprehension plan to raise concrete protection bund from Sidhra to Raipur Satwari to protect the people’s property. The Minister inquired about the prevailing situation at different locations at Chandmari, Barazalla and Raipur Satwari and assured all required help by the administration. He directed revenue officers to assess the loss and prepare cases for compensation under SDRF to the flood affected See Bhalla on Pg. 7
armed by Indian forces, financed by the Indian and Kashmiri governments and directed by the rulers. “So how can they act on their own and how can rulers escape from the blame of their crimes? If rulers don’t want to disband this terrorist force, they should give them regular uniform and own them as their regular force, so that their crimes are also recorded,” he added. The JKLF chairman while condemning the ongoing ‘state sponsored violence’ in Shopian town said that this town has been turned into a battle ground by See Malik on Pg. 7
non-based al-Mayadeen TV. Obama authorised sending US weapons to Syrian rebels in June but shipments were delayed due to fears that radical Islamist groups in the opposition could gain further ground in Syria and become a threat to the West. The head of the al-Qaidalinked Nusra Front has pledged to target communities from Syria's Alawite faith, followed by Assad, with rockets in revenge for Wednesday's incident, according to an audio recording published on YouTube. "For every chemical rocket that had fallen on our people in Damascus, one of their villages will, by the
will of God, pay for it," Abu Mohammad al-Golani said in the recording. Obama has been reluctant to intervene in Syria's civil war, but reports of the killings near Damascus have put pressure on the White House to make good on the president's comment a year ago that chemical weapons would be a "red line" for the US. Iran said any intervention by Washington would have "severe consequences", according to the Fars news agency. "America knows the limitation of the red line of the Syrian front and any See Syria on Pg. 7
Police fishes out body of missing youth from Jehelum Srinagar, August 25: Agitated people resorted to stone pelting in Patlipora area of Chattabal Srinagar after the recovery of the body of a youth from river Jehlum near Shalteng, Srinagar, in the jurisdiction of police station Parimpora. The youth, Farooq Azam Khan son of Abdul Qayoom resident of Patlipora, Chattabal according to police was missing fromThursday from Regal Chowk, where he was working as a salesman in a computer shop. Police sources said that the brother of the deceased had lodged a missing report in police station Khoti Bagh on Friday.
Sunday morning Police Station Parimpora fished out his body from river Jehlum near Shalteng, Srinagar, in the jurisdiction of police station Parimpora. Police said that Post Mortem of the body was conducted in the hospital. “There was no visible mark of torture or violence found on the body. The body was later handed over to his legal heirs for last rites.” The brother of the deceased told CNS that Farooq had visible torture marks on his body. “My brother had visible torture marks on his head. We want that killers involved in the this act should be brought to See Body on Pg. 7
Camp organized to aware youth about ill effects of drugs, narcotics Srinagar, August 25: The J&K Civil Defence in collaboration with Department of Excise and Taxation, Irrigation, SMC Srinagar and J&K Voluntary Health Association organised an awareness camp in Pandrathan, Srinagar to create awareness about the ill effects of drugs and other narcotics like poppy on human lives. The Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Farooq Ahmad Shah was the chief guest on occasion, while as Commissioner SMC
Dr G N Qasba, DIG, Civil Defence and renowned Physician Ghulam Qadir Allaqaband were guests of honour and spoke on the occasion. The speakers dwelt in details about the ill effects of drugs and poppy on human lives. They exhorted upon the youth to keep away from drugs, narcotics, tobacco and other tobacco products which are fatal and cause many life threatening diseases. They said the drug abuse has ruined many lives, saying that the district ad-
ministration has already banned use of intoxicants and tobacco products in city. Some NGOs are also in support of district administration to curb this menace and efforts are also on to eradicate it from roots. No religion allows use of drug and intoxicants and we must inculcate moral values in our children to make them better citizens of tomorrow, they added. The Students of various educational institutions of Pandrathan, Athwajan See Camp on Pg. 7
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7 From Front Page........
Daily
Monday, 26 August 2013
Mufti.........
had started neutralizing the feeling of siege which has gripped the state after independence. That was followed up with Pooch Rawlakote route and the appointment of special working groups (SWG) which made some important recommendations but remain unimplemented,” he added. Mufti said the killing of soldiers on the LOC is out rightly condemnable. “But should that be a reason for risking more lives and destruction or finding a way to a more durable peace? We have witnessed a major conflict in Kargil in 1999 taking a heavy toll of life and costing what it takes to fight a formal modern war. But the statesmanship displayed in its wake is a glorious part of our history. It was followed up with dialogue as everyone could realize the futility of continuing with hostility. What will we achieve by a fresh bout of destruction?” he asked. “Similarly, the attack on Parliament generated understandable outrage and disgust resulting in amassing of troops along the borders from Kashmir to Rajasthan. But the escalation was inescapable and it came with the historic visit by the then Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee to Kashmir. It was the urge for peace and reconciliation that Vajpayee saw among the thousands of his audience in Srinagar that he responded to with a magnanimous offer of friendship to Pakistan and unfolding of the agenda of insaniyat for dealing with the internal dimension of Kashmir problem. It is clear that war is no option to resolve issues. War in fact is a problem that has to be resolved through dialogue. Hostility between neighbours cannot be permanent but peace must be,” Mufti said. The PDP President added that Pakistan has been able to make a paradigm shift in its internal politics and relating its positivist with their relations with India. “As Nawaz Sharif stressed the other day he has won elections with a decisive majority on the promise of peace with India. It was for the first time that elections in that country were fought on the issue of peace rather than war with India. And all the three major players, besides Nawaz Sharif had a consensus on this crucial aspect. Should we overlook this exciting development and the immense opportunities of peace and growth it offers we will be failing our people, denying them a more secure future and perhaps missing a historic moment,” he said. “It is not that the people of our country have not invested in peace with Pakistan. They have in a large measure, whether it is about resuming sporting or intellectual activities, opening borders and systems for trade or showing more maturity in world forums which in the past used to be marred by bickering between the two nations. The prime ministers, Dr Manmohan Singh and Nawaz Sharif have personally invested a great deal in peace and it will be a great tragedy if with them at the helm of affairs and presiding over the fates of one fifth of human mass they fail to tap the potential and urge for reconciliation,” he added. The PDP patron hoped that the two leaders overcome the difficulties created by hawkish elements in both countries and urged the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to go ahead with the possible talks with his Pakistani counterpart in Washington during the upcoming UN meet. “This meeting should be about averting an armed conflict and carrying forward the peace process built with tremendous contributions by both. And this meeting must be about restoring confidence between two sides so that threads on Kashmir are picked up again for a permanent settlement. Let Washington meeting be a new milestone in statesmanship,” he hoped. “War rooms, strategy meets or media centers have a role that unfortunately does not always take human misery into account while planning their actions or recommendations. Nobody knows that better than the people of this state that became a hostage to hostility between India and Pakistan while rest of the world around us gained independence. We want to convey to the leadership at the national level that people of Jammu and Kashmir are against war as it is they who have been suffering its fall out,” he said. “We want peace and redoubled efforts to secure it on a permanent basis. We want our aspirations, pain and problems configured into any future strategy as J&K is impacted more than any other state in the country. While shaping a response to the emerging situation J&K’s concerns should not be overlooked,” he added. Mufti said it was sad that the main opposition party the BJP should be leading the rhetoric and jingoism. “They are doing no service to the great legacy their own leader Atal Behari Vajpayee has established. In pursuit of votes and power no party should seek to throw the country into another war. They must realize that there is a much larger constituency for peace that will never fall to jingoism. We have much worse enemies than the perceived ones, like the mounting economic problems and poverty that has driven us to extend food subsidy to two thirds of our population,” he said. “Let the BJP have some regard for Vajpayee ji and help in saving his great contribution to peace in South Asia to use that as the foundation for resolving Jammu and Kashmir and sorting it out with Pakistan through dialogue and reconciliation,” he concluded.
Prof Gani.........
He claimed that MC has some roadmaps under active consideration and at an appropriate time those would be made public. The Hurriyat (M) executive member suggested to leadership of India, Pakistan and Kashmiris to initiate a dialogue process and said that both countries have to demonstrate large heartedness to resolve the long pending dispute. He termed the elections as non-issue and said forming of government here is alternative to resolution of Kashmir issue. “Muslim Conference believes that elections are non issue. Forming government is no alternative to Kashmir resolution. It doesn’t affect Kashmir issue. Muslim Conference will not support elections directly or indirectly till issue is resolved,” he said. “Kashmir is a big issue with involvement of India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China and America. If nuclear armed India and Pakistan can’t solve the Kashmir in dispute anything can happen,” he warned. Prof Bhat said that after resolution of Kashmir issue his party men are at liberty to contest elections. “But I shall never think in terms of elections. We are in politics but not for power. We are in
politics to serve the peoples aspirations,” he claimed.
Syria........
crossing of Syria's red line will have severe consequences for the White House," Massoud Jazayeri, deputy chief of staff of Iran's armed forces, according to Fars. Syrian opposition accounts that between 500 and well over 1,000 civilians were killed this week by gas in munitions fired by pro-government forces, and video footage of victims' bodies, have stoked demands abroad for a robust, US-led response after 2-1/2 years of international inaction on Syria's conflict. The medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres said three hospitals near Damascus had reported 355 deaths in the space of three hours out of about 3,600 admissions with nerve gas-type symptoms. Major world powers — including Russia, which has long blocked UN-sponsored intervention against Assad have urged the Syrian leader to cooperate with the UN inspectors. But Russia said the rebels were impeding an inquiry and that Assad would have no interest in using poison gas for fear of foreign intervention. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the deaths in a rebel-held Damascus suburb a "terrible crime" on Sunday but, in a sign Syria's neighbour fears escalation, avoided any direct call for US military action in his public comments. A senior UN official arrived in Damascus on Saturday to seek access to the site but Syria reiterated on Sunday that it had not yet agreed. Information Minister Zoabi said Syria and the UN had previously agreed on inspections of certain sites around Syria from before Wednesday's allegations and will not allow any "inspection that will prejudice national sovereignty". Syria "will not allow the existence of inspection committees under any pretext, and this position is final," he said. Opposition activists in Damascus said the army was using surface-to-surface missiles and artillery to strike eastern Damascus, including neighbourhoods where the alleged chemical attack occurred. The White House declined to list what options were discussed on Saturday and said Washington was still gathering details about the attack. "President Obama has asked the Defense Department to prepare options for all contingencies," US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel told reporters in Malaysia as he began a week-long trip to Asia. "We have done that and we are prepared to exercise whatever option — if he decides to employ one of those options." Opposition sources said on Sunday four hundred tonnes of arms had been sent into Syria from Turkey — one of the single biggest to reach rebel brigades — to boost insurgent capabilities against Syrian government forces following the alleged chemical strike. The UN says more than 100,000 people have been killed during the Syrian conflict, which started with peaceful protests against decades of Assad family rule but turned into a civil war following a crackdown.
Dy. CM........
and unveil the nefarious designs of anti-national elements who are making efforts to destroy the harmonious atmosphere of the society. Tara Chand said that peace is the only path through which the desired and multifaceted growth and social development of the state can be achieved and under peaceful atmosphere the Government can focus on the developmental activities for the benefit and welfare of the people which is not possible if the peace deteriorates. On the occasion speakers put forth various demands including separate education zone for Khara area of district Doda, staff for government schools, clean drinking water, early start of construction of 50 bedded hospital which was announced by Union Health Minister G N Azad last year, lack of staff in Thathri Hospital and other day to day problem.
Protest........
to three families this time,” they said. The Dal dwellers said that from last 25 years only 700 families have been rehabilitated so far while LAWDA is showing no interest in getting all the families rehabilitated. They appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to look into the matter and relieve dwellers of Dal from all their miseries.
Malik..........
forces. “People are being terrorized by forces here. Youth of the area are being arrested and elders are being dishonoured. We condemn this brutal attitude of rulers their police and forces in Shopian,” he said. Malik said that today because of the Jammu Kashmir issue India and Pakistan are in a state of war. “Ceasefire line is burning and people are being killed on both sides. Today we are again witnessing the traditional statements of United States and United Nations advising both India Pakistan to show restrain. We Kashmiris want to ask these countries and institutions, that they have been acting like a school teacher and teaching morals and ethics for last 60 years,” he said. “Has these advises made any impact so for? Has these teachings yielded any better for the region so far. Has your ignorance on Kashmir and Kashmiris gained any thing except disaster and continued violence? World community once showed this negative attitude in Afghanistan also but failed and are fleeing away from that place today and this attitude of ignorance is bound to fail in this region also,” Malik said. The JKLF chairman said that Kashmiris have suffered a lot because of this continued ignorance and demand that world community instead of issuing mere statement of advice, should play active role for the resolution of Kashmir dispute. “Kashmir dispute is not a border issue between India and Pakistan but the issue of determination of future of millions of humans living in Kashmir. Therefore asking India and Pakistan to resolve this issue bilaterally is like negating a reality.” He said that world community, India and Pakistan will have to accept the owner status of Kashmiri’s and as a
prime party include them into talks on Kashmir. Earlier, at his arrival in the area known as Wachi constituency, Malik and his colleagues were warmly welcomed by the people at many places. Women folk in large members came out of their houses to welcome Malik and the caravan. After the public gatherings, women and youth, many protest rallies were held and people alongwith Malik and other leaders walked for many miles by foot. Meanwhile, the JKLF chairman visited Khankah I Moalla and paid tributes to late Moulana Alhaj Aziz Ud Din Sahib, after this Yasin sahib went to Soura and participated in memorial gathering of martyr Umar Qayoom.
Body.........
justice,” he said. People resorted to stone-pelting and demanded that killers should be identified and booked.
Bhalla........
families. Mr. Bhalla issued instructions to the flood control engineers to remaining vigilant and present at the site round the clock to keep eye on the situation. He said authorities should ensure that all works are done on priority and damages are restricted to the minimum to avoid inconvenience to the people. Regarding desilting of Landoi Choi nallah, the Minister informed that directions have been issued to Jammu Municipal Corporation Commissioner for regular sanitation of colonies nallahs so that the residents do not face any inconvenience during rainy season. He called upon the people not to dump debris in the nallahs adding that such practices not only create problems for Municipal Corporation but also causes water clogging which results in damage to households. Earlier, Mr. Bhalla conducted a public grievances redressal camp at Nanak Nagar Sector-4 and assessed people’s development related grievances. Mr. Bhalla gave patient hearing to the residents and assured for early redressal of their genuine problems. The Minister said that Government has earmarked Rs. 2 crore for modernization of Shastri Nagar cremation ground, adding that the project would be started soon after completing tendering formalities. For improving the drinking water facilities in his home constituency, Mr. Bhalla said Government has approved 19 new deep drill tube wells including Over Head Tanks in drinking water scarcity areas of Gandhi Nagar, adding that the projects would be started after the end of rainy season. Regarding upgradation of lanes and drains at Nanak Nagar, the Minister asked the JMC to prepare project and submit the same for funding so that the works could be started. Responding to the local demands, he asked the PDD to replace the existing transformers by 4 KVA so that the inhabitants could get relief from low voltage problem.
Camp.........
and Pantha Chowk were present on the occasion. Later children and civil defence volunteers jointly removed bung and poppy plants from the banks of Jehlum. Meanwhile, The Deputy Commissioner and Commissioner SMC, Srinagar also interacted with various delegations and got first-hand appraisal about the problems being faced by them. They assured that their genuine problems would be addressed on priority. Commissioner, SMC, Srinagar announced that Rs 3 lakh would be expended for the repair and renovation of lanes and drains of Pandrathan area.
CPI (M).........
in the area is a figment of imagination. In fact the disgruntled and rejected political elements, in connivance with a section of local police has been harassing CPI (M) activists for quite some time,” a spokesperson of the party said in a statement to KNS. “CPI (M) does not believe in the politics of violence and does not bank
ZABARWAN TIMES
on muscle power and malicious propaganda while carrying on its political programme,” he added.
Karuna asks UPA to solve fishermen issue with SL
Chennai, August 25: DMK President M Karunanidhi on Sunday stressed that setting up of an Indian naval base in Dhanushkodi or Mandapam near Rameswaram will bring a "lasting solution" to the issue of alleged attacks on fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy. He said both the Centre and the Kerala Government
were firm on taking legal action against two Italian marines accused of killing two fishermen from that state. Karunanidhi said that many problems would have been averted if the Centre and Tamil Nadu government had shown even "1%" of that care for the state fishermen.
Sadhotra conducts whirlwind tour of Marh Jammu, August 25: The t o p r o v i d e a d e q u a t e Minister for Planning, compensation to the affected Development and Labour & families. Employment, Ajay Sadhotra The Minister asked the team today conducted a whirlwind of officers to record full tour of Marh area to assess details of the damages the damage caused to the suffered by each affected private and public property in family so that their cases are the backdrop of recent rains processed for compensation. and flash floods. He assured the people of the Accompanied by Additional area that the administration Deputy Commissioner would extend every help to Jammu Kalyan Singh, Block facilitate their rehabilitation Development Officer Marh as the government has Tasir Latifi and a team of already sanctioned Rs 87 officials from Revenue, crore for restoration of Rural Development and damages to the public assets other concerned depart- and to pay compensation to ments, the Minister visited the affected families. He said Tikri Rakwalan, Sarora, that the coalition government Ghoumanhsan, Tarn Chak, led by Chief Minister Omar Lahouri Chak, Gajansoo, Abdullah has given first Galwaday Chak, Dhateryal priority to restoration of and other villages of Marh. services and repair of public He interacted with the assets, besides rehabilitation families whose structures of the flood affected people. were damaged due to He said that the chief incessant rains and flash Minister would be himself floods and assured them that monitoring the entire the coalition government exercise to ensure that none headed by Chief Minister of the affected areas are left Omar Abdullah is committed out in the restoration process.
Srinagar Municipal Corporation
Office of the Executive Engineer Right River Works Division Extension Notice
Subject: Extension to the NIT 13 of 2013-14 dated: 24-07-2013 issued under endorsement No. SMC/EERRWD/2237-2268 dated: 24-07-2013 The date of receipt of tenders for the above subjected NIT which was scheduled on 16-08-2013 upto 2:00 PM. Now the date of receipt of tenders for the said NIT is further extended and fixed on 27-08-2013 upto 2:00 PM. All other terms and conditions will remain same as contained in the NIT. But the tenders shall be received in the office of Jt. Commissioner Works SMC. Sd/- Executive Engineer Right River Works Division DIPJK-NB: 1365 Srinagar Municipal Corporation
Office of the Executive Director, CCDU Department of PHE/I&FC, J&K Government, Srinagar Email id: ccdujkstate@gmail.com
Applications are invited for the following posts for hiring of Contractual manpower for the State Communication & Capacity Development Unit under WSSO Department PHE/I&FC Department J&K. Application on plain paper along with required documents are to be submitted in the office of CCDU, J&K within seven working days W.E.F publication of this Advertisement. S. Position and job responsibility No 1. HRD Specialist 1. Identify training needs anddevelop suitable training modules for RWS, TSC and School Sanitation. 2. Prepare Annual Capacity Building plan for the State and Districts in preparing their plans. 3. Field level visits and monitoring of Rural Water Supply System (RWS) and Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) Units and School Sanitation and analysis of the progress reports thereafter. 2 IEC Specialist:1. All matters related to IEC activities under the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation programme and to develop guidelines, guidance manuals and technical-notes on programme. 2. Preparation of Annual IEC plan for the State and the districts. 3. Coordinate dissemination of available IEC materials and documentation of success stories/ best practices/ institutional arrangements etc. 4. Prepare quarterly progressreports for discussions and review with district and block functionaries.
No. of Requisite Posts Qualifications MBA in HRM/ PG 1 Degree in Science/ Environmental Science/ Sociology/ PG or Diploma in Rural Development.
1
Remuneration Requisite Experience per Month 1. Adequate experience in conducting Rs. 30000/Trainings/Human Resource Development related to Rural Water and Sanitation and Community. Development or similar field under any Central/State Scheme or Project. 2. Knowledge of participatory methods. 3. Knowledge and experience in use of computers like MS Office including graphics is essential.
PG in Mass Media & Rs. 30000/Communication / Information Technology ,
1. Adequate experience in the field of Communication for Rural Water Supply and Sanitation/ Community Health or Central/State Schemes of projects. 2. Good knowledge & experience of the Rural Water Supply & Sanitation programmes, PRI systems and NGO Network. 3. Experience in Communication Strategy development, implementation and impact assessment of IEC interventions. 4. Knowledge and experience in use computers like MS Office including graphics is essential.
Terms and Conditions:1. The hiring is purely on contractual basis upto 31st March 2014 which will be renewable on year to year based on the performance. In case of unsatisfactory performance, CCDU shall have the right to terminate the contract of hiring without assigning any reason. 2. The contractual hiring shall not confer any right on the appointment to claim extension or for regular selection at any time. 3. The consolidated Honorarium per month is inclusive of all allowances and monetary benefits. 4. Remuneration for first two months shall be retained as security and shall be paid only after successful completion of one year contractual term. In case of breach of contract before its completion, two months remuneration will be forfeited for which you shall have no claim what so ever. 5. The candidate shall have to give two months notice before leaving the contractual services. 6. The candidate would be the part of State Programme Management Unit functioning under CCDU, WSSO Department of PHE/I&FC. 7. The candidate will be required to tour extensively within entire State and occasionally outside State and shall be entitled to daily allowances as admissible under the financial guidelines of the State Government. 8. The entitlement of leave travel etc. shall be governed by the rules in vogue and as applicable to the contractual/consolidated employees of State Government. The candidate shall have to join his duties within 7 days from the date of issue of appointment letter along with all requisite testimonials failing which his engagement shall automatically be treated as cancelled. The applications should be attached with the attested copies of the following testimonials:1. Essential qualification certificate. 2. Marks certificate of essential qualification. 3. Relevant post Graduation certificate. 4. Marks certificate of post graduation. 5. Relevant experience certificate from competent authority. 6. Matriculation certificate. 7. State subject certificate. Sd/-Executive Director CCDU, J&K, Srinagar DIPJK-NB: 1376 Narboo House, Near New Era Public School, Rajbagh, Srinagar
Owner, Printer, Publisher & Editor-n-Chief: Suhail Malik, RNI No: JKBIL/2011/39764, Email: zabarwantimes@gmail.com Published from: Govt. Quarters (M-13) Magarmal Bagh Srinagar -190001, J&K, Printed at: Sangarmal Offset Press Humhama Sheikhpora Tele/Fax: 2478370 Cell No: 09999964750, 9796787844
Editorial/Opinion The Daily
Zabarwan Times Monday, 26 August 2013
Media and its responsibilities
I
n every society the media plays a vital role not only in disseminating the information but also in building a healthy, positive and responsible society besides creating awareness and playing its part in the reformation. In the whole of the world media has assumed the role of fourth pillar after legislature, judiciary and executive. Its responsibilities have grown many fold and its duties towards the society have assumed larger importance. There is no doubt that media has in real terms made world a global village and has minimized the distances. It is media which has brought people closer to each other and has opened new roots and mediums of communication. Its role in the social and political arena has become so vital that without media one cannot even imagine any success in the nation building. Its positive role cannot be denied and its contribution towards social awareness, expose of scandals and corruption, and its part in the strengthening of democratic institutions is of paramount importance. However with the passage of time the media has perhaps lost its track due to certain constraints or has been derailed deliberately by unscrupulous elements and those alien forces which have the grip over the media and have made it sub-servant to their interests and whims. The print media and the electronic media both have fallen prey to what we call mafia in the media. The exploitation of political system, the hunger for fast buck and the personal animosities have over taken the very purpose of the media across the world. Its pertinent to say that those persons who could not get the govt. job or who have not even distant relation with the field have become the masters in the field and are having dozens of news papers and channels because of their money power and crafty ways of exploitation. The objectivity and credibility of media has been eroded and everybody thinks that the arrogance and blackmailing has taken the place of the former. There was a time when a report or a news item appearing in a paper would result in the fall of a govt. and heads would roll. But that is the thing of past and today even the banners and the scopes do not have any impact and hardly anybody takes the cognizance of these. It is because the media whether print or electronic has lost its credibility and nobody believes a news item or report in the first instance. Still it is not too late if the professionals realize their responsibilities and duties and if they clean the profession from vested interests and only after that is done the media can again become a force to reckon with.
Daily
ZABARWAN TIMES 6
Monday, 26 August 2013
RAJOURI GEOGRAPHY AND POTENTIAL R
ajouri District of J&K State is located in the foot-hills of Panchal Range. The terrain of Rajouri is comprised of sub-tropic and temperate zones because the upper areas of Kalakote, Budhal, Darhal and Thanamandi are touching the main Peer Panchal belt and the terrain resembles with the Kashmir Valley while Sunderbani, Nowshera and lower belt of Rajouri Block are falling under sub-tropic belt. The District is comprised of snow capped mountains, thick belt of forests, sloppy lands, mounds, gushing streams, Nallahs, springs, crystal clear lakes, Dhokes, Margs, Valleys, pastures, meadows etc. The District Rajouri is 154 kms away from Winter Capital Jammu and 343 kms from the Summer Capital of Srinagar. It is located in the foot-hills of Peer Panchal Range. The District is bounded in the East by District Udhampur and Jammu, Line of Actual Control passes through the Southern and South-Western side of the District. Poonch District is located on its West while Pulwama falls on the North of District Rajouri across the Peer Panchal Range. The Line of Actual Control is spread over 120 kms which starts from Sunderbani and goes upto Bhimber Gali. The District starts from Azamtabad (Thanamandi) from the North and goes upto Veer Badhreshwar range of mountain in the South. Kalidhar range of mountain falls in the Eastern side of the District and it goes upto Bhimber Gali in the Western side. The District is located in between 74.05 degrees to 74.40 degree latitude and 35.58 degree to 3 3.35 degree longitude. The total area of Rajouri is 2.47 lac hectares out of which net area sown is 0.50 lac hectares while the gross area sown is 0.99 lac hectares. 0.44 lac
villages are un-inhabited as these villages are located in such a vulnerable site on Line of Actual Control which comes under direct shelling/firing range of the enemy and so the habitation in these villages is not possible. The boundary and area of Rajouri remained varying from time to time. In the ancient times i.e. in Mahabharta period, Rajouri was a part of Panchal Desha, the principality which was comprised of foot-hills of Panchal Range. The Ruler of this principality was Panchal Naresha whose daughter "Draupti" was married with "Arjuna". The great Guru Dravan of Mahabharta period was also hailing from this place and was belonging to Drava tribe. Number of ruins of Mahabharta period including bowlies (springs) Forts and religious places apart from Idols of Panduas time are still existing in Rajouri area which indicates that during Mahabharta period, this area remained under the influence of Panchal Naresha. In 326 AD when Alexandra the great attacked Hazara the principality of Porus, at that time, this track was known as "Drava- Abisara" which was comprised of present Poonch, Rajouri, Bhimber upto Dhangala and Kotli. The name of the principality was given after the two worrier tribes namely Drava and Abisara. The Drava were inhabiting in Rajouri area while the Abisara were residing in Poonch area. The boundary of DravaAbisara principality was touching the boundary of Hazara principality of Porus. The Ruler of Drav Abisara remained neutral during the war between Alexandra and Porus. The historian named this Ruler as Budhister and says that if the worrier tribe of Drava-Absaries would have cooperated to Raja Purus of Hazara at the time of battle with the Alexandra, the history would have been different.
hectares area is sown more than once. On the other hand, the gross irrigated area was 0.08 lac hectares. During 1999-2000, the area under paddy was 0.08 lac hectares, under wheat was 0.35 lac hectares and under maize was 0.36 lac hectares. 91% cultivable area is rain fed and the average size of land holding is 1.48 hectares. Administratively, the District is divided into six Tehsils, namely Sunderbani, Kalakote, Nowshera, Koteranka, Rajouri and Thanamandi, seven blocks namely Rajouri, Nowshera, Su nderbani, Kalakote, Budhal, Darhal and Manjakote, 8 Niabats, 160 Panchayat Halqas, 4 Notified Area Committees namely Sunderbani, Nowshera, Thanamandi and Rajouri and 3 85 villages, out of which 4
As per Mr. Belley, a great historian, a coin has been located by him in Lahore Museum of 1st Century AD in which the name of the capital of Drava-Abisara was incribed as Abisar-Prasta and the name of the Ruler of this principality has been given as Khasha Trapa Seva Sena. Renowned Scholar Moti LalSaki in one of his article identified this town as present Rajouri. In 633 AD, Huien Tsang, had visited Rajouri when he was on the way to Kashmir, he described the name of this area as Holo-She-Polo and said that this area was a part of Kashmir Government. The inhabitants of this area were believers of Hinduism and they were of blackish colour. In the beginning of 11th Century AD,
when Sultan Mahmood Gaznabi had given defeat to Paul Shahi Rajas of Punjab, Kabul and salt range. These defeated Paul Shahi Rajas migrated to Kashmir. But Queen Dida (980-1003 AD) and Raja Sangram Raj (1003-1028 AD) did not allow these Rajas to settle in Kashmir due to political reason and
Tehsil Rajouri. Lateron, the District was divided into six Tehsils to provide prompt and able administration to the public. Number of Nallahs and streams are passing from the Rajouri District and on the Banks of these Rivers, Basties are inhabiting. The Nallah which comes from Thannamandi side is known as "Sailani
motivated them to establish their principalities in the outer hills of Kashmir. in Poonch and Rajouri area. By this way, the old Drava-Abisara was divided into number of principalities in the beginning of 11th Century AD Poonch area was given to Trilochan Paul, Budhal to Budh Paul, Darhal area to Druh Paul and Rajouri principality to Raja Prithavi Paul while the Panjsaran Girjan area was given to Jinki Paul Shahi. The principality of Raja Prithavi Paul was comprised of Darhal, Budhal, Panjsaran, Girjan and proper Rajouri (upto Narian). It appears that Raja: Prithavi Paul was the main Raja of this area while the other Paul Rajas were the Jagirdars. This system remained continued upto 1194 AD when Raja Noor-Ud-Din alias Neel Sinha who was the Raja of Kalanoor (Punjab) after getting defeat from Shahabu-ud-Din Gori and after embracing Islam left his native place towards mountains of Kashmir. He entered Rajouri principality and settled at Barmandal in Kalakote area. After consolidating his position, he got employment in Rajouri Darbar and ultimately revolted against the last Paul Shahi Raja Amna Paul of Rajouri in 1194 AD and became the Raja of this principality. By this way, Raja Noor-Ud-Din laid the foundation of Jaral Raj who ruled this area upto 26th October, 1946. During Jaral rule on Rajouri, this principality was comprised of Nowshera, Narian, Manjakote, Sunderbani, Pouni-Bharakh, Budhal, Thannamandi, Darhal etc. In 1846 AD, when this area was taken over by Raja Gulab Singh, Rajouri Principality was converted into a Tehsil Headquarter and in 1860 AD, it was affiliated with District Bhimber. Two Tehsils Nowshera and Rajouri remained the constituent of Bhimber District upto 1904 AD when Rajouri Tehsil was affiliated with Reasi District. This setup continued upto 1947. After the happening of 1947, Rajouri was bifurcated from Reasi and annexed with Poonch Districtand it became the part of RajouriPoonch District. On 1st January, 1968, Rajouri-Poonch District was bifurcated on administrative grounds and Rajouri emerged as a new District with two Tehsils namely Tehsil Nowshera and
Nallah". This nallah meet Sukh Tao near proper Rajouri which is coming from Bhimber Gali side. While Darhali stream meet Sailani Nallah at Atti. Rajouri city is located on the confluence of Sailani stream and Sukh Tao. From Rajouri onward, this river took the name as Rajouri Tawi. The river after passing from Nowshera moves towards the Line of Actual Control and it enters in PoK after meeting with Manawar Tawi. Another Nallah Ans starts from Smartsar Lake in Peer Panchal Range and after crossing Kandi, Bakori and Budhal, it take the shape of Budhal stream. From Budhal onwards, this stream move towards Reasi side and ultimately meet with River Chenab. No doubt that the Rajouri District falls on the foot hills of Peer Panchal range and the area is comprise of mountains, small hills, mounds and sloppy tracks. The highest peak in Rajouri is Budhal peak. The height of this peak from sea level is 11754 feet while Chhachhera peak is located exactly opposite Rajouri town having the height of 3 594 feet fromthe sea level. Other important peaks in the District are Veer Badreshawar, Peer Kalewa, Rattan Peer (8600 feet from the sea level). The elevation of the District from sea level varies from 2000-11000 feet The Forest area in the district is spreaded over 1294 sq.km which represents 49% of the total area of the District. But most of the forest area is devoid of forest. In the upper reaches, Devdar and Tung trees are available while on the lower hills like Chingus, Chhachhera, Veer Badreshawar, Kalidhar Range etc. pine forest is available. In the upper ranges of Budhal and Thannamandi, Chikhri Wood is also available which is used for preparation of ornamental articles. In the past, large quantity of resin was extracted from the forests of Rajouri and three Resin based Factories at Sunderbani, Fatehpur and Doongi were also established. But lateron, with the mis-handling of Contractors, the forest trees started getting spoiled. Keeping in view the deteriorating condition of forest, the Government had stopped the extraction of resin from the Forests. To be continued.........
Visa-on-Arrival Scheme - Gaining Popularity with the Foreign Tourists T
he Visa-on-Arrival (VOA) Scheme of the government has gained popularity with foreign tourists. In the present year, a total of 10,482 VOAs have already been issued till July, 2013 which represents a growth of 37% over the corresponding period in the year 2012. The number of VOAs issued in the year 2012 exceeded 16,000 which was 26% more than the preceding year. The salient features of the Scheme of Tourist Visa on Arrival (TVOA) are: · The TVOA is allowed for a maximum validity of 30 days with single entry facility. · The TVOA is available to foreign nationals arriving from Japan, Singapore, Finland, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Philippines, Myanmar and Indonesia at Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata Airports.
With effect from August 15, 2013 it has also been introduced at the Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Hyderabad and Bangalore airports. · The fee for the TVOA is US $ 60/- or equivalent amount in Indian rupees per passenger (including children). · The TVOA is allowed for a maximum of two times in a calendar year to a foreigner with a minimum gap of two months between each visit. TVOA is nonextendable and non-convertible. · Tourists from the above mentioned countries may also avail of TVOA for up to 30 days for medical treatment, for casual business or to visit friends/relatives, etc. · The TVOA facility is not applicable to the holders of Diplomatic/Official Passports. Further, TVOA shall not be granted to the foreigners who have permanent residence
or occupation in India. Such persons can visit India on normal visa, as applicable. The “Visa on Arrival” (VoA) Scheme was initially launched by the Government in January 2010 for citizens of five countries, viz. Finland, Japan, Luxembourg, New Zealand and Singapore, visiting India for tourism purposes. The Scheme was extended to the citizens of six more countries, namely Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Laos and Myanmar in January 2011. The main objective of the VoA scheme was to facilitate measures to attract more foreign tourists to India. Group Visas on arrival have also been allowed under the Scheme. Visa Manual has been amended to extend the collective landing permits facility with effect from 1st April 2013. The foreign tourists in groups of four or more arriving by air or sea and sponsored
by Indian travel agencies approved by the Ministry of Tourism and with a pre-drawn itinerary will be granted Collective Landing Permit for a period not exceeding 60 days, with multiple entry facilities. In order to avail of this facility the tourists or travel agencies are required to mandatorily fill in an application online. The provision of Collective Landing Permits has been made to encourage the foreign tourists to plan their travel to India at a short notice. Such a provision facilitates last minute travellers to plan a visit to India who hitherto were travelling to other destinations. The Scheme is continuously monitored and the extension of the Tourist Visa on Arrival facility to the other countries and the airports within India is an on-going process based on various factors like market trends, security concerns etc.
Disclaimer : The contents and comments appearing in any article published in this paper are purely the personal opinion of the writer.
HE A L+H TIMES 55 ZABARWAN monday | 26 august 2013
asthma and smoking: a deadly cocktail you must avoid Most love to break rules and live a carefree life, but destiny sails on its own course. Peer pressure, stress and emotional upheaval make some seek smoking, not a good idea in retrospect.
ple with asthma are in "double dy": They isodes
who smoke jeoparrisk epo f
We know how smoking fogs up your body and those around you, but you're cheating death everyday if you're an asth- breathmatic. We spoke to Dr. S K Jain, Pulmonolo- ing difficulgist with Moolchand Medcity at New Delhi ty Regular shortto clear the smoke on how puffing a cigarette ness of breath as affects asthmatic patients. a result of lung Dr. Jain explains why toying with smoke diseases, emphyis choking your life: "Smoking or passively sema and chronic inhaling smoke may actually modify the in- bronchitis." flammatory process causing lung diseases, Improve immunity with a nutritious emphysema, chronic bronchitis and asthma diet and for malnourished people, improve exacerbations common your immunity mechaPrecautionary Measures: The nism. Consume lots of amongst kids, old people, and young adults. Asth- most important precautionary mea- fluids like water, juices, matic patient who smoke sure is to quit smoking. A person coconut water and avoid often suffer from cough, can add years to his life and family's too much intake of tea, wheezing and shortness coffee and soft drinks, of breath due to thickness life by simply eliminating smoking; etc. The diet must also furthermore, in women, this reduces of epithelium or irritation food rich in Vitatobacco-related pregnancy out- include of the airways, causing min C. them to swell up, narrow comes to a large extent. Diet should be modthe passage that is filled erate depending on the with sticky mucus makclinical conditions of the ing asthma attacks more frequent compared patient. Eat early, avoid late night meals as to non-smoking asthma patients. Smoking this helps avoid gastric problems, which furalso affects response of the body to medica- ther perpetrate asthma problems. Avoid the tion that serves to prevent symptoms of the combination of alcohol and smoke. disease." Medication should be taken regularly "Also, some smokers develop irreversand keep stock of rescue medications ible narrowing of their bronchial tubes," says like nebulizers and inhalers for emerDr. Jain, "from inflammation and scarring gency conditions. causes permanent breathing problems. Peo-
Prevent hyPertension to live healthy
This post was complied with expert inputs from Dr. A. B. Mehta, Interventional Cardiologist, Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai. Hypertension in adults is blood pressure of more than 140 mm of mercury systolic blood pressure or more than 90 mm of mercury diastolic blood pressure. Diagnosis and treatment is based on two or more blood pressure readings taken on separate occasions. Blood pressure is measured by a mercury sphygmomanometer. Many electronic devices such as finger, wrist and arm monitors are commercially available for monitoring blood pressure at home. These are not as accurate as conventional mercury sphygmomanometers and therefore, home readings should be counter checked regularly. Hypertension is present in 25% of urban Indians and 10% of rural Indians. Among cities in India, Mumbai has the highest rates of hypertension - 44% of men and 45% of women silently suffer from high BP as compared to 30% and 33% for men and women from Delhi and 24% and 17% among men and women in Kolkata. India, already the diabetes capital of the world with 32 million persons with diabetes, is projected
to have 69.8 million by 2025. The count of "hypertensive" individuals is expected to rise from 118 million in 2000 to 214 million in 2025. What harm can a little high blood pressure do? 70% of the above people fall in the Stage I Hypertension category that is Systolic BP between 140 - 159mm of mercury or diastolic BP between 90 -99mm of mercury; and carry a significant risk of developing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. "A man of my build needs a slightly higher blood pressure", is one of the commonest misconceptions. A higher blood pressure is NOT in any way related to physique. It needs to be treated. Hypertension is directly responsible for 57%of all stroke deaths and 24% of all coronary heart disease deaths in India. Many people are diagnosed for the first time when they develop some complication related to hypertension. 95% of patients with high blood pressure have 'Primary Hypertension' that is - hypertension without any obvious medical cause. Many contributing factors may be present in these patients like obesity, alcohol or tobacco intake, high salt intake, low potas-
Why painkillers don't always work A new discovery by University of Leeds researchers could explain the current failings in the drug development process for painkillers and may offer opportunities for a new approach. A team, led by Dr Nikita Gamper of the University's Faculty of Biological Sciences, have found a previously unknown mechanism through which pain is signalled by nerve cells. They investigated the difference between persistent pain, such as toothache, and pain that results from the increased sensitivity of nerves in injured or diseased tissue (for example when we touch inflamed skin), known as hyperalgesia and discovered that these two types of pain are generated by the same nerves, but result from different underlying mechanisms. The project, funded jointly by the Wellcome Trust and the Medical Research Council, investigated the painful effects of two substances that cause local inflammation: bradykinin and substance P. Both substances bind to specific recep-
tors on nerve cells, generating signals to the central nervous system. Because the receptors are from the same family, it has always been presumed they stimulate the same signalling pathway. However, the team found that each receptor produces different signals; the one associated with bradykinin causing both hyperalgesia and persistent pain, whereas the one associated with substance P only caused hyperalgesia. "Pain originates from a series of electrical signals sent by nerve cells in to the central nervous system and ultimately the brain. Despite much progress, we still don't know enough about the mechanisms by which these pain signals are generated. However, this research has shown that whilst the sensation of pain can be similar between various conditions, the underlying molecular mechanisms may in fact be very different," Dr Gamper said. are 'non-specific', designed to generally dull the reception of these signals in the central nervous system, and some stronger pain killers can provoke unwanted side effects such as disorientation, drowsiness or nausea. So while the search
for new better drugs is pressing, the lack of progress in developing targeted analgesics has led to several pharmaceutical companies dropping this area of research altogether. "What's exciting about these findings is that substance P may actually suppress the activation of the pain sensing nerves themselves,"
Scientists say we don't need to work for hours at the gym to cut flab, as just three minutes of exercise a week could be enough to help you lose weight. The secret is short bursts of intense exercise - known as highintensity interval training. Scientists at Birmingham and Nottingham universities, such a session once a week is far more effective at -burning fat than daily workouts, the Daily Express reported. HIT triggers the release of fat-burning hormones helping to shift those unwanted love handles. It also moves glucose from the blood into muscle tissue where it is burned as energy rather than converted to fat. And vigorous bursts of physical activity also have the effect of killing your ap-
petite, whereas longer workouts can leave you wanting to eat more. This means people keen to lose weight would be less likely to be tempted to snack on unhealthy treats if they ditched the gym and went for a short brisk walk. HIT sessions can include running, riding a bike or walking. "HIT is real-
l y good at improving glucose uptake into the muscles in very short Professor T i m lead-
a very, time," James mons, ing the research at Birmingham, said. "With really intense exercise, you release hormones that can
sion, he should have some baseline tests done to detect any treatable cause of high blood pressure.Hypertension is a controllable
disease. With simple oral medication, along with diet and exercise, blood pressure can be controlled.
Good cholesterol may not cut heart attack risk A new study has challenged a tenet of modern medicine that raising a person's HDL - the so-called 'good cholesterol' will necessarily lower the risk of a heart attack. The new research underscores the value of using genetic approaches to test biological hypotheses about human disease prior to developing specific drugs. A team led by researchers from the Broad Institute and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) explored naturally occurring genetic variations in humans to test the connection between HDL levels and heart attack. By studying the genes of roughly 170,000 individuals, the team discovered that, when examined together, the 15 HDL-raising variants they tested do not reduce the risk of heart attack. "It''s been assumed that if a patient, or group of patients, did something to cause their HDL levels to go up, then you can safely assume that their risk of heart attack will go down," said senior author Sekar Kathiresan, director of preventive cardiology at MGH, associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, and an associate member of the Broad Institute.
"This work fundamentally questions that."
noted Dr Gamper. "It's increasingly evident that current strategies for testing and validating new painkillers often do not take into account a possible difference in how pain signals are generated. For instance, drugs for persistent pain are
exercise for 3 mins, burn fat
Those who feel lazy to go to gym or do not have time to exercise may be literally jumping once they read this news.
sium or calcium intake, psychosocial stress, sedentary lifestyle, socioeconomic status or genetic factors. A small number of patients can develop hypertension due to medical conditions Like renal artery stenosis (narrowing of the kidney arteries), chronic kidney failure, adrenal gland tumours, pregnancy, drugs, like steroids, among other rarer causes. This is termed as Secondary Hypertension. When a patient is diagnosed with hyperten-
Nearly one out of every four people in India suffers from high blood pressure and yet there are many misconceptions about its implications.
help break down fat. This may help burn that fat over time, after HIT is done. Also, we think, but don't know, that HIT will subdue appetite, while traditional exercise will stimulate appetite. This last point is key and will be researched by our team," he stated.
often tested solely for their ability to reduce hyperalgesia, and as a result, some of the drugs that are effective in the lab, fail in subsequent clinical trials. These findings challenge current approaches in drug development research and may offer new strategies," she added.
Best ways to treat bug bites Romantic as the approaching monsoon might be, it is also during this stormy season that we suffer from bug bites, which bring with them disease and distress. When it comes to treating bug bites there are endless options. But have you ever wondered which treatment works best for you? Today we are digging into the most popular and trusted tips to treat bug bites. Read on... Treating bug bites using household items. Try and rub ivory soap over the itched area. If ivory soap is not available, try and use dry soap as much as possible. Do remember to treat the infected area with a dab of running alcohol and then with a piece of tape. Try and apply ice packs or ice cubes over the area for instant relief. Treating bug bites using dabbers. Try and apply a quicker on the infected area for faster relief. A few of the topical suggestions, which you can apply directly to the affected area, are nail polish, toothpaste, mouthwash, honey or a few drops of rubbing alcohol. Apart from this, you can also try rubbing a hot tea bag on the affected area. Treating bug bites using homemade pastes. As soon as you get a bite, mix a mixture of the below mentioned fresh pastes. Make sure that the consistency and thickness of the paste is smooth, so that it stays on the affected area and does not run down. The pastes you can make at home are:
- Salt and water - Aspirin and water - Meat tenderizer and water - Baking soda and water - Aspirin and alcohol mixture
Treating bug bites using commercial products, creams and lotions. Some of the lotions that you must try and use as soon you get a bug bite are caladryl, calamine lotion, benadryl cream, orajel, tiger balm, bag balm and the gold bond medicated powder.
Treating bug bites using essential oils and herbal leaves. As far as the application of essential oils is concerned, try and apply cedar oil, lavender oil, astringent or tea tree oil.
Each of the variants Kathiresan and his colleagues studied reflects potentially distinct ways the body might raise HDL. The findings raise significant questions about whether developing drugs against the genes explored in this study, which involves an international team of investigators to bring together patient samples, will prove effective in lowering heart attack risk across the population. "Our study highlights the value of human genetic information in understanding disease biology prior to developing and testing drugs in the clinic," said co-author David Altshuler, director of the Program in Medical and Population Genetics at the Broad Institute and a Harvard Medical School professor at MGH. "This kind of research is not about personalized prediction rather, it''s about testing mechanisms and therapeutic hypotheses before drug discovery." In the blood, cholesterol is carried by particles called lipoproteins, which come in different sizes and densities. These include HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, and LDL, or low-density lipoprotein. There is a well-studied connection between elevated LDL, often called the "bad cholesterol," and heart attack. Decades of research, including studies of genetic disorders in humans and the discovery of the LDL receptor and its role in cholesterol regulation, paved the way for the development of life-saving drugs known as statins. This work showed beyond any reasonable doubt that many different methods of reducing a person''s LDL levels lower the risk of heart disease. To investigate, Kathiresan teamed up with colleagues from MGH, the Broad Institute, and beyond, including Voight and cofirst author Gina Peloso. Together, the researchers looked to the human genome for help. Individuals typically carry two copies of each gene in the genome; which copy a child will inherit from each parent is essentially a random decision, like flipping a coin. This phenomenon, sometimes called "Mendelian randomization," provides a powerful means of testing connections between genes, biomarkers, and disease - similar to the way that randomized controlled clinical trials can evaluate the effectiveness of new drugs. Using this technique, researchers study two groups of people - those who carry a particular gene variant, and those who do not. When sufficiently large groups are studied, both groups should be similar in every factor, except for the specific gene variant or biomarker of interest, allowing researchers to home in on whether the biomarker actually causes a particular trait or condition. By harnessing this method, Kathiresan and his team tested whether certain genetic variants that can dial up a person''s HDL levels impact the chances of developing heart attack. What they found was surprising. Individuals who carried a particular variation in a gene called endothelial lipase had HDL levels that were elevated about 6mg/dl, or 10 per cent - a change expected to decrease heart attack risk by about 13 per cent. However, these individuals showed no difference in their risk of heart disease compared to people without the variant.