Zabarwan Times E-Paper English 31 July

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July 31 | 2013 | 21 Ramzan 1434 AH | PAGES 12 |

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Governor hosts Iftaar Srinagar, July 30: Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, hosted Iftaar at Raj Bhavan, here this evening.Mr. Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister, Mr. Mubarak Gul, Speaker, Legislative Assembly, Ministers, Prof. Saif-ud-Din Soz, MP and President JKPCC, MPs, Legislators, Judges of the High Court, Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, Corps Commander XV Corps, Vice Chancellors, senior Civil, Police and Security Forces officers and prominent citizens participated in the Iftaar.The participants offered prayers after breaking their fast by taking sweetened milk and dates.

Man injured in bear attack Srinagar July 30: A 35 years old Mohammad Ashraf Sheroo son of Ghulam Mohammad resident of Bathin, Khrew was attacked and injured by a bear in the forest area of Bathin, in the jurisdiction of Police station Pampore. The injured was shifted to SMHS, Srinagar for treatment.

Body of drowned person recovered Srinagar July 30: The body of drowned person was retrieved from Jehlum in Bandipora last evening.

The body of Syed Irfan Ahmad Geelani son of Syed Aashiq Hussain resident of Safapora, Asham was fished out near Zonopora, Asham. He was drowned in river Jehlum on 2807-13. The body of deceased was handed over to his relatives for last rites.

Power shutdown on August 01 Srinagar, July 30: According to Power Controller, Power Development Department, Kashmir, in order to carry out urgent repair work on the 11 KV Switchgear to ensure reliable power supply to the consumers, power supply from the Centaur Receiving Station shall be affected on August 01, 2013 from 09 a.m. to 05 p.m.

The power supply to the areas fed from these lines shall remain affected on the said dates and time.

Mega Lok Adalat week at Ganderbal Ganderbal, July 30: Chairman District Legal Services Authority Ganderbal has informed that a Mega Lok Adalat week will be organized at District Headquarter Ganderbal, from 12th to 17th of August. As per the Programme Schedule, the Mega Lok Adalat will be held at District Court Complex Ganderbal on 12th and 16th August, at Tehsil Kangan on 14th and 17th August and a Mobile Lok Adalat would be held on 13th August. Interested parties have been asked to submit applications before the concerned courts by or before 07-08-2013.

Erring traders fined Anantnag, July 30: To ensure availability of quality essentials to the consumers during Jumut-ul-Vida, Shab-i-Qadr and Eid-ul-Fitr, market checking has been intensified in Anantnag district. On the directions of Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, market checking squad comprising of Tehsildar Anantnag, officials of CAPD, Police and Municipal Council Anantnag today checked the different markets of Anantnag town and fined erring traders. Five erring traders were fined Rs. 1700 during the checking besides 90 kgs of rotten vegetables and 70 kgs of substandard sweets were destroyed on the occasion.

Giving details on the occasion, Tehsildar Anantnag revealed that during the holy month of Ramadhan a fine of Rs. 26700 have been realized from erring traders besides destroying 13.40 quintals of rotten vegetables and one quintals of milk.

Militant training camps still active across LoC: GOC 15-Corps Army claims 4 intruders killed at LoC

Srinagar, July 30: General Officer Commanding 15-corps, Lt Gen Gurmit Singh Tuesday said that training camps of militants and launching pads are active across the Line of Control (LoC).

“But the Army is better placed to analyse and assess the capabilities of the militants. There are continuous attempts of infiltration and during last 24 hours two militants were killed when they tried to infiltrate in Kupwara,” the GOC told reporters in a hurriedly called press conference at BB Cannt here.

“In the 24 hours three infiltration attempts took place in which three militants tried to enter through Keran sector of Kupwara. One of the militant was killed and two AK-47 rifles and ammunition was recovered. We have also learnt that second militant was also killed and third critically injured,” he added.

Lt Gen Singh said that on Tuesday morning another attempt of

infiltration took place in Machil sector. “This time it was approximately five to six militants. It is reported that the two militants have been killed and operation is on to nab the rest. LOC Kupwara is high attitude area and has big mountains but I compliment my soldiers who have done excellent job under these circumstances,” he added.

Giving details of another counter infiltration operation which is going on in the Hafruda forest area of Handwara, he said, “on the specific tip off Army cordoned off the area and the operation is on to nab the militants.”

Asked whether infiltration is being carried out by Hizbul Mujhaden or Lashkar-e-Toiba outfits, he said, “I may have clear picture of this but for the security reasons it is not the good time to share.” He denied disclosing the number of militants active in Kashmir. “We must give im-

portance to have intelligence about the intentions, capability and plans of the militants.”

The GOC also said that Army has learnt a lesson from June 24 militant attack in Hyderpora area of Srinagar in which eight soldiers were killed. “We have modified our SOP. Army, police and other security agencies are on job to nab the attackers.

Overall security situation in Kashmir was under control,” he said.

“We have a very effective intelligence grid in place. There is lot of synergy between different agencies. We will take on the challenge,” he said, adding that alert troops at the Line of Control (LOC) would not allow the militants to sneak in, Lt Gen Singh said that it was because of alertness of soldiers at the LoC that these heavily armed militants were killed in Keran and Machel sectors. “I am proud and congratulate troops

for doing this commendable job, “he said The Corps Commander claimed that people of Kashmir were helping the forces in intelligence gathering. “JK Police has also excellent intelligence network and they are doing extremely good job,” he said, adding that all security agencies operating in Kashmir were having excellent synergy.

Meanwhile, a late evening army handout has put the death toll at four.

Based on specific information from intelligence agencies regarding likelihood of terrorists attempting infiltration in Machhal Sector of the Frontline Division in Kupwara of North Kashmir, alert troops detected move of 5 to 6 terrorists in a nala, on own side of the Line of control – at about 0600hrs in the morning.

On being challenged by the troops, the terrorists opened fire. The terrorists were effectively engaged, resulting into killing of two terrorists. The See Training Camps on Pg. 11

Omar opposes bifurcation of J&K

‘Ladakh not heading towards UT status’ Srinagar, July 30:

Opposing the bifurcation of state of Jammu and Kashmir on Talangana lines, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Tuesday said that he believes it is very important that State like Jammu and Kashmir even with its diversity should always remain united.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function at Amar Singh College Srinagar, Omar Abdullah warned that the states created on the basis of agitations could act as incentive to those who are agitating for similar demands from other parts of the country.

“Are you encouraging people that you agitate for few years and you will get a separate state. What you would reply to the people of Jammu if they come on

roads and would demand for a separate state. Would you tell them keep on agitating for 8 to 10 years and your demand would be fulfilled,” Omar said.

He said that Talangana sort of precedent that we have set to create States on the basis of agitation is a See Bifurcation on Pg. 11

Cong, UPA endorse Telangana state

New Delhi, July 30: The Congress Working Committee (CWC) on Tuesday unanimously passed a resolution for creation of Telangana state.

A special meeting of the Union Cabinet has been convened on Wednesday, apparently to discuss the issue of separate Telangana state.

Sources said a special Cabinet meeting has been convened on Wednesday morning but did not disclose the See Telangana on Pg. 11

PdP convinced both ndA and UPA to Taliban launch major attack on follow its pro-peace agenda: Mufti Pakistani prison, free 300 inmates

Jammu, July 30:

Reiterating his resolve to carry forward the mission of ending State's political and economic despair, patron of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that his party has a pragmatic roadmap for the resolution of Kashmir problem by involving all stakeholders including India, Pakistan and people of Jammu and Kashmir.

“We will take our agenda to the all parts of the country to convince the

countermen to accept PDP’s practical roadmap for restoring lasting peace in Jammu and

Kashmir”, Mufti said while addressing a function organised in connection with the foundation day of the party here to-

day. He said that PDP’s roadmap was the viable, credible and pragmatic solution for addressing internal and external dimensions of Kashmir problem.

Mufti reminded the gathering that PDP’s peace and reconciliatory policies were appreciated and endorsed by the successive governments at New Delhi.

“PDP has shown in the past that it can facilitate the resolution process with prudence, and it is ready to shoulder the responsibility of taking See Mufti on Pg. 11

Islamabad, July 30: Pakistani Taliban disguised as policemen attacked a prison in the country's northwestern town of Dera Ismail Khan, freeing more than 300 prisoners late on Monday.

The jail officials said that several of the prisoners, four security personnel and two assailants were killed in the attack. The prison was housing at least 5000 prisoners, 250 of them hardcore militants.

Malik Qasim Khattak, advisor to the ministry of prisons, said that around 50 to

60 gunmen attacked the jail with bombs and guns before entering into the detention

Mysterious death of Omar describes young generation boy triggers protest agents of transformation in Doda Srinagar, July 30:

Srinagar, July 30:

Massive protests rocked Doda district of Jammu region on Tuesday following the killing of a tenth standard boy allegedly by members of Village Defence Committee last night.

Even as police has registered a case, it refused to comment about the involvement of VDC members behind the attack, stating that it continues to be mysterious so far.

Reports quoting locals

told KNS that the last night, a boy Shamim Ahmad Lone (16) son of Abdul Waheed was found dead around 10 p.m. near a brink kiln owned by his family near Gulabad Nowtass Thathri Doda where he had gone to check something.

People alleged that they heard fire shots before finding the boy in pool of blood near the kiln. After mourning the death for the entire night, protesters carrying the body See Protest on Pg. 11

Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Tuesday impressed upon the youth to rely on their own potential and ability to revolutionize the State’s economy.

He asked them to put their talent in use and become agents of socio- economic transformation “How long the State would wait for outside Big Business to invest here. We have to steer our economy on our own terms and conditions and by our own means”, Omar told students at Amar Singh Collage here and added that while his government is

continuously endeavouring to rope in outside investors to become partners in economic growth and employment generation in the state, it has focussed to encourage locals in a big way to achieve the cherished goal of industrialisation and entrepreneurship development.

Giving replies to the questions in an interaction session with students after inaugurating Institution of Mathematical Sciences in Amar Singh College Complex here this morning, the Chief Minister said that entrepreneurship development in the See Omar on Pg. 11

facility. "They detonated about 60 bombs inside the facility which caused the

collapse of prison wall. The assailants succeeded in freeing more than 300 prisoners," Khattak said, adding that the militants blew up two electricity transformers which created complete darkness.

While accepting responsibility for the attack, the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) had claimed that their attackers had freed around 300 inmates.

"We had sent around 150 fighters including a squad of suicide bombers. The aim was to free the inmates and it was a successful action See Taliban on Pg. 11

Mamnoon Hussain elected Pak President Islamabad, July 30: Mamnoon Hussain, a veteran Pakistani politician and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's trusted ally, was elected president today in a vote by legislators for the largely ceremonial post of head of state.

Hussain, 73, will be sworn in on Sept. 9 at the presidential palace due to be vacated by incumbent Asif Ali Zardari, who is stepping down at the end of his five-year term.

Ousted in a bloodless coup in 1999, Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party swept back

into power in a May vote that marked the first transition between civilian governments in a country ruled by the military for more than half its history.

The new president was elected by an electoral college made up of members of the two houses of parliament and assemblies in Pakistan's four provinces.

Given its dominance in parliament, the PML-N was guaranteed a walkover even before the main opposition party, the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), announced it was See Pak President on Pg. 11

Question mark on overall performance of BoPEE. why?

Shahana Srinagar, July 30: Of late BoPEE, a professional body to conduct the examination for various professional courses, has hit the headlines of local papers but for negativity which has engulfed its performance.

Eveybody supported BoPEE including the local press as in the past nothing came to the notice of the people which could damage its reputation except a human error here and there. But suddenly, things changed when it was forced to cancel the papers because of some irregularities, allegedly deliberate leakage of papers, mismanagement and lack of a

swift decision making which could have safeguarded the future of thousands of students.

But it was not so. Firstly a dilly-dally, denial of the facts and ultimately, after a public out-cry and govt. pressure, the leaked papers were cancelled and new dates announced for holding the examination. But it is unfortunate that BoPEE, perhaps does not know and understand that most of the professional institutions outside the state have finalized their admissions. The candidates who are not selected, now have already lost a chance to compete outside the state as most of the candidates do not apply thinking that they are

so meritorious that they will be selected and have no need to apply anywhere else. The claim of BoPEE to have conducted CET-2013 successfully is nothing but a laughing stock for those who know what has happened. This paper always a supporter of BoPEE had opposed tooth and nail the govt. decision for taking away the powers of BoPEE as regards the selection of the candidates in different streams for the agriculture universities of the state. However, keeping in view, the last mess created by this body which had earned a name in the past, one can very well understand the logic behind the govt. deci-

sion regarding the agriculture courses. Every professional body which is engaged into the selection of candidates for various professional courses have varied responsibilities on its shoulders. These bodies have to establish their credibility and their reputation in the general public so that everybody develops faith in the selection process and no finger of suspicion are raised on their overall performance transparency and credibility. Shockingly the BoPEE has lost everything. It’s credibility its prestige is at stake because of its own deeds. How can a paper be leaked, fixed or sold in advance to affluents un-

less the insiders are in league.

Insiders in league cannot be the minons and placed in the lower rungs of the administration of BoPEE. Those can be highly placed who have access to the question papers and can break the secrecy at will. The Govt. has to think about it and a through probe has to be ordered which will bring to books the culprits, so that they are punished under law of land. BoPEE is headed by a chairman and the body is autonomous. The powers of this body revolve around one person. This system is totally against the autonomous culture as most of similar bodies are supervised by a full board

and the appointment of the board is done so meticulously that no dishonest person makes his way in the Board.

The most important thing that Govt. should do is to appoint a core-group of three to four members on the basis of equal amongst the equals in the rank of chairman so that no space is left for any loop holes and discrepancies; the whole core group will be responsible for taking the decision of the board. In this way, the public faith and trust will be restored besides the credibility of BoPEE, which at this time has touched the lowest ever. The candidates have their See BoPEE on Pg. 11

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11 From Front Page........

Daily

Wednesday, 31 July 2013

Training Camps........

operations were simultaneously launched to eliminate the remaining terrorists, leading to subsquent killing of two more terrorists. Till the last information received, a total of four terrorists were killed in the operations.

The alert troops engaged the terrorists by bringing down accurate fire with Multi Grenade Launchers, Claymore Mines and Small Arms. Search operations by the troops in the area are still on and are likely to continue thoroughout the night.

Bifurcation...........

dangerous development. “Talangana is the state created on the basis of agitation. Its not created on the basis of any recommendations of a State Reorganization Committee or something like that. I believe that this is a dangerous trend because all we are doing is sending a message out that if you agitate enough, you would create a state,” Chief Minister said adding that for the creation of a State it is important to form a State Reorganization Committee.

Omar Abdullah denied that Ladakh is heading towards Union Territory status. “Ladakh is not reaching towards any UT status. The only thing that we are doing is making sure that whatever Constitutionally has been guaranteed to them in the form of the Hill Council, those powers are made available to them. Please understand that there is still necessary administrative relationship between the State and Leh and Kargil.

While replying to a question, Omar Abdullah said that Mufti Mohammad Sayeed would never secure 50 seats.

“How can he resolve Kashmir issue when he would never reach this mark. He can say anything. Why he did not resolve the issue when he (Mufti) was in Coalition with Congress and other parties and was having more than fifty seats,” he said.

Telangana........

agenda.

A routine meeting of the Cabinet has been convened for Thursday.

Earlier on the day, the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) unanimously endorsed the creation of a separate state of Telangana.

"The UPA unanimously decided in favour of Telangana," RLD leader Ajit Singh told reporters after a meeting of the constituents of the ruling coalition at the residence of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Replying to questions, there are "so many issues" but a decision was taken on Tuesday in favour of Telangana.

The decision to clear the path for Telangana was taken at a meeting of the coordination committee of the UPA, sources told Hindustan Times. This meeting will be followed by a meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) where the party is expected to endorse the formation of Telangana state.

A formal announcement will be made after the CWC meeting. There was no clarity on the status of Hyderabad.

There is a proposal to include two Rayalseema districts in Telangana.

Telangana state will comprise 10 districts with Hyderabad as its capital. The Congress leadership has reportedly dropped the proposal for Rayala-Telangana, comprising Rayalaseema and Telangana in view of strong opposition from leaders of both the regions. It is also understood to have given up the idea of union territory status to Hyderabad due to reservations by Telangana leaders.

The other state comprising Rayalaseema and Andhra regions is likely to retain the name Andhra Pradesh.

Hyderabad is likely to be made joint capital of both the states for few years till Andhra Pradesh develops its own capital.

BJP demands bill on Telangana during Monsoon session The BJP has charged the Congress with "dilly-dallying" on the issue and demanded that the UPA dispensation not just make an announcement but bring a bill on it in the monsoon session of Parliament.

"There has been a demand for giving statehood to Telangana with Hyderabad as the capital and an integral part of the state but Congress has been dilly-dallying on the issue. We do not know what it is going to do. Congress has betrayed the people of the region for the last 56 years," BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar said.

The remarks came even as Congress top brass is engaged in a series of discussions on the issue amid indications that an announcement is imminent.

"We reiterate our demand for Telangana. We don't want Congress to only make an announcement but also bring a bill in Parliament in the monsoon session," Javadekar said, adding that it will be passed by both Houses.

The BJP MP recalled that Congress had made an announcement in Parliament on December 9, 2009 that the process of formation of Telangana has begun. "Three and a half years have passed since then but nothing has been done.

The government has betrayed the people," he said.

initiate and hold sincere and serious, wide ranging consultations and dialogue, without conditions with the members of the legislature and other segments of public opinion in all the three regions of the State, to evolve a broad based consensus on restoration of peace”, he said while quoting first objective of the CMP formed after 2002 elections. “Whatever steps we had suggested for restoration of peace were incorporated in the CMP”, he said and added that PDP through its visionary policies even changed mindset of BJP leaders. “The then Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani had hold dialogue with Hurriyat Conference leaders during our regime”, he recalled.

Sayeed said while power is no consideration for PDP, but governance is a serious issue. “PDP led coalition regime had set an example of good governance by establishing accountability and transparency in the system”, he said and PDP-Congress coalition regime had revived peoples' faith in the democratic institutions.

“Removing regional imbalance and creating atmosphere for initiating peace process was the remarkable achievement of PDP led coalition”, he observed.

S Tarlok Singh Bajwa, Thakur Balbir Singh, Rafiq Hussain Khan, Zulfikar Ali, Yashpal Sharma Ved Mahajan, Daman Bhasin, Fallail Singh, Surinder Choudhary Rashid Malik, Rafiq Malik,Hussain Ali wafa, Jagjit Singh Jagga, Satpal Singh Charak, Suresh Sharma, R K Bali, Thakur Suram Singh, Pawan Dev Singh, Surjeet Kour, Sushila Jamwal, Avtar Singh Khalsa, Dinesh Gupta, Sukhvinder Singh, Mohinder Kotwal, M L Qureshi, Hamid Choudhary, Rajinder Singh Manhas, Gurdeep Singh Panday, Abhijit Jasrotia, Varinder Singh Sonu, Kuljit Singh Jamwal, Sehdev Singh Tinku, Puneet Jamwal,Chaman Angral, Rashpal Billoria, Hassan Hussain, Dvainder Sharma, Vikram Singh Langeh, Anju Bhan, Geeta Thakur, Shakti Kumar, Saleem Choudhary, Yashpal Sharma, Kuldeep Sharma, Rashpal Singh Bittu, Dig Vijay Singh, Vijay Kumar ( Bawa), Sunny Sangral, Balwan Singh, Maan Singh, Devinder Singh, Dharminder Manhas, Dimple Sharma, Zaheer Khan, Dr Neeraj Vohra, Daljit Singh Dicky, Vimal Sharma and others also spoke on the occasion.

Taliban.........

as Taliban managed to free at least 300 prisoners," said Shahidullah Shahid, the newly appointed spokesperson of TTP. The bombings inside the prison triggered a gunfight between the militants and policemen which continued for hours. As the police personnel could not control the situation, the local administration had called the military. "The attack was so severe and abrupt that we had to call the army to overpower the fighters. As many as 5,000 prisoners including 250 belonging to banned outfits were held in the jail," said Khalid Abbas, deputy inspector general of prisons of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province. The law enforcement agencies with the help of army had cordoned off the prison and surrounding area before launching an operation. The militants also destroyed all the police vehicles with hand grenades, jail officials said. "The biggest problem for the security forces was to identify the militants as they too were wearing police uniforms.

There was complete blackout and it was very much difficult on whom to open fire", Abbas said. He said that prison authorities had recently received a letter from the intelligence agencies informing about a possible attack on prison. The D I Khan prison is the third biggest detention facility in KP. Dera Ismail Khan is on the edge of Pakistan's tribal region of South Waziristan. Pakistan army had launched a military operation against the militants of South Waziristan and flushed them out of the region. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is on the hit list of the militants. About 57 people were killed in twin suicide blasts on Friday in Kurram tribal region. Shaukat Yousafzai, KP's information minister, said that the incident might be a continuation of the current wave of terrorism in the province. In April 2012, more than hundred heavily armed militants, affiliated with Pakistani Taliban broke a prison in Bannu town next to North Waziristan tribal region, freeing nearly 400 prisoners. One of the militants freed in that attack was Adnan Rasheed, an ex-official of Pakistan air force, who was involved in attack on president Pervez Musharraf in the garrison city of Rawalpindi. Rasheed recently drew media attention by writing a long letter to teenage education activist Malala Yousafzai, who was shot in the head by the Taliban last year in an attempt to kill her.

Protest.........

marched towards the office SSP Doda where they staged a massive protest. Shouting slogans against VDC members, the protesters were demanding action against those involved in the murder of the youth.

Reports said that the police officers pacified the protesters with an assurance that fair and transparent investigation will be carried into the incident and those involved in the crime will be booked in accordance with the law. SSP Doda, Mohammad Arif Rishu said that a case has been registered and investigations taken up. “It the process to its logical conclusion” he asserted and is not clear whether the boy has died due to bullet reminded the people that it was all due to the efforts of PDP wound or any other weapon. We are awaiting autopsy report in this regard,” he told KNS. that residents of border areas were living peaceful life.

“In 2002 we had only 16 members but still we had pursued To a question that people are alleging that the boy was the peace process with determination and commitment and killed by VDC members, he said, “Nothing can be said established peace in this region. “It was all due to the as of now as investigations in the case is still under way. credibility of the PDP that previous NDA regime headed by We have not concluded investigation and it will be Atal Behari Vajpayee and present UPA government led by premature to comment whether VDC members are Dr Manmohan Singh had whole heartedly supported involved or not.” whatever initiatives taken by us for restoring peace in this region”, he said while recalling the historic rally of the then Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee at Srinagar on agriculture and allied sectors, tourism, handicrafts, April18, 2003 when he had extended hands of friendship Information Technology and Science Technology has towards Pakistan at the time when tension was running tremendous promises and a bright future. He asked the youth to come forward with confidence to prove their high on borders.

While the quoting the Common Minimum Programme mettle in this field and play an important role in (CMP) which was formed after PDP-Congress had entered achieving economic independence and ensuring into alliance in 2002, Mufti said that his party never holistic development. In reply to a question regarding compromised its pro-peace agenda for the power. “The reluctance by investors to venture in Jammu and goal of the coalition government is to heal the physical, Kashmir, the Chief Minister said that biggest burden, psychological and emotional wounds inflicted by the they consider in this regard, is the unpredictable law fourteen years of militancy, to restore the rule of law in and order situation in the state. He said shut downs and Jammu and Kashmir, to request the Government of India to incidents like Gool and Budgam, marring the peace and

Mufti.........

Omar.........

tranquillity, makes them apprehensive in launching business projects in the state particularly in Kashmir valley. He said import of raw material from outside of the state and marketing of finished goods again by exporting these from the state to the outside markets make them hesitant to invest. Omar said that the biggest disadvantage in this regard is the ‘Image’ of the state being presented by the media to the outside world. He said when media magnifies even minor law and order problems and smaller disturbances, which otherwise exist in every part of the world, out of preposition, the image of the State progressing towards peace and development gets tarnished. However, he said that his government is making all out efforts to provide secure, productive and beneficial environment for outside investors to be partners in the economic development of the state. “At the end of the day businessmen count profits and this is the only objective they have to make investment in any part of the world”, he added and said that for this they require calm and peaceful atmosphere which has received severe jolt during the 25 years’ period of disturbance. The Chief Minister listed the measures his government has taken to make higher education highly productive for upgrading skills and employability of youth. He said that thousands of students coming out from colleges and universities in the State feel it most difficult to get jobs in the modern job market where scientific knowledge and technical know-how rules the roost besides the talent and qualification. He said his government has flagged this aspect as one of the priority concerns and job oriented courses in higher educational institutions and polytechnic colleges have been introduced. Omar said that problem of un-employability is equally grave as that of unemployment as such, he added that his government is giving stress on enhancing employability of youth through various centrally and state sponsored schemes.

He mentioned Himayat and Udaan initiatives in this regard and referred special drive of the state government for opening polytechnics and ITIs across the state with modern subjects of high job potential. The Chief Minister said that private sector is also being encouraged to open high job oriented institutes in the State so that the routine trend of acquiring traditional education of obtaining graduation and post graduation in the subjects which do not promise meaningful and gainful employment is improved upon by both private and public initiatives. He said the state has talent, quality, climate, geography and potential for opening such institutions in the state as exist in Pune, Bangalore and other parts of the country. “We are trying our best to harness this advantage”, he said.

Omar also replied various questions on State’s financial health, expansion and upgradation of higher education, introduction of new courses, conservation of heritage buildings, creation of sports facilities, upgradation of laboratories and libraries, implementation of special scholarship scheme and reservation for NCC in government services.

The Chief Minister also attended interaction meeting with the Principals of Government Degree Colleges of the State and shared the view points on various matters of importance for the development of higher education and welfare of faculty. The Principals participating in the interaction session brought various matters pertaining to administration, introduction of new courses, autonomous status of Degree Colleges, enhancement of retirement age of faculties, helping growth of mathematics, physics and other subjects of modern relevance in Colleges and Universities, creation of separate engineering division for higher education, providing of matching share for UGC grants and screening of students for admitting in PG courses.

The Chief Minister while giving his remarks pertaining to these matters stressed on imparting quality education in the higher educational institutions. He also laid stress on creating befitting and quality infrastructure to house various faculties comfortably and make excellence ruling the roost in these institutions. He also asked the Principals to prefer the proposals for matching shares for seeking UGC assistance well in the beginning of the year so that these are incorporated in the annual plan of the state.

Omar was accompanied by the Minister for Higher Education, Mohammad Akbar Lone, Principal Secretary, Higher Education, K.B. Agarwal and Advisor Higher Education, Prof. Nissar Ali. The Institute of Mathematical Sciences launched today by the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah in the newly constructed infrastructure in Amar Singh College aims at conducting research in mathematical sciences and dissemination of findings to the related sectors for use and benefits. It will link various institutions of the country and collaborate in research. It will train young scientists in better equipping with knowledge of tools and techniques for applied sciences. Principal, Prof.

Wali Mohammad Shah of Sopore Degree College will act as the Principal Nodal Officers for the institutions which will also have an office in Jammu at MAM Science College where the activities will be coordinated by Dr. Rajshiri Dhar as Nodal Officer. The infrastructure for J&K Institute of Mathematical Sciences (JKIMS) has been constructed at a cost of over Rs. 174 lakh by the Jammu and Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation (JKPCC).

Later, the Chief Minister also interacted with the group of students who had conducted 14 day Bharat Darshan organised by the Army under Sadhbhawna Programme.

The students gave account of their study tour and presented resume of various benefits and adventures of the tour to the Chief Minister. When a 13 year boy from Banihal, namely Tauqeer Ahmad exhibited his desire to study in the famous Mayo College of Ajmeer visited by the students during the tour, the Chief Minister told him that he will bear all educational expenses of the student of Mayo College when the student obtains admission there.

Pak President.........

boycotting the vote to protest against a change in the election schedule.

Hussain won easily in the provinces of Punjab, Sindh and Baluchistan and got 41 out of 110 votes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He won 277 out of 311 votes in the upper

ZABARWAN TIMES

and lower houses of parliament, emerging as the clear winner.

Hussain, who will be president for five years, resigned his membership of the PML-N soon after the election results were announced, in what is seen as a symbolic move to establish himself as a non-partisan president.

Hussain has been an active member of the PML-N since the 1960s. He was governor of the southern province of Sindh from June to October 1999 when Sharif's government was overthrown by the then army commander, Gen. Pervez Musharraf.

Traditionally, presidents have been figureheads in Pakistan although Musharraf wielded extensive powers when he held the post.

Presidency under Zardari stripped of powers Under Zardari, the presidency was largely stripped of powers though he enjoyed considerable influence in the previous administration.

The party Zardari heads, the PPP, was elected in 2008 on the back of a sympathy vote after his wife, the popular ex-prime minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated after returning from self-exile.

His leadership of the ruling party gave him influence but Zardari still came under considerable criticism as Pakistan lurched from crisis to crisis, its economy crippled by power cuts and security undermined by a growing insurgency.

Zardari will lose his immunity as head of state when he steps down.

He was once charged with conspiracy to commit murder after his brother-in-law, Murtaza Bhutto, was killed in 1996 but he denied any wrongdoing and was never convicted.

However, after his wife's government collapsed in late 1996, he was arrested and charged with corruption, such as for receiving kickbacks in deals involving a Swiss company.

He was never convicted and denies the charges but spent the next eight years in jail. In 2009, the Supreme Court scrapped an amnesty law that had dismissed corruption charges against thousands of Pakistani politicians, including Zardari.

BoPEE..........

suspicious thus now in every selection, the general public smell’s a rat, the common feeling point towards deliberate leakage and all blames, allegations of corruption, nepotism and political interference in the selection are the issues which have to be taken seriously and addressed honestly. If the credibility of BoPEE would not have been so suspected, it would have not issued a paid advertisement assuring the aspirants, parents, public and the civil society that the merit of the examinees of CET-2013 and the examinees of other competitive examinations conducted by BoPEE is in the safe hands which in no way can be bartered away. The assertions are quite obvious and are pointing towards transparency, fairness, and credibility which BoPEE is assuring but is lacking as one goes by its recent performances.

Sense of pain, horror prevails in Gool: KHCBA Report

Srinagar, July 30: Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association on Tuesday released its report regarding visit to Gool where four persons were killed allegedly in firing by Border Security Force on July 18, underscoring that a “sense of pain and horror prevails” on the faces of the inhabitants of the area in Ramban district of Jammu region. In its seven page report about the visit of the Dharam Gool where firing incident took place, a fivemember team of the KHCBA said after visiting the location on July 28, it was found that the BSF Battalion has been shifted to Ramban. “A sense of pain and horror prevails on the faces of the inhabitants who have been living a peaceful life till the date of incident,” the report said, adding, “The locals narrated the events bit by bit and signed their statements after the same were read over to them .

There was no difficulty in communication, as the local spoke fluent Urdu.” After analyzing the evidence and the recorded statements about the occurrences having taken place on July 17 and 18, the video clips made from mobile phones at the time of the incident helped to visualize and ascertain the facts of the incident with clarity. “The statements of eye witnesses were recorded which include prominent personalities of the area and two Sarpanchs.” As per the report, the picture which emerged reveals that during the night of July 17 at around 9-45 p.m. when the care taker of the Madrasa was offering “Isha & Taraweeh” prayers in the Madrasa, he heard the sound of heavy boots inside

Madrasa. “On completion of the prayer he saw two BSF personnel having barged inside Madrasa alongwith their shoes and guns in their hands. They threatened the lone inmate by saying that we have heard that there are militants in the Madrasa who have held up some BSF personnel,” the report said, adding, “He pointed out to the room that there was none and he has seen nobody around there. He objected that they should not enter the Madras with their boots on.” This, the report said, infuriated them and they started thrashing him with their boots and rifle butts. “Two more BSF personnel came in from somewhere. They started searching the premises and threw on ground the holy books placed on the shelf. Some pages were torn which scattered on floor,” tne report said, adding, “He tried to protest but he was dragged outside and they placed a gun on his chest.

He came to believe that they are going to kill him on spot, the report said. “He was terrified. In the meanwhile, he heard his mother calling, who is beating her son.

These were soothing words.” Meanwhile, report said, a Truck [Tipper] came on the road and light fell on him and soldiers. “Truck driver was asked to move ahead. He managed to dial a number from his mobile phone to local police post at Sangaldan four kms away,” report said, adding, “The local police post instructed one Police man Khurshid Ahmad Malik to go on spot and inquire about the incident. The police man came on spot along with some employees working with Railway.

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

NEWS

Daily ZABARWAN TIMES

Srinagar |wedneSday

Government to set-up one more 1000 MTD cement plant at Khrew: Kichloo SRINAGAR, JULY 30: With a view to capturing available local market share for the cement appropriately, the Government decided to set up one more 1000 Tonnes per day cement plant in public sector on the available about 240 kanals of vacant land at the existing J&K Cements plant at Khrew in District Pulwama.

Decision to this effect was taken at the 97th meeting of the Board of Directors of Jammu & Kashmir Cements Limited presided over by the Minister of State for Industries & Commerce (Independent charge) Sajad Ahmad Kichloo, who is also Chairman of the Company.

Decision to install a new cement plant at Khrew was taken to fill the gap in demand and supply of cement in the local market as according to preliminary survey, the requirement of cement in the State is about 30 Lakh M/Tonnes per year, against the installed capacity of about 15 Lakh M/Tonnes annually with an average growth rate of 10% per annum which clearly indicates that installation of additional cement plant would

be a feasible venture.

The Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Shanmanu, Director Budgets Dr. Ishaq Wani, Director Geology & Mining Farooq

various schemes of diversification and expansion so that the Company gains strength in the private market and also adopts diversification mode, as a result of which the Company will get

Zabarwan Times is available at Ahmad, Managing Director J&K Cements Ltd. R.K. Razdan, representatives of Planning and Power Development Deptt. and concerned officers also attended the meeting.

The Board also approved the proposals for

strengthen in its position financially also.

The meeting also discussed threadbare the status of the up-coming Rs. 27.00 Crore 300 MTD Clinker Grinding Cum Packing Unit at Samba. It was noted that the unit is at final stage of

Lone News Agency Kangan Khan News Agency Ganderbal Gulzar News Agency Soura Zahid Book Depot Chadoora Tariq News Agency Hawal Bashir News Agency Nowhatta Muzaffar Ali News Agency Alamgari Bazar Budshah News Agency Lal Chowk Abdullah News Agency Lal Chowk Sikendar News Agency Lal Chowk Gupkari News Agency Lal Chowk Raina News Agency Gund Kangan Khan News Agency Regal Chowk Rashid News Agency Dalgate Sheikh News Agency Hyderpora Hilal News Agency Budgam Lone News Agency Tangmarg Bhat NewsJULY Agency SRINAGAR, 30: Chadoora SRINAGAR, JULY 30: Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand TuesBhat News Agency Magam Zargar News Agency Kunzar day said that Government is committed to mitigate the grievancAsking News for judicious es of employees of education department several initiatives Dar News Agencyand Beerwah Bashir Agencyutilization Sumbal of funds, the Minister for Forests, Ecolhave been taken to fill up available vacancies by promotions and Reshi News Agency Safapora Saleem News Agency Pattan ogy and Environment, Mian Altaf Ahmad through SSRB. He said that promotion case of class IV employees Basharat News Agency Bandipora Reyaz News AgencytoPampore urged upon the officers prioritize all is being sorted out and due consideration will be given to the isAltaf News Agency Pulwama Javaid News Agency Qazigund sue besides other issues confronting them within shortest possible time.

Jeelani News Agency Baramulla G.M News Agency Sopore Deputy Chief Minister was interacting with a deputation of Shah News Agency Kupwara Sultan News Agency Handwara School Education Employees Coordination Committee (SEECC) News Sheikh News Agency Islamabad who called on him thisYounis afternoon hereAgency Tuesday.Langate The Deputation Reshi Agency Islamabad Three Way News Agency Tral was led by President EJAC andNews Chairman SEECC, Abdul Qoyum Wani and Vice PresidentTurray NusratNews AhmadAgency Beig. Tral Badru News Agency Bijbehara Various Heads of the Departments were present Rahi News Agency Kulgamon the ocMalik News Agency Arwani casion, including Director School Education Kashmir, Director Rah News Agency Byepass Shaheen News Agency Kargil School Education Jammu, State Project Director, SSA and Director

School Education Coordination Committee calls on Dy CM

RMSA. The deputations expressed their gratitude to Deputy Chief Minister for issuance of promotion orders and also for filling up large number of vacant posts of teaching and non-teaching cadres.

Deputy Chief Minister assured the deputation that all pending genuine issues will be solved by the Government in a phased manner.He said that Government is contemplating to constitute Education Board for framing educational policies besides formulation of Right to Education Act is also under its active consideration.Expressing satisfaction over the functioning of Private Schools Fee Structure Committee, Deputy Chief Minister said that most of the schools in private sector are ready to cooperate and fix genuine fee for students of various classes, studying in their schools.Deputy Chief Minister further said that SSRB has been directed to speed up filling up of posts referred by Education Department and make selection as early as possible.

Mian Altaf for judicious utilization of funds

Stresses for starting timely plantation in Jammu

those projects which are targeted to be completed during this financial year.

The Minister was chairing an officer’s meeting of the Forest Department here Tuesday convened to review the alloca-

tion of funds to different wings of the department for current fiscal.

Commissioner Secretary Forests besides other heads of various wings of the department were present on the occasion.He asked Commissioner Secretary

to release funds to different wings which included wildlife, soil conservation, forest, social forestry etc as per the priority fixed by their heads to ensure proper implementation of plans.

Chief Secretary reviews Wular, Mansar and Tso-Morari Conservation activities SRINAGAR, JULY 30: Stressing the need for allocation of adequate funds for taking up comprehensive and effective conservation and management of State’s wetlands, Chief Secretary Mohammad Iqbal Khandey Tuesday while emphasising the importance of wetland

conservation called for full funding of the projects submitted by the State Government to the Centre for implementation of the Conservation and Management Action Plan of wetlands.Chairing a meeting to review the developmental activities of Wular, Mansar and Tso-Morari lakes here,

Chief Secretary underlined the importance of preserving wetlands, terming them vital for maintaining the lifeline and rich and unique bio-diversity.

Chief Secretary asked the concerned to pursue the matter with Government of India and ensure that funds to the tune of Rs 386 Crore as earlier projected by the State

for Wular Conservation and Management are released. He said Rs 120 crore plan approved by the Centre is not sufficient for carrying out an effective conservation programme.Chief Executive Officer, Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA), Mr Abdul Razzak informed

the meeting that 100 per cent demarcation of Wular Lake has been completed.

Moreover, the lake area has been classified and identified into 109 micro-water sheds out of which 24 have been prioritized for treatment. The Chief Executive Officer said that dredging work has been carried out in NazNallah and other parts of the lake. Removal of willow and poplar trees is also under progress. He said that till date Rs 30 crore have been released for water management, catchment conservation, survey, demarcation and institutional development adding that during 2013-14, an amount of Rs 43 crore is envisaged to be utilised under the total 120 cr approved Plan.Calling for massive afforestation of Mansar-Sruinsar catchment area, Chief Secretary said that steps should be taken to prevent soil erosion and arrest flow of silt into the lake. It was informed that under PMRP, Union Government approved a 5 year Action Plan of Rs 3 crore against which Rs 1.33 crore have been released and expenditure of Rs 132.20 incurred upto 2012-13. An amount of Rs 52.75 Lakh is envisaged to be utilized during 2013-14 for restoration of degraded habitat and other works.

3473 appointed as Technical Staff under MGNREGA: Sagar SRINAGAR, JULY 30 Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Ali Mohammad Sagar Tuesday said that the government has already appointed 3473 persons as technical and supporting staff under MGNREGA so that the implementation of this landmark scheme is speeded up.

The Minister was interacting with the deputations of Sarpanches and Panches from Shopian and Tangdar here Tuesday.The Minister said that the government has ensured that implementation of various schemes of the Rural Development Department are speeded up so that the people get benefitted from these schemes. He said that MGNREGA has registered a phenomenal increase in its implementation providing the much needed employ-

ment in rural areas besides creating infrastructure.

“The schemes has been instrumental in changing the socio-economic profile of the rural and far-flung areas and

we have put in a foolproof mechanism to ensure its proper implementation so that the genuine beneficiaries get benefitted from it”, he said and maintained that the necessary measures have also been put in place to ensure that the complaints if any are also redressed within the shortest possible time.

completion and shall be put on Trial Run within a fortnight. The meeting also approved that the cement produced from this unit be sold under the Brand name of Chenab Brand.

The meeting also approved enhancement in the Gratuity ceiling from existing Rs. 3.50 Lakh to Rs. 10.00 Lakh for the employees of the company.

Speaking on the occasion the Minister called for bringing both qualitative and quantitative improvements in the functioning of plant without compromising on the quality. He said Company should compete in a befitting manner. He also asked the Management of the Corpn. to further focus towards Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the Company should maintain Eco-friendly atmosphere in and around the cement plant.

Briefing about the fiscal and financial achievements made during 2011-12 and 2012-13, it was noted with satisfaction that the company has shown growth of 47% in two consecutive years and earned profit of Rs. 8.35 Crores in two years. Managing Director, Razdan assured that the company will strive hard to excel in future as well.

Sagar further maintained that government has put in place a vibrant Panchayati Raj set up by ensuring the empowerment of PRIs with powers of 14 vital departments. He

said that the panches and Sarpanches should work in close coordination with the officers of different departments so that sustained and need based development of their respective areas is ensured.

The Minister assured the deputations that their genuine grievances would be looked into and redressed.

The Minister directed concerned officers to start timely plantation in Jammu division besides launching an awareness programme about the availability of plants in forest nurseries. He asked them to carry out plantation on large scale on available chunk of forest land besides Government office land, schools and other relevant locations in order to maintain ecological balance in the division.It was given out that Rs 20 lakh stands expended against total estimated cost of Rs. 66 lakh on construction of Ningli Rest House while work is in full swing on construction of Rs 22 Lakh Dooru Rest House.

The meeting was told that 80 per cent work of Shopian and Bandipora Rest Houses have been completed.

Earlier, the Minister reviewed the status of the forest clearance issues required for proposed Keeru and Kawar power projects and directed concerned officer to complete the process expeditiously in view of the importance of the issue.

EC suggested for concession in power tariff to BPL, AAY consumers MANASBAL, JULY 30: The Committee on Estimates (EC) of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly headed by MLA Dr. Mustafa Kamal Tuesday directed the Power Development Department (PDD) authorities to formulate comprehensive plan for replacement of all wooden poles in a phased manner in the State.The Committee, which met with its members Nizam-udDin Bhat, Peerzada Mansoor Hussain, Syed Mohammad Rafiq Shah and Syed Nayeem Akhtar Anderabi here, gave their valuable suggestions for further improvement in working of the PDD.Threadbare discussion was held on migrant posts, new Power Projects and other issues.The panel stressed for regular monitoring of power thefts and asked the concerned to publish the names of the erring consumers in leading newspapers. It also asked them to gear up their field functionaries and ensure registration of all illegal connections and take steps to increase revenue.Detailed discussion was also held on bill system and the Committee directed the concerned to ensure accountability in the system.The Committee suggested for concession in power tariff for Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Aantodiya Awas Youjna (AAY) consumers. Earlier, Principal Secretary PDD A.K. Mehta briefed the Committee about the activities of the department.

Among others Director General Accounts & Treasuries Jehangir Hussain, Special Secretary Assembly Mulk Raj Singh, Chief Engineer M&RE Kashmir Muzaffar Mattoo, Chief Engineer M&RE Jammu Shahnaz Ghoni and other officers of PDD and Assembly Secretariat attended the meeting.

JKP hosting All India Police Golf Tournament in Srinagar: Prasad SRINAGAR, JULY 30: 17th All India Police Golf Tournament would be hosted

by Jammu and Kashmir Police. The tournament being held in Srinagar would begin fromOctober 8 and conclude on October 10, 2013.

This was disclosed by the Director General of Police (DGP), Ashok Prasad while chairing a high level meeting of senior police functionaries at Armed Police Headquarters here Tuesday. The meeting was convened to discuss the arrangements for the national event being held at world famous Royal Spring Golf Course at Srinagar.Addressing the meeting, Prasad disclosed that 100 players, representing different 26 States and Central Police Organizations of the country would be participating in the three day long tournament. He said that

Jammu and Kashmir Police is hosting the national event for the third time and earlier the tournament was held in Srinagar in 2002 and 2005. The first tournament was held at Shillong in October 1996 and the 16thevent of tournament was held in Haryana, said the DGP.Prasad added that the 11th All India Police Golf Championship held in 2007 in Punjab was lifted by the team of JKP. He said that the Organization has been hosting various national sports events in different disciplines including All India Police Football Championship, All India Police Wrestling Cluster and National Athletic Meet.

All these national championships are held under the aegis of All India Police Sports Control Board, said Prasad.To ensure arrangements for the prestigious tournament, various committees were con-

stituted in the meeting and the required arrangements were discussed. Lodging and boarding arrangements for the guest players were discussed in the meeting and it was decided that convenient accommodation would be provided to the visiting players and the management.

The DGP stressed upon the officers to work in close coordination and utilize previous experiences for making the event a success. He said that the event should be given proper publicity inviting the golf lovers to witness the competition between national level players.Earlier, the ADGP (Armed), S. M. Sahai, who is Organising Secretary for the event, through a power point presentation apprised the high level meeting about the details and the required arrangements for the tournament.

31 .7.2013

HOROSCOPE Aries

March 21-April 19 Other people’s stubborn attitudes may hinder your progress today, Aries, so take this as a hint that you might need to loosen your grip on a certain viewpoint you’re fiercely clinging to. There’s a great deal of power behind your emotions, and you need to express it. Jump onstage and take the podium. Speak your mind even if you don’t always agree with the group.

Taurus April 20-May 20

People may be a bit critical of you today, Taurus.

You would do well to listen to what they say. Be receptive of feedback so you can establish a healthy ego. Keep your sense of humility. You may feel critical as you see people moving like sloths compared to your lightning quick mind. Be patient with others.

Gemini May 21-June 21

People are going to appreciate extra long hugs today, Gemini, so give them out like candy to everyone you meet. A kind gesture and warm word won’t be forgotten. Let your generous and kind spirit shine through.

Open your arms wide to spread love to the world around you. It’s the perfect day for laughter and affection, so do your part.

Cancer June 22-July 22

Things should go extremely well for you today, Cancer, so don’t shy away from any part of it. In fact, take this opportunity to shine as brightly as you can. Crank up the power and project yourself out to the world.

Bring out your radiant smile as often as possible - it’s contagious. There is tremendous power behind your self-confidence.

Leo

July 23-August 22 Come out of serious mode for a day and let yourself laugh, Leo. Hold a game night at your home and invite some good friends over to play cards and nibble on snacks until all hours. This is a day to have fun, so let loose and freely express yourself in the best way you see fit. Realize how much power you have in your jovial nature. Spread it generously.

Virgo

August 23-September 22

You have an incredibly strong influence on others today, Virgo, just because yours is a fun-loving, peaceful, and harmonious nature. Your charm will take you any place you want to go, so use it at your will. Accentuate the positive and walk on the sunny side of the street.

Smile and bring good cheer to the people you meet.

Libra

September 23-October 23 Put your aggressions away today, Libra. Laugh a little! Transform your energy from intense, hard, and caustic to lighthearted, fun, and loving. This will take you a long way. Little things may crop up that could disrupt your daily routine, but a warm smile is all you need to defuse any frustration or negativity.

Scorpio

October 24-November 21 It’s a terrific day for you, Scorpio. Your jovial approach to every situation is just what the doctor ordered. Spend time with children and enjoy their magical world. Freely spread your love and affection to the people around you. Make sure that the corners of people’s mouths are turning up instead of down. A friendly attitude will take you far.

Sagittarius November 22-December 21

Take a time-out today and relax a little, Sagittarius. Let your romantic nature have some fun. Don’t feel guilty about not being as serious as you think you should be. The day’s winner is the one who can smile the most. Enter this contest with the intention of winning. The rewards will last a long time. The people you encounter won’t be able to help but smile back.

Capricorn December 22-January 19

You might find that others have a “me first” attitude that doesn’t sit quite right with you, Capricorn. You may need to wake them up and say, “Hey, what about everybody else?” Try not to whine as you deliver this message. Desperation or complaining will get you nowhere. Be friendly and jovial in your approach and you will have the world at your feet.

Aquarius January 20-February 18

Bask in today’s warm, loving energy, Aquarius.

Adopt an attitude of gratitude and look to see the beauty in everything around you. This is a day to appreciate what you have, especially the people who love you.

Compliment others and let them know how much they mean to you. These words and deeds will have a ripple effect that will bring you a great deal of good fortune.

Pisces

February 19-March 20 I t’s time for you to come out of hibernation, Pisces.

Shake off the blues and come into the light. Today is a day to play and have fun. The mood of the day is lighthearted and jovial, so be the first with a joke or silly story. Do what you can to make others laugh. Let the fire within you burn at its brightest.

Editorial/Opinion

ZABARWAN TIMES 9

Wednesday, 31 July 2013

PLANT WEALTH OF CHENAB VALLEY

The Daily

Zabarwan Times Wednesday, 31 July 2013

Beggars not choosers but visitors ‘Beggars are not the choosers’ is an old wise saying but it has different meaning and connotations in this part of the world called ‘Paradise on earth’. They are most respectable, in demand from special contractors for whom they are the best earning hands against meager investments. Track loads of these beggars are brought from outside the state distributed and placed at various cities and towns where they occupy crossings, footpaths, crowded markets, Govt. institutions. Even they do not spare hospitals where utmost care is needed for the patients as most of these beggars are dirty and filthy suffering from various diseases including Tuberculosis, leprosy and other communicable diseases. They even make their way into words and nobody is there to stop them. They have made the life of people hell at traffic point crossings, foot paths besides buses, shrines, mosques etc.

They put their clusters at various places for which their contractor take an open plot on rent without any proper sanitation facilities. They defecate in open and pollute the surroundings. One fails to understand why Governmental agencies especially J&K Police is watching all this to happen as a silent spectator.

Why should not they stop their arrival at Jammu itself and why do they allow them to enter the State?

The supreme court of India has made it clear in a case regarding Amarnath yatra that in no way the state’s ecology and environment should be allowed to be polluted. How come the state police is closing its eyes on what is being done to the ecology and environment of the valley by these beggars who even indulge in cutting green trees and use them as fuel and other purposes. India is a democratic country where there is no ban for any citizen to travel to any part of the country, but it does not mean that these beggars counted in the list of tourists, should be free to spread diseases, pollute the environment and indulge ion immoral activities which they are doing. Robbery, house burgling, drug-peddling is rampant amongst these beggars which is costing heavily on the future of our young generation who are falling prey to their immoral activities. The people allege that hefty amounts are charged by police from the contractors of these beggars for their entry in J&K and regular ‘Hafta’ is charged by the various police station. If this is the case, then only God can save Kashmir and Kashmiri people from the onslaught of these beggars who in future may even claim for a state subject status-who knows?

Daily

O.P. Sharma Vidyarthi

C

henab valley drained by mighty Chenab river is known for its high mountain peaks, v e r d a n t g r e e n e r y, r i c h biodiversity, pilgrimage spots, lush green meadows and tourist destinations. Doda, Bhaderwah, Kishtwar and Ramban are major urban centres originally falling in one district of Doda.

Plant wealth of CHENAB VALLEY is much diverse and forms an important economic resource for the people and the state. Historically, Chenab valley has remained a hub of timber and non timber forest products contributing major share of forest revenue to the state kitty. Three Hydroelectric Projects of Dulhasti, Baghaliyar and Salaal are other important milestones of Chenab valley.

Following nine kinds of plant groups have remained traditionally in focus to act as main sources of livelihood generation for the ethepic communities of the area : 1. TIMBER TREES: Main timber trees found in Chenab valley are Himalayan Devdar, Fir, Spruce, Chilgoza Pine, Blue Pine, Alder, Elm, Horse Chestnut, Walnut, Ash, Birch, Bird cherry and Maples.

2. FUELWOOD PLANTS: Plants like Oaks, Buckthorn, Dogwood, Sheep berry, Sapphire berry, Rose tree, Juniper, Birch, Cotoneaster, Prinsepia, Spiraea, Falsa Acacia, Blue Pine, Figs, Witch Hazel etc are used as fuelwood by the locals.

3. FODDER TREES: Important fodder yielding species include Alders, Oaks, Dogwoods, Barberry, Grewia, Poplars, Willows, Viburnums, Robinia, Elm, Celtis, Corylus, Horse chestnut,

Camelfoot tree, Figs, Honey suckles, Olive, Symplocos, Cotoneasters, Wild roses etc.

4. WILD FRUITS: Several wild fruits commonly eaten by locals include herbs like Wild Strawberry, Himalayan Balsam, Garden Nightshade ; shrubs like Himalayan Raspberry, Sheepberry Debregeasia, Oriental Currant, Wild

Buckwheat (Phafra), Rhubarb (Pambhaak), Teasel (Wopalhaak), Trailing Milkwort (Bibadee), various mushrooms (Boletus, Pleurotus, Lycoperdon, Macrolepiota, Ramaria, Rhizopogon, Morchella, Helvella etc) are eaten in Chenab valley.

6. RELIGIOUS PLANTS: Flowers, leaves, branches, roots, stems of various

Plant wealth of CHENAB VALLEY is much diverse and forms an important economic resource for the people and the state.

Historically, Chenab valley has remained a hub of timber and non timber forest products contributing major share of

forest revenue to the state kitty. Three Hydroelectric Projects of Dulhasti, Baghaliyar and Salaal are other

important milestones of Chenab valley.

Rose, Barberry; trees like Chilgoza, Pyrus pashia, Turkish Hazelnut, Pomegranate, Toothache Tree, Jujube, Walnut, Bird cherry and climbers/lianas like Sageretia, Vitis etc .

5. WILD VEGETABLES: Alliums (Pharnu, Kiyar), Mountain Candle (Kahloo, Prezdar), Orchid tree (Katriyad), Stich wort (Lehloo, Phukku),

plants like Prinsepia utilis (Jintoi), Skimmia laureola (Dhtioph sangli), Jurinea macrocephala (Googal dhooph), Fraxinushookeri (Sinnu), Saussurea simpsoniana (Jogipadshah) are used in various religious rituals and traditions by the natives.

7. TEA SUBSTITUTES: Some plants like Bistorta amplexicaulis (Macharan,

malchhain), Geranium wallichianum (Ratanjot), Potentilla nepalensis (Tarohad chaa), Flacourtia indica (Kakohaa), Platanus orientalis (Chinar), Thymus serphyllum (Van juain), Taxus wallichiana (Brimmi, Postul), Fragaria nubicola (van shataawer) are used as wild tea substitutes.

8. MEDICINAL HERBS: Reputed herbal wealth is being exploited by locals as well as Ayurvedic practioners for treating various ailments. Notable medicinal plants occurring in chenab valley are Aconitum, Jurinea, Arnebia, Artemisia, Atropa, Bergenia, Berberis, Corydalis, Dactylorhiza, Datisca, Delphinium, Ferula, Heracieum, Gentiana, Hyssopus, Inula, Meconopsis, Morina, Picrorhiza, Podophyllum, Prunella, Rheum, Saussurea, Seiinum, Tagetus, Viola etc.

9. ESSENTIAL OIL PLANTS: Plants like Artemisia (Seski), Cedrus (DEVDAR), Hyssopus (Tengu), Jurinea (Guggal), Origanum (Marua), Pleurospermum (Ghuggi vaan), Tagetus (Gutti), Thymus (JANGLI AJWAIN), Saussurea (Kuth), Salvia (Thuth) etc are essential oil yielding plants of Chenab valley.

Plant wealth of Chenab valley with such multifarious benefits for local communities is under tremendous pressure because of unregulated exploitation of natural resources including forests, wildlife, river water and construction materials and all this is putting fragile ecology of Chenab valley at grave risk. Governmental efforts need to be supplemented by non governmental agencies and local communities to safeguard the interests of future generations.

LTU – Single Window Facilitation For Large Taxpayers

T

he Union Finance Minister in his Budget Speech 2005-06 announced the proposal to setup Large Taxpayer Units (LTUs) in the country, which would act as a single window facilitation centre for all large entities paying excise duty, corporate tax/income tax and service tax. The first LTU was set-up at Bangalore which commenced operation from 3rd October, 2006 followed by three more LTUs operating at Chennai from 1st December, 2007 in Mumbai from 27th March, 2008 and in Delhi from 2nd June, 2008.

What is an LTU? LTU is a self-contained tax administration office under the Department of Revenue which acts as a single window clearance point for all matters relating to central excise, income tax/corporate tax and service tax. Entities would be able to file their excise return, direct taxes returns and service tax return at such LTUs and for all practical purposes will be assessed to all these taxes at these LTUs. Such units are equipped with modern facilities and trained manpower to assist the tax payers in all matters relating to direct and indirect tax/duty payments, filing of documents and returns, claim of rebates/refunds, settlement of disputes etc. The scheme aims at reducing tax compliance cost and delays, and bringing about uniformity in the matters of tax/duty determination. An eligible taxpayer can opt to avail of the facility of LTU scheme.

Establishment and Administration of LTUs A Large Transfer Unit is headed by a Chief Commissioner. There are Commissioners posted in LTU, who hold executive and appellate charges. The powers and duties are similar to that of other field commissioner. The Chief Commissioners, LTU assigns a Client Executive for each taxpayer from among the Additional/ Joint/ Deputy/Assistant Commissioner posted in LTU, and the said Client Executive is to be the single point interface with the large taxpayer for all purposes.

The officers posted in LTU have All India jurisdiction in respect of all registered premises of a large taxpayer registered in that particular LTU. The erstwhile Central Excise or Service Tax Commissionerate officers have concurrent jurisdiction.

However, the interaction with these units is limited to specific function requiring physical presence of the officers for purposes such as warehousing, sealing or any other work as assigned by the LTU. The LTU performs all the statutory functions presently mandated under the Income Tax Act, 1961, Wealth Tax Act and Rules made there under (in respect of direct tax matters), under the Central Excise Act, 1944 and Rules made there under (in respect of central excise matters), Customs Act/Rules (in respect of functions handles by excise authorities), and under the Finance Act, 1994 and Service Tax Rules (in respect of service tax matters). The Chief Commissioner and Commissioners of an LTU are expected to play a pro-active role in the administration of the LTU. Eligibility for Registration under LTU The large taxpayers who pay direct and indirect taxes above the threshold limit as specified in Notification dated 30.09.2006 are eligible to seek registration under LTU as per the following norms: Any person, engaged in the manufacture or production of goods, or a provider of taxable service, who has paid during the financial year 2004-05 or during the financial year preceding the year of filing of application for registration under LTU, · Duties of excise of more than rupees five crores in cash or through account current; or · Service tax of more than rupees five crores in cash or through account current; or · Advance tax of more than rupees ten crores under the Income Tax Act, 1961, and is presently assessed to income tax or corporate tax under the Income Tax Act, 1961, under certain jurisdictions of Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai.

Procedure to Seek Registration under LTU

A large taxpayer opting for registration under LTU needs to file a consent form to the head of LTU, and thereafter, procedure for acceptance of his form and transfer of jurisdiction follows. This includes, Submission of consent form for registration under LTU, Verification and acceptance of application, Transfer of jurisdiction to LTU and assignment of a chief executive as a single point interface.

A large taxpayer may, with intimation of at least thirty days in advance, opt out to be a large taxpayer from the first day of the following financial year.

Various Provisions as Applicable to Large Taxpayer When a large taxpayer gets registered under LTU, the provisions of service tax, excise and CENVAT credit would apply to it mutatis mutandis as they apply to other assessees subject to the following: 1. Provisions applicable in relation to selfadjustment of excess duty paid under Rule 12BB of the Central Excise Rules, 2002, whereby a large taxpayer manufacturing excisable goods is permitted to adject excess duty paid by him in the subsequent period.

2. Provisions applicable in relation to transfer of credit under Rule 12A(4) of the CENVAT Credit Rules, 2004, to any of its other manufacturing or service providing units.

3. Provisions in relation to filing of service tax return : A large taxpayer shall submit the individual returns for each of the registered premises (as he was filing prior to registration under LTU). A large taxpayer who has obtained a centralized registration of service tax shall submit a consolidated return for all such premises.

However, all the unit returns would be filed with LTU office.

Advantage of Registration under LTU An assessee having registered under LTU enjoys several advantages. These include (i) Filing of documents at a single place since a large taxpayer (single PAN-based entity) can file all his direct taxes, excise and service tax returns as also all other

documents, correspondence, intimations such as export/import related central excise documents, bonds, proof of exports, etc. pertaining to all these establishment can be filed with LTUs. (ii) Single point interaction at senior level as upon joining the LTU, an officer of the level of Assistant/ Deputy/ Joint/ Additional Commissioner would be appointed as client executive for assistance in any/all tax matter. This ensures that the taxpayer need not interact with different section/officers of the LTU. (iii) Once a taxpayer opts for the LTU scheme, the erstwhile jurisdictional field officer (including preventive units of the erstwhile Excise Commissionerates) would not suo motu visit its units or interact with them for any issue arising. However certain procedures under the Central Excise Rules, requiring physical control, and verification of premises or documents, would be carried out by the local Commissioniorates under the express directions of the LTU. (iv) The taxpayer would have the option to transfer any excess CENVAT credit (of central excise duty or service tax) accumulated in one manufacturing unit or service providing unit to any other eligible unit of his choice through a simple mechanism. (v) Movement of capital goods without duty reversal. An LTU taxpayer would have the facility of removing capital goods and inputs from one unit to any other unit of its choice, without payment of duty/reversal of credit through a simple method. Similarly the finished product of one unit can be transferred to another unit, without payment of duty, provided the second unit uses the products as inputs and pays excise duty on the finished goods manufactured using such inputs. (vi) The taxpayers is not be subjected to mandatory audit. The selection of a taxpayer for audit would be based on – risk assessment. The Department ensures that audit schedulers are drawn in consultation with the taxpayers so as to cause minimum inconvenience.

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 58

ZABARWANTIMES ZABARWAN TIMES WEDNESDAY | 31 JULY 2013

Asthma inhalers can stunt growth in kids

This is the finding from a comprehensive asthma study, which has Robert C. Strunk, MD, the Donald Strominger Professor of Pediatrics at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis as the senior author.

The study involved more than 1,000 children ages 5-12 who were treated for mild to moderate asthma as part of the Childhood Asthma Management Program (CAMP) clinical trial.

The children received treatment for more than four years at eight centers, including Washington University School of Medicine. They were divided into three groups: one received twice-daily

budesonide, an inhaled corticosteroid medication; a second group received nedocromil, an inhaled non-steroid medication; and a third group received a placebo.

All children received albuterol, a fast-acting drug for relief of acute asthma symptoms, and oral corticosteroids as needed for asthma symptoms.

The researchers followed 943 participants in the trial at regular intervals until they reached adult height.

Females were considered to be at adult height at age 18 or older and males at age 20 or older, Strunk said. In the first 4 1/2 years after the end of the trial, researchers took patients' height and weight every

six months. Over the next eight years, height and weight were measured once or twice a year.

The mean adult height was about one-half inch, or 1.2 centimeters, shorter in the group that received budesonide than in the patients who received nedocromil or placebo. The patients who experienced the slower growth were primarily between 5-11 years old when they began using budesonide.

The slower growth took place only in the first two years of the four-year study.

As the study progressed, the children who took the budesonide remained onehalf inch shorter through adulthood than the children who did not use the

linked diabetes, a disorder in which blood sugar levels are abnormally high, to age-related cognitive decline. But the new study, published Monday in the journal Neurology, suggested controlling blood sugar levels could boost cognitive health in non-diabetics.

How exactly? The jury’s still out.

Some studies suggest blood sugar control can help regulate the body’s inflammatory response, which has been linked to brain shrinkage. Another theory is that high sugar levels make the blood stickier, raising the risk of clots that starve the brain.

Either way, experts said,

the study supports healthy eating to keep blood sugar levels in check.

“This in line with many other studies that have been published and adds to all of the data on diabetes affecting brain health,” said Dr. R. Scott Turner, director of the Memory Disorders Program and a professor of neurology at Georgetown University Medical Center, who was not involved with this study.

For non-diabetic patients with high blood sugar levels, Turner recommended adopting the American Diabetes Association diet, which is high in nonstarchy vegetables and low in carbohydrates and protein.

Exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a manmade chemical used in the manufacture of some common household products, may lead to cardiovascular disease and peripheral arterial disease, a new study has warned.

Surveys have suggested that PFOA (widely used in the manufacture of products such as lubricants, polishes, paper and textile coatings, and food packaging) is detectable in the blood of more than 98 per cent of the U.S. population.

Some evidence has suggested that an association may be biologically plausible between PFOA exposure and cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to the study background.

Anoop Shankar, M.D., Ph.D., and colleagues from the West Virginia University School of Public Health, Morgantown, examined the association between serum (blood) levels of PFOA and the presence of CVD and PAD, a marker of atherosclerosis, in a nationally representative group of adults. The study

5 Teas that make you slim!

The brew that energises can also help you lose weight. Here's how...

It's widely known that just one cup of tea can prevent strokes, arthritis, tooth decay and even keep cancer at bay. While it's regarded as nature's tranquiliser for its soothing properties, the brew also has another great benefit - it helps shed weight. Scientists have shown that tea has high levels of compounds that battle the absorption of fat.

Here are 5 teas that can result in a slimmer you...

Star anise tea: promotes digestion Star anise, the fruit of a small evergreen tree (Illicium verum) native to China, can be used in the treatment of digestive troubles such an upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea etc.

One may drink a tea made from it by

steeping a whole pod in one cup of hot water for 10 minutes. Strain this and sweeten it if required. Sip on this slowly when an upset stomach occurs.

Peppermint tea: controls what you eat

If you like peppermint tea then try and rotate that with a green tea drink as both speed up digestion and thus help you burn more calories. The peppermint leaves can be used to make a light, refreshing tea, which can be drunk either hot or chilled. To prepare the tea, take a tablespoon of fresh or dried leaves and add them to boiling water and let it steep for four to five minutes. Strain and add honey, if needed.

Green tea: builds metabolism

Research says the chemical EGCG found in green tea that speeds up the body's metabolism, is responsible for helping people lose the kilos - it can burn a whopping 70 calories a day! Green tea also raises the level of

SCREEN time has overtaken exercise as the most important factor in childhood obesity and should be limited, a South Australian study has found.

The UniSA study looked at 2200 children aged between nine and 16 years and found the length of time they spent in front of television and computer screens was a more likely indicator of being overweight or obese than the amount of exercise they did.Study co-author and UniSA researcher Dr Carol Maher said screen time now made up about one quarter of waking time for the age group."In the past two decades, young

people's physical activity behaviour has been the subject of scores of interventions but, in comparison, interventions aimed at reducing screen time have been relatively uncommon," she said."Our findings suggest that screen-time reduction may be a more effective target behaviour for intervention studies aimed at reducing overweight and obesity among children."The study found there were about two and a half times as many obese study subjects classed in the category of high-screen-time and lowexercise (10.7 per cent), as in the low-screen-time and high-exercise category (4.3

per cent).

Dr Maher said the value of physical activity also should not be underestimated.

"Increased likelihood of a young person being overweight or obese was more strongly and consistently associated with high screen-time than with low physical activity," she said."Findings underscore the need for interventions targeting screen behaviour in young people."Dr Maher said the study, published in the latest edition of Acta Paediatrica, was carried out because there was debate in the scientific community about which factor had the stronger as-

sociation with obesity.

The children's behaviour over 24-hour periods was studied and they were divided into groups based on high and low activity, as well as on high and low screen use, according to national guidelines.

Low-activity children exercised for less than 60 minutes each day and high screen-time children failed to meet national guidelines.

"Increased likelihood of overweight or obese was often associated with high screen time, but only sometimes and less strongly associated with low ... physical activity," Dr Maher said.

Household chemicals can give you heart disease

High Blood Sugar Levels Linked to Brain Shrinkage The Australian study of nearly 250 non-diabetic men and women found those with high blood sugar levels tended to have shrinking in brain areas linked to memory and emotional processing. The results held up even after controlling for lifestyle factors such as smoking and weight.

“If replicated, this finding may contribute to a reevaluation of the concept of normal blood glucose levels and the definition of diabetes,” wrote study author Dr. Nicolas Cherbuin, director of the Neuroimaging and Brain Lab at Australian National University in Canberra, Australia.

Previous research has

drug, said Strunk, who treats children with asthma at St. Louis Children's Hospital.

"This was surprising because in previous studies, we found that the slower growth would be temporary, not affecting adult height. But none of those studies followed patients from the time they entered the study until they had reached adult height," Strunk stated.

Pediatric asthma specialists at St. Louis Children's Hospital keep a close watch on the growth of their patients who use inhaled steroids, Strunk said. They are measured at every visit, and physicians keep a growth curve.

"If a child is not growing as they should, we may reduce their steroid dose," he noted.

"But we think that the half-inch of lowered adult height must be balanced against the well-established benefit of inhaled corticosteroids in controlling persistent asthma. We will use the lowest effective dose to control symptoms to minimize concerns about effects on adult height," he added.

The findings will be presented at the European Respiratory Society meeting in Vienna, Austria, and published online in the New England Journal of Medicine

Study finds computer, television screen time directly linked to childhood obesity

antioxidants. It's believed the antioxidant catechins in green tea boost metabolism and helps burn fat (can burn a whopping 70 calories a day!)

Steeping time for the tea: two to three minutes at 85 Degrees Celsius.

Rose tea: prevents constipation

One of the oldest flavouring teas available, rose tea - made by mixing fresh roses and the bud of the tea has a major therapeutic effect on the human body. Apart from clearing toxins and beautifying the skin, rose tea contains vitamins A, B3, C, D and E and is known to act against infections. It also prevents constipation and helps one lose weight.

Oolong tea: guards against obesity

Research reveals that oolong, a semifermented tea may have a stronger effect than even green tea. It promotes fat burning is said to help reduce cholesterol and the concentration of fat in the body. About two cups per day is recommended. Steep oolong tea anywhere from 30 seconds to five minutes, for a more full-bodied cup.

used merged data from the 19992000 and 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

The study suggests that increasing serum PFOA levels were positively associated with the presence of CVD and PAD, and the association appeared to be independent of confounders such as age, sex, race/ethnicity, smoking status, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and serum cholesterol level, the authors comment.

"Our results contribute to the emerging data on health effects of PFCs [perfluoroalkyl chemicals], suggesting for the first time that PFOA exposure is potentially related to CVD and PAD. However, owing to the cross-sectional nature of the present study, we cannot conclude that the association is causal," the researchers said.

Compared with the reference level of PFOA in quartile 1, the multivariable odds ratio among participants in quartile 4 was

2.01 for CVD and 1.78 for PAD, according to the results.

"In summary, in a representative cross-sectional sample of the U.S. population, we found that higher PFOA levels are positively associated with self-reported CVD and objectively measured PAD. Our findings, however, should

be interpreted with caution because of the possibility of residual confounding and reverse causality. Future prospective studies are needed to confirm or refute our findings," the researchers concluded.

The study was published online

by Archives of Internal Medicine, a JAMA Network publication.

E-cigarettes are equally injurious to health Electronic cigarettes are being marketed as a potentially safer alternative to normal cigarettes, but new research has shown that they are still causing harm to the lungs.

The study has also added new evidence to the debate over the safety of alternative nicotine-delivery products.

Electronic cigarettes are devices that deliver nicotine through a vapour, rather than smoke. There is no combustion involved but the nicotine in the device is still derived from tobacco. There has been much debate over the safety and efficiency of the products, but little scientific evidence to support either claim.

Researchers from the University of Athens in Greece aimed to investigate the short-term effects of using e-cigarettes on different people, including people without any known health problems and smokers with and without existing lung conditions.The study included 8 people who had never smoked and 24 smokers, 11 with normal lung function and 13 people with either chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma.Each person used an electronic cigarette for 10 minutes. The researchers then measured their airway resistance using a number of tests, including a spirometry test.The results showed that for all people included in the study, the e-cigarette caused an immediate increase in airway resistance, lasting for 10 minutes. In healthy subjects (never smokers) there was a statistically significant increase in airway resistance from a mean average of 182 per cent to 206 per cent.In smokers with normal spirometry there was a statistically significant increase from a mean average of 176 percent to 220 percent. In COPD and asthma patients the use of one e-cigarette seemed to have no immediate effect to airway resistance.Professor Christina Gratziou, one of the authors and Chair of the ERS Tobacco Control Committee, said: "We do not yet know whether unapproved nicotine delivery products, such as e-cigarettes, are safer than normal cigarettes, despite marketing claims that they are less harmful. This research helps us to understand how these products could be potentially harmful."We found an immediate rise in airway resistance in our group of participants, which suggests e-cigarettes can cause immediate harm after smoking the device. More research is needed to understand whether this harm also has lasting effects in the long-term."The ERS recommends following effective smoking cessation treatment guidelines based on clinical evidence which do not advocate the use of such products," Professor Gratziou added.

7 SRINAGAR Wednesday, 31 July,2013

Kashmir Thunder Wednesday 31 . 07 . 2013

NATION

Crime and money nexus: Candidates with criminal past are more likely to win elections In India, if you want to be a successful politician, being a criminal can be your passport to success. At least this is what a recent study suggests.

The analysis of self-sworn affidavits of candidates by Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) and National Election Watch (NEW) has thrown up startling facts about criminalisation of politics and corruption.

Candidates with a criminal past are more likely to win an election making them the preferred choice of political parties, it says. A candidate’s assets are likely to skyrocket after a five-year term by up to 1000 per cent.

The study, which took into account the time period between 2004 and 2013, also highlights the correlation between money and criminality.

‘Tainted’ candidates were found to be wealthier than oth-

ers. The average assets of MPs and MLAs with serious criminal cases were worth Rs.4.38 crore.

Crime and money nexus Professor Jagdeep Chokkar, who worked at IIM Ahmedabad and is a founder member of ADR and NEW, says: “(The) nexus between crime and money has been exposed... If the electoral process is governed by crime and money what moral rights do

we have to call ourselves a democracy.”Candidates with a clean record lag behind in the electoral race. According to the study, there is only 12 per cent chance of winning for a ‘clean’ candidate as compared to 23 per cent winning possibility for a ‘criminal’ candidate. About 74 per cent candidates with a criminal background got tickets for a second time, the study points out.Serious questions The NGO analysed the record of 7,950 MPs and MLAs who have held seats since 2004. A total of 11,063 (18 per cent) out of 62,847 candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves, while 5,253 (8 per cent) out of the 11,063 candidates declared serious criminal cases The highest percentage of criminal candidates was from Shiv Sena. Of 137 Sena MPs or MLAs, 103 have declared criminal cases. Out of 1,689 BJP MPs

Students take out rally to protest proposed Andhra Pradesh bifurcation VIJAYAWADA: Students from various educational institutions took out a rally here on Tuesday to protest the proposed bifurcation of the state.

Over 3,000 students including girls from various colleges, under Joint Action Committee banner, led by its convenor and youth leader Devineni Avinash staged 'rasta roko' near the Indira Gandhi municipal stadium in the city for over half-an-hour.

In the midst of mounting pressure from both pro and antiTelangana leaders, the crucial Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting is scheduled this evening to take a final decision on the separate statehood issue.

The students' JAC asked the Union government not to concede the demand of bifurcating the state made by some political leaders for their "selfish motive" at the cost of crores of Telugu people, Avinash said.

They also demanded that the people's representatives from all political parties should resign from their posts as token protest against the proposed bifurcation.

A number of public and private sector employees from various organisations, trade union leaders and some advocates also joined the rally to support the students.

Corruption at the root of high inflation: Anna Hazare

or MLAs, 520 have declared criminal cases; while of the 2,451 Congress MPs or MLAs, 527 declared so. The report says 162 (30 per cent) of the 543 present Lok Sabha members face “criminal cases” and 76 others “serious criminal casesThe abnormal growth in assets of candidates also poses serious questions on their integrity as the average increase of assets of a common citizen is nowhere near the increase of politicians.

Total 62,847 candidates contested either state or parliamentary elections, of them 4,181 candidates re-contested elections. Of these, the assets of about 1,615 candidates showed an increase of over 200 per cent, 684 showed an increase of over 500 per cent and 317 candidates of over 1000 per cent. In terms of assets, it was Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) which tops the chart with average assets of a candidate being Rs.6.02 crore.

JAUNPUR: Anti-graft activist Anna Hazare today said that steep inflation in the country was the result of rampant corruption which could only be dealt with by a strong Jan Lokpal Bill.

"Inflation is a result of corruption which has made life difficult... We aim at bringing in a Jan Lokpal Bill which ensures that even 60 to 65 paisa misused through corruption can be used for development," Hazare told reporters here during a stop on his 'Jantantra Yatra'.

The intention of the Union government on the Bill is not clear as it lacks

the will power, he said, adding that, "people are the key to democracy... they should elect representatives with clean and honest image".

Responding to a query on former associate and Aam Aadmi Party founder, Arvind Kejriwal, Hazare indicated he had completely parted ways with the former.

"After he floated a political party, I've had nothing to do with Kejriwal", Hazare said.

Hazare launched Janatantra Yatra aiming to garner support for a new campaign demanding a strong Jan Lokpal Bill.

Narendra Modi’s ‘Being PM’ plan Given the current political scenario, to ‘not’ say that Narendra Modi is likely to be the next Prime Minister of our country, is to risk being discarded as ignorant and naïve. Not only has the man himself dropped as many ‘obvious’ hints as possible, his party itself that was initially reluctant to make him the face of the BJP, has openly given him some important positions and powers. Even party stalwarts and seasoned politicians like LK Advani could not stop this. So, having established this as a forgone conclusion, let us look at what Modi’s plans or focus areas could be and should be, if he actually becomes the head of the next government at the centre.

In the midst of all the gloom

and doom surrounding the state of our country’s politics, there is one silver lining – the focus of elections is increasingly shifting from caste and religion to development. The victories of Nitish Kumar or the man himself, i.e. Narendra Modi in their respective state elections, are befitting examples. Modi, sensing the mood of the nation, is very smartly playing on this agenda. This serves a dual purpose – it focuses on his core strength and takes the attention away from his 2002-blot. However, there are some fundamental questions that Modi needs to answer. What is the model of development that he shall follow for the country? Would he be replicating the Gujarat model?

If yes, is it replicable and scal-

case with that of Devenderpal Singh Bhullar and Ajmal Kasab who were awarded death penalty and the same was upheld by the Supreme Court.

On the other hand, Shahzad’s advocate Satish Tamta had said death sentence can be awarded only in rarest-of-rare cases and this one did not fall under that category.

On July 25, Shahzad was convicted for the offences of murder, attempting to cause death and various other provisions of the IPC and the Arms Act. The court had also found him guilty of assaulting police officers and obstructing them from doing their duty.

Without questioning the genuiness of the encounter, the ASJ had said that instead of

able enough? If not, then what is the alternative?

What would be Modi’s take on secularism and religion? He has been diplomatically and intelligently talking about inclusive growth while simultaneously catering to his Hindu votebank through his key aide, Amit Shah. Does he intend to make India a Hindu dominated country, thereby doing away with the complexities of managing various religions? Or, does he actually plan to become as secular and inclusive as he is claiming to be?

What are his plans for the economic development of our country? How does he plan to attract domestic and foreign investors? Would he be replicating the single-window clearance

model that he has successfully implemented in Gujarat?

How does he plan to manage the dissenters within his own party? There are some like LK Advani who are openly opposed to him, but there are many reluctant supporters even amongst his allies? What about the dissenting coalition partners?

What about the people of Gujarat? If Modi moves to the national level, who replaces him?

Amit Shah? Would the people of Gujarat be comfortable with the replacement? Would the progress of Gujarat continue?Modi is widely perceived to be dictatorial. If true, can he continue to be a one-man army even at the national level? Would that suit the head of a democracy, the anti-thesis of dictatorship?

Mahabodhi temple blasts: NIA releases sketches of five suspects

Batla House encounter convict Shahzad Ahmed gets life sentence NEW DELHI: Suspected Indian Mujahideen (IM) terrorist Shahzad Ahmed, convicted in the 2008 Batla House encounter case, was today sentenced to life imprisonment by a Delhi court for killing decorated police officer M C Sharma and injuring two other cops.

Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Rajender Kumar Shastri also imposed a fine of Rs 95,000 on him.

The court said that out of the fine amount, Rs 40,000 would go to the family of Sharma and Rs 20,000 to Head Constable Balwant Singh, who was injured in the encounter.

The court had yesterday reserved its verdict on the quantum of sentence to be awarded to Shahzad after hearing arguments from the prosecution and the defence.

The prosecution had sought death penalty while the defence counsel had pleaded for leniency and a chance for reformation of the convict.The Delhi Police had argued for capital punishment on the ground that he had killed and injured on-duty police officers and was involved in various other heinous crimes, including the September 13, 2008 serial blasts here which left 26 people dead and injured 133.

Special Public Prosecutor Satwinder Kaur had contended that there was no scope for reformation of Shahzad and equated his

DAILY ZABARWAN TIMES

assisting the raiding team which had arrived at Flat 108, L-18, Batla House, the occupants, including Shahzad, had fired at it.

The raiding team of Special Cell of the Delhi Police had arrived at the flat to arrest its occupants in connection with the September 13, 2008 serial blasts after it received information that some terrorists were holed up there.Of the five, who were residing in the flat, Atif Ameen and Mohd Sajid were killed in the encounter in which Inspector Sharma had succumbed to the bullet injuries.Sharma was awarded the gallantry award Ashok Chakra posthumously, for the September 19, 2008 encounter in which two alleged IM operatives were killed.

The court while convicting Shahzad had raised questions over preparedness of the raiding police party which was not having bullet-proof jackets or adequate number of weapons while trying to apprehend the suspected IM militants whose activities came to light for the first time in 2008.

Was it “misadventure or lack of professionalism or scarcity of weapons?” it had wondered.The judge had preferred to leave aside the controversy raised from certain quarters about the alleged affiliation of Shahzad with banned militant outfit IM, which is accused of carrying out a number of terror strikes in the country.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has released sketches of five suspects in the July 7 serial bomb explosions at Bodh Gaya's Mahabodhi temple in Bihar.

The sketches, including one of a foreigner, have been distributed among the public, particularly rickshaw-pullers, auto-rickshaw drivers and local civic body members, police said on Tuesday.

"NIA officials have sought information about the suspects," a police official said.

NIA has also given five telephone numbers on which people can provide information. "NIA has assured it would not reveal the identity of those giving information," he said.

In mid-July, the NIA released two sketches of one of the suspects. "NIA is working on local suspects," the official said.

According to police, NIA officials have questioned some local people, including officials of the temple management and shopkeepers.

Ten bombs exploded in Bodh Gaya in which two Buddhist monks were injured.

Three live bombs were recovered and defused. A special court has been established in the Patna civil court to hear the serial bombings case, said the official who is assisting the NIA's probe.

Maoists have denied involvement in the blasts. Bihar Police officials had suspected their role in the bombings. The NIA initially detained six people but released all after questioning.

The Mahabodhi temple - a Unesco World Heritage site - is where the Buddha, born in neighbouring Nepal, attained enlightenment around 2,550 years ago.

The Telangana fallout: Reviving the Vidarbha, GJM, Bodoland movements Whether or not the Congress’ gains from splitting Andhra Pradesh will outweigh the party’s losses, is something that can be ascertained only next year. However, the string of political events that will seize the country immediately if Telangana is allowed to assume statehood, has already started gathering steam.

A Times of India report points out that security forces have already been alerted in other states which are dealing with demands of separatist movements. The major movements are in states including West Bengal, Assam and Maharashtra.

Bimal Gurung, Gorkhaland Territorial Administration chief, has already declared that if the UPA forms Telangana, it should also allow Gorkhalanad to be formed.

“Our demand for Gorkhaland is older than the demand for Telangana. If the Centre

announces a Telangana state then it should also declare a Gorkhaland state,” Gurung had told reporters.

Wall art in Darjeeling demanding Gorkhaland. AFP.Wall art in Darjeeling demanding Gorkhaland. AFP. The demand for a separate state for the Gorkhas existed as early as the beginning of the 20th century, when an indigenous group wrote to the British administration demanding a separate administrative framework from that of Bengal.There have been sporadic demands for the new state through the decades, but the momentum picked up in the 1980s with Gorkha leader Subhash Ghising leading a violent agitation seeking autonomy. Consequently in 1988, following sustained

protests by Ghising’s party Gorkha National Liberation front, the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council, a body with certain administrative powers, was formed.

Soon, dissent started pooling against Ghising, and Bimal Gurung, another flamboyant Gorkha leader, broke away away from DGHC to start his new party – Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM). Violence has been a fixture in the hills ever since with several political groups in the same region engaging with violent clashes with each other.

The most significant casualty recently was the murder of Madan Tamang, leader of Akhil Bharatiya Gorkha League. The players of na-

tional politics have fed on the Gorkhas’ desperation for a new state for decades now.

In 2009, BJP promised the formation of two new states if they came to power. However, since the BJP lost at the centre, the Gorkhas’ dream continued to remain elusive. Mamata Banerjee, in her bid to overthrow the CPM government which was opposed to the idea of Gorkhaland, colluded with the leaders promising them autonomy.Tehelka reports that the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) was formed immediately after Banerjee came to power in 2011, giving the Gorkhas a semblance of an autonomous administration. However, as time passed, Banerjee too ended up being a killjoy for the Gorkhas. Tehelka reports:But Darjeeling might soon see the dark days of 2008. On 29 January, Banerjee snubbed the Gorkhaland demand at a public event in Darjeeling. When a group of GJM

supporter shouted pro-Gorkhaland slogans, Banerjee said, “Bengal will not be divided and if required I can act tough”. She made this statement while sharing the dais with Gurung.Recently, with the impending split of Telangana, newly-minted Congress rival Banerjee went on a rant spree accusing the Centre of playing divisive politics. According to a report on The Hindu, she said:“Telangana cannot be compared with Darjeeling,” she has said. “Darjeeling is a part and parcel of our State… We will not allow anybody to divide and rule.”Unlike Andhra Pradesh, where Kiran Kumar Reddy, a Congress leader himself, could be made to bend before the high command, dividing Gorkhaland will not be an easy exercise. No government in West Bengal can be made to agree to it, given that Darjeeling and all other hill stations are what drives tourism in the state.