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WEDNESDAY
05 March | 2014 | 02 Jamadi-Ul-Awal 1435 AH | PAGES 12 |
Pen
For
http://www.zabarwantimes.com
VOL NO: 4 | ISSUE NO: 64 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 Paisa)
Jus
tice
Largely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&K
Rather asks trade industry to get ready for GST regime
Fails to keep his commitment See More On Page 06
Youth hangs himself to death in Ganderbal Srinagar, Mar 4: A youth ended his life after hanging himself in Kangan area of Ganderbal District last evening. According to the statement issued to KNS, 22 years old Mursaleen Mushtaq lone son of Abdul Saleem resident of Parin-Kunamulla, in the jurisdiction of Police station Kangan hanged himself at his home. He died on spot. Kangan Police after completing all medico-legal formalities handed over the body of deceased to his relative for last rites. In this regard, Kangan Police has initiated inquest proceedings under section 174 CrPC and investigation is on. (KNS)
200 stranded persons rescued near Sadhna-Top Kupwara, March 4: At least seventy-five people were rescued in north Kashmir's Kupwara district while efforts are on to rescue another 25 after an avalanche hit a mountain pass, police said on Tuesday. Police said that in a night long rescue operation police, Army and civil administration rescued about 200 people who had got stranded due to bad weather and landslides on Kupwara-Karnah road last night near Sadnah top. The stranded passengers included women, children and old people boarding in about 25 Tata Sumos and Tata mobiles have been rescued and sent to their See Top On Page 11..
Inside story Police arrests youth with toy pistol in Court complex Srinagar, March 4, CNS: Dramatic situation arose in Court Complex Srinagar on Tuesday when a youth was spotted with pistol, which turned out to be a toy later on. “We were taking some militants towards First Additional Session Judge Srinagar for Court hearing, when we spotted a youth who was nervous and tried to flee from the spot. We chased and overpowered him and recovered the toy pistols and some in-
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On Edit Page Unemployment - A challenge for the government
The rising unemployment has become a big problem nationally and on state level as the increasing number of educated unemployed including the skilled and unskilled youths has now touched over eight lakhs in Jammu and Kashmir itself. The state sector is unable to cope up with the situation as there are hardly any avenues which can accommodate these youth and provide them respectable jobs. The state has no private sector hence there is no question of big industries accommodating a good number Of unemployed youths. The overall intake in the state sector is not more than a few thousands in a year and the recruitment procedure is so difficult and lengthy that the state recruiting agencies take years to fill up a
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WEATHER FORECAST FOR NEXT 24 HRS:
Light Rain/Snow would occur at a few places over the state.
FORECAST OF SRINAGAR:
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Partly cloudy sky. Maximum &Minimum temperatures will be around 13°C & 2°C respectively.
TEMPERATURE MAXIMUM MINIMUM
SUNSET ON(TUESDAY) SUNRISE ON (WEDNESDAY)
12.20C 0
2.4 C 06:28PM 06:59 AM
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Will not participate in first edition
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Lone commends staff and students for their efforts
Peaceful conduct of elections biggest challenge: DGP
BIMSTEC leaders vow to jointly combat terrorism Myanmar, March 04: Leaders from the seven-nation BIMSTEC on Tuesday vowed to jointly combat the growing threat of terrorism, transnational crimes and drug trafficking and agreed to intensify efforts to enhance connectivity and cooperation in areas like trade, energy and environment. The 3rd BIMSTEC Summit Declaration, issued at the end of the meeting of leaders from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Bhutan and Nepal, said the members recognised the threat that terrorism poses to peace, stability and economic progress and agreed for closer cooperation in combating all forms of terrorism and transnational crimes. The leaders called for expediting the ratification for entry into force of the BIMSTEC Convention on Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism, Transnational Organized Crime and Illicit Drug Trafficking and also for the early signing of the BIMSTEC Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters, the two issues flagged by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in his address to the sum-
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mit. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) brings together over 20 per cent of the world population, which is about 1.5 billion, and a GDP of over USD 2.5 trillion. Singh said the nature of the evolving threat of terrorism in the BIMSTEC region has imparted greater urgency for stronger cooperation to counter it, asserting that their security is “indivisible”. Noting that the region faces many common challenges - from natural disasters to terrorism, he
Jammu, Mar 4: Director General of Police (DGP), Mr. Ashok Prasad today completed his 2-day tour to border districts of Rajouri and Poonch. The tour was aimed to review the security scenario and interact with officers, jawans in these districts. According to the statement issued to KNS, Mr. Prasad, during his tour convened meetings with senior police officers and sought reports about the latest security scenario in the area. District Superintendents of Police, Mr. Mubashir Latifi and Mr. Shamsher Hussain apprised the DGP about the overall situation in their respective districts. He discussed various measures to ensure zero infiltration from across the border, besides maintaining law and order in these districts effectively. The DGP accompanied by IGP Jammu Zone, Mr. Rajesh Kumar and DIG, Poonch-Rajouri Range, Mr. A. K. Atri visited police stations including ISO certified police station Sunderbani. He implored upon the Thana Police to provide effective and quick services to the people,
said these have to be collectively addressed to make an important contribution to peace, harmony, security and prosperity in Asia and the world. “Like our prosperity, our security, too, is indivisible- whether it is the security of sea lanes of communication in our region or the persisting challenges of terrorism and transnational crimes,” he told leaders of the grouping. “The nature of the evolving threat of terrorism in the BIMSTEC region has imparted greater urgency for See BIMSTEC On Page 11..
Tension grips Pulwama after youth arrest Shabir-uz-Zaman
maintaining close rapport with the public. Discussing the crime rate, he stressed for adopting new innovative and scientific methods for prevention and detection of crime. Such experiences would make police stations “centres of excellence”, the DGP added. Mr. Prasad addressed police durbars at District Police Lines at Rajouri and Poonch. A number of jawans and officers, besides SPOs attended these durbars. He highlighted the role of police in the forthcoming elections, saying that peaceful conduct of Parliamentary and Assembly elections are one of the biggest challenges before JKP this year. He said that we have to remain vigilant to foil the attempts of anti-national elements. He stressed upon the jawans and officers to discharge their duties with utmost dedication and commitment to ensure law and order during elections. During these durbars, many participants put forth their problems before the DGP, which he heard patiently. He assured them that all their genuine See DGP On Page 11..
Pulwama, Feb 04: Tension erupted in Pulwama today afternoon, when SOG of J&K police arrested a shopkeeper, Aftab Ahmad Bhat son of Abdul Kabeer Bhat, a resident of Yachgooza near Sanah complex Pulwama for questioning about yesterday`s militant attack in which two SPO`s were killed. Pertinently Aftab`s brother Zahoor Ahmad Bhat was arrested by SOG for questioning on Monday, and was released today morning, reports said. "Soon after Aftab`was arrested Tuesday afternoon, shops were closed by shopkeepers as a mark of protest against it. Few incidents of stone pelting took place at Rajpora road near Chatapora"s, locals told Zabarwan Times. The arrests took place after IG Kashmir's visit to Pulwama on the fateful day of attack, who said that police has got some inputs about the militant attack near court complex Pulwama. Meanwhile security forces continued strict frisking for whole day. Besides light motor and passenger vehicles pedestrians See Tension On Page 11..
PDP holds protest against Dr Azad entitled to his PDP protests victimization Farooq Abdullah’s comments own views on AFSPA of Kashmiri youth; stages
Srinagar, Mar 4: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Tuesday staged protest demonstrations against NC Patron Dr Farooq Abdullah’s calling Kashmiri's as Maha Chor “Big Thieves”, said party spokesman. The demonstrations were held at Jammu press club were PDP’s incharge youth wing Waheed Ur Rehman Parra led the protest, youth leaders Vikram Singh, Sonu Saini, Sandeep Wazir, Girish Sharma, Ramesh Tak, Chaman Angral, Ritesh Mahajan. Vinod Kumar, Mohd Shafi, Brij Mehra, Kuldeep Mahajan and others also attended the rally. In Srinagar the demonstration was led by party’s coordination Secretary Ab Hameed Kosheen, Senior leader Mohammad Khurshid Alam, District President Yasir Reshi, all Zone presidents and youth leader Shuja Sarwar etc. In Anantnag the protest was led by Adv Javed Ahmad, youth Leader Imran Amin, Yasir Arfat, Zahoor Ahmad and others, In Shopian Adv Mohd Yousuf Bhat, Mohsin Ahmad, Raja Waheed, Zubair Yousuf and others led the demonstration. In Baramullah the protest was led by State Secretary Javid Hussain Baig, Ashaq Ahmad Khan, all zone presidents and others. In Kupwara the demonstration was led by Fayaz Ahmad Mir, Gh Nabi
Pandithpuri, Irfan Pandithpuri, Sofi Gh Mohiudin, and Mehrajudin. The demonstrators carried play cards and raised slogans against shame full comments made by Dr Farooq Abdullah and demanded unconditional apology from the NC and its leadership. The demonstrators said that the NC leadership has insulted the people of the state even as they claim to represent J&K. The leaders said that this family has suck the blood of Kashmiri’s and built their fortunes and wealth by selling out the interests of the state. The family always exploited the people on the one pretext or the other for their vote and support and then made compromises by selling sacrifices made by the people on their call. In this entire exercise the only aim of Abdullah’s and the NC has been to somehow get into power, amass wealth and build estates in Kashmir, Jammu , Delhi and outside the country. The leaders said that the NC leadership has defamed the people, who have been voting them to power, but they have always been on the forefront in doing their character assassination both in and outside the state. They said, “they(NC) call people, who raise voice against See PDP On Page 11..
Omar will go to jail if impartial inquiry in WAKF board is ordered: Er Rashid Srinagar, Mar 4: Awami Ittihaad Party (AIP) President and MLA Langate has strongly protested the lodging of FIRs against the youth of Kupwara, Lolab and allegedly harassing the 150 Kashmiri students studying in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. According to the statement issued to KNS, as the assembly proceedings got underway today, Engineer Rashid stated – “We would like to know what steps government is taking for protection of Kashmiri students studying in outside states and in the latest development the State Government should establish immediate contact with the Uttar Pradesh Government to safeguard the Kashmiri students from further harassment.” Rashid registered his strong protest in the well of house after failing to get any satisfactory reply from the state Government in this regard .On this juncture, Engineer Rashid observed that National Conference (NC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) are only doing lip-service via statements to achieve power and are not concerned about real issues . “As a result of this dismal attitude of NC & PDP the Jammu & Kashmir state has been converted into a police state,” observed Engineer Rashid.
Rashid while referring to human rights issue raised by PDP leaders stated that it is a nice gesture but the PDP Leadership should seek apology from Kashmiri nation for innumerable atrocities against people of Kashmir during PDP tenure. “In 2005 I was tortured in custody and PDP should answer all questions as to why I had to leave Government service and enter politics. In 2006 not only police took a ransom of 1 lac from me but brutally subjected me to third degree torture in Cargo interrogation center and even kept me bare naked,” stated Engineer Rashid. Rashid also remarked that parties like National Conference and PDP having nothing to offer to people of Kashmir as they have mortgaged both the autonomy of state and their personal selfesteem with ‘Delhi. While referring to the bill related to temples and shrines Engineer Rashid blamed the state government for playing politics over this sensitive issue. “All the holy places should be kept away from politics. It is height of communalism that Amarnath Shrine Board is headed by a Governor and Muslim WAKF Board by Chief Minister in the state. See Er Rashid On Page 11..
‘Vested interests oppose revocation of draconian laws’: NC
Srinagar, March 4: Reacting to the statement made by Union Health Minister in which he ruled out the possibility of revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act in Jammu and Kashmir, National Conference Tuesday said that partial revocation is in the interest of Government of India and if it still does not revoke this draconian act then it will waste the efforts of those institutions and people who played a key role in establishing peace in the State. Member Parliament and senior National Conference leader, Dr Mehboob Beigh told Srinagar based news gathering agency CNS that there are certain vested interests who oppose the revocation of AFSPA as it suits them. “Government of India should break this nexus and should expose these vested interests. It should follow the policies of former Prime
Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who broke the nexus between vested interests and developed good relations with Pakistan,” he said. “Ghulam Nabi Azad is a senior politician and he entitled to his express his own
views but I stand for my party and reiterate that time has come for AFSPA to go. Even Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is of the opinion that partial revocation of this draconian act in certain parts of See NC On Page 11..
walkout in LA
Victims being persecuted by Govt: Mehbooba Srinagar, Mar 4: Members of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under Leader of Opposition Mehbooba Mufti, today staged massive protest in Legislative Assembly and staged a walk-out over victimization of Kashmiri youth inside and outside the State. Annoyed over registration of false cases against scores of youth in Lolab area of Kashmir Valley and expulsion of Kashmir students from their educational institutions on flimsy ground at Meerat in Uttar Pradesh, PDP legislators Tuesday raised the issue in LA as soon as House met for the proceedings. They were demanding withdrawal of FIR registered against youth, who have been booked on false charges, in Lolab. They were decried the failure of state government to intervene over victimization of Kashmiri youth in Meerat and
other parts of the country. Shouting slogans against the State Government, PDP legislators trooped into the Well of the House. As government failed to come out with a satisfactory reply and the proceedings were stalled, the Speaker adjourns the House. Again when House met, PDP legislators resorted to shouting slogans accusing the government of being indifferent towards the plights of thousands See Mehbooba On Page 11..
With no rise in temperature, parents question decision of school reopening Srinagar, Mar 4 : With the state weather department predicting more rains and snow in coming days in valley, people across valley Tuesday asked authorities to reconsider the scheduled date of school reopening for kids. The reports received by KNS informed that the state metrological department stated that the minimum temperature was 3.3 degree. However, there could be rain or snow in the next 24 hours. It also stated that various areas across valley witnessed intense cold conditions with
Gulmarg shivering at Minus 5.6 degree. People while asking the state government to reconsider the decision of reopening of schools on March 5, stated that the cold conditions will badly affect the health of the school children mostly between the age group of 5 to 10 years.Several civil society activists while asserting that the present weather conditions are not suitable for re-opening of schools said that the authorities must not turn blind eye towards the school going kids. Civil society activist Shakkel Qalandar while slamming the
state authorities for failing to provide proper heating system in the schools, stated that keeping in view the present conditions, the government must extend the vacations in valley. “There are other parts of the world where the cold conditions are worst than valley but there is a proper heating facility in the schools. Here we don’t even have the basic school buildings- to think of heating systems is a distant dream.”However after the repeated attempts, no one from state education department was available for the comment. (KNS)
woman’s ‘murder’ sparks protest in Ganderbal SHO, 2 cops injured
Srinagar, March 04: A senior police officer was among four people injured Tuesday in violent clashes triggered by the death of a woman allegedly at the hands of her in-laws in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. Reports reaching GNS said that Nilofar Jan, wife of Bashir Ahmad Wani of Kangan died at the SKIMS Soura on Tuesdaymorning due to the alleged poisoning by her in laws at her house on Monday evening. Her death triggered violent protests
by her family members and relatives in Garg area of the central Kashmir town of Ganderbal.
Reports said when the news of Nilofar’s death spread See Ganderbal On Page 11..
After UP, Kashmiri students harassed in Punjab Srinagar, March 04: A day after 67 Kashmiri students were expelled from a university in Utter Pradesh for supporting Pakistan cricket team in the recently held Asia cup, the Kashmiri students pursuing higher education in Punjab state have also complained of harassment on similar grounds. Kashmiri students pursuing BDS at the Desh Bhagat Dental College & Hospital Mukhtasar Punjab alleged that the non-Kashmiri students subjected them to harassment after Pakistan lifted See Punjab On Page 11..
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Srinagar, Wednesday 05 March 2014
FROM THE FRONT PAGE
BIMSTEC stronger cooperation to counter it,” he stressed. Myanmar President U Thein Sein said faced with new threats of non-traditional and trasnational challenges of climate change, natural disasters, energy and food security, the grouping has to combine its strengths and resources to engage with other international bodies in addressing these problems. “In this age of globalisation, regional and sub-regional groupings of nations with common culture and interests are no longer a matter of choice, but the need of the hour,” he said.
DGP problems would be resolved by the concerned offices. He also gave on-spot directions to the supervisory officers to look after the welfare of their subordinates regularly. Later, the DGP inspected various constructions presently under execution in twin districts and enquired about their pace of work. He asked the executing agencies to complete these constructions within the stipulated time frame, supplementing living and working facilities for the jawans and officers. (KNS)
Tension were frisked thoroughly that added to miseries of common people.
PDP them, as anti-nationals and they have demonized our youth as drug addicts, LeT agents and criminals.” They said to remain in the power the NC has been exploiting people on hallow promises from last more than 60 years now. “Be it in 1975 or 1996, the NC has always betrayed people and compromised their interests, self-respect for the sake of power,” they have been treating people as their slaves and it is their deliberate strategy to defame the image of Kashmiri's to remain relevant in certain quarters in New Delhi, the leaders added. Instead of decreasing the existing power deficit in the state, the leaders said, the NC leadership has sold the most feasible power projects to NHPC only for the chair. ‘Meter Todo; Heater Lago’ (break meters, use heaters) slogan, by NC during 2008, was an assault on the system, which PDP had reformed during its brief stint in the government. they said they took off this promise and instead gave consumers a shock by raising the electricity tariff five fold in the last five years. “Instead of their promises, what they gave the people of Kashmir pellet guns, chilli grenades, PSAs, arrests, disabilities and police cases, adding that the NC promoted darkness with load shedding touching new lowest level of power supply, the leaders said. They (NC) handed over the administration to middle man, agents and bringing development process to a halt. While the ministers and ruling party politicians became richer, the state became poorer and people, from whom NC took votes on the promise of good governance, where subjected to unending curfews, tear gassing, lathi charge, if they ever raised their voices against the government atrocities. The leaders said that there are serious corruption charges pending against Dr Farooq himself, and if there are any thieves in the state it is the NC leadership, who have been thriving at the cost of people of Jammu & Kashmir. They said there are proved corruption charges against them and they can’t generalize this accusation with every citizen of the state. “Dr Farooq is involved in siphoning off millions of rupees meant for the promotion of cricket in the state. The mysterious death of Haji Yousuf at the chief minister, Omar Abdullah’s residence exposed the muck of corruption in the Abdullah family, the leaders added. Referring to the BOPEE Scam, the PDP leaders said the corrupt Mushatq Peer would not had been doing the frauds without the patronage of his political bosses, who have been giving him extension after extension, besides serious corruption charges pending against him. They said besides having huge potential in new and renewable energy in J&K, if the state has not been able to perform well in tapping the potential, it is all because of the inefficiency of Dr Farooq, as he has not been able to perform well. They said it is shameful on part of the part of the NC patriarch to defame the entire population without looking at his performance, as J&K features nowhere in the programme with zero MW capacity project installed anywhere in the state. They said the appalling performance of Dr Farooq should not come any shocker to the people of the state, as the wounds inflicted by him as the chief minister of J&K, for many occasions in the past, are still fresh and people can’t forget his cruelty. They said if it is in a public view that Dr Abdullah has made such a disgusting comment, what will would be the NC top leadership actually feeling about the people, whom they claim representing and what would they be speaking in private with the people, who see Kashmiris through a stereotype. (KNS)
NC Jammu and Kashmir has become inevitable and God forbid, if situation worsens in any area, it can be re-imposed,” he said adding that history is witness to the fact that in conflict areas vested interests always want to keep pot boiling. Dr Mehboob Beigh told CNS that he fails to understand why Government is India is not serious in revoking AFSPA from the State when situation is peaceful in Valley. “When we compare present situation of Valley to 1990’s, we find hell of difference. There is normalcy everywhere and peace has returned to Valley,” he said adding that there is no justification in keeping AFSPA intact in Valley. (CNS)
Mehbooba of Kashmiri youth, who are being victimized both within and outside the state. “There were false cases registered against scores of youth in Lobal and surrounding areas by the Police and detained some of them–it is shameful act by the government,” PDP legislators shouted. They demanded withdrawal of cases against the youth alleging they were “falsely” implicated and sought a reply on the issue of expulsion of Kashmiri students at Meerat. As the government failed to give any satisfactorily reply and remained indifferent towards the issue of public importance being raised in the House, PDP legislators under the leadership of Ms. Mehbooba Mufti staged a walkout. Later talking to the reporters outside the Assembly, Ms Mufti said that Kashmiri youth are victims of the oppressive policies of the present government. She said that Kashmir has been virtually converted into a prison where only the government and its apologists enjoy the freedom. Teenagers are arrested under draconian laws and the place has been virtually handed over to the police and security forces. “Imprisonment of teenagers, who should be in schools, is the real picture of the present government’s performance.”, she observed and pointed out that a sense of anger prevails in Kashmir, while the state has been justifying its oppressive policies as an excuse for “maintaining law and order”. She said since the day present government took the reign of state, hundreds of people have lost their lives, with majori-
Zabarwan Times ty of them being innocent youth.. Mehbooba also said that 99 percent of the persons booked under PSAs and against whom FIRs were lodged are also youth. She said there was an immediate need to understand the anger, frustration of youth but instead the NC-led government has created a system, which is fully loaded against them. She said instead of real ‘hand holding of the youth’, Omar Abdullah is handcuffing and subjecting them to humiliation and inhuman treatment inside the police lockups thus making their lives miserable. Pointing out the recent incident of exile for Kashmir students in Meerat area of UP, she said that victimization of Kashmiri youth should be stopped. “The government claimed to have opened a help line for students in distress outside the state. However, as per the reports the so called Help Line does not even respond, not to speak of providing any immediate relief”, she said. (KNS)
Er Rashid When a Hindu Governor is appointed the head of Amarnath Shrine Board and Muslim Chief Minister appointed head of Muslim WAKF Board the seeds of communalism are sown. The parameters of justice demand that all religious institutions including WAKF Board and Amarnath Shrine Board be kept aloof from political influence and be headed by non-controversial religious figures.” Langate legislator alleged that National Conference has looted the properties of Auqaf Islamia and if an impartial inquiry is constituted half the cabinet of Omar Abdullah will go to jail for looting resources of WAKF Board. (KNS)
Ganderbal this morning; scores of people, including her relatives took to streets and staged demonstrations. Shouting slogans, the protesters alleged that Nilofar was poisoned by her-in laws at her husband’s house in Kangan on Monday evening. The protesters alleged that the woman was being victimized by her in laws on petty excuses. Angry protesters also tried to block Ganderbal-Ladakh highway causing disruption in traffic. However, cops swung into action and tried to disperse the agitating locals. “This led to the outbreak of clashes in the area. Youth hurled stones on the cops causing injuries to SHO, Ganderbal Liyaqat Ahmad and two other cops. The clashes continued for several hours,” reports said. Meanwhile, police said that it has started proceedings under section 174 Cr Pc in this regard. “We might pick the husband of the deceased woman for questioning. Investigations will be carried to probe the allegations,” he added. (GNS)
Punjab the Asia cup by defeating arch rival India. The Kashmiri students said that the non-Kashmiri students not only harassed the boys but also harassed and abused the girls during the Sunday night. Speaking to GNS over phone from the college, one of the Kashmir students, who wished not to be named, said: "On Sunday, we were watching match collectively with other local students in College mess. We cheered for Pakistan and they cheered for India. All was going well, but once five overs remained in the Pakistan innings, we left the mess because we thought Pakistan might lose," he said. He said that 27 students were undergoing BDS course in the college. Out of 27, 20 are girls while the remaining are boys. Two of the boy students are currently on leave. “Around 2:00 am, nearly 40-50 students gathered outside our hostel rooms and started shouting and abusing Kashmiris,” the students said. He quoted the non-Kashmiri students as shouting “Tum Kashmiri bahar aajao hum tumhe kaat dengi'” On Monday morning, the students tried to bring the matter in the notice of college authorities. However, due to the absence of the Principal, they returned to their hostel. “Today, we met the principal and informed her about the harassment by our fellow students. She has assured action again them,” the student said. Admitting that there was 'scuffle' between local and Kashmiri students, the Director of Desh Bhagat Dental College & Hospital, Dr Bhatnagar, told GNS over phone that it was 'bound to happen'. "The scuffle was bound to happen because one side supported India and other Pakistan," "We have sorted out the issue now. We have directed both the sides to be in limits and focus on studies. We have beefed up security in the college and have directed them not come out of their hostels after 10:00 pm," he added. Dr Bhatnagar said that all the necessary measures have been taken to control the situation."We have directed students not to bring any phone fitted with camera. We don't want any scuffle in the college over these issues. All of them have to live here and study together for five years," he said. (GNS)
Top respective destinations. One ambulance carrying an injured person was also stuck on the road. These vehicles got stranded because of the landslides and bad weather last evening. Police said that the Beacon authorities worked hard for the clearance of the road. The rescue operation was supervised by the top Police, civil and Army officers. (CNS)
Police arrests youth with toy pistol in Court complex Srinagar, March 4, CNS: Dramatic situation arose in Court Complex Srinagar on Tuesday when a youth was spotted with pistol, which turned out to be a toy later on. “We were taking some militants towards First Additional Session Judge Srinagar for Court hearing, when we spotted a youth who was nervous and tried to flee from the spot. We chased and overpowered him and recovered the toy pistols and some incriminating letter pads from him,” one of the police officials told CNS on condition
of anonymity. Superintendent of Police East Srinagar, Harmeet Singh CNS that the said youth namely Muhammad Salim son of Ghulam Muhammad resident of Safa Kadal Srinagar is an extortionist who is involved in different extortion cases. Top police officials including SSP Security Rafiq-ul-Hasan reached on spot to assess the situation. Sources told CNS that at least three security personnel have been suspended for their negligence. However, police did not confirm this. (CNS)
Applicant provided wrong information under RTI
Srinagar, March 4: An applicant who had sought information from Jammu and Kashmir State Sports Council about the ‘qualification of works through tenders’ Tuesday alleged that all the information provided to him by Sports Council is misleading and wrong. He appealed to the Information Commissioner to take suitable action against the Council. An applicant Azad Ahmed Qureshi from Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district told CNS that despite fulfilling all the formalities the Jammu and Kashmir State Sports Council did not provide him any information and made him wait for more than two months.
SC sends Subrata Roy to jail up to March 11; asks for concrete proposal to return investors' money The Supreme Court today ordered Sahara Chief Subrata Roy to remain in judicial custody for a week in Delhi. He will be will be kept in the high-security Tihar prison. A bench of justices K S Radhakrishnan and J S Khehar said apart from Roy, the bench also ordered that the Group's other two Directors Ravi Shankar Dubey and Ashok Roy Choudhary be taken into custody. The order to arrest Roy was issued after his failure to appear before the apex court in the contempt case arising out of non-refund of 20 thousand crore rupees to investors by two of his companies. The court said that it is not happy with the proposal submitted by Sahara regarding refund of the investors' money. The court said, it wants concrete proposal from the Sahara. While seeking
more time, Roy said the Group will sell
Centre to soon appoint panel to decide new capital of residuary Andhra Pradesh, says Jairam Union Rural Development minister Jairam Ramesh said the central government will soon appoint a committee to identify a suitable place for setting up a new capital for residuary Andhra Pradesh. Talking to media persons in Guntur and Vijayawada on Tuesday, the Union Minister said the committee which is expected to be in place in four to five days will give its report with in six months. Mr Ramesh said a number of demands from several quarters in Seemandhra region are coming up on the issue of capital. However, he said the government will take a final call on the issue on the basis of committee report. The union minister further said all institutions to be set up in Seemandhra will be decentralized unlike in Hyderabad.
its properties to refund the amount to the investors. The bench told the Sahara Chief that the payment can not be made in cash as it is contrary to law. The court said the refund money to the investors have to made through demand draft or cheque. During the hearing, Roy apologised before the bench for not complying with its order and assured that its order would be followed by him and sought more time for refunding money to investors. The court had issued non-bailable warrant against Roy after he failed to appear before it on February 26. The court said it will hear his plea on 11th of this month. Earlier, a protester threw ink on Sahara Group chairman Subrata Roy as he reached the Supreme Court today.
Egyptian court bans all activities of Hamas An Egyptian court today banned all activities of Palestinian Hamas movement and confiscate its headquarters in Cairo. A lawsuit was filed against the movement to ban its activities and designate it as a terrorist group, after the removal of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in last July. Hamas is an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood and is well known for its support to the group, from which Morsi hails. More than 60 members of the group are facing trial on jailbreak charges in
Nitish Kumar criticizes Modi for his comments on Bihar violence Seeking to dismiss allegations by BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi that Bihar has become a haven for terrorists, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today questioned incidents of violence
that occurred in Gujarat and other parts of the country. Taking to newsperson in Patna Nitish kumar asked any incident of terrorism is a cause of worry. But if on the basis of one or two incidents Bihar is called a haven of terrorism, what shall we say about several such incidents happening in Gujarat and other parts of the country. Narendra Modi, at a BJP rally in Muzaffarpur in Bihar yesterday, had alleged that the Nitish Kumar government was soft on terrorists due to vote-bank politics.
2011, along with Morsi and top leaders of Brotherhood. They are accused of facilitating storming three prisons, killing policemen and
helping hundreds including terrorists to flee during the early days of the 2011 revolt that ousted Hosni Mubarak.
Sri Lanka: Rail link between Kilinochchi to Palai inaugurated Indian Railways’ construction wing IRCON has reconstructed North Sri Lanka’s Rail line till Palai and will take it to Jaffna city in another three months. The 27 and a half kilometer rail link between Kilinochchi to Palai was inaugurated on Tuesday by Sri Lanka’s Transport Minister Kumar Welgama in presence of Indian High Commissioner Y K Sinha.
25 die 'unattended' in Kanpur hospital as junior doctors’ stir enters day 4 in UP As many as 25 patients have allegedly died in 72 hours since Saturday due to lack of medical attention at the Lala Lajpat Rai (LLR) Hospital in Kanpur, where a strike by junior doctors has spread across the rest of Uttar Pradesh. The strike began following a police lathicharge on resident doctors and students of Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Memorial (GSVM) Medical College — near LLR Hospital — after they clashed with Samajwadi Party MLA Irfan Solanki on February 28. Janki Prasad of Farrukhabad lost his son, Bhoo Dev, at LLR Hospital on March 1 and holds the doctor’s stir responsible. “My son was suffering from liver infection. I kept running from one place to another for doctors. They refused to have a look at him. He died on the stretcher.” Most of the patients have left the LLR Hospital and only 157 beds out of 1,200 are presently occupied. Thousands of junior doctors across the seven medical colleges of UP are on the strike, which has the support of senior doctors — government, private — and even faculty members. Nurses and class four employees too are part of the agitation that entered the fourth day on Tuesday. The agitating doctors are demanding action against Sisamau MLA Solanki and Kanpur’s senior superintendent of police Yashasvi Yadav. The standoff had intensified after the police arrested 24 GSVM Medical College students following the clash. The students were granted bail on Monday evening, but they refused to leave jail. "Nothing short of SSP Yashasvi Yadav's suspension and arrest of SP MLA Irfan Solanki is acceptable," said Arti Lal Chandani, president of Indian Medical Association, Kanpur. The agitating junior doctors say they will not relent unless the 24 students are released unconditionally and they get an apology for police excesses. Chief minister Akhilesh Yadav has ordered an inquiry into the violence. According to reports, he has indicated that charges will not be pressed against the 24 students. "I have asked for the CCTV footage to be examined properly and punishment to the guilty. Doctors should return to work in public interest. Nothing is more important than life of a common man,” the CM said in Lucknow. Much of the doctors’ ire is directed at Solanki, whom they blame for insti-
gating the police to storm the GSVM campus and lathicharge students in the hostel. "Students were beaten up savagely. They were dragged out from hostels and lined up. Lathis rained on them; their laptops, cellphones were all thrown away," said Dr Ambrish Gupta of GSVM Medical College. Solanki, however, says medical students got into a fight with him and are at fault. The MLA said he was buying medicines near the LLR hospital when a medico’s car knocked down an elderly woman. According to Solanki, he intervened after an ugly spat broke out between the woman and the car’s occupant. “What wrong did I do? Is saving an elderly woman a crime? The doctors called 500-600 others to attack me, damage my vehicles beyond repair," said Solanki, who was injured in the attack. "You don't expect doctors to behave like criminals." The police defended the action against the students, saying the use of force was allowed only after 30 personnel were injured in brickbatting and firing by the students. "We found pistols, petrol bombs, rods, knives from the hostels. If we hadn’t acted, the students would have set a petrol pump on fire. We have the CCTV footage to show acts unbecoming of medical students,” said SSP Yadav, who was last week given a prize by the state for bringing down Kanpur’s
crime by 51%. Kanpur district magistrate Roshan Jacob said the continuance of strike revealed it was motivated. "We took special measures to make sure the students got bail and their future was not spoiled even when their behavior was not justified."According to Solanki, he intervened after an ugly spat broke out between the woman and the car’s occupant. “What wrong did I do? Is saving an elderly woman a crime? The doctors called 500-600 others to attack me, damage my vehicles beyond repair,” said Solanki, who was injured in the attack. “You don’t expect doctors to behave like criminals.” The police defended the action against the students, saying the use of force was allowed only after 30 personnel were injured in brickbatting and firing by the students. “We found pistols, petrol bombs, rods, knives from the hostels. If we hadn’t acted, the students would have set a petrol pump on fire. We have the CCTV footage to show acts unbecoming of medical students,” said SSP Yadav, who was last week given a prize by the state for bringing down Kanpur’s crime by 51%. Kanpur district magistrate Roshan Jacob said the continuance of strike revealed it was motivated. “We took special measures to make sure the students got bail and their future was not spoiled even when their behavior was not justified.”
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Daily ZABARWAN TIMES
WEDNESDAY, MARCH | 05 | 2014
Rather asks trade industry to get ready for GST regime Hails CII as friend, guide for new building entrepreneurs
the Finance Minister said that the and industrialists present on the occurrent “J&K State Industrial policy casion included chairman, CII North together with its associated “Pack- Region, Mr Jayant Davar, outgoing age of Incentives” is going to expire at the end of the next financial year adding that this expiry period may also perhaps see the replacement of the VAT by much talked about Good JAMMU, MARCH 04- Asking and Services Tax at all India level. He Trade and Industry to get ready for suggested that this one year time Goods and Service Tax, GST regime a available needs to be well utilized in new tax reform being implemented examining the future impact of GST all over the country in near future, on the local Industry and analyzthe Minister for Finance and Ladakh ing the gains of the current indusAffairs, Mr. Abdul Rahim Rather to- trial Policy to conceptualize a crystal day enjoined upon all the stakehold- clear roadmap for Industrialization ers to examine the future impact of of the State. The Minister for Tourism, Mr. GhGood and Services Tax (GST) on the local industry so as to meet the twin ulam Ahmed Mir, was also present Chairman, CII J&K State Council, Mr. Anil Mahajan, Newly elected Chairobjectives of rapid industrial growth on the occasion. The session on “sustainable man, Mr. Asif Iqbal Burza, political and employment generation. Speaking at a seminar on “Sus- growth for J&K “coincided with the secretary to chief Minister, Mr. Tantainable growth for J&K” organized annual session (2013-14) of J&K vir Sadiq, Chairman Chamber of chapter of CII where in its annual Commerce and Industries CCI, Mr. by the Confederation ofLone IndiaNews Indus-Agency Kangan Khan Y. News Agencyand Ganderbal V Sharma former Chairtry (CII) late last evening at Jammu, electins were also conducted. A galaxy of leading businessman J&K Chapter, Gulzar News Agency Soura Zahidman, BookCII Depot ChadooraMr. Sanjay
Zabarwan Times is available at
Puri. Mr. Rather said that policy and plan formulators for indus-
trial promotion in J&K should keep in view the geo-graphical location of the State, its remoteness from the main markets and heavy transport costs and focus on Industries having raw material locally available like in horticulture, wool, leather and minerals
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 News Agency Chadoora Bhat News Agency Magam Zargar News Agency Kunzar Dar News Agency Beerwah Bashir Agency 04-Minister Sumbal JAMMU,News MARCH cil, Mr. Siddharth Sharma, Executive for Saleem Horticulture, Housing, Culture Engineer YSS and Sports Council Mr. JAMMU, MARCH 04Maintaining that the government is Reshi News Agency Safapora News Agency Pattan andReyaz YouthNews Services and Sports (YSS) Sher Mohammad Khan besides discommitted to provide Basharat training inNews various skills toBandipora the youth of Agency Agency Pampore Mr.Raman Bhalla today reviewed the the State so that they can setup their own individual entreAltaf News Agency Pulwama Javaid News Agency Qazigund preneurial units, the Minister of State for Technical Education, Jeelani Agency G.M News Agency Sopore Mr. VikarRasool has said that News the same wouldBaramulla go a long way Shah Newsproblem. Agency Kupwara Sultan News Agency Handwara in addressing the unemployment The Minister was interacting withAgency students after flagging Younis News Langate Sheikh News Agency Islamabad off 216 students belonging different areasIslamabad of Gool, MendReshitoNews Agency Three Way News Agency Tral har and Poonch of Jammu division to different States for imTurray News Agency Tral Badru News Agency Bijbehara parting various skills of different trades to them under skill News Agency Kulgam Malik News Agency Arwani development for youthRahi programme.Director technical education Jammu, Mr. J. P Singh other seniorByepass officers of the deRah and News Agency Shaheen News Agency Kargil
‘Govt. committed to train youth, promote entrepreneurship’
partment were present on the occasion.These youth are been sent to the different States wherein they would be trained in different technical fields, so that they can setup their own entrepreneurial units and also get absorbed in different sectors of the corporate field. Till date thousands of students have been sent to different parts of the Country and also various corporate houses.Mr. Vikar said that the Government has also introduced various programmes which would ensure that the youth of the State are technically trained and provided various incentives for setting up their industrial units by which they can contribute their bit in generating the much needed jobs for themselves and various others.The Minister further said that youth should come forward and avail the benefits of other programmes like Himayat and UDAAN which also have a tremendous potential of providing the job opportunities to the technically qualified youth.
besides manufacturing of low weight high value items such as precision engineering and exploitation of high skills of the youth in the fields like electronics and information technology. He said more than a third of State’s GSDP is estimated to be annually spent on the items purchased from outside State and about a third of that expenditure is incurred on procurement of items of food and related items. He said “On the earning side, only two items are worth mentioning. Firstly, the fresh and dry fruit, of which about 40% is transported outside the State in bulk sales. This includes earning of nearly Rs. 200 crore worth of foreign exchange on export of dry fruits, mainly Walnut. The second is the production of handicrafts items worth about Rs. 2000 crore annually. Nearly 75% of the handicrafts production is finding its way into the export market.
Bhalla reviews functioning of YSS, Sports Council
functioning of Department of Youth Services and Sports at a high level meeting of officers. Secretary Youth Services and Sports and Technical Education Mr. Parvez Malik, Director General YSS Mr. Naveen Aggarwal, Secretary Sports Council Mr. Dalip Thusoo, Managing Director Jammu and Kashmir Housing Board Mr. Ram Pal Sharma, Joint Secretary Sports Coun-
trict officers of Jammu region were present in the meeting. Mr. Bhalla also reviewed the steps taken recently to strengthen sports infrastructure in the State. He impressed upon the officers to further augment and strengthen sports infrastructure in the State to provide better facilities to the sportspersons. The Minister said that the Central Government has approved a special
package of Rs. 1000 cr to strengthen sports infrastructure in the state. Under this package, he said, a sports complex comprising both indoor and outdoor facilities would be constructed in every block of the State. Besides, he said, a sports field would be constructed in every panchayat. Mr. Bhalla said that already work has started on some ambitious projects in the State adding that astro turf grounds are being set up at TRC Srinagar and Azad Gunj Baramulla while as the foundations of Rs. 18 crore sports complex and a football academy has already been laid. He said every district would have sports academy where young boys and girls would be imparted coaching by reputed experts. Similarly work on indoor stadium Jammu, renovation of M. A. Stadium, Jammu and other augmentations are in full swing, he said. The Minister directed the Department to conduct more and more youth interactions and sports meets so that young boys and girls of the State are able to showcase their talent.
DLRC cum Consultative Committee Meeting held at Pulwama Rs. 268.83 crores disbursed among 10652 beneficiaries PULWAMA, MARCH 04: District Level Review cum Consultative Committee (DLRC) meeting was held today under the chairmanship of District Development Commissioner, Pulwama, Mr. Manzoor Ahmad Lone. All the officers of allied departments, Managers of Financial Institutions, representatives of NABARD and Reserve Bank of India and Joint Director Planning were present in the meeting. The Lead Bank Manager briefed the meeting about the achievements of banks under annual action plan upto ending of December 2013. He informed the meeting that against the financial target of Rs. 778.88 crores and fiscal target of 53636 beneficiaries were fixed for priority and non priority sectors in the annual action plan 2013-14, the banks have disbursed an amount of Rs.
268.83 crores to 10652 beneficiaries upto 3rd quarter of financial year 2013-14 thereby achieving the financial targets by 34.53 percent and fiscal targets by 19.85 percent. It was told in the meeting that in agriculture and horticulture sectors the total lending of all banks in the district has been Rs. 88.73 crore against the target of Rs: 435.24 crore in addition to this under KCC Scheme banks have sanctioned Rs: 95.43 crore in favour of 7585 beneficiaries in 1st three quarters of 2013-14 against the annual targets of Rs. 398 crores and fiscal targets of 39800 beneficiaries. Under the education sector, it was told in the meeting that Rs. 3 crores were disbursed to 311 beneficiaries against the target of Rs. 12 crores to 297 beneficiaries. The achievement is 23 percent in financial terms and 105 percent in fiscal terms respectively.Speaking on the occasion, the District Development Commissioner stressed upon the officers to gear up the machinery and work with close coordination and dedication so that the target is achieved in full and better economic prospects can also be achieved.
House passes five Bills, Temple Bill referred to Jt Select Committee JAMMU, MARCH 04: As many as six Government Bills were moved and came up for discussion in the Legislative Assembly today. Out of these, five Bills were passed and one was referred to the Joint Select Committee.The passed Bills included, “A Bill to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Value Added Tax Act, 2005 (LA Bill No. 11 of 2014). The Bill was moved by the Minister for Finance, Mr. A.R. Rather. The Bill was passed unanimously by the House without any amendment.The LA Bill No. 12 of 2014 regarding amendment to the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989 was moved by Minister for Rural Development and Panchayats, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar. The Bill was passed after a brief discussion.
Mr. Harshdev Singh, Mr. Ashwani Sharma and Er. Rashid participated in the discussion.The L.A Bill No. 15 of 2013 for amending the Ranbir Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Evidence Act was moved by Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs, Mr. Abdul Rahim Rather on behalf of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister. The Bill was passed by the House unanimously with voice vote. The L.A Bill No. 3 of 2014 regarding amending the Kashmir and Jammu Universities Act, 1969 was moved by Minister for Higher Education, Mr. Mohammad Akbar Lone. The Bill was passed by the House with specific amendments moved by Mr. Nizam-udDin Bhat, Mr. Harshdev
Singh and Ch. Zulfkar Ali. The L.A Bill No. 7 of 2014 which provides for establishment of Paramedical Council in the State and to regulate the practice by Paramedical Practitioners and Institutions was moved by Minister for Health and Medical Education, Mr. Taj Mohi-ud-Din. The Bill was passed with specific amendments of Mr. Harshdev Singh and Dr. Mustafa Kamal.The L.A. Bill No.11 of 2009 which pertains to the better management, protection, administration and governance of Kashmir Hindu Shrines and Religious Places in the State was moved by Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs, Mr. Abdul Rahim Rather on behalf of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister.
Election preparedness reviewed at Kulgam ANANTNAG, MARCH 04: Stressing on strict monitoring for smooth and fair conduct of the elections District Election Officer, Kulgam, Mr. Jehangir Ahmad Mir today convened a meeting to review the preparedness of concerned departments .Charring a joint meeting of ARO’s, Tehsildars and other concerned officers, District Election Officer stressed on completing the ongoing videography of all polling stations. The ARTO was directed to finalize the transport arrangements and also fix hiring charges for different types of vehicles to be utilized during the coming elections.Chief Education Officer was directed to get ramps constructed at all polling stations located in different educational instructions. It was given out in the meeting that 60 percent of polling stations are already equipped with ramp facility. The Assistant Commissioner Revenue was directed to raise temporary toilets around the polling stations during the polling dates.
Arresting the practice of growing psychotropic crops vital :DC Shopian SHOPIAN, MARCH 04: To arrest the cultivation of bung and poppy in certain areas of district Shopian a meeting was held under the chairmanship of District Development Commissioner Shopian, Mr. Bashir Ahmad Bhat.The Deputy Commissioner deliberated upon various measures to deter the cultivators of these psychotropic crops to refrain from cultivating such crop. He asked the representatives of horticulture and agriculture departments to dissuade them by providing incentives in the form of seeds, fertilizers and high yielding exotic plants.
Lone commends staff and students for their efforts JAMMU, MARCH 4: Government College for Women Parade has been conferred autonomous status by the UGC which is a rare distinction, the first amongst the government colleges in the state, this was informed in an function organized here today. The Minister for Higher Education, Mr. Mohammad Akbar Lone was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion the Minister complimented the staff and students for their dedicated efforts and said that the prime institution has been providing quality education to the students and shaping their personalities making them better citizens The Minister said that pro-
viding adequate infrastructure and modern facilities has been given priority to ensure that the education
sector is strengthened. The Minister also inaugurated the Electronics and Computer lab and also various developmental works in the college. Ms Hemal Aggarwal, Principal of the College in her welcome address highlighted the various achieve-
ments made by the College in different areas. She said that with the dedicated efforts of the staff and students the institution has achieved new milestones in the field of academics and curricular activities. A cultural programme was also presented by the students including a Sufiana song, Kashmiri Dance, and contemporary dance on the theme of Women Empowerment. Secretary, Higher Education, Sheikh Mushtaq Ahmed, Municipal Commissioner Jammu, Mr. Kiran Wattal, Director Colleges, Prof T A Kawoos besides Principals of various Degree Colleges, Teachers and a large number of students were present on the occasion.
HOROSCOPE Aries
March 21-April 19
Today is a good day to be receptive to other people’s energies, Aries. You’ll find that a sensitive attitude toward the people around you, combined with a bit of hard work and willingness to fulfill your responsibilities, will make for an unstoppable winning combination. Use this day to collect data and plan your goals. Take responsibility for your actions and don’t be afraid to admit your mistakes.
Taurus April 20-May 20
You’ll find that your mind is sharp and penetrating today, Taurus. Make sure you stay focused and organized. You have the power of discipline behind you that will help you manifest quite a bit on a day like today. Keep in mind that your openness to others and your incredible sensitivity are some of your greatest gifts. Use your power to create prosperity for yourself, but do it without hurting or manipulating others.
Gemini May 21-June 21
There is a rough stubbornness to the day that you may find hinders your progress, Gemini. There may be undercurrents of opposition that are slowly wearing away at your psyche. Make sure that you don’t fall into the trap of feeling guilt or regret. These are useless emotions that you simply can do without. If people are being negative or unreasonable, simply walk away from the situation and find a better one.
Cancer June 22-July 22
There are forces working in your favor that you should be sure to latch onto and take advantage of, Cancer. You’ll find that your sense of duty and ability to plan are paying off in a very positive way. You’ll find that you’re able to check quite a few things off your list today. Think before you act and take a time-out to rest and regroup if you need to.
Leo
July 23-August 22 Missed connections and unfortunate misunderstandings will happen less frequently if you slow down and focus. Remember that you can do things yourself, Leo. Don’t feel like you absolutely need approval from others before tackling the projects that you wish to complete. Your mind is urging you to take the initiative today, so feel free to do so. Just make sure you aren’t too hasty in your actions.
Virgo
August 23-September 22
Things that require restriction and discipline on your part may be causing tension and opposition in your world today, Virgo. The good news is that your mind is clear and you should feel in tune with the people around you. Know your allies and take care of them. Remind others of how much they mean to you. The most important aspects of your life are your friends and family, so treat them with unconditional love.
Libra
September 23-October 23 Your internal fire may be feeling a bit smothered by a fierce reality check today, Libra. Give people the benefit of the doubt. They are more perceptive than you may think. In fact, it may behoove you to get some honest feedback today from some people you trust. It could be difficult for you to sort out the truth in your present situation, since you’re the one caught in the middle of the maelstrom.
Scorpio
October 24-November 21 Careful planning on your part is starting to pay off, Scorpio, but be careful that you don’t alienate others in your quest to be the best. You may not realize how your harsh words affect the people around you. Be more sensitive to the feelings of others. Focus and be brave in your actions. Hesitation may cause you to lose control of the situation. Know your boundaries, but push beyond them.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
A little foreign culture could be the thing you need right now to spice things up a bit. It could be that you aren’t feeling a very strong connection with the environment around you. You could be anxious to spread your wings and explore your freedom. Start small but think big. Get out of your rut and do more exploring on your own. There’s a sobering, disciplined feeling to the day that could help you think realistically about your situation .
Capricorn December 22-January 19
Some days it may be hard for you to get motivated, Capricorn, but if ever there were a day in which it was easier than others, this would be the day. You’ll find that your mind is quite attuned to the situation around you and that your sense of grounding is helping you manifest that which you wish to bring to life. There’s a sense of time restriction and limitation to the day that is prodding you to act now.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
You may feel a bit of restriction working to hold you back from your current plans today, Aquarius. It could be that your mind is feeling restless and that you’re anxious to go, but there’s a feeling of discipline and caution nagging you and urging you to slow down. This might not be a bad idea. Discipline and willpower may be exactly the things you need in order to get where you’re going.
Pisces
February 19-March 20 You’ll find that a sensitive mind that’s open to everything and every possibility is exactly the thing you need at this time in order to be successful in reaching all the goals you’re working toward, Pisces. You’ll find that your sense of duty and need for plans and solid goals are key elements for getting to where you need to be. Gather information and create a plan of attack that is well thought out.
EDITORIAL/ OPINION Unemployment A challenge for the government
T
he rising unemployment has become a big problem nationally and on state level as the increasing number of educated unemployed including the skilled and unskilled youths has now touched over eight lakhs in Jammu and Kashmir itself. The state sector is unable to cope up with the situation as there are hardly any avenues which can accommodate these youth and provide them respectable jobs. The state has no private sector hence there is no question of big industries accommodating a good number Of unemployed youths. The overall intake in the state sector is not more than a few thousands in a year and the recruitment procedure is so difficult and lengthy that the state recruiting agencies take years to fill up a few vacancies. The fast track recruitment policy announced by that state government has totally failed and not a single appointment has been made so far under this policy. Over ninety thousand posts are vacant in different departments but the prolonged recruitment has almost stalled the process of appointments. The worrying thing is that over two lakh educated youths will get over aged within next one year, so their future will become bleak and dark forever. Despite repeated announcements by the state government to cope up with the rising unemployment on war footing, nothing seems to have been done so far in this connection on ground zero level. It is definitely frustrating for those youth who aspire for a job to make both ends meet. If the situation continues like this these youths will be exploited and misguided by vested interests and some of them will fall in the trap of other social evils like drugs, thefts and unethical activities. The government should immediately understand the gravity of the situation and should formulate an effective employment policy which can accommodate maximum number of youths on fast track basis. It should also strengthen udaan and other schemes launched by the central government so that more and more youths are made skilled to tap their capabilities. It should also give a flip to Sher-iKashmir employment guarantee scheme so that self employment becomes a big and effective tool to tackle the daunting task of providing employment to the youth of the state.
Daily
Zabarwan Times
Srinagar, Wednesday 05 March 2014
Model Code of Conduct & its Evolution F ree and fair elections form the bed rock of democracy. This envisages a level playing field for the contestants and an equal opportunity for all parties for presenting their policies and programmes to voters. In this context the Model Code of Conduct(MCC) gains relevance. The MCC intends to provide a level playing field for all political parties, keep the campaign fair and healthy, avoid clashes and conflicts between parties, and ensure peace and order. It aims to ensure that the ruling party, either at the Centre or in the states, does not misuse its official position to gain an unfair advantage in an election. This instrument is a major contribution of Indian electoral system to the cause of democracy. The MCC is a set of norms for conduct and behavior on the part of the Parties and candidates, in particular. The uniqueness of the MCC is the fact that this was a document that originated and evolved with the consensus of the political parties. The origin of the MCC dates back to 1960 when the MCC started as a small set of Dos and Don’ts for the Assembly election in Kerala in 1960. The Code covered conducting of election meetings/processions, speeches, slogans, posters and placards (CEC-Shri K.V.K.Sundaram). In 1962 Lok Sabha General Elections, the Commission circulated this code to all the recognized political parties and the State Governments were requested to secure the acceptance of the Code by the Parties. (CEC-Shri K.V.K.Sundaram). Report received after the 1962 general election showed that the Code was followed by and large. In 1967, the Code was followed in the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. (CEC-Shri K.V.K.Sundaram). Evolution of the MCC and its implementation since 1967 · In 1968, the Election Commission held meetings with political parties at State level and circulated the Code of Conduct to observe minimum standard of behavior to ensure free and fair elections. (CECShri S.P. Sen Verma)
· In 1971-72, during General Election to the House of the People/ State Legislative Assemblies the Commission circulated the Code again. (CEC-Shri S.P. Sen Verma) · At the time of general elections to some State Assemblies in 1974, the Commission issued the code of conduct to the political parties in those States. The Commission also suggested constituting committees at district level headed by the District Collector and comprising representatives of political parties as members for considering cases of violation of the code and ensuring its compliance by all parties and candidates. · For the 1977 Lok Sabha general election, the Code was again circulated to the political parties. (CECShri T. Swaminathan). · In 1979, Election Commission, in consultation with the political parties further amplified the code, adding a new Section placing restrictions on the “Party in power” so as to prevent cases of abuse of position of power to get undue advantage over other parties and candidates. (CEC-Shri S.L.Shakhdar) · In 1991, the code was consolidated and re-issued in its present form. (CEC-Shri T.N.Seshan). · The present code contains guidelines for general conduct of political parties and candidates (no attack on private life, no appeal to communal feelings, discipline and decorum in meetings, processions, guidelines for party in power – official machinery and facilities not to be used for electioneering, prohibition against Ministers and other authorities in announcing grants, new schemes etc). · Ministers and those holding public offices are not allowed to combine official visits with electioneering tours. · Issue of advertisements at the cost of public exchequer is prohibited. · Grants, new schemes / projects cannot be announced. Even the schemes that may have been announced before the MCC came into force, but that has not actually tak-
en off in terms of implementation on field are also required to be put on hold. · It is through such restrictions that the advantage of being in power is blunted and the contestants get the opportunity to fight on more or less equal terms. · MCC has got the judicial recognition of the highest court of land. The dispute over the date when the Model Code of Conduct should come into force -- the issuance of the press release by EC announcing the poll dates or the date of actual notification in this regard was resolved in the Union of India Vs. Harbans Sigh Jalal and Others [SLP (Civil) No.22724 of 1997)] decided on 26.04.2001. The apex court gave the ruling that the Code of Conduct would come into force the moment the Commission issues the press release, which precedes the notification by a good two weeks. This ruling lay at rest the controversy related to the dates of enforcement of MCC. Thus the MCC remains in force from the date of announcement of elections till the completion of elections. Legal Status for Model Code: Views of the Election Commission There is an opinion in certain quarters for providing legal status to MCC. The Election Commission has, however, taken a stand against granting of such status to MCC. According to the Commission bringing the MCC on the statute book will only be counter-productive. In our country, elections are conducted within a very limited time span according to a well laid down schedule. Normally, a general election in a State is completed in about 45 days, from the day of announcement of the election schedule by the Commission. Thus, the expedition and promptness in dealing with the cases of violation of the model code of conduct is of the essence. If no timely action is taken to curb the violations and against the violators of the model code during the limited period when the election process is on, the whole significance of the MCC would be lost and the violator
would be able to reap the benefit of such violation. If the model code of conduct is converted into a law, this would mean that a complaint would lie to the police/Magistrate. The procedures involved in judicial proceedings being what they are, a decision on such complaints would most likely come only long after the election is completed. MCC is not a Hindrance to Developmental activities One often gets to hear the complaint that the MCC is coming in the way of developmental activities. However, even during the short period when MCC is in operation, the ongoing development activities are not stopped and are allowed to proceed unhindered, and only the new projects, etc. which have not taken off on the ground that have to be deferred till the completion of elections. If there is any work that cannot wait for any reason (relief work on account of any calamity, etc), the matter can be referred to the Commission for clearance. It is apt to refer to the following passage from a very recent Judgment (dated 16.02.2012) of the Allahabad High Court (Lucknow Bench) in Writ Petition No. 1361 of 2012 (Dr. Nutan Thakur Vs. Election Commission of India): ‘It shall not be out of place to mention that after election, peoples’ representatives discharge their obligation almost for a period of five years. The elections are held at the fag end of their tenure unless the assembly or Parliament is suspended or dissolved earlier. While holding the office, it is always obligatory on the part of the peoples’ representative to discharge their obligation honestly and fairly to serve the nation. In case they failed to discharge their obligation during their entire term while in office or in opposition, then making statement as a measure of allurement or appeasement to the peoples after issuance of Election Notification, shall be nothing but an instance of unfair practice on their part.’
Instant Feedback To Voters Through VVPAT
Voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) is a method of providing feedback to voters using a ballot less voting system. VVPAT is intended as an independent verification system for electronic voting machines that allows voters to verify that their votes are cast as intended and can serve as an additional barrier to changing or destroying votes. Under VVPAT, a printer-like apparatus is linked to Electronic Voting Machine (EVM). When a vote is cast, a receipt is generated showing the serial number, name and symbol of the candidate. It confirms the vote and the voter can verify the details. The receipt, once viewed, goes inside a container linked to the EVM and can only be accessed by the election officers in rarest of rare cases. The system allows a voter to challenge his or her vote on basis of the paper receipt for the first time. As per a new rule, the booth presiding officer will have to record the dissent of the voter, which would have to be taken into account at time of counting. The VVPAT system was not manufactured due to doubts on the EVM, but was part of the up gradation of the system. Chronology of events leading to the use of VVPAT v In All Party Meeting held on 4th October 2010, there was a broad consensus among Political Parties about the continued use of Electronic Voting Machines and several Political Parties suggested that the possibility of incorporating a “Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail” should be explored. v The Election Commission referred the matter to the Expert Committee to examine the possibility of a paper trail and also directed the manufacturers i.e. Bharat Electronics Limited, Bangalore (BEL) and Electronics Corporation of India Limited, Hyderabad (ECIL) to develop a prototype of VVPAT system. v On the recommendation of Technical Experts Com-
mittee, a field trail was conducted in Thiruvananthapuram, Delhi, Jaisalmer, Cherapunjee and Leh in the month of July 2011 in the presence and participation of all stakeholders including general voters, national and state political parties, civil society organizations and media. v After incorporation of the changes recommended after the first field trial , a second field trial of prototype VVPAT system was held in Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram, Leh, Jaisalmer and Cherapunjee in July-August, 2012. The Technical Expert Committee approved the final design of the VVPAT units in its meeting held on 19th February, 2013.v The Government of India, vide their notification, dated 14th august 2013, has amended the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, enabling the Commission to use VVPAT with electronic voting machines.. v For the first time Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) with Electronic Voting Machines was used for the Noksen Assembly seat in Tuensang district of Nagaland in September, 2013. v In a ruling in October 2013, the Supreme Court (SC), in the case of Subramanian Swamy vs Elec-
tion Commission of India (ECI), has held that VVPAT (Vote Verifiable Paper Audit Trial) is “indispensable for free and fair elections” and thus, directed the ECI to equip Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) with VVPAT systems to “ensure accuracy of the VVPAT system”. v The Supreme Court directed the Election Commission to introduce a paper trail in EVMs, in a phased manner, for the next general elections in 2014, saying it will ensure free and fair polls. The apex court also directed the Centre to provide financial assistance for introducing Vote Verifier Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system. v In pursuance of the Supreme Court order, the Election Commission ordered VVPAT systems to be used in the New Delhi assembly for the upcoming assembly elections. The pilot project was launched across 186 polling stations that will cater to 1,18,596 registered voters.v The Election Commission also instructed the Mizoram election department to use Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail System (VVPAT) system in 10 Assembly constituencies during recently held elections to the 40-member state legislature. VVPAT was also introduced in one constituency each in Delhi (as mentioned above), Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan. The Commission will need about 14 lakh VVPAT machines to introduce the system in all 543 Lok Sabha constituencies during forthcoming Lok Sabha elections . However, the Commission is apprehensive that so many machines can be produced and testing them in such a short duration of time. The Commission feels that covering all Parliamentary constituencies may not be possible before 2019 General Elections. The Commission has stated that approximately 1500 crore Rupees would be required for procuring VVPAT and installing it at all polling booths across the country .
Disclaimer : The contents and comments appearing in any article published in this paper are purely the personal opinion of the writer