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22 March | 2014 | 20 Jamadi-Ul-Awal 1435 AH | PAGES 12 |
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3 injured in road accident Srinagar, Mar 21: Three persons were injured in a road accident in Budgam. According to a police statement issued to KNS, a load carrier bearing registration number JK05C/0875 skidded of the road at village Rathsoona, Budgam in the jurisdiction of police station Beerwah, Budgam resulting in injuries to three persons Abdul Salam Bhat son of Abdul Gani resident of Utligam, Lateef Ahmad Malik son of Ghulam Rasool resident of Singh Pora Pattan and Irshad Ahmad Wani resident of Payeed, Beerwah. All the injured were shifted to hospital for treatment. A case has been registered in this regard. (KNS)
CBI registers PE to probe alleged bribery in supply of engines to HAL Mar 21: CBI today lodged a Preliminary Enquiry (PE) into alleged bribery in the 10,000 crore rupees deal for supply of aircraft engines to the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) by London-based Rolls Royce. CBI spokesperson said, the agency has named some officials of HAL, owner of Aashmore Private Limited and Rolls Royce in the PE that was registered after a complaint was received from the Defence Ministry to look into the supply of engines to HAL. According to the PE, the agency will be probing alleged payment of bribe or kickbacks in the purchase of spare parts of the engines of the helicopters to the industrial and marine gas turbine division of HAL. The allegations surfaced in the form of a letter received by HAL recently claiming that bribes were paid to officials in HAL and other departments concerned to bag contracts.
Inside story Police detaining PDP workers in old city: Alam Srinagar, Mar 21 (KNS): Demanding the immediate release of the youth detained by the police in old city during the recent past, PDP leader Khurshid Alam Friday accused that NC is utilizing police to harass PDP workers. “Now police is raiding the houses of the youth who have joined PDP and the deliberate attempts are being
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On Edit Page Lok Sabha elections – unclear scenario The electioneering in the first and second phase will now pickup as soon as the nominations will be over by tomorrow. In the first two phases over 92 seats will go to polls and millions of voters will cast their votes in over eighteen states of the country. This election is called the mother of all elections as the situation viz a viz different political parties is so much unclear and confusing that nobody is in a position to exactly say what will be the outcome of the Lok Sabha Elections. The congress, the BJP and
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WEATHER FORECAST FOR NEXT 24 HRS:
Weather will be mainly dry over the state.
FORECAST OF SRINAGAR:
Partly cloudy sky. Maximum & Minimum temperatures will be around 17°C & 03°C respectively.
C TEMPERATURE M MAXIMUM Y MINIMUM K
SUNSET ON(SATURDAY) SUNRISE ON (SUNDAY)
16.50C 2.2 0C 06:44PM 06:34 AM
VOL NO: 4 | ISSUE NO: 80 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 Paisa)
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Largely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&K
To sing with U.S. Band
Dr Amit Wanchoo selected as fellow at Harvard Kennedy program for 2014
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PDP to work for change in mindset
from the Bangalore South Lok Sabha seat Friday morning. He is in the fray on a Congress ticket from here and is facing challenge from BJP's Ananth Kumar. Lok Sabha election for 28 seats in Karnataka are scheduled for April 17. Chandigarh is going to witness a multi-cor-
nered star contest for the Lok Sabha polls. Actress Kiran Kher filed her nomination papers as a Lok Sabha candidate on a BJP ticket. She was flanked by her husband, actor Anupam Kher and former Delhi Mayor Arti Mehra. Kiran Kher reiterated her commitment towards the development of Chandigarh. See Filing On Page 11..
Kashmir students attacked on eve of India-Pakistan cricket match, 12 hurt Srinagar, March 21: At least twelve Kashmir students sustained injuries after trouble erupted over India and Pakistan cricket match before Friday congregational prayers at a varsity in Rajasthan. India and Pakistan are to lock horns today in the ongoing T20 World Cup being played in Bangladesh. Reports reaching GNS said that today at around 11:45 am, some local students started hurling abuses at Kashmir students. “Situation turned hostile after the local students, who were about 30-40 in numbers thrashed four Kashmir students,” a B.Tech student from Kashmir, who insisted not to be named, told
GNS over phone from the Meewar varsity. The latest ‘attack’ on the Kashmir students, yet again, is linked to the game of cricket between India and Pakistan. “We were preparing for Friday prayers,” he said, adding: “In their assault, one student fell unconscious, who was removed by his colleagues to the hostel room.” “In the meantime, the local students including the residents of the area started to pelt stones on Kashmiri,” he alleged. He alleged that all this happened in the presence of local police and varsity administration and they played role of See Kashmir On Page 11..
Srinagar, Mar 21 : Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Peoples Democratic Party patron and former chief minister today said that his party’s role is to make the Parliament of India a forum for representing the “Jammu and Kashmir issue” for debate and dialogue at the national level. Mufti was addressing press after releasing the party’s manifesto- ‘Parliamentary Elections: Agenda for Change’- for the upcoming parliamentary polls during a press conference at his official Gupkar residence. Slamming National Conference for giving a prior consent to the execution
‘Contradicts Mufti's history, PDP's politics’ Srinagar, Mar 21: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference has criticized PDP for issuing statements that according to it contradict both Mufti Mohammad Sayeed's role in the State's troubled history as well as the ‘policy of deceit and contradictions’ that PDP wishes to thrive on. In a joint statement issued to KNS, the NC leaders Dr. Mehboob Beg, Sharif-ud-Din Shariq and Mohammad Akbar Lone have said that if Mufti and Mehbooba were so concerned about Afzal Guru, what did they do while charges against Afzal Guru were filed during their tenure and with Mufti ‘tacit support and approval’? “Wasn't it Muzaffar Beig, PDP's stalwart and candidate from Baramulla Parliamentary Seat who was engaged to defend Ma-
qbool Bhat in the Supreme Court and ended up absconding and leaving Maqbool Bhat without a defense counsel even after receiving the due counsel fee and retainer-ship? There are serious apprehensions and theories that this was done deliberately against the interests of Bhat, who was later hanged,” the statement reads. It added: “PDP talks of Afzal Guru and Maqbool Bhat without speaking of Gaw Kadal, Bijbihera, Handwara massacres - those which were not only allowed but facilitated under the command of Mufti Sayeed as the Home Minister of India? There are also questions on Mufti's role in allegedly refusing to prevent the assassination of Mirwaiz Molvi Farooq Sahab by ignoring his repeated pleas See NC On Page 11..
‘Will macadamize it once weather improves’: BRO road is in shambles and there are patch holes everywhere. You feel at ease once you cross the tunnel and move towards Jammu because the condition of the road is extremely good, but once your cross the tunnel and move towards Srinagar, you fell irritation. Right from Ramban to Badami Bagh, the road is in shambles and at hundreds of places you will find patch holes, water logging and mud everywhere,” a Sumo driver, Bilal Ahmed told CNS. Sumo and taxi operators said that their vehicles have suffered extensive damage due to the di-
lapidated roads. “This road is life-line for the people of the State but no efforts are made to macadamize it,” an operator said adding that poor condition of the highway is also a cause of frequent traffic gridlocks on the highway. “The Border Roads Organization and the National Highways Authority of India cannot escape the blame for the traffic mess. They have failed to maintain the road,” a medico told CNS adding that both these agencies should be taken to task for failing See BRO On Page 11..
Life term for 4 convicted in phone Driver electrocuted to death operator gangrape case Mumbai Mar 21:Nearly eight months after the gangrape of a telephone operator in the abandoned Shakti Mills compound in Mumbai, the Sessions Court today sentenced all the four convicts to life imprisonment. Meanwhile, the quantum of sentence in the photojournalist’s gangrape case will be announced on Monday. Delivering a swift judgment in the twin Shakti Mills gangrape cases; Mumbai’s sessions court today awarded life sentence to four people convicted in the gangrape of a telephone operator. The court held that the brutal crime was part
Engage separatist leadership: Mufti asks GoI
PDP's rhetoric shameless: NC
Srinagar-Jammu highway in shambles Srinagar, March 21: Commuters travelling on the 300 kilometre Srinagar Jammu highway have alleged that due to bad road conditions right from Ramban to Badami Bagh Contonment area, traffic jams are becoming the order of the day while traffic authorities are miserably failing to regulate vehicular movement along the route. Reports said that Srinagar Jammu highway is not in proper condition while drivers and commuters are alleging that due to the dilapidated road they face great inconvenience. “The
Less difference remains in good T20 teams PG 06
Filing of nominations for first phase of LS polls to end today New Delhi, Mar 21: With less than a day left for closing of nominations for 92 Lok Sabha constituencies spread over 18 states and union territories, political activity is gaining momentum with candidates rushing to file their papers. Nominations will close today for all ten seats in Haryana, 20 constituencies in Kerala and all seven seats in Delhi which go to the polls on the 10th of next month. Filing of nominations will also end today for ten seats each in Maharashtra, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh, nine in Madhya Pradesh, four in Jharkhand and one each in Chhattisgarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland and one each in the Union Territories of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh and Lakshadweep. Filing of papers will also come to close today for two seats each in Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya. Today is the last date for filing of nominations for all the 60 seats of Arunachal Pradesh assembly and 70 Assembly Constituencies in Odisha. Prominent leaders of different parties file their nomination papers for upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Nandan Nilekani, a familiar face, long associated with Infosys, filed his nomination papers
of a pre-meditated conspiracy. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 each on all the convicts and directed that the amount realized be given to the victim. Since three of convicts were also involved in the photojournalist gangrape case, Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam today sought capital punishment for them. Mr. Nikam filed an application to frame additional charges on the three common convicts for repeated offence under section 376(e) of the IPC. Accepting Nikam’s plea, See Life On Page 11..
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Srinagar, Mar 21: A truck driver was electrocuted to death in Ganderbal when he came in touch with HT cable. According to a police statement issued to KNS, a Truck driver Shabir Ahmad Bhat son of Abdul Salam Bhat resident of Repora Lar, Ganderbal climbed on the tool box of his truck bearing registration number JK13/5705 for doing some repair work, came in contact with See Driver On Page 11..
of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, the former chief minister said that the state government’s consent is taken before taking such a major decision against any state subject. He regretted that since the National Conference took over reins of power in Jammu and Kashmir, almost all the confidence building measures started during Atal Behari Vajpayee or those initiated during the tenure of Dr Manmohan Singh were halted because of NC’s inability to pursue the same. He said that it was chief minister Omar Abdullah’s inefficiency which did not allow implementation of recommendations See PDP On Page 11..
Srinagar, Mar 21: Budgam police cracked the blind murder case of a youth who was found dead in a Chadoora few days back. The accused a close friend of the victim has been arrested and the weapon of offense alongwith the cash and mobile phone of the victim was recovered from his home. Giving details of the case SP Budgam, Sh. Mohammad Irshad stated that on 17-03-2014, Police
Hundreds of people held pro-freedom and anti-India protests at various places in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district here after Friday congregational prayers. Witnesses said soon after Friday prayers, hundreds of people took to streets at Hajan and shouted pro-freedom slogans. The people were also shouting slogans against government forces. “Hundreds of people led by Muslim league leader Showkat Ahmad Hakeem started March from Jamia Masjid,” one of the locals told GNS over phone. However, soon after protests, youth clashed with government forces deployed in the area. The forces resorted to teargas shelling which See Protests On Page 11..
AMM reacts to political fallacies showered on BJP, Modi Srinagar, Mar 21 (KNS): Awami Mutahida Mahaz (AMM) on Friday expressed deep disappointment over the recent statements from what it called ‘certain responsible leaders belonging to different shades of political opinion in Kashmir’ on BJP and its prime ministerial candidate Narindera Modi. According to a statement issued to KNS, a meeting of AMM was held which was attended by Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, Hakim Mohammad Yasin, Abdul Rashid Kabuli and Sheikh Abdul Rehman. The meeting after discussing the emerging political
Budgam Police solved the blind murder case
Accused friend held for killing the youth
Protests erupt in Bandipora Srinagar, March 21:
Chadoora received information that an unidentified body of a male with multiple wounds is lying at Dharmwari Chadoora. Police has registered a case FIR number 34/14 under section 302/RPC and the investigation was taken up. The body was later identified to be of Mudasir Ahmad Rather son of Fateh Mohammad Rather resident of Hardu Dalwan. Police after completing the post mortem and other medico See Budgam On Page 11..
situation in the country in general and Jammu and Kashmir in particular said: “While we believe that the corruption ridden UPA government in the country has failed miserably on all fronts including Kashmir issue, we take the remarks made on BJP and Modi as disappointing and illusionary.” It said that while UPA failed the people in the country, it could not bring a sigh of relief for the people of Jammu and Kashmir as well. “There was no forward movement, break through or any serious attempt made by the UPA government to reach out and address a See AMM On Page 11..
Soz constitutes campaign committee
Srinagar, Mar 21: Prof. Saifuddin Soz President Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) has constituted a Campaign Committee for Kashmir province, in connection with the ongoing Parliamentary Elections that will be headed by Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed. Taj Mohi-ud-Din, , Ghulam Hassan Mir, Ghulam Ahmed Mir, Mohammad Muzaffar Paray, Ghulam Nabi Monga, Abdul Gani Vakil, Mohammad See Soz On Page 11..
NC-Cong Govt failed us: Sikh Coordination Committee Appeals Sikh community to hold its votes for upcoming Lok Sabha polls Srinagar, Mar 21: Accusing the state government of discrimination with the Sikh community, All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC) has asked the members of Sikh community to hold their votes for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. In a statement issued to KNS, APSCC Chairman, Jagmohan Singh Raina said that Sikh voters should not fall prey to the hoax promises given by the leaders of political parties especially National Conference and Congress. He said both NC and Congress have failed to fulfill the genuine demands of the community that are pending for long now.
“One wonders on what agenda the leaders of the ruling alliance in the state would come before the Sikh voters and seek their votes. The present coalition dispensation has miserably failed to solve the genuine problems of the Sikh community. As such these people don’t have moral or ethical authority to seek votes from Sikhs living across the state,” said Raina. Raina said that the 23 years of turmoil has shattered the standing of Sikhs in the state more so those living in the Kashmir valley. He said members of various Sikh groups under See Committee On Page 11..
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Srinagar, Saturday 22 March 2014
FROM THE FRONT PAGE
Filing Amid opposition from the members of the Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee, former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Ajit Jogi on Friday filed his nomination papers from Mahasamund Lok Sabha seat in Chhattisgarh. It was expected that Pratibha, who is the daughter of late congress leader V C Shukla would be made the nominee from the seat. Sitting Congress MP, Sandeep Dixit filed his nomination papers for the East Delhi Lok Sabha seat. He is the Congress candidate from this prestigious seat and faces challenge from the Aam Admi Party which has fielded Rajmohan Gandhi and BJP that has fielded Mahesh Giri. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath filed his nomination papers from Chhindwara Lok Sabha seat in Madhya Pradesh. He is the Congress candidate from Chhindwara. Taking a dig at BJP, Congress candidate from the New Delhi Lok Sabha seat, Ajay Maken has said that the BJP is claiming a wave across the country in its favour. Maken questioned BJP's heavyweight candidates for contesting from two seats. In a major development, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday denied former union minister Jaswant Singh Lok Sabha ticket from Barmer in Rajasthan. The party has decided to instead field Col Sonaram, an ex-Congress legislator from the region. Jaswant Singh, a sitting Lok Sabha MP from Darjeeling in West Bengal, this time wanted to contest the elections from Barmer in Rajasthan. I have done a lot for Darjeeling. I have done all that I could for Darjeeling. I wanted to contest my last election from my native place,” Singh said. Singh had earlier said that if denied BJP ticket from Barmer, he will contest as an independent. He is now likely to file his nomination on March 24. Barmer is Singh's native place as his village Jasol falls in the district. His son Manvendra Singh has also fought elections twice from there. Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje had been in favour of making Col Sonaram contest from Barmer ever since he joined the BJP. Raje believes the Jat leader has a better chance at winning as the constituency has a large Jat population. The development came a day after the BJP, with help from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, managed to cajole veteran LK Advani into contesting from the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency. Advani had expressed his desire to contest from Bhopal.
PDP of committees on revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act and return of power projects. “Similarly the Rangarajan committee had recommended return of power projects to the state. But unfortunately NC has failed on both these promises made during its tenure.” He said that in a democratic set up imposing restrictions or putting curbs on political activities of separatists is totally undemocratic. Mufti also advocated that government of India should engage voices of dissent in Kashmir. Meanwhile, reading from the Lok Sabha election manifesto, Mufti said that the trust deficit that exists today has been created because the regional parties of the state have not been able to use the Parliament as a forum for articulating the aspirations, highlighting the grievances, and voicing the insecurities of the people of J&K. “In the last 65 years, the Parliament has never deliberated on J&K in any substantive and serious manner. All the well-meaning announcements made by different Prime Ministers be it the P V Narasimha Rao’s “sky is the limit for autonomy”, or Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s “insaniyat kay dairay main” or Manmohan Singh’s “making borders irrelevant” need to be institutionalized for them to have an impact on the ground. Unless these approaches get legitimized and authorized by the Parliament, there cannot be any headway as far as the resolution is concerned,” he added. The former chief minister said that PDP’s mission in the Parliament will be to drive, persuade and convince all the parties to formalize a basic J&K policy; a kind of a Common Minimum Program of all the political parties on J&K. PDP will take the lead in doing this. “PDP aspires to change the national mind-set, through its interventions in the Parliament that finding a resolution in J&K is not only the Government’s responsibility. The opposition, as also other associated and regional parties, have an equal responsibility and stake in the well-being of J&K.” He said PDP has put its top leadership in the electoral fray. The President of the party, Ms Mehbooba Mufti, is leading the team by contesting from South Kashmir. Muzzaffar Hussain Beig a legal luminary from North Kashmir, Tariq Karra, a grass roots politician and former Finance Minister of J&K from central Kashmir. From Jammu we have fielded two of the senior most leaders of the state; Yashpal Sharma, a veteran politician who has been in active politics for more than 40 years. Arshid Mallik who also has 30 years of political experience is contesting from Udhampur-Doda. “Our team of parliamentarians will seek to create an environment for resolution at the national level, not just through formal parliamentary deliberation but through informal political networking as well,” Mufti added. He said that to build a momentum on these issues, it shall be the endeavour of PDP to have a “Special session of the Parliament on J&K”. “In this session that the members of PDP would anchor the debate and steer the discussion of the House towards a stated J&K Policy which is quasi legislative in its moorings,” he added. According to Mufti, Jammu and Kashmir being the only Muslim majority state of the country adds to the credibility of India as a secular nation. “Along with this position, which J&K has attained by choice, come certain national responsibilities. It is our plan to work in the Parliament alongside the national leadership of minorities to address their concerns and insecuri-
Zabarwan Times ties. By working in tandem with them, we shall seek to strengthen their resolve and add to their voice by seeking the creation of an Equal Opportunities Commission.” He said PDP will propose, discuss and debate the creation of a new Ministry for Affairs of J&K. We will seek parliamentary approval for upgrading the existing Department of J&K Affairs which is currently a part of the home ministry. The idea is to give it a developmental focus and not an overly security angle. In addition to these issues, he said PDP will seek to amend various national policies relating to developmental aspects with a view to make them beneficial for J&K. For instance, the National Hydro Policy, 2008, MSME Development Act, Micro Finance (Development and Regulation) Bill 2012, Amendment of Procurement Preference Policy Act. During the press conference Mr Mufti was flanked by the party president, Mehbooba Mufti, who is also PDP’s parliamentary candidate for Anantanag; Tariq Hameed Karra, candidate for Srinagar parliamentary seat; Yahpal Sharma, candidate for Jammu; Arshad Malik, candidate for Udhampor; Naeem Akhtar, Chief Spokesperson and Altaf Bukhari, senior party leader. (KNS)
Protests created panic in the area. The clashed continued for about half-an-hour, witnesses said, adding: most of the shops in the area were shut after clashes. At Naidkhai – where a teenager, Farhat Ahmad Dar, was shot dead by police during clashes – protests and stone-hurling clashes took place after Friday prayers. “Soon after Friday prayers, hundreds of people held pro-freedom and anti-India protests. Many of the protesters went to Shahgund – the native village of slan Farhat – to console his family,” Mehraj-ud-Din, a local, told GNS. However, the clashes broke-out between government forces and youth which continued till evening till evening, witnesses said, adding no one was reported injured. Protests also broke out at Shahgund Sadarkote and Vijpara areas of the district. The protesters were shouting pro-freedom slogans and demanded stern punishment against Farhat’s killers. (GNS)
Kashmir ‘mute spectators’. About 650 Kashmir students who are pursuing different courses at the varsity have been ‘threatened’. The student claimed that they are being ‘harassed since March 2, when Pakistan defeated India’. “Since then, they are targeting us and they want that we should leave the varsity,” he said. The student said ‘we want to leave the varsity’, but “we have been cornered from all sides and they aren’t letting us to go”. The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the varsity, Mr. Nikhil, told GNS that the situation in the varsity is normal. "There was a minor scuffle between two groups. The issue has been resolved now," he said. The PRO, however, denied that anyone has got injured. When GNS contacted Senior Superintendent of Police, Chittorgarh, Prassana Kumar Khamsara said: “A local student has sustained minor in a scuffle between two groups. The police is on the spot and we are ascertaining the facts and a case will be filed in this regard,” adding: We have asked for a report from University authorities and whosoever will be involved, law will take action against him.” The Meewar University is located at Gangrar, Chittorgarh in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The Kashmir students have been selected in the varsity through Prime Minister’s scholarship scheme. Earlier, At least 67 Kashmir students were suspended by Meerut’s Swami Vivekanand Subharti University (SVSU) over cheering for Pakistan cricket team after they defeated India in a league match of previously held Asia cup in Bangladesh and were charged with sedition. However, after a public outcry, the sedition charges were revoked, but the students have been booked for creating communal hatred and ruckus. (GNS)
NC for granting security to him.” The NC leaders have said: “To add to the miseries the mourners in his funeral processions were fired on while Mufti Sahab remained in direct command of the security forces. Wasn't it Mufti Sayeed who defended the Armed Forces against the Kunan Poshpora victims on the floor of the parliament in Delhi? Now the same Mufti Sahab wants to tell us that he will represent the pain of Kashmiris in Delhi through his candidates for the Parliamentary Polls? Why did he then choose to humiliate and speak against the Kunan Posh Pora victims in parliament back then?” The statement reads: “The same Mufti Sayeed who talks about AFSPA revocation remained conveniently docile about the issue during his run at power. While Mehbooba Mufti has the audacity to claim moral highground for offering to relinquish her security over this issue in the past, one ponders over the fact that she still carries around security - despite AFSPA being in place years after her symbolic tamasha and cosmetic threat. Now Mufti Sahab has started bashing the UPA and openly garlanding the Narendra Modi led NDA - overtly as well as covertly in alleged meetings with Modi's top-brass in Delhi.” The National Conference leaders remarked that while Mufti Sayeed deems the UPA a failure now, he was content and satisfied while he was a part of a coalition with Congress. “Mehbooba Mufti on the other hand ironically claims that NC has cut of its hands by allowing Congress to field its candidates from Udhampur, Jammu and Ladakh. Irony is that the same PDP left no stone unturned to beg and plead with the Congress and tried various machinations to sabotage the NC-Congress coalition - all of which failed completely.” They added: “Our coalition with Congress is not a fair-weather convenience but an ideological coalition. PDP is a coalition of individuals with completely divergent political ideologies and pasts - all contradicting the posturing of the party today. There is not a single senior PDP leader who can claim to have been born
in 2002 and history does not start in 2002 with the formation of PDP.” The statement added that “their aggressions and evil designs against the people of J&K are recorded in tragic, black notes in the history of this nation. Repeated contrarian and contradictory statements issues by Mufti Sayeed and Mehbooba Mufti since the last week show the abject frustration of the party at PDP's phenomenal erosion in the Anantnag Parliamentary Seat and their embarrassing inability to make even the smallest inroads in the other five seats.” (KNS)
AMM genuine urge and aspiration for dignified peace and harmony in Jammu and Kashmir. Instead its decisions taken in haste just to appease the rightwing communal and divisive forces in the country further widened the gap between the state and the centre. No serious attempt was made to engage the voices of dissent. Above all, the execution of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru reminds us about an approach and an appeasement policy adopted by the UPA which instead of providing an electoral dividend for it in the country ascended the scales of alienation in Kashmir.” The AMM said that on the other hand, AMM is of the firm opinion that creating an illusion vis-à-vis a possible breakthrough on Kashmir issue if Modi becomes the Prime Minister is bereft of any substance and logic. “The BJP, which claims to be the alternative, has no policies different from that of the Congress. Moreover, BJP represents an ideology which spells divisiveness, disunity and communal disharmony which will endanger the secular-democratic fabric.” The AMM statement observed that the delivery of BJP is still fresh in the minds of people in terms of 1992 demolition of Babri Masjid or a horrible communal carnage engineered in Gujarat in 2002 where innocent people were charred to death. Contrary to the ground reality, claims made by certain leaders in Kashmir that Modi’s ‘tough and positive’ approach will turn the tide in Kashmir are based on sheer ignorance or illusionary beliefs. These remarks made on controversial person like Modi are not only disappointing but intriguing as well. “If initiation of dialogue between India and Pakistan is counted as a big achievement of Vajpayee led BJP government then AMM wants to recollect that the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narindera Modi is known for his consistent demand for abrogating Article 370 and special status to J&K. It was also in Vajpayee’s tenure as the Prime Minister of India that the autonomy resolution was unanimously rejected by the union cabinet in 2000.” The statement said that BJP has been against normalizing relations and flexing of muscles against neighboring countries. “Can BJP leadership be expected to initiate any positive response to the urges and aspirations of the people for dignified peace and harmony in Jammu and Kashmir? AMM wants to ask this question to the entire political leadership particularly those showering praises for BJP and its prime ministerial candidate.” (KNS)
BRO to keep the road in a proper condition. Chief Engineer Border Roads Organization, Raj Kanwal Sharma admitted that the road is in bad shape and needs black topping. “It is job of our agency to maintain the road from Qazigund to Badami Bagh but from Qazigund up to Tunnel, the job of mainenence has been entrusted to National Highways Authority of India,” he told CNS adding that road will be maintained once there will be change in weather. “Time is not conducive for the macadamization as temperatures are low. Once, temperature will start increasing, we will macadamize the road from Qazigund to Badamibagh,” he said. An official from NHAI also said that road will be macadamized with the change in weather. (CNS)
Budgam legal formalities, handed over the body to his legal heirs. During the investigation, police after developing some human and technical inputs zeroed in on one Mohammad Yaseen Yatoo son of Abdul Jabbar Yatoo resident of Yatoo Mohalla Chadoora who happened to be a close friend of deceased and it was established that he was the last one to be seen in the company of the victim. During his sustained questioning, he revealed that on the day of the incident the deceased was carrying an amount of rupees 25000 and the accused developed intentions to grab the money. He lured the victim to a secluded place and killed him with a knife. The accused also stole the mobile phone of the deceased besides the cash amount of Rs 25000.Later on the accused secretly concealed the mobile phone, cash amount of rupees 25000 and the weapon of offence at his home. The accused was taken into the custody by the police. Police recovered the weapon of offence along with mobile phone and cash amount of rupees 25000 on his instance from his house. (KNS)
Soz Anwar Bhat, Farooq Andrabi, Shoaib Nabi Lone, Abdul Gani Khan, Mustaq Ahmed Nowsheri, Anayatullah Rather, Usman Majeed, Hilal Ahmed Shah, S. Ranjeet Singh Sarhadi, Farooq Mir, Raja Farooq, Miss Jasbir Kaur and Shaheena Nadaf will be the members of the committee. (KNS)
Life
the court adjourned the photojournalist gangrape case till Monday, when it will decide on the application and then proceed with the pronouncing of quantum of punishment.
Driver a HT electric cable at Barsoo. He received sever electric shocks and was shifted to hospital where he succumbed. After completion of medic-legal formalities the body was handed over to his relatives for last rites. (KNS)
Committee the banner of APSCC met Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah and other senior functionaries in the state government for redressal of their grievances. “The problems being faced by the community are being deliberately kept un-attended under a plan thereby causing numerous problems to the people. The state government miserably failed in extending the National Minorities Act to the state. This is despite repeated reminders by National Commission for Minorities and also Sikh groups functioning under the banner of APSCC. The extension of Minorities Act was fully funded by centre and there was no burden on state exchequer,” said Raina. Raina said that Sikhs constitute an important component of the electorate in the majority of the Lok Sabha seats. He said members of the community would ensure that ‘exploitative’ elements are not allowed to enter the parliament and that their genuine problems once again take a backseat. “Under the mass contact programme we have already educated the Sikh voters in both rural and urban areas not to vote for people who have deceived them over the past many years. We have also told the members of community to be vigilant from various agents within the community since they are hell-bent on causing harm to the common good of the community,” said Raina. Raina said that Sikh suffered huge losses in agriculture and horticulture after being forced to migrate from the villages and settle in the city and other district headquarters. He asked the members of Sikh community to put their votes on hold and said that next course of action would be decided in due time. Even after 14 years of the Chittisinghpora episode, in which around 50 people were killed in Chittisinghpora, Pathribal, Brakpora, including 36 Sikhs of Chittisinghpora, no inquiry has been constituted which we have been regularly demanding and it is very sad that nothing concrete has come out.
Police detaining PDP workers in old city: Alam We arrested stone throwers: SSP
Srinagar, Mar 21: Demanding the immediate release of the youth detained by the police in old city during the recent past, PDP leader Khurshid Alam Friday accused that NC is utilizing police to harass PDP workers. “Now police is raiding the houses of the youth who have joined PDP and the deliberate attempts are being made to inflict torture upon the PDP workers,” Alam said in telephonic statement to KNS. He stated further that NC has accepted its defeat ahead of the polls and whatever is being done on ground against PDP is a clear frustration of the party. He added that the youth detained by the police are being warned not to join PDP and that some 30 youth have been arrested by the police in
the recent past. “PDP has gained its ground in Srinagar and in old city the youth identify with the system of the party. NC is creating hurdles and now police is also being involved in it,” accused Alam while adding that he himself went to several police stations for the release of the detained youth. I was assured that they will be released at the earliest, he added. Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar, Amit Kumar told KNS over phone that Police has arrested some 4-5 youth who were involved in the stone pelting. “During the recent strike call given by Syed Ali Geelani, some youth pelted stones towards the police in some areas of Srinagar- we have a video footage and we identified the involved ones.” (KNS)
Dr Amit Wanchoo selected as fellow at Harvard Kennedy program for 2014
Srinagar, March 21: Winning laurels for his home state, Dr Amit Wanchoo has become the first person from Jammu and Kashmir to be selected as the fellow for Global Leadership and Public Policy for 21st century at Harvard Kennedy School program designed for Young Global Leaders of World Economic Forum. The selection criteria was based on making a positive network of visionary leaders who share a common understanding and commitment in addressing the most challenging global problems. “The admissions committee selected the participant groups which were balanced geographically as well as across the corporate, nonprofit, and public sectors. “ The Global Leadership and Public Policy for the 21st Century program is designed by Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and the World economic Forum exclusively for Young Global Leaders. This program features senior faculty from across Harvard University with expertise in the corporate, public, and non-profit sectors and will include experienced faculty and speakers from other world-class academic institutions. The areas of focus include international development and poverty alleviation, environment, climate change, and energy, education, politics, global public health, International security and many more.
NOTICE
It is for general information that I was the student of IQRA PUBLIC SCHOOL at P.C.Depot, Barthana Srinagar of session 2001 and needs 9th pass certificate. In this regard if anybody have any objection , may file his objection to the concern office of the said school within 7 days. After completion of time no objection will be entertained /accepted. Naseer Ahmad Shiekh. S/o: Gh. Mohammad Sheikh. R/o: Parimpora P.C.Depot Srinagar.
Owner , Printer & Publisher: Suhail Malik Editor -in-Chief: Shahana Malik RNI NO. JKBII/2011/39764, Email: zabarwantimes@gmail.com Publised at Govt. Quarters , M-13 Magarmal Bagh Srinagar-190001 J&K, Printed at:- Sangarmal Offset Press Humhama Sheikhpora Tele/Fax: 2478370 Cell No. 09999964750, 9796 787844
NEWS
Daily ZABARWAN TIMES
SRINAGAR | SATURDAY, MARCH | 22 | 2014
Governor chairs 21st Executive Council meeting of SMVD University Reiterates need for developing excellence in teaching and research
of students. The Governor, who is Chancellor of SMVDU, was chairing the 21st Meeting of
the timely completion of all ongoing infrastructure development works, particularly the boys and girls hostels and
Year 2014-15 and see that firm dates are fixed for the meetings of the various bodies, including the Executive Council.
co-curricular activities. The Executive Council approved introduction of new academic programmes in a phased manner in the next 5 years; maintenance of a Corpus Fund of Rs. 20 crore and the interest accrued thereon to be utilized for providing scholarships to the meritorious students of the varsity.The Council also approved the award of PostDoctoral Fellowships of Rs. 35,000 per month and a Contingency Grant of Rs. 50,000 per annum in various Schools of Study in the University, with the objective of enhancing research activities and capacities of the Schools.The Council approved the institution of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Medals to be awarded every year to the best students and a Medal for the best girl student of the year.Prof. Sudhir K. Jain, Vice Chancellor of the University.
KATRA, MARCH 21 – Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, today emphasized the need for preparing a revised Master Plan of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University Campus which adequately meets the existing and the emerging requirements in the next 25 to 30 years. He observed that the revised Master Plan, besides providing for new hostels for boys and girls, residential accommodation for faculty and staff, and Lone News Khan News Agency Ganderbal meeting other arising needsAgency Kangan Gulzar News Agency Soura Zahid urged Book Depot Chadoora would also need to reckon the the Executive Council of the Prof. Sudhir K. Jain, Vice The Council took a Tariq News Agency Hawal Bashir News Agency requirements arising from the University at Kakryal near Chancellor of Nowhatta the University, number of important deciMuzaffar Ali News Agency Lal Chowk introduction of new academic hereAgency today. Alamgari Bazar Budshah to News very early draw up calen- sions for developing the UniNews Agency LalThe Chowk Sikendar Lal Chowk programmes and Abdullah the admisGovernor emdarNews of theAgency important events of versity as a centre of excelGupkari News Agency Lalthe Chowk Raina the Newsvarsity Agencyduring Gund Kangan sion of an increased number phasized need to ensure Academic lence in teaching, research and 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 News Agency Sumbal Reshi News Agency Safapora Saleem News Agency Pattan Basharat News Agency Bandipora Reyaz News Agency Pampore Altaf News Agency Pulwama Javaid News Agency Qazigund NEW DELHI: from the Congress. book. BUDGAM, MARCH 21: Deputy Commission, BudJeelani News Agency Baramulla G.M News Agency Sopore Singh (76), currently a Lok Singh was also the Leader of gam, Mr. Khurshid Ahmad Shah accompanied by News Agency Kupwara Sultan News Agency Handwara BJP on Friday snubbed se- Sabha member from Darjeeling, Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Additional DeputyShah Commission visited various arYounis Sheikh News Agency Singh Islamabad nior leader Jaswant by sought a ticket from Barmer, say- from 2004 to 2009. He was also eas of Budgam district andNews tookAgency stock ofLangate the damage Reshi News Agency Islamabad Three Way News Agency Tral denying him a ticket in the Lok ing this was his last election and the NDA candidate for the vicecaused due to recent heavy snowfall to residential Turray News Agency Tral Badruelections News Agency Sabha in Bijbehara Rajasthan would like to contest it from his president’s post in 2012. houses of the district.The Deputy Commissioner diRahi Newsarea Agency Kulgam Malik News Agency and instead decidedArwani to field home. The changing power equations rected the Tehsildar of each to assess the damColShaheen Sonaram Choudhary The former Union minister, in Rajasthan, with Vasundhara Rah the News Agency Byepass News Agency Kargil in age caused and submit report so that the affected Barmer, which Singh was seek- who has held the portfolios Raje registering a thumping vicfamilies would be provided necessary compensaing. of finance, defence and ex- tory in the assembly elections, tion.Later, Deputy Commissioner interacted with The denial of ticket to Singh, ternal affairs during the NDA have apparently forced the party several public deputations and listened particularly who is considered close to LK Ad- regime, has had his share of to deny him the ticket and give it to the demands which include the compensation vani, comes a day after the party problems with the party ever to Choudhary, a jat leader from for the damage caused to orchards by snowfall.The patriarch was virtually forced since he wrote a book on his the area. Deputy Commissioner assured the deputationists to choose the Gandhinagar seat visit to Pakistan praising its The BJP declared three other that their problems will be sympathetically considin Gujarat, against his wishes to founder-leader Mohammad seats in Rajasthan, where Manoj ered for extending relief.The Deputy Commissioner contest from Bhopal in Madhya Ali Jinnah. Rajoriya was given the party during his visit inspected several health institutions Pradesh. The book was banned in Guja- ticket from Karauli-Dholpur (SC) and checked the attendance of the officials. SevThere is speculation that Singh rat following some adverse refer- seat, Sanwarmal Jat from Ajmer, eral employees were found absent from duty and might contest as an independent ences to Sardar Patel and he was who will contest against Sachin accordingly Deputy Commissioner directed Chief but there was no confirmation. expelled from the party briefly Pilot of Congress and P P ChoudMedical Officer Budgam to take disciplinary action Choudhary had recently defected after the controversy over the hary from Pali Lok Sabha seat. against the absentees.
Zabarwan Times is available at
DC Budgam visits Khansahib, Beerwah & Budgam
Jaswant Singh denied BJP ticket from Barmer, may contest as an independent
Senior Congress leader from Uttarakhand, Satpal Maharaj, quit the party and joined Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday, with less than a month to go for the general elections.) The announcement to join BJP was done by party president Rajnath Singh at a press conference in New Delhi. The senior leader, who is a sitting member of parliament from the Pauri Lok Sabha constituency in Uttarakhand, has been sulking for some time after he was sidelined. Maharaj, who represents the Pauri Garhwal constituency in the Lok Sabha, had last week announced that he will not contest the Lok Sabha polls. He cited the neglect of party workers as the reason behind his decision to quit the Congress.
KULGAM, MARCH 21- The necessary EVM training for poll staff concluded here Thursday evening. As many as 2976 employees were imparted training for handling EVMs by the Master Trainers at four training centers under the supervision of concerned AROs.The Master Trainers sensitized the polling personnel about the operation of EVMs and their obligation to complete the paper work required for safekeeping of votes polled in every polling station. They were exhorted to conduct mock polling at every polling station in presence of election agents appointed by political parties one hour prior to start of actual polling schedule. It was impressed upon the trainee employees to fill up compulsory forms without fail as these support in securing the record of the votes polled in the EVMs. The second and third phase of intensive training is being imparted from first week of April.
Afforestation campaign kick-started in Srinagar DC Srinagar inaugurates the drive
SRINAGAR, MARCH 21: The afforestation campaign was kick started in Srinagar district by plantation of 20 Chinar saplings on National Highway Bemina and Hajj House by Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mr. Farooq Ahmad Shah. The drive was organized by Floriculture department.Director Floriculture Kashmir, Mr. Sunil Mishri and other officers of the department were present on the occasion.Addressing the function, the Deputy Commissioner said that 5000 Chinar saplings will be planted at various places of the city for ensuring greenery all around the city.
April 20-May 20
This is a terrific day for you, Taurus. You should find that your relationships, especially with men, go exceptionally well. Your tender and extremely sensitive nature is finally being recognized as the treasure chest it is. There are many times in which this type of personality is seen as weak, yet today is one of those times in which you’re given the full credit you deserve.
Gemini May 21-June 21
A selfish attitude on your part won’t be tolerated today, regardless of the circumstances, Gemini. Don’t make it worse for yourself by pretending that you don’t notice others’ hurt feelings. People are likely to be extra sensitive today, so be careful about trying to impose your will on someone who really wants nothing more than an ear to talk to and a shoulder to cry on.
Cancer June 22-July 22
You could find the hardest person to face is you, Cancer. You tend toward introspection, and you may find yourself shrinking into self-recrimination. You could analyze the important people in your life and yet fail to address the one you really need to look at – you. As you continually strive for perfection, give yourself proper credit. Do something nice for yourself today.
Leo
July 23-August 22 Take advantage of the creative energy in the air today, Leo. Keep your hands moving and your imagination flowing toward something fun and artistic. If you begin to doubt your work, you may fall down a spiral of creative blockage. Don’t get into the habit of constantly judging the quality or outcome of your work. Give yourself free rein to open up and explore whatever comes to mind.
Virgo
August 23-September 22
Your sixth sense is right on target, Virgo, so trust your instincts today. You’re likely to connect with someone in a wonderful partnership that will help you foster the very plan you want to develop now. Stay close to those things that resonate strongly with your morals. The answer is in front of you; you don’t have to search too far afield in order to find it.
Scorpio
The key for you is to minimize your daily drama as much as possible, Scorpio. You may not realize how much you cripple yourself by the way you exaggerate every aspect of your life. Try not to give so much of your attention to things that really don’t matter much. Petty jealousy and gossip about other people’s lives are especially irrelevant in your world.
Sagittarius November 22-December 21
Be careful of advertising yourself as someone who is so strong and mentally competent that you’re capable of handling everything, Sagittarius. Take note that the strongest mule on the trail usually ends up carrying the most weight. Your emotions are more sensitive than you may think, and certainly more than you demonstrate to others. Be honest about the way you feel and not just the way you think.
Capricorn
‘’Ann Poshe Teli Yeli Wan Poshi’’ 39th World Arbor Day was observed here today at Police Public School Bemina organized by Social Forestry department. Inspector General of Police Kashmir, Mr. A.G. Mir was the chief guest and Chief Conservator of Forests Kashmir, Mr. Nisar Ahmad Darzi was guest of honour on the occasion. The officers of J&K Social Forestry department were present on the occasion. On the occasion, the Speakers highlighted the significance of afforestation, the project taken up by J&K Social Forestry department in each district and Tehsils of Kashmir division. More than one lakh plants shall be planted
Taurus
October 24-November 21
39th World Arbor Day observed in Srinagar SRINAGAR, MARCH 21:
Allow your eager and restless nature to express itself in ways other than through the spoken word, Aries. Show someone that you care through your gentle touch or a big bear hug. Hold on a little bit more tightly than you might normally. There’s an unspoken understanding that comes when you communicate through nothing but pure silence. Work on developing this kind of connection with those closest to you.
Take a break from your routine, Libra. You might feel like you’re leading an army into battle as you strive for new adventures and conquer new realms. Make sure you take a bit of time out today to stop and let your troops rest. You deserve a little rest yourself. Use this moment of stillness to form your plan of attack so you’re sure about how to proceed.
Maharaj has a massive following in the hill state and elsewhere because of his religious sermons, and was angry at being sidestepped and Harish Rawat being appointed the chief minister. But he decided to quit after his choice of candidates in the Garhwal region was not agreed to by the Congress high command. Earlier, former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Jagdambika Pal had quit the Congress to join the BJP on Wednesday. Chief minister Harish Rawat had met him recently to pacify him, but with little success. His wife Amrita Rawat is a Congress legislator. The fate of the Congress government in the hill state is also likely to be challenged by Satpal Maharaj’s exit as 10 legislators are from his camp, sources said.
EVM training concludes at Kulgam
Aries
March 21-April 19
Libra September 23-October 23
Satpal Maharaj quits Congress to join BJP Agencies
HOROSCOPE
on the day besides extending green cover over an area of 850 hectares under various schemes. 5.50 lakh cotton free poplars shall be raised in the departmental nurseries aimed at removing cotton shedding poplar in a phased manner and most such trees have been removed so far from the strips existing in National Highways and major roads. The identification of such poplars is in progress and these shall be removed in a phased manner.It will be pertinent to recollect the words of Sheikh-ul-Alam. Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali “Ann Poshe Teli Yeli Wan Poshi”. So planting a tree has been adored as the supreme “Ebadah” (Pious deed) by all the Prophets and Wali’s and this needs to be followed in letter and spirit by each one of us.
December 22-January 19
Things should flow well for you today with very little effort on your part, Capricorn. Take note that if any quarrel arises, it’s an indication that the person you’re arguing with isn’t necessarily the right person to deal with or confide in. Emotional issues are likely to be the hardest ones to overcome, but this shouldn’t be a problem for you. You have the ability to work through these like a pro.
Aquarius January 20-February 18
This is meant to be a nice, relaxing day, so treat it as such, Aquarius. There’s no need for you to plan any great strategy at this time. Try to take it easy and not indulge in any unnecessary stress. This is your time to enjoy the moment. Don’t tax your mind by overanalyzing everything that comes your way. Go with the flow and have a great time regardless of what you end up doing.
Pisces
February 19-March 20 Your sensual nature is heightened, Pisces, and you’ll find yourself engaged in tender moments and languid peacefulness in the company of others. Soothe your soul by letting yourself slip into situations that give you the emotional freedom to do or say whatever comes to mind. Life should be like a love poem written by a great master. Accept the good energy that comes your way.
EDITORIAL/ OPINION Unemployment Lok Sabha elections – unclear A challenge for scenario the government
T T
he electioneering in he rising the first unemployment and second has become big problem phase will anow pickup nationally and on state levas soon as the nominations el as be the over increasing number of will by tomorrow. educated unemployed including In the first two phases over the skilled and unskilled youths 92 seats will go to polls and has now touched over eight millions of voters will lakhs cast in Jammu and Kashmir itself. their votes in over eighteen The stateofsector unable toThis cope states the is country. up with theissituation as there are election called the mothhardly any avenues as which can er of all elections the sitaccommodate and uation viz athese viz youth different provide them respectable jobs. political parties is so much The state and has no private sector unclear confusing that hence there is no question of nobody is in a position to big industries accommodating exactly say what will be the a good number Of unemployed outcome of the Lok Sabha youths. The overall intake in the Elections. The congress, the state sector is not more than a BJP and other regional and few thousands in a year and the national level parties are recruitment procedure is so diffinot in a position to gain atcult and lengthy that the state releast simpletake majority in cruitinga agencies years to fill Lok Sabha. All the up a few vacancies. Theexit fastpolls track and estimates sofar have recruitment policy announced shown thatgovernment BJP lead has NDA by that state towill have an edge over contally failed and not a single apgress leadhasUPA. However, pointment been made so far the efforts of some other parunder this policy. Over ninety ties including thousand posts areCPM, vacantTrinoin difmol Congress, JD(U), SP ferent departments but the proand BSP to join hands the longed recruitment has in almost formation of a third front stalled the process of appointare still though noissucments. Theon worrying thing that cess have been achieved soover two lakh educated youths far. It means there will get over agedthat within nextwill one be a clear a divide of votes year, so their future will become and be Despite decidbleakthe andseats dark will forever. ed with very thin margin in repeated announcements by the most of the constituencies. state government to cope up with For the last two months the the rising unemployment on war congress partyseems which has footing, nothing to have found itself on in a this veryconnecweak been done so far turf mustered tion has on ground zerosome level. supIt is port while the BJP has lost definitely frustrating for those its momentum facyouth who aspire fordue a job to to make tionalism and Ifdistribution both ends meet. the situation of seats. Though theyouths parcontinues like this these ty successfully tackled willhas be exploited and misguided some senior leaders includby vested interests and some of ing L.K. Advani, Murli Mothem will fall in the trap of other nahar Joshi others social evils like and drugs, thefts but and the internal bickering conunethical activities. The governtinue which will definitely ment should immediately underharm the parties prospects stand the gravity of the situation to comparison to and gain shouldin formulate an effective Indian National employment policy Congress. which can In addition to this the numpost accommodate maximum Godhara ghost is track haunting ber of youths on fast basis. BJP because the Muslim in It should also strengthen udaan the of the country and whole other schemes launchedare by not feeling secure and are the central government so that quite afraid the repeat of more and moreofyouths are made such BJP comes skilledincidents to tap theirifcapabilities. It to power. Whatever the prosshould also give a flip to Sher-ipects the different alliKashmirofemployment guarantee ances parties, it is clear schemeand so that self employment that ultimately there may becomes a big and effective tool be a hung parliament to tackle the daunting task of and procountry may have to youth bear viding employment to the one of themore state. brunt in the shape of election expenditure.
Daily
Zabarwan Times
Srinagar, 2205 March 2014 Srinagar, Saturday Wednesday 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 .
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