Zabarwan Times E- paper English 28 June

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June 28 | 2013 | 18 Shaban 1434 AH | PAGES 12 |

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VOL NO: 3 | iSSUE NO: 155 | RS: 2/- (AiR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHi/LEH 50 PAiSA)

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Largely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&K

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13000 yatris register for day-1

Huge cache of arms, ammunition recovered Srinagar, June 27: The Army today said that continued area domination operations by troops of the frontline division in Kupwara resulted on Wednesday in unearthing a huge cache of arms and ammunition.

“Based on specific intelligence, troops of 41 Rashtriya Rifles battalion of the Hajipir Brigade recovered two anti tank mines, 55 anti personal mines, ten hand grenades, eight flame thrower tubes, eight RPG rounds, two 105mm artillery shells, 100 detonators,1500 rounds of AK ammunition and 35 kilograms of RDX explosive packed in 75 plastic containers”, the Defence spokesperson said in a statement issued here.

He said the cache was carefully concealed behind boulders and in the thick jungles on the upper reaches of the Shamsabari towards the LC. It may be recalled that within the first fortnight of May this year, two IEDs were found on the roads leading from Kupwara in close vicinity of this cache. This is a major recovery and thwarts the nefarious designs of the terrorists to disturb the fragile peace in the Kashmir valley. Commenting on the recovery Brigadier Ram Niwas, Commander Hajipir Brigade said “The cache could have been used by the terrorists for violent activities in the region particularly with the Amarnath Yatra beginning tomorrow.”

2 die, 2 injured in road mishaps Srinagar, June 27: Two persons died and two others were injured in different road accidents across the Kashmir Valley.

An unidentified Tipper hit and injured a pedestrian Mohammad Shafi son of Mohammad Imam resident of Calcutta near ITI crossing Bemina, Srinagar.

The injured was shifted to JVC Bemina, Srinagar for treatment, where he succumbed his injures. A case has been registered in this regard.

An unidentified Maruti Car hit a Scooty bearing registration number JK01R/8321 at Mill Stop, Zadibal, Srinagar, resulting in on spot death of Scooty driver Amjid Hussain Mir son of Ghulam Hyder resident of Zari Mohalla Lalbazar, Srinagar. A case has been registered in this regard.

A Gypsy bearing registration number JK03/1896 on way from Srinagar to Anantnag, driven

by Ghulam Mohammad Bhat son of Ghulam Qadir resident of Bona Dailgam, hit and injured a pedestrian Nadeem Maqbool Dar son of Mohammad Maqbool resident of Batengoo at Batengoo, Anantnag. The injured was shifted to District Hospital, Anantnag for treatment. A case has been registered in this regard.

A Tavera bearing registration number JK04B/9099 driven by Mohammad Saleem Ganie resident of Beerwah hit and injured a pedestrian Ghulam Qadir Gashoo son of Habibullah resident of Nundreshi Colony, Bemina at Nundreshi Colony, Srinagar in the jurisdiction of police station Batamaloo. The injured was shifted to hospital for treatment. A case has been registered in this regard

Banned drug seized Pattan, June 27: Police on Thursday arrested two persons from frontier district Kupwara for illegally carrying hundreds of banned Cores bottles in their vehicle near Palhalan area of Pattan town. The cough syrup is used by youth as a replacement for alcohol.

Station House Officer Pattan, Mehboob Bandey told CNS that police intercepted a Maruti (JK09-3491) near Palhalan Pattan and recovered hundreds of banned Corex bottles. “Two persons namely Shabir Ahmed Mir son of Ghulam Mohi-u-Din resident of Batargam Kupwara and Fayaz Ahmed son of See Drug on Pg. 11

IB issues terror alert for yatra

New Delhi, June 27:

The Amarnath Yatra beginning on Friday is under the target of terrorists, said reports. Ahead of the much awaited Yatra, the International Baccalaureate (IB) on Thursday issued a terror alert for Amarnath Yatra and ordered security forces to be extra vigilant.

The IB alerted security personnel deployed along the Amarnath Yatra saying militants may attack pilgrims who join the Yatra beginning from June 28.

It is to be noted that in the last one month, seven militants were intercepted and killed in Anantnag but the sources admitted that some of the militants have got through and may have merged with the local population.

However, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on June 20 had said there was no increased threat perception to this year's Amarnath yatra compared to previous years and fears of attack.

The first batch of pilgrims on Thursday left for the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in south

Kashmir from Jammu.

The batch of 3,000 pilgrims left amid tight security and the presence of police officials.

Over 12,700 pilgrims have registered themselves for the first day of the pilgrimage to holy cave shrine of Amarnath. "A total of 12,717 pilgrims have secured registration for the first day of Yatra (June 28) for both

Pahalgam and Baltal routes," a spokesman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) said here.

He said 6,567 pilgrims have registered to travel by the Baltal route while 6,150 have preferred the Pahalgam route. The spokesman said the SASB has fixed a ceiling of 7,500 pilgrims per day per route for this year's pilgrim-

SHRC terms doctors’ strike unethical, unconstitutional Srinagar, June 27: The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) Thursday in an important judgment has asked Doctors to desist themselves from going on rampant and illegal strikes.

A two member bench of SHRC comprised of Javid Kawosa and Rafiq Fida sought the response of the government and the Commissioner Secretary to Government Health and Medical Education Department on the complaint filed by social activist M.M.Shuja.

The case owes it origin to a strike call given by Ju-

Soz condemns Advani’s statement on Article 370 Baramulla, June 27: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Prof Saifuddin Soz today condemned the recent statement of the BJP leader L K Advani wherein he had said the Article 370 of the constitution of India should be revoked.

While speaking to Congress party workers at Dak Bangalow Baramulla, Prof See Soz on Pg. 11

nior Doctors Association in October, 2009 in which some 80 patients allegedly lost their lives in various hospitals of the State.

SHRC has termed the doctors’ strike as unethical and unwarranted and have asked the government to implement the recommendations made by the Hon’ble Court in this regard.

The Commission in its judgment has said that there is no need to add anything as the Hon’ble Division Bench of the High Court has already passed directions in this regard and has already termed the strike calls of doctors as unethical and

illegal.

“The Commission strictly adhere to the judgment passed by the Hon’ble High Court and do not want to add any recommendation other than what has been held by the Hon’ble High Court in the matter. Rather the same be construed as recommendation from the undersigned as well, with the hope that the Commissioner Secretary to Government Health and Medical Education Department will abide by the assurances extended before the Hon’ble High Court and the Junior Doctors, who See SHRC on Pg. 11

Srinagar, June 27: Twisting the government’s arm in relenting to their demands, the Valley based contractors have stopped renovation work of government residences of some of the top notch politicians and bureaucrats.

The decision to strike the refurbishing, the sources add comes in the midst of the contractors having already boycotted the developmental works across the valley from June 20, 2013 onwards.

Notably, the contractors had called for the boycott programme

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Mohamamd Sayeed Thursday said that the coming elections offer people of J&K a defining moment in its history which could lead to rewriting the destiny of the state.

Addressing a public gathering at Deethu in Shangus Constituency, he said the reversal of reconciliation process started by the previous government reflected in the severe restrictions, imposed at the Prime Minister’s visit, which resulted in imprisoning of the entire Srinagar

population.

Mufti said there were different road maps prescribed and pursued by various political parties and forces. While

the separatists advocate independence or other options they should feel free to propagate their views as we live in democracy and believe

In what could turn out to be yet another controversial demand after the revocation of AFSPA, ruling National Conference is believed to have demanded the control of the Srinagar International Airport to the civilian authority.

Sources in the National Conference said the party delegation which met Prime Minster Dr. Manmohan Singh during his just concluded Kashmir visit presented a memorandum to him which included the demand of transferring control of Srinagar International Airport to the civilian authority. Pertinently the only run way in the airport is under the control of defence ministry.

“The Srinagar Airport is of different nature where civilian authority does not have control on the run way, therefore we have urged Prime Minster to ex-

A new beginning of peace process: Radha Kumar

Srinagar, June 27: Asserting that the statements of Prime Minster Dr. Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi during their recent visit to Kashmir were a new beginning of a peace process, former interlocutor on Kashmir, Radha Kumar Thursday said it would build a road for the political settlement of Kashmir issue.

“PM’s and Sonia Gandhi’s statements during the visit are encouraging and this has given us hope that the GoI would soon take steps

with the anticipation that something “might come in their way”, and government might release the pending bills worth Rs 700 crores it owes them (contractors).

“However, as government hardly budged an inch from its stand, the sources said that they (contractors) under the banner of J&K Central Contractors Coordination Committee (JKCCCC) abruptly decided to take the fight to its (government’s) court”.

While confirming the halt of renovation works, General Secretary, JKCCCC, Farooq Ahmad Dar said, “We have stopped

that it was all about the battle of ideas.

He said, however, the PDP believes it could change the destiny of J&K through a genuine democratic process and we could benefit from our constitutional system in restoring our rights and scripting a new future. “While I value victory in the elections as public endorsement of our programme but it is the faith and confidence reposed by the people in our agenda that would actually empower us in tackling the challenges we face,” Mufti added.

The former chief See Mufti on Pg. 11

Srinagar, June 27:

Political Package would have been icing on the cake

for the implementation of our report”, the renowned academic Prof Radha Kumar said on Thursday.

She said that the economic and developmental packages would pave way for the mega development of

Contractors stop refurbishing of government residences

Coming Elections Offer Defining Choice To J&K: Mufti Srinagar, June 27:

age.

"This excludes pilgrims who travel by the Heliservices up to Panjtarni, whose number may vary between 1,000 and 1,400, depending upon the number of sorties undertaken during the day," he added.

Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra, who is also the chairman of the SASB, chaired a high-level meeting to review the yatra arrangements.

The spokesman said the governor has, earlier, discussed Yatra related issues with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, in the wake of the Uttarakhand tragedy to reiterate the importance of the district administration strictly ensuring against any unregistered pilgrim being allowed to undertake the Yatra.

The SASB has decided not to allow any unregistered pilgrims to proceed beyond the base camps at Baltal and Pahalgam this year following high number of deaths last year.

A valid health certificate has been made mandatory for the yatris this year while only See Alert on Pg. 11

NC pushes for transfer of Srinagar Airport to Civilian Authority

renovation of residences of MoS Home Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo, Minister for Tourism, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, Chief Secretary, Mohammad Iqbal Khanday, Speaker, J&K Legislative Assembly, Mubarak Gul and Justice M M Kumar.”

He also announced that JKCCCC would hold a massive rally which will pass through different parts of Srinagar, particularly, the city center of Lal chowk. Dar added that ‘callous’ attitude of government is forcing the more than 70,000 contractors in Kashmir See Contractors on Pg. 11

the state “but had there been a Political package it would have been icing on the cake”.

Expressing optimism for the early implementation of the report which she along with her colleagues Dilip Padgaonkar and M.M.Ansari had presented to GOI in 2011, Radha said, “We all will be meeting very soon to chalk out a strategy how to urge GoI for the implementation of the report, because we have worked extensively for one long year before presenting it to the government”, Radha See Package on Pg. 11

plore the possibilities of its transfer to the civilian authority”, a senior member of the ruling party said.

Meanwhile Provincial president and former MoS Home Nasir Aslam Wani confirmed to KNS that NC has indeed demanded that the control of the airport be handed over to the civilian authority.

“Yes we put across the demand”, Wani said adding that the other demands which NC emphasized upon were the resumption of dialogue with all stake holders of the Kashmir issue and expanding the rail network to the tourist and other inaccessible areas.

“Prime Minster was very much optimistic regarding the resumption of dialogue with different stakeholders including separatist leaders for the resolution of the Kashmir issue,” Wani said.

He added that the Prime Minster was very much See NC on Pg. 11

Jehad council hits Facebook Srinagar, June 27: A purported page of the United Jehaad Council (UJC), a conglomerate of militant groups operating from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, has sprung up on social networking site Facebook.

The FB page has attracted attention of both the security agencies, journalists and civilians in the Valley.

The FB page 'United Jihaad Council' was made public just a day after the Hizbul Mujahideen See Jehad Council on Pg. 11

Protests rock Pattan over missing girl Several injured in tear-gas shelling Pattan, June 27: Police resorted to teargas shelling and charged the protestors with canes after hundreds of people blocked Srinagar-Muzafarabad High Way in North Kashmir’s Bucho area of Pattan

town.

Protestors were alleging that police is showing no interest in locating a two year old missing baby girl.

Pertinently, a few days back two years old baby girl Zeenat Ashraf daughter of Mohammad Ashraf Rather resident of Bucho Pattan went missing after she was returning to home from her neighbourhood.

Reports said that hundreds of people from Bucho and other adjacent areas of Pattan blocked the road and for hours, vehicular movement See Protests on Pg. 11

India’s first hill-climb motorsport battle

Champion rallyists of country to compete in The 4th Mughal Rally Srinagar, June 27: Sampada Rangnrekar, the 49-year-old Mumbai rallyist with seven mentions in the Limca Book of World Records. Suresh Rana of Manali, eighttime-winner of the Maruti Suzuki Raid De Himalaya and three-time-winner of the Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm. Satish Gopalkrishnan, national champion in TSD (Time-SpeedDistance) rallying from Bangalore. Aman Ahluwalia of Delhi’s Team Terrain Tigers, an emerging champion rallyist. These,

along with rallyists from all parts of the country are participating in India’s

first hill-climb motorsport battle, The 4th J&K Bank Mughal Rally.

The two-day rally is being held over June 28 and 29, See Rally on Pg. 11

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11 Friday, 28 June 2013 From Front Page........

Alert..........

pilgrims between age of 13 years and 75 years will be allowed to perform the yatra.

NC.........

positive in this regard.

“We urged Prime Minster that there should be more tunnel projects in areas like Gurez, Razdan Pass, and other areas which remain almost inaccessible during winters and harsh weather. We also demanded the extension of rail network to tourist resorts of Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg and areas like Uri, Tangmarg, Ganderbal and other such areas”, added Wani.

The NC provincial president however evaded a direct reply on whether they had included the revocation of AFSPA which Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has been strongly advocating for.

“That is an issue between state and Union Government, but National Conference as a party has been demanding for the revocation of Act for a long time now and we will continue to press for that”, said Wani.

SHRC..........

are an important basic pedestal in our medical care system will understand the obligations of their noble profession of serving humanity and desist from taking such childish decisions which cost the lives of innocent patients, who after God repose full trust in them,” the Commission states adding that the trust between the public and the doctors must not be shaken.

Package..........

told KNS, adding that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s advocacy for the implementation was encouraging for them, and for the people of the Jammu and Kashmir. She however admitted that they did not push for the early implementation of the report as they feared people would take it otherwise.

“Some small recommendations have been implemented but it is still a long way to go ahead and we are hopeful that the GOI would take steps for the early implementation of the report”, said Radha Kumar.

Jehad Council...........

claimed to have carried out a deadly attack on the army convoy in Srinagar on Monday, a day ahead of the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi's scheduled visit to the state.

Since Tuesday, the UJC has 450 followers, mainly journalists and security personnel. "Jihaad is necessary in Kashmir, in Palestine, in Syria etc. First of all we have to be united," says the page, where the UJC introduces itself as a non-governmental organisation.

The PoK-based UJC is a conglomerate of thirteen militant groups, which claim to have presence across Jammu and Kashmir. It is headed by Syed Salahuddin, the supremo of largest indigenous militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen.

Of late, the Hizbul Mujahideen has stepped up its activities in Kashmir, which include five major attacks since March 14. These attacks have left 12 armymen, five CRPF jawans and six cops dead. The police in Srinagar refused to comment on the FB page saying, "It is checking its veracity".

The last update by the page was made on Taliban-US talks.

"Muhammad Naeem, the representative of the Taliban, who speaks during a press conference at the official opening of their office in Doha, Qatar," says the update with Naeem's picture.

There are many FB pages and handles of the microblogging Twitter that remain under constant scanner of the police. "Many have multiple users sitting outside India," said a police officer on the condition of anonymity.

Protests..........

came to a grinding halt. Protestors amid anti-police slogans were alleging that police have not taken the matter seriously.

“We helped the police to nab a person who was allegedly involving in human trafficking and yet the police failed to locate the missing girl,” one of the protestors said adding that there is an active group in the town who steal babies and sell them to outsiders.

Police swung into action and used dozens of tear-gas shells to disperse the protestors. Several people got injured in police lathicharge. Despite, using canes and teargas shells, protestors did not budge and ultimately Deputy Commissioner Baramullah Ghulam Ahmed Khawaja rushed to spot and assured the protestors that police would take all possible measures to trace the missing girl.

Station House Officer Pattan, Mehboob Bandey said that protestors pelted stones and police had no option except using tear gas shells. “The investigation is going on. The person whom we have arrested is not involved in baby theft. We are looking the case from all the angles and hopefully we will nab the culprits soon,” he said adding that police is ready to make people as part of the investigation.

Contractors.........

to resort to what “is in the bad interests of commoners, contractors as well as the government.”

On some of the biggest projects hit by the ongoing halt of works, Dar said work on flyovers, commercial complexes, Tehzeeb Mahal at TRC, shopping complex at Ram Bagh, Rs 20 crore drug store at JVC hospital, SIDCO bridge at Shopain, Moghul road has been stopped indefinitely.

“The withholding of massive funds (owing to paucity of funds in Treasuries) is heavily telling upon us. We warn the government to release our pending bills or we would soon announce a 72 hour long hunger strike programme,” he added.

While reiterating that government is insensitive to contractor’s demands, Dar said “The tall claims of the government are farce as it owes us bills worth Rs 700 crores. Such an astronomical amount would make any one to come on roads,” Dar said.

“We don’t understand that despite completing developmental works on time why the government is delaying our payments. We warn the government that prolonged

Daily insensitivity towards 70,000 contractors must end,” he said.

Dar also flayed the handling of the e-tendering and ebilling process in Kashmir. While pitching for regulations in its functioning, Dar said that the process should be set in motion in sync with the weather vagaries that hit the state.

Soz.........

Soz asserted that ‘no authority in India, not even the Parliament, can abrogate Article 370 as it is the integral part of the Constitution of India’.

“BJP Wallas shamefully always talk about revocation of Article 370 on the eve of Elections”, he said and added that he wonders why the BJP did not raise this issue when they were in power in the centre for six years.

Mufti.........

minister said while resolution of J&K problem remains the centre piece of PDP’s political process though there was dire need for pursuing a vibrant economic agenda which should focus on challenges like unemployment, power crisis , unplanned and haphazard development and ecological degeneration.

He said PDP was fortunate to attract the right mix of intellectual resources to draft and implement a workable and effective economic agenda which could transform the state from a so called begging bowl into a modern state.

Mufti said during his brief rule, in alliance with congress, had set new standards of governance, development and political accommodation. “The doors of jails were opened to create an atmosphere of real freedom and everybody was free to propagate views in a peaceful atmosphere and people especially the youth had smelt a positive change leading them away from gun and violance,” Mufti said.

But, it was very alarming that the same youth have now been pushed to wall through persecution and corruption in every government scheme especially in recruitment processes,” he said.

The PDP patron said the deterioration in the situation reflected in the just concluded prime ministerial visit.

He said whether it was Atal Bihari Vajpaee or Dr Manmohan Singh all three prime ministerial visits between 2003 and 2005 turned out to be watershed moments for a variety of reasons.

He said Vajpayee took the momentous decision to initiate the peace process with Pakistan and offered a dialogue to the people of J&K, he also followed it up with an economic package for various sections including with those associated with the tourism which had taken a serious hit.

Similarly, Dr Singh announced a huge economic package of 24 thousand crores reconstruction package and followed it up with the reopening of SrinagarMuzzafarabad and Poonch-Rawalakot roads for travel and trade.

The brief tenure infact witnessed a rear consensus between the NDA & UPA on Kashmir primarily because the epicenter of the peace process was J&K, as we had been able to channelize the urges of people here sincerely through democratic means. He said “We didn’t make any compromises on the interests of the state and infact for the first time after independence very significant concessions were made to J&K which have the potential of leading to long term benefits for the state.”

Paying compliments to the state administration, Mufti said it was through the available officers and officials that he could achieve any difference in the standards of governance and delivery. He said given a proper direction, leadership and working atmosphere, the state bureaucracy could turn out on top in the country.

The stock of local administration had sharply gone up and it was because of their confidence they had earned, the central government would go out of their way to respond to our proposals and projects, he said and added in many cases the union ministers would insist on increasing our allocation as they were convinced of our capacity to spend the money purposefully. He said the confidence has once again unfortunately been shaken as a result of incompetent leadership resulting in almost a freeze in development process.

Rally...........

with about 120 rallyists driving cars, SUVs and motorcycles. It will be flagged off at 5 am on June 28 by J&K Tourism Minister Ghulam Ahmad Mir. The Mughal Rally has three categories. These are Rally Xtreme (4X4), Rally Xtreme (Motorcycles) and Rally Enduro. The first two categories are a heady speed rush, while Rally Enduro follows the Time-Speed-Distance (TSD) format.

Mir said that the 4th Mughal Rally, the first hill climb motorsport battle of India, is patterned on the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the 100-year-old iconic automobile and motorcycle hill climb of the USA. "The 4th Mughal Rally will feature a hill climb race to two of the highest passes in the country - Pir Ki Gali and Sinthan Pass. J&K has amazing potential for adventure sports. The Mughal Rally has become a boost to tourism in the region and is already one of the most famous events on the motorsports calendar of the country," said Mir. Amidst heavy rain in the valley, scrutiny of the vehicles of all competitors was held today at the Royal Springs Golf Course in Srinagar. The scrutiny is held as per stringent rallying and safety regulations of Federation Internationale De Automobile (FIA) and the Federation of Motorsport Clubs of India (FMSCI).

The Mughal Rally takes its name from The Mughal Road, the historic road used by Emperors Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan to traverse from Delhi to Kashmir. On Day One, the rallyists will take on the hill climb to Pir Ki Gali, the highest point on the Mughal Road at an elevation of 11,500 feet (3,505 meters) approximately.

On Day 2, the second hill climb will come into play with the race to Sinthan Pass, at an altitude of 12,450 feet (3,748 meters), is on National Highway 1B, connecting Kishtwar and Anantnag. Even during the height of summer, the hill climb up to Sinthan Pass is lined with

walls of snow. It is open from April to September.

The architect of The Mughal Rally is Himalayan Motorsport, the premier Shimla-based motorsport club which organizes the formidable Raid De Himalaya.

President of Himalayan Motorsport Vijay Parmar said that heavy rain on June 27 had adversely impacted the roads on the rally route. This makes the route even more challenging for the rallyists, he said.

"We see this rally becoming one of the fastest hill climbs in the world. At around 30 kms each, the four hill climb stages on Pir ki Gali and Sinthan Pass will require great skill and concentration to master" said Parmar.

The Mughal Rally started in 2020, when the Mughal Road was a quagmire of deep mud and rocks. It is now a smooth, double laned highway which was formally opened by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on June 25. Himalayan Motorsport has seen average top speeds on this stretch go from a mere 55 kmph in 2010 to almost 170 kmph in 2012.

Drug..........

Ghulam Mohammad of Bahipora Kupwara were arrested and there vehicle was seized by the police,” he said.

Police has registered a case vide FIR number 151/2013 under section 48/50 of Excise Act. There has been an increase in the consumption of nonalcoholic addictive substances in the recent past in Pattan area.

Rs 1500 cr. Earmarked for social services this fiscal: Rather

Budgam, June 27: observing that development and peace initiatives of the present Govt. has generated an era of hope and aspire among the turmoil ravaged people of the state, the Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs, Mr. Ab.Rahim Rather today said every possible effort is being made to redress the grievances of the people as per their urges. He reiterated Govts commitment to provide all the basic facilities to the people at their door step.

Addressing a public gathering at Pethyar Surisyar in tehsil C h a d o o r a t o d a y, Mr.Rather said all the available resources are being mobilized and pooled to fulfill promises made to the people and to provide them best possible services. The Govt. has made a provision of Rs. 1579 cr for social services this Fiscal whereas Rs.652 cr are being spent for general services.

The district development commissioner Budgam, Mr.Khurshid Ahmad Shah, Chief Education Officer, Budgam, Mr. Nazir Ahmad, Executive Engineer R&B, Chadoora, Mr. Sheikh Gh .Mohammad senior officers of district administration were also present on the occasion.

Mr. Rather said that the

basic purpose of conducting tours of far-flung and backward areas along with senior officers and engineers is to make on spot assessment of the problems and demands of the people and seek their solution for the convenience of the people. He said ameliorating the lot of people is the prime concern of the present Govt. He asked the people to get themselves involved in developmental activities and programs initiated by the Govt. in their respective areas in a big way so as to contribute in reconstruction of the state.

Responding to the charter of demands presented by the locals, Mr.Rather announced upgradation and macademization of Kotabal to Pethyar road and hangoo-Dembal road.

He asked the engineers to explore the possibility of road for linking Kotabal with Brinjan village and Surisyar with Pethyar villag. He also directed the officers of Rural Development department to prepare estimates for construction of lanes and drains in the village. He asked the engineers of PHE dept. to make estimates for water reservoir in the village and announced upgradation of primary schools in Hangoo and Dembal to Middle school level.

Anti drug addiction rally at Nishat

Srinagar: SPYM-Srinagar Srinagar.

A National Organisation On the occasion around working in the area of 150 children and many drugs/Alcohol abuse youth participated in the prevention in collabora- event and Project Officer tion with Markazi Falahi SPYM-Srinagar Mr. Yasir itifal (Bal Ashram) and Arafat Zahgeer said that M a r k a z i f a l a h i ‘’Drug addiction is a multi Mastoorat(Nari Nikaitan) dimensional problem.

Centre and Govt, Boys Substance abusers needs to middle school Ishbar, be treated as same as other Nishat organised a drug patients are being treated at abuse prevention aware- General hospitals. Proper ness camp and an anti drug d e t o x i f i c a t i o n , addiction rally at Nishat, psychosocial management Srinagar in which the a n d R e h a b i l i t a t i o n professionals from SPYM program must be given to Drug detox Centre, Staff them to make them and all the wards of the productive and meaningschool and MFI centre ful again. Awareness and participated actively under preventive education is the tremendous efforts of equally important for the Mr. Shabir Ahmad District prevention of Drugs and Social Welfare Officer Alcohol abuse’.

ZABARWAN TIMES

India-Turkey to enhance cooperation in Renewable Energy

New Delhi, June 27: India and Turkey have agreed to enhance their cooperation in the field of Renewable Energy. This was decided at a meeting held between the Turkish Energy Minister Mr. Taner Yildiz and Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Minister of New and Renewable Energy at Ankara today. Dr. Abdullah is visiting Turkey along with a high level delegation to explore greater opportunities for cooperation and collaboration between Indian and Turkey. Dr. Abdullah briefed his counterpart on the energy situation in India and India’s plans to add over 30 GW of renewable energy to its energy mix in the next 5 years. He also dwelt on the success of the wind programme as well as the significant cost reductions in solar energy through the Jawahar Lal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM). The Turkish leader said that Ankara hopes to diversify its energy mix by introducing a large component of

renewables. It has considerable potential in wind, hydro, solar and geothermal energy. It imports over 90% of its oil, gas and fossil fuel requirement. Mr Yildiz recognized India’s considerable achievements and strengths in renewable energy and noted that India had made large strides in this field. He expressed the Turkish government’s desire to set up large generating as well as manufacturing capacities in renewable energy sources, particularly wind and solar.

Dr. Abdullah offered India’s support and expertise to Turkey in setting up projects in wind, solar and h y d r o p o w e r. H e a l s o offered training slots in India to Turkish scientists, engineers and technicians through the ITEC programme. The Indian Minister expressed his country’s desire for a serious and meaningful cooperation with Turkey, especially in renewable energy and offered all possible assistance.

Mandergund-Louseer road in shambles Shahid Wani Anantnag, June 27: People of Sakras Mandergund Srigufwara Anantnag told Zabarwan Times that their road from Sakras Mandergund to Louseer is pending for macdamization from last 6 years the road has been totally damaged due to rain and snow in winters told a local resident of Sakras Srigufwara.

Moreover people told us that they had requested power development department (PDD) for sanctioning of electric poles for their village as trees are being used instead of electric poles in the area.

People requested concerned authorities to look into the matter and resolve their genuine grievances as soon as possible.

FREE HEART SURGERY FOR POOR CHILDREN Children below 18 years, belonging to BPL families and suffering from congenital heart disease, can get free heart surgery at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute New Delhi.

Patients may register by 30th June 2013 with K.K.Langar, Rotary Club 9419170603 or Kids’ Rehabilitation Clinic, Pandrethan, 9419000189 alongwith domicile proof, Echo report, three photographs and BPL certificate.

Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Department

Office of the Executive Engineer, Electric Maintenance Division-Ill, Srinagar EXTENSION NOTICE No. 5

Due to poor response in respect of N.I.T. No. ED-III/005 of 2013 dated: 26-04-2013 issued vide this office endorsement No. ED-III/Gen/808-12 dated: 26-04-2013 for supply, Installation, Testing and Commissioning of Ornamental Lights (20 Nos) for 5 No. Ghats related to Artisan Craft Development Programme is hereby extended with the details enumerated below:Name of Work.

Supply, Installation, Testing and Commissioning of Ornamental Lights (20 Nos) for 5 No. Ghats

Estimated Cost

related to Artisan Craft Rs. 10.87 Lacs

Earnest Money

Rs. 22000.00

Last Date of Sale of Tender Document

29-06-2013

Date of Receipt of Tenders

2-07-2013

Position of funds

Demanded

DIPJK: 3834

Sd/- Executive Engineer ED-3rd, Srinagar

Office of the Assistant Regional Transport Officer, Anantnag

NOTICE Whereas an application has been received from one Mushtaq Ahamad Khan S/o Gh Nabi Khan R/o Sarnal Payeen Anantnag owner of vehical No. JK03B 0932 for cancellation of hire purchase agreement with M/s J&K Bank B/o New Market Anantnag. Now it is therefore notified for general information that objection if any to the proposed cancellation/endorsement of hire purchase agreement shall be filled in writing in the office of ARTO Anantnag within a period of seven days from the publication of this notice.

No: ARTO/Ang/Pub/2684/13 Dated: 27/06/2013

Sd/- Asstt. Regional Transport Officer Anantnag S.W

Owner, Printer, Publisher & Editor-n-Chief: Suhail Malik, RNI No: JKBIL/2011/39764, Email: zabarwantimes@gmail.com Published from: Govt. Quarters (M-13) Magarmal Bagh Srinagar -190001, J&K, Printed at: Sangarmal Offset Press Humhama Sheikhpora Tele/Fax: 2478370 Cell No: 09999964750, 9796787844

NEWS

Daily ZABARWAN TIMES

Several schemes initiated for under privileged, downtrodden sections: Sakina BARAMULLA, JUNE 27: Maintaining that the government has already initiated several welfare measures for the downtrodden and under privileged section of the society, the Minister for Social Welfare, Ms. Sakina Itoo today said that people should come forward and avail maximum benefit from these.

The Minister was speaking after inaugurating a 100-beded orphanage constructed with an estimated cost of Rs. 4.11 crore at Raban-Rafiabad in Baramulla district.

MLA, Rafiabad, Javed Ahmad Dar, District Development Commissioner, Baramulla, Director Social Welfare and other senior officers of district administration and department were present.

Ms. Sakina said that the government has ensured that the under privileged and the physically challenged sections of the society get the proper and the required attention. She said in this regard several schemes have been launched with the clear directions to the concerned to ensure that the benefit reaches the genuine beneficiaries. The Minister said that the government under the leadership of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah has undertaken several welfare measures for ensuring

Zabarwan Times is available at overall and sustained development of the state. She said that it was due to the tireless efforts of the government that the peace has been sustained and developmental process accelerated. “Peace and

development are inter-related as no developmental works can be undertaken in an disturbed atmosphere, the people have understood this and now they are reaping the peace dividends”, she maintained.

Lone News Agency Kangan Khan News Agency Ganderbal Gulzar News Agency Soura Zahid Book Depot Chadoora Tariq News Agency Hawal Bashir News Agency Nowhatta Muzaffar Ali News Agency Alamgari Bazar Budshah News Agency Lal Chowk Abdullah News Agency Lal Chowk Sikendar News Agency Lal Chowk Gupkari News Agency Lal Chowk Raina News Agency Gund Kangan Khan News Agency Regal Chowk Rashid News Agency Dalgate Sheikh News Agency Hyderpora Hilal News Agency Budgam Lone News Agency Tangmarg Bhat News Agency Chadoora JAMMU, JULY 18 Bhat News Agency Magam Zargar Agency Kunzar SRINAGAR, JUNE 27: shoulder with the executive directed the News supervisory Emphasizing for close liDar Newspolice Agency News Agency and Beerwah other law enforc- officersBashir to frequently inter- Sumbal aison between Power DevelDescribing JammuReshi and News ing Agency agenciesSafapora in every nook act with the lower ranks to Saleem News Agency Pattan opment (PDD), Public Health Kashmir Armed Police as and corner of the State. He bring improvements in their Engineering (PHE) and other Basharat News Agency Bandipora Reyaz News Agency Pampore backbone of the Organizastressed for coordination working. He said various allied departments to meet Altaf News Agency Pulwama Javaid News Agency Qazigund tion, Additional Director between the forces working initiatives have been taken the requirements of pilgrims Jeelani Agency fronts Baramulla G.M News Agency General of Police (ADGP), S. News on different to proto strengthen living andSopore M. Sahai Thursday emphavide efficient service to the working standards of armed Shah News Agency Kupwara Sultan News Agency Handwara sised for greater synergy be- public.Expressing satisfacpolice, so that they could Younis News Agency Langate Sheikh News Agency Islamabad tween executive and armed tion over the performance of give a model appearance in Reshi News Islamabad Three Way News Agency Tral police in order to provide the Agency force, Sahai stressed for the field.

He asked the offibetter policing to theTurray peo- News moreAgency accountability issue clear directions Tral and ef- cers to Badru News Agency Bijbehara ple.Sahai was addressing theNews ficiency for all ranks of armed to the Malik subordinate officers Arwani Rahi Agency Kulgam News Agency 11th Commandants’ Conferpolice. He lauded the role of and implement welfare of Rah News Agency Byepass Shaheen News Agency Kargil ence of Armed and IRP Batjawans and officers for demjawans.Spelling out the is-

11th Commandants’ Conference begins

Sahai stresses for greater synergy, says armed police backbone of JKP

talions here this morning.

The 2-day state level Annual Conference is convened to discuss the role of Armed police and future strategies, and in the conference various issues, requirements are discussed to enhance the proficiency of armed police.

Speaking on the inaugural session, Sahai highlighted the role of Armed Police in maintaining law and order to ensure safety and security of the people.

He said that the force has been working shoulder to

onstrating great professionalism, discipline and valour in ensuring safety of people and their property during hostile situations. The experiences gained during such situations would boost the morale of the jawans and officers and would prove fruitful in formulating future strategies, said Sahai.

The ADGP asked the officers to maintain close liaison and ensure welfare of their subordinates so that a “feel good factor” is created within the Organization. He also

sues to be discussed during the conference, Sahai said that there was an urgent need to reorient the functioning of the armed wing.

“The force has faced various situations successfully and has to recast its role in the future also, adding that emphasis would be laid on structural and functional reforms in Armed Police.Sahai said that such occasions provide an opportunity to discuss important issues and improve efficiency in delivering to the people.

Terming Association of State Road Transport Undertakings (ASRTU) as the backbone of Surface transport, Minister for

Transport and CA&PD Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan said that it provides mobility for the urban and rural population across the country and State as well.The Minister was speaking at the inaugural function of a 2-day 235th Standing Committee meet (Supplies & Contracts) organized by J&K

State Road Transport Corporation in collaboration with Association of State Road Transport Undertakings (ASRTU), New Delhi at SKICC Thursday.Association of State Road Transport Undertakings (AS-

RTU) came into existence on August 13th, 1965 to bring together all the State Road Transport Undertakings on a common platform with the aim of pooling their resources and knowhow for dealing with various problems faced by them and help them to improve their performance. It

during annual Amarnathji Yatra 2013, Minister for Higher Education, Mohammad Akbar Lone Thursday asked the functionaries of all vital departments to adopt positive approach to streamline services throughout the yatra period.The Minister said this while chairing a high level meeting of senior officers of various departments convened to review their preparedness for Shri Amarnathji Yatra, here Thursday.

consists of various members and associate members.The Minister said ASRTU plays an important role in promoting affordable mode of public transport to sizeable population of the country.Speaking about the formation of J&K State Road Transport Corporation, the Minister said that the Corporation has its glorious past. He said that the State SRTC fleet was initially started with hundreds of buses and load carriers, adding that now it has swollen to thousands and plying in and outside the state. More vehicles would be added to the fleet in near future, he maintained. Ch. Ramzan said that the commuters of the State crave to travel on SRTC buses as the drivers of the organization are more technically and professionally trained than their counterparts. He said the trucks (load Carriers) of the organization are also used for ferrying essential commodities in and outside the State.The Minister highlighted the need for formulation of Transport Policy and Road Safety Policy for traffic regulation. He said that State government is working for providing more teeth to existing State Motor Vehicle Act. Ch. Ramzan hoped that organizing such interactions and meetings will prove helpful for the stakeholders for making their transport undertakings more effective and efficient by adopting suggestions and opinions presented by the participants.

Use of modern technology imperative to restructure Agriculture: Mir SRINAGAR, JUNE 27: Use of modern technology and technical expertise is necessary for restructuring and reorganizing Agriculture Sector in Jammu and Kashmir for which present government is taking several steps.

This was disclosed by Minister for Agriculture, G.H Mir at Anantnag in one day “Kissan Mela” organized by Agriculture department Anantnag.

Speaking on the occasion Mir apprised the progressive farmers to take benefit from the different welfare schemes run by the department for their welfare. He urged them to take advantage of these schemes and make

Agriculture sector profitable, so that modern generation is attracted towards this sector.

Giving details of the different

schemes Minister said that subsidy is given on modern

Agricultural machinery viz Tillers, Tractors, Thrashers etc,so that the benefits reach to the needy, the Minister added that the distribution of K.C.C is taken on war footing besides arranging availability of modern fruit markets.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Horticulture, Raman Bhalla gave detailed account of the schemes run by present government for uplifting Agriculture and Horticulture sector Minister thanked the Prime Minister for assuring increased grant for the Horticulture sector in J&K State during 2013-14.

DDC reviews bankers performance, stresses for generating awareness UDHAMPUR, JUNE-27:- Stressing the greater need for generating awareness among the public particularly residing in the rural areas about the functioning, services and poverty alleviation schemes of banks and various departments, the District Development Commissioner, Udhampur, Mrs. Yasha Mudgal exhorted upon the bankers and sectoral officers of different departments to hold joint awareness camps in different locations of the district. While reviewing the performance of all banks in key area of deposits and advance for quarter ended March 2013 under Annual credit Plan 2012-13 in a District Level Review Committee cum District Consultative Committee (DLRC/DCC) meeting of bankers and district officers of various Government Departments, the DDC emphasized upon the banker to organize maximum awareness camps so that hundred percent population living in the rural areas should be linked with banks for economic growth of the areas.

Mrs. Mudgal asked bankers and officers of line departments to work with coordinated and sincere efforts so that the benefit of the schemes would reach to the deserving people of the district.Joint Director Planning, Rakesh Jamwal, Assistant Commissioner Development, Manager Lead Bank, SBI, LDO RBI Jammu, AGM NABARD, Cluster Head, J&K Bank, bankers and officers of line departments attended the meeting.

During the meeting, the Lead District Manager, Udhampur revealed that various banks have advanced Rs. 164.87 crores amongst the 16662 beneficiaries in the district against a yearly target of Rs.190.98 crores under priority sectors upto quarter ended March 2013. Besides banks had sanctioned 23155 cases being sponsored by Agriculture Department and 5608 cases have been credit linked to the tune of Rs. 10.72 crores during the period.

Lone reviews Shri Amarnathji Yatra arrangements

State SRTC bus fleet to be expanded SRINAGAR, JUNE 27:

Srinagar |friday

The meeting was attended by Divisional Commissioner, Mr Pardeep Gupta, District Development Commissioner Jammu, Ajeet Kumar Sahu, DIG, Jammu-Kathua Range, Shakeel Ahmed Beig, SSP Traffic, S. Manmo-

rupted power and water supply particularly during Shri Amarnathji Yatra. He asked the PDD authorities to make available substitute feeders to cater the need of people keeping in view the prevailing hot weather condition.The Minis-

28 .6.2013

HOROSCOPE Aries

March 21-April 19 Today is an excellent day for you, Aries. You will discover many opportunities. You would do well to work with others by tuning into your sensitive nature and chiming in to the energy of the group. Your grounding and stability are exactly what are needed to give order to the fluctuating, indecisive minds you’re working with.

Taurus April 20-May 20

Today is a good day for you, Taurus. New opportunities will abound in your regular routine. Work with a group to accomplish something greater than you could do by yourself. Tune in to the energy of the collective.

You have exactly the right qualities that others need today. Use them.

Gemini May 21-June 21

Your intuition is more reliable than your mind today, Gemini. This is a terrific day in which you should enjoy a good mood and clear head. Your emotions are high, so take advantage of this energy and share it with others. Your generous, nurturing spirit is in demand. If you had a nickel for every good piece of psychological advice you dispense today, you’d be a millionaire.

Cancer June 22-July 22

You may feel extra dreamy today, Cancer. Your moods may fluctuate. It may be hard to get other people to share your boisterous good humor. Trying to get people to jump on your bandwagon of excitement may be difficult. Perhaps there’s something going on with them and their emotions that you simply aren’t noticing. Pay attention.

Leo

July 23-August 22

han Singh, Chief Engineers PDD and PHE, Mrs. Shehnaz Goni , and K.K. Gupta, Chief Engineer, Irrigation and Flood Control, Joint Director Information, Mrs. Smita Sethi, RTO Jammu, Arvind Kotwal, ARTO, Kuldeep Singh, Superintending Engineer, JDA, P.L. Bhushan S.E PDD, S. Gurbachan Singh, and other senior officers of concerned departments.The Minister asked the Chief Engineer PDD and PHE to ensure uninter-

ter was informed that to cater to the need of potable water scarce areas adequate number of water tankers have been pressed in so that the pilgrims visiting the city of temples are not deprived of this vital amenity.The Minister asked the Irrigation and Flood Control authorities to take preventive measures well in advance by constructing crates and other alternate measures to meet any eventuality.

Mela at Baba Chamliyal Shrine marks religious fervor SAMBA, JUNE 27The annual mela at Baba Chamliyal Shrine was held with great fervor as thousands of devotees from across the state and outside thronged the centuries old shrine of Baba Chamlayal near International Border in Ramgarh of District Samba in Jammu and Kashmir to seek blessings and cure for physical and spiritual ailments.

The District Administration, keeping in view the ever increasing pilgrim rush had made elaborate arrangements for the fair including traffic regulation, medical facilities, drinking water facility, security arrangements and additional buses to accommodate the rush of pilgrims.The DistrictAdministration has also organized an exhibition highlighting the

schemes and programmes being implemented by various departments.The Annual Fair was inaugurated

by Former Minister and MLA Vijaypur, Surjit Singh Slathia.

On the occasion a flag meeting with Pakistani Rangers was also organized by the BSF at the International Border which was attended by DIG, BSF, Deputy Commissioner, Samba, R.K Varma, Senior Superintendent of Police besides other senior officers.

On the occasion, the Sweets were also exchanged to mark annual celebration of Baba Chamliyal Mela.Thousands of devotees stood on both sides of the border to have a glimpse of the ritual of handing over of a ‘chaddar’ to the BSF officers by the Pakistani Rangers for being laid on the Dargah of Baba Chamliyal.

Saifullah constitutes committee to look into reservation policy implementation

Pay close attention to your friends today, Leo. One of them may be going through a tough time and need a little extra support and attention. If you can, gather several buddies together and organize an impromptu lunch or dinner or any other activity that allows you to laugh, bond, and share. Your friendships are a treasure to be cherished and nurtured.

Virgo

August 23-September 22

Your artistic nature is especially heightened today, Virgo. Your heart and brain are working together to create something great. Use your creative abilities to make a bold statement. Have a good time. There may be a tendency toward laziness. If sitting on the couch is all you want to do, that’s fine. Realize that there’s a great deal of potential energy available to you if you choose to harness it.

Libra

September 23-October 23 Nothing will escape your attention today, Libra.

Your sixth sense is right on target. Your mind is razor sharp and emotions extra sensitive. You will move through this day with your radar fully intact. You’re like a detective cutting through to the core of every issue. You will be able to get quite a bit accomplished with very little effort. Things will naturally flow your way.

Scorpio

October 24-November 21 You may feel like you’re ready to get the party started today, but for some reason, the people around you aren’t exactly following suit. Perhaps you need to slow down and wait for others to catch up. They may end up not coming around at all. If people say they’re doing fine, don’t believe them. There’s most likely something brewing beneath the surface that needs attention.

Sagittarius November 22-December 21

Don’t worry so much about getting things done today, Sagittarius. Instead, concentrate on your feelings and relationships. A caring, sensitive attitude is needed, as opposed to a harsh, militant way of dealing with things. You will find that by adopting a tender, nurturing tone, people will be much more receptive to you in general.

Capricorn December 22-January 19

Don’t get sad if no one is laughing at your jokes today, Capricorn. It doesn’t mean you aren’t funny. It just means that people may not be in the mood to laugh. Ridiculous as it seems, today is simply a better day to cry.

Let out all your pent-up emotions. Talk things over with others. Your heart communicates well through you today.

Aquarius January 20-February 18

Don’t be shy today, Aquarius. Express how you feel.

The more you share with others, the more they will be encouraged to share themselves with you. Today may be filled with a great many tender moments that are worth documenting in your journal tonight. Your thinking is clear and in line with your deepest and truest emotions.

You’re the star of the show.

Pisces

The Venue of Examnation Centers for the above mentioned papers will be remain same i.e. where they have already appeared for their CET-2013 Physics Paper 22nd of June. Students are required to be at their respective examination centers by the reporting time (35 munits before the commencement of examination) along with their Admit Cards issued by BoPEE. No: BoPEE/Adm-02 /1019-1030 Dated: 27.06.2013

February 19-March 20 Hold your temper today, Pisces. No one wants to argue. It may be tough to connect with the people around you, but this isn’t a reason to get upset. Tone things down and speak more softly. Listen to what others have to say. There may be a bit of a disruption in your daily routine. Others may challenge what you’re feeling.

Don’t doubt yourself.

Editorial/Opinion The Daily

Zabarwan Times Friday, 28 June 2013

Defending Article 370

C

hief Minister Omar Abdullah vociferously defended special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 in presence of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi at the inaugural ceremony of rail link between Banihal and Qazigund. Omar dared elements opposing special status to Jammu and Kashmir to touch Article-370. Without naming BJP leader L K Advani, who recently sought revocation of the special status enjoyed by the State, Omar hit out at the party for raising the “false bogey” of abolishing Article 370 of the Constitution of India. Omar accused the BJP leaders of developing a “trait to deceive people” on the issue as soon as elections draw nearer. Omar was right in saying that when the BJP was in power at the Centre, the party did not talk about the issue even once. The BJP only raises the issue of Article 370 when elections are in sight. Couple of days earlier, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Mohammad Syed too defended Article 370 saying it was an article of faith between J&K and rest of the country and even in its eroded form it grants the state substantial powers that can address the issues peculiar to it. Omar’s sharp reactions came in response to senior BJP leader L K Advani who pushed for repealing Article 370 of the Constitution, saying it would help Jammu and Kashmir's full integration with India. Article 370 accords special Constitutional status on J&K and its abolition has been one of BJP's core demands. The party had put the issue on back burner in its attempt to woo more allies, most of whom are wary of its Hindutva agenda. In his blog titled 'Independent India's First Martyr for National Integration', the veteran BJP leader said Mookerjee's death in controversial circumstances triggered a series of developments which significantly promoted the process of national integration.

Interestingly BJP never raised the issue of revocation of Article 370 when they were in power. They have not talked about it a single time but only raise the issue when elections are in sight. Relations between J&K and Union of India were established through Article 370 by the then Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir late Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah and then Prime Minister of India late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. However BJP has been opposing Article 370 from day one and of course for political gains only. Congress, Communists, RJD, JP and SP have never supported or even talked of abrogation of this Article. On the other hand even the Prime Kashmiri leadership has been suggesting that any move to abrogate article 370 of Indian Constitution will lead to total division of India.

Way back in 1997, former Chief Minister and Father of current Chief Minister, Dr. Farooq Abdullah had cautioned against any move to abrogate article 370 and had gone to the extent of saying that he would lead the revolt. Farooq was also Chief Minister at that time.

Interlocutors appointed by the Central government in their report recommended setting up of a constitutional committee to review all Acts and Articles of the Constitution of India extended to Jammu and Kashmir while favouring upholding of Article 370. The report of the interlocutors--Dileep Padgaonkar, Radha Kumar and M M Ansari- underlined that "the clock cannot be set back" but felt that the 'erosion' of Article 370 over decades needed to be "re-appraised" to give it more powers. In their 176-page report, they called for a review of all central Acts and all Articles of the Constitution of India extended to the state after the 1952 Delhi agreement which also gave special status to the state under Article 370. In a move aimed at strengthening of Article 370, the interlocutors report demanded deletion of the word 'temporary' from its heading in the Constitution and replacing it with 'special' as has been used in Article 371 in the case of some states.

Daily

ZABARWAN TIMES 9

Friday, 28 June 2013

Schemes & Facilities for the Senior Citizens

A demographic revolution is taking place throughout the world indicating a phenomenal rise in the population of the elderly. According to a UN estimate, the population of the people aged 60 years and above is expected to grow to 1.2 billion by 2025 and to 2 billion by 2050.

Today, about two thirds of all the older people are living in the developing world.

As per the Census 2001, in India, there were 77 million persons above 60 years constituting 7.5% of the total population of the country. This number is projected to go up to 12.4% of the population in 2026. Such an increase obviously will throw up numerous challenges in designing old age specific programmes and schemes and addressing their issues in a comprehensive manner.

The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment announced a National Policy for Older Persons in January, 1999. This policy reaffirmed the commitment of the Government to ensure the well-being of the older persons in a holistic manner. The National Policy for Older Persons essentially envisages support from the State to the older persons to ensure their financial and food security, health care, the need for shelter as well as other needs of the older persons, providing them an equitable share in development, giving them protection against abuse and exploitation, and ensuring the availability of services to improve the quality of lives of the older persons.

Thirteen years have elapsed since this policy was announced. Keeping in view the changing demographic pattern, the socio-economic conditions and the technological development in the country, the Government is in the process of bringing out a new National Policy.

The draft of the new policy is ready. The new Policy is expected to cover a wider spectrum of the issues and challenges facing the elderly.

An institutional mechanism has been put in place to monitor the implementation of the existing national Policy for older persons and to advise the Government regarding the formulation and implementation of the policy and programmes for the aged through a National Council for Older Persons, under the Chairmanship of the Minister of Social Justice &

Empowerment. The Council was first constituted in the year 1999 for a period of five years. It was reconstituted for another period of five years in the year 2005.

However, the composition of this Council was not comprehensive enough as it did not contain sufficient non-official members to maintain regional balance.

Besides, it also did not include the representatives of some of the Ministries/Departments dealing with issues related to the senior citizens. With a view to address these issues, the Council has been re-constituted and has

Governments. It is not applicable to the State of Jammu & Kashmir, while Himachal Pradesh has its own Act, with the concerted efforts made by the Ministry, all the States and UTs have been persuaded to bring the Act into force in the respective States. For the effective implementation of the various provision of the Act, the States and UTs are required to take further steps, such as framing Rules, appointing Maintenance Officers, and constituting the Maintenance and Appellate Tribunals. As per information available in the Ministry, 14 States and 5 UTs have taken all these necessary steps.

Thirteen years have elapsed since this

policy was announced. Keeping in view

the changing demographic pattern, the socio-economic conditions and the

technological development in the country, the Government is in the process of

bringing out a new National Policy. The

draft of the new policy is ready. The new Policy is expected to cover a wider

spectrum of the issues and challenges facing the elderly.

now been renamed as the National Council of Senior Citizens. A Resolution to this effect has been issued in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary) on 22nd February 2011. The Parliament enacted the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act in December 2007, a landmark development. This Act has made the maintenance of parents and senior citizens by children, and where there are no children, then by the relatives, obligatory and justiciable through Tribunals. The Act has to be brought into force by the individual State

The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is also implementing the “Integrated Programme of Older Persons" since 1992 with a view to improve the quality of life of older persons by providing basic amenities like shelter, food, medical care, entertainment opportunities, etc. Under this Scheme, financial assistance up to 90% is provided to Governments/Non-Governmental Organizations/ Panchayati Raj Institutions/ local bodies etc. for running and maintaining old age homes, day care centres, mobile medicare units, day care

centres for Alzheimer's disease/Dementia patients, physiotherapy clinics for older persons, sensitization programmes for children, particularly in schools and colleges, Regional Resource and Training Centres, etc. About 350 NGOs are being supported every year for running and maintaining around 550 projects.

In order to address the increasing demand for care givers, the National Institute of Social Defense (NISD), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, has been conducting One-Year, Six-Month and One-Month Courses on Geriatric Care. Besides, the Institute also collaborates with reputed institutions for organising short term training programmes for the caregivers.

To ensure effective implementation of the policies and programmes of the Ministry and also to augment the activities of the NISD, the Ministry presently supports 3 Regional Resource Centres (RRTCs) namely, (i) Anugraha, New Delhi, which caters to the requirements of the northern States, (ii) Nightingale Medical Trust, Bangalore, which caters to the requirements of the southern States, and (iii) Integrated Rural Development and Educational Organization (IRDEO) which caters to the requirement of the north eastern States. These RRTCs undertake (i) Training of functionaries of grantee organizations under IPOP and monitor their work; (ii) Advocacy and awareness generation; (iii) Liasion with the concerned State Governments in the field of old age care, with specific reference to the implementation of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents & Senior Citizens Act, 2007, and the National Policy for Older Persons, 1999 and the other programmes and interventions for the senior citizens; (iv) Maintain a data-base of the institutions working in the field of old age care; and (v) Research and such other functions as the Ministry may assign from time to time.

The need of the hour is to create a caring society, especially for the ageing population with the help of representatives from the Central Ministries and Departments, the State Governments, experts, academicians and many other stakeholders.

Mahatma’s Historic Visit to Jammu and Kashmir M

ahatma Gandhi, a symbol of non-violence, truth and moral values paid a 4-day historical visit to strategic and sensitive Jammu and Kashmir State during a crucial period in first week of August, 1947 and played a pivotal role. This was his life’s first and the only short visit in Kashmir which gave some turning points to course of events on the eve of Independence as well as thereafter by providing muchneeded healing touch to the people in this sensitive and strategic border State. The Father of the Nation always had his hand on the pulse of the people and his gospel of non-violence, truth and sincerity of purpose had already won the hearts of masses in Jammu and Kashmir as elsewhere in the country. The visit was at a very momentous period on August 1-4, 1947 and had much historic importance for Jammu and Kashmir as well the entire country. It was a significant event then in 1947, but a spotlight on it now is also of much relevance for the people in this part of the country. Gandhiji’s message of peace and harmony has always stood the test of time and is so still very much relevant in our time now.

Historical Visit The Indian National Congress leadership: Gandhiji, Pt Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Azad, Sardar Patel and other stalwarts had been source of inspiration and ideology during the movement in Jammu and Kashmir for attainment of responsive and democratic governance in place of the monarchy. The struggle in Kashmir was spearheaded by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah who stood by the high principles of peaceful method and uphold the Hindu-Muslim unity at all cost. The Sheikh was imprisoned at the time of the Mahatma’s visit. On August 1, 1947, Gandhiji reached Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir State, to an affectionate welcome and grand reception by Begum Akbar Jehan wife of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and about 500 women social and political activists. He freely met the masses in Kashmir then. The Mahatma did not address any public rally during his three days stay in Srinagar but held two prayer meetings during which he gave expression to his

ideas, impressions and idealism and at the same time highlighted the supremacy of the masses.

Significant Observations Gandhiji made some famous observations which assumed historical significance: First, the Amritsar Treaty of 1846 under which Kashmir was given to Maharaja Gulab Singh was termed by him as “a sale deed”. He admired the masses for their exemplary role during the freedom movement as also in maintaining

exemplary Hindu-Muslim unity at a time when there were dark clouds of strife and observed that he saw “a ray of hope” in Kashmir despite communal frenzy elsewhere on the sub-continent. Gandhiji also frowned on illumination when strategic Gilgit area was reverted back by the British to the J&K ruler and curiously observed and prophesied that Gilgit area will be ultimately “snatched”. His word proved true in less than a year as Gilgit was annexed by Pakistan.

Complex Situation After enactment of Indian Independence Act by British Parliament on July 17, 1947, the Paramount powers of the Crown over rulers of Indian States was to lapse from

August 15, 1947 and Lord Mountbatten called upon the princely States to join either of the Dominions- India or Pakistan- by deadline of Independence Day (August 15, 1947). There was pressure on the ruler from Muslim League led by Mohammad Ali Jinnah who propounded two-nation theory while the people of Kashmir led by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah totally rejected the twonation theory. The Maharaja of J&K State was unable to take decision in this complex situation.

The J&K State’s then Prime Minister, Ram Chand Kak, was removed within a short while after Gandhiji’s meeting with Maharaja Hari Singh during the visit.

Mahatma Gandhi was all praise for the tallest leader of Kashmir, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah for his adherence to communal harmony, deep concern for downtrodden masses, democratic aspirations and nationalistic views. The Sheikh and his party, while firmly rejecting the two-nation theory, had consciously sided with the ideals of peace, progress, democracy and secularism.

During this visit to Jammu and Kashmir, Maharaja, Hari Singh and Maharani Tara Devi, cordially invited Gandhiji to the Palace and had an elaborate meeting. He was affectionately accorded traditional welcome with Arti and tilak by the Royal couple and also then young prince, Dr Karan Singh. Later, the details have been recorded by Dr. Karan Singh in his book titled “Heir Apparent”. Gandhiji during his visit also had met a number of delegations and preached his ideas and ideology both in Kashmir and Jammu..

Mahatma Gandhi wrote one report on this visit and sent it to Pt Jawaharlal Nehru with a request to show it to Sardar Vallabbhai Patel as well. Subsequent events have amply proved Gandhiji right in many respects. The relevance of Gandhi’s message and teachings still have much relevance and significance for tackling the real problems still facing the people. By adhering to Gandhian ways, the solution to all issues can be found and permanent peace, progress and prosperity attained. Mahatma Gandhi’s 4-day visit on August 1-4, 1947 to Jammu and Kashmir forms a proud chapter of our history.

Disclaimer : The contents and comments appearing in any article published in this paper are purely the personal opinion of the writer.

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ZABARWANTIMES ZABARWAN TIMES FRIDAY | 28 JUNE 2013

Want to be happy, slim? Wake up early

A new study has found that people who wake up early are slimmer, happier and healthier than those who get up later in the day.

Researchers at the Roehampton University concluded that those who fight the urge to ignore the alarm clock complete morning chores faster, pack their children off to school earlier and thrive in the workplace.

However, night owls have a higher chance of feeling depressed or

stressed and becoming overweight.

The researchers quizzed 1,068 adults about their health and sleeping habits and found that 'morning people' were out of bed by 6.58 am on average, while 'evening people' waited until 8.54 am to start their day.

At the weekend both groups enjoyed about an extra hour under the covers, with early risers waiting until 7.47 am to get

Some smart snacking ideas

If you are yet to taste green tea, it is high time that you got started. The reasons are many. Studies show that, drinking two or more cups of green tea a day could help protect you from cancer as it is loaded with antioxidants.

People who drank green tea showed a lower risk of cancer in the upper digestive tract and in the colon and in the rectum.

- Green tea has been proven to reduce the growth of streptococcus bacterium, a type of bacteria that grows in our mouths and causes cavities and gingivitis.

- Green tea can aid in weight loss. In a study us-

ing green tea caffeine and a placebo, only the green tea extract increased metabolism and energy.

- It is found that the powerful antioxidant 'polyphenol' in green tea has the ability to inhibit and stop the action of a particular enzyme that causes tumour.An acquired taste Green tea has a distinct flavour unlike the ordinary tea that we drink.

And many people get put off by its bitter taste. There are also others who feel that the harmful chemicals sprayed on the tea leaves could do more harm than good. An option is to switch to organic green tea.

up and night owls lying in until 10.09 am.

"There are morning people and evening people, and morning people tend to be healthier and happier as well as having lower body mass indices," the Telegraph quoted Dr Joerg Huber as telling a British Psychological Society conference.

The survey also found that people who watch a lot of television are more likely to skip breakfast

Chocolates help you lose weight

To say that chocolates will go straight to your hips is passe, the latest research says you will actually weigh less.

Wait, before you reach for the chocolate bar, you have to read between the fine lines of the research.

While researchers in San Diego have revealed that antioxidants in chocolate are not only good for lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, but also your weight, there is merit in understanding first and bingeing later. Let's delve deeper.

Lead by Beatrice Golomb researchers from the University of California used data from a study of cholesterol-lowering drugs on healthy adults. The new research took into account how often the study's subjects ate chocolates and how this related to their weight management. The original study included 1000 individuals between the age groups of 20-85, with an average Body Mass Index of 28 (overweight, but not obese).

Golomb's research found that people who ate chocolates often, consumed higher calorie food - especially saturated fats, but still lost weight. On the flip side, the study revealed that individuals who consumed far less chocolates, weighed more than the chocolate lovers.

However, the study's findings may not be taken at face value, as the reasons behind this link between chocolate consumption and

weight loss remain unclear. This is partly due to the fact that the sample group wasn't large enough to derive any conclusive evidence about chocolate's weight controlling properties. But, within its scope, the research did find that individuals who ate up to five servings of chocolates a week weighed 2.3 to 3.2 kg less than individuals who rarely ate chocolates.

An interesting point to note is that the weight loss was linked to the number of times chocolate was consumed in a week. This is especially important when you analyse that the frequency of consumption had something to do with portion control and the lack of starvation mode.

Golomb concluded, "If you consume chocolate, consume it in

Not all obese people are unhealthy Some obese people are metabolically healthy and fit, with no greater risk of developing or dying from cardiovascular disease or cancer than normal weight people, new study reveals.

The findings show there is a subset of obese people who are metabolically healthy - they don't suffer from conditions such as insulin resistance, diabetes and high cholesterol or blood pressure - and who have a higher level of fitness, as measured by how well the heart and lungs perform, than other obese people.

Being obese does not seem to have a detrimental effect on their health, and doctors should bear this in mind when considering what, if any, interventions are required, the researchers said.

"It is well known that obesity is linked to a large number of chronic disease such as cardiovascular problems and cancer.

However, there appears

to be a sub-set of obese people who seem to be protected from obesity-re-

search associate affiliated to the Department of Physical Activity and Sport,

lated metabolic complications," said the first author of the study, Dr Francisco Ortega (PhD).

"They may have greater cardio-respiratory fitness than other obese individuals, but, until now, it was not known the extent to which these metabolically healthy but obese people are at lower risk of diseases or premature death," Ortega stated.

Dr Ortega is currently a re-

University of Granada (Spain), and at the Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet ( Stockholm, Sweden); but the project and investigation took place at the University of South Carolina (Columbia, USA) under the direction of Professor Steven Blair, who is responsible for the longrunning "Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study" (ACLS) which provided

the 43,265 participants for this current analysis.

Dr Ortega and his colleagues found that 46 per cent of the obese participants were metabolically healthy.

After adjusting for several confounding factors, including fitness, the metabolically healthy but obese people had a 38 per cent lower risk of death from any cause than their metabolically unhealthy obese peers, while no significant difference was seen between the metabolically healthy but obese and the metabolically healthy, normal weight participants.

The risk of developing or dying from cardiovascular disease or cancer was reduced by between 30-50 per cent for the metabolically healthy but obese people, and there were no significant differences observed between them and the metabolically healthy, normal weight participants.

place of something else, rather than adding to your net daily calories." Researchers were unanimous about the fact that chocolate should be eaten in moderation.

Word of caution: This research does not prove you can eat large amounts of chocolates everyday.

If you want to lose weight you still have to exercise and maintain a healthy diet.

Why women are obssessed with weight Women between 25-45 are obsessed with looking good and staying in shape...

Go to any gym today and speak to the young women who daily exercise there, or ask a yoga teacher or gym instructor what is the common complaint their clients have, and they will say that women are constantly thinking of how they can reduce weight and remain trim like the actresses/ models on screen. The well toned and well sculpted bodies of Kareena Kapoor, Bipasha Basu, Katrina Kaif and even the yummy mummies like Karisma Kapoor and Malaika Arora Khan become an ideal for young women who become mothers. They constantly obsess with the way they look soon after they get a baby and want to fit into dresses that they wore before their pregnancy, so that they can again look good and attractive.

Yoga expert and consultant Komal Shah says, "The minute I step into my morning class the women come to me with demands that are difficult on common standards. They want

to achieve a certain measurement for their thighs, waist, hands, hips and so on. They do not understand that fitness is about achieving a weight that is proportional to the height and maintaining a good BMI. Wonder where they get these measurements from? They obsess, they stress, eat very less and then fall sick because their immunity levels go down."

Across these age groups, women facing such issues with their weight is growing in number. They are known to go on all kinds of fad diets and do not eat at long intervals of time.

Whether it is young women or women who have just delivered a baby, they are in a race to look good. Blame it on the constant media images of these perfect women with great bodies everywhere. Says Meenakshi Thakkar, a homemaker, "There are stories of how these women go for rigorous weight loss - for example there was a recent story about Mandira Bedi losing weight immediately 9 months after her pregnancy.

How to shed that tummy flab

It takes more than a treadmill and a strict diet to shed off the most stubborn fat of all — tummy flab. But it's not impossible.

There's nothing like a sagging stomach to make any woman feel selfconscious about her body. Many are oblivious of the fact that different women have different tummy types — just like their hips, thighs, legs, breast size etc. Says fitness expert, Samir Purohit, "You might know the kind of tummy you have but may be unaware that all belly fat is not equal." Here are some of the common tummy types — know the one that you have and follow the diet and exercise to flatten it.

Post-Baby tummy "Due to pregnancy, the uterus tends to get heavier immediately after your delivery as compared to what it was before pregnancy. It takes about six to eight weeks before it comes back to its pre-pregnancy state," says Purohit.

Diet - Nutritionist, Namita Nanal says, "Since after the birth of a child, your body especially the area around your belly is vulnerable to put on weight,

it is ideal to follow a diet with a good amount of protein."

- Make sure you include the consumption of nuts once every day in your diet plan.

- To increase your metabolism, eat smaller and frequent meals to help burn fat.

- The best cure is fish oil as it helps in the fat burning process around the stomach.

Exercise - Purohit says, "Try and first train your pelvic muscles and lower abs to increase the blood flow and strengthen the muscles."

- Post natal sit-ups are known to be the best way to lose the extra flab around your tummy area. Lay flat on the back with your knees bent. Contract the abdominal muscles, squeezing them in towards the spine. Lift your head off the floor and exhale as you come up. Repeat around 20 times.

- Jivesh Shetty, fitness expert, says, "Bent-knee push up are the perfect way to lose the weight around your tummy. Kneel on all fours with your arms straight and hands slightly wider. Look downwards so that your

neck, back and upper legs form a straight line. As you inhale, bend your arms to move your body towards the floor. Hold for a second.

Exhale as you push yourself up to the starting position."

Bloated tummy A woman who has a bloated stomach could possibly attribute it to water retention, food allergy or gas.

The bloating of the tummy is said to happen due to the inflammation of the small intestine or colon or sluggish bowel due to improper and bad eating habits. Says Purohit, "Bloated

tummy is common amongst thin as well as overweight women."

Diet - Nutritionist Mansi Belani says, "Make sure that you eat small meals every two-three hours in a day. This will keep hunger pangs at bay and keep you full without making you binge on unhealthy snacks."

- Water intake should be optimal — about six-eight litres of water every day.

- Avoid having cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli. These lead to inflammation of the stomach which leads

to a bloated belly.

- Avoid wheat and gluten in your diet.

- Do not go overboard with the consumption of alcohol.

- Says Belani, "Chew your food properly and eat slowly."

- Increase your intake of soluble fibre.

Exercise Says Purohit, "A good walk with a good breathing technique early in the morning can help get rid of the bloated tummy."

- Lie flat on your back and slowly bring your left knee up to your chest.

Make sure you keep your right leg as close to the floor as possible.

- Hold your left knee as tight as possible to your chest and count to 20.

- Release your left knee and repeat with your right knee and count to 20.- Alternate the movement of your knees. Repeat five times or more as per your convenience.

- Yoga is the perfect way to cut down on stress. It helps tone the flab around your belly and also work wonders for the rest of the body.

- Do crunches to shed those extra kilos off your stomach. With your back

on the mat and knees bent, and your hands kept crossed on the chest or at the back of your head, inhale and lift your head and shoulders by tightening your abdominal muscles. Stay in this position for a few seconds, exhale and return to the starting position. Repeat five times.

30-Something tummy As you get older, your body goes through a lot of physical changes.

Shetty says, "After the age of 25, your metabolism slows down and a balanced diet along with the right kind of exercises will help you stay toned and slim."

Diet - Nanal says, "One of the core reasons to have a flabby tummy at this age is the intake of sugar. Make sure to restrict the intake of sugar to help tone your belly faster."

- Watch on the level of alcohol consumption.

- It is a must to have a low-fat balanced diet to increase your metabolism which helps in the process of burning fat.

- Follow a vegetable-based or a highprotein based diet consisting of lots of green leafy vegetables.

NATION

7 SRINAGAR Friday, June 28, 2013

Can’t act against websites for sharing information on Indians with US: SC

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against nine internet companies for allegedly sharing information of Indian citizens with US intelligence agencies.

Among the nine internet companies are Google, Facebook, Microsoft and Yahoo. The PIL was filed last week to ensure that the rights of internet users are protected.The apex court said it cannot entertain the petition as Indian agency is not involved in it and allowed the petitioner, former dean of Law Faculty of Delhi University SN Singh, to move any other forum for seeking remedy against Internet companies and the US agency for snooping data resulting in violation of right to privacy.The apex court also said that it cannot direct Parliament to enact law to safeguard privacy of citizens against such snooping.The bench also said that the court cannot direct Parliament to enact law to safeguard privacy of citizens against such snooping.In his plea, Singh had alleged that such largescale spying by the US authorities is detrimental to national security and urged the apex court to intervene in the matter.He had claimed that the Internet companies are sharing

information with the foreign authority in “breach” of contract and violation of right to privacy.Singh had submitted that it is a breach of national security as government’s official communications have come under US surveillance as services of private Internet firms are being used by them.He had sought directions to the Centre to “take urgent steps to safeguard the government’s sensitive Internet communications”

which are being kept outside India in US servers and are “unlawfully intruded upon by US Intelligence Agencies through US-based Internet companies under secret surveillance program called PRISM”.

In his petition, Singh had also sought directions restraining the government and its officials from using US-based Internet companies for official communication and that all such companies, which are do-

DMK’s Kanimozhi elected to Rajya Sabha for a second term

Chennai: DMK Chief Karunanidhi’s daughter M K Kanimozhi has won Rajya Sabha elections defeating rival DMDK’s Mr Ilangovan. Her present term in the upper house ends next month. With this victory she will get a second term.

Her party the DMK had 23 MLAs against the required 34.

The party cobbled up the support of 5 MLAs from its former ally, the Congress, and two each from the Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam and Puthiya Tamizhagam, taking the tally to 32. However, Ms Kanimozhi polled only 31 votes. According to sources, a Congress MLA’s vote was declared invalid.

Seven members were in the

fray for six seats. The AIADMK - Left combine won all five seats they contested. Two of them, CPI’s Mr D Raja and AIADMK’s Dr Maithreyan return to the house for a second term.“It’s a wide decision

by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa to have accommodated the left and this cooperation could very well extend to Lok Sabha polls,” Mr D Raja told NDTV. Actor Vijayakanth’s Desiya Murpokku

Nine power PSUs to donate Rs 25 crore for Uttarakhand relief work

NEW DELHI: Nine public sector power companies, including NTPCBSE -0.53 % and PFC, will together contribute Rs 25 crore towards relief works in floodravaged Uttarakhand.

The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Power Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia with CMDs of public sector power firms. “NTPC will contribute Rs 10 crore. Contribution by others will be as under: PGCIL Rs 5 crore, PFC, Rs 3 crore, REC Rs 2 crore, NHPC, THDC, SJVN, DVC and NEEPCO Rs 1 crore each,” an official release said today.

The projects selected for funding assistance would be decided in consultation with the state government as per their priority and requirements.

“The power sector would contribute towards sustainable re-building of infrastructure destroyed during the huge natural calamity of floods which has affected Uttarakhand,” the release said.

During the meeting, Scindia said that generating stations of central power companies in consultation with the state government should ensure uninterrupted electricity on top priority basis.

Dravidar Kazhagam (DMDK) polled only 22 votes; seven of the 29 MLAs of the party had rebelled and aligned with the ruling AIADMK. The Pattali Makkal Katchi chose to boycott this election though its former ally the DMK had sought its support.The Congress’ support for DMK’s Kanimozhi has led to speculation that this could revive ties between both parties ahead of Lok Sabha polls due next year. Just three months ago the DMK had snapped ties with the Congress and withdrew its ministers from the Union Cabinet alleging the Centre did not do enough for tough UN action against Sri Lanka for alleged human rights.

ing business in India, must establish their servers here so that they can be regulated as per Indian laws.

The Centre had earlier on June 11 expressed surprise and concern over the snooping and said it will seek information and details from the US over reports that India was the fifth most tracked country by the American intelligence which used a secret data-mining programme to monitor worldwide Internet data.

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday met the top brass of Maharashtra BJP to discuss strategy for next Lok Sabha elections but former party president Nitin Gadkari was conspicuous by his absence.

This is Mr. Modi’s first visit to the state after being appointment as BJP’s poll campaign committee chief.

BJP general secretary in-charge of Maharashtra Rajiv Pratap Rudy, party’s national spokesman Prakash Javadekar, BJP deputy leader in Lok Sabha Gopinath Munde, state unit president Devendra Phadanvis, Leader of Opposition in Assembly Eknath Khadse and in the council Vinod Tawde were prominent among those present during the closed door meeting.

Former party president Nitin Gadkari was, however, conspicuous by his absence.

Mr. Modi discussed the prevailing political situation in the state and the party’s organisational matters and alliance with Shiv Sena.

Before the meeting, Mr. Javadekar told reporters that Mr. Modi is reviewing the party’s poll preparedness in all the states.

He will discuss about Lok Sabha polls and formulating alliances.

Earlier this year, the Supreme Court had called the CBI a caged parrot and had directed the government to take steps to free the agency by July.

SP leader Naresh Agarwal said, “We aren’t in the favour of making the CBI autonomous. No country has got an autonomous investigation agency. If the CBI is made autonomous then none of the ministers will be spared. There will be a coup.

The agency will jail all the leaders and will take over the reigns of the country.”

The Union Cabinet is meeting on Thursday to also decide on pricing for gas and and the Coal Bill. It is scheduled to take up the contentious issue of gas pricing which will result in higher electricity and fertilizer costs.

The Oil Ministry wants to move towards aligning the price of gas

Delhi Chapter Prof AGK Menon, harnessed a team of over 40 experts in the field of conservation, urban design, landscape, disaster management, infrastructure and services for the preparation of the report.

Its mandate was to identify the original planning principles of Rashtrapati Bhavan and its relation to the overall master plan of New Delhi in terms of urban and landscape design.It was also instructed to establish the significance of existing layout vis-a-vis the original design intent, define view corridors, spaces and other features that establishes the heritage characteristics of the area to be conserved, provide guidelines for future development and draft a CCMP for the Bhavan.After receiving the report, Mukherjee has asked his Secretariat to examine the report and draw up a time bound programme for the implementation of CCMP’s recommendations.

Secretary to the President, Omita Paul assured that every effort would be made to maintain and preserve the Rashtrapati Bhavan.“Attempts would be made to rectfy the mistakes of the past and ensure that there is no repetition of the same in future,” Paul said, adding that work has already begun to implement the recommendations of the report.

Two women gang-raped in moving car in Gurgaon

The girls alleged that the men took turns in raping them inside the car, a police officer said, adding that a medical examination confirmed rape.

Representational image - DNA Two girls were allegedly raped in a moving car by unidentified men in this satellite town, a senior police official said today.

The victims lodged a complaint that they were offered a lift in the car outside a Gurgaon pub last night where they had attended a party, Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Maheshwar Dayal told reporters.

“The two women took lift from MG Road to Delhi last night in the car. After travelling for some distance, two more men boarded the car,” Dayal said.

There were three men in the car, the officer said.

The girls alleged that the men took turns in raping them inside the car, he said, adding that a medical examination confirmed rape.

An FIR has been registered and a manhunt has been

Modi meets Maharashtra BJP leaders; Gadkari absent

“The Sena-BJP alliance has always been strong in Maharashtra.

Efforts will be to win the seats in Mumbai, Pune and Marathwada which the party lost in 2009,” he said.The core committee of the state BJP which met Mr. Modi comprises state president, vice presidents, general secretaries, treasurer, organisation secretaries, and all the Maharashtra unit leaders, including Mr. Munde and Mr. Gadkari, as invitees.

The other invitees in the core group include national treasurer and Rajya Sabha MP Piyush

Goel, former MP Kirit Somaiya and former state president Sudhir Mungantiwar.

Meanwhile, Mr. Javadekar alleged that the trucks, flagged off by the AICC from Delhi on June 24 with much fanfare for Uttarakhand relief, have been stranded at Rishikesh because the drivers have not been provided with money for purchasing petrol.

“This shows the Congress’ true intention,” he said.

Mr. Javadekar also assured that they will not politicise the Uttarakhand tragedy since the rescue operations are on.

Cabinet to decide on how to make the CBI autonomous

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet is all set to take up the issue of autonomy to the CBI on Thursday. The Cabinet will take up recommendations of the Group of Ministers (GoM) that was set up to examine the issue.

The GoM’s recommendations may not be made public on Thursday since they are part of the government’s affidavit to the Supreme Court. But CNN-IBN has accessed a few recommendations.

The CBI Director in future is to be appointed through a collegium which will include the Leader of Opposition. A panel of retired judges will also be set up to look into complaints against the CBI. An approval committee will also be set up to look into complaints made against government officers above a certain rank. The CVC will be part of this approval committee.

Every effort should be made to protect country’s heritage: Pranab Mukherjee

Its mandate was to identify the original planning principles of Rashtrapati Bhavan and its relation to the overall master plan of New Delhi in terms of urban and landscape design.

Pranab Mukherjee - DNA Every effort should be made to preserve and protect country’s glorious heritage and architectural properties, President Pranab Mukherjee has said.

The measures taken to conserve the Rashtrapati Bhavan should send out a strong message that every effort should be made to preserve and protect our glorious heritage and architectural master pieces, Mukherjee was quoted as saying in a press release issued by his office today.

He was speaking after receiving a Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan (CCMP) for the President’s Estate from Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) here yesterday.The President, after assuming office, had personally instructed that a CCMP be prepared to serve as a blue print for all future constructions so as to restore the President’s Estate to the best extent possible, to its original plan as outlined by Sir Edward Lutyens and others.INTACH was then engaged as Consultant for the purpose and Convenor of its

DAILY ZABARWAN TIMES

launched to nab the absconding men, the officer said.

with market rates - the proposal has met with stiff opposition both within government - from the power and fertilizer ministries and outside the gov-

ernment from the CPI. As for coal, the Cabinet will also consider the Draft Bill for setting up a Coal Regulatory Authority.

Brisk polling marks RS election in Tamil Nadu

Election to six Rajya Sabha seats from Tamil Nadu on Thursday saw brisk polling.

Though voting began at around 11 30 a.m, nearly two and a half hours after the scheduled time of the commencement of poll, it was over in a little over two hours.

Out of 234 Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs), all but three exercised their franchise. The three MLAs belonging to Pattali Makkal Katchi did not cast their votes in line with the decision of their party. .

The Chief Minister and the AIADMK general secretary Jayalalithaa was the first to cast vote around 11.25 a.m. while DMK MLA from Tiruvannamalai and former Minister E.V. Velu was the last around 1.45 p.m. The Assembly Committee Room at Fort St George was the polling venue. The poll observer and Chief Electoral Officer Praveen Kumar was present throughout the process of polling.

By 1 p.m., all the 151 AIADMK MLAs and 19 members belonging to the AIADMK’s allies -- Communist Party of India (CPI), CPI (Marxist) and the All India Forward Bloc -

completed casting their votes.

The DMK president and former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, who came to the Fort around 1.10 p.m., came out of the polling station 10 minutes later.Immediately after the DMK leader left the polling station, Leader of Opposition and Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) president Vijayakant exercised his franchise.

All seven rebel DMDK MLAs cast their votes. At the polling station, they displayed their ballot papers to the authorised agents of the DMDK before putting the papers into the box.

Even though the polling went off peacefully, there were moments of flutter when M. Arun Subramanian, DMDK’s MLA from Tiruttani, instead of displaying his ballot paper

only to his party’s authorised agent, exhibited it openly. A.M.P. Jamaludeen, Returning Officer and Assembly Secretary, was quick to correct the Tiruttani MLA and advised him to show the ballot paper only to the DMDK’s agent, which Mr Subramanian eventually did.

In the fray for the six vacancies are seven candidates -- K. R. Arjunan, R. Lakshmanan, V. Maitreyan and T. Rathinavel, all belonging to the AIADMK; Kanimozhi (DMK); D. Raja (CPI) and A.R. Elangovan (DMDK).The ruling party, which has the numbers to bag four of the six seats, had initially fielded five candidates. Later, it withdrew one of them and decided to support the candidature of CPI leader Mr Raja, one of the retiring six Members of Parliament.

Just like Mr Raja, Ms Kanimozhi is seeking re-election. In this election, she is being supported by five MLAs of the Congress and two each from the Puthiya Tamizhagam and Manithaneya Makkal Katchi.

On paper, the DMDK has 29 MLAs but the seven rebel MLAs did not cast votes in favour of Mr. Elangovan, according to DMDK sources.

Congress corporator presents bangles to Mayor, Sena counterparts thrash her

GUPTKASHI: Amid fears of epidemic outbreak, the mass cremation process in Kedarnath, worst-hit in the Uttarakhand flash floods, was expedited, even as air operations to evacuate stranded people from Badrinath was today halted with the weather packing up.

“A total of 18 bodies have been cremated so far in Kedarnath. The next round of cremation will start only after formalities like identification, DNA sample preservation, post mortem of the bodies are completed,” DIG Sanjay Gunjyal, under whose supervision the exercise is taking place, told PTI. A second team of doctors, forensic experts and police personnel has left for Kedarnath to complete the formalities, he said.

The rescue operations and the mass cremation process have been affected because of bad weather, the DIG said, adding that the formalities for the cremation of the victims were also taking time.

The cremation exercise had resumed yesterday after it was suspended because of inclement weather.

The Health Department has warned people in adjoining areas not to consume river water as it may be highly polluted. With the air thick with

foul smell of decaying bodies in the area adjoining the Kedarnath shrine, the department has expressed apprehensions about spread of various infectious diseases.

“We are now quickly cremating the bodies which have been recovered. But given the scale and nature of the tragedy, there is a likelihood that many bodies could still be lying in open spots, where rescue personnel have not been able to find or reach them,” Ravikanth Raman, nodal officer of rescue operations in Guptkashi, said.

Meanwhile, 208 people have so far been evacuated from the Harsil sector but 600 more are still stranded.“We were able to pull out 1,341 people from various sectors. From Badrinath, which is a key focus area, we could only pull out 350 because the weather gave an hour’s opportunity, and we made use of that. The Harsil operation is likely to finish today,” Air Commodore Rajesh Issar said in Dehradun.As many as 14 choppers were being kept ready to fly to Badrinath to evacuate pilgrims, another IAF officer said. “The moment the weather clears up, we will resume the operations for Badrinath Dham,” he said.

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