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TUESDAY 17 June | 2014 | 18 Shaban, 1435 AH | PAGES 12 | VOL NO: 4 | ISSUE NO: 167 | RS: 2/- (AIR SURCHARGE FOR JAMMU /DELHI/LEH 50 Paisa)Pen For Justice Largely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&Khttp://www.zabarwantimes.com

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The talks of rehabilitation of Kash-miri Pandits are making round at the center government is reportedly contemplating to announce the re-habilitation policy within a couple of days. There is no doubt that every Kashmiri irrespective of his politi-cal affiliation would welcome their return to their motherland. Though some initiatives have already been taken earlier and some colonies have been developed to accommodate them, the incentives have not so far got an overwhelming response from the Kashmiri Pandit community it-self. There are various reasons for

Rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits—more

thorns than flowers

PaK citizen arrested in Poonch

Poonch, June 16: A Pakistan ad-ministered Kashmir (PaK) citi-zen was arrested by police after he allegedly thrashed a local during a scuffle here in Mend-har area of Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.Officials told GNS that Muham-mad Shakeel son of Muhammad Sadiq resident of Kotli in PaK was arrested by Mendhar police after he thrashed a local namely Satwir Gupta.“Shakeel was arrested at GDC Poonch,” an official said, add-ing: “He had thrashed Gupta fol-lowing which a case under FIR no 80/2014 under sections 323, 341, 382 RPC was registered in Mendhar police station.”He said Shakeel came here via Chakan da Bag- Poonch on 19 May 2014.The official said Sha-keel was scheduled to

See Pak On PG 11..

Roger Federer becomes champion for the 7th time

Mir reviews progress of R&Bworks in Tangmarg

Teachers castigate CM for taking politically motivated decisions

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Poonch, June 16:) A sniffer dog of army was injured when an Impro-vised Explosive Device (IED) blast occurred in Balakote sector near Line of Control (Loc) in Poonch district last night, officials said.An army official, wishing ano-nymity, told GNS that last night ten army troopers of 15 Bihar reg-iment had a narrow escape after an IED explosion took place Sata Cheer in between Rani Takri near LOC. He said the army men were on routine patrol.However, a sniffer dog of army sustained injuries in the blast, he said.Confirming the blast, the Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Mendhar, Surrinder Chowdhary said all the army men are safe.This is the third blast

See IED On PG 11..

IED blast in Poonch, sniffer dog hurt

Thimphu, June 16: Declaring India’s commitment to good neighborly rela-tions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday sent out a clear message that a strong and prosperous India can help smaller countries in the region.Modi, who wrapped up his two-day vis-it to the Himalayan country, assured Bhutan that all the commitments made by earlier governments would be imple-mented by his government. He said that change in government will not alter the dynamics of Indo-Bhu-tan ties, as he vowed to further deepen the relationship through certain new proposals like organising joint sports events between Bhutan and India’s northeastern states and setting up a Hi-malaya University for joint research. Addressing a joint session of Bhutan’s Parliament in Thimphu on Monday, Modi emphasised that the ties between the two countries were historic and the doors to their hearts were open to each other. “Strong Bhutan will benefit India like a strong and prosperous India will be beneficial for the countries of the re-gion, especially the SAARC members. India’s prosperity is important as then it can help small countries and perform its duty of a good neighbour. But if In-

dia is weak and struggling with its own problems, then how can it help others,” he said. He said India was always con-

scious of its responsibility towards its neighbours and in this context

See Modi On PG 11..

India committed to good ties with neighbours: Modi

Says change of guard will not alter the dynamics of Indo-Bhutan relations JAMMU, JUNE 16 – Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Monday reaffirmed the determination of his Gov-ernment to revolution-ized the power generation in the State and provide upper hand to Jammu and Kashmir in energy availability.“The Government has put in place an ambitious and stupendous power generation programme to achieve self-sufficiency in it and catapult State’s economy and financial health”, he said and add-ed that people will re-member our Government for this historic initiative when they will reap the fruit in this regard in near future.The Chief Minister was launching 2nd phase of Re-structured Accelerat-ed Power Development Reforms Programme (R-APDRP) for Jammu division to tone up the power supply system in the city and eleven towns of Akhnoor, Bhaderwah, Doda, Jammu, Kathua,

Kishtwar, Poonch, Ra-jouri, R. S. Pura, Samba and Udhampur to bene-fit 237002 consumers on account of power supply and distribution.The Chief Minister re-cently launched a similar programme in Srinagar

for Kashmir division to benefit 256679 consumers under the R-APDRP.Two Data-cum-24X7 Con-sumer Care Centres have also been inaugurated by the Chief Minister under this Programme at Jam-mu and Srinagar for the facilities of

See Omar On PG 11..

At last Govt wakes-up

PDP apex body meets to discuss electoral strategy

for assembly polls

Srinagar, June 16 : Main-taining that Government has identified health as one of the pivotal sectors, the Minister for Rural Development and Panchayats, Mr. Ali Moham-mad Sagar today said that several schemes have been undertaken to ensure its aug-mentation viz a viz human resource and infrastructural assets.According to a statement is-sued to KNS, the Minister was speaking after inaugurating

and dedicating to the public first of its kind sophisticated and advanced Echo/TMT in the Cardiac Lab of Jawahar Lal Nehru Memorial Hospital (JLNM). The funds for these were provided to the hospital out of the CDF of the Minister.Director Health Services, Kashmir Dr. Salim-ur-Reh-man, Medical Superinten-dent, JLNM, Dr. Iqbal and other senior doctors of the hospital were present

See Sagar On PG 11..

Sagar inaugurates State of art Echo/TMT facilities

at JLNM HospitalKupwara, June 16: In connec-tion with the social reform campaign, APHC Chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq urged Ulemmas, Muftis and the common people in the fron-tier district of Kupwara to come forward and support the social reform drive. Speaking at a gathering organized by Allama Anwar Shah Trust at Arimarg Lolab, Mirwaiz urged every section of the society to play their role in their individual and collective capacity towards reforming society towards betterment. Throwing light on the teaching of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Mir-waiz also paid glowing trib-utes to renowned religious scholar Anwar Shah Kashmi-ri (RA) who happened to be a resident of Lolab, adding that Mirwaiz Mohammamd You-suf Shah was one of his illus-trious students in Deoband. Giving figures and statistics regarding the meance of Drug

and Alcohol addiction in the younger generation,Mir-waiz stated that the time has come to take collective action against these problems since our present society is fast losing its islamic and kash-miri character. He stated that the movement started by Mutehda Majlis-e-Ulema and its allied religious and social organizations against mor-

al degradation, Drug and Alcohol addiction,immo-rality,corruption, e x t r a v a g a n c e , and futile ritu-als in the society would only be successful if all the sections of

our society especially parents to come forward and contrib-ute towards eradication of these social evils. Asking parents to be watch-ful of the activities of their children, Mirwaiz urged the younger generation to be cau-tious and responsible in us-ing modern tools like social media and internet,

See Mirwai On PG 11..

Mirwaiz seeks support to make social reform

drive a success Directs cops not to block traffic during

his movementSrinagar, June 16: Chief Minister Omar Abdul-lah Monday directed the Traffic cops not to keep traffic blocked for long hours in the name of security route for the CM. Eyewitnesses told CNS that Chief Minis-ter stopped his car near the entry point in Civil Secretariat Srinagar and sent directions to the traffic cops not to block traffic on his arrival to the Secretariat. Reports said that traffic cops had blocked the traffic short-ly before the arrival of Chief Minister into the Secretariat. Long grid lock of traffic was seen on the Secretariat road. An on-duty traffic po-lice officer told CNS that Chief Minister halted his vehicle at the entry point and forwarded a message to the officers, not to trou-ble to the commoners and accordingly they allowed

the vehicles to ply on the road. “This was the first time Chief Minister directed us not to block traffic on his arrival. From past six years we have been blocking the traffic af-ter getting information about the arrival of Chief Minister,” he said. “The Civil Secretariat Road Srinagar becomes a sight of traffic mess during the office hours because top government officials and law makers move to and from the Civil Secretariat and oth-er offices. An ordinary cop like me cannot stop a senior police officer or a Minister moving with a squad of gunmen or any other top bureaucrat who do not usually fol-low traffic signals or lane rules,” another traffic cop told CNS adding that it is a common practice in Kashmir to block traffic when CM or any top VIP is on the move. Some pedestrians told CNS that every day the commuters witness

See Policy On PG 11..

Omar’s belated appeasement policy

Omar underscores the importance of power sector

Srinagar, June 16 ): The Political Affairs Committee (PAC) of the Peoples Democrat-ic Party (PDP) met in Srinagar last evening under the chairmanship of Mufti Moham-mad Sayeed to discuss the electoral strate-gy for the upcoming assembly elections in the state. Apart from the party president Mehbooba Mufti, those who participated includde senior leader and MP Muzaffar Hussain Baig, Maulvi Iftikhar Hussain An-sari, Tariq Hameed Qarra MP, S Rangeel Singh, general secretaries, M. Dilawar Mir and Yashpal Sharma, Syed Mohammad Al-taf Bukhari, Dr Sameer Kaul, Tarlok Singh Bajwa and Naeem Akhtar.According to a statement issued to KNS, the PAC reviewed the political situation of the state in light of the results of the Lok Sabha elections in which the party swept the Kashmir valley winning all three par-liamentary seats. The ruling coalition faced a complete white wash.The party patron Mufti Mohammad Say-eed while expressing his appreciation for the well organised election campaign said the ability of the party leaders and workers in carrying its message to the voters had been crucial to their mobilisation. He said the absence of negativity in the party's poll discourse, clear agenda and our ability to

identify actual issues had brought the PDP to the centre stage of state's political sce-nario. The renewed and broad based faith of the people earned by the party had not only made it the premier political

See Polls On PG 11..

Srinagar, June 16): Finalizing the prepa-rations for the forthcoming assembly polls in the state, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Monday evolved consensus on the mandates for more than 40 assembly constituencies of Kashmir region.Top sources have informed Kashmir News Service (KNS) that Imran Ansari son of senior PDP leader Molvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari, will contest from Sri-nagar’s Zadibal constituency.

See PDP On PG 11..

PDP finalizes names of LA candidates

Imran, Alam, Asiya and Ashraf to contest from Srinagar

Srinagar, June 16 : Terming the ruling coalition a misfor-tune for the people of Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Demo-cratic Party (PDP) president, Mehbooba Mufti, Monday said even after having been rejected in the Lok Sabha (LS) polls the government is still unable to address the real issues of the people.According to a statement is-sued to KNS, on the occasion Nazir Ahmad Laway, dis-trict president Kulgam; Fa-rooq Ahmad, zone president and Shiraz Ahmad, youth leader were also present. Addressing various roadside meetings in Kulgam con-stituency, Mehbooba came down heavily on the Na-tional Conference-Congress government for its befooling tactics which it has been re-sorting to in sheer desper-ation after facing complete rout in LS polls. “Though the government may be try-ing to undo the wrongs it has committed in the state for last almost six years with an

eye on assembly elections but there is a strong missing link still prevailing between its working and the people,” said Mehbooba. She said fact of the matter is that the gov-ernment will be known more for its anti-people policies and the war it has unleashed on every section of the soci-

ety than anything good, and everyone understands its policies and the approach it adopted for its survival without caring for people’s issues.She said the people clearly see through the objectives of NC-led government’s

See Mehbooba On PG 11..

In desperation coalition govt making

things worse: MehboobaSrinagar, June 16 : Nation-al Conference Working President Omar Abdullah has summoned a meeting of the Party Central Working Committee (CWC) on the 18th of June at 9:00 am at the Party Headquarters at Nawa-e-Subah Complex in Srinagar to discuss various important measures and party's overall strategy for the forthcoming Assembly Elections in the State.Meanwhile, according to a statement issued to KNS, National Conference held a special Provincial Work-ing Committee Meeting for Kashmir Province at NC Headquarters in Srinagar today. The Provincial Work-ing Committee Meeting was presided over by National Conference General Secre-tary Haji Ali Mohammad Sagar. The National Con-ference Provincial Working Committee for Kashmir Province adopted a resolu-tion to welcome

See Meeting On PG 11..

Omar Abdullah summons NC CWC Meeting

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the lunch hosted by the King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, in Thimphu,

Bhutan on June 16

11 Srinagar, Tuesday 17 June 2014 Zabarwan Times

FROM THE FRONT PAGE

ModiSagar

Mirwaiz

Policy

IED

Pak

Polls

PDP

Mehbooba

Meeting

Omar

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Office of the Dean, Faculty of Physical & Material Sciences

UNIVERSITY OF KASHMIR Result Notification for P.G. Diploma

in Remote Sensing and GIS-2014It is notified for the information of all concerned that the candidates bearing following Form No’s have been provisionally selected for P. G. Diploma in Remote Sensing & GIS for the Session 2014 sub-ject to the verification of their original documents/certificates, and academic merit by reference to the original marks cards. The candidates shall submit an affidavit sworn in before the 1st Class Magistrate to the effect that: (i.) he/she is neither on the rolls of any Institution nor employed in any Govt./Semi Govt. Department and (ii.) the candi-dates have not migrated from this University and are not enrolled with any other course in this Uni-versity/ Institution or any other University / In-stitution. The candidates who have obtained qual-ifying degree from Universities/Institutions other than the University of Kashmir shall obtain clear-ance from the Academic Section of this University before grant of their admission to a programme. The provisionally selected candidates can down-load the Admission Form from official website of the University of Kashmir www.kashmiruni-versity.net and approach the Head/Co-ordinator of concerned Department along with the original certificates for completing the required admission formalities by or before 23rd June, 2014 up to 4:00 p.m. failing which their right to admission shall be forfeited.Form No’s: 34053, 34050, 33993, 34044, 34120, 34063, 34006, 33997, 34097, 33977, 34031, 34091, 34098, 34001, 33983

No: F(DFPMS-Result-PG-Entrance)KU/14/ET-206

Dated:16th June, 2013

Sd/-(Prof. Nisar Ahmad Rather)Dean, Faculty of

Physical & Material Sciences

referred to the invitation extended to SAARC leaders for his swearing in ceremony last month. “It added sheen to the event.” On Indo-Bhutan ties, he said, “Governments have changed but that has not affected the closely-knit ties,” and quoted former Bhu-tan King to say that India and Bhutan were like “milk and water”.Modi electronically laid the foundation stone for 600 MW Kholongchu Hydro-electric project, a joint ven-ture between India and Bhutan. He also lauded Bhutan for the smooth transition from monarchy to democracy in a span of seven years which showed maturity in governance in that coun-try. The fact that the Prime Minister chose Bhutan as his first foreign destination assumes significance since China has lately intensified efforts to woo it and es-tablish full- fledged diplomatic ties with Thimphu. In a joint statement, the two sides expressed satisfac-tion with the cooperation between them in the matter of mutual security. They agreed to continue with their close coordination and cooperation with each other on issues relating to their national interests, and not allow each other’s territory to be used for interests inimical to the other. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who ac-companied Modi, told reporters that the Indian side was extremely satisfied with the extremely successful visit. Recalling India’s historic ties with Bhutan, Modi said his government would work towards further strength-ening the relations between the two neighbours. Noting that terrorism divides and tourism unites, he said Bhutan has immense potential in the tourism sector. Modi said development of tourism does not require large investment but can yield substantial profit and even the poor can benefit from it. Describing the Himalayas as a shared legacy of the two countries, he stressed on the need to develop the region and said India is planning to open a university for Himalayan studies. He also thanked Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay for attending his swearing in ceremony in Delhi last month. Modi had on Sunday vowed to nurture bilateral rela-tions which he described as “B4B Bharat for Bhutan and Bhutan for Bharat” as he held wide-ranging talks with Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangc-huk and Tobgay. He had also inaugurated the Supreme Court complex built by India as part of the developmental coopera-tion. During his talks, Modi had assured Bhutan’s lead-ership that India is committed to its happiness and progress even though the government in Delhi has changed. Modi is accompanied by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh. The two sides exchanged views and held discussions on bilateral relations and economic cooperation as well as cooperation in regional and multilateral fo-rums, the joint statement said. During their talks, Modi and Tobgay recalled the free trade arrangement between the two countries and the expanding bilateral trade between the two sides, the statement said on Monday. India conveyed to Bhutan its decision to exempt Thimphu from any ban or quantitative restrictions on exports of items - milk powder, wheat, edible oil, pulses and non-basmati rice. The two sides also agreed to further promote trade and investments between the two countries. Modi and Tobgay expressed satisfaction over the all round socio-economic development achieved by Bhu-tan with the assistance and support of India. Tobgay thanked India for the allocation of Rs 45 bil-lion for the 11th Five Year Plan and Rs 5 billion for the economic stimulus plan of Bhutan. Modi also reiterated India’s commitment to support Bhutan for the successful implementation of the 11th Five Year Plan and continue with capacity building especially in the education and IT sectors. The two sides acknowledged the importance of coop-eration and mutual benefit arising from the hydro-power sector between them and expressed satisfac-tion on the progress being made. They reiterated their commitment to achieving the 10000 MW target. India also announced the doubling of the Neh-ru-Wangchuk scholarship to Rs 20 million per year and a grant for the establishment of the digital sec-tion/ E-library in all of 20 districts of Bhutan, the joint statement added.

the consumers.Omar Abdullah said that dozens of power projects in the various stages of execution will accrue benefits to the people in near future. He said these will make the State self-reliant in power genera-tion to meet its domestic, agricultural and industrial needs besides enabling it to sell the surplus energy and earn substantial revenue for meeting develop-ment requirements in all sectors. The Chief Minister castigated those who want to do politics on development issues and mislead people carrying the bogie of false propaganda. He said equi-table and inclusive development of all the regions and sub- regions has been benchmark of the development policy of the Coalition Government and the holistic development all across the State is witness to this de-termination of the Government.Omar Abdullah said that certain politicians have made it their trait and fashion to pretend to be the best friends of people while facing cameras but they never talk of any public good in the forums and Gov-ernment meetings.It may be mentioned that power sector particularly generation, transmission and distribution has reg-istered significant improvement during the last five years. Besides commissioning 450 MW Baglihar-I, small projects like 0.5 MW Bhaderwah Unit-III, 1.5 MW Pahalgam Unit-III and 1.26 Sanjak Power Proj-ects have also been commissioned during the last five years in the State Sector. In the Centre Sector 120 MW Sewa-II, 240 MW Uri-II, 45 MW Nimu-Bazgo and 44 MW Chutak Power Projects were also made opera-tional in the same period resulting in adding 900 MW of power in the system. In addition projects with total capacity of 32.5 MW were commissioned in IPP Mode which include 7.5 MW Brenwar, 10 MW Tangmarg and 15 MW Rajnala Dunandi.Power Projects with total capacity of 1400 MW which include 850 MW Ratle, 450 MW Baglihar-II, 37.5 MW Parnai and 48 MW Lower Kalnai are under execu-

tion in the State. The 450 MW Baglihar-II involving the cost of over Rs. 3113 crore is likely to be commis-sioned in September 2015.Bids for the projects with an installed capacity of 2220 MW are under evaluation and the work on these proj-ects is likely to commence soon. These projects in-clude 390 MW Kirthai Stage-I, 93 MW New Ganderbal, 1000 MW Pakal Dul, 660 MW Kiru and ten more proj-ects with the capacity of 77.80 MW under IPP mode.The State has registered 200% increase in self genera-tion in the last five years from 879.34 million units in 2007-08 to 2560 million units now. Jammu and Kash-mir Government has also been allocated a coal block in Odisha which will add about 600 MW of thermal power in the system.The Chief Minister has directed the Power Develop-ment Corporation to move forward on studying the feasibility for the construction of Baglihar-III utiliz-ing the availability of existing infrastructure. He has also directed for finalizing the arrangements for joint venture for utilizing the allotted coal block so that Jammu and Kashmir gets another fillip in the power generation sector.During the last five years there has also been signifi-cant upgradation on infrastructure development pro-cess. Over 18000 CKT kilometers transmission lines have been installed besides establishing approximate-ly 2600 MVA transmission capacity by constructing new grid stations and augmenting the existing one.The newly launched R-APDRP Part-II will involve an expenditure of Rs.1665 crore for the two provinces of Jammu and Kashmir. It involves construction of new sub-stations augmentation of existing ones, construc-tion of new distribution stations, laying of new 33 KV lines, laying of LT lines, reconstruction and upgrada-tion of HT and LT lines with Aerial Bunched Cable, high voltage distribution system and the project is likely to be completed within 24 months.Ministers, Sham Lal Sharma, Raman Bhalla, Vikar Rasool, Legislator Devender Singh Rana, Principal Secretary, Power, A. K. Mehta and various officers of Power Development Department were present on the occasion besides members of the civil society.The Chief Minister later inaugurated the RTI Mobile Van Facility for the people to utilize it under Right to Information Act.

party of the state but has added to its challenges in view of the difficult situation created by the present coalition, he said.Mufti said peace and development along with a spe-cial focus on issues facing the youth, especially em-ployment generation should continue to guide party's policies and agenda. He said the party would continue to provide an inclusive platform for all regions and communities of the state for opportunities of growth. "It is unfortunate that the elections in many areas were driven by a communal polarisation and it would be necessary to reverse this trend for building a mod-ern welfare state" said Mufti.Mufti said there are strong indicators that the PDP is headed for victory in the Assembly elections as well but the LS election results should not lead to complacency. "We have to continue with our mass contact program and organisational activities to seek a decisive mandate from the people for a strong and accountable government" Mufti said and added the people must get a dependable alternative which can address their problems, curb corruption, ensure up-holding of human rights and offers a new world to youth.A spokesman of the party said the names of party candidates were discussed considering different pa-rameters. He said for a party which happens to be the youngest political organisation of the state it was a matter of satisfaction that the selection has to be made from multiple choices. He said the PAC recorded the contribution of all contenders for the party mandate and the obvious inability to accommodate all of them should not shut doors on their growth within the par-ty. "The PDP is a vibrant and growing party based on democratic principles and every worker will receive due place and opportunity to serve people through different democratic institutions which have been made dysfunctional by the present government,” the spokesman said. (KNS)

Former trade union leader Khurshid Alam will be the PDP candidate from old city’s Khanyar constitu-ency. Asiya Naqash will be contesting from Hazrat-bal on PDP ticket while Mohammad Ashraf Mir- who is also PDP district president Srinagar will contest from Sonawar.Pertinently, Wachi, Batmaloo and Baramulla the three assembly seats out of which two were repre-sented by PDP in the legislative assembly have fallen vacant after Mehbooba Mufti, Muzaffar Hussian Beig and Tariq Hamid Karra were election as Members of the Parliament in recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.Sources also confirmed to KNS that the party has given mandate to almost all sitting MLAs of Kashmir valley- asking them to take maximum benefits from the ‘anti-incumbency’ wave that shook the very foun-dations of the coalition in the recently held LS polls.Pertinently, the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) met in Srinagar last evening under the chairmanship of Mufti Mo-hammad Sayeed to discuss the electoral strategy for the upcoming assembly elections in the state. Apart from the party president Mehbooba Mufti, those who participated include senior leader and MP Muzaffar Hussain Baig, Maulvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari, Tariq Hameed Qarra MP, S Rangeel Singh, general secre-taries, M Dilawar Mir and Yashpal Sharma, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, Dr Sameer Kaul, Tarlok Singh Bajwa and Naeem Akhtar. Reports informed that the names of party candidates were discussed considering different parameters. (KNS)

announcement politics which is aimed at only befool-ing the voters in the hope of being able to somehow stick to power. And it is now enough frightened by the prospects of defeat in the assembly elections slat-ed later this year. “Although, in desperation they are now trying to reverse the anti-people policies they had adopted for last six years but on the ground they have completely forgotten the people and their problems,” she said.

the decision taken by the party High Command in appointing Ali Mohammad Sagar as the General Sec-retary of the party and also acknowledge with a lot

of gratitude the role played by Sheikh Nazir Ahmed (Advocate) for the last more than five decades in strengthening the party in various key positions of responsibility, a role and service that is unparalleled and will be remembered for generations to come.

on the occasion.Mr. Sagar said that the Government has initiated several measures for ensuring that the necessary and need based augmentation of the health sector is done and in this regard various programmes as well as schemes have been initiated. He said that it has been the endeavour of the present government to ensure that State of the Art health facilities are pro-vided to the people of the State.The Minister said that the Government has already ensured that the JLNM hospital comes up as model in the State by ensuring that better and modern health facilities are provided to the people living in the area besides other areas of the district and Kashmir divi-sion as a whole. He said that clear instructions have been passed on to the concerned to ensure quality healthcare to the patients being treated there and proper mechanism is also put in place to get the requi-site feedback about the functions and facilities being provided. (KNS)

Mirwaiz stated that it has both a positive and a nega-tive side, which solely depends upon its user. APHC Chairman stated that Kashmiris could only protect freedom struggle and move forward towards achieving the goal once people would improve their character and demeanour vis-a-vis society. Terming solution of Kashmir to bring the peace in the region as inevitable, Mirwaiz stated that the time has come that Indian union should hold result oriented dialogue with the stakeholders of the Kashmir conflict to solve it for once and all. A large number of people, especially youth raised slogans in favour of Islam when Mirwaiz arrived at lolab valley on his maiden visit. On the occasion Mir-waiz laid the foundation of Dar-ul-Quran. Adressing teachers and pupils at Khairabad Sogam, Mirwaiz stressed upon the Darul ulooms to impart modern edu-cation and teach subjects like mathamatics and social scienses to students apart from providing them with religious studies so that our Imams and Khatebs can face the new challenges in the new world order in a better way. (CNS)

the “special status” on the roads enjoyed by the top government officials mostly guarded by armed police-men which naturally results into traffic mess, espe-cially in rush hours. “I work in a nearby school and have to commute daily on the Secretariat Road and witness how the ‘special’ vehicles followed by police vans violate lane discipline and traffic signals with ease. The police guards even force others from moving close to their vehicle while committing violations and even at many times, some of the security guards whirl canes in air and abuse the private drivers for not clearing road for their VIP ‘Master’,” Javid Ahmed, a teacher told CNS.

on LoC in Poonch in recent days. The militant outfit Hizb-ul-Mujahideen had claimed responsibility for twin IED blasts that took place on Friday last week.The army has intensified patrolling and search operation on Line of Control following ‘ceasefire violations and infiltration attempts by militants in recent days’.Meanwhile, army said it held two persons on LoC in Nowshahra sector of Rajouri district and in Mankote sector of Mendhar and handed over them to police.The army has claimed that the arrested persons are residents of Pakistan administered Kashmir and are militant guides.The duo has been identified as Muhammad Fareed and Muhammad Hussain by army. (GNS)

go back today but was arrested by police as case stands against him.He is still in our custody, a police official told GNS. (GNS)

‘Urge Govt to put ReT soup in

abeyance’Srinagar, June 16: De-scribing the soup grant-ed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to Reh-bar-e-Taleem Teachers as a poll plank, general line teachers recruited through Services Selec-tion Board (SSB) Mon-day during a protest in Press Enclave Srinagar said that inclusion of ReT’s five years proba-tionary period in their services will jeopardize their careers. Scores of general line teachers staged a pro-test in Srinagar and demanded immediate revocation of the order of the government. Po-lice swung into action and arrested dozens of teachers. “ReT appointments are made on habitat and ward-wise and their appointment is total-ly school specific and

as per rules cannot be transferred even after regularization of their services. How can the government amend or float its own laws. It will be presumed as vote bank policy at the cost of career of meritori-ous,” one of protestors said. The protestors alleged that Omar Abdullah led government have taken all the decisions in haste to improve the credibili-ty of his party after the poll debacle in Kashmir Valley. “Omar Abdullah should understand there is hell of difference be-tween general line teach-ers and ReT appointees. “We have been appointed by SSRB while ReT’s had been engaged at village level. “The inclusion of ReT’s five years proba-tionary period in their services will jeopardize our careers and will af-fect our promotions. We demand that government should put the order in abeyance and stop play-ing cheap politics,” Gul-san Ahmed told CNS.

Teachers castigate CM for taking politically motivated decisions

Baramulla, June 16: Po-lice Monday said that their investigation into the death of a pregnant woman in Sub-District Hospital Pattan reveals that it was the negligence on part of the doctors and para-medical staff that caused the death of Gulshana Banoo, wife of Muhammad Sharafat Khan of Zangam Pattan on May 27. A police official told CNS on condition of an-onymity that soon after the death of the woman, they registered a case and conducted an in-dependent probe. “Our findings revealed that the death of the preg-nant woman resulted due to the negligence of two doctors four nurses. We have approached the higher authorities for permission and we will soon arrest the erring doctors and para-med-ical staff,” the official said adding that all the formalities in this regard have been completed. The official further told CNS that despite exoner-ated by the Directorate of Health Services Kash-mir, the police will ini-tiate action against the doctors. Pertinently, on May 27 last month, after the death of a pregnant wom-an Gulshana Banoo, wife of Muhammad Sharafat Khan of Zangam Pat-tan, the protestors had ransacked the hospital equipments and smashed the window panes of Sub District Hospital Pat-tan in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district. The protestors had alleged

that Gulshana died due to negligence of the doc-tors. To pacify the protes-tors, the DHSK had con-stituted a committee to probe the death and had suspended Block Medical Officer Dr Hanseena. Meanwhile, a top offi-cial from Health Depart-ment on condition of anonymity revealed that then BMO Sub District Hospital Pattan was not suspended formally but she was asked by the Di-rector Health to relax for some days in her home. “CMO Baramulla did not probe the matter but only killed time. You will not believe that then BMO SDH Pattan, Dr Hasee-na who was one of the accused has been trans-ferred to her home dis-trict with a promotion,” he said adding that the height of fraud is that CMO has accused hospi-tal sweeper of negligence and transferred him to a far flung area. Reports said that on the instructions of CMO Baramulla, the ‘suspend-ed’ BMO Dr Haseena has been promoted as depu-ty CMO Pulwama while another accused Dr Gul Afroza has also been transferred to her home town. When contacted Direc-tor Health Kashmir Dr Saleem-ur-Rehman told CNS that he is busy in a meeting with Health Minister Taj Mohi-u-Din while Deputy Director Health Dr Bashir Malik said that he will look into the matter and will constitute a committee to probe all these allega-tions. (CNS)

>>> Probe into the death of a pregnant woman >>>

BMO was never suspended, promoted and transferred

to her home town

‘Community cannot return to get uprooted again’Srinagar, Jun 16 : Castigating Kashmir’s separatist camp over opposing separate land given to Kashmiri Pandits, the amalgam of the Pandits Monday stated that the community cannot return to a future of inse-curity and uncertainty, only to be uprooted again. According to the reports received by KNS, Rattan Lal Bhat, a senior leader of the Jammu and Kashmir Vichar Manch (JKVM) stated, “Minority Hindus got exiled because the security of life was taken away. That situation can arise any time in the Valley. Kash-miri Pandits cannot return to a future of insecurity and uncertainty, only to be uprooted again."He maintained that the opposition to rehabilitation of Pandits at one location by separatists is ‘unfortu-nate’ and that they want Kashmiri Pandits to return to divided habitations so that the minority Hindus would be at the mercy of Hurriyat and militant leaders.Welcoming the initiatives taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the rehabilitation policy of the Pandits , Bhat stated that the security is the major concern for the Pandits and"Any attempt to alter the constitutional position of the state would change the ground situation. Like-wise, any plans to scatter the returnees,

Hurriyat wants Pandits to be left on militant’s mercy: KVM

Daily ZABARWAN TIMES NEWS SRINAGAR | TUESDAY 17. 06 .2014

SRINAGAR JUNE 16: Minister of State for Industries & Commerce Mr. Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo, Monday stressed the need for extracting more minerals out of huge quantum avail-able in Jammu and Kashmir to gen-erate more revenue, adding that all projects of coal, gypsum, sapphire and other minerals would be revitalized in

a timely manner.The Minister, who is also Chairman

of Jammu and Kashmir Minerals Lim-ited, was addressing its 165th meeting of its Board of Directors held here to-day.

Financial Commissioner, In-dustries & Commerce Mr. Khurshid Ahmad Ganai was also present in the

meeting.The Board announced release of

20% Dearness Allowance in favour of Corporation employees which aggre-gates to a total of 50% and confirmed the increase of Project Allowance from Rs.125 to Rs.300 which was enhanced during last meeting with representa-tives of Mine workers Union.

The Minister was informed that a production of 20,179 MT coal, 38,494 MT, gypsum and 2,212 gms Sapphire was recorded during the year 2013-14 which realized revenue to the tune of Rs.10.80 crore while as the Corpora-tion has targeted to generate revenue of Rs.20.92 crore during current finan-cial year.

The Minister was further informed that 17000 MT of gypsum was ex-tracted from the Mine at Assar in Doda during 2013-14, generating revenue of Rs. 1.31 crore. He was told that the Cor-poration envisages producing 20000 MT of gypsum during current finan-cial year which is expected to generate revenue of Rs. 1.62 crore for the Cor-poration.

Regarding the Gypsum Mine at Parlanka in Ramban, the Minister di-rected to expedite extraction of gyp-sum through out-sourcing at the earli-est to improve the revenue generation.

The Board reviewed the status of various Mineral Projects under imple-mentation and reviewed the action taken report of previous Board deci-sions.

Mr. Kichloo also directed to expe-dite selection of joint venture partners for exploitation of sapphire mine at Paddar, the Project on which the Ex-pression of Interest has already been invited, adding that the Paddar area of Kishtwar district possesses huge quantities of Sapphire that is famous world over.

Kichloo for extracting more minerals, efforts to enhance revenue generation

SRINAGAR, JUNE 16: A meeting of the Committee on Public Accounts (PAC) of Jammu and Kashmir Leg-islative Assembly was held under the Chairmanship of

MLA Advocate Abdul Haq Khan here today.

Threadbare discussion was held on various issues besides examining the Ac-tion Taken Reports submit-ted by the Revenue depart-ment in respect of their Audit Para.

Legislators, Rafi Ahmed Mir, Peerzada Mansoor Hus-sain, Mr. Jehangir Hussain

Mir and Dr. Shanaz Ganai also attended the meeting and discussed in detailed the implementation of Ro-shni Act in the State since its adoption and stressed upon

the revenue authorities to furnish Tehsil wise infor-mation with regard to the applications received and disposed off.

The Committee also asked them to furnish the details about the amount of revenue realized on this ac-count so far.

The representatives of the revenue department

assured the committee that they will be furnish a detailed information on the implementation of the scheme to the committee for its perusal and will be ready to take any queries from them during course of next meeting to be fixed by the Committee.

The Principal Accountant General, J&K sought clarifi-cation over the contraven-tion between the provisions made under the Act by the Legislators and the Rules notified by the Government in exercise of powers vested under the Act. The Secretary, Revenue assured that they will be clarifying everything during the course of next meeting with the partici-pation of the Law Secretary and the Finance department as well.

Among others, Financial Commissioner, Revenue, Dr. Arun Kumar, Commissioner Secretary, Revenue.

Asks Officers to achieve

tangible resultsANANTNAG, JUNE 16: Underscor-

ing the need to provide necessary basic facilities to the people, the Minister for Tourism, Mr. Ghulam Ahmad Mir on Monday exhorted executing agencies to redouble their efforts; ensuring time bound completion of all ongoing devel-opmental projects with special focus on human resource development, up-gra-dation in power and health infrastruc-ture.Chairing a civil, police Officers and civil Society members meeting today at Town hall Dooru, the Tourism Minister took detailed review of developmental activities being carried out in the Con-stituency under both the State and Cen-tral plans. He laid stress on strict imple-mentation of flag ship programmes like

NRHM, MGNREGA, RMSA and PMGSY besides RGGVY and R-APDRAP in all the areas of the District.“To achieve tangible results under these Schemes, strenuous efforts by the concerned functionaries are needed ”, Mir asserted and directed the concerned officers to ensure full benefits of government launched wel-fare schemes accrue to deserving fami-lies, with thrust on hassle free advances and incentives to the unemployed edu-cated youth for setting up their own in-come generating units under potential sectors. Chairing a civil, police Officers and civil Society members meeting today at Town hall Dooru, the Tour-ism Minister took detailed review of developmental activities being carried out in the Constituency under both the State and Central plans. He laid stress on strict implementation of flag ship programmes like NRHM, MGNREGA, RMSA and PMGSY besides RGGVY and R-APDRAP in all the areas of the District.“To achieve tangible results un-

der these Schemes, strenuous efforts by the concerned functionaries are needed ”, Mir asserted and directed the con-cerned officers to ensure full benefits of government launched welfare schemes accrue to deserving families, with thrust on hassle free advances and incentives to the unemployed educated youth for setting up their own income generating units under potential sectors.Respond-ing to various developmental issues raised by the civil society members in the meeting, the Tourism Minister said that comprehensive developmental activities have already been initiated in Dooru and Veering Tehsil and these would be completed within scheduled time. He said thrust is being laid on im-provement and up-gradation of road connectivity, heath, education, power and drinking water facilities in the area.Meanwhile during the tour, the Minis-ter interacted with several deputations and listened to their problems for early mitigation.

SRINAGAR, JUNE 16: Minister for Roads & Build-ings and Mechanical Engi-neering, Mr. Abdul Majid Wani today visited District Hospital Doda to supervise the relief and Medicare treatment being provided to the injured persons who got injured when a Mini-Bus bearing Registration No. JK11-1169 which was on its way from Doda to Bhagwah, skidded off the road and rolled down into a deep gorge near Balwas in Bhagwah Block of District Doda and left 2 passengers dead and 21 injured. Among the injured, 5 critical were airlifted for advanced treat-ment to Srinagar and one was shifted to Government Medical College, Jammu for treatment, while as those suffering minor injuries were admitted in District Hospital Doda.Mr. Wani along with District Develop-

ment Commissioner, Doda Mr. Mubarak Singh and SSP Doda Mr. M.S Chouhan im-mediately rushed to District Hospital Doda to supervise the ongoing treatment be-ing provided to the injured.Mr. Wani directed hospital authorities to provide best available Medicare facilities to the injured. He also inter-acted with the injured per-

sons and enquired about the treatment being provided to them besides wishing them early recovery.Expressing grief and sorrow over the death of two passengers in the mishap, The Minister said that all possible help and relief would be provided to the next of the kin of those who lost their lives in the ac-cident.

Haq chairs PAC meet

G. A. Mir reviews developmental scenario of Dooru

Wani supervises relief, rescue operations

SRINAGAR, JUNE 16: Minis-ter for Agriculture Production Mr. Ghulam Hassan Mir has asked the concerned agen-cies to ensure strict adherence to the timeframe set for the completion of ongoing proj-ects being executed under R&B and PMGSY in Tangmarg and Pattan Tehsils of Baramulla district.

The Minister was speaking at a high level meet-ing convened to review the progress of ongoing road proj-ects in Tangmarg and Pattan Tehsils here today.

Mr. Mir directed the concerned Engineers to ensure that the lighting system on Narbal-Tangmarg Road (NTR) be made functional by this month positively. He also directed them to complete the repair work on footpaths in congested areas of

Magam, Kunzer and Baba Reshi so that the pedestrians do not face inconvenience.

The Minster said that a road network programme has been started in the twin Tehsils

of Tangmarg and Pattan involving Crores are nearing completion. He said that the government is com-mitted to connect each and every hamlet through link roads with the major roads and National

Highways. The Minister was informed

that at present work on several link roads measuring 390 km in Tangmarg and Pattan Tehsils are in progress and at various stages.

He was further informed that 30 new works at an estimated cost of Rs 1.50 Crore have been started in these Tehsils.

It was also given out in the meeting that the work on 3 major bridges at Hardubani, Harnaw-Smirpora and Dardpora constructed at a cumulative cost of Rs 1 Crore are in final stage.

Chief Engineer, R&B, Kashmir said that link roads con-structed during last year shall be macadamized soon besides a large number of roads are being upgraded to grade-2 and grade-3 level this year. He said that the concerned Executive Engineers have been authorized to go ahead in this regard.

Chief Engineer, R&B, Kashmir, Superintending Engi-neer R&B Baramulla, Executive Engineers, AEEs and senior offi-cers attended the meeting.

GUREZ, JUNE 16: Minister of State for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Mr. Nazir Ahmad Gurezi conducted an ex-tensive tour of his constituency and inspected the on-go-ing developmental projects, besides assessing the devel-opmental needs in various areas. He underscored the need for time bound completion of on-going developmental projects and emphasized upon the concerned authorities to activate men and machinery for the purpose, so that the benefits of these accrue to the general public well in time.Accompanied by Officers and Engineers, the Minister vis-ited Bagtore, Banjran, Kanzalwon, Wanpora, Chaurwon and Dawar villages and took stock of people’s day to day problems and developmental needs.Mr. Gurezi inspected pace of progress on several under ex-ecution projects taken up under core sectors for improv-ing basic facilities in the area. He instructed the concerned Engineers and Officers to ensure use of quality material and judicious utilization of funds for creating durable in-frastructure and assets.The Minister directed the officers of CA&PD Department to ensure hassle free ration supply to the area during the holy month of Ramadhan.Responding to the developmental needs of the people, Mr Gurezi assured them that their genuine individual prob-lems and developmental needs would be got redressed from concerned Departments on priority.At Chaurwon village, the Minister directed the concerned to renovate Chaurwon link road on war footing basis.

SRINAGAR, JUNE 16 – A deputation of the local representatives from Mendhar-Poonch today called on Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah here and presented him a memorandum of demands pertaining to the development of the area.

Congratulated the Chief Minister for his recently taken historic initiatives to address the public aspi-rations, the deputation led by Showkat Ahmed said that the Government led by Omar Abdullah has add-ed yet another feather in its cap by revoking the new employment policy benefiting the youth, enhancing the retirement age of government employees and increasing the upper age limit for Government job seekers, accepting the demands of ReT Teachers, etc. in the recent days.

“In fact Omar Abdullah has been instrumental in the process of bringing in historic legislation and making significant decisions by the Government aimed at public empowerment, time bound service delivery, transparency, good governance and ac-countability in the last five years”, the deputation said and expressed the hope that this process will continue in future.

Mir reviews progress of R&B works in Tangmarg

Gurezi inspects developmen-tal projects in Gurez

Showkat led Mendhar deputation calls on CM, discuss

development issues

30 new works worth Rs 1.50 cr taken up this year

Consider making some plans for a vacation or short getaway, Libra. Looking forward to something fun can make even the tough-est of days far easier to handle. You’ll be amazed how much you can manage when there’s an end in plain sight. Your entire attitude can lighten. So take the bull by the horns and create an incentive for yourself. Do something special to reward the hard work you do day after day.

Don’t judge someone if he or she has a different lifestyle than what you consider to be OK, Scorpio. You probably lean toward the traditional, yet not everyone feels this way about re-lationships, working, or lifestyle. While it may seem impossible to understand and even frighten you, try not to be too harsh on those you deem odd. You’d be better off using that energy to keep your own life on track.

Friends seeking advice or a shoulder to cry on could be plentiful today, Sagittarius. You’re one of best people to give them the support and care they need. Just be sure that you don’t give so much to others that you don’t have anything left for yourself. True friendship is about sharing and the exchange of problems and help. Running yourself down will leave you in a place where you aren’t going to be much help to anyone.

Getting through today shouldn’t pose too big a problem for you, Capricorn. You may feel a huge second wind that can give you the drive and determination to see your chores and projects through. Make some plans for this evening, such as getting to-gether with friends or taking in an event that really intrigues you. Until then, go about your tasks bit by bit. You’ll get things finished before you know it.

Working within boundaries and restrictions could really get to you today, Aquarius. Yours is an independent spirit and your best achievements are often born of doing things your own way. Yet like it or not, we all have to follow guidelines and rules. Do your best to follow suit and finish what needs to be done. Afterward, you may find more freedom to act independently without consequences. Exercise patience and diligence as needed today.

Chances are that you’ll feel upbeat and positive today, Pisces. Consider sharing this energy with those around you who are feel-ing less than content. Your attitude can have a profound effect on friends, partners, spouses, and children. Even neighbors and ex-tended family can pick up on your spirit without you even real-izing it. Share your optimism with everyone you can today. If you see someone hurt or angry.

Feeling the effects of today’s energies, Virgo? Take heart if this is the case, because the end of the tunnel isn’t as far away as it seems. Do your best to take things one step at a time and see about making some plans for a little fun this evening. Get together with friends or take in a movie. Help yourself feel better by staying busy and focused and follow up with some recreation. Before you know it, the aspect will pass and you’ll be back to normal.

Don’t discount your ability to be extremely resourceful if you need to be, Aries. If you don’t have everything you need or all of the required information, take time to think. Who can you ask? What places can you access? Who might know where you can find what you need? Rather than panic because the pieces aren’t all there, instead make a list of contacts and go for it. Trust in yourself.

Try not to let today’s blues get you down, Taurus. While it’s true that some days can seem to drag on, the busier you are the faster time will pass. Get down to finishing any work still before you and then make plans for tonight. If there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, not only will things seem to speed up but you’ll feel better knowing it’s coming.

Dare to be different, Gemini. It can be so easy to fall into a drill. Sleeping at the same time, eating at the same time, wearing the same style, and going about work the same way day after day. Be-fore you know it, you feel like you’re in a rut. The only way to get away from this is to make a decision to break free by doing some-thing unique. Try a new haircut. Wear colors that are unusual for you. If the need is there, consider a new career. Pursue expansion.

If your lifestyle is considerably different than that of others, re-sist feeling self-conscience about it today, Cancer. Try to remember that you chose the life you have for specific reasons. Even if you’ve come to a point where you’re considering a change, there’s no need to feel badly, ashamed, or embarrassed about where you are now. Everyone has to make his or her own way. If this conforms to the norm, that’s fine. If it doesn’t, that’s fine, too.

An enhanced feeling of determination could motivate you today, Leo. Finish the things that aren’t complete and make some plans for this evening. Don’t hesitate to take on something that feels compli-cated or big. Chances are you’ll be able to handle most anything and it will feel great when it’s finished. Enjoy your day by making the most of opportunity.

Daily Zabarwan TimesEDITORIAL/ OPINIONEDITORIAL/ OPINIONDaily Zabarwan TimesSrinagar, Tuesday 17 June 2014

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

Rehabilitation of Kashmiri

Pandits—more thorns than

flowers

The talks of rehabilita-tion of Kashmiri Pandits are making round at the center government is re-portedly contemplating

to announce the rehabilitation pol-icy within a couple of days. There is no doubt that every Kashmiri irrespective of his political affili-ation would welcome their return to their motherland. Though some initiatives have already been tak-en earlier and some colonies have been developed to accommodate them, the incentives have not so far got an overwhelming response from the Kashmiri Pandit com-munity itself. There are various reasons for that and the top most among the list is their settlement at various places of the country where they have their jobs ,houses and children who are mostly now doing something or the other are well placed now. It is not practical-ly possible for them to leave every-thing behind and return to valley where 90 percent of them have dis-posed off their properties. Not only this, the new generation has gone culturally so much distant from its roots that most of the youth below the age of 35 years do not know their own mother tongue-Kashmiri be-cause they have studied outside the state in different environment and have lost tag with their culture and language. The third reason is that it is not possible for them to live in separate colonies which will mean a self imposed exile within their own homeland. This will create fur-ther complications and instead of love and affection their settlement in separate colonies will create a further divide though the situation in Kashmir valley has drastically improved it is still not so condu-cive to allow their free movement as the mischief mongers can spoil the whole plan. How can the state and center can grantee their safety when it is not able to protect thirty thousand Panchs and Sarpanchs. It will be in the best interest of the state and the country to create con-ducive atmosphere so that those Kashmir Pandits who intended to come back may feel totally safe and secure. The incentives cannot get back the majority of Kashmi-ri Pandits. They will come back if they are satisfied that their return is secure, future of their children is protected and they are treated in the same way like any other person as they were before 1990 exodus. To achieve this end, the center and the state government beside the people of the valley need to make the situ-ation worth their return.

“Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly

and applying the wrong remedies.”

Qoute of the day

Groucho Marx

Daily Zabarwan TimesEDITORIAL/ OPINIONEDITORIAL/ OPINIONDaily Zabarwan TimesSrinagar, Saturday 31 May 2014

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

Unscrupulous traders damaging

Kashmir reputation

Kashmir Valley, called Paradise on Earth, attracts thousands of domestic and inter-national tourists who

descend in this valley of magic to spend peaceful moments and enjoy natural beauty which is in abundance here. They come to have solace, sooth their nerves after the hectic life, be-sides the experience of dealing with the people of different en-vironment. Kashmiris all over the world are known for their hospitality, friendly attitude, cordiality with their guests. It is the fascination of this place that tourists spend a lot of money in the valley on their stay and on purchasing gifts, souvenirs, mementos for their near and dear ones. But, unfortunately, for the last some years, a new breed of traders in the handi-craft sector has emerged who want to make fast money by us-ing unscrupulous ways. They are found in handicraft sector, hotel and house-boat industry and in transport field and are bent upon to damage the hard earned reputation of Kashmir. May it be shawl, carpet, suit, or handicraft items, most of the things are fake and are sold on exuberant rates by some trad-ers to tourists who are not well versed with the genuinity of the items they have purchased. Such items are of low quali-ty, it is only after use that the tourists come to know that they have been cheated very badly by some of these traders. Ob-viously, these tourists will not carry a good image of Kashmir and Kashmiris in their minds and will definitely discourage the intending tourists. It is ob-served that for short time ben-efits some of the Shikarawalas, House-boat owners and Trans-porters cheat the tourists by charging them heavily which in long run prove harmful for tour-ism industry. Tourism Dept. and Tourist Police can play an important role in stopping this bad practice. They have ample laws to deal with such unscru-pulous elements. For ensuring that tourists are not cheated, Govt has made mandatory for every trader dealing with craft sector to register itself so that they do not sell machine made items in the name of Kashmiri craft. They have been asked to fix tag on every item they sell displaying price and composi-tion. Shopkeepers and traders must issue the cash memo to the tourists. Moreover, inspection teams have been constituted for conducting surprise checking at different tourist places. Every-body, associated with tourism sector should pledge not to cheat the tourists by selling them fake items for petty interests.

Eschew Impatience, Travel Safely

enowned Gyanpeeth award winner from Kerala Shri S K Pottekat once wrote in his famous trav-elogue to London about a sign board he had seen in the city. It read – “impatience to cross roads creates in - patients in hospitals”! This applies to crossing railway lines at unmanned level cross-ings also. At the height of our hurry to cross the level crossing just before the speeding trains pass by, we forget the elementary fact that trains, which travel at a speed of about 100 kms per hour, hardly take a minute to traverse 1.7 kms! Thus, it is just for a gain of less than a minute that we try to cross a railway track when the speeding train is visible afar! The Indian Railways and the Railway Safety Organization is jointly organizing a campaign to highlight the safety aspect of us-ing railways, especially to highlight the dan-gers of impatience when it comes to crossing level crossings. The International Union of Railways (UIC) observes one day every year as the In-ternational Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD). This year the day falls on June 3rd. Indian Railways will also be participating in this global campaign to sensitize road users and to in-crease safety at unmanned level crossings. The ILCAD focuses on educational measures and the promotion of safe behavior at and around level crossings. It is built on existing national events which will be held jointly at various locations in every participating country on June 3rd, 2014. The Madurai Railway Division will also be observing International Unmanned Level

Crossing Awareness day on next Tuesday (June 3, 2014). Officials of the division will visit un-manned railway crossings and interact with the public to make them aware about the dangers of impatience while crossing unmanned railway crossings. The exercise will be held on all days from June 2nd to June 6th.They will also distribute awareness materials like posters, pamphlets etc on the occasion. Per-formance of street plays, exhibition of videos etc, are also planned as part of the propaganda. A set of specially made hand fans, with safety motto emblazoned across it, pens and pencils with safe-ty measures written boldly across them etc are also being distributed to villagers, school stu-dents etc.Shri A K Rastogi, Divisional Railway Manager, Madurai division said that about 40% of the 31254 level crossings on Indiian railways – this comes to about 12500 level crossings - are unmanned. These level crossings contribute to about 40% of train accidents, of which as high as 66% result in the loss of human lives. He observed that the ac-cidents at level crossings are largely man made and can be avoided. He revealed that a train, which is running at a speed of about 100 km per hour, will take hardly a minute to cross a distance of about 1.7 kms. Additionally, loco pilots have been instruct-ed to blow the engine whistle from a distance of 600 metres while approaching a level crossing.Railways have also provided four kinds of sign boards, warning road users about the presence of unmanned railway crossings at distances of

200, 120, and five metres from the actual crossing. The first board features a railway engine and two strips and the second one an engine and one strip. The third board is a speed breaker warning and the fourth one will carry, in broad letters, the legend “Stop, Listen and Proceed”.The railways are constantly requesting passen-gers to be careful while negotiating level cross-ings. Playing car radios at high volume, trying to cross the level crossings when the train is in sight, talking on mobile phones while driving, are all direct invitations to accidents with possible loss of lives.Another recurrent theme of railway safety messages is that your life is precious and that your family is awaiting you at home. Rash and hasty driving will only lead to accidents.The Railway safety Organization has stressed the importance of following the guide lines while crossing unmanned level crossings. The organization has, time and again, re-quested car and bus passengers, to stop the vehicle, get down and look out for any ap-proaching train from both directions and then only cross the railway line if no trains are approaching!Next time when approaching a level crossing, please remember this - a wait of less than a min-ute will lead to a gain of a whole life time. For this waiting of just one minute, what you may have to forgo could well be a healthy, joyous, fruitful lifetime! *International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD) is being observed on June 3rd 2014.

Expenditure Monitoring Mechanism

he Election Commission conducts the elec-tions to the office of the President, Vice President, Parliament and the State Assem-blies. As per Article 324 of the Constitution, the Commission is vested with the power of Superintendence, direction and control of elections. It is a well-known fact that without mon-ey, multi-party democracy cannot function, however ‘Money Power’ involves certain risks like: Uneven Playing field and lack of fair com-petition,Political Exclusion ie: Certain sectors face disadvantage,Co-Opted politicians under campaign debts,Tainted Governance and Rule of Law un-dermined. The Commission is seriously engaged in curbing the influence of money power in elections, during General elections to As-sembly / Parliamentary constituencies. The Election Commission has formulated a robust mechanism for monitoring election expenditure, which was first implemented during General Election to Legislative As-sembly of Bihar in 2010. This monitoring mechanism was subsequently implemented effectively and systematically from 2010 to 2013 in the Assembly/ Bye- Elections in the States of West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tam-il Nadu, Puducherry, Uttar Pradesh, Pun-jab, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, Karnataka, Rajasthan, NCT of Delhi, Mad-hya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Mizoram. These measures have resulted in huge cash interception / seizures during the Assem-bly elections totaling to approximately 215 crore rupees. The following are the main features of the Election Expenditure Monitoring: · Opening of a separate bank account by each contesting candidate for incurring all major election expenses through cheque / demand draft drawn on this bank account only.· A complaint-monitoring cell in each district with 24X7 toll free number to re-ceive complaint from the public.· Flying Squads, Quick Response Teams, Static Surveillance Teams headed by Exec-utive Magistrates are formed in each con-stituency to track illegal cash transaction or any distribution liquor or any items for

bribing/ inducement of the voters and to attend to all complains of election expendi-ture. · All airports in the State, major rail-way stations, hotels, farm houses, ‘hawala’ agents, financial brokers, cash couriers, pawn brokers and other suspicious agen-cies/persons engaged in movement of cash are to be kept under close surveillance by the Income Tax Department and necessary action to be taken as per the provisions of the Income Tax Act.· Monitoring of suspicious cash with-drawal from any bank account during elec-tion process.· Expenditure Observers are appointed for each district with senior officers from Income Tax Department, Customs & Cen-tral Excise Department and other finance & accounts services from outside the State to oversee the election expenditure by the candidates during election.· Assistant Expenditure Observers are appointed for each constituency, to assist the Expenditure Observers.· Shadow Observation Register is main-tained in each constituency for each can-didate to record major expenses observed during the election.· Video Surveillance Team is constitut-ed with camera persons and Government officials in each team to videograph major election campaign expenses.· Accounting Team is constituted in each constituency to maintain Shadow Observation Register and the folder of ev-idence.· Media Certification and Media Ex-penditure Monitoring Committee (MCMC) constituted to monitor both print and elec-tronic media including cable network, so-cial media etc. for election advertisement and suspected Paid News.· Campaign for Ethical Voting and to create awareness among voters not to ac-cept any inducement in exchange of votes. Election Expenditure monitoring mecha-nism has been adopted to curb the misuse of money power during elections to ensure free and fair elections. The following strate-gies are adopted: · Interpersonal communication is taken up through the State/ Government of In-dia units- Income Tax Dept. to track illegal cash, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)

to track drugs, Enforcement Directorate to track foreign Exchange, Police Department and Excise Department of the respective States to check other crimes related to brib-ery, terror, theft, narcotics, illegal liquor etc. and the abuse of money power in elec-tions involving the candidate, his agent or any political party.· A strict vigil is maintained over the movement of cash etc. through airports/ airstrips/ Helipads and a standard oper-ating procedure (SOP) has been developed and implemented by the Bureau of Civil Aviation in consultation with the Commis-sion. While the CISF is involved to keeps strict vigil at the airports of the poll going States to stop illegal movement of cash / bullion involving the candidate, his agent or any political party.· The Ministry of Civil Aviation has been directed to operate Air Intelligence Units (AIU’s) in all the airports of the re-spective poll going states till the date of completion of elections so as to keep track of and report of any illegal movement of cash involving the candidate, his agent or any political party.· The Government of India unit like the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has been requested to provide real time infor-mation on suspicious cash transactions in banks and to keep close watch on with-drawal of cash exceeding the specified limits from the Bank Accounts in poll go-ing States.· BSF and SSB has been requested to keep strict vigil over movement of ille-gal items, cash etc. through international borders of poll going States meant to in-fluence voters.· The cases of candidates, who have not filed correct election Expenditure state-ments, have been processed for disqualifi-cation under section 10A of the R.P. Act, 1951. The above measures have gone a long way in curbing pernicious effect of mon-ey power during the general elections held in the last four years. There is still a lot of distance to be covered in this regard to eliminate the deep seated malady and the intelligentsia, media, civil society organi-zations should all join hands with Elec-tion Commission of India to create general awareness against the use of Money Power during elections.

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