‘EJCC
‘hold demo in Srinagar ahead of Today’s strike.
Threatens
to go on ‘indefinite’ lockdown.
Govt Committed to Address
the Demands. Sagar
Meanwhile
EJAC leaders Mohammad Khursheed Alam and Abdul Qayoom Wani have threatened of
an intensified agitation incase there wasn’t any response from the government
on Tuesday. “We will be holding a meeting tomorrow and will decide the next
course of action.” Told Khursheed Alam to VOS, adding that there was a
possibility of this strike stretching into an indefinite one if govt. did not
come forward with its response. ‘Another EJAC leader Ab. Qayoom Wani also
threatened to intensify their pressure on the government. “Govt. has entered
into an agreement with the employees and it is astonishing that they are now
backtracking.” Wani told VOS over phone.
The
Minister appealed the EJAC Leaders to approach the Govt to sort out the
differences, if any, Sager maintained that Omar Abdullah Govt was the only the
Govt which has made so many Head ways for the Welfare of the employees.
Omar makes case for withdrawal of AFSPA
Opposes amendment to DSF Act
Srinagar,
April (VOS) 16: Making a case for withdrawal of AFSPA from areas and districts
which are not affected by the insurgent and terrorist activities, Jammu and
Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Monday said that he is of firm belief
that the distinct change in the security environment in the State calls for
reviewing the continuation of AFSPA.Addressing Chief Minister’s Conference
here, the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister said that Armed Forces Special
Powers Act has played its role when the insurgency was at its peak. “However,
now that there is a distinct change in the security environment in the State,
there is a good case for reviewing the continuation of AFSPA from areas and
districts which are not affected by the insurgent and terrorist activities. “As
the situation is fast improving the footprints of security forces need to be
decreased progressively so that the people can feel the impact of the changed
security scenario”, he said adding that 12 battalions of BSF and CRPF have been
withdrawn from the State since 2009 besides removing 39 bunkers. He said more
24 bunkers are being removed from Srinagar India and Pakistan Jammu
and Kashmir
Flagging Cross LoC Trade as a major Confidence Building Measure (CBM) between India and Pakistan Jammu and Kashmir Jammu and Kashmir
Omar Abdullah said that the coalition government in the State has been single
mindedly pursing the agenda of bringing governance closer to the people to
enable them participate in decision making. He referred to Panchayats elections
conducted peacefully in the State and said that the government is committed to
the empowerment of local self governing institutions. He said process of
election to block development councils has been initiated which will be
followed by election to district councils. “Side by side efforts are afoot to
hold elections to urban local bodies so as to complete the process of
establishing urban and rural self governing institutions across the State”, he added.
The Chief Minister said that after three continuous summers of discontent the
State witnessed peaceful 2011 which has unfolded the promises of new beginning.
“I am hopeful that peace dividends achieved in the year 2011 will continue to
percolate to the people and usher a new year of peace and development in the
State”, he said mentioning the cooperation of people in maintaining the tranquility.
Omar Abdullah also underlined the commitment and professionalism of security
forces and J&K Police and the adoption of newly framed Standing Operating
Procedures (SPOs) to control law and order disturbances. “The overall security
scenario during 2011 has shown remarkable improvement and all indices of
violence have shown a declined trend. The number of terrorist incidents declined”,
he said adding that strict surveillance of borders by the security forces and
their tireless efforts in neutralizing the terrorists has resulted in
considerable reduction in infiltration bids. However, Omar Abdullah opposed the
amendment to the Sections 4 and 139 of BSF Act 1968 aimed at giving BSF powers
of arrest, search and seizure. The Chief Minister said that Kashmir Valley Jammu and Kashmir
“I must caution that the progressive improvement in the security situation
should not lead us to complacency. We have to continue to maintain constant
vigil and alertness and ensure, at the same time, that the fundamental rights
and civil liberties granted to our citizens by the constitution are
scrupulously maintained and respected. Therefore, while tackling the remnants
of militancy with stern hand, the State Government is committed to a policy of
zero tolerance viz-a-viz the infringement of human rights”, the Chief Minister asserted.
The Chief Minister said that while the State Police has achieved an enviable
level of expertise in handling militancy and terrorist related incidents, it is
still in the process of transaction in the handling of law and order situations
of the kind now being seen in Jammu
and Kashmir
Battalions have been specially trained for law and order maintenance duties”, he said urging the Centre Government for providing the necessary assistance to further upgrade the skills of the State Police so that it is able to handle law and order situation more effectively and take over the responsible of law and order gradually. Underscoring the need for enhancing honorarium of Special Police Officials (SPOs), the Chief Minister said that SPOs have been playing an important role in assisting the Police in fighting militancy in the State. “An SPO is being paid an honorarium of Rs. 3000 per month. Keeping in view their contribution there is a need to enhance their honorarium so as to boost their morale and motivate them for better delivery”, he added. Omar Abdullah extended his gratitude to the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson, Mrs. Sonia Gandhi for liberal assistance to the State for holistic development. He also mentioned the assistance provided to the State under PMRP and launch of special industry initiative aiming at providing employability to youth ofJammu and Kashmir
Battalions have been specially trained for law and order maintenance duties”, he said urging the Centre Government for providing the necessary assistance to further upgrade the skills of the State Police so that it is able to handle law and order situation more effectively and take over the responsible of law and order gradually. Underscoring the need for enhancing honorarium of Special Police Officials (SPOs), the Chief Minister said that SPOs have been playing an important role in assisting the Police in fighting militancy in the State. “An SPO is being paid an honorarium of Rs. 3000 per month. Keeping in view their contribution there is a need to enhance their honorarium so as to boost their morale and motivate them for better delivery”, he added. Omar Abdullah extended his gratitude to the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson, Mrs. Sonia Gandhi for liberal assistance to the State for holistic development. He also mentioned the assistance provided to the State under PMRP and launch of special industry initiative aiming at providing employability to youth of
Army rules out any immediate impact of Kabul
attacks on Kashmir ,
Threat posters can’t stop govt. from
holding Municipal Polls: GOC
Meanwhile
rejecting any validity of the threat calls from unknown persons in wake of
Municipal polls, Gen. Hassnain said, “These kind of threats and posters have
been doing rounds in valley for last 20 years and if we were to get frightened
with this, then it is better for army to back off.” However he asserted that
such things could not be taken lightly also. General was referring to the
Posters that have surfaced in south Kashmir
threatening people to boycott the polls. Admitting that panchs and Sarpanches
were being targeted, GOC vowed that “Municipal polls shouldn’t be a source of
worry.” According to VOS reporter, Gen. While advocating for the
continuation of political activities at ground level said, that it was the duty
of all security establishments to work jointly for providing roam to such
activities. “Army remains alert for such things and even dominates its
opponents.” Claimed general. Earlier General Hassnain while inaugurating the
2012 Kashmir premier league, General Hassnain hoped that the tournament to
continue for next 50 years. “There is a huge potential and talent in the local
youth and we need to galvanize that.” Asserted GOC.
Power Crises,
result of misgovernence: Mehbooba,
Rejects CM’s Power
failure logic.
Mehbooba
said the misrule of the present government had forced all sections of society
to take to streets as there was no redressal of their problems. Governments own
employees were agitating while the ministers enjoyed luxuries that cost the
state crores. Daily wagers, casual and seasonal employees were unable to get
their wages and on the other hand huge sums got lapsed or were being spent on
the whims and fancies of the rulers. The government, she said, reemployed
hundreds of their favorites, a practice that had been banned, after retirement.
This on the one hand denied the few openings for new recruits and on the other
blocked promotion prospects for the hard working employees who wait for decades
in one position.
Rejecting
the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s reasoning for continued power crisis in the
state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti has said more
than its economics the down turn in power scenario is a direct result of misgovernance,
wrong priorities and inefficient management of the state by the present
government.
Mehbooba
said the continuing deterioration in power supply in the state is only one index
of the over all performance of the NC led government that has pushed
the state back by decades on development and political fronts. “If between 2002
and 2008 power situation could be drastically improved, transmission losses
reduced and power sector reforms carried on how and why has
electricity become unavailable immediately after Omar Abdullah took over?” ,
she asked. She said this has happened ins pite of the fact that the state has
added about 500 Mega watts to its power resource with the inception
of Baglihar and many micro hydel projects taken up by the previous government. “Management
of power sector is something more than wheeling dealing in mega projects
and making hollow announcements. It is about providing light and energy to
people who shiver in sub zero temperatures and swetter in scorching heat”, she
remarked.
Mehbooba
said the recently published report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)
has exposed the reasons for the failure of the government in providing
amenities to the people including power, drinking water, sanitation facilities
and roads. She said though we had been saying this for long the CAG report has
confirmed the worst fears about the functioning of the NC led coalition that
has resulted in a governance paralysis and developmental holiday.
Mehbooba
said the CAG report has made it clear that government has spent hundreds of
crores of rupees without any authorization by the legislature. This money has
been spent in complete disregard to financial code only to pay for those works
that had been carried out by the ruling politicians through their favourite
contractors who are allotted works without the normal tendering process. More
than Rs-3200 crores she said had been lapsed in just one year according to the
CAG report which amounts to criminal negligence by the government. She said as
a result of these acts of omission and commission there is no money left for
solving the pressing problems of common people. “The rulers will soon have to
face justice at the court of the people,” she told her audience.
Mehbooba
said the present government has disrupted all the systems and institutions that
had started getting on the track after a long period of darkness. She said the
youth were the worst victims of the government’s policy of nepotism, favoritism
and corruption. On the one hand the government had failed in opening new
avenues of employment while on the other they had again resorted to their favorite
back door appointments. She said government jobs were again sold and certain
recruitment organizations were even indulging in gross manipulation and
subversion of merit which the state had hoped had become a thing of the past
after 2002. She said it was sad to see our youth who are second to none in
talent being exploited through hollow slogans but not provided either the
assistance or space to grow for their own benefit and for the
progress of the state.
NC calls PDP’s opposition to govt. ‘theatrical
antics.”
Says Mehbooba’s statements “Immature”.
Lashing out at PDP for being intentionally oblivious to the
revolutionary initiatives and considerable achievements done by the coalition
government, Tanvir said “Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the last three years
has taken visionary steps to mitigate the sufferings of the people.Terming the
statement of PDP about devolution of power as a bunch of lies, Tanvir reminded
the opposition party of the cabinet approval for the empowerment of Panchayat
and the subsequent devolution of full powers to the Panchayat. He said the
decision to empower Panchayats has already been done and is a continuous
process which will continue.
“I believe
there is no harm in them (PDP) trying to don the mantle of messiahs by
spreading lies about Panchayat and devolution of powers to it or seeking
revocation of the AFSPA or talking about the Self-Rule document if at all it
exists, but I would suggest they support the NC and cooperate with them to
alleviate the miseries of common people instead of resorting to hollow
sloganeering,” the NC spokesman said.Describing PDP as a weak opposition,
Tanvir said that the devolution of powers already delegated to the Panchayats
will cover14 departments of the state government including planning at the
grass-root level, supervision of activities and carrying outwork programmes as
per the recommendations of the committee. “Panchayat Raj Minister had clearly stated on the floor of the
house that Rs.41.28 crore had been released for the Panchayat with one lac each
kept for every Halqa and around 1800 Panchayat are being constructed in those
halqas which doesn’t have such facility,” he said.Terming Panchayat Raj as an
important tool in curbing corruption, the spokesman said the elected Panchs and
Sarpanchs have been assigned to monitor functioning of 14 government
departments adding that it’s the sincere effort of the Chief Minister that
Panchayat are performing.“It’s with the sincere effort by the National
Conference that Panchayat are in place. It’s a matter of time before Panchayats
will run the government,” he said.
Taking a dig at the president of the PDP, the spokesman said,
her statement smells of malice and immaturity. He added, Dr. Farooq Abdullah
has all along projected all the three regions in the right perspective and it
is because of him that normalcy has returned and people feel secured unlike the
PDP regime, which divided people on religion and regional basis. Tanvir added
that all these theatrics of PDP are only for gaining power, which he added will
remain a dream for them as everyone is aware of their duplicity.Stressing that
the local bodies are the essence of democracy Tanvir said, Municipal
Corporation and committees will be in place soon. He said his party believes in
strengthening all the three tiers of the democracy and very soon will the local
self governance be functioning.Expressing satisfaction over the power situation
in the state, the NC spokesman said that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has taken
many steps to make the state self-reliant as far as the power generation is
concerned.“In the next five years the state would generate over 6,000 MW and
the day is not far when the state will generate surplus power,” he said.
AMK to organize international literary festival.
This will be a platform not only for
exposing local authors to international audience to showcase their works but
also an opportunity to highlight the sufferings of people during past 21
years.The KLF is yet another effort of the AMK, the oldest and largest literary
federation of literary and cultural bodies of J&K, to play its part in the
renaissance of cultural and literary legacy of the State. KLF will not only be
a milestone in this direction, but also will pave way for further accelerating
the revival of the literature, art and culture in J&K.
Shah remembers Hameed Shiekh.
Khan said that Kashmir Issue is as big in the list of Political Disputes that it can’t be deleted from the list by using force against Kashmiris, arresting Youth and limiting political space of the pro-freedom leadership.
Info
Employees Union to support JKCC strike call.
Sagar pays obeisance at Dastgeer Sahib, Naqashband Sahib,
and Bulbul Shah Sahib
Srinagar, April (VOS) 16: In
order to review the progress of the construction/renovation,
preservation and restoration of the old glory of
some historical pilgrimage cites and get completed them in the
stipulated time, the Minister for Rural Development, Panchyati Raj,
Parliamentary Affairs and Law, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar on Monday conducted a
whirlwind tour of the Srinagar
While
paying obeisance at Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jeelani Dastgeer Sahib (RH), the
Minister directed the JKPCC General Manager and other concerned Engineers to
expedite the construction works and complete the project as early as possible
with early starting of both civil and mechanical works so that the devotees may
be able to get blessings of the great “Peer Perran Wali Kamil” at a large
number simultaneously. He also asked the shopkeepers coming under the extension
project to shift their structures immediately so that the further construction
works may be started there soon. He also has an interaction with the some
locals and enquired about the compensation process. He assured them that their
grievances would be redressed. Sagar
also took stock of the on-going construction works while paying obeisance at
Naqashband Sahib (RH).On the occasion, he was informed that so far Rs. One
crore 29 lakhs have been spent on the construction of the mosque adjacent to
the Ziarat Sharif and on the other on-going construction works under Extension
project against the estimated cost of Rs.10 crore. He was informed that
besides other works one Auditorium will also be constructed in the complex.
Later,
Sagar visited Zaina Kadal and took feed back of the steps taken for the
preservation /renovation of the centuries old Zaina Kadal and the tomb
of great King of the Kashmir Hazarat Zain-ul-Aabdin Badshah, on
which under the beautification project, Rs. 5 crore are being
spent. He said that the historical monuments are identifications
of our rich cultural heritage. On the occasion he said the affected shopkeepers
coming under the preservation project will be shifted to Vakil Manzel.
The
Minister also paid obeisance at Bulbul Shah Ziarat Sharief (RH) and
reviewed the pace of the progress of the various on-going construction works.
He was informed that so far Rs. 1.90 crore against the estimated cost of
Rs. 2.27 crores have been spent on the various works and it is expected
that the project will be completed within two months. Sagar also visited Gada Kocha of Bohri Kadal and have
interaction with the locals. He assured them that their genuine problems
will be solved.
Short
Validity Passports for Haj Applicants Whose PVR Has not Been Received
Srinagar, April (VOS) 16: The facility to issue Short Validity Passports for one year in
respect of Haj applicants of 2012 and for Kingdom of Saudi Arabia against a
standard affidavit, shall be given only to those applicants whose Police
Verification Report (PVR) has not been received by the Passport Office till
date.Passport Officer Srinagar Mr Firdous Iqbal clarified that only those Haj
applicants shall avail the said facility who have already applied under proper
procedure while no fresh application shall be entertained under this facility. He said more details
could be got from the Office during valid working hours.
Giving details he informed
that against 25951 applications received from Jan 01, 2012 till April 14, 2012,
17507 passports stand issued. He added that since March 20 upto April 14 this
year, 6647 passports mostly in favour of Haj applicants, have been issued
against 6785 applications.Shri Iqbal said the Passport Office Srinagar worked
round the clock even on holidays during the last fortnight to issue the
passports particularly to Haj applicants. He urged the applicants to cooperate
with the office as they were taking all efforts to provide maximum possible
passports to the Haj aspirants in particular.
Jora reviews achievements, asks officers to expedite remaining
schemes
The meeting was told that so far the
construction and development work under 73 tourism projects have been
completed and utilization certificates (UC) for the amount of Rs.
209.48 crore have been received by Tourism Administrative secretariat, while
UCs for Rs. 56.13 crore are pending with concerned executing agencies.
The Minister stressed upon the concerned
authorities to submit pending utilization certificates of the outstanding
amount incurred on the projects at the earliest. He said this was necessary to
secure the release of balanced amount from
the Centre. He instructed the concerned officers to redouble their efforts and
accelerate pace on ongoing development projects for timely completion. He also
called for building tourism infrastructure to match the aesthetic look of a
particular area. Jora also reviewed pace of progress on development of tourism
villages. He exhorted upon the concerned officers to ensure timely completion
of all Tourism Development Villages in the State.The meeting was told that as
many as 29 villages are being developed as tourist villages in the State. Of
which 8 villages are developed in Jammu Division and 21 in Kashmir .
It was also informed that till date the work on 16 villages have been
completed, while as the development of tourism infrastructure in 13 villages
was in progress and would be completed this fiscal.The meeting also reviewed
pace of progress on mega tourism projects of Nagar-Watlab and Trans-Himalayan
Culture Centre Leh which are being developed at a total cost of Rs. 60.58 crore
against which Rs. 11.70 crore have been released by the Centre. It was told
that necessary
tourism development works have been taken up on these projects and would be
completed in the stipulated time frame.
Later, the Minister released a
booklet ‘Pahalgam – Paradise Awaiting” – published by Pahalgam Development
Authority envisaging the information about the tourist attractions spots at the
world famous tourist resort.
Boy dies in
explosion in Kupwara
IMPCC emphasizes for massive awareness
about flagship programmes
JAMMU, APRIL 16:- The
Inter Media Publicity Coordination Committee (IMPCC) meeting, which was
attended by all senior media heads of J&K State has emphasized for an
effective and public-oriented awareness campaign so that general public is
properly educated and informed about importance of various central and state
government schemes launched for their benefit.
The meeting was
addressed by chairman IMPCC, Mr. Bashir Malik, who is also Director, News
Doordarshan Kendra, Srinagar, Director Information, Khawaja Farooq Renzushah,
Director, Doordarshan, Kendra Srinagar, Mtr. Shami Shair, Director, Doordarshan
Kendra, Jammu, Mr. Shabir Mujahid, Director Leh, Mr. Qayoom Wadera,
Director PIB, Mr. Om Rehman, Programme, Executive, Doordarshan Kendra,
Srinagar, Mr. M. Y. Parray, Assistant Director, News, Mr. Sanjit Khajuria,
Joint Director Information, Kashmir, Mr. Itrat Hussain and other executive
officers of various central and state media units.
The meeting discussed
threadbare ways and means to appropriately highlight the achievements of the
government with special focus on various flagship programmes launched by the
Centre and State governments for the welfare of the public socio-economic
emancipation of the state. The main issues which came under discussion for
focused media coverage included Campaign for importance of Civil Body Polls,
the Prime Minister’s Reconstruction Programme, Special Employment Programme on
Rangarajan Committee and its recommendations which will enable private sector
to train and provide employment to 8000 youths a year, the Special Health Care
incentives for pregnant mothers and the new borns by Central government and
Jashan-e-Baharan organized by IMPCC.
Speaking on the
occasion, Mr. Bashir Malik urged for greater coordination among different units
of both central and state media organizations adding that all the available
resources need to be put to use for dissemination right information
appropriately to the people of all the three regions of the state viz Jammu,
Kashmir and Ladakh. He said that various union Ministers and Administrative
Secretaries would be regularly invited to visit the state for interaction with
the local media for acquainting the people about the programmes and policies of
the central and state governments aimed at the welfare of the people. He said
regular meetings of the local media organizations shall also be held to take
stock of their working viz-a-viz educating the masses about the benefits of
various ongoing schemes.
Director Information
called for greater coordination among various central and state media units to
educate the people about various flagship programmes and schemes and their
benefits for the people. He said in the modern era of publicity, the official
media has a pivotal role to make the people aware about the government policies
and programmes in right perspective. He assured full cooperation to the
concerned officers of Doordarshan Kendra and Radio in disseminating relevant
information to the people about various welfare schemes of the government.
The meeting was also
attended by, Director, (Engineering) Doordarshan Kendra, Jammu, Mr. R. K.
Tarangal, Programme, Executive, Radio Kashmir, Srinagar, Mr. Bashir Ahmed Bach,
Programme, Executive, Doordarshan Kendra, Leh, Mr. P. Wangchuk, Programme Head
Radio Kashmir, Jammu, Mr. Ravi Magotra, Assistant Director PIB, Srinagar, Mr.
Ghulam Abass, Pex, HO, Mr. S. K. Malhotra, Pex, AIR Kathua, Mr. Kamal Krishen
Lidho, Editor Radio News Unit, Jammu, Mr. Chander Kant et.
ACD Shopian suspended
SRINAGAR,
APRIL 16- Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Law Justice and
parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar today ordered the suspension of
Assistant Commissioner Development Shopian Mr. Rafiq Ahmed Fafoo.
The action has been initiated following large scale complaints received against
the officer and Director Rural Development Kashmir has been asked to submit a
detail report within 7 days about the complaints.
Div Com reviews developmental
activities
SRINAGAR,
APRIL 16: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon convened a
high level meeting of review the developmental activities being carried on in
Kashmir Division.
The
meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Baseer Ahmed Khan, Chief
Engineers of R&B Kashmir, EM&RE, Irrigation and Flood Control
Department, Joint Commissioner SMC, SE Hydraulic Circle, Deputy Director
CA&PD, Project Managers ERA, SSP PCR, SP Traffic City Srinagar, Deputy Director
Tourism Department and other senior officers.
Divisional
Commissioner also reviewed the progress of river transport, radio taxies,
essential supplies, beautification of central road verge and efforts being made
to improve and regulate traffic movement in the city.
Chib flags in National
Integration-cum-Sports tour
Srinagar,
April 16: The youth of state have ample sports talent and need is to provide
them every possible help so that they can hone their sports skills.
This
was stated today by the Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Mr. R.S. Chib
here today during a flagging in of National Integration-cum-Sports tour of
Kashmir premier league teams to Kolkata, Chennai and Jamshedpur.
Mr.
Chib was the chief guest of the function organised in connection with flagging
in ceremony, while Lt. General Hasnain was the guest of honour. Director
Information, Khawaja Farooq Ahmad Renzushah was also present on the occasion.
The
touring teams played matches with local teams and interacted with loca teams.
The teams acted as ambassadors of Kashmir ands show caused Kashmiriyaat to rest
of the nation. Thje tours were conducted with active support of Rotary Club of
India.
The
Minister while speaking on the occasion said that state government will provide
all requisite support for making KPL a small success.
On
the occasion, the Director Sports, Jaipal Singh, Secretary Sports Countil, Mr.
Kiran Wattal and other senior sports officers were present.
Irfan Shah visits shrine of Batamalo
sahib
SRINAGAR,
APRIL 16: MLA Batamalo constituency, Mr. Irfan Ahmad Shah accompanied by Deputy
Commissioner, Srinagar, Mr. Baseer Ahmad Khan visited the shrine of Sheikh
Dawood (Batamalo Sahib(RA)) and took stock of Urs arrangement made
by District administration.
On
this occasion, the MLA urged the district administration to ensure
uninterrupted water and power supply during the Urs period. He also directed
SMC authorities to maintain cleanliness in and around the shrine of Batamalo
Shiab (RA).
Various
public deputations from Danderkhah, Chatabal and Qamarwari met the MLA and
apprised him about their problems. Mr. Shah assured the deputations that their
demands would be solved in phased manner.
Attention Stranded passengers of Kargil
at Srinagar
SRINAGAR,
APRIL 16: Stranded passengers of Kargil at Srinagar who have already purchased
the tickets of Kargil Courier flight No’s 41 and 42have been asked to report
Kargil House Bemina at 8 AM on April 17, 2012 and passengers of flight No’s 43
and 44 have been asked to report at 9 AM.
Azad to address rally at Billawar on April 18
JAMMU, APRIL 16-It is for information
of the public that Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Mr Ghulam Nabi
Azad will address the massive public rally at Phinter Playground Billawar at 11
a m on April 18, 2012.
Deputy Chief Minister Mr Tara Chand
and other cabinet ministers shall also address the rally. All are cordially
invited.
The public is requested to assemble at
the venue at 10 am.
Internal
security challenges need to be tackled firmly & with
sensitivity: Prime Minister
CM’s Conference on Internal Security gets underway Year 2011 showed
marked improvement in security situation: P. Chidambaram
New Delhi, April 16, 2012.
Challenges to internal security need to be tackled firmly but
with sensitivity. The Centre and the States should work unitedly to
effectively contain these challenges. This was stated by Prime
Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh while inaugurating the Conference of Chief
Ministers, in New Delhi this morning. On Left Wing Extremism Dr.
Manmohan Singh said that the year 2011 was better than 2010 in terms
of number of deaths caused by LWE. He further said that our holistic
approach to this problem remains valid and necessary. In order to meet
the challenge, law & order capability of our States needs to be
strengthened, he said. Full text of PM’s speech is available on PIB
website i.e. www.pib.nic.in.
Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram in his remarks said that the year
2011 saw a marked improvement in internal security scenario, in J&K,
NE, LWE as well as terror related incidents. He, however, said that
some of our adversaries have been successful in augmenting their
capability & weaponry. Shri Chidambaram said that states have a
crucial role as they are at the frontline of defending internal
security. The following is the text of HM’s opening statement:
“Hon’ble Prime Minister, my senior colleague, the Finance
Minister, Chief Ministers, Ministers of State Governments, Ministers
of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Lt. Governors,
Administrators, senior officials of the Central Government and State
Governments, Ladies and Gentlemen.
On behalf of the Government of India, I welcome you to this
Conference – the fifth in a series that began in January, 2009. In
particular, I offer a warm welcome and my gratitude to the Prime
Minister, the Chief Ministers and my colleagues in the Central
Government who have spared a whole day for these deliberations. I
thank the Prime Minister for graciously agreeing to inaugurate the
Conference. His presence and the presence of the Chief Ministers
underline the fact that all of us have recognised the usefulness of
these annual meetings. In every meeting I have emphasised that the
State Government is at the frontline of defending the internal
security of the country. For example, on August 17, 2009 I said:
“Nothing is more important than the assurance of security and none can
contribute more to this sense of security than State Governments.”
It is customary to present a brief report on the internal
security situation. We have shared with you notes on each item of the
agenda. Hence, without repeating the facts and figures, I wish to
place before you our assessment of the situation.
An overview would lead to the conclusion that violence had
declined in 2011. Be it the North Eastern States, Jammu & Kashmir or
LWE affected States, or the attempts to commit terrorist acts, there
was indeed a decline in the number of incidents and the number of
casualties. However, I must caution you that behind these figures
lies a more worrying narrative - which is the spread and the reach of
some adversaries, and their success in augmenting their weaponry and
their military capabilities. The target is the Indian State and,
naturally, every constituent of the Indian State, and, in his
offensive, the adversary does not recognise State borders. His
organisation does not match States’ territorial jurisdictions. And he
makes no distinction between the Central Government and the State
Governments.
The success stories of 2011 were the dramatic improvement in
the internal security situation in Jammu & Kashmir and in the North
Eastern States. Two factors seem to have turned the situation around:
firstly, the effectiveness of the security forces and, secondly, our
ability to reach out to the adversaries and convince them that the
Indian political system allows space for every shade of opinion and
has the capacity to resolve differences through talks and other
constitutional means.
In J&K, we had a peaceful and splendid summer and winter and
record numbers of tourists and pilgrims. In the North Eastern States,
nearly all major groups are in talks with the Government. I am,
therefore, confident that 2012 will see further advancement in
bringing peace and development to these States.
At the last Conference, I had cautioned that there was no
let-up in the attempts to strike terror whenever there was an
opportunity. The International Border and the Line of Control in the
West continue to remain vulnerable. Every week has witnessed attempts
to infiltrate into India and new routes appear to have been opened via
Nepal and Bangladesh.
There were two major terror attacks in 2011 – the serial
blasts in Mumbai in July and the blast near the Delhi High Court in
September. Thankfully, the conspiracies behind the two incidents have
been unravelled and many suspects have been arrested. The chilling
facts are that the principal suspects in the two cases are Indian
nationals; they operated across States; and many of them had no
previous criminal record. I have to conclude, regretfully, that thanks
to radicalisation, there are many Indian groups which have acquired
the capacity to carry out terror attacks.
Our security forces remained vigilant. In 2011, 18 terror
modules were neutralised and 53 persons arrested. In the first three
months of 2012, 3 modules were neutralised and 11 persons arrested. I
wish to underline the fact that one half of the cases were cracked
through the joint efforts of the Central Agencies and State police
concerned. This, Ladies and Gentlemen, is the reality: at the
operational level, there is no conflict between the Central Agencies
and the State Police Forces. They work together, consult each other,
share intelligence and, when necessary, mount joint operations to
apprehend the suspects. In my view, such silent and invisible work of
neutralising terrorist modules deserves as much praise as solving the
terrorist cases.
What is a cause of worry, however, is that, in practically
every case, a small section of the people springs to the support of
persons who are detained for interrogation or arrested and charged.
There is no apparent reason for such support other than the affinity
of religion or sect. This is a dangerous trend and makes the task of
the investigating agencies more difficult. I would, therefore,
request you to join me in appealing to the people, and to the media,
to observe caution and restraint and place faith in the integrity and
impartiality of the investigation.
I shall now turn to the most formidable threat to internal
security. It is Left Wing Extremism. The decline in the overall
number of casualties among civilians and security forces in
LWE-affected districts may give a false sense of assurance, but that
is not the true picture. Two States are very badly affected, four
States are affected and three States are within the arc of influence
of the CPI (Maoist). Assam has emerged as the new theatre of Maoist
activity. There are also inputs about the links of CPI (Maoist) with
insurgent groups in Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.
In recent months, the security forces have made bold forays
into hitherto forbidden territories such as Saranda Forest and
Koel-Sankh in Jharkhand and Abuj-maad in Chhattisgarh. However, the
results remain sub-optimal, especially in areas under the control of
Area or Zonal Committees operating in Bihar-Jharkand-North
Chhattisgarh, Andhra-Odisha and Dandakaranya. Jan Adalats and military
training camps continue to be held with impunity. Economic
infrastructure and so-called police informers continue to be targeted.
Extortion is rampant. We have held frequent meetings with the DGPs
and senior police officers of the affected States. I find that there
is broad agreement on the two-pronged strategy of police action and
developmental work, but, I am afraid, our capacity to execute the
plans is not commensurate with the nature of the challenge.
The Integrated Action Plan launched in November, 2010, with an
outlay of Rs.3300 crore over two years, has been an outstanding
success, thanks to the drive and determination shown by the District
Administrations. Still, we do not have the upper hand because there
are not enough police stations; not enough men, weapons and vehicles;
not enough infrastructure for the CAPFs; not enough roads; and not
enough presence of the civil administration – especially in the health
and education sectors. There is more work to be done, and I pledge
the cooperation of the Central Government in helping the States to
overcome the challenge of Left Wing Extremism.
The challenge of Left Wing Extremism has been compounded by
the capacity of the CPI (Maoist) to promote a number of front
organisations and win the support of civil society groups. They use
every instrument that is available in a democracy – from freedom of
speech to bandhs to judicial remedies. Several urban areas have
emerged as new centres of pro-Maoist activities. Even while we
continue with the two-pronged strategy, it is necessary to find ways
and means to blunt the propaganda offensive launched by the CPI
(Maoist).
I shall now briefly touch upon the communal situation. By
and large, the situation was peaceful and the graph of incidents is
declining. Yet, it pains me to note that in 2011 91 lives were lost
and 1908 persons were injured in local communal conflicts. The
so-called cause was usually trivial, but there were also cases of
deliberate provocation. I urge State Governments to remain vigilant,
impartial and firm.
Lastly, I wish to refer to the unfinished tasks and seek your
cooperation in utilising the funds that are made available and
completing the projects. The Modernisation of Police Force (MPF)
scheme was allotted Rs.1,111 crore in 2011-12, but we had to surrender
Rs.311 crore because some States had large unspent balances. For the
current year, we have been able to secure Rs.900 crore and I would
urge State Governments to address the deficiencies in the
implementation of the scheme to help me request the Finance Minister
for more funds.
In 2011-12, under Security Related Expenditure (SRE) and
Security Infrastructure Scheme (SIS), the Central Government released
Rs.883.51 crore and Rs.185.82 crore, respectively. Release of funds
and implementation can be more effective if proposals are submitted at
the beginning of the financial year and greater financial and
administrative powers are delegated to the Director General of Police
in the State.
I have a vision of the overall security architecture that the
country needs and deserves. Some elements are in place, for example,
the Multi Agency Centre (MAC) and the Subsidiary MACs at the State
capitals. NATGRID is work in progress. CCTNS, under implementation
since 2010, has reached the crucial milestone of selection of System
Integrator, but only 16 out of 35 States/UTs have completed the task.
On the other hand, the development of Core Application Software (CAS)
has been completed, field testing is under way, and agreements have
been signed to establish nation-wide connectivity. The sum of all
these, I am afraid, is that while CCTNS is progressing, it is 9 months
behind schedule.
The NSG has moved into its permanent headquarters at the four
hubs. Soon, the NIA will set up new offices at Mumbai, Kochi and
Lucknow. Other elements have to be put in place to complete the
security architecture and I earnestly seek your cooperation and
support in that regard.
The BPR&D has published the first-ever compilation of data on
police organisations in India as on January 1, 2011. It is an
illuminating study and captures the hard data on the state of police
organisations. There were only 100 civil police for a population of
100,000. The vacancies in all ranks were 501,069 or about 25 per cent
of the sanctioned strength. States spent about Rs.50,000 crore on the
police in 2010-11, but that was only 4.76 per cent of the total
budgeted expenditure of all States. Of this, only about Rs.700 crore
was spent on training. The findings speak for themselves. The study
is a wake-up call to all of us, and I would urge you to take the
corrective steps that are so urgently needed in order to enhance our
capacity to meet the challenges.
Before I close, I would once again like to underscore my firm
belief that, bound by the Constitution of India and working together,
we can make this country safe and secure; ensure peace and harmony;
and create an environment that will promote faster and more inclusive
growth.
sensitivity: Prime Minister
CM’s Conference on Internal Security gets underway Year 2011 showed
marked improvement in security situation: P. Chidambaram
New Delhi, April 16, 2012.
Challenges to internal security need to be tackled firmly but
with sensitivity. The Centre and the States should work unitedly to
effectively contain these challenges. This was stated by Prime
Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh while inaugurating the Conference of Chief
Ministers, in New Delhi this morning. On Left Wing Extremism Dr.
Manmohan Singh said that the year 2011 was better than 2010 in terms
of number of deaths caused by LWE. He further said that our holistic
approach to this problem remains valid and necessary. In order to meet
the challenge, law & order capability of our States needs to be
strengthened, he said. Full text of PM’s speech is available on PIB
website i.e. www.pib.nic.in.
Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram in his remarks said that the year
2011 saw a marked improvement in internal security scenario, in J&K,
NE, LWE as well as terror related incidents. He, however, said that
some of our adversaries have been successful in augmenting their
capability & weaponry. Shri Chidambaram said that states have a
crucial role as they are at the frontline of defending internal
security. The following is the text of HM’s opening statement:
“Hon’ble Prime Minister, my senior colleague, the Finance
Minister, Chief Ministers, Ministers of State Governments, Ministers
of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Lt. Governors,
Administrators, senior officials of the Central Government and State
Governments, Ladies and Gentlemen.
On behalf of the Government of India, I welcome you to this
Conference – the fifth in a series that began in January, 2009. In
particular, I offer a warm welcome and my gratitude to the Prime
Minister, the Chief Ministers and my colleagues in the Central
Government who have spared a whole day for these deliberations. I
thank the Prime Minister for graciously agreeing to inaugurate the
Conference. His presence and the presence of the Chief Ministers
underline the fact that all of us have recognised the usefulness of
these annual meetings. In every meeting I have emphasised that the
State Government is at the frontline of defending the internal
security of the country. For example, on August 17, 2009 I said:
“Nothing is more important than the assurance of security and none can
contribute more to this sense of security than State Governments.”
It is customary to present a brief report on the internal
security situation. We have shared with you notes on each item of the
agenda. Hence, without repeating the facts and figures, I wish to
place before you our assessment of the situation.
An overview would lead to the conclusion that violence had
declined in 2011. Be it the North Eastern States, Jammu & Kashmir or
LWE affected States, or the attempts to commit terrorist acts, there
was indeed a decline in the number of incidents and the number of
casualties. However, I must caution you that behind these figures
lies a more worrying narrative - which is the spread and the reach of
some adversaries, and their success in augmenting their weaponry and
their military capabilities. The target is the Indian State and,
naturally, every constituent of the Indian State, and, in his
offensive, the adversary does not recognise State borders. His
organisation does not match States’ territorial jurisdictions. And he
makes no distinction between the Central Government and the State
Governments.
The success stories of 2011 were the dramatic improvement in
the internal security situation in Jammu & Kashmir and in the North
Eastern States. Two factors seem to have turned the situation around:
firstly, the effectiveness of the security forces and, secondly, our
ability to reach out to the adversaries and convince them that the
Indian political system allows space for every shade of opinion and
has the capacity to resolve differences through talks and other
constitutional means.
In J&K, we had a peaceful and splendid summer and winter and
record numbers of tourists and pilgrims. In the North Eastern States,
nearly all major groups are in talks with the Government. I am,
therefore, confident that 2012 will see further advancement in
bringing peace and development to these States.
At the last Conference, I had cautioned that there was no
let-up in the attempts to strike terror whenever there was an
opportunity. The International Border and the Line of Control in the
West continue to remain vulnerable. Every week has witnessed attempts
to infiltrate into India and new routes appear to have been opened via
Nepal and Bangladesh.
There were two major terror attacks in 2011 – the serial
blasts in Mumbai in July and the blast near the Delhi High Court in
September. Thankfully, the conspiracies behind the two incidents have
been unravelled and many suspects have been arrested. The chilling
facts are that the principal suspects in the two cases are Indian
nationals; they operated across States; and many of them had no
previous criminal record. I have to conclude, regretfully, that thanks
to radicalisation, there are many Indian groups which have acquired
the capacity to carry out terror attacks.
Our security forces remained vigilant. In 2011, 18 terror
modules were neutralised and 53 persons arrested. In the first three
months of 2012, 3 modules were neutralised and 11 persons arrested. I
wish to underline the fact that one half of the cases were cracked
through the joint efforts of the Central Agencies and State police
concerned. This, Ladies and Gentlemen, is the reality: at the
operational level, there is no conflict between the Central Agencies
and the State Police Forces. They work together, consult each other,
share intelligence and, when necessary, mount joint operations to
apprehend the suspects. In my view, such silent and invisible work of
neutralising terrorist modules deserves as much praise as solving the
terrorist cases.
What is a cause of worry, however, is that, in practically
every case, a small section of the people springs to the support of
persons who are detained for interrogation or arrested and charged.
There is no apparent reason for such support other than the affinity
of religion or sect. This is a dangerous trend and makes the task of
the investigating agencies more difficult. I would, therefore,
request you to join me in appealing to the people, and to the media,
to observe caution and restraint and place faith in the integrity and
impartiality of the investigation.
I shall now turn to the most formidable threat to internal
security. It is Left Wing Extremism. The decline in the overall
number of casualties among civilians and security forces in
LWE-affected districts may give a false sense of assurance, but that
is not the true picture. Two States are very badly affected, four
States are affected and three States are within the arc of influence
of the CPI (Maoist). Assam has emerged as the new theatre of Maoist
activity. There are also inputs about the links of CPI (Maoist) with
insurgent groups in Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.
In recent months, the security forces have made bold forays
into hitherto forbidden territories such as Saranda Forest and
Koel-Sankh in Jharkhand and Abuj-maad in Chhattisgarh. However, the
results remain sub-optimal, especially in areas under the control of
Area or Zonal Committees operating in Bihar-Jharkand-North
Chhattisgarh, Andhra-Odisha and Dandakaranya. Jan Adalats and military
training camps continue to be held with impunity. Economic
infrastructure and so-called police informers continue to be targeted.
Extortion is rampant. We have held frequent meetings with the DGPs
and senior police officers of the affected States. I find that there
is broad agreement on the two-pronged strategy of police action and
developmental work, but, I am afraid, our capacity to execute the
plans is not commensurate with the nature of the challenge.
The Integrated Action Plan launched in November, 2010, with an
outlay of Rs.3300 crore over two years, has been an outstanding
success, thanks to the drive and determination shown by the District
Administrations. Still, we do not have the upper hand because there
are not enough police stations; not enough men, weapons and vehicles;
not enough infrastructure for the CAPFs; not enough roads; and not
enough presence of the civil administration – especially in the health
and education sectors. There is more work to be done, and I pledge
the cooperation of the Central Government in helping the States to
overcome the challenge of Left Wing Extremism.
The challenge of Left Wing Extremism has been compounded by
the capacity of the CPI (Maoist) to promote a number of front
organisations and win the support of civil society groups. They use
every instrument that is available in a democracy – from freedom of
speech to bandhs to judicial remedies. Several urban areas have
emerged as new centres of pro-Maoist activities. Even while we
continue with the two-pronged strategy, it is necessary to find ways
and means to blunt the propaganda offensive launched by the CPI
(Maoist).
I shall now briefly touch upon the communal situation. By
and large, the situation was peaceful and the graph of incidents is
declining. Yet, it pains me to note that in 2011 91 lives were lost
and 1908 persons were injured in local communal conflicts. The
so-called cause was usually trivial, but there were also cases of
deliberate provocation. I urge State Governments to remain vigilant,
impartial and firm.
Lastly, I wish to refer to the unfinished tasks and seek your
cooperation in utilising the funds that are made available and
completing the projects. The Modernisation of Police Force (MPF)
scheme was allotted Rs.1,111 crore in 2011-12, but we had to surrender
Rs.311 crore because some States had large unspent balances. For the
current year, we have been able to secure Rs.900 crore and I would
urge State Governments to address the deficiencies in the
implementation of the scheme to help me request the Finance Minister
for more funds.
In 2011-12, under Security Related Expenditure (SRE) and
Security Infrastructure Scheme (SIS), the Central Government released
Rs.883.51 crore and Rs.185.82 crore, respectively. Release of funds
and implementation can be more effective if proposals are submitted at
the beginning of the financial year and greater financial and
administrative powers are delegated to the Director General of Police
in the State.
I have a vision of the overall security architecture that the
country needs and deserves. Some elements are in place, for example,
the Multi Agency Centre (MAC) and the Subsidiary MACs at the State
capitals. NATGRID is work in progress. CCTNS, under implementation
since 2010, has reached the crucial milestone of selection of System
Integrator, but only 16 out of 35 States/UTs have completed the task.
On the other hand, the development of Core Application Software (CAS)
has been completed, field testing is under way, and agreements have
been signed to establish nation-wide connectivity. The sum of all
these, I am afraid, is that while CCTNS is progressing, it is 9 months
behind schedule.
The NSG has moved into its permanent headquarters at the four
hubs. Soon, the NIA will set up new offices at Mumbai, Kochi and
Lucknow. Other elements have to be put in place to complete the
security architecture and I earnestly seek your cooperation and
support in that regard.
The BPR&D has published the first-ever compilation of data on
police organisations in India as on January 1, 2011. It is an
illuminating study and captures the hard data on the state of police
organisations. There were only 100 civil police for a population of
100,000. The vacancies in all ranks were 501,069 or about 25 per cent
of the sanctioned strength. States spent about Rs.50,000 crore on the
police in 2010-11, but that was only 4.76 per cent of the total
budgeted expenditure of all States. Of this, only about Rs.700 crore
was spent on training. The findings speak for themselves. The study
is a wake-up call to all of us, and I would urge you to take the
corrective steps that are so urgently needed in order to enhance our
capacity to meet the challenges.
Before I close, I would once again like to underscore my firm
belief that, bound by the Constitution of India and working together,
we can make this country safe and secure; ensure peace and harmony;
and create an environment that will promote faster and more inclusive
growth.
For every US troop killed, 25 veterans commit suicide
A shocking new report reveals that for every US soldier killed this year about 25 war veterans have committed suicide.
According to a New York Times article published on April 14, an American soldier dies every day and a half, on average, in Iraq or Afghanistan while veterans kill themselves at a rate of one every 80 minutes.
The article also said more than 6,500 veteran suicides are logged every year -- more than the total number of soldiers killed in Afghanistan and Iraq combined since those wars began.
One reason for veteran suicides may be post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), along with a related condition, traumatic brain injury, according to the article.
One study found that by their third or fourth tours in Iraq or Afghanistan, more than one-quarter of soldiers had such mental health problems, the article added.
Preliminary figures suggest that being a veteran now roughly doubles one’s risk of suicide. The article quoted a study in The American Journal of Public Health which said for young men aged 17 to 24, being a veteran almost quadruples the risk of suicide.
The United States invaded Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003.
According to official figures released by the websiteicasualties.org, 1,936 American soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan since October 2001.
A total of 4,486 American soldiers have also been killed in Iraq since 2003.
Iran summons Saudi envoy over prisoners
Iran's Foreign Ministry has summoned the Saudi Arabian ambassador to Tehran over concerns about Iranian prisoners kept in Saudi prisons.
US drone strike kills dozens of Somalis
A new airstrike by a US assassination drone leaves dozens of Somalis dead
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