Era of wars over, ready to resolve all issues with India: Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: The era of wars has ended andPakistan is prepared to resolve all outstanding issues with India, including the Kashmir dispute and terrorism, through talks, prime ministerYousuf Raza Gilani said today.

"The era of wars has ended. We are ready to sit and resolve all core issues? whether it is Kashmir, Sir Creek, Siachen, water or terrorism ? at the negotiating table," Gilani said while addressing a conference on the role of NGOs in the development of Pakistan.

Instead of trying to resolve issues through force, the government has adopted a policy of progress and negotiations, he said.

A hand of friendship had been extended to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, he added.

Noting that people had been talking of the need to withdraw troops from Siachen following an avalanche that hit a Pakistan army camp and buried 138 people, Gilani said Islamabad is ready for talks with New Delhi on all core issues.

The premier contended that the basic causes of terrorism and extremism were illiteracy and poverty.

India and Pakistan resumed their peace process last year after a gap of over two years in the aftermath of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which were blamed on the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. Since then, the two sides have taken several steps to normalise relations, especially in the field of trade.

President Asif Ali Zardari went to India on a day-long private visit a day after the avalanche slammed into a high-altitude Pakistan army camp in the Siachen sector on April 7.

He met Indian Prime Minister Singh, who called for practical and pragmatic solutions to the problems between the two countries.

Following a visit to the Siachen sector on April 18, army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani called for all issues between India and Pakistan to be resolved to ensure "peaceful co-existence" which would allow the two countries to focus on development.

He further said Pakistan hoped the Siachen issue is "resolved so that both the countries don't have to pay the cost".

Civil Society comes forward in spreading awareness on traffic management

-Special 15 day drive on traffic management

-200 student volunteers to be on the roads

 Srinagar, April 23 (VOS): Civil Society Forum Kashmir in association with traffic police, NCC and NSS wings of Amar Singh College kick started a traffic awareness campaign in the Srinagar city. The campaign will continue for next 15 days. In this awareness campaign the student volunteers will be posted at various traffic signal points in the city. The volunteers will try to aware people on the grave issues like reservation of seats for women in passenger vehicles, use of helmets, rash driving, use of seat belts etc. For the first three days the special drive will focus on awareness about reservation of seats for ladies.

The drive was flagged off from the Amar Singh College by the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mr Baseer Ahmed Khan. On the occasion the Mr Khan asked the volunteers to be the symbol of awareness on the roads. The other prominent people present on the occasion included DIG Traffic Mr Vijay Kumar, SP Traffic Mr Haseeb ur Rehman, Principal Amar Singh College Mr Zahoor Ahmed Chat, Gen Secretary Civil Society Forum Mr Omar Tramboo and prominent TV journalist of the valley Mr. Shuja-ul-haq.

The Civil Society Forum Kashmir has appealed the general public to support the cause and cooperate in spreading awareness on the issue of traffic management in Srinagar.  

INAUGURATION OF ANANTNAG PREMIER LEAGUE
BY GOC, VICTOR FORCE

 Srinagar, April 23 (VOS): Victor Force, in conjunction with Dist Cricket Federation Anantnag is organising sports activities to give a boost to the youth of the District. The Anantnag Premier League (APL) is yet another milestone in the history of the district sports activity.

            Anantnag Premier League (APL) for selection of two district team of Anantnag is being conducted at three venues of Anantnag Sports Stadium, Nanil and Mattan cricket ground. The tournament was inaugurated by Maj Gen Gurdeep Singh, GOC Victor Force. The aim of this tournament is to encourage the youth to develop sportsmanship spirit & select the best cricket teams in district Anantnag, for participating in the Kashmir Premier League (Chinar Cup) to be conducted in June 2012. 52 teams from Anantnag, besides, two teams of Tral & Shershali are participating in APL - 2012.

            The joint efforts by the Army and civil sports authorities are aimed to enhance the sportsmanship spirit amongst the youth and this has been appreciated by the locals. While talking to some local youth, they appreciated the efforts of the Army in organizing sports activities for them..

            The General Officer also visited Zaida Aapa Institute of Inclusive Education, the special children’s school run by Humanity Welfare Organisation at Bijbehara.

PDP youth wing holds protest monstration against denial of passports to Hajj aspirants

 Srinagar, April 23 (VOS): Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) youth wing today held a protest demostration against the denial and unnecessary delay caused by the government in issuance of passports to the people in general and to Hajj aspirants in perticular.

The protest started from PDP head quarters and marched towards Lalchowk which was stopped by heavy police contengent near kothibagh. Besides hundreds of youth, secretary coordination youthwing Shahzad Asim,  general secretary Er Nazir Ah Yatoo, organising secretary Syed Irfan, youth District President Jahangir and youth Zonal presidents of Srinagar led the demonstration.

The protestors recalled the announcements made by Chief Minister regarding the issuance of hasselfree passports. They said that despite government’s assurances that there will be no denial or unncessary delay in issuance of passports to the relatives of the militants dead or alive, contrary is happening on ground.

The protestors said that Hajj apsirants have been waiting endlessly for their passports without they can not submit the applications which have been made mandatory for submission of their Hajj applications. Despite having been granted 2^nd extention to submit their Hajj application the aspirants have still not got their passports even though they have fulfilled all the formalities including submission of affidevit.

PDP demanded immediate issuance of passports to the people so that the aspirants could perform their religious duty of Hajj.

Coordination Committee for maintenance of Shrines Temples

 Srinagar, April 23 (VOS): The Town Shopian visited Holy Shrine of Kapal Mochan and other temples of town under the leadership of Shri Dwarika Nath Kitchloo President. It was observed that construction work at Kapal Mochan was going on smoothly. The Holy Kapleshwar Shivlingam was also restored to its  original shape and place. The District dministration and Police in particular gave a good response with regard to ex-gratia relief to the gutted structures and fencing of Ram Temple at Shopian. The  eputation also met MLA shopian, besides SSP Shopian who personally visited the Holy Shrine and assured of full security cover to the property in future. The Prabanchak Committee Khir Bhawani Manzgam facilitated our stay during these days at the Holy Shrine of Manzgam. The delegation will return after completion of the assigned tasks.

DECEIT AND TRICKERY ARE TRAITS OF PDP: Tanvir

 Srinagar, April 23 (VOS): Accusing PDP and opposition parties of taking the state towards devastation and annihilation, National Conference Spokesman, Tanvir Sadiq today said that PDP has only used the people as fodder to meet their political narrow ends. He said adding that it has misfired and people have understood and exhorted faith in the leadership and policies of the National Conference. Reacting to the statement of PDP President, the spokesman said, PDP is frustrated after seeing the path breaking initiatives taken by the Omar Abdullah-led government and remarkable achievements during its last three years on both political and development fronts adding, “PDP has survived on "Deception and slur" so far and now stands fully exposed before the people”. Petty Politics has been PDP's trait since its inception and it is least concerned with the welfare of the people. It has no political ideology and is a party by chance, reacting to the statement of Mehbooba Mufti yesterday; he said “from failed politician they have become comic fortune tellers”.

Accusing the PDP leaders of suffering from senile dementia, Tanvir said gone are the days when a leader would feed the audience with slogans or utopian dreams. People want results now and they don't have the patience to wait until tomorrow. He said, PDP leaders have blood of thousands of people on their hands and the youth have not forgotten how their leader installed Jagmohan as the governor of the state only to massacre innocent people in Gawkadal. He said people will not forgive them for their sins.

“PDP has all along hoodwinked the people by hallow and emotive slogans, they are creating a mess partly because of their rusty mindset or partly because they don't understand the global compulsions, said Tanvir, elaborating that “the youth of today recognizes hypocritical leaders who have hypnotized them by their extremist mantra”.

”Mehbooba Ji is willing to sacrifice everything to keep Omar Sahib out of power it will do anything to topple NC led government irrespective of consequences for them or for the state”. Tanvir said, adding the coalition is strong and will complete its term.

Recalling the 2008 election, Tanvir said that PDP literally begged Congress to be part of a coalition in which PDP would not even take any ministries, adding, that anger and hatred continues to be in their minds. It is “deeply maddening” for PDP that the state under NC-Congress coalition government has had its best 3 years in a decade in terms of development, peace and tourism”, he said adding "The fact that the state had extremely successful elections to Panchayats who have now been empowered, "was something painful for them ", Tanvir remarked.

Reacting to the statement of PDP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Muzzafar Hussain Beigh against the Union Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Tanvir said “Beigh is known for his double speak, his statements are characterized as "utterly ridiculous, absurd, and senile, Terming him a politician by chance and a turn coat, Tanvir reminded him and his leaders that their hands are still covered with blood of innocent people killed in the Gawkadal massacre, hawal killings, and innocent NC workers from handwara and else where, adding that in their regime looting and corruption was the order of the day. He reminded PDP that people have not forgotten how their Ministers looted the state exchequer, and people still have the Forest scandal, the Sex scandal and the Shrine board incident fresh in their mind.

The Spokesman added that “a party whose president heaps praises against a communal person like Modi has no right to talk about honesty and integrity, adding, we can only expect “Deceit and trickery” from them.

Accusing the PDP of mass exodus of Kashmir Pandits, the spokesman said “PDP leaders who talk of the welfare of Kashmiri Pandits, actually in connivance with the then Governor Jagmohan chased the minority out, adding, that this was a plan hatched in Delhi in which the then Home Minister and Muzzafar Beigh the then advocate general was instrumental to malign the image of Kashmiris. “PDP and BJP are the face of the same coin, he said.

  

Terming the former Deputy Chief Minister as power hungry opportunist, the spokesman said “Beigh is so desperate that if he or PDP get an opportunity to share power they would not hesitate to even go with RSS” he remarked.

Terming Omar as the best thing that has happened to the state he reminded the opposition that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had promised on the floor of the house to walk "10steps" towards the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to address the political issue of the state if the opposition party "moves one step forward sincerely".

“On this floor of house, Omar Abdullah on record committed to walk 10 steps towards PDP if it rises above politics and moves one step forward sincerely towards Omar Abdullah to help address the political issue of Jammu and Kashmir, this shows the sincerity of Omar Abdullah said Tanvir adding that instead the PDP is assuming the role of a disruptor and egotistical.

2 militants surrendered in Sopore.

 Srinagar, April 23 (VOS): 2 militants, Mohammad Lateef Pir alias Mushtaq Ahmad Latrum son of Ali Mohammad Mir resident of Tujjar Sharief Sopore and barkat Rasool alias Shoaib son of Gulam Rasool Mir Logripora who ha d crossed over to Pakistan occupied Kashmir in 1990’s have returned back Via Nipal along with Wives and children. They have surrendered before Police Station Bomai Sopore. Police has registered a case in this regard.  

NC challenges Soz to prove his strength,

“We are not against empowerment of Panchyats.” Kamal

“Have done what we could, can’t ignore 370.” Sagar.

Srinagar, April 23 (VOS): A day after State Congress Chief Professor Saif u din Soz termed its alliance partner NC as the ‘only hurdle’ in empowerment of Panchayts in the state, National Conference on Monday alleged that Soz was trying to provoke people against the Omar Abdullah government. “ We challenge Soz to come out on roads with his supports and prove his strength.’’ NC, additional general Secretary Dr. Mustafa Kamal told VOS, claiming that JKPCC head had a support of just ‘ few hundred people’.

 “He is known only because he leads the Congress in the state, otherwise we don’t see him as a public leader.” Kamal claimed, adding that Congress high command must have taken a note of the remarks made by its state Chief.“Empowering Panchayats is a constitutional issue rather than a political one. Soz was better to raise it in coordination committee or assembly session.” Added Kamal. While criticizing Prof. for working against the government, Kamal said, “ No storm will take place with his warnings.” 

 Refusing to accept that National Conference was a big hurdle in empowerment of Panchyats in the state, NC firebrand leader  said, “ We are not against it, but one must realize that it can’t happen overnight. Numbers of amendments have taken place in Indian Constitution as the time progressed, so could be with Panchayat Raj Act in J&K. we must be able to find the loopholes after it runs for some time.” He further added that there was no need to bring an ordinance in this regard and alleged that Soz’s remarks were ‘unhealthy’ and ‘anti- government’.

Meanwhile Proz. Soz while talking to VOS over phone said that Congress will not give up its demand of empowering the Panchayts. “we don’t want changes in 73^rd  amendment only but there should be changes in amendment 74 also which pertains to the powers of Muncipal corporators.” Told Soz.

Soz had on Sunday reportedly termed National Conference as the “only hurdle in the empowerment of Panchyats’ in the state, while addressing a public rally in Rajori.

Government however said that it had already done what it could to empower Panchs and Sarpanchs in the state. “ We have done maximum amendments and don’t understand what else they want.”  Law and Panchayti affairs Minster Ali Mohammad Sagar told VOS. He maintained that Government has to take article 370, which guarantees Jammu and Kashmir, a special status within Indian Constitution, into consideration. “ We can’t do anything more in this regard.” Asserted Sagar.

Shelving K-Issue for mutual friendship ‘unacceptable’ to Kashmiris: Malik

Holds joint press conference with Jamat e Islami Chief In Lahore.

Srinagar, April 23 (VOS): Sating that Kashmiri were not averse to Indo-Pak friendship or dialogue between the two neighboring countries, Liberation Front Chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik said, the continuous failure of the  dialogue  on Kashmir during last 60 years has put a question mark on the credibility of the whole  dialogue exercise.

 “People of Jammu and Kashmir are up for a peaceful movement. On behest of the people and nations around the world we have uphold the traditions of a peaceful struggle.” Malik told in a joint press conference with the Chief of Pakistan Jamat e Islami in Lahore on Monday. According to VOS, Malik maintained that Kashmiris had sacrificed one lakh souls for seeking the solution of Kashmir issue, adding that people were still laying down their lives for the cause. “ Since we are the worst sufferers of K-issue, therefore who could be more happy than us to find a solution of the problem.” Asserted Liberation front Chief who was flanked by Pak. Jamat e Islami head Syed Munawar Hassan and other leaders.

 Malik regretted that despite repeated failures of the dialogue process on Kashnir for last 23 years, both the countries did not include Kashmiris in it which has deepened the suspicion of its validity among Kashmiris. “ Kashmiris are worried that lest their sacrifices  like in the past are overshadowed by mutual trade and friendship between the two countries.” Asserted Malik, cautioning that that New Delhi and Islamabd should desist from shelving the K-Issue for their relationships. “ If there was any such move, Kashmiris will not accept it.” Malik added.

“ Kashmiris have lost four generations for the cause and we will never accept that this issue is pushed to backburner.” Asserted Yasi Malik. “ Kashmir solution holds the key to development and peace in south Assia and such an issue could be resolved only with the participation of Kashmiris in the dialogue.” Malik told in the press conference.

 Meanwhile Jamat e Islami of Pakistan Chief Syed Munawar while appreciating Yasin Malik’s role and sacrifices in seeking the resolution of Kashmir issue said, “ We salute the sacrifices made by kashmiri people for their right to self determination.” Without naming Yasin Malik, Munawar added, “ We have amongst us a kashmir leader who has right form his childhood made sacrifices for Kashmir cause.”  He appealed Pakistan leadership to desist from taking any step which according to him negates the sacrifices of the Kashmiris.Earlier Mohaad Yasin Malik held hours long deliberations with Top Jamat leadership in Lahore

Mufti terms NC-Congress fight over Panchayat Empowerment 'Mock',

Says, Coalition to block Change in J&K.

Srinagar, April 23 (VOS): Taking on the government of India and the state government for their hypocritical role in denying powers to panchayats and deactivating urban local bodies Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today  said the year old panchayat elections have been turned into  mere publicity reference.

“Both government of India and the state government have been paying only lip service to the cause of empowerment and in the process have robbed the institutions of self governance of their credibility and potential for change” he said in a statement to VOS on monday. He said congress and NC are in coalition both at the center and in the state and can’t run away from their responsibility by blaming each other. He said while congress was instrumental in empowering panchayats in rest of the country they are resorting to double standards in J&K by being part of the resistance to change.

Mufti said on the one hand the government of India honors select officials for holding elections to the panchayats in the state and on the other it has colluded with the state government to deny the thousands of panchs and sarpanchs the powers that the constitution has granted them all over the country. “The real heroes of the exercise including the 80 % voters who elected the panchayat members and the field level officers who worked day and night in conducting elections, all have been humiliated in an exceptionally insensitive choice of recipients of the medals, while rendering the pachayats as mere show pieces used only to distort the discourse about empowerment of the people” he said.

The PDP patron said the constituent parties of the coalition were engaged in a mock war of words over the devolution of powers to panchayats with both congress and National conference reluctant to share power at the village level with the people who are the real stakeholders in development process. “They are trying to hoodwink people through statements that have lost validity. They have failed to hold block and district level elections or releasing remuneration to panchayat members” Mufti said while pointing out that the ruling coalition it seemed had only one limited goal of holding elections to the four seats of legislative council to fill them up through their favorites in the name of panchayat representation. “The coalition partners are subverting the institutions for petty partisan interests” he said.

Referring to the delay in holding elections to the urban local bodies Mufti said spurious reasons were confected to continue the status quo. These elections were due in February 2010 and even after more than two years the government is in no mood to conduct these elections any time soon, he said and asked why these were delayed so long? He said the only reason for killing the municipal institutions was for the ruling parties to misuse the civic space for pushing the personal agendas of their leaders and ministers. “They want to control municipalities through favorite officials for making backdoor entries in thousands and also making money by promoting illegal constructions converting urban areas into virtual slums” he said.  

Mufti said congress and NC were executing a joint venture in blocking the empowerment of people in J&K that was a historic necessity. He said people are now becoming increasingly conscious of their democratic rights and anyone trying to subvert the process of complete democratization would find himself in the dustbin of history.

Burglary solved within 24 hours, stolen gold items worth Rs 32 lakh recovered: SSP Srinagar

Srinagar, April 23 (VOS): Srinagar police achieved a major breakthrough by arresting 03 burglars from Jammu when they were try to flee with stolen gold items worth Rs. 20 lakh, besides, arresting a domestic help for stealing gold jewelry worth 10 lacs.

               This was stated by SSP Srinagar Mr. Ashiq Bukhari in a press conference at Police Station Rainawari today.

               Giving details of the cases the SSP said that Rainawari police received a complaint from Ather Mustafa resident of Saida kadal that they had gone on a family tour to Pahalgam on 19^th April 2012 and they received a call from neighbour that their main door of the house is wide open. The family rushed back to home from picnic and found all gold items worth more than 14 lakh missing which were kept in a safe place inside their house.

               A case FIR No: 16/2012 U/s 457,380,12B RPC was registered in Rainawari police station and swift action was launched. Few suspects were rounded up where in a clue stuck that a vehicle Wagon-r bearing registration number JK2S-9840 was in suspected condition near the ill-fated house. When the registration number was confirmed from the concern authorities, we found the call number of the owner of the vehicle.

               Upon analysis it was found that the suspected person is heading towards Jammu and a police team of Rainawari rushed to Jammu and arrested the suspected persons, Ahahaan Ahmad Bhat son of Mohammad Yaqoob Bhat resident of Panch Teerti Jammu, Yougesh Dogra son of Ved prakash Dogra resident of Janipur Jammu and Akshay Kumar son of Krinpal Chand resident of Janipore Jammu.

               Their sustained questioning revealed that they had committed the theft and have conceded the stolen gold items in the door of the vehicle used in the commission to the crime which is parked near Gaw Kadal Srinagar. One of the accused is a relative of the family who had planned the theft, as he knew where the gold items were inside the house. The vehicle was seized near Gaw Kadal and when the plastic covering of the door was opened all stolen gold items were found concealed inside the door. The case was solved within 24 hours and the accused have been put behind the bars, gold items recovered and vehicle used has been seized.

               In another burglary case, on 20th March 2012 Police M R Gunj received a complaint from Ghulam Mohammad Sheikh son of Mohammad Khaleel Sheikh resident of Saraf Kadal that gold items worth more than Rs. 10 lakh is missing from his home.

               A case FIR No 13/2012  U/S 381,411,109 RPC was registered and  during the investigation it surfaced that the domestic help of the victim family Gulzar Ahmad Wani Son of Abdual Gafar Wani resident of Kathran Beerwah is showing strange behaviors. During his sustained questioning he admitted to had committed the theft with another accomplice Jahingir Ahmad Waza Son of Ali Mohmad Waza resident of Tanki Mohalla. The stolen gold items worth more than Rs 10 lakh were recovered from different places mostly from the house of the Gulzar Ahmad Wani.

               SSP Srinagar added that in another burglary case FIR NO 18/2012 U/S 457,380 RPC of Police Station M.R Gunj all stolen electronic items worth Rs. 50,000 were recovered from two accused Hilal Ahmad Rah son of Abdul Rahim Rah, resident of Urdu Bazar and Gulzar Ahmad Dar son Ali Muhammad Dar resident of M R Gunj. The case was solved in two days of reporting with recovery of all stolen electronic goods.

               Moreover, one ATM fraud was reported at Police Station Maisuma on 17 the March 2012 by complainant namely Syed Shafaq Nayeema resident of Nowpura Khanyar that she surprisingly found an amount of Rs. 1,20,000 missing from her account SBI branch Upon the complaint FIR No 18/2012 U/S 420,379 RPC,66B IT was registered . During investigation many suspects were questioned and it surfaced that one accused Syed Akther Hussain Son of Syed Sajad Hussain resident of Hassna Abad Rainawari has fraudulently exchanged her ATM card under the guise of helping the lady in withdrawal of money from ATM machine at Maisuma. An Amount of Rs 85,000 was recovered from him and one laptop worth Rs. 35,000 was recovered from him and handed over to the complaint under the court orders.

Improvement in the operational efficiency and prevention of T&D losses by the PDD: Civil Society

Srinagar, April 23 (VOS): The Kashmir Centre for Social and Development Studies (KCSDS) has warned the  state government of dire consequences if it implemented the fresh power hike approved arbitrarily by J&K State Electricity Regulatory Commission (JKSERC). In a meeting chaired by KCSDS Chairperson Prof. Hameedah Nayeem , the civil society has decided to challenge the fresh hike order along with the overall  functioning of SERC in the court of Justice. The members representing all walks of life including academia, medicos, technocrats, traders, industrialists, social organizations and others conveyed  their dismay over the role of J&K SERC to have approved the hike despite the  objections filed by the civil society groups both at Srinagar and Jammu on technical grounds. They termed the SERC as an aide of state government to apparently  egitimize and implement their unwarranted dictates to overburden

the hapless masses.

The members observed with great regret that J&K SERC has allowed an  unprecedented hike of over 150% in the power tariff since its induction in 2007 -08 from average value of Rs. 1.40 per unit in the year 2006-07 (before  SERC issued first tariff order for 2007-08) to Rs. 3.65 /unit in 2012-13. Curiously  enough, the rate revision has been affected twice just within a period of 5 months  by a total price hike of 26%.

Contrary to its purpose of inception in terms of the J&K SERC Act envisaging dispassionate and impartial role on their part as an autonomous body, the commission has acted in tune with the dictates of the state government. Moreover the commission has displayed a scant care to one of the vital obligations devolving on it in respect of improvement in the operational efficiency  and prevention of T&D losses by the PDD. SERC has in fact acted as a mute spectator to the fact that the T&D losses have increased alarmingly rather than

showing any decline, the members lamented. Besides, despite acknowledgement on the part of SERC with regard to non compliance of its various directives by the PDD with impunity, the former has

failed to take any action against the latter. The members regretted that Instead  the SERC has confined its role to lone subject of overburdening the consumers by revising the tariff. The gross negligence on the part of SERC to discharge its  duties in terms of the essence of J&K SERC Act as well as J&K Electricity Act speaks volumes about its passionism towards the PDD rather than public in general and state exchequer in particular.

The discrepancies in the power management by PDD as disclosed by the Census report of 2011 which shows almost 8.00 lacs illegal electric connections in the state has been grossly ignored by the SERC. Such a state of affairs has ultimately  tarnished the credibility of the SERC in the eyes of the society which aspect forces them to seek justice in the court of law. Before any legal action is initiated against SERC and PDD, the chief minister is required to delve deep in the matter in its right and logical perspective ; and come out with a just and people friendly decision and refrain from a ruse pack against citizens who are being over burdened for compensating the usage of electricity by illegal consumers in connivance with PDD. The state government has a number of options to curtail down its losses in power sector by implementing reforms at all levels of procurement and distribution of

electricity. Each percent curtailed in the A T&C losses can fetch the government 30 crores. The unprecedented electricity duty of 22% charged, the prime concern of the civil society, is in fact incompatible with such tax charged elsewhere and needs to be waived off in respect of domestic, commercial and industrial consumers. Pertinently, the electricity tax rate surpasses the highest tax rate of 13.5% applicable in the state for all items of consumption. The dismal lack of concern on the part of the government to this vital issue has enmasse created a panic and is likely to outburst in such a crises which will further destabilize the situation.

Power shut down on April 25

                SRINAGAR, APRIL 23: According to the Power Controller, Kashmir Province (PDD), Bemina, Srinagar in order to carry out routine maintenance work of 33 KV Shalimar line, the power will remain off in the areas fed from these lines on April 25, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Action initiated against absent Employees in Bandipora

            BANDIPORA, APRIL 23:  Additional Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora accompanied by a team of officers today conducted a surprise visit of dozens of Government offices, hospitals and educational institutions.

            During the inspection, the ADC ordered initiation of disciplinary action against two absentees in Agriculture office.

            He directed the employees to work with more dedication so that the people do not face any inconvenience on this count.

Div Com reviews National Highway widening project

                SRINAGAR, APRIL 23: Work is apace on the National Highway widening project in Kashmir division and out of Rs. 280.31 Crores an amount of Rs. 233.44 Crores has been disbursed to 3077 beneficiaries whose land has been acquired for widening and construction of National Highway in 58 villages of Anantnag, Pulwama, Budgam and Srinagar districts as compensation. 7415Kanal–15 Marla of land is involved in the acquisition. Till date 5566 Kanals–8Marla have already been handed over to National Highway Authority of India. Rs.233.44 Crore have been disbursed to 3077 beneficiaries so far.

            This was stated in a review meeting related to National Highway Project held here today. The meeting was chaired by Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon. The Divisional Commissioner sought a detailed report from the concerned departments to assess the implementation of the project so far and to find out problem areas, if any.

            Div Com fixed targets for the Collectors to ensure immediate disbursement of compensation to the land owners and handing over the land to the National Highway Authorities to accelerate execution of work. It was informed that due to bad weather conditions the pace of work was slow. Explicit instructions were given to the Project Director, NHAI and Chief Engineers to ensure shifting of utilities by May 07, 2012. Dr. Samoon said that the works done till date under National Highway widening project would be inspected by him in coming days to make an on spot assessment. 

            The meeting was attended by Joint Secretary, Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways, Govt. of India, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Mr. Baseer Ahmad Khan, Superintending Engineers, Additional Deputy Commissioners, Officers of Revenue, Forest, PDD, PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control and other officers from Govt of India.

Governor for short term vocational courses; academic audit of institutions of higher learning

 JAMMU, APRIL 23 - Mr. N. N. Vohra, Governor, today called upon the Universities of the State to organize short-term vocational courses in Tourism and other potential disciplines to enhance the employability of the youth in travel trade and varied other employment intensive sectors.        

The Governor, who is the Chancellor of the Jammu University, was chairing the 72^nd meeting of the University Council, at Raj Bhavan here this evening.

The University Council authorized the Vice Chancellor of the Jammu University to take all remedial measures/actions within his competence on the recommendations of the Enquiry Committee (headed by the Chief Secretary) which had been constituted by the Chief Minister to look into the allegations of administrative impropriety, favouritism and financial irregularities against the previous Vice Chancellor and the officers of the University. The Vice Chancellor was also advised to ensure that the recommendations/observations of this Committee, which require special approvals, should be placed before the concerned bodies of the University on a time bound basis and the entire Report processed without any delay whatsoever.  

 The Governor observed that with the revival and the promotion of tourism in the State the youth having pursued short-term certificate courses could find ready employment avenues. He said that the Universities could also think of organizing other such courses having potential in the emerging job market to benefit the youth of the State.

Referring to the creation and upgradation of infrastructure facilities at the main Campus and the off-site Campuses, the Governor said that the construction of students hostels, particularly for girls, need to be given priority attention so that the students from remote areas could pursue their academic careers in large numbers. He underlined the need for micro-focusing on the growth of off-site Campuses for continually improving the quality of education to equip our youth to compete successfully in the emerging competitive scenario. He also stressed that all the newly coming up buildings must have adequate provision for use of solar energy, harvesting of rain water, fire safety measures and ramps to facilitate physically challenged persons.

The Governor advised the Vice Chancellor to undertake visits to the affiliated Colleges to monitor the facilities and the performance of these institutions, adding that those of the Principals, teachers and the colleges showing outstanding performances could be awarded. Referring to the need for conducting academic audit of educational institutions, he said that such a mechanism can help in harmonious growth of all the institutions of higher learning. He suggested that the various Universities of the State could coordinate in regard to the functioning of their placement cells for the larger benefit of the youth of the State.           

Prof. M. P. S. Ishar, Vice Chancellor, Jammu University, in his power point presentation, gave details of the academic and extra-curricular achievements of the University. He also dwelt on the efforts being made to improve the existing infrastructure and the initiatives taken in the fields of teaching, research and extension activities.    

The meeting discussed various agenda items in detail and took the required decisions. It also reviewed the action taken on the decisions of the earlier meetings of the University Council.

The meeting among others was attended by Prof. Talat Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir; Prof. Vinayshil Gautam; Prof. R. P. Tandon; Mr. M. I. Khandey, Principal Secretary, Finance; Mr. Navin Kumar Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor; Mrs. Tanveer Jehan, Commissioner Secretary, Higher Education, and Prof. Naresh Padha, Registrar, University of Jammu.

Rafi conferred Public Adm Excellence Award

Hasnain describes Rafi a rare combination of worth, virtue

BUDGAM, APRIL 22:- GOC-15 Corps, Lt. Gen. S. A. Hasnain conferred award of Excellence in public administration to Deputy Development Commissioner (DDC), Budgam Mr. Mohammad Rafi.

The Award was presented to Mr. Rafi at a function organized in Berwah, Budgam which was among others attended by senior officers of civil administration and prominent citizens.

While presenting the prestigious award to Mr. Rafi, Gen Hasnain hailed the access and outreach model adopted by Mr. Rafi to redress the grievances of the people. He described Mr. Rafi as a rare combination of worth and virtue” adding that Rafi has earned a niche among the general masses for being proactive and responsive to the grievances of the masses especially hailing from bad pockets and downtrodden segments of the society.

Mr. Rafi has been working as DDC Budgam since last three years and is being respected by all the districts for his innovative “Access and outreach model” for addressing the problems of the people.

The Bench to go through confidential document while hearing PIL challenging the appointment of Bikram Singh

• SC dismisses PIL against Bikram Singh as Army Chief  
• 
  
• New Delhi: SC today dismissed a PIL challenging appointment of Lt Gen Bikram Singh as the next Army Chief. The court said that it does not find find justifiable ground to entertain the petition.  The govt went through all allegations against Lt Gen Singh before clearing his appointment, says SC after seeing his file placed by Centre