Israel on verge of disaster: Ex-Mossad chief Meir Dagan

Former Mossad chief Meir Dagan says Israel is on the brink of “disaster” and that the Tel Aviv regime faces a “very bad” forecast of its future.

“We are on the edge of -- I would not say a disaster because that is a bit exaggerated -- but we are facing a very bad prognosis of what will happen in the future,” Dagan said in a recent interview with the Jerusalem Post. 

The former Mossad chief also censured the regime of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. 

Dagan said the Israeli “system is reaching a point where” the regime is “incapable of running” Israel. 

Dagan has formed an organization that supports changing the Israeli system. 

The former Mossad chief is also considered a controversial character by the Tel Aviv regime as he has described an attack on Iran as the “dumbest idea.” 

In November 2010, Dagan was replaced by Tamir Pardo as the new Mossad chief. 

Govt. likely to issue passport to relatives of militants for Hajj.

‘We will adopt liberal policy for Hajj 2012.’ Passport Officer

‘CM has instructed for speedy CID verification’: Nasir.

Srinagar, April 18 (VOS) : Clearing the doubts ,Passport authorities on Tuesday hinted   to issue  passports to the  relatives of militants  thus enabling them to  undertake the Hajj pilgrimage. “We will be reviewing the matter on case to case basis but definitely there will a very liberal policy for hajj 2012.”  Regional Passport Officer Firdous Ahmad told VOS, adding that the Srinagar passport office had issued a record 17, 878 passports in the first three months of the current year. “We have also issued almost 7,000 passports since 20^th march 2012.” Claimed passport officer. Assuring the issuance of passports on fast track basis, Passport officer said that the entire system would go online very soon which will enable applicants to access the details frequently.  

Meanwhile hinting of restricting the Tatkal facility to only a few cases, Passport officer said, that the facility would not be available randomly anymore. “Such facility can not  be offered to every one. We need to put a check on it.” Maintained  Firdous. He added that his office had received almost 1,000 applications for the issuance of short term passports from those who were denied the same due to pending CID verification. “ There were thousands of applications pending for want of CID clearance and now with the intervention of foreign ministry, we will be issuing a short term passport to those who had been denied the facility for certain reasons.” Told Firdous.  Regarding the issuance of passport to MLA Langeth Er. Rashid, Regional passport Officer said that following the court direction the MLA woud be issued passport very soon. “ There is no verification pending from CID and MLA would be issued passport after some formalities.”

Meanwhile Minster of state for home, Nasir Aslam Wani told VOS, “We are committed to bring relief to the people of the state and we would like to enable more and more people to perform Hajj.” He added that there were clear instructions from Chief Minster Omar Abdullah that the CID verifications should be done on fast track basis so that people could feel relief.

JCC Calls for ‘secretariat Gherao,’ as Police quells Tuesday’s Protest.

Sagar’s fresh offer unacceptable. Wani, Keep your promise. Alam

Srinagar, April (VOS) 17: As thousands of employees stayed away from offices on Tuesday and staged protests on JCC call to press for their demands of enhancement in retirement age, Police was swift to quell the protest march and used Colored water cannon and baton charge near Jahangir Chowk to disperse the agitating employees. Eye witnesses told VOS that hundreds of employees gathered near Khalsa School at Exhibition road and proceeded toward Lal Chowk when they were intercepted by a heavy contingent of Police near Fly Over. “ there was a very heavy contingent of police force already deployed along the route.” An agitating employee told VOS, adding that hundreds of employees were roughed up by the police. “They resorted to heavy lathi charge and used colored canon water.” He added and alleged that such water was being used for stone pelters. “ Even female employees were beaten by mercilessly.” Alleged the employees.” Several employees were arrested by the police and lodged in different police stations.” Told another employee who was himself detained in a police station.

Meanwhile lashing out at government EJAC leader Abdul Qayoom Wani told VOS from Shaheed Gunj Police station that it (GOVT.) was backtracking from a written agreement. “ Chief Secretary was to submit his report by the end of feb. and govt. was to implement the agreement by the end of march. Both have missed the deadlines deliberately.” Wani told VOS. While rejecting the latest offer by senior Minster and Cabinet sub-committee member Ali Mohammad Sagar to approach govt. Wani said, “ How many times will they say this. We had meeting even in late Feb. what happened.” He added, “Such tactics won’t work anymore.” Pertinently Ali Mohammad Sagar while talking to VOS on Monday had appealed Employees leaders to approach the government in case there was any grievance. “This is the only government which has solved so many issues and problems of the employees.” Sagar  told VOS.Meanwhile EJAC has announced another round of protest on 8^th and 9^th of may and have decided to stage a secretariat gherao on 9^th may. “We will be going for the strike on 8^th and 9^th may again and will stage a secretariat gherao  on 9^th of may.” Told Wani.

Another EJAC leader Mohammad Khursheed Alam who along with Wani and other JCC leaders was detained in Shaheed Gunj Police station told VOS,“We will continue to fight for the cause of employees.” demanding that government should keep its promise. “ If superannuation is halted for two years in wake of enhancing the retirement age by two years, Govt. will save billions of rupees  and can engage thousands of unemployed youth on that money.” Asserted Alam.

Congress MLA’s intensify pressure for Cabinet Expansion.

‘Further Dealey could destabilize party’. Wani

Srinagar, April (VOS) 17: Frustrated with the ‘delay’ in the cabinet expansion, Congress MLA’s from Doda have cautioned  Party High Command including Union Minster Gh. Nabi Azad that any further delay could prove disastrous for the party in the home district of Azad and the coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir . “This is the only district in the state which has fetched 5 out of 6 seats to congress and probably the only district which does not have any representation in the cabinet.” MLA Doda Abdul Majeed Wani told VOS, marinating that Congress could lose support in the region in case High command continued to ignore the ‘aspirations’ of the people of region. Interestingly, the strong worded statement has come at a time when Former Chief Minster and Union Minster Gh. Nabi Azad who represents Doda in parliament landed in the state for two day visit on Tuesday.Majeed who is considered as a close aid of Azad lashed out at congress top brass saying, they were not taking people’s aspirations into account. “How long can you ignore voter’s aspirations? These are the same

People who have won you 5 out of 6 seats.” Asserted Wani, adding that high command’s disinterest in giving doda a representation in the cabinet could destabilize congress base in the region. “  If you go with the ratio arrangement, there should have been 3 ministers from Doda in the cabinet.” Maintained another MLA from the area preferring anonymity. He warned Azad and High Command of drastic consequences for state congress and Coalition government in the state and said, “Why doesn’t Party High command think of its future in the state.”  Sources added, “ High Command is strengthening Omar Abdullah at the cost of its own existence.” Meanwhile Former Chief Minster Gh. Nabi Azad has arrived for two day visit to state on Tuesday.

PDP delegation from Doda meets Mufti

Jammu, April (VOS) 17:  A delegation of PDP workers from Doda including those who recently joined the party led by advocate Imtiyaz Mir today met with party patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. Among others advocate Ajay Thakur, advocate Kewal Manhas, Raiz Ahmed Mintoo, youth leader Wasim Bangroo, Mohammad Hanif and Raiz Pampore met the party leader and apprised him about the problems being faced by the people of Doda district. The party preparations for upcoming municipal elections and strategy there for were also discussed in the meeting. The new entrants expressed full faith in the policies and programmes of PDP and its leadership and promised to work with missionary zeal to mitigate problems of the people. The party patron while welcoming the leaders reiterated his party’s commitment to work for the upliftment of neglected areas including those of district Doda. The delegation extended invitation to the party leader to visit Doda this summer to know about the problems of the area and to have an on spot assessment of the organizational matters.

“Govt, acts as stumbling block, fails to empower panchayats”: Mehbooba 

Jammu, April (VOS) 17: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has said that coalition government was wasting a historic opportunity to empower the people of the state by creating hurdles in the growth of panchayats as independent community based institutions. Addressing a public meeting at Surenkote today she however expressed her confidence that the government might be able to delay the inevitable empowerment of panchayats but it won’t be allowed to prevent it. MLA Ch. Zulufkar Ah, MLC Murtaza Ah Khan, Dr Mumtaz Bukhari, Ab Hameed Manhas, Ab Aziz Mirza, Mehtab Bukhari, Mukhtar Sheikh, Baba Khadim Hussain, Adv Shakoor Ah, Zaffar Qureshi, Bagh Hussain Khawaja,  Attaullah Malik, Arif Shah, and Shahzaad Khan were present and also spoke on this occasion.

Mehbooba said the hope and confidence with which people of the state had overwhelmingly voted in last years panchayat elections had been shattered by the negative tactics of the government in empowering these important institutions of self governance. She said both the major coalition partners NC and Cong were responsible for this set back to the empowerment process of the people in the state. “ They are indulging in shadow boxing by raising fingers at each other, while both parties have let down the millions of voters who voted their panches and sarpanches with the hope of shaping their destiny at local level”. The PDP president said her party was clear from day one about the need for full empowerment of panchayats as was resolved at the panchayat conference organized by it in July last year. The government on the other hand has only been making hollow announcements without actually giving any powers  or development funds to the panchayats. She said the elections to the block and district councils had not ben conducted for one full year, neither had any funds been provided to panchayats nor the remuneration released to panches and sarpanches.

Referring to the delay in elections to the urban local bodies Mehbooba said this government was scared of facing the public and was therefore unwilling to carry forward the process of elections. She said the ruling parties were trying to subvert the entire democratic system on one pretext or the other and the urban local bodies had become the victim of their insecurity at popular level. Mehbooba said the price for the corruption and misgovernance was being paid by the common people of the state. She said the money that goes into the pocket of the rulers  is actually to be used for our roads, drinking water, schools and medical facilities. “While the government failed to perform its duties on these important fronts. It is adding burden on every body by hiking the prices of commodities, power tariff and drinking water fees”. She said the proposed hike in the power tariff which is the third since NC government took over comes with the Chief Ministers announcement of further cuts in power supply. “Nothing could be more cruel than this from a government that had promised free electricity and cooking gas during its election campaign”, she said.  

Mehbooba said while corruption in rest of the country was taking a heavy toll of political careers and reputations Jammu & Kashmir was witnessing a concerted effort by institutions of the state to protect the corrupt politicians. She said the chief Minister institution is directly linked to corrupt practices as was established by the circumstances leading to the death of NC woker Haji Mohammed Yousuf. Similarly Dr Farooq Abdullah is directly involved in the embazzelmemts in J&K Cricket Association Scam. “Taking a cue from the involvement of the coalition leaders and Ministers in brazen loot of state resources the entire administrative system has become corrupt”, she said and pointed out that the same administration when led differently during the previous government had produced entirely different results on the ground. She said it was now a norm for ordinary people to pay for every service  from the government whether it is getting a ration card, a residence certificate, assistance for destituets and widows or job crads under NREGA. She said this government was beyond redemption and it was only the people of state who could help in changing the system which the PDP is aiming at.

Mehbooba said the neglect of the area is evident from the fact that the parnai hydel project on which work was resumed by previous government had again been shelved. Similarly the large Fazalabad area continues to remain cut off as the work on the bridge started by PDP government has been abandoned. She said with the opening of Mughal Road scenic places like Bufliaz could be developed as tourist spot of great attraction.

Endorsing the demand for new blocks and nayabats in Surenkote Mehbooba said the NC had once again failed to respond to the special needs of far flung and distant areas. Even though the PDP-Congress government had opened up the Poonch Rajouri region to new initiatives of progress and development, the present dispensation has again put a lid on it. She said only contribution of the present government to the construction of Mughal road was to delay its completion by two years so far. She said even as many colleges, schools and Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University were setup in the area, not even a primary school was added to the educational map of the twin districts by the government. “ They have even failed  to provide infrastructure for these institutions inspite of the availibilty of funds”.

Principal Secretary chars meeting of Cable TV Channels Monitoring Committee

Jammu, April (VOS) 17: The State Level Monitoring Committee for the programmes and advertisements telecast by Cable TV channels in the state today met here under the chairmanship of Principal Secretary Information, B. B. Vyas and discussed various matters pertaining to the subject. Issues pertaining to the telecast, registration, programme code and related matters set by the Cable Television Network (Regulation) Act-1995 and the Amendment Act-2012 were discussed in detail in the meeting. The meeting also took stock of the present status of Cable TV Channels and their operating in the state. The Principal Secretary Information stressed on formulating the e-group of the Members of the Committee to share necessary information about the subject with each other and accordingly come up with suggestions to be discussed in the subsequent meetings for improving and upgrading the Cable Network functioning in the state.

            He also emphasized upon the need for putting in a framework to address various issues relating to the growth, development and better delivery by the Cable Channels. He emphasized on public involvement in the shape of opinions and suggestions to improve telecast standards and make the programmes purposeful and meaningful for general public interest. He said that an e-portal of the Apex Committee should be launched for receiving public suggestions.

            The Principal Secretary who is also Chairman of State Level Monitoring Committee directed for constituting all District Monitoring Committees and putting in place a constant communication mechanism between the Committees at district and the state level. He said that video conferencing means should be utilized to ascertain status and details from the districts regarding the performance and functioning of Cable TV channels.

            The Government has already through SRO nominated Director Information as Authorised Officer equipped with powers and DCs at divisional level under the Cable Act. The Advisory Committee has nominated state level and advised constitute at district level or also being constitute for monitoring the cable network.

            The Members of the Committee which comprised Secretary to Government, Social Welfare Department, IG CID, Srinavasan, Director Information Kh. Farooq Renzushah, Associate Professor Kashmir University, Dr. Peerzada Mohammad Amin, Director Centre for Life Learning, University of Jammu Dr. Poonam Dhawan, and Journalist, Social Activist Imdad Saqi, participated in the 1^st meeting of State Level Monitoring Committee for the programmes and advertisements telecast by Cable TV channels among other senior officers.Deliberating on various issues the Members gave their suggestions and underlined the need for making Cable TV Channels programmes more educative and purposeful.

J&K Bank share hits 52-week high to Rs 930

J&K Bank to pass on rate cut benefit to borrowers: Mushtaq

Srinagar, April (VOS) 17: J&K Bank share hit a 52 week high today at Rs 930, which is up 3.43 percent. The rise in the share rode upon the optimistic view about the rate cuts announced by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its Annual Monetary Policy 2012-13.

With a view to boost growth, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cut the policy rates by 50 basis points. The repo rate now stands at 8 per cent from 8.50 per cent earlier. Similarly, the reverse repo rate is now at 7 per cent from 7.50 per cent earlier.

Commenting upon the RBI move Chairman and CEO J&K Bank Mushtaq Ahmad said, “It is certainly a welcome step from the RBI to ensure more liquidity into the banking system through a repo rate cut. It will help banks like ours, which have immense regional and pan-India lending opportunities.

“We will be happy to pass on the benefit of cut to borrowers.  Though seemed temporary, the initiative is an act of re-balancing towards checking inflation. The rate cut scenario will also allow us generate volumes, customer base and remain competitive outside the J&K State.”

Meanwhile, Ahmadabad based Broking House Shah Investors Home Ltd (SIHL) which is also a member of National Securities Depository Ltd (NSDL), has recommended `Buy` on Jammu & Kashmir Bank with a price target of Rs 1,056 as against the current market price (CMP) of Rs 922 in its report today.

SIHL has enumerated the Bank’s undisputed leadership in J&K state, business growth to pick up, significant improvement in asset quality, boost in CASA ratio and focus on J&K state as strong reasons for their recommendations. 

NC hails tourist inflow

Srinagar, April (VOS) 17:  National Conference has welcomed the inflow of tourists to Kashmir. The Spokesman Tanvir Sadiq said that the inflow of tourists is an encouraging step which will not only boost the economy but also help to people associated with tourism industry.

 Welcoming the increase in the number of flights to Kashmir, the National Conference spokesman has termed it a right step forward ahead of coming tourist season.While congratulating Omar Abdullah led coalition government, the NC spokesman requested the central state government to address the issue of air fair hike. He said “now with the increase in flights the government should immediately take-up the issue of fair hike with the central government so that tourism does not get affected,” he said.

ANC Dismayed over the ignorance of Events in “K” Report.

Srinagar, April 17 (VOS) : Though The report submitted by the interlocutors has not been made public, but different sources have divulged that the interlocutors have ignored the historical aspect of Kashmir issue and have instead hovered around 1952 1953 events and opened fresh wounds that followed the events of 1953. Begum Khalida Shah, President Awami National Conference has expressed her dismay and grief over the ignorance of the events and historical background of the Kashmir issue. In a statement she said that on the 15^th of Aug.1947, when the Indian Subcontinent was divided the National Conference leadership was in jail in pursuit of Quit Kashmir .Sheri Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah was released on  the 29^th of Sept 1947. The Interlocutors should go through the Delhi Agreement of 1952 and then take into cognizance the public outcry that followed the unfortunate event of 9^th Aug.1953, its ramifications and introduction of different laws that went contrary to the spirit of Delhi Agreement of 1952. We fail to understand why the Interlocutors have chosen to hover around the events of 1952 and 1953, after wasting enormous time and money. She further said that the report is against the restoration of pre 53 position and the Interlocutors have unknowingly opposed Late Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, who ordained this position amidst the people of the State in the Historical Lal Chowk wherein he promised a bright future and all dreams come true for the people of the State. Unfortunately this dream has fallen apart and the entire nation country has witnessed the disastrous consequences of enactment of different laws post 53. Revocation of all such laws shall be no favour to the people of the State, while it will reduce the defense expenditure of the Central Government.  It is worth mentioning that in a recent report of the Defense Ministry 3,500 Crores were spent on security in the State from 1989 tom 2011, leaving behind a trail of thousands killed and property destroyed worth Crores. Even the unmarked graves are waiting to be identified and named.

Begum Khalida Shah further said that if the Politicians of the Coalition Government of Congress, National Conference or even opposition PDP have any realization of the destruction that has befallen the State, they should break their silence and unite for a long lasting peaceful solution of the Kashmir issue that satisfies the aspirations of all the sections and regions of the State. Mere force and coercion cannot bring peace and win over the people. She welcomed the ongoing peace efforts being undertaken by India and Pakistan

Tarigami declared ‘Pro Claimed’ Offender.

Appears before court on Tuesday.

Srinagar, April 17 (VOS) :  A local court has issued notice to the CPI (M) state secretary and MLA kulgam Mohammad Yousf Tarigami, calling him   ‘ proclaimed offender’ in a case related to the demand of a separate district for Kulgam in 1989. Tarigami was asked to appear before ethe court of district and sessions judge Kulgam on Monday. According to VOS, while pleading the case before the Court, Tarigami wondered how could he be declared a ‘ Pro claimed  offender’ when he was a highly protected person since 1990. His council Arshid Baba told Court that there was an FIR lodged against MLA under no. 27/93 under sections 307, 148, 149,332,336,184 and 427 RPC but argued as how could one be booked for demanding a separate district. The court has asked Tarigami to appear again in person on May 5.

Meanwhile talking to VOS, Tarigam while expressing surprise over the notice said, “ I have contested three assembly and 2 parliament polls and am under security cover since 1990.” He added, “How could I be declared Pro claimed Offender when I remain under police cover round the clock.”Pertinently Tarigami had participated in a protest march in 1989 demanding a separate district for Kulgam.

PDP condemns brutal use of  force on agitating employees

Srinagar, April 17 (VOS) :  Strongly condemning brutal use of force on agitating government employees, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) today observed that using strong arms method to suppress genuine voice of the people has become a policy of the present regime headed by Omar Abdullah. Party observed that government employees were protesting peacefully for their long pending genuine demands but forced was used against them without any provocation.In a statement issued here today, chief spokesman of PDP Naeem Akther  regretted that instead of adopting a holistic approach to address genuine problems, the State Government always adopts oppressive measures to muzzle voice of people. He warned that such policy of the government would be proved disastrous for the State.

“Using strong arm method has becoming a policy matter of this regime”, he maintained and pointed out that today’s incident in which brutal force was used against agitating government employees was another example of the repressive policy of the present dispensation. Akther said that it was all due to the oppressive policy of the coalition regime that alienation has been increasing among all sections of the society. He further said that government employees, be it daily wagers, casual or regular, have been agitating for one or other issue but the government was not serious to address their genuine demands.

Galaxy of intellectuals underscored importance of historical silk route  

JAMMU, APRIL 17– Today KASHMIRINK and Romancing Himalyan which has devoted itself for imparting the moral teaching of great sufi- saints organized one of the unique round table series at Jammu in which galaxy of intellectuals, scholars, media personalities and Minister participated.

The discussion was beamed directly through different national and international modes of social networking to underscore the historical importance of Silk route. All the participants were of unanimous view that keeping in globalization in mind, it has become imperative that new generation should be made aware about importance of silk route and contribution of all sufi-saints who have travelled through the route and strengthened the pillars of love, mutual brotherhood and peace in this belt.

Those who actively participated in today’s round table series on the topic included Minister for Medical Education Mr. R S Chib, Director Information, Khawaja Farooq Renzushah, Director Tourism, Jammu Mr. Robin Mehta,  Great Gandhian, Padamshree S P Verma, Representative  BCCI Mr. Ranjeet Kalra, President, Chamber of Commerce, Jammu Mr. Y. B. Sharma, Director, Department of Strategic & Regional Studies Dr. Mohammad Monir Alam, Head of Department, Department of Political Sciences Prof. Anurag Gangal, Bureau Chief, Times Now Mr. Pardeep Dutta representatives of KASHMIRINK and the organizer of the event Ms Hina, Mr. Babar Afzal, representative of student community and KASHMIRINK foundation Mr Abhinandan.

Minister for Medical Education Mr. R S Chib underlined the need to explore the mysticism and spirituality associated with the Himalayas to promote spiritual tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.

 The Minister was speaking at the “Round Table Series- Unlocking Himalayan Mysteries” organized by KASHMIRINK -a local organization working for promotion of cultural heritage rooted in the century’s history of state, particular the spiritual traditions like Sufism that flourished in Serene Himalayans along the traditional Silk Route.    

Referring to the long list of saints and seers who laid the foundation of spiritualism in consonance with the serene environs of the state bound by a series of mountain ranges, Mr. Chib said that these godly men were instrumental in creating the composite culture based on mutual brotherhood and religious tolerance. He said that saints and seers from across the world would come to the state to find solace and spirituality setting in the traditions of Sufi way of life which has appealed generations after generation.

 The Minister said that the Sufi shrines from Poonch Rajouri to Kishtwar and Lakhanpur to Leh would prove a great attraction for the people who want to spend peaceful moment to quench their thirst of spirituality.  

The Minister lauded the efforts of the organizer Mr. Babar Afzal for organizing the conference on the topic and said that this innovative approach would promote tourism and help in cultural exchange of the state.

 Speaking on the occasion, Director Information, Kh Renzushah said it were great sufi-saints like Hazrat Bulbul Shah and Hazrat Shah Hamdan who travelled to Kashmir through silk route. He said that importance of 3-K in sufi line lies in mutual brotherhood and communicative route between Kashgar, Kashmir and Kishtwar. He said that this route since times immemorial was either start of the silk route or culmination of silk route. Thus the importance of J&K state in the historical perspective with regard o silk route is for more important. He said that once we understand the moral teachings of great sufi saints, our spirits get purify and we start the living each other as real human being.

Director Information stressed the need for the revival of Silk route and said that it will not only strengthen the Sufi traditions but also boost the economy of the state.

Noted eminent Gandhian Padamshree Mr. S. P. Verma while declaring Babar Afzal Gandhian Global Family (GGF) J&K Brand Ambassador said that the philosophy of Gandhi has been adopted by the people particularly new generation, because it is based on love and brotherhood which is the derivative of the moral teachings of great sufis. He said Mahatma Gandhi had complete hold on history and geography of the entire world and he was aware about the importance of silk route and its trade benefits during his life time he always rejected the theory of division and propagated actively for bringing people together which is need of hour at present. He said silk route was a symbol of joining people and integration as we all should join our hands together to work for its revival so that we are able to yield the fruits of this route which will provide us opportunities to conduct trade with all central Asian countries.

The well known journalist and bureau chief of Time Nov Jammu Pradeep Dutta while acknowledging the importance of silk route said that the present generation is to be made aware about the teachings of sufi saints, based on love and mutual brotherhood by introducing the teachings in the syllabi. He said that both Sheikh-ul-Aalam Nund Reshi and Lala Aarifa Lal Ded are being revered equally by all the communities which indicate that these sufi saints through their moral teachings have won hearts of millions.

President Chamber of Commerce Mr. Y. B. Sharma while complimenting both the Minister and Director Information for underscoring the importance of historical silk route said that strong economy and trade is possible when borders become irrelevant and all people come together in amicable atmosphere to work for peace and prosperity. He said as in past the silk route was backbone of economy of this belt the same is possible if good sense prevailed and atmosphere of building strong economy takes upper hand.

Mr. Robin Director Tourism Jammu said that the Tourism pilgrimage is the new phenomenon throughout the world and J&K which has a composite faith and culture can take full benefit of pilgrimage tourism. He said world is presently looking towards contribution of great sufi saints and their historical past and J&K is rich in all aspects to provide this rich material to all those who have passion for the same.  

Director, Department of Strategic & Regional Studies Dr. Mohammad Munir Alam said that with the emergence of tiny Central Asian Countries, the China has started taking keen interest in rebuilding silk route on modern lines to dominate the economy in the region, it is necessary that our country should take pro-active role in rebuilding road infrastructure so that our age old connection with silk route remains ready and at an appropriate time we are able to take benefit of strong economy of this route. He said J&K state was historically important component of silk route and in case this route is revived, it will give highest boost to the economy of our country.

Head of Department, Political Science, Prof.  Anurag Gangal said that it is always better to call sufi life as the pure way of life and everybody can play a positive role in propagating the pure teachings of sufi saints so that there remains no scope for elements of hate to exist in the society.

Winding up the discussion, both, Babar Afzal, Miss Hina and Mr. Abhinandan expressed deep thanks to participants and assured them that their well meaning interaction programme shall be communicated to the all parts of the world through active social media network so that people are able to understand importance of love and mutual brotherhood. 

Babar Afzal said, mysteries of Himalayas can be unlocked by the visionaries only after they understand the spiritual value of great sufi saints.

On this occasion, all the participants were honoured by KASHMIRINK Foundation for their valuable interaction and intellectual contribution.

            The power point presentation was also made on the occasion.

Div Com reviews Yatra arrangements

            SRINAGAR, APRIL 17:-Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon today reviewed arrangements for smooth conduct of Shri Amarnath ji Yatra commencing in June 2012.

            The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Baseer Ahmed Khan, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Kifayat Hussain Rizvi, Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Shoukat Ahmed Mir, Deputy Inspector General of Police, CKR, AG Mir, DIG Traffic, DIG CRPF, DIG BSF, Chief Engineer PMGSY, Director Health Services Kashmir, Chief Conservator Forest, Senior General Manager BSNL, Joint Director Fire & Emergency Services, Kashmir RT Dubey, Superintending Engineers Mechanical, Hydraulic, EM&RE, Sr. Superintendent of Police Telecom Kashmir, SP Ganderbal and other senior officers of the state, divisional and district administration.

            Deputy Commissioners of Anantnag and Ganderbal apprised about the action initiated with regard to arrangements, by different departments. Div Com directed that all arrangements should be in place by 1^st week of June. He directed Chief Engineer PMGSY to ensure that the road from Pahalgam to Chandanwari is re-opened by 23^rd April and also asked Superintending Engineer, Mechanical Engineering Department to ensure snow clearance on the 3.5 kms road upto Baltal within a period of one week. Instructions were given to SE Electric to ensure that electric supply for Sonamarg is restored on an urgent basis. CAPD was asked to ensure adequate supply of essential commodities during Yatra and especially availability of LPG. JKTDC was asked to ensure that adequate accommodation in huts and tents is made available for the officials, tourists and locals besides Yatries. SASB would ensure that while according permission to the Langerwalas it would be ensured that they maintain fire gaps and arrange fire extinguishers to avert any mishap. Joint Director, Fire Services and Coordinator, Disaster Management Kashmir were directed to conduct fire safety trainings for Langerwalas. Div Com stressed on ensuring proper management of liquid and solid waste during Yatra, to conserve the fragile ecology of the area. He gave specific directions to both the Deputy Commissioner to ensure that no lavatory is allowed to be set-up near any water body and nalla. Stringent action would be taken against any department which would violate these instructions.

            Dr Samoon asked BSNL authorities to ensure that the communication facilities are setup as soon as Army, BSF, CRPF and Police conduct the reccee of the Holy cave. Health Department was asked to ensure adequate number of doctors especially specialists at base camps along with paramedical staff and ambulances. This year 900 portable oxygen cylinders would be provide instead of 300 last year and 100 cylinders would be kept as reserve, to meet any contingency.

            Divisional Commissioner also reviewed the action taken report in respect of the recommendations of the High level Committee constituted for management of Shri Amarnathji Yatra. All the departments were asked to submit their action plans, as well as contingency plans to Div Com within a period of one week.  Div Com directed that the deadlines fixed for ensuring that all arrangements are put in place, should be adhered to and the next review would be held by Div Com at Chandanwari and Baltal, in the last week of May.

Kargil Courier lifts 150 passengers

          SRINAGAR, APRIL 17:- 150 passengers were airlifted between Kargil and Srinagar in two sorties each of AN-32 Air force planes today. 38 passengers were airlifted from Kargil to Srinagar, whileas 112 passengers were airlifted from Srinagar to Kargil.

          Meanwhile, stranded passengers at Srinagar, who have already purchased tickets of Kargil Courier flight No’s 43 and 44 have been asked to report to Kargil House, Bemina at 8 am on 18^th April, so that they are airlifted to Kargil.

Passport Office Issues over 17500 passports including Haj Passports
during Past over Three Months
Short Validity Passports for Haj Applicants Whose PVR Has not Been Received
 Srinagar,April17,2012:-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 said 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. [PIB]

Suneeta Trivedi dedicates Computerized Jawahar Nagar Post Office to Public
Speed Post, Letter Post, Savings Bank, India Post Gold Service
Available at Jawahar Nagar Post Office
Srinagar,
April 17, 2012
As part of post office transformation plan in J&K, the Department of
Posts J&K Circle on Tuesday dedicated fully computerized Jawahar Nagar
Post Office with modern facilities, to the public. Ms Suneeta Trivedi,
Member Postal Services Board, New Delhi  formally inaugurated the
office which will provide all facilities including Speed Post, Letter
Post, Savings Bank, etc. Chief Postmaster General Shri John Samuel was
also present on the occasion.Speaking on the occasion, Shri Samuel
said that three new post offices shall be inaugurated at Nowpora Uri,
Attina Beerwah and Cha-Lungnak in Zanaskar during current month
besides the department is planning to set up new post offices at SKIMS
and NIT in Srinagar. CPMG informed that out of 1700 post offices in
J&K, 250 post offices are being covered under ambitious plan of
computerization.
Shri Samuel informed that Jawahar Nagar Post Office will provide India
Post Gold Coin Service where there shall be sale of 24 carat gold
coins at this post office outlet. He said these Valacambi Switzerland
made tamper proof packaged gold coins are available in 0.5 gm, 01 gm,
02 gm, 05 gm,08 gm,10 gm, 20 gm and 50 gm denominations. He added that
06% discount shall be given on the purchase of gold coins under
special package viz Akshay Tritya with the details available at the
post office outlet.Pertinently, J&K Postal Circle dedicated Floating
Post Office at Dal Lake last year besides a large scale Philately
Exhibition titled ‘CHINAR-2011’ was also held at SKICC after a gap of
32 years.
A large number of local people have hailed the initiative of
fulfilling their long pending demand. [PIB]

1,600 Palestinian prisoners begin open-ended hunger strike in Israeli jails

About 1,600 Palestinian prisoners have begun an open-ended hunger strike in the Israeli jails across the occupied territories to protest imprisonment without charge and solitary confinement exercised by the Tel Aviv regime.

Palestinian prisoners began the hunger strike on Tuesday, April 17, which marks the Palestinian Prisoners Day. 

Meanwhile, thousands of people held demonstrations in towns and cities across the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip on Tuesday to express solidarity with the prisoners. 

Qadura Fares, head of the Palestinian Prisoners Club, said, “We are united and undivided when it comes to prisoners, and we will stand by them until they get their demands.” 

Fares made the remark in an address to a gathering in the northern West Bank city of Nablus on Tuesday. 

In addition to the West Bank, about 2,000 people marched to the headquarters of the Red Cross in Gaza City and set up a tent in solidarity with the Palestinian hunger strikers. 

The hunger strike in Israeli jails has begun as reports say the Tel Aviv regime is expected to release Palestinian prisoner Khader Adnan, who went on a hunger strike for 66 days in protest at being held without charge under an administrative detention order. 

Adnan’s lawyer said the Palestinian inmate will be released later on Tuesday but it has not been clear exactly when or where he is scheduled to be freed. 

The administrative detention, often implemented by the Israeli regime against the Palestinian population, is a sort of imprisonment without trial or charge, allowing regime forces to make arrests without formal charges for up to six months. However, the detention order can be renewed for indefinite periods of time. 

According to an April 1, 2012 report published by the non-governmental Palestinian prisoner support and human rights association, Addameer, at least 4,610 “political” Palestinian prisoners are held in Israeli jails. 
Congress drubbed in Delhi civic polls, BJP celebrates its win

EW DELHI: Capitalising on issues of corruption and price rise, BJP today trumpedCongress to retain its hold in the Delhi municipal polls winning North and East Corporations and is set to capture South where it has emerged as the single-largest group. 

The BJP victory came as a shock to chief minister Sheila Dikshit of the Congress who has been ruling the capital for the last nearly 14 years uninterruptedly and trifurcated the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) in a bid to weaken the saffron party's hold. 

But the victory in the elections to the newly-created three municipal bodies was not as comprehensive in 2007 as BJP won only 138 out of 272 wards losing 26 seats from its earlier tally of 164 in 2007. Congress tally went up from 64 to 78 seats. 

BJP captured North and East Corporations with a clear majority while it got 44, nine short of majority in the 104-member House in South Corporation. The party may hope to muster a majority with help from independents who have bagged 14 wards. 

In North Delhi Corporation, BJP romped home with 59 seats in the 104-member strong body while Congress lagged behind at 29. BSP won seven seats while RLD four, LJP one and independents four. At the end of counting of votes, South Delhi Corporation remained a hung house with BJP emerging victorious in 44 wards while Congress bagged 30 seats. BSP won five, NCP five, INLD three, JD(U) one, RLD one besides 14 independents. 

But the real shocker for Congress came in its stronghold East Delhi Corporation where BJP came up with an impressive victory, winning 35 out of 64 wards. Congress was behind with 19 seats, INLD six, SP one and independents three. 

Congress was quick to downplay the defeat saying MCD polls should only be seen as civic polls while BJP attributed its victory to a country-wide wave against Congress which failed to contain price rise and rampant corruption. 

Rattled by the defeat, Congress leaders spoke in different voices. While Dikshit's son and MPSandeep Dikshit blamed it on price rise and scams like 2G, Union Minister Kapil Sibal neither national nor state issues had any impact on the results. 



Congress speaks in different voices 

Congress today spoke in different voices over the Delhi municipal poll debacle with MP and Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit's son Sandeep attributing it to an anti-Congress mood generated by scams like 2G and price rise, a contention on which Union Minister Kapil Sibal differed. Sibal said civic polls were fought on local issues and rubbished theories of an anti-Congress mood. 

Sandeep, the East Delhi MP, attributed Congress defeat in the civic polls to a disconnect between the party and people and BJP succeeding to take advantage of scams like 2G and price rise. 

He also said there have the environment which was created by the CAG reports and the anti-corruption movement led by Anna Hazare somehow fairly made people believe that it was Congress which was "centre of all the wrong" that was happening. 

"We tried our best to keep the issues local and focussed on MCD, whereas the BJP, because of overall general climate that was there in nation and in Delhi, focussed on price rise and 2G spectrum scam and all," the East Delhi MP said. 

He said it appeared that the BJP has succeeded to some extent due to which Congress could not get the kind of mandate they would have got. 

"We have taken lot of proactive steps but somewhere communication between us and the people have broken down in last one-and-a-half and two years. I think we need to reestablish it," he said. 

Asked about the anti-Congress mood, Sibal said "whether I refute it or not refute it, you will make it because that is politics. If you want me to refute it you will call it my politics. It is nothing to do with that. MCD elections are local elections and they are fought on local issues." He said he do not believe that BJP performed well in the Corporation elections. 

"You must remember any elections in the corporation or any local elections has lot of complex factors going to be in losing an election. "Take my parliamentary constitutiency. We have 13 out of 40 in previous MCD polls and we have retained that 13 ofcourse, they are different 13," he said. 

He said he was disappointed as the party is left with the same numbers they had last time. 

"But what happens in municipal elections that those who dont get tickets they put up rebel candiadtes and its there the poliics of the street that prevails," he added.