After ruling out ‘autonomy, self rule’, Congress says, Indira- sheikh accord, 

The only way forward.

Soz remains Tight Lipped, Taj Says, “Being in alliance with NC doesn’t mean to compromise on Party Stand.”

Srinagar, May 05 (VOS) : In a new twist in the tail, state congress while disassociating itself from its Lok Sabha MP, Choudary Lal Singh’s  statement  regarding the Opposition for granting autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir, said on Saturday that the official stand of the party was revolving round the Indira –Sheikh accord. “ The official stand of Congress is that of the Indira-Sheikh accord and nothing else.” Senior Congress leader and Irrigation and Flood Control Minster Taj Mohi ud din told VOS, adding that the statement made by  MP, was his (Singh’s) personel Opinion.  Avoiding a direct reply with regard to Autonomy and self rule as the possible solution to the Jammu and Kashmir issue, Taj said, “I won’t comment on these options but want to tell you that congress is not either with autonomy nor self rule. We have our own stand and that is the Indira-Sheikh accord.” He however admitted that Congress had not taken any initiative for the settlement of Kashmir issue even within the ambit of the 1974 accord, after which according to historian National Conference founder Late Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah was again made Chief Minster of the state after 11 years. Taj maintained that being an alliance partner in NC-Congress collation does not mean that one should compromise on its party stand. “We are in alliance with Congress, but that doesn’t mean we should give up our official stand.” Taj asserted.

The accord which was signed by Mirza Afzal Beigh on behalf of Jammu and Kashmir and G. Parthasarthi on behalf of Govt. Of India on 13^th Nov. 1974 at New Delhi states, “ The State of Jammu and Kashmir which is a constituent unit of Union Of India, shall, in its relation with the Union, continue to be governed by article 370 of the constitution of India.” According to the accord, the residuary Powers of legislation shall remain with the State, however, “ parliament will continue to have power to make laws relating to the prevention of the activities directed towards disclaiming, questioning or disrupting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India.”

Pertinently Choudary Lal Singh, representing Congress in Lol Sabha from Jammu region had on Wednesday lashed out at its alliance partner in State, National Conference  during zero hour, saying “ They are trying to divide the State, Don’t allow Jammu and Kashmir to be divided. Such alliance partners should be taken serious note of.”  However Lal Singh’s emotionally charged statement did not go well with National Conference who immediately hit back and said, “anybody who opposes autonomy is against the article 370.

Congress State president Prof. Saif ud din Soz while preferring to remain tight lipped told VOS, “The matter is with Parliament; therefore I can’t talk about it.”

Omar opposes unilateral operation under NCTC

Stresses on its further fine tuning to address J&K concerns

New Delhi, May 05 (VOS) : Categorically opposing unilateral operation under NCTC J&K State, Chief Minister  Omar Abdullah Saturday stressed on further fine tuning of proposed National Council Terrorism Centre (NCTC) Order to address the concerns of J&K State. “keeping in view the sensitivity of J&K State, the proposed NCTC order detailing the functions; powers of the Standing Council and Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs) need to be further fine tuned”, he maintained

         According to VOS, Omar Abdullah while addressing Chief Ministers’ Conference on NCTC at New Delhi, said that the powers of arrest and search to be conducted independently without the State Police being the part of the exercise may result into overlapping of responsibilities of the law enforcing agencies and can create local operational difficulties especially in the context of the obtaining situation in J&K.

            It may be mentioned that NCTC has been mandated with powers for carrying out independent operations but with the flexibility and option to inform the State Government after the operation has been launched/culminated and after the arrests have been effected.

“This provision may need to be modified to the extent to make it mandatory for the Director NCTC to have prior consultation with the DGP and have joint operations with the State Police”, Omar said.

            In his brief intervention on the proposed National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), the Chief Minister stated that the proposed NCTC essentially comprises three parts – “Collection and Dissemination of Intelligence”, “Analysis” and “Operations”.  He said, the first two parts i.e.  Collection and Dissemination of Intelligence” and “Intelligence Analysis” are already being done by the Central Agencies through Multi Agency Centre (MAC) which was set up in December, 2008.

“Therefore, while the State Government appreciates the role of ‘Collection and Dissemination of Intelligence’ and its ‘Analysis’ by the proposed NCTC, the need for vesting NCTC with the powers to undertake independent Operations must be revisited so as to make it consultative and also prescribe joint operations with the State Police as the preferred methodology to obtain the desired outcomes”, he said

             Omar Abdullah further added that “the Unified Headquarters in Jammu and Kashmir –the Apex Body for Coordinating the anti-militant operations – has already laid down SOP for operations under which Army and the security forces conduct the operational searches and cordons with the State Police being fully associated with the same. We can have similar arrangements for NCTC”.  

            The Chief Minister said, “The management of events after the conduct of operations is as important as the operation itself. The State Police knows the background, topography and problems of the people having bearing on the security of the State. Given the sensitivities in J&K, independent operations by NCTC without involving the State Police can cause serious law and order concerns which will have to be subsequently faced by the District Administration,” he asserted.

            NCTC may provide technical assistance in terms of communication interception and financial investigation to the State Police and also provide legal help by way of monitoring and prosecuting persons who are involved in crime in more than one State. NCTC could also consider devising an institutional mechanism to look at the external dimensions of terrorism and consider apprehending, prosecuting and bringing to justice the terrorist leaders, who are taking shelter in other countries”.

            The Chief Minister suggested that the role of NIA viz-a-viz NCTC with regard to investigation of the terrorist crimes may need to be further elucidated, as to whether NIA would form the investigative wing of NCTC, and in such a case, would it become part of the IB?

            The J&K Chief Minister said, “Further, handing over the arrested persons/seized material to the nearest Police Station “as soon as possible” makes this order almost as stringent as the existing provision available under AFSPA. This is likely to have far reaching consequences in our State which is politically sensitive.   We have been advocating for revocation of AFSPA, which has been welcomed by all shades of people in the State. Therefore, mandating/equipping the NCTC with such powers may run counter to our efforts towards the removal of AFSPA at least from certain areas, and can generate avoidable criticism.

             “ Similarly, in the ‘Functions and Powers of the Standing Council’ proposed by the MHA, it has been mentioned that the Council shall review the terrorist threats to the Country and prepare assessments for guiding the Counter Terrorism efforts of all member agencies and State Police forces. As part of this exercise, threats and allocation of resources would be prioritized for each stakeholder.  “I would recommend that the allocation of resources for each stakeholder could be prioritized after due ‘consultations/consensus”, the Chief Minister emphasized.  

            Omar Abdullah further observed that Terrorism is a global problem. “As terrorism manifests in different forms, our endeavors and strategies to curb terrorism cannot be individualistic but have to be cohesive, collective and united, so as to achieve the ultimate objective of a terror free State/Country. We have to ensure that our responses to fighting terrorism are not episodic and our approach has to be crafted in a manner that it complements and synergizes the efforts of all the stakeholders rather than supplanting them”, he commented. 

The Chief Minister lauded Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Union Minister for Home Affairs, P. Chidambaram for providing the platform for sharing views on the issue of National security to devise ways and means to address the core issues.

As youth Starve for job, Govt. undecided on ‘34 thousand’ vacant posts in Edu.

45 Zones without ZEO, 27,000 posts of Subject teachers Lying Vacant.

Srinagar, May 05 (VOS) :            At a time when state government  is battling the unemployment crises and lakhs of unemployed youth striving hard to get the employment in the state or central departments, eye brows are raised over the ‘non seriousness’ of govt. machinery to advertise the thousands of available pots in various departments to absorb the qualified unemployed youth. Sources in the civil secretariat told VOS that more than 34 thousand posts of teachers, Masters, Lecturers, Zonal Education Officers, and other teaching and non teaching posts are lying vacant in the education department alone. “There isn’t any policy with the govt. to advertise these posts.” An official in the department told VOS, pleading anonymity. 
“ we have 45  out of 200 posts  of Zonal Education Officers lying vacant in the department which indicates how non serious govt. is to streamline the department. Sources added that there were 27 thousand posts of subject teachers available with the department besides 7 thousand posts of Headmasters, lecturers, ZEO’s, Principals and other gazetted staff. “It is unfortunate to see govt. sting on these posts and no urgency being shown to fill up these vacancies.” Jammu and Kashmir Teacher’s Forum Chairman Ab. Qayoom Wani told VOS, adding that the department was running in thin air. “You can’t afford hiring an Education Volunteer (EV) for 1 thousand rupees per month for ten years.” Wani asserted.

While claming that Education department was in shambles, Wani said that despite full flow of money under RAMSA and SSA, teachers engaged under these schemes were starving for their salaries months together. “There isn’t any Independent mechanism available to these flagship programmes.” Wani said.

Meanwhile sources in the department told VOS that most of the Zonal Education Officers were being given the additional charges of other zones, thus affecting their normal work. Unemployed youth have demanded that the vacant posts be advertised without wasting any more time.

On Climate Impact Day, Green Champs felicitated

Srinagar, May 05 (VOS):           As the world marked the first International Climate Impact Day, the four winners of Green Champ 2012, an environment quiz championship in which more than 50 schools of valley participated were felicitated at a function held in Delhi Public School, Srinagar on Saturday. Kabra Altaf from Sunshine Public School won the first prize of Rs 4000 and trophy. She was followed by Faisal Ramshoo of Delhi Public School, Srinagar who won a cash prize of Rs 3000 and a trophy. The third prize winner Uzma Yousuf of Sheikh-Ul-Alam Islamic Mission High School, Chadoora won Rs 2000 and a trophy. The fourth prize winner was Imza Javaid of Iqra Educational Institute Bemina. She was given a prize of Rs 1000 and a trophy.

          According to VOS, The Green Champ 2012 was a quiz competition created with the aim to educate children of valley about the changing global climate and ways to tackle the rising temperatures. The event was sponsored by Rising Kashmir, in collaboration with Indian Youth Climate Network, TCI Cements, DPS School and international NGO 350.

          Over 1500 students took part in the competition and only four managed to cross all the levels. “We have to go beyond the words and seminars,” Rising Kashmir Editor in Chief, Syed Shujaat Bukhari said, as the presented the welcome address on the occasion. “A lot is said about the global warming and changing environmental patterns, but we do very little to protect it. We have to go beyond words. We have to learn to act to save our future from catastrophe.” On the occasion a documentary on depleting glaciers and its impact on Himalayan region was also played by NGO 350.    

          “We can’t just sit and do nothing as our future gets lost in the crazy corporatization,” said Ritu Asrani, an associate with 350. “We have to change the way our world lives. We have to learn to say no loudly against the policies, which kill our environment.” The students after the prize distribution ceremony gathered at the playing field of the school and formed 350, a symbol which stands for 350 parts per million - the limit on the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere many believe is needed to avoid climate havoc. The photos will later be published on website www.350.org  were pictures from 179 countries and 4500 events worldwide as part of the International Day of Climate Action will be uploaded.

          “To see students participate in these numbers and show enthusiasm is a positive sign for future,” said Mrs Kusum Waikoo, principal DPS, Srinagar. “All forces which can bring a change and save our environment have to come together.”

          Speaking on the occasion, Shantamanu, Commissioner Secretary Forest and Environment, Jammu and Kashmir, who was also the chief guest said people across the world and India in particular have to move beyond the realms of superstitions, caste and creed to save the environment.

          “Kashmir is facing huge number of environmental problems as many of our water bodies are shrinking. The only way forward is to think positively and create an atmosphere of change,” said Shantamanu as he spoke about the various conservations programs going in State to protect water bodies and glaciers. “We have made mistakes in past, but we have also learned our lessons. With the support of young generation we can save our future.”

Two LeT Militants ‘gunned down’ at pattan.

Pattan, May 05 (VOS):  Police on Saturday claimed to have killed 2 local militants of Lashkar e Toiba at patten in north Kashmir. “Two militants of LeT outfit have been killed by Baramullah Police and 29 RR in a joint operation at Nilah, Pattan today.” Claimed Police in a statement to VOS, adding that the operation was carried out on a specific tip off. “Acting on specific information about the presence of armed militants in village Nillah Baramullah falling under the jurisdiction of Police station Pattan, Police, Army personel of 29 RR Unit, launched a joint operation and laid a cordon of the area last night. During the process, militants opened fire on the advance party early in the morning, triggering an encounter.” Added Police spokesman.

Meanwhile two LeT militants killed in nthe encounter were identified as Nisar Ahamd Mir S/O Ab. Satar R./O Nillah, and Mohammad Ibrahim Janwari S/O Gh. Mohammad R/O Sidiq Colony Sopore.

Meanwhile Ibrahim is believed to had been active for last more than a decade.

Sources told VOS that 2 AK-47 rifles along with 6 loaded magazines were recovered from the scene. They also added that the residential house of Gh. Hassan Shah, in which the militants are believed to had been holed up was also dashed to ground.

Here in a statement Army Claimed  2 Militants  in village Nilan, in general area Hyderbeg, Pattan, a joint operation was launched by troops of 29 Rashtriya Rifles alongwith Jammu and Kashmir Police. The contact was established at 0515 hours and in ensuing fire fight two armed Militants were killed.  Identity of the Militants is being ascertained. Two AK 47 Rifles, six magazines ammunition and other war like stores were also recovered.

            During the operation Army took adequate precautions to ensure that there was no casualty to civilians.  Conduct of successful operation shows high level of synergy between Jammu and Kashmir police and the Army.   

KU organizes lecture on ‘Credit Based Choice Based Education System’

Srinagar, May 05 (VOS): In the run-up to adapt credit based education system and aware the faculty and teachers about its various guidelines and regulations the University of Kashmir organized a special lecture by Prof .P. Nagabhushan, Chief Nodal Officer , Credit Based Choice Based  system of Education , University of Mysore here at Ibn-Khaldun Auditorium on Saturday.

 In his address Vice Chancellor University of Kashmir Prof Talat while directing the Deans of various faculties and heads of the department to gear up their men and machinery and start preparations for implementation of the new evaluation and assessment model in the University of Kashmir said “As per a NAAC mandate we have to switch over to this new system of credit and choice based system of education sooner or later and it would be better if we start our preparations at the earliest so that the transaction from the present system of examinations and evaluation to the new model becomes hassle-free.”

He said “Our faculty at the University must go through the website of the Mysore University and try to understand the model of credit based education system in its letter and spirit and once they understand its fundamentals, illustrations, guidelines for teachers and various tools and modes of continuous assessment of the students then we can tailor the model as per the requirements of our institution and get it implemented within a period of one or two years.”

Prof Talat while referring to a lecture delivered by Prof .P. Nagabhusan about the pros and cons of the new credit based education system implemented in all PG departments at the University of Mysore said “This crediting system will facilitate students to acquire the talent of skills required for designing, devising and conducting practical /case/field studies instead of exhibiting only the memorizing capabilities of a student which is prevalent in the existing system of education and examination.”

While delivering a lecture ‘Welcome to the new learning environment: choice based credit based continuous assessment’ Prof .P. Nagabhushan who is the Nodal Officer of this model at the University of Mysore said “ The amount of academic transaction a student or a faculty member would do is called crediting  and credit is how much activity a student has completed and in this credit based choice based system of education evaluation is not by examination in the real sense of the term but by continuous assessment which implies that a student`s performance would not be evaluated by one time examination at the end of the semester but by an interactive and friendly assessment all through the semester with continuous feedback to a student for enhancing learning skills.”

Prof Nagabhusan while maintaining that the new system illustrates the potential of a student to learn , assimilate and apply said “The teaching-learning model adapted by the university of Mysore under the credit based choice based continuous assessment evaluates the performance of the students in terms of three areas which include L-Lecture classes , T-Tutorial classes and P- practical/practice sessions.”

 He added “The new experimentation is the outcome of the critical retrospection by the University of Mysore and this credit based teaching-learning mechanism integrates theory with practical skills  in which whatever learnt and learnt through different mechanisms is quantified in terms of CREDIT and that comes with a limited flexibility to choose what one loves to learn.”

Prof Nagabhushan presented a PowerPoint presentation illustrating the model of the credit based education system and the different grades assigned to students in various subjects which are categorized as hardcore, soft core and electives.

The proceedings of the lecture/interaction were conducted by Dean Academic Affairs Prof AM Shah during which Registrar Kashmir University Prof S Fayaz, Dean College Development Council Prof Mushtaq Ahmed Kaw, Dean Research Prof Khursheed Ahmed Andrabi, Controller Examinations Prof Abdul Salam Bhat, Dean of various faculties and Heads / directors of various centres, units and departments were present.

Attention Hajj Pilgrims-2012

 Srinagar, May 05 (VOS):       According to the Executive Officer, J&K State Hajj Committee, Srinagar, all those intending Hajj Pilgrims who have applied for Hajj-2012 and have not collected the Cover Numbers yet are hereby informed to collect the same on May 07 and 08, 2012 positively.

Director Tourism Welcome to American Tour operators

Srinagar, May 05 (VOS):        In its consistent efforts to showcase Kashmir globally in the international markets JK tourism presented Kashmiris tourism product and services to the visiting American tour operators who were on a three day long tour to the valley .The 22 member delegation while interacting with Director tourism and other officials of R.S.G.C and SKICC at Kashmiris picturesque R.S.G.C termed it as one of the best Golf turf of the world and acknowledged its potential for hosting national and international Golf events the American tour operators were enthralled to see the beautiful Kashmir and friendly hospitality of Kashmir people ,Director tourism /SKICC while briefing the delegates said that it is a welcome step after the Germany lifted the advisories that American tour operators representing different parts of America are here on an exploratory visit this will boost the confidence in the international market for Kashmir and obviously will result in the increase in the foreign tourist arrivals ,

The guests were impressed to know about the Golfing and, conferencing infrastructure of the state and were candid in admitting and praising the beautiful Kashmir. The delegates left with a commitment to promote Kashmiris world class infrastructure at the international level .

Inland Water transport launched in River Jhelum

 Srinagar, May 05 (VOS):       Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon launched the Inland River Water Transport, on a trial basis, with motor boats of Tourism Department, today from Ghat located on River Jehlum, near the erstwhile Grindlays Bank (now J&K Bank) at Zero Bridge.

            The Chief Engineer Irrigation& Flood Control Kashmir, Ahmed Muzaffar Lanker has already allotted the contract for the inland water transport to M/s Kashmir Motors and the boats are expected to reach Srinagar by end of May 2012. However, Div Com has encouraged other entrepreneurs to come forward to purchase motor boats and deploy them for the water transport after taking a mandatory licence of Rs. 1000 from Chief Engineer, IFC.

            In the meantime, the Tourism department has provided two motor boats which will run from Ghat at Lal Sheikh to Chattabal Wier on a daily basis from 9 am to 6 pm. The fare has been fixed at Rs. 25 per person from Ghat to Ghat and Rs. 60 per head from Chattabal to Lal Chowk. The Ghats that have been identified for the purpose include Zero Bridge (right side), Lal Ded Ghat (left side), Amira Kadal (right side), DC office (left side), Habba Kadal (left side), Fate kadal near steel bridge (right side), Shahi Hamdan Masjid (right side), Nawa Kadal near Bulbul Shah Shrine (right side), Safa kadal (right side) and Chattabal Wier (left side).

            Present at the launch ceremony were Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar Baseer Ahmed Khan, Director Tourism Kashmir Farooq Ahmed Shah, Commissioner SMC, Dr. G.N. Qasba, Superintending Engineer IFC, Mr. Hamid Mehmood Shah, Executive Engineer IFC, Mr. Imtiyaz Ahmed Dhar and Head Disaster Management, Mr. Aamir Ali.

            Div Com announced that after the launch of the water transport from Zero Bridge to Chattabal, the next step would be to take it from Pantha Chowk to Chattabal and later from Khanabal to Khadniyaar. He also announced that soon a Shikara Marathon would be organised from Pantha Chowk to Chattabal and new initiatives like floating restaurants and cargo boast would also be taken.

JK Urdu Academy organized Seminar

          

Srinagar, May 05 (VOS):        The J&K Urdu Academy organized a seminar on the topic of ‘Importance of Urdu in Government employment’ here today. The seminar was chaired by renowned writer, Mr. Mohammad Yousuf Teing. Among others guests of honour Gian Peeth awardee and noted Kashmiri poet, Abdul Rehman Rahi, Khawaja Farooq Renzushah, Qazi Mohammad Amin, ex. Commissioner-Secretary, Nazir Fida, Ex-Sessions Judge, Nasir Mirza, HOD, MERC, Kashmir University, Kachoo Isfandyar Khan, IAS, Shabnam Qayoom, Vijeh Indrabi, Dr. Badana, Aijaz Kakroo, Imdad Saqi were present on the occasion.

            The speakers spoke on importance of Urdu language, its background, its impact on the civilization and its significant role as a language of communication.

            Addressing a seminar, Director Information and a noted novelist, Khawaja Farooq Renzushah said that Urdu being our official language it needs to be further developed. He said that Urdu is the language of Ghalib, Mir, Iqbal and Faiz. The most beautiful and sweet language which is pleading for attention adding that when Bahadur Shah Zafar was dethroned by imperialist Britain, they also has intention to suppress Urdu language by domination of Western languages but Zafar wrote his best poetry in prison itself which has made him everlasting personality. 

            Gian Peeth awardee, Abdul Rehman Rahi on the occasion made a historical revelation that the success of his Kashmiri poetry lies in the background of Urdu language as well. He said that he was greatly influenced by Ghalib, adding that he expressed the real sentiments of people of Kashmir in its originality.

            Speaking on the occasion, Mohammad Yousuf Teing expressed his concern on signboards of one particular bank which are written in English language rather in Urdu. He said that Urdu is our official language and needs official patronage at every stage and by each institution.   

            Addressing the gathering, Organizer of the seminar, Javed Matji said that Urdu Academy should play vital role in strengthening Urdu institutions in the State. He said that Urdu Academy will soon approach the authorities for establishment of Urdu University in Kashmir Valley which is need of the hour.

            A book in Urdu language entitled ‘Shahr-i-Bay-Pursaan’ written by Mushtaq Ahmad Keeni was released on this occasion.

NC congratulates state’s newly selected IAS officers

“The party celebrates their magnificent success”

Srinagar, May 05 (VOS):        National Conference today congratulated the candidates of the state for their brilliant performance in the IAS exams and for keeping the head of the Jammu and Kashmir State high. In a statement issued by the party spokesman, Tanvir Sadiq said this will inspire the youth of state to prepare themselves for any competitive examinations adding that this has proved that our youth have tremendous potential to do anything and their intellectual potential with success would give inspiration to the other youth of the State.

“I am delighted to salute you at your selection for the IAS. I understand that you all have studied under the most difficult circumstances but you all have proved once again that the youth of J&K are the most talented people. You have made the State proud and I and my party join millions of people who are celebrating your magnificent success.” Tanvir said while congratulating the newly selected IAS officers.

While commenting on the newly selected 10 candidates From the Jammu & Kashmir to the All India Services, Tanvir said “These young entrants to the IAS have shown that we have talented people from every corner of the state” adding that “this is the highest number of civil services aspirants till now. Terming their selection as a good omen he said that this will involve the youth in major decisions for the betterment and progress of the state as well.

 “They deserve all the praise but a special mentions should be of Syed Sehrish Asgar from Doda since she has broken the shackles and this will inspire many young ladies to come forward and join the ranks of distinguished bureaucrats, not only her but the credits goes to her family for her marvelous achievement” Tanvir Said.

Meanwhile congratulating these young aspirants the spokesman Tanvir said that Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah played a key role in providing free education to the poor and this is the reason that many students from poor and far flung areas have excelled and made a name for themselves and the state on the global map.

The spokesman on behalf of the Union Minister and President Dr. Farooq Abdullah, working President and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, General Secretary Sheikh Nazir Ahmed congratulated these candidates saying that the NC leadership is and has always been encouraging the youth to make the state proud, he said the leaders have assured that in this competitive world they will ensure that all the facilities are provided to anyone who wants to excel in his fiend of interest. The leaders wished them all the success in life and said that given a level-playing field, youth of the state can compete with the best in the country adding that they had proved that nothing can stand in the way of success  if we have firm determination.

One behalf of the leaders, Tanvir sent his good wishes and congratulated Syed Aabid Rashid from Srinagar, Inam-ul-Haq Mengnoo an orthopedic from South Kashmir’s Shopian, Bashir Ahmad Bhat, a veterinarian from Sopore, Dr Manazir Jeelani Samoon, Gurez,  Ijaz, from village Dharna of tehsil Mendhar in district Poonch, Raj Kamal Arya a resident of Jammu , Nitish Suri from Udampur, a Kashmiri Pandit boy Aditya Fotedar, and Syed Sarish Asgar from Doda.

‘No Smoking’ at J&K Bank  

Srinagar, May 05 (VOS): In the interest of public health and comfort, J&K Bank has declared all its Business Units (B/U)s and Offices as ‘Smoking Free’ zones as all of these spaces fall under the category of ‘public places’. The decision has been taken in line with Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COPTA) 2003, under which smoking is banned at all public places. Notably, instructions have already been issued to all controlling offices/business units to strictly adhere to the law. 

Bee keepers awareness camp cum hive distribution held at Baramulla

180 Quintals Honey Produced in District

Srinagar, May 05 (VOS): Bee keeping is a centuries old potential rural cottage industry of Kashmir & it play a dynamic role in agriculture economy & maintenance of logical system. This was stated by Director Agriculture Kashmir Dr. Farooq A. Lone while inaugurating the Bee Keeping Awareness Camp Cum Hive distribution held at Khwaja Bagh Baramulla today. He said Bee Keeping has tremendous potential for its expansion besides provide employment opportunities to the jobless youth. He advised farmers to opt this activity in bigger way as it has great market potential in the state as well as the outside state. Keeping in view the abundance of fauna & flora the valley has the potential for honey production. He said that honey processing unit will be established at district for which he directed chief agriculture officer to submit detailed project report.

            Joint Director Agriculture Extension M.S. Katoo said that department is committed to provide every assistance to the farming community to help them to boost various agriculture & allied sectors by providing latest technical knowhow to get maximum yield. He advised farmers to take benefits of the various schemes launched by the department & cooperated with field functionaries for successful implementation of schemes.

            Chief Agriculture Officer Baramulla Hilal Ahmad said that there is 1760 Bee Colonies in district and 180 quintals of honey produced during last year. Among others present on the occasion officers and officials of department besides large number of farmers participated.

            At the conclusion of the function Director distributed 233 colonies/hives among the 95 participating farmers worth Rs. 4.52 lacs. Later on Director inspected private Bee keeping units of district Baramulla and during interaction with Beekeepers he assured them that department will provide all possible assistant & technical knowhow. Beekeepers appreciated the rule of agriculture department for upliftment of Beekeeping industry.

Islamia College of Science and Commerce, organize Road Race

Srinagar, May 05 (VOS):        Physical Education Department of  Islamia College of Science and Commerce, Srinagar, organized the Annual Road Race for the college male students today the 05^th of May 2012. The race was flagged off by the Principal Prof. (Dr.) Tariq Ahmad Kawoos at 6:00 a.m. sharp from Nishat Crossing, Srinagar. The participant athletes ran via Fore Shore Road – Duck Park – Hazratbal Sheikh Abdullah’s Tomb and finished at Naseem Bagh, Hazratbal Srinagar.

 The race ended at Naseem Bagh Garden., Srinagar, covering a distance of 06.2 kilometers. Two Hundred and Nine (209=) male athletes of the college took part with great zeal and zest. There was overwhelming participation and they displayed lot of excitement and enthusiasm. As the college staff especially on duty for the purpose, encouraged them enroute. 

Aasif Gulzar of 1^st year claimed the first place by covering the distance in 23:35:81 mns. While as Mr Aadil Hussain of 1st year & Mr Auqib Ahad of 1^styear claimed the second and third place with timings of 23:47:04 mns, and24:27:97 mns Mr Manzoor Hussain of 2^nd year claimed 4^th place with the timings of 24:29:33 mns and Mr Aadil Mushtaq of 1^st year claimed 5th place with the timings of 24:43:36 mns. Respectively.

The prizes were given away to the first five position holders by the Principal of the College. In his speech on the occasion, the Principal also encouraged students to take part in the sports activities in and outside the college. He insisted the participants to take part whole heartedly in the sports events which are being organized in the College particularly the Inter-Group and Inter-College tournaments during this year. The Principal also announced for Sports Picnic to some health resort for the students who participated in College Annual Cycle and Road Races in the current session 2012-13. In the end the, Convener Sports Committee gave away the vote of thanks.         

Power shut down on May 06

            SRINAGAR, MAY 05: According to Power Controller, Power Development Department, Kashmir to carry out repairs on 33 KV Amargarh-Sopore line. The power supply to the area fed from this line shall remain affected on May 06, 2012 from 10 a.m to 5 p.m.

Annual Road Race at Anantnag, Pulwama

            ANANTNAG, MAY 05: The Anantnag Degree College organized its Annual Road Race today. The race was flagged off jointly by DIG, South Kashmir, Principal and Additional Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag at the College gate.

            The race culminated at Bumzoo after covering a distance of 10 kms. More than 100 students participated in the event. The first three positions were secured by Sajad Hussain Dar 2^nd year, Junaid Rafiq Dar 2^nd Year and Ishfaq Maqbool Ganie 1^st Year respectively. Later on the position holders were honoured in the college campus by DIG South Kashmir, Mr Vijay Kumar in the prize distribution ceremony.

            The college authorities appreciated the DIG South Kashmir, SHO Anantnag, SHO Mattan, CMO Anantnag and people from media for providing excellent support in making the event a success.

            Meanwhile, a Road Race was also organized by the Pulwama Degree College from Murran Chowk, Pulwama to Kakapora in the early hours of the day. A good number of students participated in the event. The party was flagged off by the Principal of the college in presence of the Station House Officer, Pulwama. The Principal & the senior staff members escorted the team for which adequate first aid arrangements were made by the Block Health Officer, Pulwama.

            The Race culminated at 6:15 AM in the Kakapora Chowk. MairajUd Din Ganai 1^st Year, Muzafar Ahmad Dar (3^rd Year) & Mohammad Yasin Rather 1^st Year ranked respectively 1^st, 2^nd& 3^rd in the race. Medals were distributed among the winners in an austere function organized by the Convener Sports Committee soon after the team reported back to the campus.

            The College authorities thanked the support & cooperation extended by Police especially SHO’s of Pulwama & Kakapora, District Administration & Health Department for successful conduct of the race.

CIC interacts with district administration, civil society at Anantnag

            ANANTNAG, MAY 05: To bring transparency in the system and to make the Government department accountable under RTI Act, the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC), Mr. G.R. Sofi alongwith Registrar of the Commission, Mr. Mohammad Sayeed today visited district Anantnag.

            While interacting with district administration PIO’s of various departments and members of Civil Society, Mr. Sofi said that every citizen has the right to obtain information from any Government Department Public authority constituted under State/Central Law and which is directly or indirectly financed by the State Government or such authority.

            He was addressing with PIO’s at Dak Bungalow, Khanabal, Anantnag today. He said under Section 6 an applicant should request in any language and attach a receipt of Rs. 50/- deposited in Government Treasury or Post Office.

            The PIO’s of the department is bound to give its decision within a period 30 days.

            The District Development Commissioner, Anantnag, Syed Kifayat Hussain Rezvi during the interaction said that PIOs are bound to provide information or to reject the application within 30 days under the RTI Act. He also informed that 225 applications were received out of which disposal was made for 193 and 32 are pending.

            The Bar President, other members and prominent citizens requested for conducting of seminars and symposiums to aware the common people about the Acts of RTI laws.

Sagar addresses public gathering in Srinagar

Says normalcy and peace is revisiting the vale

            SRINAGAR, MAY 05: The Minister for Rural development, Panchayat Raj and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar said that Mr. Omar Abdullah led coalition government is leading the State to an era of development and prosperity. He said that Srinagar is being beautified and historical places in the city including Khanyar, Naqashband Sahib, Khankahi Moulla, Eidgah, Syed Mansoor Sahib and Shrine of Makhdoom Sahib are being developed as tourist destination adding that Rs. 6500 crores are being expended on road widening from Dalgate to Zakura road project. He said that locals would be provided financial assistance to the tune of Rs. 30,000 each for construction of guest rooms for tourists at these tourist places.

            Mr. Sagar said that some selfish politicians are talking about Srinagar city being ignored which is far from reality. He said that during last few years 50 community centres  have been constructed in the Srinagar city, while 24 sports stadias have also come up for the youth.

            The Minister said that last year 13,50,000 tourist visited Valley and current season tourist influx starts from January.

            Mr. Sagar said that last fiscal Rs. 166 crore were spent on reviving last year of Zaina Kadal.

            Speaking about the unemployment problem, Mr. Sagar said that city youth are being employed in Police and financial assistance is being provided to them for setting up income generating units. He said that 120 industrial units have been set up by his government for Srinagar youth.

            The Minister said that government is committed to develop all three regions of the State. He said that normalcy and peace is revisiting the vale which was the dream of Chief Minister.

Solar lights distributed in Ganderbal on May 07

            GANDERBAL, MAY 05: This is notified for the information of concerned that the distribution of Solar Home Lighting Systems under general category are being distributed in district Ganderbal on May 07, 2012 in the office of District Development Commissioner, Ganderbal. The distribution shall be restricted to 100 systems per day on all working days in the district.

Taj addresses public gathering at Bandipora

Inaugurates filtration plant at Goroora

            BANDIPORA, MAY 05: The Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Mr. Taj Mohi-ud-Din appealed the people for full cooperation in building the State as prosperous. He said that people should come forward for development scenario in the State.

            The Minister was addressing at a public gathering in Chatipora of Bandipora district today. He said that Government is committed for providing the basic facilities to the people. He said work for various developmental projects have taken in hand. He said that Rs. 1000 crores have received as water tax in the State.

            Mr. Taj announced that a tube well be constructed at the graveyard of the late Sofi poet Lala Aragami.

            The Minister also inaugurated filtration plant at Goroora village in Bandipora at a capacity of one lakh gallons of water for which Rs. 44 lakhs would be spent. He said that for the completion of this project 6400 souls would be provided potable drinking water to the people.

            On this occasion, Vice President, Pradesh Congress Committee, Mr. G.M. Monga and Ex-MLA of Bandipora, Mr. Usman Majid also addressed the gathering.

            The Minister was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora, Mr. Manzoor Ahmad Lone and other district officers.

 US brushes aside Pakistan's objections, to continue with its drone strikes

WASHINGTON: Brushing aside Pakistan's objections, defence secretary Leon Panetta today said US will continue with its drone strikes. 

"The United States is going to defend itself under any circumstances," Panetta told PBS news in an interview, while responding to a question on drone strikes inside Pakistan. 

Though he did not specifically mention drones, his answers indicated that he was referring to the drone strikes. 

Asked if drone strikes will continue no matter what the Pakistani government desires and wants, Panetta said, "Well, you know, without referring to those specific operations because they still remain covert operations..." 

He was cut short by the anchor who said drone strikes were acknowledged recently by John Brennan, the top counter-terrorism advisor to the US President. 

"There was some acknowledgement of the fact that, you know, that they're used but the basic operations remain sensitive and they remain classified. 

"But let me just say this. We were attacked. The United States was attacked on 9/11. And we know who attacked us, we know that al-Qaida was behind it, and we are going to do everything we can, use whatever operations we have to, in order to make sure that we protect this country and make sure that that kind of attack never happens again," Panetta said. 

Mamata Banerjee, Jayalalithaa, Narendra Modi oppose NCTC; meeting fails to break logjam

NEW DELHI: Key UPA ally Mamata Banerjeetoday led a host of chief ministers in opposing NCTC, stating that there is no need for such a body while other non-Congress ruled states alleged it violates the federal structure and demanded drastic changes in the proposed law.

"NCTC will destroy the federal structure as it is contradictory to federal system. I urge the government to withdraw it," Banerjee told reporters.

She maintained that formation of NCTC - that too through an executive order without taking the states into confidence - has sent across the message that the Centre is trying to impose something on the states.

"Law and order is a state subject. Both the Centre and the states must work together," she said.

Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi insisted that almost all the big states had opposed the formation of NCTC and even those who endorsed it had certain reservations.

"I request the government not to make this a prestige issue... It should roll back NCTC immediately," Modi said.

He demanded a White Paper from the government on the efforts it was making in controlling arms-lending from across the border, hawala transfer of funds to help terrorists, cross-border terrorism, extradition of terrorists and the interception of communication of terrorists and Naxals.

Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa demanded that the Centre form a sub-committee of chief ministers to look into the NCTC issue. Her Odisha counterpart Naveen Patnaik endorsedthe view and said Jayalalithaa should head the sub-committee.

Stiff opposition

The Centre was today faced with stiff opposition from non-UPA chief ministers on the issue of proposed National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) who termed it as intrusion in states' powers.

The charge was led by Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi and Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa which found support from other chief ministers of BJP and opposition ruled states on the proposed central agency.

"Piecemeal approach with disjointed efforts will not lead us to the desired goal. Without comprehensively reviewing our past efforts and actions we would go on creating agencies and organisations and yet fail to achieve the purpose", Modi said during the conference.

Accusing the Centre of changing the "well-defined and constitutionally mandated" boundaries of Centre-state relations, he said there was a disturbing sequence of events in the recent past which revealed "centralist and autocratic mindset that militates against all canons of federalism."

Launching an all-round attack on the home ministry headed by her bete noire P Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa alleged that Tamil Nadu was being shown "utter contempt" by the Centre, which did not even send a copy of the order setting up the NationalCounter-Terrorism Centre.

Speaking at the chief ministers' conference chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the chief minister said the proposed NCTC needs a "total overhaul" and suggested setting up of a smaller sub-committee of chief ministers.

"The NCTC, as has now been notified, should be kept in abeyance, as already advocated by me in my letter to the Prime Minister earlier, till the sub-committee of chief ministers gives its report," Jayalalithaa said.

"As a matter of fact, any discussion on NCTC is infructuous as long as the notification of NCTC is in force," Jayalalithaa said.

Meeting fails to break logjam

The Centre today failed to break the logjam on the controversial anti-terror body National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) with non-Congress chief ministers stoutly opposing and some of them demanding its withdrawal.

At the end of the day-long conference in which Mamata Banerjee and Narendra Modi asked the Centre to drop the proposal while Jayalalithaa said it should be kept in abeyance, there was uncertainty as to when the NCTC would come into operation.

Home minister P Chidambaram parried questions on a timeline for implementing his pet project that has been kept on hold ever since non-Congress chief ministers raised strong opposition saying it cut at the root of the states powers and destroyed the federal fabric.

He said he was "leaving the meeting with an open mind" and the government would take a decision on concerns of the chief ministers over locating the NCTC in the Intelligence Bureau and undertaking operations even in exceptional cases.

"I firmly believe that we need a counter-terrorism body. Whether its is NCTC or some other body, whether it will have these powers or some other powers or functions is a matter that can be debated but certainly we need a counter-terrorism body.

"I have assured them that all their suggestions would be most carefully and anxiously considered," he said.

The non-Congress chief ministers opposition came notwithstanding appeals from Prime MinisterManmohan Singh and Chidambaram for a broad consensus.

Even Congress ally National Conference voiced reservations over the NCTC in its present form saying it makes it as stringent as the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

Iran Interior Ministry releases initial Majlis vote results

Iran's Interior Ministry has released the initial results of the Friday runoff parliamentary elections as vote counting has officially finished in all 33 constituencies except the capital Tehran.

Most of the candidates are from the Principlist camp. This comes while several candidates known to be critical of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad have also managed to win seats in Majlis, a Press TV correspondent reported. 

The runoff election was held in 33 constituencies across the country on Friday with 130 candidates competing for the remaining 65 seats of the 290-member parliament. 

Voting ended at 9 p.m. local time on Friday, after being extended for three hours. 

The first round of the election was held on March 2, with around 67 percent of the over 48 million eligible voters casting ballots. 

A total of 225 candidates succeeded in securing the required majority of votes to win their way into the Majlis in the first round. 

Principlist candidates won over 180 seats in the first round, giving them a majority in the new parliament. 

US very vulnerable in cyber security: FEMA

A recently released report from the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says cyber security is the country’s greatest security problem, Press TV reports.

According to FEMA’s annual National Preparedness Report, about two-thirds of US companies become a victim of cyber-security incidents or information breaches annually. In these incidents secure data is either intentionally or unintentionally copied, transmitted, or stolen by a party unauthorized to do so. 

This is while the US says it has "increased its collective preparedness" against threats. 

FEMA, an agency of the US Department of Homeland Security, says that measures such as data collection are being used by corporations and the federal government in attempts to minimize such breaches. 

“We’re pretty much on the losing side. There are always going to be people trying to hack and exploit certain vulnerabilities every time there is an update released, ... and with each update there is always a different type of weakness,” New York Computer Help security expert, Jacob Jeffers Mehren said. 

However, former US officials say intelligence agencies have been capable of spying on American citizens for years. 

According to writer and former National Security Agency official James Banford, top US telecommunications company AT&T has illegally turned over millions of pages of personal information belonging to its customers to intelligence agencies. 

The US has also reportedly constructed a new multi-billion-dollar facility in Utah which has been designed to monitor all calls and text messages sent to and received by US citizens.