Amnesty International Not satisfied with the ‘amendments in PSA’ in JK,

 Says, “Pple being detained without trial.” demands complete revocation of Act.

Srinagar, May 03 (VOS) :  A day after Supreme Court gave option to the Army to decide on mode of trial of their officers accused in  Pathribal ‘Fake Encounter’, International Human Rights Watchdog, Amnesty International has reiterated its call for revocation of the controversial Public Safety Act, in Jammu and Kashmir.

“ Amensity International  reiterates its call on the authorities in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) to end the persistent practice of administrative detentions in the state, and repeal the Public Safety Act,( PSA) 1978.” Amensity has demanded in a statement to VOS, adding that the report submitted by its two members based on their visit to J&k state last year has indicated of  “unfair use of the Act in the state.’’

“A legal team, deputed by Amnesty International to review progress since its March 2011 report on detentions under the PSA,has found no evidence that an amendment to the PSA of 5 April 2012,2will bring J&K detention practices fully in line with India’s human rights obligations underinternational law. Hundreds of persons suspected of involvement in protests, including separatist political leaders and activists, remain in detention without charge for trial.” Amnesty said in its statement on thursady.

According to VOS, the HR watchdog observed, “Amnesty International delegates noted an apparent drop in the number 16 and 17 year olds being detained, since a welcome new provision in the amendment that persons under 18 can no longer be detained under the PSA.”

 However according to AI,” they continue to be unlawfully detained in police stations and other detention centres run by state authorities. Moreover, young persons over 18 years of age, in particular those perceived as having separatist views, continue to be harassed by the state police,including with threats of detention under the PSA, and with charges of attempted murder.”

“Some former detainees and families of those still detained told the Amnesty International delegates that the revised PSA does not inspire much confidence, since authorities are able to continue their practice of “revolving door detentions” after the detention period, or after the judiciary has set aside the detention order.”

“Therefore Amnesty International once again urges the J&K authorities including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, to ensure that: are all detainees are released or charged with a recognizable criminal offence and tried fairly in a court of law. Safeguards must be introduced to ensure that those detained are charged promptly, have access to their families, legal counsel and medical examinations, and are held in recognized detention facilities pending trial.” AI demanded.

Hurriyat in favor of Indo Pak Friendship  :Shah,

Says, division of state on communal lines not acceptable.

 Srinagar, May 03(VOS):  Underscoring the importance of friendly relations between India and Pakistan, Senior Hurriyat Leader and Democratic Party President Shabir Ahmad Shah said that he was in favour of the good relations between the two nuclear powers, adding that both the countries should now work for confidence building measures so that the basic issue of Kashmir is settled. Addressing a press conference at Srinagar, Shah while lashing out at govt. said, “ during last 18 months, I have been either detained or arrested for 2 months and 20 days only to stop me from reaching to public .” He added that during this period he was allowed to offer Friday prayers only 5 times and the police even did not allow him to carry on with his one month Jammu Campaign. “ I feel saddened to see efforts being put in to divide the state on communal, religious and linguistic lines and that is why I had planed to move around Jammu province for a month so that people could be assured that Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh is one.” Shah maintained.

He said that Kashmiris were promised of using their right to self determination by the first prime Minster of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, but added that ‘betrayal’ by India forced Kashmiris to fight for their right and ‘they have been doing so for last six decades.’ adding that lakhs have laid down their lives and thousands were still traceless.

Stating that Kashmir would not accept any move of ‘freezing’ the K-issue, Shah asserted that the dispute needed to be resolved peacefully. “ I stress that the peaceful movement will continue till it reaches to its logical end.’’ Vowed Shah. According to VOS, Shabir Shah while appealing the youth of India said, “ I appeal to the politically conscious youth of India to make their leaders realize the economic burden due to Kashmir dispute.” He said that every citizen must play his role in solving the dispute.

Shah vowed to strengthen the Hurriyat Conference at grass root level and said that the amalgam needs to be transformed into a well organized organization.

JCC gets ready for ‘Secretariate Ghero’.

‘Come what may, we’ll stage protest’. Wani. ‘ This will be an exemplary show down.’ Alam

 Srinagar, May 03(VOS):  Accusing state govt. of  backtracking from its agreement with Employees, Joint Consultative Committee(JCC) has vowed to carry on with its proposed agitation programme on 8^th and 9^th may in Srinagar on the eve of opening of Durbar in the summer capital . “ We have been betrayed and deceived by the govt. and we are left with no option other than to come on streets.” EJAC senior leader Khursheed Alam told VOS after holding an important JCC meeting along with Ab. Qayoom Wani at Shaheed Gunj Office on Thursday. He said that despite Chief Secretary submitting his report to the cabinet sub committee, no word has come from either CSC or form the government itself. “We can’t wait anymore Govt. must realize that they are not living up to their promise.” Alam claimed. He warned government of serious consequences and threatened that the agitation on 8^th and 9^thwould be an exemplary one. “Govt. will see the strength of employees during this agitation.” Maintained Alam , adding that all the arrangements had been given the final touch.

Meanwhile EJAC(Q) leader Ab. Qayoom wani while accusing bureaucracy in putting hurdles to reach any consensus told VOS that irrespective of all restrictions, Employees will make their march towards Civil Secretariat on 9^th of May at 12 noon. “Enough is enough, we will not tolerate injustice anymore.” Wani asserted, adding that nearly 30 thousand employees will march from three sides toward secretariat. “ We know Govt. will make every possible effort to stop our march but we wont.” Vowed Wani.

While accusing govt. of not keeping its promise, EJAC leader said that they still hope that Chief Minster Omar Abdullah would intervene and implement the agreement between government and the JCC. “ CM had intervened last time and we entered an agreement with the govt, according to which Govt. was to take a decision on retirement age by 30^th march which it didn’t.” claimed Wani.

Pertinently State employees are demanding  enhancement of retirement age from existing 58 to 60, besides confirming the adhoc and daily wager employees . 

Media Playing an Important role in Shaping mindset of people: VC,

KPA observe World Press day at KU.

Srinagar, May 03(VOS):   Asserting that Media had a great role in Shaping mindset of people, Vice Chancellor of Kashmir University Prof. Talat Ahamd has asked Young journalists to develop an investigative instinct into their profession. Addressing a function on the eve of World Press day, organized by Kashmir press Association in collaboration with Kashmir University, Pof. Talat said, “ Media form the opinion of the society and shape the mindset of a person, so it has got a big responsibility toward society.”

While hailing the efforts and professionalism of local journalists, Prof. Talat said, “ I have come here as VC for three years and I will do my best to bring overall development in the university, irrespective of media criticism.”

 Flanked by senior Journalists Mohammad Syed Malik, Dr. Shujat Bukhari , KPA president Gh. Hassan Kalo and Director Information Khawja Farooq Renzu Shah, who shared the dais with him as the guest of Honors, VC said, “ Media is facing a huge challenge in the modern age, hence a journalist ought to act wisely and with a greater vision.”

Addressing the function, Senior Journalist Mohamad Syed Malik said, “ I pay tribute to those journalists who sacrificed their lives for the independence of journalism .” He added that for a democratic society, the independence of press was  the prime condition.

Stating that Press was still not fully independent even in the democratic countries, Senior Journalist, Dr. Shujat Bukhari said, “ For last 20 years Kashmir has been going through turmoil  but the local journalists carried out their professional duty with dedication for which they deserve applause.”

Meanwhile KPA President Gh. Hassan Kalo also spoke on the occasion. “ It is a matter of pride for us that we are observing the world Press Day at Kashmir University.” Kalo said.Kalo while underlining the contribution of Local Journalism said that number of journalists laid down their lives while carrying out their professional responsibilities.

Function was also addressed by the head of MERC, Kashmir University Prof. Hameed who also presented vote of thanks. “ More than 700 students have passed out from MERC with Journalism PG degree foe last 26 years.” MERC head informed, adding that the department was being taken to new heights in the coming months

After Police distt. Sopore to get Add. Dy. Cmnr., distt. &sessions court.

“Govt. to spend billions of rupees for dev. Of Apple town” : Div. Com.

Srinagar, May 03(VOS):   State government is contemplating to Post an Additional Deputy Commissioner and Additional district and sessions court in Sopore in district Baramullah. Sources told VOS that a proposal is being worked out in the higher corridors of the state govt. to look into the options of keeping the civil administration available at the door step of the people in apple town. The town has already being granted the status of a Police District after 2010 crises. “ People have been demanding a separate district which is not possible . So govt. is looking into an option of sanctioning a post of Additional Deputy Commissioner in the town so that some important administrative decisions are taken on spot.” A senior officer in the civil administration told VOS, adding that this will help people feel relaxed in the otherwise tense northern town. He added that the govt. was also considering establishing a district and sessions court in the town .

Meanwhile  crores of rupees are being spent on the development of the Town and to provide the basic amenities to the people . Addressing an Awami Durbar (Public Meeting) at Dak Bunglow on Thursday, Divisional Commissioner (Kashmir) Dr. Asgar Samoon announced that an ambitious water supply scheme for the town would be commissioned by the end of October this year. “ The 33 crore water scheme project will be completed by oct. this year and this will feed 1,20,000 souls of the area .” Div. Com in presence of Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Bashir Ahmad Bhat told people who had assembled in the durbar with their grievances and demands. VOS reporter further added that the authorities while replying the grievances informed the public that the two additional blocks of SDH sopore will be completed next month, whereas the Power Supply in the town would get better by the commissioning of Delina grid Station at the fag end of the current month. People had complained of erratic Power Supply in the town. Div. Com also informed the public that 106 kanals of land were being acquired  by the govt. for the construction of Bus Stand in the town which would cost nearly 42 crore ruppes. Besides govt. was also releasing 44 crores for the construction of mini secretariat in the apple town.

Eye witness told VOS that the public demanded an immediate documentation of house hold gas connections for the hassle free refilling of cylinders. “ Deputy Commissioner has agreed to send an officer to the gas agencies for documentation of the connections.” A sopore resident present in the durbar told VOS.

Meanwhile Deputy Commissioner Baramullah  Bashir Ahmad Bhat told VOS that sopore town will get some state of the art playgrounds and parksin the coming months. “ A stadium at Boys Hr. sec. school is being constructed at a cost of 2 crore ruppes . It will have the pavilion facilities as wel.” Bhat told VOS, adding that some beautiful parks and other play field will also be raised in the town very soon. He further added that the issues pertaining to transport and fishermen were also taken up in the durbar.

DC Sgr conducts an extensive tour to city

directs agencies to ensure hassle free traffic

Srinagar, May 03(VOS):   Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Mr. Baseer Ahmad Khan accompanied by a team of officers of Traffic and R&B and other departments today conducted an extensive tour to Dalgate, Lal Chowk, Amira Kadal, Hari Singh High Street, Saria Bala, Naaz Chowk, Haft Chinar, Solina, Magarmal Bagh, Ram Bagh, Jehangir Chowk and its adjacent areas and reviewed the traffic regulation system. He issued directions for removing the encroachments on the pavements and took stock of the availability of parking facilities and other concerned matters.

            The Deputy Commissioner directed the Traffic and Srinagar Municipal Corporation officials to remove all the bottlenecks for smooth plying of traffic on the city roads in view of Darbar Move, tourist season and ensuing Amarnathji Yatra.

             The Deputy Commissioner asked the concerned agencies including Traffic Police, Regional Transport Officer and Srinagar Municipal Corporation to make all possible arrangements for hassle free traffic in Srinagar city so that the passengers especially employees may not feel any inconvenience during their travel.

RTI applicant gets death threat in Chadoora

Appeals CIC, DGP to intervene

Srinagar, May 03(VOS):  An RTI applicant from Kutabal Chadoora in central Kashmir Budgam district has alleged that he is being threatened by a contractor after an application  was filed by him in Block Development Officer’s (BDO) office at Chadoora on Wednesday.

According to Fayaz Ahmad Wani s/o Late Ghulam Mohammad Wani a resident of Kutabal Chadoora  said that a contractor namely Abdul Ahad Khan of Kutabal Chadoora in Budgam district has threatened to kill him after an application under Right to Information Act (RTI Act) was filed by Fayaz Ahmad in BDO office Chadoora.

“ I sought details about works executed in Kutabal village for the last five years especially  under NREGA , beneficiary list of Indira Awas Yojna (IAY) and other details from BDO office Chadoora on May 2^nd and hours after filing the application ,the BDO office officials leaked this news to Ahad Khan and he started threatening me and told me that I will be killed. After this I left my home as I feel totally in secure  said Fayaz Ahmad.

“I am too scared of this man who has made life of poor people in our area very miserable. Ahad Khan gets all contracts from R&B and Rural Development and the money which is provided for BPL people to construct houses under IAY scheme is given to such people who do not deserve it and majority of the IAY sheds have not at all been constructed. Fayaz also alleged that Ahad Khan and his son who is a local Sarpanch are using JCB (bull dozer) to undertake NREGA works in the area thus depriving poor population do labour work under this scheme.

A complaint has been filed in Police Station Chadoora by RTI applicant Fayaz Ahmad  in which he has demanded legal action against Ahad Khan and sought police protection.

Pertinent to mention that few weeks back Ahad Khan and his son’s attacked Forest officials of Pir Panchal Forest division when they had gone to Kutabal village to stop encroachment of forest land under taken by Ahad Khan. He was leveling forest land with the help of JCB and when the Forest officials lead by a Forester tried to stop this Ahad Khan attacked the officials. An FIR has already been filed in this regard at P/S Chadoora. A forest official told Greater Kashmir that Ahad Khan has several FIR’s registered in various police stations related to timber smuggling.

RTI applicant Fayaz Ahmad Wani has appealed Chief Information Commissioner & DGP  to intervene and has send a copy of the compliant to him as well. “ I am sure CIC G R Sufi will take up this matter with DG Police and if such people are not taught a lesson  no body will dare to use their right under RTI” Fayaz further added.

Support world press freedom as journalist fight to tell the truth – NC

“Dr. Farooq Upheld the freedom of expression”

Srinagar, May 03(VOS):  Terming freedom of press in J&K a result of sacrifices laid down by the martyrs of 1931, National Conference (NC) General Secretary Advocate Sheikh Nazir Ahmad said that NC believes in freedom of press and has always stood behind them so that they can express themselves and perform their professional duties without any fear.  

According the to the statement issued by the NC spokesman, Sheikh Nazir Ahmad, while interacting with party workers on the world press freedom day said that NC founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah provided a platform to the local journalist fraternity and ensured that they excel in this field.

Sheikh Nazir said that some of the revolutionary steps taken by the National Conference leadership helped many journalists across the state to build a successful career and stand out in the various National and International media organizations across the globe. It is a sense of satisfaction that they have earned a significant name in many media houses.

The Party General Secretary also said that in 1996, when Dr Farooq Abdullah took charge as the state’s Chief Minister, he ensured and played a pivotal role in encouraging various Newspapers to start a successful venture in the field of publication and journalism. He upheld the freedom of expression enshrined under article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human rights.

While appreciating the local media who under tremendous hardship and unfavorable condition right through the 22 years of tumult stood strong Sheikh Nazir said, “The Journalists ensured that the quality of professional journalism through Print Media is not compromised.

The General Secretary paid tributes to the journalists who became victims of turmoil and expressed solidarity with their family members. 

The party general secretary said that the media has also been a victim of violence and hostility in the last 22 years and have been also used by various agencies for their vested interest. He said it was the NC leadership who stood with the media community in difficult times and ensured their security as well.

Sheikh Nazir said that journalism is a noble profession and it not only gives an opportunity to a journalist to express his feeling but also lets him highlight the grievances of the society. He advised the upcoming young journalists to study the history so that their story and analysis are based on factual events.

 Irfan demands relief to fire victims of Chattabal

Srinagar, May 03(VOS):  MLA Batamaloo, Irfan Ahmad Shah has urged the state government to provide relief to the fire victims of Bagyas Chattabal. The MLA said that 12 shops of Auqaf committee were gutted in a devastating fire that destroyed property worth crores. The NC leader urged the District Administration to provide relief and compensation to the fire victims immediately.

Multi Specialty Super Specialist Medical Camp at CPMG Circle Office Srinagar on May 12

Srinagar, May 3, 2012:Chief Medical Officer, Postal Dispensary, Department of Posts is
organizing a ‘Super Specialist Medical Camp’ of Cardiology, Diabetes
and Gastroenterology on 12th May, Saturday at Chief Postmaster
General, J&K Circle Office, Srinagar . Super Specialists of
Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences Soura (SKIMS) will
examine the patients. Medicines will be provided by Postal Dispensary
Jammu. Blood Sugar tests of all the patients will also be done.

S.B.I. CONDUCTING COACHING CUM COUNSELLING PROGRAMME FOR 8500 CLERK,
STENOGRAPHER POSTS AT ALL INDIA LEVEL
Srinagar, May 03, 2012:To add wheels to its ongoing expansion program, State Bank of India,
the largest bank in the country, is planning to recruit 8500
Clerks/Stenographers at all India level. Taking note of the enthusiasm
shown by the local youth and large number of applications, SBI
Regional Office has set up Recruitment Test Centers at Srinagar for
the first time, which will be held on May 27 and June 03, 2012.
Regional Business Office Srinagar, as a special industry initiative,
is regularly conducting 2 days Coaching cum Counseling program for the
eligible candidates of the valley. Under this initiative 910
candidates have attended such programmes. Another batch of 300
candidates, has been registered for coaching cum counseling programme.

Chief Post Master General inaugurates ‘School Stamp Show-2012’
Srinagar , May 03, 2012.
Kashmir School Stamp Show, a month long festival of Stamp collection
was inaugurated at Srinagar British School by Shri John Samuel, Chief
Post Master General, J&K Circle. This is a unique initiative launched
by Department of Posts to encourage the school students to take the
hobby of Stamp collection. Last year after a gap of 32 years a major
stamp exhibition was organized at SKICC, Srinagar under the title
‘Chinar-2011’. School Stamp Show-2012 is a sequel to Chinar-2011 and
will focus on school children in Kashmir.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Samuel announced that this exhibition
will be held at more than 12 schools during the month of May. In each
school, the exhibition will display around 5000 stamps from India and
abroad. Along with the exhibition Letter writing contest on the theme
‘Letter to My Teacher’ will be held. Further in each school ‘Stamp
Design Contest’ will be organized. Best exhibits will be given Gold,
Silver and Bronze medals. A large number of school children have shown
interest in Philately. During the Philately workshop the students will
learn the basics of Stamp Collection. In addition Special Postal
Covers will be released honoring the schools where the exhibition
takes place. These special postal covers will display the pictures of
the schools. During the exhibition, the students will be able to buy
Philately products including Special Covers, Stamp Cards, Maxi Cards,
and Picture Post Cards etc. 

Nation-Wide Survey for Crucial Airports

New Delhi, May 3, 2012.


Shri Ajit Singh, the Minister of Civil Aviation informed Rajya Sabha
today in a written reply that Directorate General of Civil Aviation
(DGCA) has not conducted country wide survey to identify crucial
airport. However, post Manglore crash, 11 airports, which were
considered critical airports from flight operations point of view have
been inspected. As a part of safety reassurance drive, the airport
systems, facilities and procedures were thoroughly reviewed by DGCA to
enhance the safety of aircraft operations at Leh, Kullu, Shimla, Port
Blair, Agartala, Lengpui, Calicut, Manglore, Jammu, Patna and Latur.
On the basis of suggestions in the inspections following actions have
been taken to enhance the safety at the aerodromes with the aerodrome
operators:

• Provision of Runway End Safety Area.
• Ensure proper making on runway.
• Proper maintenance of Basisc strip and ensuring Frangibility area.
• Periodic calibration of Nav-aids.
• Maintenance of runway surface within appropriate friction level.
• Removal of obstruction and proper marking and lighting of
permissible obstacles.
• Safety risk assessment in respect of non-compliance.

Javed visits hailstorm affected villages takes stock of damage

Announces Rs. 7 lakh for GHSS, Dangiwach

BARAMULLA, MAY 03: Minister of state for Horticulture, Agriculture and R&B, Javed Ahmad Dar, along with officers of Horticulture Department and R&B, visited several hailstorm affected villages of Rafiabad in Baramulla district and took stock of the damage caused to the fruit crops.

            Zethan, Kangroos, Dalri, Sheikhpora, Pukhwar and Hachaypora were the most effected villages of the hailstorm.

            The Minister instructed the officers of horticulture department to visit the affected villages and organize awareness camps to sensitize the farmers about the preventive measures need to be taken to check further damage to fruit crops.

Talking to the farmers, the Minister said that Baramulla district produces 6.50 lakh metric tons of fruits annually, which constitutes one third of the total production of the State. He said department has introduced several schemes aimed to increase production and improve the socio-economic status of the people associated with fruit business. He said department has introduced new varieties of fruit like Kiwi and Pomegranate, high-density apple plants (Bulgarian) and asked farmers to come forward and adopt new fruit plantation in their fields. He asked farmers to take the benefits of the new technologies introduced in the horticulture sector.

Later, Minister visited Govt Higher Secondary School, Dangiwach and announced Rs. 7 lakh, out of Constituency Development Fund for setting up of a computer lab, construction of auditorium-cum-community hall, besides purchase of laboratory equipment and furniture for the school.

Referring the demand of the students to introduce Commerce and Information Technology streams in the school, the Minister said that the matter would be taken up with the concerned Ministry.

Earlier, the Minister visited Model School, Kangroosa and directed engineers of R&B department to construct approach road for the school, besides public convenience points for the students.

Senior NC leader, Shabir Rafiabadi also accompanied the Minister. 

Power shut down on May 05

            SRINAGAR, MAY 03: According to Power Controller, Power Development Department, Kashmir to order to carry out urgently required maintenance works, power shut down of 132/33 KV Grid Station Habak shall be taken on May 05, 2012 from 9 a.m to 5 p.m.

Union Ministry reviews status of hydroelectric projects of the State

                SRINAGAR, MAY 03: To review the status of various hydroelectric projects of the country, a high level meeting was conducted by the Union Ministry of Power in Shram Shakti Bhawan, New Delhi the other day under the Chairmanship of Additional Secretary, Union Ministry of Power, Mr. Devendra Chaudhry.

            The meeting was attended by the senior officers of Central Electricity Authority, representatives of various States, NHPC and others. J&K State was represented by Principal Secretary, Power Development Department, Mr. Sudhanshu Pandey, Executive Director, Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation, Mr. Zahoor Ahmad Chat.

            During the meeting, a detailed review was taken of various under construction projects including Kishenganga 330 MWs, Uri-II 240 MWs, Baglihar-II 450 MWs, Nimo Bazgo 45 MWs, Chutuk 44 MWs and pre-construction projects of Sawalkote 1406 MWs, Ratle 850 MWs, Kirthai-I 240 MWs, Kirthai-II 990 MWs, New Ganderbal 93 MWs, Lower Kalnai 48 MWs, Parnai 37.5 MWs, Pakaldal 1000 MWs, Kiru 600 MWs, Kawar 520 MWS and Bursar 1020 MWs.

            For evacuation of power from Nimo Bazgo Hydroelectric Project Leh, NHPC was directed to prioritize the implementation of programme under RGGVY within the approved cost, to ensure immediate utilization of power through the existing distribution system in areas with high load capacity and to submit proposals under stage-II for left over areas for completion of the work in full.

            The Union Ministry took a serious note of the delay caused in granting clearances of various projects from Central Electricity Authority and the concerned authorities were directed to ensure immediate time bound clearance of all pre-construction projects especially New Ganderbal Hydroelectric Project and Kirthai-I Hydroelectric Project on priority.

            The Union Ministry acknowledged the efforts put in by the J&K State Government in identifying huge hydel power potential of Indus Basin in Ladakh and emphasized on immediate framing of strategy by the State for harnessing the said potential on priority. The preparation of DPRs for future proposed projects on Chenab like Shuas 230 MWs, Barinium 240 MWs, Shamnot 370 MWs, Dulhasti-II and Salal-II were stressed to be taken up on priority.

            The Union Ministry was concerned about the delay caused by NHPC in finalizing the DPRs of Bursar, Kiru and Kawar Hydroelectric Projects including delay caused in launching of Pakaldul Hydroelectric Project and directed their representatives to expedite the same.

            The Union Ministry also stressed to make the joint venture corporation of Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Limited fully functional by immediately deploying requisite staff from the State and NHPC.

            The Union Ministry also stressed upon NHPC to establish ITI Units in the State at various places to ensure skilled training of youth on hydroelectric projects with specialized courses and on site field trainings to ensure development of local talent for their future employment in the upcoming large number of hydroelectric projects in the Jammu and Kashmir.  

Member NCM visits Srinagar city

                SRINAGAR, MAY 03: Member, National Commission for Minorities (NCM), Ms. Syeda Bilgrami Imam who is current visiting the Valley today visited Srinagar district.

            Ms. Bilgrami met district administration to get acquainted with various Central and State Welfare Schemes launched for the improving socio-economic life of the weaker sections and minorities of the district.

            Later in a meeting with District Administration, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Mr. Baseer Ahmad Khan informed the Member that Government is making every effort to provide amenities to minorities, weaker section and downtrodden. She was also briefed about the steps being taken in this regard by various departments including Tourism, Social Welfare, ICDS, Education, Health and Employment Counselling.

            Ms. Bilgrami urged the district officers to organize awareness camps for making people in general and weaker sections and minorities in particular aware about various Central and State Welfare Schemes to enable them to get benefitted from these schemes.

            Present on the occasion were Deputy Director Employment and Counselling, Mr. Abid Hussain, Executive Engineer, Tourism Department, Mr. Ishtiyaq Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer, Srinagar, Chief Medical Officer, Srinagar, District Social Welfare Officer, Srinagar, Programme Officer ICDS and other officers.

Drive against illicit Poppy & Bhung cultivators at Bijbehara

                SRINAGAR, MAY 03: According to the Excise and Taxation Officer, the Excise Department of Kashmir Division has initiated an illicit Poppy and Bhung destruction drive in the jurisdiction of Police Station Bijbehara from May 01, 2012 and destroyed Bhung cultivated on 40 kanals of land under the supervision of Excise and Taxation Officer, Kashmir, Mr. Shameem Ahmad Rather with the assistance of Revenue and logistic support of Police Station, Bijbehara.

Agri. Law Enforcement agency seized 229 Kgs misbranded pesticides

            SRINAGAR, MAY 03: Law Enforcement agency of Agriculture Department in its continued drive to check the distribution of spurious pesticides andfertilizers in district Baramulla have raided various godowns and seized 30 Kgs of misbranded Indofil M-45 under Batch No:-TMZL-935 from Ab. Rashid Teeli of Naseem Bagh Sopore, 50 Kgs of Kri-Captan  Captan 50 percent WP under  Batch No. KRE/JK-88 from Mushtaq Ahmad Ganie of Channa Khan Sopore and 40 Kgs of Indofil M-45 under Batch No. TMZL-935 from Ab. Hamid Khanday of M/s Khanday Pesticides Sopore.

            In the meanwhile during inspection in district Budgam 20 Kgs of Indofil M-45 under Batch No. TMZL-945 from Malik seeds and pesticides Magam was seized which has been declared misbranded by Quality Control Laboratory Lal Mandi, Srinagar.

            In addition sale stop orders for 11 Kgs -100 gms of Bycore under Batch No. 1017 and 20 Kgs of Antracol under Batch No.11350 was served to Mir pesticides Magam for running his business without Licence. In Kupwara Enforcement Inspector has seized 40 Kgs of Captan 50 of Batch No. 221 and 69 Kgs ofIndofil M-45 under Batch No. TMZL-935 declared misbranded by Quality Control Laboratory Lal Mandi, Srinagar from one Marazi Agro Traders Handwara. Enforcement Inspector Shopian has served sale stop orders to Reliance Pesticides Shopian for Tata Bahar Fertilizers for selling the product without license.

Large number of people assembled at the shrine of great historian Mohammad Azam Dedmari

            SRINAGAR, MAY 03: One of the great historian of Kashmir Khawaja Mohammad Azam Dedmari who has encompassed the entire history of Kashmir upto 11^th century in his historical documents is buried on the foot hills of Koh-i-Maran in Nowhatta near Data Gunj Baksh Park.  

            Today large number of respectables and decedents of Khawaja Dedmari assembled at his shrine to pay tributes to him. The intellectuals describing Khawaja said that he presented each event and each situation of Sultanate period in his historical document vividly. He said that Khawaja in his historical document described great Sufi saints Hazrath Bulbul Shah and Hazrat Shah-i-Hamdan as pioneers of our composite culture which is based on mutual love and co-existence. It was Khawaja Dedmari who documented great deeds of Hazrath Sultan Sader-ud-Din, Sultan Shuhab Shah, Budshah and other kings of the Valley and document their triumphs and tribulations to present our great civilization in a proper perspective.

            They said that Khawaja Dedmari has appreciated the role of Budshah for development of Kashmir Valley in his historical documents.

            In his address, Mr. Jeelani Dedmari lauded the role of Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar for developing the area at the foot hills of which this great historian is buried.

            Director Information, Khawaja Farooq Renzushah who was present on the occasion was presented documents by Dedmari family highlighting paramount role of Khawaja Dedmari.

            The people on the occasion, expressed hope that the proposal of developing the grave of this great historian.

            Other speakers on the occasion also highlighted the role of Khawaja Dedmari and offered Fateh at the grave of great this historian.

            A seminar on contribution of Khawaja Dedmari is being organized to acquaint new generation is with his contribution.   

Presidential polls: Pranab Mukherjee emerges frontrunner

NEW DELHI: Finance minister Pranab Mukherjee appears to be emerging as frontrunner in the race for President's post within his party and outside with allies and some others backing him.

Key UPA constituent Trinamool Congress andSamajwadi Party, which held discussions today on the issue appear to be not averse to Mukerjee's candidature if the Congress decides on it and evolves a broad consensus, sources in both the parties said.

However, the chances of Vice-President Hamid Ansari becoming a UPA sponsored candidate are also not being ruled out completely given the fact that the running of the government is highly dependent on Mukherjee's utility as a troubleshooter, Congress sources said.

The final decision depends on the party leadership, which has to take the call whether to spare Mukherjee for the constitutional post. A senior leader said Mukherjee also stood a chance because the government has only two more years to go.

They said that other key constituents of UPA, DMK and NCP, have promised their support to Congress and much would depend on what stand TMC, the second largest party in UPA, takes. Significantly, BJP ally JDU came out in support of both Pranab and Ansari.

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee met Congress president Sonia Gandhi and SP chiefMulayam Singh Yadav separately and discussed the issue. She later met Gandhi's political secretary Ahmed Patel.

Trinamool sources also indicated that TMC would go with the UPA if there is a consensus on candidate being fielded by it.

Rupee hits 4-month low in 'helpless' slide

MUMBAI: The rupee slid to an over four-month low as India's policy uncertainty and worsening economic fundamentals are sparking concerns that a rout is in the making, one that theRBI will be unable to prevent.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was seen stepping in to defend the currency via dollar sales for a second consecutive session on Thursday, which helped slow the pace of falls, but not expectations the rupee could head to the record low levels hit in December.

The central bank's hands are seen tied because of India's relatively low foreign exchange reserves and a widening current account deficit aggravated by foreign capital leaving the country. Any further intervention would also worsen an acute liquidity shortage that has seen repo borrowings surge for seven consecutive sessions. 

Russia 'retains right' to pre-emptive strike on US-backed missile system in Europe

A top Russian military official says Moscow retains the right to a preemptive strike on the US-led missile system in Europe if Washington refuses to engage in constructive dialog over the issue.

“Considering the destabilizing nature of the [American] ABM system, namely the creation of an illusion of inflicting a disarming [nuclear] strike with impunity, a decision on pre-emptive deployment of assault weapons could be taken when the situation gets harder,” Chief of General Staff of Russia’s Armed Forces General Nikolay Makarov said on Thursday. 

Speaking at the Moscow Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) conference, Makarov said Russia has no plans to deploy its missile defense facilities outside its national territory. 

“We did not and do not have plans to deploy Russian missile defense facilities outside of national territory. Such an approach would exclude the influence of Russian missile defense facilities on the deterrence potential of any state, a participant in the project,” he added. 

Russia has already threatened to deploy short-range Iskander missiles in the Kaliningrad Region following the rejection by Washington of Moscow’s proposition to develop a joint European missile system. 

Russia has repeatedly objected to the deployment of the missile system, saying Moscow is the main reason for the US-backed move, as it holds a significant number of nukes. 

However, the head of the NATO delegation present at the ABM conference, Deputy Secretary-General Alexander Wershbow, said that Russia’s arguments do not convince him and that the US-led system would ‘never target Russia.’ 

Earlier on Thursday, Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov said that talks between the United States and Russia over the European missile system have reached a dead-end. 

‘Rift over Iran nuclear energy program eroding Israel’

The rift between Israeli leaders and military-intelligence authorities over Iran's nuclear energy program is having an erosive effect on the Tel Aviv regime, a political analyst says.

“A rift the size of a potential coup is taking shape between the Israeli government and the military-intelligence men over Iran, a fact which threatens the ruling Israeli political apparat on the one hand and exonerates Iran of all years-long groundless allegations on the other,” wrote Ismail Salami, a prolific author, in an article published on Press TV’s website on Tuesday. 

Referring to the former Director of Shin Bet, Israel's domestic security service, Yuval Diskin’s recent harsh criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s regime for its harboring of “messianic feelings over Iran” and projection of “a false image” over Tehran’s nuclear energy program, he noted that even “the very mention of the name” of the country or any conciliatory talk against the war with Iran “is enough to cause anger in the Israeli officials.” 

Speaking at a meeting with residents of the Kfar Sava city in central Israel on Friday, Diskin had said that Netanyahu and Israel’s Defense Minister Ehud Barak were not worthy of leading the regime. “I don't believe in either the prime minister or the defense minister. I don't believe in a leadership that makes decisions based on messianic feelings,” he complained. 

Israeli opposition leader Shaul Mofaz later rejected claims that Diskin’s comments had been made out of “personal, political considerations,” and said that he agreed with his assertion that the current regime was using the alleged Iranian threat to distract Israelis from other pressing issues. 

“Iran is a taboo word in the dictionary of the Zionists and anyone who speaks a word or words implicating a defense of or support for the Islamic Republic is considered an enemy” by the Israeli regime, Salami pointed out, adding, “That is why Diskin’s scathing comments were interpreted as stemming from ‘personal desperation.’” 

The author of Iran, Cradle of Civilization further pointed to conflicting reactions within the Tel Aviv regime to Diskin’s remarks, identifying “two different fronts” of Israeli authorities, those who are “cognizant of the true nature” of Tehran’s nuclear activities and thus critical of the Zionist war rhetoric and those “who lie about the Iranian nuclear program and serve as nuclear Pinocchios in the international arena.” 

Salami went on to say that “a strong feeling of fear is eroding the Israeli regime from within and without” as, on the one hand, its “intelligence people… are exposing the lies of the regime about Iran” and on the other “the Zionist regime is fearful” that the slated May 23 talks between Iran and the P5+1 group in Baghdad “could ultimately end with a deal that would allow Tehran to continue enriching uranium.” 

“At all events, the [Israeli] regime is toddling on political razor’s edge and that it is already caught between a rock and a hard place,” the Iranian analyst added. 

He also highlighted Tel Aviv’s desperate attempts to “sabotage” the upcoming Iran-P5+1 negotiations, which have manifested themselves in the Israeli regime’s decision to dispatch its “National Security Adviser Yaakov Amidror to Europe to hold talks with European officials,” noting that “Apparently, what is happening is not in the least in the best interests of Israel.”