CM, HM review security situation

Srinagar, May 23 (VOS):  Home Minster P. Chidambarm along with Chief Minster Omar Abdullah reviewed the security scenario in the state in a meeting at Nehru Guest House Srinagar on Wednesday during his one day visit to Jammu and Kashmir. Sources revealed to VOS the prevailing situations in the aftermath of the G.B Pant fiasco also came up for discussion, " Chidambaram took stock of the prevailing Law and Order situation in the valley, besides the arrangements for the Upcoming Amarnath Yatra", revealed Sources.. “The Home Minister was also apprised about the G.B Pant issue and the steps taken to control the situation at the hospital”, sources added.
Various issues relating to the security and law and order situation were discussed in detail in the meeting which was also participated by the Union MoS Home, Dr. Jatinder Singh, Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand, Minister of State for Home Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Madhav Lal, Director General of Police Kuldeep Khoda, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister B. B. Vyas, Principal Secretary Home B. R. Sharma and senior officers of central and state governments.

Interlocutor’s report will be out soon: Padgaonkar

Chief Interloctor Dilip Padgaonkar has revealed that all arrangements have been finalized to release the much awaited interlocutor’s report on Kashmir. The Chief interlocutor has also refused to comment on the speculations that the interlocutors have recommended restoration of Sadre Riyasat and Prime Minister titles to the state’s governor and chief minister respectively.

 “I met the Home Minster P Chidambarm some days back and he told me that the report will be released very soon", Padgaonkar told VOS, adding that the home Minster had already informed the Parliament that the report will be made public soon.

When asked to comment on the speculation about Jammu and Kashmir being accorded the Sadr e Riyasat and Wazeer e Azam titles back, the Chief Interlocutor said, “The report is confidential and I can't comment on the contents of the report". However he did not reject the speculations in this regard either. “All I can say is that the report will be made public very soon", Padgoankar said when asked if he would reject the speculations of the pre 1953 titles having been recommended to be accorded back to the state in the report.

(VOS) 

Govt fails to break ice with employees

‘Open to negotiations, will go ahead with strike’: JCC

Srinagar, May 23 (VOS): Ahead of the proposed three day strike called by the employees’ Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) beginning Thursday, the state government on Wednesday attempted to break the thaw by deputing Commissioner General Administration Department Sheikh Mushtaq Ahmad for negotiations with the JCC.

Commissioner General Administration Department held a special meeting with JCC leaders and asked them to call off their proposed strike. “GAD commissioner called us for meeting and insisted for calling off the strike”, JCC senior leader Mohammad Khursheed Alam told VOS, adding that the employees’ leaders made it clear to the Commissioner that the JCC would not call off the strike unless their demands were met. “We told Mushtaq sahib that JCC cannot ditch employees by backing off at this crucial juncture and the government must implement its written agreement with JCC”, Alam claimed.

He further added that the GAD commissioner was however told that JCC did not want any kind of confrontation and was ready to come to the table any time the government wanted. “Commissioner put his every effort to convince us for calling off the strike, but we categorically refused to do so. But we told him that JCC does not want confrontation, and it is for the government to act wisely”, he said.

Meanwhile, another JCC leader Abdul Qayoom Wani told VOS that the government should not expect JCC to surrender and felt that the Chief Minster Omar Abdullah needed to intervene to save the situation from turning volatile. “We are there for our right and nobody should expect us to bow down”, Wani told VOS. “Chief Minster must intervene so that every thing settles down amicably”, asserted Wani.

JCC leaders also said that they were open for negotiations and it was for the government to take the right call at the right time. They insisted that JCC would go ahead with its proposed 3 day strike programme which begins Thursday. They claimed that the Commissioner General Administration Department Sheikh Mushtaq promised that he would convey their message to the government.

 (VOS)

Scaffoldings at Hazratbal Shrine to stay for time being

Srinagar, May 23 (VOS): If the J&K Wakf board is to be believed, the scaffoldings on the dome of the Hazratbal shrine will not go for the time being as the concerned engineers are yet to fully satisfy themselves about the successful plugging of the leaks.

Pertinently locals have been insisting upon the Wakf authorities to remove the scaffoldings as according to them the scaffoldings have been put around the dome of the shrine in August 2011. Many visitors to the shrine have also criticized the Wakf Board for defacing the tomb by persisting with the scaffoldings.

Vice Chairman of the J&K Wakf Board M Y Qadri told VOS that the leak had been plugged in November 2011 but the engineers want to ensure that leaks don’t recur.

“We have left the scaffoldings around the dome as the engineers from Mumbai want to examine the dome again after some time. They also want to put a special polish on the surface to ensure longer and effective sustenance of the plugging”, said Qadri.

Dispelling the allegations that 25 lakh rupees have been spent on the plugging work, the Vice Chairman told VOS that less than 15 lakh rupees have been spent on it. However he informed VOS that if the engineers think that they need to go ahead with the polishing work, it might take around 13 lakh rupees more but more importantly it will take 2 to three months to complete the work.

“In order to save costs and time apart from ensuring safety of the shrine, we will have to leave the scaffolding for the time being”, Qadri added.(VOS)

Hurriyat (M) Preparing ground for Assembly elections: Er Rashid
’UN resolutions not Obsolete’
Srinagar, May 23 (VOS) : Castigating the separatist camp, MLA Langate Engineer Abdul Rashid on Wednesday expressed that the Mirwaiz led Hurriyat Conference might be preparing ground for the forthcoming assembly elections.

He also said that the ongoing movement was a people’s movement and not an individual’s personal property. “The ongoing movement is not the property of any individual or a party", Engineer said while addressing a press conference at Srinagar on Wednesday, adding that Kashmir has been and is presently a dispute which needs to be acknowledged as such, in and outside the State Assembly. “If Hurriyat (M) has any intentions of contesting the elections, they should be welcomed", asserted Rshid adding that contesting elections should not be viewed as a betrayal. However he said that it will be interesting to see whether the NC and the PDP approach separatist or the separatists will contest elections on their own.
Raising a question mark on the intentions of Hurriyat Conference (M) in commemorating the death anniversaries of leaders, Engineer said, “Only leaders did not die in the ongoing movement. There were common people also who laid their lives."
While rejecting Professor Abdul Gani Bhat's statement regarding the UN resolution's validity, MLA Langeth said, "These resolutions have not become obsolete, instead are valid even now".

He cautioned that if the New Delhi did not bring a change in its Kashmir policy, a serious problem may confront them in future. He expressed surprise over the presence of mainstream leaders, panchs and sarpanchs in Hurriyat public meet at Langate on Tuesday.(VOS)

Discriminatory water agreements need renegotiation: Mufti

‘PDP led regime had brought Chenab Valley on development map’

Doda, May 23 (VOS): Reiterating the resolve of his party to make Jammu and Kashmir economically self-reliant, Peoples Democratic Party patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that the Self Rule proposal of the PDP has the potential to commence a new chapter of peace and development in this region by giving a fillip to the economy of the State.

Addressing a public meeting at Doda Wednesday, the Mufti reiterated the demand of his party to re-negotiate the discriminatory water agreements signed by the successive National Conference regimes by brazenly bartering natural resources of the State. “It is our pledge that we will continue our struggle to get these discriminatory agreements revoked to make Jammu and Kashmir economically self-reliant”, he said.

While highlighting the Self Rule document of the party, he said that renegotiating these treatis is an important part of the document. “Had successive NC regimes not surrendered our natural resources in such a reckless manner for enjoying power, the state would have been economically self-reliant”, Mufti said.

“In our Self Rule document, we have promised to re-negotiate the discriminatory water agreements. Whenever any talks would be held in future to address internal dimensions of the problem of Jammu and Kashmir, PDP would vociferously take up the issue of re-negotiating discriminatory water agreements”, Mufti asserted.

Pointing towards availability of natural resources in the form of water, he said, “We would have been in a position to generate surplus power from our rivers and sell it to generate revenues for wide-ranging development and welfare works”.

Referring to what he calls acute backwardness of the Chenab Valley region Sayeed said it was ironical that while most parts of the subcontinent were benefited by the water flowing from it, the state itself was steeped in to darkness and backwardness. “Due to availability of natural resources Chenab Valley is strategically the most important place in the whole sub-continent but this region remained neglected and ignored”, he maintained and said that successive National Conference regimes were responsible for the backwardness and underdevelopment of this region. “It was only during PDP led regime the Chenab Valley region was brought on the map of development but after formation of the present Omar Abdullah led government all developmental projects have been stopped”, he said and reminded the gathering during PDP led regime various developmental projects were initiated in this belt, which was ignored and neglected by the successive National Conference regimes for decades together.

 Highlighting achievements of previous PDP led government; Mufti said that biggest achievement of his government was that it had earned credibility of the people.

“It was all due to the credibility of the PDP that previous NDA regime headed by Atal Behari Vajpayee and present UPA government led by Dr Manmohan Singh whole heartedly supported initiatives taken by us for restoring peace in this region", Mr Sayeed said and added that his party had changed mindset of BJP leadership and recalled  the historic rally of then Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee in Kashmir on April 2003 when he had extended hands of friendship towards Pakistan at the time when tension was running high on the borders.

 

Kashmir Economic Alliance meets CM

‘Raise concerns on AFSPA, LoC trade, retirement age’

Srinagar, May 23 (VOS) : A twelve member delegation of Kashmir Economic Alliance met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and raised its concerns regarding many issues concerning the social and economic issues facing the valley in particular and the state in particular.

The delegation headed by Chairman KEA, M Yasin Khan raised many issues with the Chief Minister including Armed Forces Special Powers Act, employee’s retirement age, cross-LoC trade and the construction of Mughal road.

The delegation according to Khan praised the chief minister’s efforts for revocation of disturbed areas act and the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, which according to the KEA will create an atmosphere which can prompt many foreign governments to life the travel advisories on their citizens. The also asked the Chief Minister to expedite his efforts for revocation of these ‘draconian laws’.

“We also raised the problems being faced by the trading community in the cross LOC trade and also appealed the Chief Minister to expedite the work on Mughal road as such steps would allow traders to widen their trading horizons”, Khan told VOS.

The delegation has also raised its concerns regarding the enhancement in retirement age for employees and urged the Chief Minister not to go ahead with it. “The state exchequer is already overburdened. “We told the CM has enhancement in retirement age will further burden the state exchequer and also leave the educated youth in a lurch”, Khan said.

The delegation has also raised the issues regarding the non viability of the Srinagar masterplan and told the Chief Minsiter that the plan has become irrelevant as it according to them has been grossly violated. “We also raised the G.B Pant issue with the CM and he told us that the mistakes done in the past will not be repeated”.

The Chief Minister with delving specifically into the issues, according to the delegation spokesperson, assured the delegation that these issues were on his mind and his government will take care of the concerns of the civil society.(VOS)

Resolution, development should go hand in hand: Mehbooba

Srinagar, May 23 (VOS): Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Ms Mehbooba Mufti has said resolution of Kashmir problem and economic development of the state must go hand in hand and PDP has established that it could be achieved without sacrificing either, she was addressing workers meeting at Warpora Sopore today. She said the state had suffered on developmental front as a result of conflict which needed to be resolved for permanent peace. “Areas like Sopore whicha has been in the forefront on the struggle for a dignified resolution had obiviously suffered the most on development front”, she said.

On this occasion party General Secretary Mohammed Dilawar Mir, MLA Nizamudin Bhat,  Javaid Hussain Beig state secretary, Dr Shahzad Asim Chief Coordinator youth wing and  Showkat Gayoor youth general secretary were also present and addressed the gathering.

Mehbooba said the history of last one decade had established that it was not impossible to strike the right balance between development effort and resolution initiative. She said during the brief tenure of PDP significant initiatives were taken on resolution front which saw India and Pakistan engaging in talks over the state through back channels and regular diplomatic contacts. Kashmir eversince then has been on the agenda of Indo-Pak talks and this process has withstood even after the crimes like Mumbai attacks. She said though the trade and travel across the LoC is no where near its full potential but it is now being discussed as one of the fundamental and important elements of resolution. “When PDP first introduced the idea most people did not believe on it and some scoffed at it as the people of Jammu & Kashmir had time and again befooled on the name of Rawalpendi road”, she said and reiterated her partys demand that all the traditional routes in Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh be thrown open so that Jammu & Kashmir can rediscover its trading potential and cultural value.

Mehbooba said the present government had failed in suataining the premier position of Jammu & Kashmir in the resolution effort because it was engaged in its own survival. She said the present peace process is the only one between India & Pakistan that has survived for a decade and the most important reason for that was that it was driven by the aspirations of the people of this state. She said leaders of NC had blown hot and cold on the issue depending on whether they were in power or not, but PDP introduced a new discourse which made resolution part of political activity and governance and it is no more a taboo for a main stream party to demand and work for dignified peaceful resolution. “Our voice cannot be ignored because we have the people’s power with us. It has been established through democratically held elections”, Mehbooba said.

The PDP president said the present government had not been able to reach out to people of Sopore and had failed to discharge its duty towards them. She said even though Sopore has contributed significantly to the economy of the state as it has been the capital of horticulture trade but it has never received its due share in development. She said PDP respects the views of every citizen and does not believe in political apartheid in development process but unfortunately NC after benefiting from the electoral boycott in this constituency has completely ignored it. “We will fight for the rights of the people of Sopore as much as we would do for other areas of the state and we believe Sopore needs additional help to makeup for the long years of turmoil it has gone through.

Mehbooba said the PDP had brought in an agenda of hope and youth were the focus of its policies. She said NC had subverted the process of recruitment and had once again reverted to its traditional backdoor and corrupt practices. She said youth of the state are among the best and they deserve the best. But, NC had tried to restrict their ambitions and space for growth by holding the state as a personal property and dolling out favours like casual, seasonal and daily waged menial jobs. She said PDP believes in skill and intellectual development of entire population of Jammu & Kashmir so that our human resource does not remain a liability as NC makes it out to be, but is an asset and contributes to growth. She said our youth policy, whenever get a chance to implement it, will transform the employment scenario in the state.

Geelani calls for Hartal on May 29

Srinagar, May 23 (VOS) : Hurriyat Conference (G) Chairman and senior separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani has called for a one day strike on May 29 in memory of the Shopian tragedy which threw the state into complete turmoil in year 2008. According to a statement issued by the hardliner separatist amalgam, the octogenarian leader has urged people not to forget the tragedy that befell the Shopian families and asked people to pray for the souls of the two young girls to rest in peace.

Geelani, according to the statement, said that the mainstream politicians are trying their level best to hoodwink the world opinion apart from trying to make people forget the sacrifices offered by the Kashmiri people in pursuit of freedom.

Geelani also said that according to him the Shopian incident was not the first of its kind and that many such incidents in the past have been suppressed by force.

Calling the calm in the state as enforced peace, Geelani has alleged the security apparatus of committing attarocities on common people.

Oppressive actions of Govt would consolidate our resolve: AAC

Srinagar, May 23 (VOS): Condemning the alleged raids and ransacking of its office at the Mirwaiz manzil, the Awami Action Committee has said that oppressive actions of the government will only strengthern their resolve for peaceful struggle aimed at right to self determination to Kashmiris.

According to a press release by the Awami Action Committee, a large number of people Wednesday visited the party headquarters at Mirwaiz Manzil, in the aftermath of alleged police raids on the office building.

During the hafta shouda programme announced by All parties Hurriyat Conference, the police, according to AAC spokesperson, had conducted several raids on Mirwaiz Manzil and detained party worker, activists and other office bearers. The statement also alleged that police had ransacked the office and attempted to desecrate hand written manuscripts, 600 year old books, and other precious documents at the Mirwaiz Manzil.

“Delegations visiting the Mirwaiz manzil sternly condemned the police action and expressed solidarity with the Majlis”, said the spokesperson.

Meanwhile, senior leader Mohammad Shafiq Khan convened an emergency meeting of the party activists and workers. The participants strongly condemned the continuous house detention of APHC Chairman, Mirwaiz Dr Umar Farooq. They also castigated government for forcibly stopping Mirwaiz to discharge his political, social and religious activities.

 During the meeting, according to the spokesman, the party made it clear that detentions and house arrests would in no way hinder the party activities. They further said that the government’s oppressive actions would only consolidate the resolve of Majlis.

The party spokesperson said they would continue to fight peacefully for the rights of people and the right to self determination for Kashmiris.

  

Cheetah crashes in Siachen

Srinagar, May 23 (VOS): A Cheetah helicopter of the army crashed in the Siachen Glacier Wednesday leading to the death of a pilot and injuries to the co-pilot.

According to a press statement issued by the army, a Cheetah helicopter deployed on an an air maintenance mission in the Siachen glaciers Wednesday crashed around 11.15 in the morning.

“Unfortunately the pilot died and the co-pilot has been injured and evacuated to Chandigarh. An inquiry has been ordered to probe the reasons of the crash”, Lt Col JS Brar, Defense Spokesperson based in Srinagar, said. 

 CM, HM inaugurate ‘Jashn-e-Kashmir’ workshop

Omar stresses on preservation of State’s cultural ethos

Chidambaram assures Centre’s support in dev of J&K

Srinagar, May 23 (VOS): Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Wednesday highlighted the preservation of cultural heritage of the State and making young generation aware of the rich ethos, history, amity in diversity and pluralistic characteristic prevailing in the State since ages.

Omar Abdullah and Union Home Minister, P. Chidambaram this morning inaugurated the workshop of ‘Jashn-e-Kashmir’, a mega project to impart training to youth of Jammu and Kashmir in the folk culture and art of the State, at Kargil.

Omar Abdullah stressed on taking all measures to preserve the novelty of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh’s cultural heritage and said that steps aimed at nurturing and popularising it is the need of hour. “We have to make effective endeavours to make the younger generation aware of the richness of our culture and history”, he said adding that introduction of this ethos of the State to the outside world is all the more required. He said the State Government would be equal partners in the efforts of the Central Government in popularising Jammu and Kashmir’s Culture, Art and Folk in the Country.

On Zojila Tunnel, Omar Abdullah underlined its significance for opening up of Ladakh area for the holistic development, economic welfare and employment creation besides making the area easy accessible. He demanded its early launch by the Centre Government along with installation of Srinagar-Leh Transmission Line and 4-laning of National Highway. “These are projects of far reaching impact on our economy and welfare”, he asserted.  

The Chief Minister referred to the rich potential of Ladakh for harnessing wind and solar energy and urged upon the Union Government to help in the sector both in the fields of generation and gridding of the energy so generated.

Omar also talked about the need for improving the telephone system and early completion of civil airport at Kargil. “Possibilities of launching flights of smaller aircrafts need to be explored till the completion of the envisaged airport”, he said underlined the urgency of such flights especially during winter months when Kargil remain cut off from the valley.

The Union Home Minister in his speech assured that Union Government would take all necessary steps to accommodate the development needs of the State including relating to Leh and Kargil districts.

He said the State’s cultural diversity is rich and its nurturing among the young generation needs focussed attention. He said Jashn-e-Kashmir project would prove a boost in this direction. He also thanked the people for the welcome accorded to him in Kargil describing the land most beautiful and the people hospitable.

Students from 10 schools of Kargil, Zanskar, Bothkharbo, Wakha, Drass, Hardass and around are taking part in this workshop. The trainees after completion workshop will take part in competition at Jammu, Leh, Kargil and Srinagar. Similar workshops will be organized to select the final team for the grand cultural show likely to be organized at Delhi, Ajmeer and Mumbai.

Ministry of Culture, Government of India in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir State has taken up this project to encourage folk culture and Art of Jammu and Kashmir and popularize it within the country. Identifying Kashmir, Ladakh and Jammu as cultural hub, Dogri, Kud, Gojri, folk-forms from Jammu, Rouff, Band-Pather, Marriage Dance from Kashmiri Singing and Music from the valley and Jabro, Ali Yato, Chapskiyan, Charsis, Mindok, Balti Dance and singing, Sheena, Purgi etc have been selected from Ladakh for nurturing and imparting necessary training to the local students.

Army rescues passengers

Srinagar, May 23 (VOS) : According to a statement issued by the Army, civilians traveling in a mini bus from Poonch to Rajouri had a miraculous escape when the bus they were traveling in met with an accident near Sanjiot Mod near Tota Gali village.   According to Army spokesperson, the driver was over-speeding as a result of which he lost control on the vehicle on the blind turn after which the mini bus hit a hillock. 

Many passengers traveling in the mini bus sustained injuries on their heads, shoulders and other body parts. 

After the accident the driver and conductor fled the accident site. 

An army piquet saw the vehicle meeting with accident and immediately troops located at Total Gali post swung into action and rushed to site with their ambulance and doctors. 

Seven injured person including women and children were provided medical assistance. Police and local populace had all the praise for the troops for their timely medical help.  

Hopeful of Indo-Pak Secretary level talks: NC

‘Hollow slogans, destructive emotionalism have not relevance’

 SRINAGAR, MAY 23 (VOS):  Terming the imminent Indo-Pak Secretary level meet as a defining moment for making the peace process meaningful National Conference Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq has said his party hopes the two sides add substance to it by addressing the specifics. “The Kashmir issue is a political one and can only be resolved politically. In this regard we are in favour of a continuous dialogue between India and Pakistan”, Tanvir said, adding that the internal dialogue between the state and the Centre was of significance”

Stating that we have wasted enough years hoping for the impossible the spokesman said that in the changed global context boundaries are disappearing and narrow nationalism is fast losing its appeal. It happened to Russia where rulers thought that people’s day to day needs could wait and they would be happy with weaponry, space and technology. The spokesman added that china has learnt a lesson and it has moved forward silently and developed an infrastructure that ensures her people a better life and a better share of world economy.

 “Economy is preceding ideals and ideologies. We have entered an era where hollow slogans and destructive emotionalism have absolutely no relevance” said Tanvir  

 The spokesman while comparing the other countries said that if others could do it, so can India and Pakistan.

 “History has provided this region an opportunity when they can and they should leave behind their past and foster a relationship that improves the quality of life of nearly one and a half billion people of the region”.

 The Spokesman said that vested interest have played India and Pakistan against each other for 65 years. Tanvir said “Let us get together and use our resources for eradicating poverty, illiteracy, unemployment and hunger”.

  “Our Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has repeatedly stated that economic development cannot resolve and replace the political issues. Both have their significance and need to be addressed separately and in specific spectrums,” Tanvir said while adding that “Omar Abdullah led government will continue their endeavours towards prosperity and permanent peace in the state”. He said “that the NC always advocates a tranquil and conducive atmosphere where the gun would be totally irrelevant”

 The Spokesman said that opening of Srinagar- Muzzafarbad road was initiated in 1964 when Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah visited Pakistan and Azad Kashmir after discussion with Pandit Nehru.

 “Sheikh Sahib initiated the opening of Srinagar- Muzzafarabad road and similarly his dream of Srinagar- Rawalpindi should also be realized” said Tanvir

 The Spokesman said that the party is hopeful that while a decision on issuance of multiple-entry and reporting-free visas for businessmen will be taken, spokesman also hoped that the ground work for granting Autonomy, re-opening of Srinagar –Rawalpindi road and all traditional routes will be discussed.

“The business visa regime needs to be liberalized at the earliest and at the same time we hope that Home Secretaries of India and Pakistan in their meeting would take some bold steps to further facilitate the cross LoC trade and travel” said Tanvir adding that the state owes it to our people but we should start with the restoration of greater autonomy.

101 crore earmarked for Panchayat Ghars: Sagar

‘Empowerment of PRIs key to progress, prosperity’

SRINAGAR, MAY 23 (VOS):   Minister for Rural Development Panchayati Raj, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Ali Mohammad Sagar Wednesday said that the Government has earmarked Rs 101 crore for construction of new and renovation of existing Panchayat Ghars across the state.

 Addressing a public meeting after laying foundation stone of Panchayat Ghar at Village Kangrailin in Bhalwal block, the Minister said that the government has released the funds for creating the necessary infrastructure for smooth functioning of these democratic institutions.

Listing the steps taken by the government to establish a vibrant Panchayti system in the state, he said that the Panchayat Representatives have already been conferred planning, supervisory and monitoring powers of fourteen departments, besides keeping Rs 1 lakh at the disposal of each Panchayat for taking up works of emergency nature.  He said that government has already set in the process of devolution of powers with regard to the fourteen listed departments and the concerned officers have been told to comply with the orders. He termed creation of infrastructure as   first step towards the empowerment of Panchayat institutions and added that the government has formulated an effective policy for the decentralization of powers and the coming days would witness establishment of a vibrant three tier Panchyati System in the state.

"Empowerment of Panchayats will surely expedite the progress and prosperity of the state, besides ensuring effective and need based implementation of development programmes and in this regard the Chief Minister had a high level meeting in which directions were passed to the Administrative Secretaries of all departments to ensure the full empowerment of all the PRI’s should be ensured by 29th of this month”, he added.

"We do not believe in rhetoric,selling false ideas and misleading people but in making sustained efforts. It is after decades that this revolutionary measure has been initiated whereby the people at grass root level have been involved in policy formulation and implementation", Minister maintained.

Deputy CM inspects Dal cleaning operation

Asks officers to Speed up weed cleaning

SRINAGAR, MAY 23 (VOS):  Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand accompanied by Vice Chairman, Lakes and Water Ways Development Authority Erfan Yasin today visited Dal Lake to take stock of the on-going Dal cleaning operation.

The Deputy Chief Minister was informed that machines imported from US and Switzerland along with old machines have been put into service to clean unwanted weed in the Lake, however, owing to magnitude of the weed, the augmentation of the machineries have become necessary.

Deputy Chief Minister instructed the officers of the Authority to undertake cleaning of weed from inner and deeper portion of the Lake including Lilly-pad.

While reviewing the re-location of Dal dwellers, Tara Chand directed that the remaining structure in Karpora, Doldemb and Moti Mahal need to be removed in a time bound manner. He asked officers to pay the land and structure compensation to the affected families to make their rehabilitation easy.

The Deputy Chief Minister directed them to get revenue record of such structures and land transferred to the Authority as early as possible. He emphasized for beautification of shore line of the lake by way of planting flowers and perennial plants to make it more attractive.

Tara Chand also directed officers to lift the extracted weed from the road immediately without allowing it to pile up on roads besides laying tiles on the footpaths. He asked officers of the Authority to show substantial progress on all these areas.   

Sagar reviews functioning of Law department

SRINAGAR, MAY 23 (VOS):   Minister for Rural Development, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ali Mohammad Sagar Wednesday reviewed the functioning of the Law department and performance in the conduct of the State Litigation.

Advocate General M. I. Qadri, Law Secretary G. H. Tantraey, Director Litigation A. K. Ambarder, Additional Advocate Generals, Deputy Advocate Generals, besides Law Officers, Public Prosecutors and Additional Public Prosecutors of Jammu division were present at the  meeting.

The Minister sought the details about the status of court cases pertaining to various departments and instructed the Law department functionaries to put in extra efforts to ensure that the cases involving the government are fought with full preparation. He said that each officer should ensure that the stand of the government is presented strongly and professionally, particularly where the larger public interest is involved.  

Shugufta accorded Warm farewell.

Rather, Parray Join new postings.

Srinagar, May 23 (VOS) : School Education Coordination Committee on Wednesday organized a grand function to accord a warm fare well to the outgoing director school education Shgufta Parveen and to welcome the incoming director Mohammad Shafi Rather. Shugufta was on Wednesday relieved off her duties as Director School Education.

Meanwhile Hilal Ahmad Parray also joined as State Project Director in RAMSA on Wednesday.

He was accorded a grand welcome by the RAMSA staff at Srinagar, who also paid adieu to the outgoing SPD Sarmad Hafeez.

Be prompt to ensure visible F3 implementation: CS to administrative secretaries

Reviews transfer of power to Panchayats

            SRINAGAR, MAY 23: Chief secretary Madhav Lal at a high level meeting of administrative secretaries today reviewed the follow up action on devolution of Funds, Functions and functionaries (F3) to the PRIs in the state . He also ascertained the status and quantum of services transferred to these grass root institutions.

Chief Secretary received department wise appraisal of the actual devolution and implementation of the government direction in this regard. Detailed description was given to the Chief Secretary regarding the modus operandi being followed by each department in actual transfer of power in respect of F3 at the Halqa, block and district level.

Madhav Lal directed administrative secretaries to ensure that Panchayats are empowered fully and powers so devolved are being actually exercised by the PRIs besides local administration is rendering its full cooperation in this regard. He stressed on working in tandem to make local self governance strong and delivering. “This would enable accruing desired developmental outcomes and will also pave way for better supervision, response and working atmosphere” he maintained.

The meeting also discussed measures for establishing better linkages at various levels and rendering of information in a simple communicable format for easy understanding of all stakeholders.

The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Finance M.I.Khanday, Principal Secretary Planning and Development B.B.Vyas and other administrative secretaries.

Sarpanches, Panches basic links between government and people: Mir

SRINAGAR, MAY 23: Saying that sarpanches and Panches are the basic links between government and people, Minister for agriculture, Mr. Ghulam Hassan Mir has stressed them to get acquainted themselves with different schemes and programmes launched by the government in different departments for the welfare of the people of the state.

 The Minister said this while inaugurating one day training cum awareness camp for Panchyati Raj Representatives (PR) of agriculture department at Ganderbal this morning.  This was the first awareness camp organized by the department for them and these camps would be organized across the state at district level to acquaint them about the schemes of agriculture department.

He said that training and awareness about schemes and programmes for sarpanches and panches is necessary so that the people of the state are benefited with these schemes. He said that “you are acting as a medium of communication between people and government”.

The Minster said that Panchayati Raj Representatives have social responsibility to make aware the masses about the programmes of the government so that people are benefited.

Asking them to motivate people about the adaptation of agri- techniques and farm mechanization, Mr Mir said that adaptation of Agri-techniques would increase the quality product of Agri and horti produce in the state. He said the progressive farmers who adopted the latest techniques have been benefited and their economy is strengthening day by day.

The Minister asked the farmers to go for commercial farming for which both departments of agriculture and horticulture would provide every support under various centrally and state sponsored schemes. He said commercial farming is the need of the hour to strengthen the economy of the farmers besides to provide huge employment opportunities to the jobless youths of the J&K.

Referring the frequent damage of horticulture crops by hail storm, the minister said that the horticulture department has already launched a trap (Net) scheme for the orchardists of state for which the department is providing 50% subsidy. He stressed the orchardists of the state to take benefit of the scheme.

Earlier the Director Agriculture Kashmir, Dr Farooq Ahmad Lone highlighted the objective of the various schemes launched by the department and asked the panches and sarpanches to take the benefit of these training cum awareness programmes so that people are benefited.

Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Mr Showkat Ahmad Mir, Member Kissan advisory Board and various sarpanches different Halqas spoke o the occasion.

Govt asks FC Revenue to assess damages to Horticulture, Agricultural crops, submit report within 15 days

SRINAGAR, MAY 23: The Government has asked the Financial Commissioner, Revenue to assess the damages caused to Horticulture and Agriculture crops due to frequent hailstorms in different parts of the valley during last few weeks.

The decision was taken at a high level meeting convened for making a time bound strategy for assessing the losses of the farmers and orchardists of valley.

The meeting was chaired by the Minister for Agriculture Mr. Ghulam Hassan Mir. The Minister for Revenue and Rehabilitation Mr. Ramman Bhalla was also present in the meeting. The Financial Commissioner Revenue has been asked to furnish the detail within 15 days to the government positively.

Financial Commissioner, Revenue Mr. K. B. Aggarwal, Commissioner/Secretary, Agriculture Production, Mr. Shaleen Kabra, Director Agriculture Kashmir, Dr. Farooq Ahmad Lone, Director Horticulture Kashmir, Mr. Ghulam Hassan Shah, Additional Secretary Revenue and other senior officers of the Agriculture and Horticulture departments were present in the meeting.

The meeting decided that all the Deputy Commissioners of the valley would constitute teams of officers of Agriculture and Horticulture headed by a senior Revenue officer to assess the damages caused to standing crops, paddy seedlings of agriculture and fruit crops of horticulture within the shortest possible time. They were asked to assess the damage Asami wise as per the revenue record so that the affected would be provided relief under Natural Calamity Fund. 

Div Com reviews Ladakh supplies, directs concerned to ensure timely storage of essential goods

            SRINAGAR, MAY 23: In order to ensure timely storage of essential commodities, petroleum products, cements, steel and other required commodities in Leh and Kargil districts of Ladakh region, a high level meeting of concerned officers and representatives of transporters was held under the chairmanship of Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon here today.

            The Additional Commissioner, Kashmir, Mr. Abdul Majid Mir was also present in the meeting.

            The meeting discussed various measures regarding transportation, dumping of commodities and other essentials in Leh and Kargil districts.

            Many decisions were taken in the meeting to ensure timely storage of rice, wheat, atta, sugar, k.oil, LPG, cement, steel etc.

            The Divisional Commissioner directed all concerned to ensure that the process of storage of all items should be completed by September 15, 2012.

            He further directed Managing Director, SRTC to ensure that cement is lifted from JK Cements Khrew and he directed Managing Director SRTC to utilize the trucks of SRTC as well as the private truck unions in order to expedite the material dispatch of essentials to the areas.

            Giving details, the meeting was informed that there is a requirement of 10,000 metric tons of rice, 6400 metric tons of wheat, 1100 metric tons of sugar required in Leh whileas 10,000 metric tons of rice and 1200 metric tons of sugar in Kargil district. Of this, 5400 metric tons of rice, 8500 metric tons of wheat, 554 metric tons of sugar has been stocked in Leh district and 4000 metric tons of rice and 252 metric tons of sugar in Kargil have been stored in Kargil district so far.

            The meeting was among others, attended by Director CAPD, Chief Engineer, Director, Stores Procurement Department, Superintending  Engineer R&B Leh, Regional Transport Officer Kashmir besides, representatives of J&K Cements, Steel Authority of India, Zafran Truck Owners and Ganderbal Truck Owners Union and representatives of Oil Companies of HPCL, BPCL and IOCL.

About Rs. 50,000 realized from Tobacco Act violators in Kup

            SRINAGAR, MAY 23: On the directions of Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara, a special squad headed by Food Safety Officer today inspected various areas of Kupwara district.

            The squad realized a fine of Rs. 4600 for violation of Tobacco Act from erring persons.

            Besides this, the officers of concerned department have deposited a fine of Rs. 47, 265 to the state exchequer.

Naat recitation held at GDC Boys Anantnag

                ANANTNAG, MAY 23: Government Degree College Boys, Anantnag organized an inter college Naat recitation programme today in which 23 colleges from Central and South Kashmir participated. Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag was the chief guest on the occasion.

            Deputy Commissioner Anantnag in his address praised the college authorities for conducting such programmes that are aimed at inculcating moral values to the students, which is need of the hour. He assured the college authorities for providing every possible assistance for the academic excellence. He also stressed upon the students to follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) for successful life.

            Speakers and the participants of the colleges were awarded with certificates and cash prizes.

Bhung crop destroyed in Pandrethan

                SRINAGAR, MAY 23: The operation against Bhung cultivation which started in April, 2012 in Pandrethan area along the Jhelum Bund.

            Excise and Taxation department in collaboration with the local youth who participated in the operation voluntarily continues in the area and so far 30 kanals of land was cleared off wild Bhung crop.

            The operation was conducted in supervision of an Excise team headed by Excise and Taxation Officer, Kashmir.

Govt appeals employee’s representatives to call off strike

Says demands under active consideration

            SRINAGAR MAY 23: Secretary to Government General Administration Department, Shiekh Mushtaq today held a meeting with the representatives of the Employees Joint Action committee (EJAC).

            The meeting was attended by Mohammad Kurshid Alam, Abdul Qayoom Wani, Mohammad Gafoor Dar and Rafiq Ahmed Khanyari .

            The representatives of EJAC mentioned that since the time lines for Enhancement of age, Regularization of Daily Wagers and removal of pay anomalies have not been met, the Employees Unions have resorted to agitational means.

            The representatives of the Employees Unions (EJAC) were informed that all their demands are under active consideration of the Government. Regarding enhancement of age, the detailed exercise has been undertaken which is under active consideration of the competent forum in the Government.

            It was also informed that various meetings of the pay anomaly committee” have been conducted and the issues have been deliberated in detail and decision shall accordingly follow. It was further clarified that  regularization of Daily Wagers is also under consideration of the Government,  however, taking such policy decisions, which have a bearing on various sections of the society including the employees, require due deliberation.

        The representatives of the Employees were impressed upon not to resort to agitational means for pressing their demands as ‘ hartals and strikes’ affect the normal life and put the public to avoidable sufferings. They were, accordingly, requested to withdraw the strike call from 24.05.2012 and allow the government a reasonable time to take appropriate decisions.

Union Home Secretary Leaves for Islamabad

New Delhi, May 23, 2012


The Union Home Secretary led high level delegation left for Islamabad
today for the India-Pakistan Home Secretary level talks which will be
held on 24-25th May 2012.

The last round was held in New Delhi in March 2011. The New Delhi
joint statement had identified cooperation in the area of counter
terrorism, progress in bringing the fugitives of the Mumbai terrorist
attacks case to justice and a revised bilateral visa agreement as some
of the priorities.

The Indian delegation consists of DIB, DG NIA and other concerned officials.

The broad Agenda of the talks would focus on Terrorism, Fugitives from
Indian Law, Narcotics and Humanitarian issues such as of Indian
fishermen & civilians in Pakistan Jails.

The visit comes in the immediate backdrop of President Zardari’s visit
to India on April 8, 2012 during which PM had stressed the need for
Pakistan to take firm action to curb terrorism to enable us to make
forward movement in the bilateral relationship, to bring the
perpetrators of the Mumbai attack to justice and prevent activities
aimed against India from Pakistani soil. These continue to be our
priorities.

A revised Visa Agreement is expected to be signed. This revised
agreement inter-alia introduces the concept of Group Tourist Visa,
Visa on arrival & a Separate category of Business Visas. [PIB]