Interlocutors to meet Chidambaram again,

“We are losing credibility  by not releasing the K-report.” Radha.

Srinagar, May 01 (VOS) :Dismayed over the ‘dilly dally’ attitude of Union Government in making Kashmir report Public, team of interlocutors is considering to renew its efforts to persuade  home Minster P. Chidambaram  to release the much awaited report. “We are meeting Home minster in next 10 days to press him for the early release of the report.” Team member and noted academician Prof. Radha Kumar told VOS over phone from New Delhi, adding that Chief Interlocutor Dilip Padgaonkar was in Pune and all the three members were in close contact to finalize the dates of meeting with HM. She said that it was surprising to see union government itself sitting on the report which had a direct bearing on the trouble hit Kashmir. “ We received tremendous support and cooperation from Kashmiri people  throughout   our one year engagement in analyzing the situation in the state and it is unfortunate that the report is still not out.” Asserted Kumar, adding that such delay can have negative impact. “ We will lose credibility among people who had expected a lot from us.” Maintained Radha Kumar. She added that it was beyond her imagination that Central Government which had appointed them to come up with Kashmir report, was itself becoming a hurdle in its release.

“ We know that Union government has so many crises to deal with but that doesn’t mean, Kashmir report should be trashed.” Asserted the lady interlocutor. She further added that there was nothing so contentious that govt. was possibly afraid off. “ I can tell you that it is an injustice to our hard labour we have put in, in finding out the facts behind the alienation of kashmiri people.” She said.

Pertinently the report on Kashmir was presented to home minster P. Chidambarm by three member interlocutor team last year . Though the report was still to be made public, its selected contents were leaked in media last month triggering a debate at local as well as national level. The chief Interlocutor Dilip Padgonkar without confirming on denying the varsity of the leaked content had told VOS  that the report would trigger a debate at local, national and international level.

Employees got maximum benefits of PDP’s healing touch policy :Mufti

Srinagar, May 01 (VOS)  Terming employees as hands of the government to deliver justice and good governance to the common masses, patron of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said that government employees got maximum benefits of the healing touch policy which was propagated and implemented by the PDP led regime in the State after 2002. He said that all genuine demands of the employees were addressed during the three year tenure of government headed by PDP. Addressing the May Day function organized by Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Trade Union (JKPDTU)-labour wing of the party under the leadership of JKPDTU president Suresh Sharma, Mr Sayeed reminded that PDP led government had made it sure that all just and genuine demands of the employees would be addressed without any delay. He especially mentioned that decades long pay anomalies of teachers were removed only during the PDP led regime. “As our Government had taken all possible steps to address their demands, employees had also worked with dedication to implement its pro-people agenda in the State during our three year tenure”, he said and added that it was all due to the cooperation of the employees that PDP led regime had established accountability and transparency in the governance. He reiterated that PDP was committed to pursue the pro-labour agenda in the State. Mr Sayeed reminded that during the regime of PDP over 70,000 Rehbar-e-Talim (ReT) teachers were appointed and tenure was fixed for regularization of their services. Similarly more than 30,000 Anganwari Workers were also appointed during that period and all the recruitments were made in complete transparent manner to ensure that only deserving people would get the job.

PDP patron said that in the present scenario private sector was the biggest source of employment everywhere. He, however, emphasized on the need of protecting interests of the working class in private sector. He reminded that during the regime of PDP, private sector was encouraged to invest in Jammu and Kashmir. “Although we encouraged private sector yet a condition was imposed to give maximum jobs to the locals in the industry”, he said and it was during that time a number of institutions were opened to provide technical education to the youth of the State to get them observed in the private sector as skilled labourer.

While exhorting the labour wing of the party to protect interests of the working class, Mr Sayeed said that PDP would agitate for providing jobs to the locals in hydro electric projects, on going railway projects and other mega projects which are being executed in the State. “Being owner of the natural resources, locals have first rights on jobs in the on going mega developmental projects in the state”, he observed and added that presently executing agencies were not giving much importance to the locals in these projects.

Speaking on the occasion, former Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Beig called upon the labour wing of the party to protect interests of the working class. He said that working class was the back-bone of any economy and there was need to protect interests of this class.

Beig reminded that during the PDP led regime various policies were formulated to serve interests of the working class. He said that PDP led regime had brought industry in Jammu and Kashmir but interests of the labour class were given first priority. He said that a condition was imposed on the industry that majority of the labour should be local.

 He further called upon the labour wing of the party to open their units in different industrial areas because support of the working class was must for changing system.

JKPDTU president Suresh Sharma in his address demanded political empowerment of labour class, holiday on May Day and implementation of labour laws in Jammu and Kashmir.

Among others who addressed the function included Prem Singh Bawa, Mohinder Sharma, Randeep Jasrotia, Saroj Bala, Pardeep Singh Sambyal, Jasmeet Singh, B N Singh, Rajesh Kumar, Khushal Singh, Manohar Singh, Dr Vikas and others.

Prominent leaders who were present in the function included Rangil Singh, T S Bajwa, Balbir Singh, Ved Mahajan Daman Bhasin, Falail Singh, Suram Singh, R K Bali, O P Sambyal, Mohinder Kotwal, Nirdosh Uppal,  R K Pardeshi, Ramesh Koul, Rajinder Manhas, Deepinder Kour, Abjeet Jasrotia, Ashok Bhat, Anju Bhan, S K Raina, R K Pardeshi, Javed Ahmed, Vijay Kumar and others.

‘Indicted’ in Jungle smuggling, official reinstated without Punishment.

‘He was not placed under suspension, has been only transferred.’ Conservator,

Srinagar, May 01 (VOS)  In an unprecedented use of  powers, Forest department has bestowed a blue eyed ‘tainted’ official  with a fresh posting after 'indicting' him first in a 75 lakh jungle smugling scam . The offical has reprtedly been exonerated from punishment owing to his proximity with some senior officers in the department.  

Sources in the department of forests told VOS that a forester in the Gogaldara Zandpal 2^nd  compartment  was reportedly 'indicted' by a special disciplinary  committee in year 2005-06 after receiving complaints of his nexus with the Jungle Mafia who had been involved in large scale timber smuggling in the said compartment . The forester was understood to be a stakeholder in cutting of jungle trees in the compartment. However after series of  complaints the department set up a special inquiry committee which had found the complaints true and asked the department to recover 75 lakh rupees from the erring forester.“ He was found involved in large scale green felling and was slapped with a fine of 75 lakh rupees.” A source in the department told VOS, adding that the official in spite recovering the money went underground since 23-12-2011.

“It is informed that the official (Name withheld) ‘Forester’ has joined in this range on 23-12-2011 vide forest order no. 65 of 2011 dated. 23 -09-2011 issued by conservator of forests Sgr. Circle vide his office no. CF/Sgr/2011/C 2037-38 dtd. 23-09-2011 and the official is unauthorizedly  absent from govt. duties from date of joining.” reads a letter from the Range office Berwa under no. 728/sp. Dtd. 06-01-2012. addressed to Divisional Forest Officer, Tangmarg. Sources added that despite the repeated reminders to higher ups, the department did not heed any attention and the erring official was let free deliberately. “ We are not surprised that the forester has not been terminated after  being indicted in 75 lakh scam, but what is astonishing,  despite remaining absent from the duties , the higher ups posted him again and that too in the same range office.” Officials of the department, wishing anonymity told VOS. They added that he was posted to Berwa Range vide order no. F.O 40 dtd. 26-04-2012. and consequently the official joined his duties on 30-04-2012. Meanwhile Conservator Forests Sgr. Circle Nisar Ahmad Darzi told VOS that the official was not reinstated or re -posted but only transferred to Berwa. “ He was not put under suspension. If he was absent from duties, concerned officers should have brought that to my notice.” Darzi added. Regarding his 'indictment' in the jungle smuggling case in 2005-06 , Conservator forests said, “ Since the case is very old,  I have no information about it.” However he added that he will ask for the file and look into the matter.

Tara Chand conducts Srinagar city tour

Walks in and around Lal Chowk, Budshah Chowk

Srinagar, May 01 (VOS) Today immediately after his arrival from Jammu, the Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Tara Chand conducted tour of Srinagar city and interacted with traders, senior citizens and shopkeepers. He also visited Lal Chowk and Budshah Chowk.  The Director Information, Khawaja Farooq Renzushah, Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation and Vice Chairman, Srinagar Development Authority, Dr. G. N. Qasba alongwith concerned senior engineers and officers Urban Development Department were accompanied with the Minister.

            The Deputy Chief Minister issued on spot orders for beautification of Lal Chowk and Budshah Chowk and its pavements. He directed Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation for installation of dust bins in the areas and to ensure full sanitation of entire city.

            Mr. Tara Chand also visited Sangarmall Shopping Complex where he interacted with senior citizens, traders and representative of various shopkeeper associations. Earlier, the Deputy Chief Minister chaired a meeting at Banquet Hall to discuss various steps being taken by Srinagar Municipal Corporation for making for beautification of Srinagar city. The meeting was attended among others by traders, various associations of shopkeepers, hotels and other senior officers. The meeting discussed threadbare various issues including sanitation, conservation of Dal Lake and shifting of Dal dwellers, sewerage and drainage problems, facilities to tourists, smoothly functioning of street lights, widening of various city roads including Boulevard road etc.

            The Deputy Chief Minister said that Rs. 15 crore is being spent for modern drainage system in Srinagar city to solve the problem of water logging. He said that a number of steps have already been taken for the beautification of Srinagar City especially in connection with sanitation in the entire city. He further said that a number of STPs have already been completed. He said that shifting of Dal dwellers to newly established colony is under progress and the land vacated by them would be included with Dal Lake. Referring the proper functioning of street lights, the Deputy Chief Minister directed Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation to ensure the proper functioning of street lights. He said that is the responsibility of all stakeholders to cooperate with the government machinery for the conservation of world famous Dal Lake which plays a major role in attracting the tourists all over the World.

            However, Mr. Tara Chand stressed for the congenial atmosphere and said the peace is imperative for not only overall development of the State but also boosting the tourism sector in the State which gives a lot of employment opportunities to the educated unemployed youth. He thanked the central leadership particularly, UPA Chairperson, Mrs. Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh for funding liberally to the State and said there is no lack of funds for completing the ongoing development works. He hoped that this year the figure of the tourists will be double than the last year. Earlier, the Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation said that a big sanitation drive have already been started in city and from next Saturday. He said that the dogs will be sterilized and vaccinated to reduce the dog menace in the city. He also asked the SMC Commissioner to look into the parking problems. In the interaction programme, Khawaja Farooq Renzushah said that all legal methods are required to be taken to reduce the existing population of dogs. He said that the present Commissioner, SMC, Dr. Qasba has taken very provocative steps to re-launch anti polythene campaign. He thanked all the respectable Trade Unions and senior citizens who provided wholehearted support to him during his tenure as Commissioner, SMC for ensuring zero polythene use not only in Srinagar city but also in its peripheries. He said that eco-friendly atmosphere can be maintained only with the active support of common people.

Laborers, are engineers of economic prosperity, Tarigami

Determined May Day workers rally resolves to launch united struggles for their demands.

Srinagar, May 01 (VOS) From each district of the valley thousands of activists of Anganwadi workers & Helpers, ASHA workers, PDD daily wagers, Horticulture Non-Gazatted Employees Union, Agriculture daily wagers & casual workers union, CITU Unit of Kishan Ganga Power Project, floriculture casual labourers union, SKICC employees union, Aircel Land Oustee and Security Guards Workers Union’, J&K medical & Sales Representatives association and other unions today gathered at Sheri-Kashmir Park Srinagar to observe “May Day” under the banner of Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU). The activists took a protest demonstration from S.K.Park and were stopped by the police at Regal Chowk Srinagar. They were carrying banners, placards and shouting slogans demanding Concrete measures to contain price-rise, creation of employment, Strict enforcement of all basic labour laws, social security for toilers, No contractorisation of work of permanent /perennial nature, Amendment of Minimum Wages Act and fixation of statutory minimum wage of not less than Rs 10,000 per month, Assured pension for all. They were also shouting slogans in support of the demands of ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers and helpers, casual labourers working in different departments and daily wagers, besides sections of workers belonging to unorganized sectors.

CITU State President Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, while addressing the rally at historical Regal Chowk said "the woes of laborers, who are engineers of economic prosperity, are on the increase." He said the International Labour Day drew its history from the Chicago martyrs, who sacrificed their lives for the struggle to regulate working hours, create conducive working conditions and for a dignified. The struggle continues despite odds for creating a world which is livable and is free from exploitation and oppression. He underlined the necessity for wider unity among the working people for reversing the disastrous neo liberal economic policies. No room for any illusion, only united struggles of the toilers can force the government and employers to concede the genuine demands of the working people.

Among others trade union leaders Abdul Rashid Najar, Ab Gani Bhat, Haseena Sofi, Dishda, Khurshid Ahmad Bhat, Jahangir Hamad Dar, Javed Ahmad, Khurshid Burza Sanjeev Mahajan, Gh Mohi_ud-din Lone addressed the rally. They stated that the social security benefits like pension, provident fund, health insurance etc. are hard won rights of the working class secured through decades of struggle. These gains are now being reversed through privatization of pension funds, provident funds and cuts in subsidies and welfare benefits and such measures being implemented across the world today specifically target the social security benefits in order to pass on the burden of the economic crisis to the working people.  While reiterating their demand for implementation of the basic labour laws in the State they stressed to amend the Minimum Wages Act and fixation of statutory minimum wage of not less than Rs 10,000 per month. The speakers observed that The subsidies on food, fuel and fertilizers meant for the common man is targeted to be brought down to the mere 1.75% of GDP, while as 5% of GDP is being provided for tax defaulters and moneyed class. Concluding the rally the workers shouted slogans …. Workers unity.. Zindabaad and resolved to carry forward the struggle.

One day fast observed by Panchayat members

Threaten massive agitation from June 1^st

  

Srinagar, May 01 (VOS) : Panchayat members (Sarpanches / Panches)  belonging to ruling National Conference, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ,  Congress and Independent groups assembled at press enclave in Srinagar today and observed a one day fast to press their demands regarding empowerment of Panchayati Institutions in J&K. The programme was organized by J&K Panchayati Raj Movement an organization working for empowerment Sarpanches and Panches and better Panchayati Raj in J&K. Large number of  Sarpanches and Panches belonging to various districts of valley and across party lines assembled in press enclave on Tuesday to observe the one day fast. Speaking on the occasion Convener of  J&K Panchayati Raj Movement Shahnawaz Sultan criticized the coalition Government of playing politics with regard to strengthening of Panchayati Raj in J&K. He accused the Government of not being clear on issues related to 73^rd amendment , powers to Panchayat members and monthly honorarium for Sarpanches and Panches.

 “ Our leaders are telling people that 73^rd amendment is not possible to be introduced in J&K in view of article 370 but I want to ask them why was MG NREGA extended to J&K ? There is lot of money in NREGA and that is why it was extended into J&K Shahnawaz Sultan added.

Founder member of J&K Panchayati Raj Movement Bashir Ahmad Mir who is also Sarpanch of Kralpora Chadoora demanded that Sarpanches & Panches must be provided monthly honorarium.  If our demands are not fulfilled then we may be forced to go for indefinite strike also said another Sarpanch & member of PRM Ghulam Mohammad Raina.

“ Why is article 370 impediment for extending 73^rd amendment ? When our Government extended AFSPA and POTA like draconian laws into J&K what is the problem with 73^rd amendment said Ajaz Ahmad Mir a Sarpanch from Zainpora Shopian.

Engineer reacting to the out come of magisterial probe

Srinagar, May 01 (VOS) :Reacting to the outcome of magisterial probe about Haji Yousuf death, MLA Langate Eng Rasheed said the government and NC is basking in the “glory” of clean chit as if all the victims of state violence have got justice.In a statement to   press today, Rasheed said hundreds of probes announced by the successive governments into the killings, rapes, loot and arson by security forces have been dumped into cold storage, mocking the very concept of peace and justice. “After the magisterial inquiry exonerated the CM and his aides into the Haji Yousuf death, the whole government circles and particularly NC is rejoicing in ecstasy, as if all the victims of state violence have got justice, “he lamented. Rasheed said there are hundreds of probes, inquiries and investigation related to civilian killings pending at different stages before the government and courts, but the government has never shown seriousness to take them to logical conclusion. “Instead, the families of victims are harassed and humiliated on this or that pretext, and justice still eludes them.” MLA Langate said the families of Wamiq Farooq, Zahid Farooq, Tufail Matto, Nazim Rasheed (Sopore) and many others are running from pillar to post to get the killers punished. “But the same government which is on cloud nine after the Haji Yousuf probe exonerated CM, has deliberately ignored them,” he maintained.

Rasheed said the government machinery seemed to be in too haste in completing the probe related to Haji Yousuf death, but why is it callous regarding the probes and inquires  about killings of  innocent  civilians.” Instead of feeling at the exalted pedestal of innocence after Haji Yousuf probe came out, the government should look inwards and see how the families of civilians killed by security forces are traumatized by the unjust system,” he maintained. 

J&K Bank customer’s insurance claim settled promptly

Srinagar, May 01 (VOS) Sharing ‘customer delight’ as a guiding principle for operations with J&K Bank, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Limited (BAGICL) settled the insurance claim of M/S Gupta Electronics, Jammu for Rs 30.34 Lac within a month. The property of M/S Gupta Electronics, a client at Chand Nagar B/U of J&K Bank, was gutted down in a devastating fire on 31st March this year.J&K Bank President and Zonal Head O P Sharma handed over the claim cheque to P K Gupta,  one of the partners of the insured firm, during a function held in the premises of J&K Bank, Rail Head Complex, Jammu. Bajaj Allianz Area Manager-Jammu, Vinod Vij & J&K Claims Manager, Sanjay Sathu, J&K Bank Vice President Nishi Baru, Zonal Coordinator Financial Services, Vibhakar Khajuria and Business Unit Head S. K. Raina were present on the occasion.

P K Gupta expressed his delight over the cooperation of J&K Bank and prompt claim settlement without hassles at Bajaj Allianz. The prompt and efficient settlement of claim has gone down really well among the business community and has reinforced their confidence in BAGICL and J&K Bank which acts as their corporate agent. Pertinently, Bajaj Allianz, one of the leading Private Sector general insurance companies in India, was informed about the loss on 1-04-2012 for necessary survey & loss assessment. The insured complied with necessary claim related formalities till 18th of April and claim for the assessed loss amount of Rs 30.34 lacs was settled on 25th April.

Hajura concerned  over crop damage by hail storm

Demands relief to effected farmers 

Srinagar, May 01 (VOS)       Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senior leader and former Chairman Gh Nabi Lone Hanjura expressed shock over the damage to  fruit and other crops due to the hailstorms lashing parts  Central  Kashmir including Nam , badipora, Kralwari, sogam , Mahnoor Hanjura , Shumnag of Tehsil Chrarisharief and Chadoora  areas. The repeated hailing have bruised and battered the dense apple orchards and other crops in the area.

As per the reports recent hailstorm and heavy rains have caused huge damage to the fruits including other crops in the area. Demanding immediate constitution of teams to assess the damage caused to fruit and other crops following heavy hailstorm  Hanjura  said that immediate and adequate relief should be provided to the effected farmers.

Bhajan Sopori awarded the National Award by Govt. of MP

 Srinagar, May 01 (VOS)       The Great Music Legend Pandit Bhajan Sopori has been awarded the National Award by the Ustad Allaudin Khan Academy, Deptt. Of Culture, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh, for his enormous contribution to Indian music and culture. The Award named as the National Ustad Latif Khan Samman was presented to Pt. Sopori by Shri Shriram Tiwari, Director Culture, Govt. of Madhya Pradesh and Shri Ganesh Balchandra Bagdare, Director, Ustad Allaudin Khan. The function was held at Bharat Bhawan, Bhopal followed by a grand Santoor recital by Pt. Sopori. Pt. Bhajan Sopori is hailed as the “Saint of the Santoor” and the “King of Strings”, and regarded as the cultural bridge of Jammu & Kashmir with the rest of the country. He has led the revival of Sufism to spread the message of humanism amongst the masses. Having composed over 5000 songs, his compositions and recitals bear the distinctive stamp of his virtuosity and erudition. He has used his Santoor and his compositions to highlight the concept of oneness and foster unity enshrining the idea of national integration, humanism and peace amongst the common man and the youth in particular for which he has been honoured with various national and international awards and decorations.

NC organizes May Day functions

Srinagar, May 01 (VOS) National Conference (NC) today organized various functions on the international workers day, in which party leaders assured the laborer class that their demands would be highlighted at all levels.The biggest function was organized at Nawa-I-Subh party headquarters, which was chaired by party’s provincial president Ali Mohammad Dar. On the occasion, the provincial president said that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is committed to fulfill all such promises made by him with the labor class. He said that NC is committed to safeguard the rights of the labor class and party will back all such moves which will give more protection to labor class. The provincial president also said that labor class is the backbone of the state economy and it is the utmost responsibility of the state and central governments to protect their interests.

Ali Mohammad Dar stressed upon the Labor class that they should not fall under the trap of hollow slogans of leaders having vested interests. “NC is the custodian of rights of labor class and it should have trust on the leadership of Omar Abdullah because he will ensure that their rights are restored,” he said. Vice president, Jammu and Kashmir NC, Peerzada Ghulam Ahmad Shah, vice president Kashmir province, Sheikh Abdul Rehman and provincial secretary, Sheikh Ghulam Ahmad Saloora also spoke on the occasion. The leaders stressed upon the labor class that NC was always backing the rights of labor class and Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah gave rights to labour class under Kisan Raj and Mazdoor Raj.

Meanwhile party organized a series of public meetings today at various district and Tehsil headquarters in which party leaders highlighted the contribution of the worker class and how they all along shouldered their support to Sheri-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah in protecting the rights of poor people. The party also organized May Day functions in remote places or the state and leaders highlighted the rights of labor class.   

Srinagar police seizes 35 vehicles

Lawful owners to contact the police station Kothi Bagh

Srinagar, May 01 (VOS) Police Station Kothibagh has seized thirty-five vehicles including in eleven four wheelers and twenty-four bikes from different parts of the Valley. The vehicles are kept in the premises of Police Station Kothi Bagh for further disposals for identification of the lawful owners. The details of the vehicles has been provided so that the lawful owners can contact the police station for release of the same in his favour.

Maruti 800 Chassis No. MA3ECA12SQ-2462375-C5, Engine No. 2892971, Maruti -800 MA 3ECA12SO25653858 D6 Engine No. F8BIN3593629, Maruti -800 MA3ECA12SO2479776 , Engine No. 2922496,Hero Honda Passion Chassis No. 02A21C21384, Engine No. 02A21M11729 ,Passion MD2HDHZZRCA63338, Engine No.ZHGBRA63809, TVS Victor Chassis No. MD625NF1883G57707, Engine No. 40364, Passion  Chassis No. 04F09C30159, engine No.04F08M30972, Pulsar Chassis No.77112 Engine No.DJGBNL03638, Pulsar DHVBLM92595, Engine No.DJGBNLM91455, Pulsar MD2DHDJZZRCC34743, Engine No. DJGBRJ44473, Passion Chassis No.01J21023254, Engine No. 19207, Super Splendor Chassis No. 07FAEF12696, Engine No.87FAEE12633, Pulsar MD624AE1032K14217, Engine No. 0E1K32025691, Pulsar Chassis No. MD2DHDHZZRCD57315, Engine No. DHGERD58336,  Passion Chassis No. 02B21C39386, Engine No. 02B21M38919, Passion Chassis No. 02B21C08482, Engine No 19251, CBZ Chassis No. 02A46C00974, Engine No.02A41M00633, Yamaha Chassis No 0K1L71-017177,

Engine No. 17177, Splendor Chassis No. MBLJA05EE99K05734, Engine No. 05787, TVs Victor Chassis No. MD625KF5051L49436, Engine No. AF5L51052077, Passion Chassis No. 02621C08511, Engine No. 02G21M16738, Pulsar Chassis No.DHVBLH99373, Engine No. DHGBL498755, Santro Vehicle Chassis No. 225985, Engine No. 246156, Maruti car Chassis No. 25566596 Engine No. 3595843,  Alto Car Chassis No. 125250, Engine No. 4037383, Santro Car Chassis No. 245178, Engine No.314688, Maruti 800 Chassis No. 2478947, Engine No. 2921137, Indica  Chassis No. 605121GTZPA, Engine No. 279801153, Santro Chassis No. 001435, Engine No. 001297, Santro Car Chassis No. 83054    Engine No. 40494, Hero Honda Chassis No. 16941, Engine No. 51771, Hero Honda Motor Cycle Chassis No.31197, Engine No. 14950, Hero Honda Chassis No.13038, Engine No. 12777, Hero Honda Chassis No. 21346, Engine No 20703, and Hero Honda Chassis No.08287, Engine No. 08187.For further enquiry feel free to contact police station Kothibagh on 0194-2452067.      

Weather Forecasting facilities to be upgraded

Srinagar, May 01 (VOS) To ensure better forecasting of weather situation for the smooth conduct of Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2012, several initiatives are being taken. This was disclosed in a meeting at Raj Bhavan, Srinagar held under the Chairmanship of Mr. Navin K. Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor and Chief Executive Officer, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB). Among others, Mr. Sonam Lotus, Head of the Meteorological Department participated in the meeting.

It was disclosed that the Meteorological Department is in the process of establishing three Advanced Warning Systems (AWS) each at the Base Camps at Baltal and Pahalgam as well as at the Holy Cave. This will provide better and more accurate prediction of likely weather on a given date. The Meteorological Department has also decided to install weather display board at the Nunwan Base Camp as well as at Baltal Base Camp for the benefit of Yatris. It was also decided that the Meteorological Department will provide instant warning regarding any weather related disturbances to all authorities concerned through SMS Service.

Mr. Sonam Lotus informed that the Department is in the process of establishing Doppler Radar at Srinagar for which the procurement process is at an advanced stage. Once established, this will provide a huge facility for more accurate weather prediction in the Kashmir Valley. This will benefit not only the Yatra but to the general masses in Kashmir Valley throughout the year.

Under-Recoveries Continue to Remain High on Diesel, PDS Kerosene and
Domrstic LPG Effective Ist May

Indian Basket Crude Oil Price Marginally Lower on 30.04.2012 to Rule
at US$ 117.09 Per BBL

New Delhi, May 1, 2012.

The Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) under the Ministry of
Petroleum and Natural Gas have reviewed international prices of crude
oil and petroleum products during the last fortnight of April 2012.
Accordingly, the under-recoveries on HSD (High Speed Diesel)
applicable for 1st  fortnight of May has remained high at Rs
13.91/litre effective                May 01, 2012. This was, though,
marginally lower than Rs 14.29/litre in the previous fortnight. In
case of  PDS Kerosene the under-recoveries increased to  Rs
31.49/Litre  for the current month against Rs 31.04/litre in the month
of April 2012.The under-recoveries on Domestic LPG at Rs
480.50/cylinder is also quite high, however it was lower than that in
previous month.  [PIB]

Production & Availability of Fertilizers in the Country During March 2012

New Delhi, May 01, 2012.

In March, 2012 production of Urea was 17.28 lakh MT against the target
of 18.93 lakh MT. Estimated production of DAP during the month was
3.10 lakh MT as against the target of 3.03 lakh MT. Production of DAP
had been more than the target by 0.07 lakh MT.

During March 2012, approximately 21.25 lakh MT (both indigenous and
imported) urea was dispatched to various States. Availability of urea
during the month of March 2012 was about 24.94 lakh MT and
availability was satisfactory in all the States. Further, sale of Urea
in the current season up to 31.3.2012 was about 151.16 lakh MT which
is lower by 3.15% as compared to the sale of 156.08 lakh MT in the
corresponding period of the previous year.

As regards decontrolled fertilizers, availability of DAP and MOP
during the month of March 2012 had been about 18.56 lakh MT and 7.28
lakh MT respectively, which was adequate to meet the demand of the
States.

During the month of March 2012, 1.59 lakh MT of urea was imported from
OMIFCO, Oman. In addition, 0.25 lakh MT of DAP and 1.18 lakh MT of MOP
was also imported into the country. [PIB]

 Iran’s plot to kill Saudi envoy in Cairo foiled: Reports

RIYADH: Egyptian security services foiled an Iranian plot to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to Cairo several months ago, the legal advisor of the kingdom's embassy Sami Jamal said in local dailies on Tuesday. 

Egypt "arrested three Iranians planning to assassinate the ambassador, Ahmed Qattan," Al-Hayat quoted Sami Jamal as saying. 

"Egyptian authorities informed concerned parties at the Saudi foreign ministry of the details of the plot, but the Saudi side opted to keep silent on the matter," Jamal said. The arrests were made three months ago. 

"Everybody was concerned that foreign parties would exploit demonstrations by some (Egyptians) outside the embassy (in Cairo) to attack members of the mission," Al-Sharq daily quoted him as saying. 

Questioned about the reports, a spokesman for Iran's foreign ministry, Ramin Mehmanparast, told reporters in Tehran that the allegation was "absolutely incorrect." 

"Manufacturing such issues can only help divisions among Muslim countries and benefit the Zionist regime (Israel)," he said. 

Riyadh on Saturday recalled its ambassador from Cairo after angry protests outside the Saudi embassy in Cairo over the arrest of an Egyptian human rights lawyer in the Gulf kingdom. 

Saudi state news agency SPA said the Cairo embassy as well as the kingdom's consulates in the Mediterranean cities of Alexandria and Suez were closed. 

In October, the United States accused Iran of plotting to kill the Saudi ambassador to Washington. Iran has fiercely denied any involvement in the alleged plot.

 Lokpal will only fill jails, APJ Abdul Kalam says

RANCHI: Expressing doubts whether creation of Lokpal will put a lid on corruption completely, former President APJ Abdul Kalamon Tuesday said Lokpal would only fill up jails and children and youth could begin eradicating corruption from home. "What Lokpal will do is if it finds anyone guilty it would put them in jail, and jails will be filled up. What we want is nobody should go to jail ... as we want good human beings," Kalam said while interacting with children here.

Launching the Jharkhand Chapter of " What Can I Give Mission", the missile man advised the children to make their homes corruption-free by preventing members of their family from indulging in graft. Asking the children to take the oath that there would be no corruption in their families, Kalam told them to "say no" if they are given any inducement for any wrongdoing.

"If you do that, corruption will go away in no time," he said, adding "home of ethics" would prevent filling up of jails. Stating that the youths are the great resource and hope of the nation, Kalam asked them to work for bringing happiness to their homes and keeping the environment clean.

The former President inspired the children that their careers would get wings if they become aware that they were not born to crawl but have enormous potential, goodness, ideas, dreams, greatness and confidence to excel.

Pakistan not to give in to US pressure on IP pipeline project

Pakistan’s foreign minister says her country will not give in to foreign pressure from the United States which aims to make Islamabad give up Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline project.

Addressing a student gathering at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Hina Rabbani Khar emphasized that Islamabad will not give in to US pressures to mothball the project and will finish the huge pipeline project at any cost, the Urdu-speaking Nawa-e Waqt newspaper reported on Tuesday. 

Meanwhile, another Pakistani newspaper, The Express, quoted Rabbani Khar as saying that the completion of the IP pipeline project is in line with Islamabad’s national interests. 

She added that Pakistan is bent on pursuing its independent policies at international level and will finish the IP pipeline project “at any cost.” 

She also slammed repeated attacks by the US assassination drones on Pakistan’s tribal regions, saying that such attacks will certainly affect Islamabad’s relations with Washington. 

Energy-hungry Pakistan is willing to increase its fuel imports from various sources, including Iran, to reduce power shortage that has crippled the country’s industry and shaved percentage points off its GDP growth. 

Washington has frequently indicated its resentment at the IP gas pipeline project. An article published in the International Herald Tribune on January 25, said Washington is trying to lure Islamabad away from the project by offering cheaper gas to the country. 

The multi-billion-dollar gas pipeline aims to export a daily amount of 21.5 million cubic meters (or 7.8 billion cubic meters per year) of the Iranian natural gas to Pakistan. 

The maximum daily gas transfer capacity of the 56-inch pipeline which runs over 900 km of Iran's soil from Asalouyeh in Bushehr Province to the city of Iranshahr in Sistan and Baluchestan Province has been estimated at 110 million cubic meters.

London Olympic Games or political games?

London Olympic Games have turned into a political game even before the start of the events, with the London Olympics official website removing the countries’ capitals from their profiles on the orders of Israel.

Until Monday morning, 30 April, the official website of the 2012 London Olympics described Israel as a country without a capital. The space for Israel’s capital in the profile London Olympics website had dedicated to it was left empty as Jerusalem (Al-Quds) was listed as Palestine’s capital. 

As for 1 May 11:18am GMT, the profile of the countries listed on the website did not contain any information about their capital. 

The clear sign of the impact of the Zionist lobby on decisions regarding the London Olympics comes as the London Olympics logo itself spells the word Zion, which is a biblical word for Israel. 

Furthermore, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Iran’s Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Mohammad Abbasi said they would not attend the London Olympics after it was revealed that Olympic athletes and their coaches would have to undergo fingerprints and face-scans being taken by UK officials.

Moreover, while the International Olympic Committee extended an invitation to the president of the Syrian Olympic committee, Mowaffak Joumaa, the British government warned that Joumaa could be refused entry to Britain. 

This all comes as the United Nations adopts a resolution before each Olympic Games which calls for “building a peaceful and better world through sport and the Olympic ideal.” 


Intelligence rupture over Iran eroding Israel apparat

Producing from his pocket a sheet of paper which contained a biblical quote from the Prophet Zachariah, former Shin Bet chief said, “I will tell you things that might be harsh. I cannot trust Netanyahu and Barak at the wheel in confronting Iran. They are infected with messianic feelings over Iran,” thereby dealing a heavy blow to the Israeli regime.

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. 

In fact, Iran has become a recent obsession with the present and past Israeli intelligence men insofar as the very mention of the name is enough to cause anger in the Israeli officials. 

In point of fact, the fire started when Israel’s Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Benny Gantz said he does not believe Iran will pursue nuclear weapons after years of efforts made by Tel Aviv and its allies to convince the world otherwise and swept through the Zionist barley. In an interview with the Israeli daily Ha’aretz, he described Iran's leadership as “very rational” who would not make such a decision. 

Also speaking at the Majdi Forum in Kfar Saba, a Tel Aviv suburb on Friday, former Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) director Yuval Diskin said Barak and Netanyahu are deluded into believing that they have “messianic” missions and added that they lie about the projected effectiveness of an Israeli strike on Iran. 

“There’s a false image being presented to public and that’s what bothers me. They [Netanyahu and Barak] are giving the sense that if Israel doesn’t act, Iran will have nuclear weapons. This part of the sentence apparently has an element of truth. But in the second part of the sentence, they turn to the - sorry for the expression - the ‘stupid public’ or the layman public... and tell them if Israel acts, there won’t be [an Iranian] nuclear program. And that’s the incorrect part of the sentence,” Diskin said. 

Iran is a taboo word is 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. That is why Diskin’s scathing comments were interpreted as stemming from ‘personal desperation’. Some described him as being the latest in a line of “moronic intelligence chiefs”. Israeli Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz called his remarks “crude and inappropriate”, saying it is “clear that the timing and style of his comments stem from personal rather than substantive motives.” However, Israeli opposition leader Shaul Mofaz said Sunday he took Diskin's criticism of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak very seriously and rejected claims that the comments were made out of personal, political considerations. 

On the other hand, some Israeli military and intelligence people joined in sympathy and supported Diskin in his criticism of Netanyahu. Former Mossad chief expressed support for Diskin, saying he was a serious man and spoke his own "internal truth." Also, Former IDF chief of staff Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi defended Diskin on Sunday and said, “I know Diskin and he spoke what was on his heart out of genuine concern." In the meantime, Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert joined a chorus of voices warning against rushing into war with Iran, saying, "There is enough time to try different avenues of pressure to change the balance of power with Iran without the need for a direct military confrontation with Iran." 

Generally, there are two different fronts concerning Diskin: the first group includes those who have served in the intelligence organizations and are cognizant of the true nature of Iran nuclear program and therefore silently or loudly criticize their government for its ‘bomb, bomb Iran’ rhetoric. And the second group includes those who follow the Zionist leaders including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who lie about the Iranian nuclear program and serve as nuclear Pinocchios in the international arena and play an important role in misleading the international community on Iran. 

A strong feeling of fear is eroding the Israeli regime from within and without. On the one hand, the regime has come under the close scrutiny of the intelligence people who are exposing the lies of the regime about Iran which is per se a very bad sign for Israel. On the other hand, the Zionist regime is fearful that the talks (slated for May 23 in Baghdad) between Iran and the P5+1 group of world powers could ultimately end with a deal that would allow Tehran to continue enriching uranium. At all events, the regime is toddling on political razor’s edge and that it is already caught between a rock and a hard place. 

So, in order to sabotage the 5+1 talks, the Israeli regime has sent National Security Adviser Yaakov Amidror to Europe to hold talks with European officials. Amidror arrived in Brussels on Monday and held talks with Helga Schmid, the EU deputy secretary general for political affairs, who is responsible for preparatory talks with Iran ahead of the Baghdad meeting. Amidror was also expected to travel on Wednesday to Berlin where he was to meet top German officials, among them Hans-Dieter Lucas, Germany's representative to the Iran talks. A top Israeli official has described Amidror’s Europe tour as "extremely sensitive,” saying his visits are aimed at obtaining more information about the contents of the previous round of talks in the Turkish city of Istanbul and knowing the P5+1’s strategy about the Baghdad meeting. 

Apparently, what is happening is not in the least in the best interests of Israel. 

By way of countering the anti-regime remarks by the top military and intelligence people in Israel, Netanyahu and Barak have in recent days embarked on toning up their war rhetoric against Iran. In fact, the Zionist duo are steadfast in sowing the seeds of extremism, fear and hatred in order to give a cloak of legitimacy to a possible strike against the Islamic Republic or any other country in the Middle East.